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Craig Hope has now dropped an update on Newcastle United’s proposed arbitration case with the Premier League over the initially stalled takeover deal.

The Lowdown: Announcement imminent

As per Sky Sports, an announcement confirming the takeover of the St. James’ Park faithful by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is now imminent after recent work being done behind the scenes by all of the parties involved.

It is not yet clear how this would affect the arbitration hearing, which is due to take place on January 3rd.

The Latest: Arbitration update

According to Hope, sources have of course indicated that the proposed takeover is expected to go through, but The Daily Mail journalist also gave an update on arbitration:

“Sources indicate NUFC takeover is expected to go through after settlement of piracy issues between Saudi/beIN. I’m told arbitration may not be needed now piracy is resolved.”

The Verdict: Relief

It will certainly come as a relief to the Toon Army not only that it looks like that the takeover will now go through, but that the whole saga is coming to an end after years of waiting.

It is not clear whether the arbitration proceedings will still go ahead assuming an official announcement is made, but at least it looks like a deal will finally be completed soon.

Nonetheless, these are very exciting times for Magpies fans, who will no doubt want the deal to be concluded as quickly as possible.

In other news, find out when Steve Bruce could now be sacked here!

As per a West Ham United source, speaking to club insiders Claret & Hugh, a major behind-the-scenes contract update has emerged involving star man Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice shining…

The 22-year-old has been dazzling for West Ham this season, following on from his impressive 2020/21 campaign, but speculation over his future is mounting.

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After reportedly rejecting contract offers in the summer amid serious interest from top Premier League clubs (The Guardian), Hammers fans will surely be eager to see him commit to the club and put pen to paper on fresh terms.

Rice is apparently set to be offered another new deal as insiders Claret & Hugh share some exciting news from an Irons source involving new club shareholder Daniel Kretinsky.

The Latest: Rice claim emerges…

According to their information, West Ham’s minority shareholder is set to back the club as they prepare an offer to make Rice the highest-paid player in their history.

Indeed, with help from the Czech billionaire, the Hammers are determined to convince the England international to put pen to paper on a bumper new four-year deal at the London Stadium.

A source also told Claret & Hugh: “We will be doing everything possible on a new offer to Declan.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

To say that Rice is a key player for West Ham would be the understatement of the century.

An untouchable in David Moyes’ starting XI and one of only three men to play in every single Premier League game so far for the club this season, the midfield gem has also averaged more interceptions per 90 (1.9) over that time than any Irons player (WhoScored).

These numbers are just the start, with Premier League legend Alan Shearer calling him an ‘excellent player’ on Match of the Day (via This Is Futbol), and we aren’t the least bit surprised that a new deal for Rice is at the forefront of West Ham’s thinking.

In other news: Newman exploring West Ham offer to sign ‘underrated’ £28.8m ace who’s now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.

Rangers need to tie down Connor Goldson to a new long-term deal at Ibrox as his contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

What’s the word?

Goldson has been a mainstay at the heart of defence for Rangers ever since joining the side in the summer of 2018 under the previous manager Steven Gerrard.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, there has been no word of an extension from Giovanni van Bronckhorst and this is concerning.

Having featured in all 32 Scottish Premiership matches this season; Goldson would leave a massive hole in the Gers backline if he chose to leave the club.

Disaster if Goldson doesn’t stay

There is no doubt about it that Goldson has been key to Rangers’ success over the previous two seasons. Alongside Filip Helander, the Ibrox side only conceded Chelsea in 2004-2005.

Additionally, the defender also scored eight times during the campaign, including a brace against Celtic, and was arguably at his peak.

The start of this season saw the Gers struggle to replicate the highs of the previous campaign, being knocked out by Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers and stuttering in the league.

Following the 3-1 League Cup semi-final defeat to Hibernian at Hampden in November, Goldson said that Rangers had “lacked hunger” following their title win and this statement was not popular amongst the supporters.

The last few weeks have seen a resurgence in both Rangers and Goldson’s form, with progression in the Europa League following victory over Braga and an excellent win against Celtic in the Scottish Cup Semi-final, it could be a wonderful final few weeks of the season for the Ibrox faithful.

During that run, he hasn’t dipped an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.9, with six of the seven appearances seeing him register a rating above 7.0, illustrating his importance during the back end of the term.

The £27k-per-week defender has been described as the “rock” that the side is built on, and after these last few weeks, it’s hard to argue.

Goldson will be a key protagonist if success is to be claimed and seeing him leave, despite the incoming arrival of John Souttar, would be a disaster for van Bronckhorst and co.

In other news, Sources: Huge transfer news emerges that could send Rangers into panic mode – opinion

To coin a classic phrase, Manchester United have made their top-four challenge a mountain out of a molehill.

The Red Devils are a far cry from the side that dominated so fiercely under the tutelage of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson but one particular signing could help steer them along the right path again.

What’s the word?

Man United have long been in the market for a holding midfield player and it would appear that won’t change heading into the summer.

That’s the word of transfer guru Fabriano Romano who commented on their transfer plans this summer.

Speaking to Hammers Chat, the Italian reporter said:

“He is top of the list for Man United since a long time. Man Utd dream of Declan Rice, they consider him the perfect player for their approach for the new season. Man United will sign a defensive midfield and Declan Rice is the player they want.”

Rice heading to United?

Acquiring the West Ham titan this summer would be a monumental sign of intent from the Red Devils.

First of all, it’s evidently clear that Ralf Rangnick’s midfield is not the greatest when it comes to complete overall quality. Secondly, with Paul Pogba seemingly destined to leave, bringing in Rice makes total sense.

The Irons gem could be freed from the shackles of the bubbles that surround the London Stadium in 2022 to offer whoever the new manager is at Old Trafford talents that very few reign more supreme in throughout the continent.

For instance, as per FB Ref, the England international ranks in the top 30% for every single passing metric barring key passes, expected assists and progressive passes.

However, what Rice makes up for in a lack of forwardness with his passing, he certainly makes up for when driving with the ball instead.

The West Ham bulldozer ranks in the top 6% in Europe’s top leagues for progressive carries per 90 (7.01) and in the top 2% for both total carrying distance and progressive carry distance per 90 (178.76).

Also ranking in the top 5% in Europe for interceptions per 90 (2.76) and the best 5% again for a percentage of aerial duels won (65.3%) per 90 minutes, it’s clear to see that Rice would offer a great deal to United particularly when it comes to dribbling and doing the dirty work.

If a deal is there to be done, they simply have to swoop. It’s a deal, considering his qualities, that would leave supporters absolutely elated.

AND in other news, “Bad news..” – Fabrizio Romano update is worrying for Manchester United…

Celtic are considering offers for Osaze Urhoghide in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scottish Sun, who claim that Ange Postecoglou is weighing up a number of offers for the 21-year-old centre-back this month, with several clubs believed to be interested in taking the defender on loan for the remainder of the season.

However, while it is reported that the 56-year-old Bhoys boss would be more than happy to sanction the temporary departure of the former Sheffield Wednesday starlet this month, it is also stated that the Greek-Australian coach will consult with the youngster before making a final decision on his short-term future.

Disaster for Celtic

While it is true that Urhoghide has not exactly been a first-team regular since his £207k switch to Glasgow last summer, the 21-year-old’s undoubted potential, in addition to his impressive positional versatility, are just two reasons as to why letting him leave the club this winter would be something of a disaster for the Bhoys.

Indeed, the defender has already proven that he has what it takes to feature regularly in professional football, making 16 Championship appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, over which he helped the Owls keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.7 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per game.

Furthermore, in his single appearance under the management of Postecoglou, the youngster also highly impressed, being deployed at right-back against Real Betis in the Hoops’ 3-2 Europa League win back in December.

In this fixture, the £3.8k-per-week defender enjoyed 65 touches of the ball, completed 30 passes – one of which was key – made five tackles, three clearances, one interception and won nine of his 15 duels.

These returns saw the Englishman earn a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.9 on his debut for the club, while Football Scotland also awarded the 21-year-old an eight in their own player ratings for the match.

As such, it would very much appear as if the youngster who Darren Moore dubbed “immense” is an extremely valuable member of the first-team squad at Parkhead, and would seem to be more than ready for a greater share of first-team football in the second half of the campaign – leading us to believe that Postecoglou simply must keep the youngster at Parkhead this winter.

In other news: “I spoke to..”: Ange urged to seal £118k-p/w Jan signing, he’d be “perfect” for Celtic

Nottingham Forest will be hoping to strengthen their play-off bid during the January transfer window.

Having endured a rollercoaster last month or so, Forest will hope to restore some calmness around the City Ground in hope of getting their promotion bid back on track.

It will be a tough ask but Nottingham Forest are a historic club and still currently have players good enough to get the club back up into the Premier League.

Yet their main problem as of late has been scoring goals, an issue generally easy to solve. With the right man brought in, the goals could start flowing again, like their promotion dream.

It would be considered a gamble but given his impeccable form for the Manchester United U18’s, Mason Greenwood should be a genuine target for Nottingham Forest.

Greenwood, just 17-years-old, has been scoring for fun in a Manchester United shirt this season, hence why he has also been seen on the first-team bench on occasion this season.

United fans are, rightly, very excited about Greenwood’s potential and so they should be. With a staggering 22 goals in just 19 games, Mason Greenwood has been in superb form that could even be an asset to a Championship side like Nottingham Forest.

The City Ground side do have a number of goalscorers in their team but none are really doing the business at the moment, hence why Forest could do with another.

Youngster Mason Greenwood must be hungry for a first-team opportunity, which Nottingham Forest could expose him to and both parties could prosper from this deal, especially if he continues to thrive in front of goal.

Do you agree… Let us know!

A number of Wolves supporters have been reacting to a club tweet stating that Hwang Hee-chan’s goal against Leeds United was their 300th in the Premier League.

Bruno Lage’s men were seconds away from winning a fourth league game in a row on Saturday afternoon, only to draw 1-1 away to Leeds. Rodrigo’s stoppage-time penalty ended the winning run, and while it was a hugely disappointing finish to the game, the result is still a decent one for the Midlanders.

It was Hwang who opened the scoring at Elland Road, as his impressive form continues, with the South Korean now netting four times in as many league starts this season.

On Monday, Wolves’ official Twitter account posted a tweet stating it was the 300th goal the club have scored in the Premier League since its inception in 1992.

Wolves fans react to official club tweet

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for both Hwang and the 300-goal Premier League milestone.

“SIUUUUU”

Credit: @jackthenewee

“Didn’t Seol Ki-hyeon set a record when he played for us too?”

Credit: @robcross82

“A lot of love for this man”

Credit: @_PLN_7

“Better than Son”

Credit: @AdamWWFC_

“Would love to see a Wolves Premier League goals breakdown”

Credit: @JackHGrigg

“Sign him permanent then”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

In other news, some Wolves fans have hailed a brilliant moment for a loanee over the weekend. Find out who it is here.

Wolves making a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli in January would not be a wise decision, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Alli’s career on the slide

There was a time when Alli seemed like the golden boy of English football, but his reputation has diminished in recent years, with the midfielder making very little impact at Tottenham.

Alli has been limited to six Premier League starts and he is struggling to force his way into new manager Antonio Conte’s plans currently, leading to speculation over his next destination, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson linking him with a possible move to Wolves.

Indeed, Spurs could look to cut their losses on a player who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by Ian Wright, with the 25-year-old someone who Hatfield has been quizzed about.

The Latest: Hatfield doesn’t want move to happen

Speaking to Give Me Sport, it was clear what his stance on the matter is, with the journalist urging Wolves to stay away from any possible deal:

“For the player, I could understand the move, but not for the club. I couldn’t understand Wolves making a move for Dele Alli, to be honest.”

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The Verdict: Avoid it, Wolves

Alli looked like he would be a world-beater as a youngster, scoring 18 league goals for Spurs back in 2016/17, not to mention netting in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final for England against Sweden.

Sadly, he just hasn’t kicked on, however, and while he is still only 25 years of age, it would be extremely risky for Wolves to sign him.

The fire seems to have gone out with Alli, with his impact on matches so often unnoticeable – he has only scored one league goal since 2019/20 – so he could be more of a hindrance than an effective signing.

In other news, some Wolves fans have erupted over a transfer claim. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur lead the race to sign Franck Kessie after a huge claim emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, Spurs have the best chance of sealing the AC Milan midfielder at the end of his current contract this summer.

“As I say, going back to my colleague Di Marzio, he said on our transfer show last week that Tottenham will lead the way in the summer, which is exciting,” he revealed to GIVEMESPORT. “The only thing with everything in life, and it’s like presents, you want everything now.”

The north London outfit have long been linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international, who is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, thus making a switch this month a little complicated.

Kessie has turned down a new deal at the San Siro and will be free to leave the Italian giants in the summer.

Antonio Conte is said to have requested his signature during the current window but there is competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, among others across Europe.

Summer bargain

Whether the Lilywhites can secure Kessie now or in the summer remains to be seen but whenever he arrives, he will be an incredible signing for the club – even more so as he won’t cost a penny in terms of a transfer fee despite being valued at €30m (£26m).

The 6-foot powerhouse is capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch with his phenomenal box-to-box qualities.

Last season, he was Milan’s second-highest goalscorer in the league as he finished on 13 goals, just a couple behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and he’s since found the net five times this campaign.

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Also per WhoScored, Kessie has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.1 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in 21/22, which only goes to show his ball-winning capabilities and his evident threat inside the final third.

His playing style has been likened to that of Yaya Toure and it’s easy to see why on the above evidence, seeing as he can drive the ball forward, defend and score goals.

“I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality, he has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he’s intelligent. I’m watching him carefully, with Roma it was devastating,” ex-Milan striker Antonio Cassano told Bobo TV (via MilanLive). “It reminds me of the Yaya Toure of the best times. He is a different player, but in terms of impact. He is holding Milan’s midfield alone.”

It’s not the first time that the bustling midfield beast has been lauded around the San Siro. His former coach Vincenzo Montella once hailed him as an “extraordinary player” with “sublime intelligence.”

Conte’s engine room may be rammed full of players right now but Kessie offers him something that very few of his current options do, not to mention the dubious futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli, who could both depart N17 before January 31st.

If the Italian has actually requested the Ivorian’s signature, then he will surely be delighted to learn that Spurs are leading the race to sign him ahead of next season.

On the above evidence, with his encouraging statistics and lofty praise, Kessie would be a fantastic addition at Hotspur Way.

AND in other news, Forget Tanganga: £26m-rated Spurs calamity who won 33% duels proved Conte right again…

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard has shared a major Tottenham Hotspur development involving midfielder Oliver Skipp.

The Lowdown: Skipp contract talks emerge…

In recent days, there have been emerged reports of Tottenham’s advanced talks to seal a new deal for the exciting 21-year-old.

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Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas claimed earlier this week that the Lilywhites’ negotiations over fresh terms for Skipp were moving forward promisingly.

Indeed, according to the reporter’s information, the midfielder is ‘close to agreeing a new long-term contract’ with discussions ongoing and a ‘confidence on all sides’ that it will get done (Twitter).

Now, sharing a midweek development, Kilpatrick has a major update for Spurs supporters.

The Latest: Kilpatrick shares big Skipp update…

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from the Evening Standard, Kilpatrick said that Skipp is now ‘set to sign’ his new deal ‘this week’ in a huge boost for the club.

The Verdict: Great news…

Moving to tie down the young Englishman comes as great news for Spurs and Conte, going by Skipp’s brilliant performances when available.

There are plenty of signs that the 21-year-old may well be a star for the future and a crucial player over the coming seasons, with his first full campaign as a senior first-teamer proving fruitful.

As highlighted by WhoScored, the ex-Norwich loanee has displayed a real composure in Tottenham’s midfield throughout 2021/22, averaging a higher pass accuracy than all of his team-mates with more than one Premier League start (90.1%).

These numbers could point to an assured figure and a real presence in the middle of the park who looks set to only get better.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.