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A transfer claim has been made on Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, regarding a potential move to Newcastle United.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that his name has been mentioned to him several times, with the midfielder currently out of the picture at Stamford Bridge. The reporter has said that he could be a player the Magpies, who have been linked with the Englishman, are set to target in January.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“Ross Barkley’s a name that keeps getting mentioned to me. Obviously he’s pretty much surplus to requirements at Chelsea, he’s well down the pecking order. He was out on loan at Villa last year. Other clubs are interested also in Barkley but he might be somebody that Newcastle could possibly move for.”

Exciting

This update will surely be exciting for Newcastle fans as it indicates that there is a chance the midfielder will be pursued by the club in January. Barkley could be a great signing for Eddie Howe’s side and be a player the supporters can get excited about watching due to his experience in England.

The 28-year-old is a proven Premier League performer but has only made one start in the division this season under Thomas Tuchel. This could, as O’Rourke suggests, open the door for the Magpies to swoop in and secure a deal for his services.

Toon legend Alan Shearer lauded the £100k-per-week gem last season and claimed that he can be a ‘match-winner. He told The BBC:

“Ross seems to have found a system that suits him and a manager who wants to play him. This is exactly what he needs.

“He now needs to find the consistency that has been lacking in his game because this is a crucial stage of his career. Ross has been spoken about in glowing terms since he was very young but he is 27 now and needs to deliver on that potential.

“At his best he is match-winner and Villa is a great platform for him.”

This is high praise from a man who knows what he is talking about when it comes to the Premier League, further highlighting Barkley’s ability at this level. He could come in and be able to hit the ground running with his pre-existing knowledge of the English top-flight.

The ex-Everton man has over 200 appearances in the division under his belt. He has 28 goals and 31 assists to date, showing that he has the quality to arrive at St. James’ Park and make an impact in midfield, which is why fans will be excited by this update from O’Rourke.

AND in other news, Howe could solve key NUFC issue by landing “tough-minded” beast who always “delivers”…

According to a report by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, West Ham United have commenced talks to know the fee needed to sign Boavista forward Alberth Elis this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye attacking options…

It is well documented that manager David Moyes is eager to bring more attacking options to the London Stadium this summer.

As well as a permanent deal for 2020/2021 loan sensation Jesse Lingard, West Ham are said to be on the hunt for a new talismanic striker as they look to shore up a problem position (Claret & Hugh).

Michail Antonio played a starring role at points for the Irons last season but was often ruled out of action through injury.

The Latest: West Ham enter Elis talks…

Now, as per A Bola (via Sport Witness), West Ham have commenced talks to find out the fee needed to sign Boavista forward Elis.

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As well as the Hammers, Premier League rivals Southampton are said to have done the same – with Brighton and Watford also closely following him back in April.

It is claimed by this report that the 25-year-old is ‘likely to leave’ the Estádio do Bessa this summer in what could be a boost for West Ham in their pursuit.

Elis completed his first full season in Europe’s top five divisions over 2020/2021 and finished it with a notable eight goals and seven assists over the Liga NOS campaign (Sport Witness).

Boavista have told West Ham what they need to pay for his signature, around €10 million (£8.5m).

The Verdict: Not a priority…

Despite being only 25, Elis already has much experience on the international stage – earning 42 caps for his native Honduras (Transfermarkt).

He has also earned praise form ex-Celtic defender and compatriot Emilio Izaguirre, who told the Herald Times and Sport he is ‘very fast and strong’ (via Glasgow Times).

However, given his lack of experience at the top level, it could in fact be a gamble – with the likes of Tammy Abraham and Youssef En-Nesyri, who have been linked (ExWHUemployee), potentially better options.

In other news: ‘Incredible’…Sky Sports pundit raves as West Ham allegedly eye ‘fantastic signing’, find out more here.

Jacob Murphy has ‘proven he can perform’ and merits a two or three-year extension at Newcastle United, according to Kevin Phillips.

Murphy is seemingly in the final months of his current £25,000-per-week contract at St James’ Park, although there have been reports his deal is actually one year longer than expected.

Murphy boosting Newcastle’s survival push

The Times’ Henry Winter noted that his ‘resilience echoed all over’ in the battling draw against Spurs, with Alan Shearer adding that his display was ‘excellent’ and that he had tormented Sergio Reguilon.

The following week, Murphy scored a superb goal to haul Newcastle level in a critical game against Burnley, which they eventually won 2-1.

That was the Englishman’s third goal of the season, adding to his three assists (via Transfermarkt).

Newcastle have already agreed a contract extension with 30-year-old striker Dwight Gayle and are keen to tie down 32-year-old Federico Fernandez as well.

Phillips acknowledges that the outlook is uncertain on Tyneside, but sees no reason to let Murphy go.

‘Jacob Murphy has done very well when called upon’

“I think Newcastle should offer him a new deal but a lot depends on what has been made available to Bruce in the summer and if Bruce will even be there beyond the summer,” he told Football Insider.

“Is he going to get the money to be able to enhance the squad?

“Jacob Murphy has done very well when called upon this season.

“At Newcastle he has showed that he has good quality. Why would they not want to try and re-sign him?

“Why not offer someone who knows the club and has proven that he can perform a new deal?

“I would get him tied down to a two or three-year extension.”

Club correspondent Lee Ryder suggested earlier this month that it could cost the Magpies as much as £25million to replace ‘a player of his age and experience’.

It would, therefore, be ‘stupid not to give him a new deal’.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Murphy, to his credit, hasn’t looked at all distracted even amid the possibility that he’ll be left without a club come this summer.

Instead, he’s been a picture of focus, stepping up a gear to prove his worth to Newcastle in crucial moments, such as the win against Burnley.

As Ryder notes, it makes infinite sense to retain him in a pandemic-hit market. He can be a valuable part of this squad going forward.

In other news, Newcastle have been backed to strike a deal for another Englishman.

West Ham United will take on a Chelsea side without Antonio Rudiger and Mateo Kovacic in the Premier League this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, as quoted by Football.London, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel stated: “For Sunday, both of them [Kovacic and Rudiger] are not back, but there are no other new injuries.”

Rudiger missed Wednesday evening’s 4-2 defeat to Arsenal with a groin injury whilst Kovacic couldn’t manage 30 minutes in the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, withdrawing with an ankle injury.

Moyes will be buzzing

Of course, they can’t let their heads drop, however, Chelsea’s chances of finishing third in the Premier League look pretty secure whilst the Hammers will have plenty to play for.

The Irons will leapfrog Manchester United into sixth with a victory at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with the gap between the two sides now just two points after Ralf Rangnick’s men lost 3-1 at Arsenal yesterday.

David Moyes’ men are very much in contention of securing another top-six finish, whilst qualification for Europe is also still possible with a Europa League triumph, with the east London side taking on Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday.

However, in order to guarantee European football via the league, there is now very little room for slip-ups for the Hammers, with Wolves very much in the picture too.

Both Rudiger and Kovacic are major absentees for the west London outfit, with the duo making 47 and 40 appearances this term for Tuchel’s side respectively. Rudiger, in particular, was a big absentee in midweek when Chelsea’s defence were error-prone and mistake-riddled on their way to a 4-2 defeat versus Arsenal.

West Ham must take confidence into their meeting with Chelsea from the fact that they ran out 3-2 victors in the reverse fixture whilst the Blues’ home form of late has been woeful, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid and 4-1 to Brentford in their last two matches at Stamford Bridge prior to the Arsenal crushing.

Moreover, the fact their London rivals will be without two key players will have Moyes buzzing.

AND in other news: Forget Diop: Moyes must now unleash West Ham wonderkid who’s “seriously good” today

West Ham manager David Moyes should urge the club to make a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, following Marlon Harewood’s verdict on the striker.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Abraham is a target for the Hammers this summer, with his long-term future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Harewood said: “That’s where West Ham should be looking, and I think Moysie (David Moyes) is that sort of person that he will be looking for a striker of that calibre, young, he’s ready to go, he’s been in the Premier League quite a while now. 

“I think he needs a chance, just like Jesse Lingard coming from Manchester United obviously not playing coming into the club, got a lot to show, and Tammy is one of them, got a lot to show (too) and would complement Antonio very well.”

Imagine him and Antonio

While Antonio has transitioned into an out-and-out number nine – all his games for the Hammers this season has been played up front – Abraham’s arrival could see Moyes look to play two up top, or with the former going back out wide.

The duo possess sheer pace and power, and that would no doubt pose a threat to most defences in the Premier League – Abraham has already bagged six in 20 league games this campaign, while Antonio has managed seven in 18.

Dean Windass has also previously spoken to FFC about how Abraham would be perfect for the Hammers, saying: “He’s David Moyes’ type, athletic, quick and young. Is he the new Chelsea manager’s cup of tea? I don’t think so.

“So, massive fit for West Ham, bit like Carlton Cole who was upfront for West ham, that sort of type. He’s big, strong and scores goals.”

The £60m-rated striker – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Dean Smith, his former manager at Aston Villa – is even stronger in the air than Antonio, winning 58% of his aerial duels compared to the latter’s 46%. A look at both of their touch-maps this season shows how Abraham predominantly works inside the box, while the Hammers forward is seen buzzing around the final third, popping up on the left, right and through the middle.

Having Antonio act as a dovetail with Abraham could add a different dimension to West Ham’s attacks, and it’s exactly why Moyes should urge GSB to make a swoop for the Chelsea forward.

Meanwhile, this pundit has delivered a big claim on Declan Rice’s West Ham future…

Some Wolves fans have been reacting to a transfer update involving Rui Patricio.

As per Sky Sport Italia (via Talking Wolves), a fee between the Midlands club and AS Roma for his potential sale has yet to be agreed, despite a personal agreement between the player and the Serie A club.

The Molineux outfit are still holding out for a sum of between €12m and €15m (£10.3m-12.9m), as Roma have initially offered only €8m (£6.9m).

To get that kind of money by selling a 33-year-old in Patricio would be a decent bit of business by Wolves, but given that he only missed one game in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), it would not be a wise idea to sell one of their key players without a suitable replacement being lined up.

Wolves fans react to Patricio transfer update

These Wolves supporters gave their initial reactions as the transfer update on Patricio was shared on Twitter, with many believing that an eight-figure deal would represent good value for the veteran goalkeeper:

“Good, be stingy with the price”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“If we get £12m that is absolutely brilliant negotiations on our side, £100k a week off the wage bill too. Get Sa in for £7m and £50k a week. Easy”

Credit: @Darrgrady_

“Bit of a steal tbf”

Credit: @SmithShakesp

“Meet in the middle take £10m and run.”

Credit: @Goughy_WWFC

“£10m would be a good return on Patricio.”

Credit: @PaulBeest

“Will be a bit gutted if we don’t end up with Jose Sa now”

Credit: @brlbrlbrl12

In other news, find out what other transfer update has left many Wolves fans talking

Celtic are set to have an incredibly busy summer but the first of their summer arrivals is now through the door and busy getting acclimatised with his surroundings.That happens to be Liam Shaw, a young midfielder who agreed a deal to join the Hoops from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this year.

On the chalkboard

Shaw is set to be one of a number of new faces arriving at Parkhead this summer.

With Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer set to depart, they will need to bring in replacements capable of filling the void.

It’ll be easier said than done with the Frenchman scoring as many as 22 times last term.

Though, it’ll also be difficult to replace the expertise and leadership qualities of Scott Brown.

The combative midfielder is now a player-coach at Aberdeen after heading for the departure lounge after a haul of ten Premiership crowns and 12 domestic cups at Parkhead.

He was a constant pillar of solidity for the Hoops, a player who brought such a stern attitude wherever he went.

Who is the replacement?

Naturally, you may look towards a player like Ismaila Soro but with Shaw now formally announced as a Celtic player, Postecoglou should look towards unleashing him.

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The Bhoys have been linked with a number of midfielders from James McCarthy and Aaron Mooy to Ali McCann and Patrick Berg.

However, the club could save millions by turning to Shaw and developing his game instead.

Only a few years ago we saw Celtic sign Luca Connell from fellow EFL side Bolton but his chances have been extremely limited since penning terms.

The Irish midfielder has never made a senior appearance for the Bhoys but starred on loan at Queen’s Park in the back half of last season.

Postecoglou can’t afford to let Shaw fade into the shadows like that. Instead, he must unleash him as soon as possible.

After all, the 20-year-old put in some extremely promising displays for Sheffield Wednesday in 2020/21.

Often caught rampaging forward from deep positions, the tall midfielder is also capable of playing in the middle of defence.

On that evidence, he’s very comparable to Ajer, someone who could follow Brown through the exit door in the coming weeks.

Described as “sensational†by journalist James Whaling, the youngster has a wonderful array of qualities to suit Celtic.

“’I describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, a lot of energy running up and down, I can score a goal, and be aggressive in that I like a tackle and I like to press people,†Shaw said after being announced.

He is adept in the air, winning 1.7 aerial duels per game for the Owls, while he’s competent in the challenge with 0.7 tackles. Those aren’t outstanding numbers but for someone so young and inexperienced, it shows there is a big platform to improve.

Postecoglou should definitely consider handing him regular minutes next season.

AND in other news, Postecoglou can fix one of Celtic’s worst habits by signing “creative” 28-goal star…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry believes Celtic regret their decision not to sign Ivan Toney.

Toney, who eventually left Peterborough for Championship side Brentford, was a target for Celtic last summer. However, according to Fry, the former SPFL champions messed about too much in their attempts to sign the 25-year-old, resulting in their failure to acquire his services.

Toney has since gone on to become the deadliest striker in English football’s second division, showing Celtic what they have missed out on. He has already scored an incredible 28 goals in the Championship this season and is now being linked with a move to the Premier League.

Discussing Celtic’s failure to sign Toney last summer, Fry told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“Toney would have got 40/50 goals playing in Scotland, no disrespect to Scottish Football. He would have been a sensation because Toney doesn’t only score goals, he makes goals. He doesn’t only score goals and make goals, he’s also the best defender we’ve had. He goes back for corners and free-kicks and nine out of 10 times, he’s the one that clears it out the box.

“And he’s hungry. He wants to listen, he wants to learn, he wants to improve. He’ll go to the very top, Ivan Toney, that’s for sure. I’m sure they [Celtic] do [regret not signing Toney] already. I’m sure they regret it, not breaking the bank for him.”

Indeed, losing out on Toney certainly looks like an opportunity missed. Having surrendered their title to rivals Rangers in disappointing fashion, the Bhoys could have done with having a player of the Brentford forward’s quality in their squad.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has suggested that it is still Southampton’s plan to sign Theo Walcott on a permanent basis this summer, which would be a huge mistake considering his less than impressive form since joining on loan from Everton.

The 32-year-old winger is out of contract with the Toffees this summer and reports suggest that he will join the Saints on a permanent basis ahead of next season, having spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the south coast club.

When asked about the possibility of the former Arsenal man joining this summer, Hasenhuttl said: “I think in the games he played he has shown that he was an important part of our game – especially his workload and effort.

“He’s a very professional guy and, as I always say, I was happy he was coming here and I still think he’s a player that can help us in the next few years.

“If he’s not always playing from the beginning, then he’s still such a good character that he supports the team whenever he needs to. I think this is for me a very important part for giving him a new contract or not.”

The Englishman has made 19 appearances in the Premier League this season, contributing just two goals and three assists, which has led to him averaging a less than impressive 6.54 average match rating for his performances from WhoScored.

Following last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, Hampshire Live’s Tom Leach gave him a measly three in his player ratings, writing that “his form seems to have vanished during the second half of the season”.

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This ranks him as the 10th-best performer in Hasenhuttl’s squad so far this season, so it would be difficult to claim that Walcott has set the world alight and is deserving of a permanent contract.

Although the experienced winger is likely to take a significant pay cut on the £100,000 per week he reportedly earns at Everton in order to join Southampton this summer, there will surely be better, younger and cheaper options for the Saints to seize upon, and it feels as this signing is for Walcott’s benefit rather than Southampton’s.

The £5.4m-rated winger will likely have no resale value either, as he will probably finish his career with the Saints, so his permanent signing doesn’t really make any sense from a financial perspective.

Therefore, when you consider all of these factors, along with his less than impressive recent form, it is certainly fair to suggest that Hasenhuttl is heading for a big mistake by offering him a permanent contract.

In other news… Semmens disaster: Southampton missed out on “perfect” gem with 18 G/A

A number of Liverpool fans have hailed Joel Matip after he turned down the opportunity to come out of international retirement for Cameroon.

The Reds have made a perfect start to the 2021/22 season, cruising to back-to-back victories against Norwich City and Burnley.

Jurgen Klopp’s side look primed for another assault on the Premier League title, with key men available again after long absences.

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One player who has shone greatly in the opening weeks of the campaign is Matip, who has looked a class act alongside Virgil van Dijk.

The 30-year-old’s injury problems are well-documented, but when he is fit, he rarely lets Liverpool down.

Matip is currently retired from international duty and Cameroon manager Tony Conceicao has confirmed [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] that he has opted not to do a u-turn on that decision:

“The situation of Matip is not new. There are players who wanted to come back to the national team. For me there is no need to enlist a player who is not ready to return. Matip does not want to return to the national team, that is the issue.”

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Liverpool fans delighted with Matip news

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to hail the decision, showing their love for the centre-back in the process.

“BIG JOEL”

Credit: @Branno92

“Right thing to do”

Credit: @thomasyolain

“Scouse not Cameroonian is a new one”

Credit: @kungfunahi

“Absolute king”

Credit: @beamerrrrr

“Yes!! No.20 is more important”

Credit: @LiverpoolFCKen2

“My goat”

Credit: @_Sismo__

“siuuuuuuuuuuuuu”

Credit: @isaclfc

“Yes Matip”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans are buzzing after one key development at Anfield. Read more here.