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Newcastle United have reportedly made an approach to sign Gael Kakuta in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Kakuta a forgotten man

Some members of the St. James’ Park faithful may be familiar with the name Kakuta given that he was a youngster on the books with Chelsea, and even managed to win a Premier League title and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge (Transfermarkt).

Kakuta, now 29 years of age, has progressed a lot since then, and is currently doing very well in Ligue 1 for RC Lens, with no fewer than 11 goals and a further five assists in 33 games in total so far over the course of the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Newcastle make Kakuta approach

As per Foot Mercato, the Tyneside club have made an approach to bring the DR Congo international to the North East.

This deal would be done in the summer, once his time in Lens ends after a loan spell at the French side from Amiens SC.

The Verdict: Newcastle should be wary over Kakuta

The Magpies should not be looking to jump the gun in order to sign Kakuta, despite his impressive record in France this season – Steve Bruce’s team should be wary over how it did not quite work out in English football for him as a young prospect in London.

That’s not to say they should completely rule out a transfer, depending on the fee being demanded, Kakuta could be a shrewd addition to his squad, and may be someone to keep an eye on when the market officially opens.

However, we feel there are better options out there, perhaps at a younger age with more room to grow.

In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on the potential takeover here!

Tottenham Hotspur squandered another game from a leading position last weekend as Newcastle United snagged a draw late on.

Jose Mourinho’s side have now missed out on a total of 15 points this season from winning positions, a haul which would have seen them sit in second place behind runaway leaders Manchester City.

It comes as another devastating blow and it will surely increase the pressure on the Portuguese boss, who was brought in to lead the north London outfit to silverware. A place in the top four is now looking increasingly out of reach, whilst Spurs are already out of the FA Cup and Europa League prematurely.

His destiny could well hinge on their performance in the Carabao Cup final this month against the aforementioned Citizens.

Mourinho has now tempted fate, blaming his players for their ongoing struggles in the public eye; and according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann remains the top target to replace him should Daniel Levy pull the trigger.

However, the tough negotiator could well be barking up the wrong tree. As impressive as the young managerial gem is, guiding the Bundesliga outfit to a title challenge against Bayern Munich this term, he has no experience outside of Germany.

Instead, the north Londoners should look to another mooted target in Brendan Rodgers.

In contrary to Law’s claim, 90min believe that the Leicester City manager is actually Spurs’ first choice, with Nagelsmann featuring on a shortlist alongside the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo, Diego Simeone, Massimiliano Allegri and even Carlo Ancelotti.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-april-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Read this week’s latest Spurs news, April transfer rumours and more!”]

Under the 48-year-old’s stewardship, the Foxes have contended for Champions League qualification and a top four berth, which is ultimately where Spurs should be.

You’d struggle to argue against Leicester usurping the Lilywhites as a club in recent times – they’ve even won the Premier League more recently than Spurs’ last success, their 2008 League Cup triumph.

One major benefit to Rodgers is his shrewd eye for recruitment, something which has largely contributed towards their success. Not many could have predicted the Midlands outfit to continue to thrive after selling the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire, but they have.

Whilst his progression of seemingly average talents like Kelechi Iheanacho have earned high praise indeed. Dean Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that the 48-year-old has done an “unbelievable” job in that sense.

Similarly, Peterborough chairman Barry Fry is the latest name to wax lyrical about Rodgers, claiming in an exclusive interview with FFC that the former Chelsea coach is “very ambitious” and “well-respected.”

If Levy is to move on from Mourinho this summer, then it’s clear that someone like the Leicester boss can get their lofty ambitions back on track. It does seem like the perfect fit, too.

After somewhat failing at Liverpool, he rebuilt his reputation at Celtic by winning multiple trophies, and has continued to rise at the King Power Stadium. His experience in the English game will be far better than what Nagelsmann can bring – that’s the right appointment to make, Mr Levy.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Vinicius: Levy could take Spurs to new level with swoop for “gifted” £38m gem…

According to an update by Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, as shared by Football Italia, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy could set up a meeting in London with former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri as soon as next week. 

Levy could hold Sarri meeting

Spurs have recently been linked with Sarri as a possible candidate to replace under fire boss Jose Mourinho, with recent claims having emerged that the Lilywhites were ‘following’ him (Ciro Venerato).

Now, in a development, La Gazzetta have gone a step further by saying Levy could hold a meeting with the Italian in London imminently and has been targeting him for at least a month.

The former Juventus coach is still ‘under contract’ with the Serie A giants after being sacked almost a year ago – just two weeks after he delivered a Scudetto title.

Spurs, however, are in a ‘crisis’ mode and are giving ‘serious consideration’ to Mourinho’s successor – with this report relaying suggestions he could even be dismissed before the end of the campaign.

Sarri, as a result, has apparently been made aware of this and could meet with Tottenham and Levy next week.

Transfer Tavern take

Chelsea star Jorginho is a huge fan of his former manager judging by how he has described working under the 62-year-old, calling him a ‘extraordinary’ and a ‘magnificent coach’ (Football Italia).

He also guided former club Chelsea to a Europa League triumph, but we believe that while he is a credible dark horse, priority should be given to Julian Nagelsmann if Mourinho is in fact relieved of his duties.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that those within Spurs view him as the ‘perfect’ candidate, and it’s hard to disagree with that sentiment given how he has managed to challenge Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance this season with RB Leipzig.

In other news: Tottenham still in the race for this 6 foot 2 ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

All in all, it was a pretty successful day of international football if you’re an Aston Villa fan.

Ollie Watkins marked his England debut by scoring in a 5-0 thrashing of San Marino, while Tyrone Mings also featured in the drubbing of the minnows.

However, one man who arguably outshone Villa’s Three Lions contingent was John McGinn.

The £34m-rated midfielder was the star of the show as Scotland rescued a late 2-2 draw at home to Austria on Thursday night, with the Villa man scoring an incredible overhead kick in the final few minutes.

It wasn’t just his superb goal which saw McGinn really stand out for the Tartan Army, with the 26-year-old really showing a defensive nous and in holding down the midfield alongside Scott McTominay.

As per Sofascore, his tally of four interceptions was the highest of any player on the pitch, and he could be often seen shuttling across the pitch to close down the passing lanes into Austria’s two-man strike force.

McGinn was also a threat at the other end of the pitch, with his usual energy and dynamism seeing him pop up in the opposition box, as he did for his goal – his total of three shots on goal were the joint-most of any Scot.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Scottish Sun, Kenny MacDonald gave McGinn a seven, noting: “30th cap for the Villa man started in an oddly withdrawn midfield role before being freed when McGregor came on – and responded with fabulous technique to level with eighth international goal.

The display sent a huge message to Villa manager Dean Smith about what McGinn can bring to the table, with the midfielder facing added competition for places at Villa Park thanks to the arrival of Morgan Sanson in the January transfer window.

With the likes of Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba also battling out for those all-important midfield spots, McGinn’s Scotland masterclass will have been a timely reminder to Smith of his qualities.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has delivered a major transfer update on Aston Villa…

Many Sunderland fans were delighted with comments from Aiden O’Brien following their 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers in League One on Saturday.

The three points against the Pirates were important for the Black Cats in the fight for promotion. As it stands, they are now third in the table after going on an unbeaten run of 10 games in the league (Sky Sports), and they are just three points behind leaders Hull City with two games in hand (BBC).

O’Brien scored the only goal of the game this weekend, and he spoke to Sunderland’s media team after the match. After his strike, he celebrated by imitating a shark, and he revealed that the celebration was inspired by Lee Johnson’s pre-game team talk.

A clip of the 27-year-old’s comments were shared on Twitter by the Wearside club’s official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from Sunderland supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts – one made a comparison with Johnson’s predecessor Phil Parkinson, who was regarded in some quarters as a “dour” figure.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from O’Brien below

“Everything about this is class, so refreshing to hear this attitude after the last couple of years. And what a turnaround for O’Brien, completely different player compared to the Parky days, mainly in that he exists”

Credit: @Scrivener30

“Class”

Credit: @lewygsafc

“Good attitude that lad”

Credit: @Tom01Crangle

“Love that little grin at the word “battle””

Credit: @AdamHegarty19

“The difference is mad… you’d never have that banter with Parkinson or last few managers to be fair”

Credit: @seaneagle12

“Love to see that their having banter as well as winning games. Never saw that under Parkinson. Ha’Way The Lads”

Credit: @LukeNor15892157

In other news, many Sunderland fans enjoyed this injury update.

David Moyes must address Jarrod Bowen’s concerning rate of regression with the West Ham United forward on a persistent decline this season.

Bowen has proven to be a crucial cog in the Irons system all term, with the former Hull City winger featuring in all 26 Premier League fixtures and starting 23 of his outings to date.

Only Tomas Soucek (8) and Michail Antonio (7) have also scored more often in the top-flight for the Irons than Bowen (5), who is without a goal in his last seven appearances and is bordering on his longest drought all campaign – eight games.

And, off the ball, Bowen is beginning to flounder and he was benched for Pablo Fornals to take his place on the right-flank against Manchester City on Saturday. The energetic Spaniard shone at the Etihad Stadium to emerge as the Hammer’s silver lining in the 2-1 defeat.

Bowen’s defensive decline also concerns Kevin Phillips, with Wyscout data (as cited by Football Insider) showing that only three players across Europe’s top-five leagues allow the opposition to make a higher number of progressive passes than the £25m-rated maestro.

In a side that Moyes prides on its defensive discipline, Phillips does not believe there is room for Bowen to be carried by the likes of right-back Vladimir Coufal and midfield star Declan Rice.

“Stats don’t lie,” the 1999/2000 European Golden Boot winner told Football Insider. “In possession, he’s great. But ultimately, out of possession, you’ve got to know your positions, you’ve got to know when to press, you’ve got to know where to show someone and where not to show them.

“If you don’t get it quite right at this level, you get punished. It’s no surprise because he’s more of an offensive player, defending is not his main duty. But we all know that nowadays you’ve got to be able to do both.

“So that will be an area they’ll want to improve. These coaches know that. They’ll look at the stats. It’s certainly an area that he needs to learn, the young kid. That will get better as time goes on, particularly under Moyes, who is a fantastic coach.”

It is not only in the volume of progressive passes that he allows that shows that Bowen has been struggling defensively, with the 24-year-old performing at a worse standard this term than during his first half-season at the London Stadium in an array of areas.

The £22m January 2020 signing is currently offering Moyes fewer successful (0.7) and attempted (1.2) tackles per game in the Premier League than he did following his winter arrival last season (1.5/2.5), as well as fewer interceptions (0.6 to 1.2), per WhoScored.

Bowen has further made just two successful tackles in his last six top-flight appearances – both coming against Tottenham Hotspur – and offered two interceptions in that period – each coming at home to Liverpool.

The £96,000-per-week star has been lacking offensively, too, with just three key passes, two shots and two successful dribbles during his last six league outings combined.

Those displays have also resulted in an average WhoScored match rating of 6.34 – including two 6 out of 10s – to bring his seasonal average down to 6.72, the 11th-best at the London Stadium and behind £45m flop Sebastien Haller (6.75) who was sold for £20m in January.

Moyes will need to address Bowen’s concerning rate of regression, both on and off the ball, if the forward is to re-establish his place in the West Ham starting line-up.

AND in other news, David Moyes is hopeful of West Ham landing an injury boost ahead of hosting Leeds United…

Many Manchester United fans were left to slam the display of Dan James in their 1-1 home draw to AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

Amad Diallo’s first senior goal for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team was cancelled out very late on by a header from Simon Kjaer at Old Trafford, which Dean Henderson should have done much better with.

Nonetheless, James was guilty of missing a great chance in the second half that he put wide of the goal, and did not have the best of games in general.

The former Swansea City man lost out on five of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on target, key pass or accurate cross in the match (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 15 times, the joint-second most out of any MUFC player, as he earned a very measly 6.3 overall rating on Sofascore, the lowest out of any of his teammates to have started the clash.

Manchester United fan reaction to James display

These Red Devils slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the Wales international is ‘useless’:

“Honestly I don’t want to see Dan James and Nemanja Matic play for us next season. It’s time to go! #MUFC”

Credit: @UtdLad_

“A pair of empty boots is better than James and Maguire. #MUNACM #MUFC #GGMU”

Credit: @samerkq

“OGS, Maguire & James are all frauds #MUFC”

Credit: @ImDahRealDude

“Forget pointless James, out of form Rashford, and Antho-Lazy Martial; this Adam Diallo is what #MUFC need upfront!! How much are we paying Cavani for his 3 goals a season?”

Credit: @Spot_the_G

“Daniel James is a very useless player. #MUFC #MUFCACM”

Credit: @_eniolaola_

“McTominay, Matic, Fred & James are not good enough for Man United. Long-term, short-term, just not in the same league. #MUFC #MUNACM #UEL”

Credit: @LazyTrumpeter97

In other news, find out which Premier League star Man Utd have made an approach to sign here!

Liverpool crept to yet another Premier League win yesterday, with a solid but unconvincing 1-0 victory over Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp will likely draw questions from his players for such a startlingly lacklustre display, but with it being their sixth straight league win, the German cannot be too frustrated. It finally feels like after some time the fear factor has returned to the Anfield outfit, just in time for a late European push.

With a few key additions this summer, building upon the slowly improving newbies from their current campaign, the Reds can surely expect a return towards the apex of the table in the coming years.

One of those newer acquisitions had been earning particular praise of late, as Cody Gakpo finally seemed to have found his feet on Merseyside despite a tumultuous start. Failing to score in his first three league games, as well as in two FA Cup clashes, the Dutchman began to draw scrutiny for his performances in relation to his £35m price tag.

However, now boasting six league goals and two assists in 18 appearances, already the nation is starting to see glimpses of what the fuss was all about.

Despite this hype, integration into a new country remains a tricky feat. Not every game can be a success, and yesterday marked one of his weaker showings since moving from PSV Eindhoven.

How did Cody Gakpo play vs Brentford?

It is a testament to the underperformance of the 24-year-old that his 5.9 Sofascore rating was comfortably the worst of any player on the entire pitch. He was anonymous, wasteful, and yet someone survived for the full 90 minutes.

Such a low rating might come as a shock, but when delving deeper into his actual involvement, it quickly becomes clear why he was deserving of such a rating.

Firstly, the Netherlands international mustered just 32 touches all game despite his side enjoying 54% of the ball. For comparison, even his goalkeeper Alisson enjoyed more possession (38 touches).

Had Gakpo at least been efficient, such a lack of influence on the game could be forgiven. However, what exacerbated issues was that the wide man did boast golden chances, two of which he spurned. Such profligacy seeped into an absence of creativity too, as his 80% pass accuracy contained zero key passes made.

Goal’s Neil Jones perhaps summarised the Dutchman’s display best, awarding him a 6/10 rating, while writing that Gakpo ‘looked a little leggy in the second half and somehow didn’t score from virtually on the line.’

A tough day at the office offensively is often possible, but to cap off a truly forgettable afternoon, the 6 foot 4 trickster also lost eigakpoght of the 13 duels he competed in, suggesting that such a shocking display was born of complacency rather than misfortune.

That is something which Klopp will not forgive lightly, and it could cost him his place in the side next time out. His big January addition let him down yesterday.

The transfer window has been closed for nearly two weeks now, but Manchester United are still continually being linked with new players as INEOS plan more business for the 2025 windows.

Man Utd and INEOS looking at free move to sign 28 y/o "battleship" in 2025

Manchester United already have their eye on one player they would like to sign in 2025.

ByBrett Worthington Sep 12, 2024 Manchester United plotting Unai Simon transfer

Erik ten Hag was backed by INEOS during the summer, as the club added three defenders, a midfielder, and a forward to their squad. But that doesn’t appear to be enough so far, as the Red Devils still have their eye on some big-name players.

Leny Yoro

Lille

Joshua Zirkzee

Bologna

Matthijs de Ligt

Bayern Munich

Noussair Mazraoui

Bayern Munich

Manuel Ugarte

PSG

United are well stocked in the goalkeeping department; Andre Onana currently has the number one spot, followed by Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaten providing backup, but they are also eyeing a change in that area of the pitch.

It has been reported that Man United are “very interested” in signing Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon. The goalkeeper has been really impressive for the La Liga side in recent seasons and has now established himself on the international stage with Spain, playing a key role in their Euro 2024 success.

Those performances have caught the attention of United, who are said to be willing to pay a “considerable sum” to sign the shot stopper. While United weigh up a move for Simon, they are also looking at signing another established international star.

Man Utd now keen on "obscene" £35m target

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are admirers of AS Monaco defender Vanderson. The report states that fellow Premier League side Chelsea are showing the most interest in the player, but United and Tottenham Hotspur are in the mix.

The 23-year-old, who has been with Monaco since January 2022, has really impressed for the French side lately. Vanderson played 20 times in Ligue 1 last season, scoring three goals and chipping in with one assist. The defender is in the 99th percentile for tackles when compared with right-backs in similar leagues, and FBRef ranks his combination of ferocious defending and attacking quality as a similar profile to Tottenham's Pedro Porro.

Vanderson, who has been described as having "obscene pace and acceleration" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was linked with an exit during the summer, but Monaco selling Youssouf Fofana to AC Milan eased any pressure they were under to sell. The right-back, who has been capped twice by Brazil, is contracted until 2028, but the French side could be willing to let the player leave for around €35-40 million, which is roughly £29-35 million.

Vanderson has started this 2024/25 season strongly, starting two of Monaco’s three league games, grabbing the assist in their opening day win against Saint-Étienne.

Real Madrid have sent employees to run the rule over an Arsenal star who they are considering a deal for, as Carlo Ancelotti's side cast their eye to the Premier League in search of proven talent.

Arsenal preparing for all-important north London derby against Tottenham

The north Londoners have an all-important derby clash against Tottenham awaiting them after the international break, and Mikel Arteta will be desperate to return to winning ways after being held by Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

"Extraordinary" Arsenal player already considering exit in January

Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay in the summer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 7, 2024

Kai Havertz's expertly taken chip over Bart Verbruggen in the Brighton net was later cancelled out by Joao Pedro's second-half strike in the second half, with the game finishing 1-1 and ending Arsenal's winning start to the new Premier League season.

"It was a very emotional afternoon, for sure," said Arteta on Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton.

"We started the game really well, created three or four chances that we didn’t convert. After that we had a period with some issues, particularly with the ball and we lacked some dominance in that period. We then score a really good goal in a moment when we take advantage of the opponent. Then we go in at half-time, come back and we were really strong. Then the referee makes a decision that changes the course of the game. With 10 men, the team reacted unbelievably well, the stadium reacts unbelievably well and we should have won the game."

To make matters more complicated for Arteta and his coaching staff, star midfielder Declan Rice was controversially sent off for two bookable offences on the day, so he is set to miss Arsenal's trip to Spurs next weekend.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Arsenal will also be without summer signing Mikel Merino for nearly two months, following the Spaniard's shoulder injury. Merino fractured his deltoid in a collision with Gabriel Magalhaes during the Spaniard's first ever training session at London Colney, so it looks like Arteta will be pretty short in midfield.

There are even suggestions that Arteta could hand youngster Salah-Eddine Oulad M'hand his senior Arsenal debut against Tottenham as a result, while other reports state Havertz could be dropped into midfield so Raheem Sterling can play a false-nine role.

Real Madrid consider signing William Saliba from Arsenal

Whatever tactical tweaks Arteta is planning, one of the few certainties next weekend is that William Saliba will be playing a crucial role at the heart of his defence.

The Frenchman has starred since coming into the team on a regular basis at the beginning of 2022/2023, so much so that Real Madrid have been regularly linked with a move for Saliba.

The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey have an update on this, and they write that Real are indeed considering a move for Saliba, sending their club scouts to watch over him during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Aston Villa – where the 23-year-old put in an excellent display.

The centre-back, who Bailey claims could fetch around £100 million in this current market, is firmly on Ancelotti's radar as they carry on keeping close tabs.