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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Tyneside club have identified the Senegal defender as their top transfer target for the January transfer window.

The report claimed that the Magpies want to sign the 30-year-old to bolster their squad following PIF’s takeover of the club earlier this week.

Fans would love him

PIF could raise the roof at St James’ Park with a deal to sign Koulibaly in January. The 30-year-old is vastly experienced at the top level and one of the best-performing players in Serie A during his time with Napoli in Italy.

He was named in the divisional team of the season in four consecutive years, proving himself to be one of the best centre-backs in the country. The defender has played 292 competitive matches for Napoli since moving from Genk in 2014.

In Serie A this season, Koulibaly has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.46 in seven starts. He has scored two goals from centre-back whilst winning 59% of his duels and helping Napoli to keep four clean sheets in those matches.

To reaffirm the point on his quality, Serie A expert Conor Clancy hailed the Napoli man as a contender for the second-best centre-back in world football earlier this year, behind Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said of Koulibaly: “He improves any team he goes to. He’s phenomenal. I’d say, to be honest, after Virgil van Dijk, he is in the conversation for being the second-best defender in the world.”

This comment from Clancy, along with Koulibaly’s aforementioned pedigree, shows why Newcastle fans would adore him. The Magpies faithful would surely love to see the Senegalese colossus lining up in the Premier League for their club, as he has proven himself to be a top defender in European football.

Imagine the noise which would erupt from the stands at St James’ Park when “Making his debut today… Kalidou Koulibaly” is proclaimed by the announcer reading out the starting XI on his debut for the club. It could raise the roof off the stadium and create an incredible atmosphere full of excited supporters ready to enjoy the start of a new chapter on Tyneside.

Therefore, PIF must ensure that they do all they can to get a deal over the line for the centre-back in January. His arrival could be heralded by fans and make sure that the Saudi-based consortium get off to the best possible start in the transfer market.

AND in other news, NUFC in talks over £42m deal for 29y/o with “magical powers”, fans would be ecstatic…

It’s been an extremely encouraging start to life under new manager Patrick Vieira for Crystal Palace, but a major stumbling block could be just around the corner for the French tactician.

The Eagles are set to lose four first-team stars for up to a month in January due to their involvement in the rescheduled Africa Cup of Nations.

Jeffrey Schlupp and Jordan Ayew ARE expected to feature for their native Ghanawhile Wilfried Zaha and Cheikhou Kouyate are set to represent Ivory Coast and Senegal, respectively.

The 24-team tournament, postponed from last year amid the pandemic, is due to get underway in Cameroon on January 9 and run until February 6.

It means the quartet could miss the Eagles’ derby clash with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on January 15, and the visit of Liverpool on January 22.

They are also likely to miss Palace’s third-round FA Cup tie, which is likely to be played on the weekend of January 8. They could also be absent for the Premier League game away to Norwich, currently scheduled for February 8, if their nations go deep into the competition.

It’s set to leave Vieira extremely threadbare in attack, given the club were unable to replace Andros Townsend over the summer, but the solution could be a rather simple one.

Teenage winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was brought into the first-team fold at the backend of last season under former Palace manager Roy Hodgson, earning a place on the bench on three occasions as 2020/21 drew to a close.

“He dealt with it very well,” said Hodgson (as relayed by The Athletic), who chose to take Rak-Sakyi to Everton as a non-playing squad member for a draw at Goodison Park.

“For such a young man, he’s shown a remarkable maturity, and a remarkable sangfroid as well, coming into a group of senior players who he’s probably only watched from the terraces before. You wouldn’t notice that with his performances in the training sessions where he’s really taken on the responsibility.

“Everyone’s taken to him and been appreciative of him and what he can do. I’m very pleased with him and very pleased for him. We believe at Crystal Palace that he has a big future and he will get better and better,” the ex-England boss concluded.

And Rak-Sakyi showcased just how much of a threat he can be last season, bagging eight goals and providing a further eight assists in just 16 appearances for Palace’s U18s, before being promoted into the U23s.

The 19-year-old was rewarded for his standout displays last term after Vieira handed him his Premier League debut off the bench against Chelsea in the club’s curtain-raiser at Stamford Bridge. That could be the first of many top-flight outings for the youngster this term.

A tally of five goals and two assists in just six outings for the youth side this season suggests Rak-Sakyi will be ready to make the step up when needed in January, meaning Vieira will be able to continue to progress in south London despite the absence of several key players.

And, in other news…Report provides exciting Crystal Palace transfer update, fans will surely be delighted 

West Ham United are battling Napoli for the signing of Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Ecuador international only joined Villarreal in September 2020, leaving Watford in a £14.76m deal after they were relegated from the Premier League last summer.

The Hornets had previously loaned him out to three different Spanish clubs and never handed him a competitive debut (via Sky Sports).

Estupinan made 33 appearances for Unai Emery’s side in all competitions, including four in the Europa League as he helped Villarreal to lift the trophy after beating Manchester United on penalties in the final.

It may be difficult to prise him away from The Yellow Submarine, though, given that they committed him to a seven-year contract on his arrival.

The latest

The report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) stated that West Ham are now in the frame for the 23-year-old, along with Luciano Spaletti’s Napoli.

While the Serie A outfit have been pursuing the move for longer, the Irons could have the advantage in this transfer race because they ‘don’t seem to have any economic problems’.

The verdict

This would be a slightly superfluous move for the Hammers. They already have two good left-back options in the form of Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku, whose respective WhoScored average match ratings for 2020/21 were 6.81 and 6.89, both of which far outshone Estupinan’s 6.53.

On top of that, Villarreal would be within their rights to demand a hefty sum of money less than 12 months on from signing the Ecuadorian.

There are bigger priorities to be addressed – namely a centre-back, a backup forward and an alternative to Jesse Lingard if he isn’t going to be returning permanently – so the Irons shouldn’t be too dismayed if they don’t manage to sign the Villarreal full-back.

In other news, West Ham are plotting a new bid for this transfer target.

With the international break now firmly in the rear view mirror, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will be desperately hoping to pick up some much-needed momentum when his side take on Spurs on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites picked up four points from a possible six in their last two Premier League games before the internationals and will look to kick on when they make the trip to north London to face Antonio Conte’s side.

Bielsa was given a significant injury boost earlier in the week when Junior Firpo was declared fit, and he should be thrust straight into the starting line-up for the clash against Spurs.

While Firpo may not have been a regular starter at former club Barcelona last season – he played just 18 times in all competitions – he is the kind of attacking left-back who seems to be a perfect fit for Bielsa’s Leeds.

He was once tipped for big things by French defender Eric Abidal, who told Diario Sport (via Tribuna): “He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure. It’s always difficult to get started at Barca.”

Speaking to The Yorkshire Evening Post, player analyst Josh Hobbs said of the flying full-back: “Going forwards, he’s a good dribbler – particularly when he gets up to speed and he can steam past players. He likes to play a pass into midfield and then sprint down the line to receive in behind and get into the box.

“His delivery in wide areas is usually a fizzed low cross, which is dangerous as often if the player at the front post misses it, can be met by somebody running centrally or to the back post.”

The £12.5m-rated machine is exactly what Leeds need to help break down Spurs and get their attacking play firing on all cylinders.

His pace and power down the left flank could cause problems for Conte’s back three and give the Whites a potent attacking threat which could really terrify Spurs if they’re not on their game.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been handed a transfer update on this star…

West Ham manager David Moyes should unleash academy midfielder Conor Coventry as part of his first-team squad this season.

There are less than four weeks until the start of the new campaign and the Irons are yet to complete any business in the transfer market, so the 58-year-old is playing a very risky game.

The East Londoners lack enough depth across the pitch to truly challenge across both the Premier League, Europa League and the other domestic cups. In reality, they could be facing a 50-plus match season with a serious lack of rotation options.

One position that is particularly worrying is the engine room, where an injury to either Tomas Soucek or Declan Rice means it’ll be the retiring Mark Noble next up. And after that, there’s no one.

Moyes may need to look to his academy set-up to find a potential solution, at least for the immediate future, and he should bank on Coventry after his impressive displays throughout pre-season thus far.

The 21-year-old particularly excelled against Reading, even resulting in him finding the net. The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas waxed lyrical about the young midfielder during the game as he tweeted: “Been impressed with Coventry. Composed on the ball and comfortable receiving a pass in tight spaces. Hopefully he will get a chance this season. Only 21.”

Indeed, he has also caught the eye of much of the Hammers faithful, with one supporter even claiming that he is similar to Michael Carrick, who also came through West Ham’s academy system.

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In the past, the Irons have been reluctant to keep hold of their very best youngsters. A notable example being Josh Cullen but. according to Thomas, he may have been allowed to leave to open a clear path for Coventry.

Speaking on the ‘U Irons’ podcast in October, the reporter dubbed him an “exciting talent” and claimed: “Obviously, when I was at the Southend v West Ham Under-23 game, David Moyes was there – and obviously Conor Coventry scored in that match, so he’s definitely someone Moyes is aware of and I think this is one of the reasons why they allowed Josh Cullen to leave.

“They’re looking at it like, ‘hey, we’ve got someone like Josh Cullen, younger, perhaps much better in terms of career prospects. So, we’re putting all our focus on him right now.'”

If that’s the case, then it would make the world of sense to have him involved next season. He should get plenty of opportunities across the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

As a result, Moyes would be saving GSB millions in the transfer market.

Coventry, who has been dubbed the “next big thing” and an “old head on young shoulders”, could learn a lot under the tutelage of Noble, in preparation for his retirement next summer.

By unleashing the 21-year-old gem this season, Moyes can spend his transfer kitty in other areas whilst still finding a solution in midfield.

The youngster will surely add to his three senior appearances for West Ham this season. It certainly makes the world of sense.

AND in other news, Moyes handed huge West Ham transfer boost over £22.5m-rated “beast”, GSB must act now…

A major update has emerged for Ipswich, one relating to the “influential” Rotherham midfielder Matt Crooks.

What’s the talk?

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich are on the verge of submitting an offer for Rotherham midfielder Matt Crooks. Paul Cook has identified Crooks as a player who could strengthen this unit at Portman Road and the Blues are now ready to make their move.

The report claims Crooks, who has one year left on his contract at Rotherham, was previously attracting interest from Championship Nottingham Forest. Chris Hughton’s side have since exited the race for his signature, with Ipswich now preparing to swoop in.

Back in November 2020, Rotherham boss Paul Warne hailed Crooks as being “influential” to the Millers in recent seasons and backed him to fight his way out of bad form, amid links with an exit from the club. He told The Star:

“I don’t know how many of my players are absolutely 100 per cent but I think Crooksy sticks out because he was so influential over the last couple of years.

“If (Mohamed) Salah doesn’t play well for Liverpool everyone notices. With Crooksy, he is getting more like the player we want him to be.“Has the transfer rumour and anything else that has gone on in his life affected him? Maybe. But that is just an excuse. It might not have.“Every player has dips and troughs in his form and they play their way out of it. Crooksy is doing a lot to get out the other side of it.” Fans will be buzzing

Ipswich fans will be buzzing by this news. It shows a sign of intent from the club to push on and progress in the transfer window in order to mount a promotion push next season.

Crooks is one of their rivals’ key players and taking him away from Rotherham could weaken one of their competitors whilst improving their own squad in the process.

The 27-year-old produced six goals and three assists in the Championship for Rotherham last season, with Michael Smith the only player who was able to directly contribute to more goals for Paul Warne’s side.

Smith racked up 10 goals and three assists in the second tier, whilst Freddie Lapado equalled Crooks’ nine involvements with nine Championship goals. This shows that Crooks is one of Rotherham’s most dangerous players at the top end of the pitch and losing him could be a big blow to their squad.

Crooks, who is on £1.9k-per-week at Rotherham, could be an excellent addition to Ipswich’s squad. James Norwood was the only Ipswich player who managed more than six goals in League One last season, which suggests that Crooks’ goalscoring could be a major boost to Cook’s options in attack as he was able to score six in a division higher than the third tier.

Therefore, Ipswich fans will be buzzing to hear that the club are serious about pursuing a deal for the Rotherham star.

AND in other news, Get it done: Ipswich must seal swoop for “exceptional” £6k-p/w ace, Cook would love it…

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has told Nuno Espirito Santo to play Harry Kane or let him go.

Kane made his long-awaited return to competitive action at Wolves on Sunday – replacing Heung-min Son off the bench for the final 18 minutes at Molineux.

His late cameo appearance came just days after the striker was overlooked for the victory against Manchester City and UEFA Conference League tie against Pacos de Ferreira four days later.

But Santo ignored the ongoing links with Pep Guardiola’s side and cited Kane’s lack of match fitness as the reason for his absence for the opening two games of the season.

It’s unclear whether Kane will start the second leg tie on Thursday evening or the Premier League clash with Watford on Sunday. He has, however, stated that his intention is now to stay at Tottenham.

Santo may not want to change a winning team against the Hornets, but Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast that Kane must return to the starting XI as quickly as possible:

“Harry Kane is a Tottenham player so he should play him. If we’re not going to pick him, then you might as well let him go. He’s the best striker in the world, so play him.

“Don’t keep putting him on the bench, saying he’s unfit, he isn’t going to get fit coming on for 10 minutes.”

An update has emerged on Leicester target Dan James, regarding Leeds’ interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are closing in on the signing of Leicester target James from Manchester United on a permanent deal. The Lillywhites are now discussing personal terms with the forward ahead of an official announcement.

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook had claimed Leicester were a possible destination for the United winger, adding that the Welsh international was set to leave Old Trafford on loan following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, with Leeds, Brighton and Southampton all interested in landing him.

However, the former now look set to snap him up on a permanent deal, ending the chances of the Foxes bringing him to the King Power.

Fans will be gutted

Leicester fans will be gutted with this update as it surely rules them out of the race to land James.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side could potentially be challenging the Foxes for a top ten finish in the Premier League, which is one reason why fans could be frustrated by this update from Romano.

Interestingly, he started for Manchester United in their 1-0 win against Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday and has been a useful squad player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to call upon since arriving at Old Trafford from Swansea. Last season, he produced five goals and two assists in 16 starts across the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League for the Red Devils.

The £16.2m-rated winger was labelled as “explosive and so fast” by his former teammate Andreas Pereira in an interview with Manchester United’s official website last season.

This shows that he has the potential to go on and be a decent player at this level, as he has produced end product – albeit not at the levels deemed to be good enough to compete for a title – whilst also being praised for his exceptional pace by his teammates.

He has the speed to take the ball past players and seven goal contributions in 16 starts suggests that he also has the raw materials required to be an effective attacking outlet on the flank. He could have been a player Brendan Rodgers was able to coach into fulfilling his potential, alongside the likes of Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans.

Instead, Foxes fans may now have to watch him flourish under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road. If he goes there and hits form in the top-flight then it could leave supporters feeling particularly frustrated that the club missed out on thi deal.

AND in other news, Director provides update on £24.3m-rated Leicester target that will leave fans excited…

Leicester City narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification following a final day defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Foxes were trailing fifth-placed Liverpool on goal difference and third-placed Chelsea by a point heading into the last round of Premier League fixtures, but despite Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over the Blues, Leicester couldn’t capitalise.

Two late Gareth Bale goals sealed all three points for Spurs in what was likely to be the Welshman’s last ever game for the capital club and it ensured that the Midlands outfit will be playing Europa League football next term.

It was a poor display all round for Brendan Rodgers’ men, especially in the second half, however, one man, in particular, let the Northern Irish manager down.

As per SofaScore, Timothy Castagne received a miserly rating of 6.1/10, the joint-second lowest score of any player on the King Power Stadium pitch.

The Belgium international has adapted to the English top-flight well since a summer move from Atalanta, but he certainly fell short when Leicester and Rodgers needed him most.

Castagne won just two of his five duels on Sunday afternoon, and the £21.6m-rated full-back (as per Transfermarkt) was also unable to find a teammate with either of his two long balls.

In a must-win game, players need to be strong in the tackle and be good on the ball, Castagne was neither.

His below-par performance summed up a bitterly disappointing final day for the FA Cup champions, who were hoping to return to Europe’s elite cup competition following a five-year absence.

It’s the second consecutive season where Rodgers’ side have missed out on a place in the top four on the last day of the campaign, although the former Celtic boss can still be incredibly proud of what his team have achieved in 2020/21.

And, in other news…Rodgers masterstroke: Leicester must swoop for “superb” £9m-rated workhorse

Journalist and transfer ‘insider’ Dean Jones has made a behind-the-scenes West Ham United claim on midfield star Declan Rice’s future at the club.

The Lowdown: Rice rumours emerge…

A plethora of rumours surrounding Rice have come to light in the last week with big name transfer source Fabrizio Romano claiming he is ‘open’ to leaving this summer and has turned down a third new deal offer.

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This comes after both Jones and 90min reporter Scott Saunders first said he is more open than ever to a Rush Green exit, yet according to Claret & Hugh, there have been claims to the contrary.

The insider believes that Rice is committed to West Ham for 2022/2023 at the very least, though if there isn’t any sign of competing for silverware, he could consider his future next year.

The Latest: Jones shares update…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that the 23-year-old is set for a ‘big’ conversation with West Ham behind-the-scenes and there is ‘no doubt’ clubs will be knocking on the door.

He explained: “Declan Rice is going to have to have a big conversation with West Ham at the end of the season, no matter what happens.

“There’s no doubt that there’s going to be two or three clubs asking the question of how much would you actually sell this guy for?”

The Verdict: Interesting summer ahead…

There is little danger of manager David Moyes losing his superstar player this window given West Ham’s hard-line sale stance and the fact GSB have an option to extend his contract by a further year.

However, if Rice pushes for a possible move away, West Ham may be pressured somewhat to entertain interested clubs as to not disrupt the harmony of Moyes’ squad.

That being said, any price below £100 million simply shouldn’t be considered given his obvious quality, the fact Rice is homegrown and may only get better.

According to WhoScored, the colossal Three Lions international has averaged a fifth-best passing accuracy per game on average out of every Premier League player in the division (91.6%) – backing his composure and assurance at an impressively young age.

He’s also in high demand, putting West Ham in a position of strength to command a justifiable fee for his services.

Ideally, Moyes will have another season or two with Rice in his squad, but this summer could be a very interesting one nonetheless.

In other news: ExWHUemployee shares major West Ham player update with deal agreed! Find out more here.