All posts by z3u9t.icu

It is believed that another Chelsea star is "set to leave" in the January transfer window, and the Blues are already searching for his replacement.

Chelsea players leaving in 2024

Stamford Bridge transfer chiefs Todd Boehly, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have already overseen a major clearout this year, with Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi coming as the Chelsea players sold or loaned out in 2023.

Those exits raised around £230 million in total and helped to balance the books after a summer of serial spending. However, Chelsea want to sign a striker and are plotting further incomings for manager Mauricio Pochettino next year, meaning yet more of the Argentine's squad could be forced out the door. According to recent reports, there are a few candidates already.

Veteran defender Thiago Silva could leave Chelsea as his contract expires next summer, while left-back Marc Cucurella may also depart. Centre-back Trevoh Chalobah is "90%" likely to quit Chelsea too, according to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Left-back Ian Maatsen, whose current deal expires in 2025, was another name mentioned but those links died down when Chelsea took up the option to extend his contract by an additional 12 months. However, it appears murmurs of a departure for the Dutchman have resurfaced this week.

Ian Maatsen "set to leave" in January

Having spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Burnley, where he played a heavy hand in their promotion to the Premier League, Maatsen has been favoured by Pochettino on occasion this campaign. While his limits have been somewhat limited, the left-back's featured over six league appearances in total, with Chelsea's manager heaping praise on Maatsen for his intelligence.

"I am so happy with him," said Pochettino in a recent press conference.

"He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player. So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game."

Regardless, TEAMtalk now suggest that his future appears far away from west London. According to their information, Maatsen is "set to leave" Chelsea in the winter window. Burnley, Liverpool and Man City are named as suitors for the versatile 21-year-old, with Boehly and co already beginning the search for his replacement in January. Indeed, it is believed Inter Milan wing-back Federico Dimarco and Boca Juniours starlet Valentin Barco lead a two-man shortlist to succeed Maatsen.

The latter can actually sign a pre-contract in two months, as he is in the last year of his current deal with Boca Juniours. As such, it is believed Chelsea are ready to approach him over such a deal soon, while Dimarco comes as an enticing option given his form for the Nerazzurri. The Italian has even scored and bagged three assists in Serie A.

One reporter has provided a Manchester United update on the future of Erik ten Hag, claiming it is “big news” for supporters.

Ten Hag’s future at Man Utd

The Red Devils’ season went from bad to worse in the week with a dramatic Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen in Denmark. It was a crucial game for both sides, and after conceding twice late on, United fell to a 4-3 loss to leave them bottom of Group A with two games to play.

There were two penalties, a red card for Marcus Rashford and plenty of VAR drama, with VAR possibly missing an offence in Copenhagen’s first goal, to which Ten Hag said:

“You can see that there’s a player in front of Onana in an offside position on Copenhagen first goal. Not only tonight. We have to deal with many decisions against us in other games.”

After the game, there have been claims Ten Hag could soon be facing the sack, although Paul Scholes wants his former side to stick with the Dutchman, saying:

“I still don't feel like there's that much pressure on Erik ten Hag. He had a good year and bought some time. He's had bad injuries but nine defeats in 17 is not good enough. I know United have sacked before, but I don't think they can afford to keep doing that, I think we've got to let this fella go with it."

Recent reports have even suggested that incoming investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is planning to sack Ten Hag and wants to replace him with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. However, while talking to GiveMeSport, reporter Dean Jones believes that Ten Hag isn’t facing the sack at Old Trafford and feels the manager isn’t feeling the pressure regarding his job security.

“I realise there is a section of football society that wants ten Hag to lose his job and that every time United lose a game there is this narrative around him being axed and then deciding who would be best to replace him, but United seem unwavering in their support of him right now and I have some big news for Man United fans – I don’t think he’s getting the sack. The truth is, he feels very comfortable in his role at the club. He feels a pressure to perform but I don’t think he feels a pressure to save his own job. Against Copenhagen his game plan was going fine, United were cruising, then Rashford gets his controversial red card and everything is blown apart. Is that really the manager’s fault?"

Ten Hag’s record at Man Utd

Despite a poor start to the season, already losing nine games in all competitions, Ten Hag’s overall record at Old Trafford is relatively solid. He became the joint quickest manager in the club’s history to reach 50 wins, equalling Ernest Mangnall’s record following a 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend.

In total, Ten Hag has taken charge of 79 games and is averaging exactly two points per game at this moment in time.

Erik ten Hag stats at Man Utd

Wins

50

Draws

8

Losses

21

Goals scored

139

Goals conceded

99

Therefore, it seems to make sense to give the manager more time to turn things around, especially after such a good first year in charge which saw the club win silverware and finish in the top four.

Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta may have a "great" opportunity to sign an "interesting" alternative to transfer target Douglas Luiz.

Gunners target new midfielder for 2024

The north Londoners are reportedly keen on signing a new midfielder in 2024, with Thomas Partey looking likely to be sidelined for an extended period after undergoing a specialist procedure (Fabrizio Romano).

Partey's injury, coupled with rumours that the Ghanaian could even leave Arsenal in the winter window, has apparently prompted Arsenal to look to January in search of more midfield depth.

Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is one name on Arteta's radar, with the Brazilian long admired by sporting director Edu and Arsenal's boss. However, this will be a difficult deal to pull off mid-season, as Luiz recently signed a new five-year contract. Villa possess all the negotiating power as a result, coming after they tried and failed to sign the player 18 months ago (The Mail). As a result, perhaps Arsenal would be better looking elsewhere.

Arsenal have "great" Andre opportunity

As per journalist Dean Jones, writing for GiveMeSport, the north Londoners may have a "great" opportunity to swoop for Fluminese midfielder Andre as Liverpool stall on the asking price. The Brazilian side are apparently willing to sell too, with Andre himself keen on a move to England.

"The Partey situation, in terms of having to replace him, has been in the background at Arsenal for a year now, so the club definitely have targets identified at varying levels of cost that they can turn to," said Jones.

"Andre is an interesting one here because there definitely has been attention dedicated to his situation and if he is going to make a move, it makes sense that it will be in January because of the way the calendar works in Brazilian football.

"The player is keen to move to England and at a time when Liverpool are wavering over his valuation, this could be a great moment to strike as the other main competition will be Fulham. Fluminense are willing to sell and given the player’s profile and expectations and growth potential, I think he would be a decent fit for what Arteta is building towards. There is the obvious link of Edu that connects Arsenal and the Brazilian, so that could prove helpful and he certainly seems more attainable than the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz in the January window."

Andre hailed as "unbelievable talent"

The 22-year-old has been hailed as an "unbelievable talent" by sections of the English press (Nathan Joyes), so it's clear to see why Arsenal have the player on their list of transfer targets. Journalist Fernando Campos has also called Andre the "best midfielder" in his country right now.

Passing

Dribbling

Through balls

Concentration

"Pressure and playing with the confidence of someone who knows they are different. Get out of the way and make the team work. André Trindade is the best midfielder in the country and is a monster of a player."

Off the pitch, the chaos has continued for Manchester United this season, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe still negotiating a possible takeover of the club to finally bring an end to the reign of the Glazers.

Meanwhile, when it comes to performances, things have been slightly concerning on the pitch. Erik ten Hag's side are on the brink of a Champions League exit and sit outside of the Premier League's top four. That said, they were the league's form side heading into the international break as they scraped wins over the likes of Brentford and Luton Town to ease the pressure on their manager. Ten Hag may still need reinforcements and reports suggest that United are willing to offer one potential addition a major deal to bring him to Old Trafford.

Man Utd transfer news

United have many problems, but one issue that has remained since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson is their recruitment. They've got it wrong on far too many occasions, aimlessly splashing the cash. Even under Ten Hag, they've spent big money on the likes of Antony and more recently Mason Mount, who has struggled at Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano shares injury update out of Man Utd, says it's "great news"

United have endured their fair share of injury struggles over the last few months.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2023

The next two transfer windows offer the Dutchman the chance to make up for that poor recruitment, however, which could see the arrival of one particular star. According to Sport, via The Faithful MUFC, Manchester United are prepared to offer Antoine Griezmann treble what he currently earns at Atletico Madrid, which would result in a salary of around an eye-catching £690,000-a-week.

The Frenchman reportedly has a release clause of just €25m (£22m) and although those in Spain expect him to sign a new deal, a move to Old Trafford is reportedly tempting for the World Cup winner.

What could be an added incentive for Griezmann is the chance to follow in the footsteps of one particular United legend. Griezmann's idol was David Beckham and the opportunity to wear the number seven shirt could tempt the forward into a move to the Manchester club.

"Extraordinary" Griezmann could be Ten Hag's solution

The Atletico Madrid man could seemingly solve many of Ten Hag's problems in attack. Griezmann's stats prove that he is a step above United's current options, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojound in the league this season.

Player

Goals

Assists

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Antoine Griezmann

8

1

12

49

Marcus Rashford

1

1

44

31

Rasmus Hojlund

0

0

8

10

It's no surprise that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is a big fan, with the Argentine saying via Goal:

"You have to go back and remember seven days before the World Cup, how he played in the first game [in the Copa del Rey] we had. He did it with the same dedication, the same commitment.

"Antoine always wanted to be here. He regained the affection of the fans; [on] the field [he] speaks, and it is a good image for his teammates, wanting them to reach an important level. He is an extraordinary player despite the fact that many, many, thought otherwise."

Wolverhampton Wanderers' midfield has seen quite a big transformation in recent seasons. Having had Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker battling it out among the best players in the Premier League in the middle of the park, supporters now watch Mario Lemina, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Joao Gomes regularly.

Moutinho, in particular, was a symbol that Wolves meant business under the Fosun Group. Having played at clubs such as Porto, Monaco and Sporting CP, the acquisition of the experienced midfielder made a few clubs stand up and take notice, given Nuno Espirito Santo's side were just promoted to the top-flight when the Portugal international joined the club for merely £5m.

The Midlands club certainly got their money's worth as the veteran remained at Molineux for five seasons before departing on a free during the recent summer window. However, the club may currently possess the heir to Moutinho's throne.

Moutinho's stats at Wolves

Despite being on the wrong side of 30 when he joined from Monaco in 2018, Moutinho went on to make 212 appearances for Wolves throughout his five-year stint at the club which is more than he made at Porto. Interestingly, in all five Premier League campaigns, the Portuguese midfielder missed merely 15 games, playing all 38 league matches in his first two seasons.

Despite having three managers at Molineux, Moutinho maintained his place in the team right up until the very end.

2022/23

36

2,074

2021/22

39

3,206

2020/21

36

2,781

2019/20

57

4,598

2018/19

44

3,444

Stats via Transfermarkt

There was a slight drop in game-time towards the end of his spell with Wolves, but this is understandable given he was 36 when he left the club a few months back. Furthermore, at Wolves, Moutinho became a key creative outlet for the team, recording 25 assists for the club, including 21 in his first two seasons, according to Transfermarkt.

Wolves have tried to replicate Moutinho's quality on the pitch by purchasing Joao Gomes from Brazilian outfit Flamengo back in January for £15m but no player has quite managed to reach his standards just yet. However, there may be one youngster out on loan who is waiting to fill the Portuguese's boots.

Luke Cundle's stats this season

Having broken through the academy in 2019 to make his competitive debut, Luke Cundle featured seven times for the Old Gold overall before being handed the first loan spell of his infant career at Swansea City in the Championship. It was in Wales that the Swans' former head coach Russell Martin was left hugely wholly impressed with Cundle's ability, describing the player as "intelligent" and "technically gifted".

Upon returning, the 21-year-old wasn't in Wolves boss Gary O'Neil's plans for the forthcoming season and was sent back out on a temporary basis, this time to newly promoted second-tier outfit Plymouth Argyle. With the Pilgrims, Cundle has been excelling and has bagged four goals and five assists in 18 appearances in all competitions, which is more goal contributions than any other Wolves player.

Statistically, the Wolves loanee is performing better than Gomes this season and is keeping up with Moutinho's record from the previous campaign.

Goals

0.33

0

0

Expected Goals

0.16

0.03

0.07

Assists

0.55

0

0.1

Expected Assists

0.13

0.04

0.1

Progressive Passes

3.63

2.84

6.67

Progressive Carries

1.98

0.53

1.16

Progressive Passes Received

5.05

0.53

1.62

Key Passes

2.09

1.89

5.3

Passes To Penalty Area

0.44

0.63

1.16

Passes To Final 1/3

3.52

1.89

5.3

Pass Completion %

83.4

81.7

80.4

Stats via FBref

In possession, the 5 foot 7 Cundle is much closer to the diminutive Moutinho than Gomes and is a more similar player to the parted Portuguese than the Brazilian. Given his impressive displays for Plymouth, O'Neil should certainly look to bring Cundle back as soon as possible to be the rightful, yet perhaps surprise heir to the veteran's throne.

To say that Leicester City have bounced back well from Premier League relegation would be an understatement. The Foxes have matched high expectations to put themselves on course to win the Championship title and secure promotion at the first time of asking under new boss Enzo Maresca. After keeping hold of some of the crucial parts of their squad, albeit whilst losing James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, the pressure was on. But pressure has created a diamond season for Leicester so far.

Now, they are reportedly turning their attention towards further reinforcements and potentially weakening those around them in the push for promotion. And that could see one particular target arrive in the January transfer window.

Leicester City transfer news

Leicester did well in the summer to only lose Barnes and Maddison when it came to their best players and, in turn, they spent the money they gained through those sales fairly well. The Foxes welcomed the likes of Harry Winks, Stephy Mavididi and Issahaku Fatawu to hand Maresca a side capable of securing a comfortable promotion campaign. Now eight points clear in the automatic promotion places, Leicester will already be thinking about next season's Premier League battle. First, though, they could weaken a promotion rival.

According to TeamTalk, Leicester are eyeing a move to sign Sunderland right-back Trai Hume. The Black Cats could reportedly sell the 21-year-old for profit, before asking Timothee Pembele to step into his shoes. Leicester aren't alone in their interest, either, with Burnley and Leeds United also reportedly eyeing a move for the Sunderland man.

It remains to be seen whether Leicester will make an offer for Hume, but it's certainly clear to see why the full-back has attracted such interest, given his age and Championship experience already throughout his young career. When the January transfer window opens, the Northern Irishman could be one to keep an eye on.

"Fearless" Hume could replace injury-prone Pereira

As things stand, Leicester's current right-back is Ricardo Pereira, who has more than enough quality for not only the Championship but the Premier League. The issue with Maresca's current option is his ability to stay fit. Pereira's injury history suggests that the Foxes need an adequate back-up to step up in the key moments.

Their current star has missed 27 games last season as Leicester suffered Premier League relegation in his absence. If Maresca's side are to stay up if they secure promotion this season, then they will need a more reliable option. Hume's stats show that he would be more than capable of being that option too.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Interceptions

Trai Hume

25

94

39

27

Ricardo Pereira

24

69

28

20

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough had nothing but good things to say about the right-back after his international debut, saying via Chronicle Live:

"Trai was fearless. It was almost like another Conor Bradley when he first came in. No fear and he went at his man. He also managed to get on the end of a cross and the keeper had to parry one out. I also enjoyed it when he was in possession as well. Trai came on with ten minutes left and it's difficult to get into a game never mind make your debut, but he's gone at the full-back, got a cross in and got on the end of something at the back post."

Glasgow Rangers face their most important match of the season so far as they take on Aberdeen in the League Cup final at Hampden this afternoon.

The Ibrox side haven’t won the competition since a 2-1 victory over Celtic in 2011 and the 12-year wait must end this weekend.

Philippe Clement’s men warmed up for the clash by defeating Real Betis 3-2 in Seville and this will give them plenty of confidence heading into the tie.

One thing is for certain, Sam Lammers must drop to the bench for the final as he struggled in midweek.

Sam Lammers’ game in numbers vs Real Betis

The Dutchman played the full 90 minutes yet took only 36 touches and completed just 16 passes all match, indicating how wasteful he was when the ball was at his feet.

Rangers' 8/10 maestro was the real hero alongside Roofe vs Betis

Rangers secured a stunning victory in Spain over Real Betis on Thursday evening

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 15, 2023

The 26-year-old also managed to lose possession 15 times during the encounter and this can't be afforded against Aberdeen today.

Lammers failed to generate any sort of attacking contribution as he failed to take a single shot along with delivering just one successful cross, and he must be dropped to the bench.

Todd Cantwell missed the Europa League clash due to personal reasons, but he will hopefully be back available and should be unleashed against the Dons.

Todd Cantwell’s season in numbers

The £22k-per-week gem hasn’t quite enjoyed the most fruitful of seasons in front of goal, scoring just once across all competitions, although he has managed to register four assists.

There were a few occasions where Clement deployed him on the right wing and this didn’t exactly suit his skill set, and it culminated in the Englishman being subbed after just 36 minutes against Aris Limassol last month.

Following that match, he reverted to his preferred number ten role, and it worked wonders against St Mirren just a few days later as he made four key passes and created a big chance during the win.

Lauded as a “god given” talent by his former youth coach Gary Cockaday during his early years spent at Norwich City, Clement will be hoping he is raring to go this afternoon.

The Gers don’t have the best of records against Aberdeen this term, failing to win either of their domestic clashes so far and the 3-1 loss at Ibrox back in September proved to be the final straw for Michael Beale.

His sacking has allowed Clement to take over, and he has reinvigorated a stagnating side and, with one crucial victory already this week, another win at Hampden today would boost the club heading into the next few games.

Cantwell must be given the nod over Lammers and he ranks fourth across the squad for key passes (1.6) and for successful dribbles (1.1) per game in the top flight this season.

While not at his sparkling best, Cantwell has shown flashes of his talents under the Belgian and with the chance to win his first trophy with the Light Blues, the 25-year-old will surely be up to the task.

Manchester United are in the market for high-profile additions in January and could now look to strengthen their forward line under Erik ten Hag, according to a report.

Manchester United prepare for January…

All things considered, the last few days haven't been too bad for Manchester United after Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed to buy his 25% stake in the club, with football operations now set to come under the banner of INEOS, alongside £236 million becoming available to redevelop Old Trafford.

On the pitch, the Red Devils picked up a much-needed 3-2 victory over Aston Villa to move up to sixth in the Premier League table following a dramatic late strike from Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund; however, Ten Hag will be keen to ensure his side inherit adequate cover in the January window to equip them for the second half of the campaign.

Plenty of rumours are starting to do the rounds regarding potential targets at Old Trafford and the acquisition of a striker has been floated as a major area of priority.

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

Timo Werner

1st December

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi moving to Manchester United would be "box office" amid recent links connecting the player and club, as he stated to the outlet: "I’ll be honest, while the signing would be box office I can’t see someone like Icardi arriving as we head towards January but across the course of next month a lot can change."

Now, a separate report has emerged claiming that the Red Devils have an alternative target in mind as Ten Hag looks to give support to Hojlund.

Manchester United want Viktor Gyokeres

According to reports in Portugal cited via Sport Witness, Manchester United are keen on Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and could look to trigger his €100 million (£86.6 million) release clause in the January transfer window, which would leave Sporting powerless.

Labelled "brilliant" by former boss Mark Robins, the 25-year-old has been in some excellent form this term, registering 17 goals and eight assists in 20 appearances for his new club (Gyokeres statistics – Transfermarkt).

Viktor Gyokeres key statistics in 2023/24 – Liga Portugal (Sofascore)

Expected goals

5.82

Shots per game

2.9

Shots on target per game

1.3

Expected assists

2.25

Big chances missed

3

Average match rating

7.85/10

The outlet claim that the Sweden international has promised to see out the season at the Portuguese giants, something which will mean that the Red Devils will need to put a good argument across as to why he should swap the sunnier climbs of Lisbon for Old Trafford; nonetheless, hype continues to build over his next destination.

Scandinavian have a long, proud history at Manchester United and Ten Hag could now once again turn to an individual from the region to help add some extra firepower to his forward line in January.

Rangers are believed to be working on a deal to sign a "fantastic" new goalscorer in the January transfer window, as a twist emerges in the rumours surrounding Belgium international Michy Batshuayi.

Rangers chasing new strikers

The Gers still have a number of weeks to conduct some important transfer business this month, with Fabio Silva already arriving at the club on loan from Premier League side Wolves. Ibrox chiefs have been eyeing a stunning move for former Premier League winner Batshuayi, as Philippe Clement searches for attacking reinforcements, having sent Sam Lammers out on loan.

Another attacking player who has been linked with a move to Rangers is Lawrence Shankland, who is enjoying a highly impressive season for Hearts currently. He has scored 13 goals in 21 Scottish Premiership appearances in 2023/24, outscoring anyone else in the division in the process, and looks like an individual who is coming into his prime years.

The 28-year-old is also now a seven-cap and two-goal Scotland international, successfully making the leap to the international stage, and he will hope to feature prominently for his country at Euro 2024 this summer.

Shankland's head could potentially be turned by a switch to Ibrox midway through the campaign, and while talks have appeared to have cooled lately, a fresh update suggests that the transfer could be back on the cards.

Lawrence Shankland to Rangers update

According to Football Insider, Rangers are now back working on a deal to bring Shankland to Ibrox this month, having pulled out of signing Batshuayi, and the Scot is even keen on joining.

Shankland is someone who could be a game-changer of a signing in the Scottish Premiership title race this season, given the firepower he would suddenly give Rangers between now and May, and beyond for that matter.

His stats this season show what a potent player he is, and he could flourish even more playing alongside superior players than at Hearts, going up a level in his game. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed him as a "fantastic finisher", and the former Liverpool boss could be concerned at the prospect of the Gers snapping him up.

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Philippe Clement is still seeking offensive reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jan 12, 2024

That being said, Hearts will clearly be desperate to keep hold of Shankland until at least the end of the season, such is his influence at the club, so Rangers may have to spend big to get their man. The fact that his current deal expires in the summer of 2025 does give them some hope of getting him a little cheaper, but it would still be a surprise if that happened.

There is a feeling that a hugely influential figure at Newcastle United could leave the club, according to a key update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have had a disastrous season so far in truth, having struggled to replicate their brilliance in the Premier League and crashed out of the Champions League group stages.

Eddie Howe has been dogged by endless injuries to important players, and it has led to tiredness within the squad due to a lack of rest, and that has heightened the need for new signings to arrive in the January transfer window.

Newcastle have been linked with plenty of players, with VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy an exciting target who has taken the German Bundesliga by storm this season, scoring 17 goals in just 14 appearances in the competition. A move for Kalvin Phillips also isn't out of the question, with the 28-year-old looking almost certain to leave Manchester City this month and a loan exit appearing to be most likely for the time being.

Meanwhile, sporting director Dan Ashworth is the man who has played a pivotal role in the Magpies' transfer business of late, having taken up the role just under two years ago, but a key update has now emerged regarding his future.

Dan Ashworth could leave Newcastle

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Jacobs admitted that there is an increasing feeling "within the industry" that Dan Ashworth could leave Newcastle for pastures new, with Manchester United looking his most likely next destination.

He said: "The feeling within the industry is that an approach will come and the feeling within the industry is that Newcastle wouldn't stand in Ashworth's way if he wants to move. But Ashworth did an interview only a few months ago saying he's happy at Newcastle and he likes the project.

"But clearly what helps is not only Manchester United's history and the INEOS factor, because Ashworth knows them well, but also the fact that Newcastle may not be able to build on last season. So Newcastle qualifying [in] back-to-back seasons for [the] Champions League is one thing, but Newcastle ninth in the table, and not able to consolidate on last season, versus Manchester United with fresh new plans under INEOS might just tempt Ashworth."

This is clearly a concerning update for anyone of a Newcastle persuasion considering the impact that Ashworth has enjoyed at the club, having such a strong relationship with Howe and playing a key role in the signings of some wonderful players in a short space of time.

Former United defender and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has heaped praise on him in the past after bumping into him at a match, saying of the 52-year-old:

"He transformed the FA’s structure, set Brighton up for this incredible period of success and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle. He’s competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s doing. Will work with his coach, recruitment team and other departments coherently and calmly."

PIF eyeing Newcastle move to sign "incredible" Sunderland talent

The Magpies could make a return for an old target…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 5, 2024

Newcastle surely must do all they can to retain Ashworth's services given the superb job he has done, but if he feels the club are going backwards and wants to test himself at Old Trafford, it could be hard to keep him.