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CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has said that a Newcastle United move for James Maddison is still ‘one to watch’ in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Tottenham interest

There have been recent reports of interest from Tottenham Hotspur in Maddison, who could look to do a deal in January.

The St. James’ Park outfit have also shown an interest in the Leicester City attacking midfielder since the summer, even having a formal bid rejected.

The Latest: ‘One to watch’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs has shared that the North East club’s valuation of Maddison in the summer was up to £15m under, but despite Spurs’ emerging interest, they are still ‘one to watch’ in January:

“The valuation was, as I understand it, 10 or 15 million under Leicester’s at the point when they made the bid last window, but they’re one to watch still to see if they reignite that interest and are prepared to pay above valuation for a player with huge potential.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Given how close Tottenham and the Tynesiders are in the Premier League table, signing Maddison ahead of their rival could give the latter an edge for the second half of the season.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the midfielder boasts an impressive six goals and two assists in the top flight in a side struggling near the foot of the table (Transfermarkt), and as alluded to by Jacobs, still has a massive potential at just 25 years of age.

The Magpies should be able to afford his £110,000-per-week wages as well, and so they should not be thinking twice about a deal if Maddison becomes available in January.

Leeds United’s American influence could give them the edge when trying to sign Weston McKennie from Juventus, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Leeds

The 24-year-old has struggled to make himself a key figure at Juventus, even though he has started eight Serie A games this season, so an exit from Turin could be imminent.

Leeds are one of the clubs who have been linked with acquiring McKennie’s signature as Jesse Marsch looks to bolster his squad options, potentially in January.

A new update from another journalist has further suggested that the USA international could end up in a Whites shirt.

The Latest: Leeds could have one advantage

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke backed Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta to sign McKennie because of the strong American contingent already at Elland Road in the form of manager Jesse Marsch, fellow players Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, and the stakeholding of 49ers Enterprises.

The journalist outlined:

“I’m sure Leeds will try and use that American connection to try and help any deal to get over the line if they do pursue a move for McKennie.”

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The Verdict: Could certainly help

While the American factor clearly won’t be the only reason for Leeds potentially signing McKennie, it probably can’t do any harm overall.

The fact that Marsch, Aaronson and Adams are all compatriots could make it easier for the Juventus man to settle if he comes to Elland Road, and a move to the Premier League may also appeal to him.

It isn’t overly difficult to envisage McKennie joining Leeds, although the fact that he is currently at a Champions League club could mean that he wants the same elsewhere, having been described as ‘dangerous’ on set pieces by Clint Dempsey.

The Whites’ cause may also be hindered by their current struggles, which have seen them plummet into the Premier League relegation zone.

Sunderland spent four years in the third tier of English football as they struggled to get out of League One following their relegation from the Championship in the 2017/18 campaign.

In the 2018/19 season, the Black Cats brought in a host of players as they looked to bounce straight back to the second division at the first time of asking.

They signed the likes of Tom Flanagan, Jon McLaughlin, Charlie Wyke, and Will Grigg and had mixed success with their business, although they failed to land promotion at the end of the season.

One of the players they snapped up that summer was central defender Jack Baldwin, who arrived at the Stadium of Light from Peterborough.

Jack Ross was the manager at the time and said: “Jack is proven in this league and he’s at a good age with his best years ahead of him, and he has a hunger to improve and do well. He sees this as a big opportunity and has the core attributes we have been looking for.”

He quickly established himself as a regular fixture in the team and played 34 times in the third tier throughout the course of the campaign, making 42 appearances in total, with journalist Josh Bunting once describing him as “outstanding.”

However, they then opted to loan him out to Salford in League Two, much to the frustration of some of the fanbase, before the Black Cats decided to release him in 2020, allowing the defender to join Bristol Rovers on a free transfer, as Phil Parkinson seemingly did not have the player in his plans.

After a year with Rovers, Baldwin sealed a move to Premiership side Ross County in the summer of 2021 and then-manager Malky Mackay claimed that he is in the “prime of his career”, which has been proven by his impressive performances on the pitch.

He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.88 in his debut campaign as he played 30 times in the Scottish top-flight, making 5.2 clearances per game. This term, he has averaged a rating of 7.02 across six outings – making 4.2 clearances and 5.4 tackles and interceptions per match.

Meanwhile, no natural Sunderland centre-back with five or more appearances has averaged a score higher than 6.88 in the Championship this term and that was also the case in League One last term – with Bailey Wright leading the way on both fronts.

This suggests that Baldwin would be the club’s top performing central defender, or at least on par with Wright, in his current form, which is why allowing him to leave for nothing was a blunder by the Black Cats.

Sunderland could have held out hope for the 6 foot 1 defender until he hit the prime years of his career and then enjoyed his impressive defensive talents on the pitch. Instead, they received £0 for him and Ross County are now benefitting on the pitch in Scotland from their mistake.

They should regret ditching the enforcer and may be wondering how well he would be doing in the current team under Tony Mowbray.

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks over a potential deal to sign Yannick Carrasco before the transfer deadline on Thursday night…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Telegraph’s chief football correspondent Jason Burt, who claims that Spurs manager Antonio Conte has long admired the Belgian international and is attempting to strike a deal before the end of the summer window.

It’s also believed the Lilywhites tried to sign the 28-year-old from Atletico Madrid on deadline day in January but the LaLiga outfit were unwilling to sell him at that point.

Carrasco has a release clause in the region of £51.2m but last time, the Spaniards were looking for around £25m to let him leave and the player has made no secret of his desire to one day play in the Premier League.

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Perisic 2.0

Interestingly, the report goes on to state that the 6 foot 1 dynamo would be utilised as a right wing-back as further competition for the divisive Emerson Royal; someone who Conte was reportedly not keen on earlier this year, as per The Times.

In Carrasco, a winger by trade, the Italian could well be seeing his next Ivan Perisic, who under his stewardship went from being a winger all his career to a wing-back at Inter Milan – and now the pair have reunited in north London with the Croatian still acting as his first-choice left wing-back.

The Belgium star is a hugely versatile talent as shown by the five different roles he played for Atletico last season.

Across 44 appearances, he was deployed on both flanks – both as a wing-back and as a natural winger – as well as upfront as a striker. He delivered six goals and seven assists, per Transfermarkt.

FBref even liken his statistical profile to that of Perisic, so it’s easy to see why Conte would be ever so keen to land him in a late move this week.

When compared to other wing-backs across Europe, the £42.5m-rated wizard ranks within the top 2% for non-penalty goals (0.14), the top 2% for shot-creating actions (3.76) and the top 1% for touches in the opposition’s box (5.39) per 90.

That clearly highlights his ability to get on the ball and cause havoc in the final third, something that Conte wants to see from his wing-backs and something that is perhaps lacking in Emerson, who has managed just three goal contributions in his 45 appearances for Spurs.

Carrasco, who was once described as a “complete player” by his manager Diego Simeone, is also more than capable in his defensive duties, having averaged two tackles and one clearance per game in 2022/23 so far, via WhoScored, so he could well be the perfect complement to Perisic at Hotspur Way.

As such, sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to get this late swoop over the line before the 11pm deadline on Thursday.

The Perisic-like Carrasco and the Croatian himself would be a mouth-watering and rather attacking wing-back pairing in the English top-flight. Conte wants him, so the Italian supremo has to now deliver.

AND in other news, Paratici could undo Spurs’ summer business in “shock” move for £30m “headless chicken”…

West Ham United could be interested in a move to bring Christian Pulisic to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way (via West Ham Zone) that, with the 23-year-old forward reported to be free to leave Chelsea prior to September’s transfer deadline, David Moyes would be interested in making a move to bring the USA international across to east London in the coming weeks.

However, the Hammers insider went on to suggest that, with the Blues having been very difficult to deal with in the transfer market so far this summer, whether or not Moyes will be successful in his attempts to lure the former Borussia Dortmund talent to the London Stadium remains up in the air at present.

Dream Vlasic replacement

With Nikola Vlasic looking set to end his turbulent year-long spell at West Ham via a loan switch – which includes a €15m (£12.5m) option to buy – to Serie A Torino, it would not be surprising to see Moyes enter the market for a new versatile attacker over the remainder of the summer transfer window.

And, while Pulisic – who can operate on either wing and through the middle – has not exactly set the world alight following his £58m move to Stamford Bridge back in January of 2019, the 23-year-old has shown signs that he could represent something of a dream replacement for the outbound Croatia international.

Indeed, over his 22 Premier League appearances – only 13 of which came as starts – last season, the £37.8m-rated talent scored six goals, registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

For comparison, over Vlasic’s 19 league fixtures in 2021/22, the £19.8m-rated forward scored just one goal, provided no assists and created no big chances, as well as taking an average of 0.4 shots, making 0.5 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per outing.

As such, it is clear to see that the £150k-per-week forward who Hakim Ziyech dubbed “crazy” would be quite a considerable upgrade upon the £69k-per-week Vlasic, leading us to believe that, should there be a chance of Moyes landing the 50-cap international this summer, he must do all he can to take it.

Sky Sports journalist and Newcastle United supporter Pete Graves has been left thrilled by the decision to give Eddie Howe a new contract.

The Lowdown: Friday contract

As confirmed by the North East club on Friday, Howe has signed a new long-term contract at St. James’ Park.

Sporting Director Dan Ashworth commented on the deal, claiming that he is ‘delighted’ and that it is ‘great news’ for the Tynesiders, singing Howe’s praises in the process.

The Latest: Graves thrilled

Taking to Twitter shortly after the news was announced, Graves simply reacted with the word: ‘Buzzing’.

It was a timely announcement, as Howe and his team now prepare to face newly-promoted Nottingham Forest at home in their opening game of the new Premier League season.

The Verdict: Deserved

Howe’s new contract is certainly deserved, given the work that he has done so far.

As the Magpies mention in their announcement, the team had not won a match in the top flight when he took over back in November of last season, before he helped guide them to survival and a comfortable 11th-placed finish in the end.

Howe was also given the Manager of the Month award in February after an unbeaten run, and will now be aiming to take his side into the top half come the end of this campaign, and perhaps even push for the European places.

Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, has made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Leicester City playmaker James Maddison.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing attacker?

After sealing a plethora of deals already this summer transfer window, despite seemingly focusing on outgoings this week, it is believed that Spurs may not be done in trying to bring more players through the door.

Indeed, The Evening Standard suggest that while sales are currently priority, sporting director Fabio Paratici could yet target another central defender and creative attacker for manager Antonio Conte.

Foxes star Maddison has been mooted as a Premier League target recently with reporter Jones now hinting that the Lilywhites could well pull a deal off before deadline day.

The Latest: Jones drops Maddison hint…

Speaking to GMS, the journalist claims Spurs have made contact over Maddison, who would come at a marquee cost, but a deal for the player ‘would not be impossible’.

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He explained:

“I’m told Spurs have touched base over Maddison and a deal would not be impossible but it would cost them a lot of money. Probably more than they would want to spend. But you never know, the door isn’t closed.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

Described as ‘unplayable’ on his day by pundit and former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, the Englishman would be a stellar capture for Spurs on top of an already impressive window.

According to WhoScored, Maddison stood out as manager Brendan Rodgers’ best-performing regular over 2021/2022 whilst making more key passes per 90 than any of his teammates.

The 25-year-old’s productivity in the final third is further backed by his 12 goals and eight assists last campaign, and depending on the specific price tag, Maddison may well be worth the effort to sign.

Leeds United’s hopes of securing the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino have been shattered, following a recent update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

The transfer guru revealed on Twitter that the Japan international is set to secure a move to Ligue 1 outfit As Monaco this summer, despite having been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent months.

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He stated:

“Takumi Minamino deal, completed. He’s joining AS Monaco, permanent move from Liverpool now confirmed by Philippe Clement: ‘We’re really happy, he was our priority.’

“Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons.”

The 27-year-old – who joined the Reds on a £7.25m deal back in January 2020 – had previously worked under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, albeit with that connection seemingly not proving enough to get a deal over the line.

Supporters gutted

That news will come as a real blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with supporters having no doubt been hopeful that Marsch would be able to tempt his former asset into staying in the Premier League, following what’s been a mixed spell on Merseyside.

While the £10.8m-rated gem has failed to gain a regular role in Jurgen Klopp’s side – making just five league starts under the German in total over the past two-and-a-half years – Minamino had proved vital in the Reds’ recent domestic cup double, notably netting seven goals in just eight games in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, combined.

Equally, even with his lack of top-flight action, the £72k-per-week gem still managed to net three league goals in just 11 appearances last term, showcasing that he can be a real asset if handed the chance to be a first-team regular.

Marsch, in particular, is fully aware of the 42-cap gem’s talents, with the versatile speedster having scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in just 22 appearances under the American coach during their spell in Austria, notably providing five goal contributions in just six games under the 48-year-old in the Champions League.

Although that may have been a brief relationship, the former RB Leipzig boss would undoubtedly have been keen to rekindle it in Yorkshire, with the club seemingly in need of new attacking additions amid rampant speculation regarding the future of talisman, Raphinha.

While another former Salzburg man in Brenden Aaronson has also arrived through the door, the youthful playmaker is yet to taste Premier League football, hence the need to bolster the forward line with a player such as Minamino, who has experience of the English game.

Alas, sporting director Victor Orta and co will now have to prioritise alternative targets, with supporters left gutted that the 5 foot 9 menace won’t be trading Liverpool for Leeds this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “crucial” transfer development, it’s great news for Leeds

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Adama Traore once the summer transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Back at Wolves

The 26-year-old is now back at Wolves following his loan spell at Barcelona, as the La Liga giants decided not to trigger the option to sign him on a permanent deal.

It was not really a surprise, given that he failed to score in 17 games across all competitions and only managed four assists for the Blaugrana (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Everton interested in Traore

As per Football Insider, Everton have now registered their interest in Traore, and a recruitment source has revealed that they are ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation at Molineux.

The Toffees’ director of football Kevin Thelwell is thought to be a ‘big admirer’ of the winger, believing that he could add a ‘new dimension’ to Frank Lampard’s attack with his speed.

An outlay of £20m is likely to be enough to secure the Spain international’s signature, although Wolves could accept less.

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The Verdict: Risky

Traore possesses unique pace which would pose a challenge for any defender  – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dubbed him ‘unplayable’, and claimed that the 26-year-old’s speed in particular is ‘undefendable’.

However, his loan spell at Barcelona was not a successful one, and truth be told, he is far from prolific in attacking areas, notching just one goal and no assists under Bruno Lage before his move in January.

Nonetheless, the Spain international still has room for improvement at 26 years of age, and Lampard may be able to get the best out of him at Goodison Park.

In other news, find out who Everton are now in contact over signing here!

Finance expert Dr Dan Plumley has been left reacting to some ‘very disappointing’ news that he has now heard involving Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Ohio Cup cancelled

As per The Daily Mail, the proposed Ohio Cup pre-season tournament, in which the St James’ Park club were set to take part, has been cancelled by the organisers without much explanation.

The Magpies, who were due to play Wolves and two teams from La Liga – thought to be Villarreal and Valencia – were left fuming by the cancellation at such short notice, which has now left them scrambling over their pre-season plans.

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The Latest: Plumley reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley has given his reaction to the news, claiming that it is ‘very disappointing’ and a ‘blow’ for Newcastle to miss out on the cash windfall which would have stemmed from their participation in the Ohio Cup.

He stated: “It is a blow. They aren’t going to close the gap on the top four any time soon but they are trying to diversify and grow in other areas to boost their revenue and bridge the gap.

“This is really important for clubs like Newcastle who are going to be on the threshold of smashing the glass ceiling in future years.

“It might not be in the 20s or 30s of millions but it could be, maybe, £10m or so.

“A lot of planning and operation stuff goes into it. There is strategy and branding all tied into this. To have it cancelled without much in the way of the reason is very disappointing.

“They will now have to reset their planning, so you can understand the reaction.”

The Verdict: Not ideal

The cancellation of the Ohio Cup is certainly not ideal for Newcastle, even if it is just £10m or so that they have lost from its cancellation.

Eddie Howe and his squad would have already had plans in place for the trip, and they could have tested themselves against a Wolves side who finished above them in the Premier League table; and possibly Villarreal, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Nonetheless, they will now have to make new summer plans quickly, as they look to prepare themselves in the best possible way for what could be a big season ahead at St James’ Park.

In other news, one player is allegedly ‘close’ to joining NUFC