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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!

Nikola Milenkovic’s agent has reportedly travelled to Milan in an effort to try and close a transfer to West Ham United for his client [Viola News].

Giving a good account of himself in 2021/22, the Fiorentina colossus registered four goal contributions in 37 appearances in all competitions; one goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be on his way to East London if recent media suggestions in Italy are anything to go by.

The 23-year-old’s agent is said to have been in Milan to try and secure a deal on Milenkovic’s behalf, whilst Schalke defender Matija Nastasic is expected to sign for Fiorentina as a replacement [Viola News].

In light of this news, loads of West Ham United diehards flocked to social media to share their opinions about the reported update.

West Ham United FC fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham United outlet West Ham Transfers, here is what some fans had to say about the Milenkovic news, with many seemingly skeptical of the agent’s movements in Italy:

“Why?”

Credit: @Peter_Zwill_9″Ah yes the famous Milan branch of the GSB empire”Credit: @stuseeds”Not happening”Credit: @Joe_Parker0″Not getting my hopes up”Credit: @dv0nch”This agent sounds as dodgy as Sully”Credit: @RobF_WHU”One more inch closer!! Should get our man by the close of transfer window in Jan 2022″Credit: @chingtoaIn other news, West Ham United are keen on a Czech top-flight ace. 

A massive update has emerged on Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, ahead of the club’s clash with Arsenal this weekend.

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has confirmed that the ex-Bournemouth boss is set to lead his team out against the Gunners on Saturday.

Hope has revealed that Howe has tested negative for Covid-19, after he missed last weekend’s draw with Brentford due to a positive result, and will now be in the dugout to face off against Mikel Arteta.

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news as it means that they will be given their first chance to see him managing the club in the flesh. He was forced to watch on from isolation at home against the Bees as his side were held to a 3-3 draw, but now he can have an influence on the sidelines in his dugout debut for the Magpies.

It also means that he will be available to be at St. James’ Park for the home clash with Norwich City next Tuesday night. As it stands, Newcastle are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and the Canaries are two points ahead of them, which could make next week’s game a huge match in the battle against relegation.

Of course, the table could change after this weekend’s matches, provided both teams do not lose, but it will still be a big opportunity for Howe to get some points on the board in what is set to be his first home game in charge. The supporters will surely want to create a vibrant, electric, atmosphere for his debut at St. James’ and that could provide a boost to the players in what could be a vital game.

Whilst the atmosphere created by Howe’s presence may not be as prominent in an away match against Arsenal, his voice on the touchline and in the dressing room before kick-off and at half-time could give the players a big lift. It could bring an added touch of motivation to the minds of the players knowing that he is there in person watching their performance and making key decisions on tactics and what he wants from the players from the sidelines during the game.

If he sees someone he doesn’t like from a player then he will be able to have a quick word with them during the game or mention it at half-time. Whereas, this was not as easy for him to do in isolation and not in attendance last Saturday, which is why it will be a massive boost to have him in the dugout.

AND in other news, PIF can land Howe’s dream NUFC deal with “world class” £126m gem, he’s the next Suarez…

Tottenham Hotspur could finally fill the void left behind by Christian Eriksen after they were handed a timely January transfer boost this week.

The north Londoners have recently been linked with a move for Juventus outcast Dejan Kulusevski, who Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici originally signed during his time at the Serie A giants.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder is now likely to be allowed to leave the Turin club, with them currently valuing him at €35m (£30m).

A temporary exit in January isn’t out of the question either, as the report claims that the Sweden international is unhappy at the club and would like a ‘change of scenery.’

The most likely destination appears to be the Premier League, with arch-rivals Arsenal also keen to secure him, as the Old Lady do not want him to thrive at a league rival.

Newly-appointed Spurs boss Antonio Conte needs to find a creative fix as quickly as possible because it has been their main Achilles heel this season – no side is averaging fewer shots per game (10.1), not even the three teams in the relegation zone, and their last shot on target was nearly four hours ago, against West Ham.

There is an argument to be made that Eriksen has never been properly replaced, with neither of their club-record signings, Tanguy Ndombele nor Giovani Lo Celso, stepping up to the mark. In two-and-a-half seasons, neither has recorded more than eight assists altogether.

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By comparison, the Dane hit double figures for assists in each of his last four full Premier League seasons at the club.

Kulusevski, who has been branded as “explosive” and compared to Mohamed Salah, could be the solution. His career average of 1.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes makes for encouraging reading as it suggests that he’s a real thorn in the final third, and evidently one who can create chances.

In 2020/21, when he was entrusted to feature regularly, the young £31.5m-rated gem registered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions and did so playing no fewer than seven different roles, as per Transfermarkt.

By comparison, Lo Celso has managed only 13 direct contributions since summer 2019, while Ndombele is just four contributions ahead in a longer time frame, too.

Meanwhile, football scout Jacek Kulig has previously lauded Kulusevski as an “athletic phenomenon”, an “advanced playmaker” and a “complete player”, which only bolsters the claims to sign him all that more.

Paratici knows exactly what Spurs would be getting, so he must do all he can to seal the 21-year-old’s signature in January, regardless of whether it’s on loan or on a permanent basis.

AND in other news, “Understand”: Alasdair Gold reveals major behind-scenes Spurs development…

Southampton have been dealt a blow in their hopes of keeping Jannik Vestergaard this summer, with reports claiming that the Danish centre-back remains an option for Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man could still be targeted by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this summer if moves for other defensive options fall through.

Fortunately for Southampton, the North London club are in for Cristian Romero from Atalanta and also have the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Nikola Milenkovic on their shortlist, but Saints fans will undoubtedly still be worried that the 28-year-old could leave the south coast at the last minute.

Will Vestergaard leave?

Vestergaard has now entered the final year of his contract at St Mary’s, and with no new deal on the horizon, it has been no surprise to see several clubs across Europe being linked with him so far this summer.

He enjoyed an excellent 2020/21 season with Southampton, contributing three goals in 28 Premier League appearances and averaging a solid 6.89 rating from WhoScored for his efforts, which was enough to rank him as the third-best performer in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side. It also led to him being dubbed “outstanding” by former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood back in January.

He was also a key part of Denmark’s success in the European Championship this summer, as he helped Kasper Hjulmand’s side to the semi-finals before they were knocked out by England in extra time at Wembley, and his performances there will also surely have caught the eye of some top clubs.

Therefore, Saints fans would surely be gutted to see him leave, especially if he were to follow former captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Spurs, so they will be keeping a close eye on how potential Tottenham deals for Romero and Tomiyasu progress in the next few weeks.

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However, even if the Danish defender doesn’t sign for Tottenham this summer, Southampton should be concerned that he could potentially leave for a free next season. If he doesn’t show any willingness to sign a new deal, perhaps those on the St Mary’s board should consider cashing in on Vestergaard so the blow of his departure could at least be cushioned by the receipt of a transfer fee.

In other news… Semmens heading for Saints transfer disaster with £17m shocker, fans will be fuming

With Ange Postecoglou now sitting proudly as Celtic manager, their plans for the new campaign are beginning to build up a head of steam.

A number of Postecoglou’s countrymen have been linked with a move, while a plethora of J-League players are also said to be taking his fancy.

On the chalkboard

We’ve seen Australia regulars Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan touted with a reunion at Parkhead but despite their pedigree in the game, it’s a Japanese forward we’d like to focus on.

Reports from Japan (via The Sun) suggest that Celtic are interested in signing Kaoru Mitoma from Kawasaki Frontale.

Described as the most “creative” player in the entire Japanese top-flight by Juco James from the Huddle podcast, he is a rampant force in the final third.

He attempts ten dribbles per 90 minutes and has been compared to former Celtic star Jeremie Frimpong for his progressive running.

Mitoma has ten goals this term, taking his overall tally for Kawasaki Frontale to 28 strikes throughout his time at the club.

What stands out about his game are the positions he shoots and subsequently scores from. With help from Bhoys Analytics, we can see that the 24-year-old has only taken five attempts towards goal outside the box in his last 75 attempts.

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All of his 15 goals are from inside the box while 18 efforts from inside the area that didn’t find the net are all on target.

This is considerably different from a number of other options already at the club. Celtic engineered a horrendous habit last season of taking shots towards goal from long-range.

As of December, Ryan Christie had taken more shots than any other Celtic player but 64% of them had been from outside the box. By the end of April, Christie had taken 51 shots from long range, resulting in just a solitary goal.

That’s an extremely poor tally but it didn’t get much better for David Turnbull and Callum McGregor either.

As of April 30th, Christie, McGregor and Turnbull had taken more attempts from distance than eight other teams in the Premiership. They’d had 145 shots outside the area with a conversion rate of just 4.1%.

Therefore, the idea of signing Mitoma this summer could completely eradicate those bad habits.

If he dislodges Christie in the XI then it certainly irons out that part of Celtic’s game. The evidence shows that Mitoma takes fewer attempts from range, leading to a better output inside the box.

Postecoglou has plenty of issues to address at Paradise but the Hoops may noy score more goals until this one is sorted out.

AND in other news, Postecoglou must unleash “exceptionally good” 18 y/o after opening day Celtic promise…

Newcastle United’s summer business could be done with a source suggesting Hamza Choudhury now won’t arrive from Leicester City, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has revealed.

The lowdown: Deal close

Edwards had tweeted earlier on Tuesday that Newcastle were ‘close’ to signing Choudhury on loan.

Choudhury was limited to just four Premier League starts for Leicester last season, making a further six substitute appearances.

The 23-year-old would have taken up one of two available slots for loan signings from within the Premier League.

Newcastle also pursued this deal back in January and apparently came within ‘a hair’s breath’ of getting it over the line.

The latest: Bombshell

‘Someone now appears to be briefing’ that the Choudhury deal is off, and that Newcastle’s ‘business is done’, stated Edwards in a late and worrying bombshell.

He then added that by ‘someone’ he means the Magpies themselves, saying ‘I predict trouble ahead’.

Steve Bruce apparently thought the loan was doable, while both Leicester and the player himself ‘thought this was happening’.

The verdict: Disaster

Choudhury would have been a reasonable but uninspiring signing. Even if he had come in, Newcastle would have been left short, with an upgrade at centre-half also needed.

But the fallout from the deal’s apparent collapse may far outweigh the limited impact Choudhury’s arrival would have had. Indeed, Edwards himself has already dubbed it ‘scandalous’, and it really does feel like Bruce is now fighting a losing battle.

The Toon are stuck in 17th place with just one point, and it’s hard to see their form improving if they don’t make any late additions.

In other news, Steve Howey has suggested Newcastle could get creative for this CB.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting to Roberto Firmino’s injury, saying the Reds must now sign another attacker in the coming days.

Jurgen Klopp’s team could only draw 1-1 at home to Chelsea on Saturday evening, in what proved to be a thrilling contest at Anfield.

Liverpool couldn’t break down their ten-man opponents for the entirety of the second half, with the Blues defending expertly and the hosts running out of ideas.

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The Reds suffered a first-half blow when Firmino had to go off with a hamstring injury, with Klopp admitting after the game that the forward will need a scan [via The Times‘ Paul Joyce on Twitter].

It looks as though the Brazilian could now be absent for a number of weeks, potentially highlighting the need for another attacker to come in before deadline day on Tuesday.

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Liverpool fans call for another attacking signing

These Liverpool took to Twitter to react to the injury, calling for business to be done in the transfer market.

“Sign forward now I beg, the only good forward we have right now is Salah and Jota, idk what happened to Mane”

Credit: @dnlfc_

“If we don’t buy one more attacking option, we will end up having another trophyless season. Prove me wrong please”

Credit: @mrafihdyt

“Oh no”

Credit: @concobhar2017

“So it begins”

Credit: @rebekkarnold

“This is just the beginning. yeah we don’t need any new signings”

Credit: @CarloMarlito

“Christ we’re even more done”

Credit: @RHLFC7

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with Klopp’s recent comments. Find out why here.

Crystal Palace could land their dream Christian Benteke upgrade with a move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer.

There’s expected to be plenty of changes occurring at Selhurst Park over the coming months, and the potential arrival of the England international hitman could be the most significant of them all.

After rising to prominence with his boyhood club during the reign of previous Blues boss Frank Lampard, Abraham fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel, making just two Premier League starts under the enigmatic German manager.

The 23-year-old was substituted at half-time on both occasions and failed to make the matchday squad for either the FA Cup final or the Champions League final, indicating his time in west London is coming to an end.

Several top-flight teams have been linked with a move for the £36m-rated striker (as per Transfermarkt), including Palace, West Ham United and Aston Villa, where he enjoyed a successful season-long loan.

Abraham still has some admirers from his time at Villa Park, with club captain Jack Grealish revealing his admiration for his former teammate last year.

“Unbelievable. I couldn’t believe how good he was with the ball for how tall he is. Loved playing with him,” Grealish said during an Instagram Q&A (via HITC).

He went from strength to strength upon returning to Stamford Bridge at the start of the 2019/20 campaign, recovering from a slow start to score 18 goals in all competitions and earn high praise from ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand in the process.

“I saw elements in Tammy’s game today that I hadn’t seen as much that I’d have liked to,” he said on BT Sport (via The Express).“His hold-up play, coming to the ball and bringing others into play. First half, one ball went up to him, Didier Drogba-esque, chests it down for someone, runs on for the next phase – I think he’s developing nicely.“He’s scoring goals, he’s scoring different types of goals, and I think he’s a threat.”With the likes of Benteke and Andros Townsend approaching the end of their current contracts with Palace and Michy Batshuayi returning to his parent club following an unsuccessful loan spell, the Eagles’ chairman Steve Parish must sanction a swoop for Abraham this summer.Securing the highly-rated marksman’s signature could encourage Wilfried Zaha to stick around a little longer, and Abraham’s natural goalscoring ability may just ensure a smooth transition into Palace’s post-Roy Hodgson era.