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Celtic head into the final international break of the year off the back of a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead under Martin O’Neill in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The interim head coach has won both of his league games in charge of the club by a 4-0 scoreline, and those two results have left the Hoops seven points behind Hearts in the table, with a game in hand.

Celtic now have an international break to assess their managerial situation after Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation last month, following a 3-1 defeat to the league leaders.

The Hoops may decide to go with a longer-term option in their bid to overtake Hearts and claim the Premiership title once again, rather than allowing O’Neill to see out the remainder of the season.

Celtic set to make move for managerial target

In fact, a fresh report suggests that the Scottish giants are making moves to bring in a new head coach to take O’Neill’s place and replace Rodgers at Parkhead.

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According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are set to make a formal approach to appoint Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen as their next permanent boss this season.

The report claims that the Hoops are ready to make a move for the Norwegian tactician after they learned that he is keen on taking a step up in his career, and that a move to the club would match his ambitions, because of their budget and European football.

TEAMtalk adds that his contract at Bodo/Glimt is due to expire in January, meaning that compensation now would be minimal, but it does not reveal whether or not he would want to see out the final two games of the Eliteserien season.

Why Celtic should appoint Kjetil Knutsen

The Hoops should appoint the Norwegian boss, who Johan Mjällby claimed would be the “perfect fit”, because he could come in and crush Hearts with his track record of winning titles.

Knutsen’s Bodo/Glimt side are currently one point behind Viking in the Eliteserien with two matches left to play, and they have won the title in four of the last five full seasons.

2025

28

64 (2nd)

2024

30

62 (1st)

2023

30

70 (1st)

2022

30

60 (2nd)

2021

30

63 (1st)

2020

30

81 (1st)

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic target knows what it takes to win domestic leagues and to coach a team to achieve success on a consistent basis, which is exactly what the Hoops will be looking for in their next head coach.

The Scottish giants are currently seven points behind Hearts, but that could be four if they win their game in hand, and there is still plenty of football left to be played before the end of the season.

Bodo/Glimt had never won the Eliteserien before Knutsen took charge of the club, and now they are serial winners who have dominated the league for the past five or six years.

Celtic would be hiring a proven winner who can lead a team to glory, even in difficult circumstances, given that his club had never won a league title before his arrival, which is why he could be the dream appointment to crush Hearts this season.

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Therefore, the Bodo/Glimt tactician could be the perfect man to come in and win the league title for the Hoops, despite the position they find themselves in, because of his impressive track record when it comes to winning league titles.

Unlike in recent years when Everton have been engulfed in misery when times have been tough, there will a hope in the air that David Moyes can turn around his side’s blip in form in the Premier League.

After all, the Toffees did slip up against two top sides in Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in recent matches, with Everton arguably only a few positive results away from being back in the early top-four reckoning in the league standings.

The Scotsman also has the likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye at his disposal, who have the immense quality to get their side out of some sticky situations, on top of further possessing ex-Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the number ten slot.

Moyes has often been spoiled rotten with his midfield choices on Merseyside across his two spells in charge; therefore, with plenty more standout talents coming to mind who are yet to be named…

Everton's best midfielders under Moyes

The Glaswegian will just be praying his team aren’t loitering in the bottom half of the division for too long, having once been responsible for a top-four finish during his first spell in charge, alongside two memorable fifth-place finishes.

Marouane Fellaini would be a consistent bright spark during his side’s fifth-place finish come the end of the 2008/09 season from the middle of the park, as the eccentric Belgian collected a weighty 12 goal contributions from 30 league outings.

Moyes was also able to call upon the likes of Mikel Arteta for some quality centrally, before he took on management at Arsenal, while also possessing a similar Fellaini-like hero in Leon Osman, who seemed to always pop with a magic strike for the Toffees in a moment of crisis.

Right now, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner could be viewed as solid members of the Scotsman’s side centrally, with Garner managing to win eight duels last time out against Spurs to be seen as a battler for his team’s cause, as per Sofascore, despite the final outcome.

But, there is one emerging midfield talent at the Hill Dickinson Stadium right now, who will seriously excite those behind the scenes with what he could be capable of, as he potentially goes on to be Everton’s own version of Crystal Palace hotshot Adam Wharton.

Everton could have their own Wharton in "abnormal" star

Not too long ago, Wharton’s name wouldn’t have been that well-known among avid Premier League fans.

But, after a breakout season on the books of Blackburn Rovers in the Championship during the 2023/24 season, which saw him collect five goal contributions and win an average of 4.8 duels per league contest, the 21-year-old was catapulted to top-flight stardom with Crystal Palace, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Indeed, Wharton has continued to stylishly go about his business right at the very top of English football, with a sublime five big chances created by the “generational” talent – as he was once branded by Matthew Stanger – already this season, continuing on his absurd rise which has also seen him be capped by England at a senior level.

Thankfully, Everton won’t need to splash out a rumoured £100m on Wharton to bag themselves a talent of his ilk, with homegrown gem Harrison Armstrong in line to be Moyes’ own version of the masterful youngster, if all goes to plan.

Games played

8

Games started

5

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches*

35.0

Accurate passes*

20.1 (82%)

Ball recoveries*

3.0

Total duels won*

3.9

Much like Wharton, Armstrong has looked a cut above in the Championship in Lancashire, only this time with Blackburn’s near rivals Preston North End, as the Lilywhites loanee has won a strong 3.9 duels on average when battling in the middle of the pitch this season, alongside further looking assured with the ball at his feet with an 82% pass accuracy notched up.

He has yet to grab a goal or an assist for Paul Heckingbottom’s men, but he does have that in his locker too, as he bids to be a Premier League-calibre talent very shortly, despite only being 18 years of age, with three assists already tallied up from minimal senior chances on Merseyside.

Lauded as being “abnormal” for “how good he is” for his age by one analyst, the proof will soon be in the pudding as to whether Armstrong can return to Everton and kick on like Wharton managed at Selhurst Park.

Both Wharton and the 18-year-old sensation could even line up alongside each other for the Three Lions down the line, with recent claims suggesting that Armstrong “will play for England one day”.

Like Wharton before him, the teenager Evertonian is currently ripping it up in the second tier – hopefully it’s not long before he’s doing the same back at the Hill Dickinson.

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Chivas are in one of their best runs in recent memory. Since Gabriel Milito’s arrival as manager, the red-and-white side has rediscovered its identity, becoming one of the Apertura 2025’s most exciting teams. With six wins in their last seven matches, El Rebaño currently hold a direct Liguilla spot and will close the regular season with a high-stakes clash against Monterrey.

Getty Images SportChivas close the regular season on a strong run

Few teams in Liga MX have shown as much progress this season as Chivas. The club’s resurgence under Milito has been remarkable, and goalkeeper Raúl Rangel believes this version of is ready to compete for everything.

In an interview with FOX, the young goalkeeper highlighted the team’s growth and the mentality shift that has come with it:

"Honestly, I’ll tell you – yes, I think we’re capable of great things. The team looks good, you can see the improvement, the maturity. Players like Sandoval, ‘La Hormiga’ González, and now Richy Ledezma have really stepped up. At first, it took them some time, but now they look solid, confident, and composed," said the Mexican international.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport"We’re going to be a team no one will want to face"

Rangel also had a message for Chivas’ potential opponents in the postseason. Confident in the team’s form, he believes no one will want to draw in the knockout rounds.

"We’re going to be a team no one will want to face – a team that’s been getting stronger every week. Aside from Toluca, we’ve gone toe-to-toe with every top side in the league," he said. 

Getty Images SportRangel confident this team can compete for the title

The goalkeeper made it clear that Chivas’ mindset is all about going for the title – something the club hasn’t achieved since 2017.

"Chivas have to think about being champions. That’s what we work for every tournament; it’s always the main goal," said Rangel, who also hopes to secure a place in Mexico’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Finally, he spoke about the mentality Milito has instilled in the squad during this final stretch of the campaign.

"The message has been clear – stick to the game plan from Day 1. The coach told us to treat every match like a final, and we still have one more to go against Monterrey. That’s been our approach: playing each game with full commitment and maximum seriousness," Rangel said. 

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Chivas will close out the regular season at home against Monterrey, aiming to secure valuable points to maintain their direct spot in the Liguilla.

نجح الدولي النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي في تسجيل الهدف الثاني أمام بورنموث ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويستضيف مانشستر سيتي، مساء اليوم الأحد، بورنموث، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.

وتقام المباراة على ملعب “الاتحاد” في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف بتوقيت القاهرة السابعة والنصف بتوقيت مكة المكرمة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من البريميرليج.

ونجح مانشستر سيتي في تسجيل هدف أول في الدقيقة 16 من عمر الشوط الأول من المباراة الجارية في الوقت الحالي ضد بورنموث.

وتعادل بورنموث في الدقيقة 25 عن طريق اللاعب أدامز، مستغلًا خطأ دوناروما.

وفي الدقيقة 33 أضاف إيرلينج هالاند الهدف الثاني له ولمانشستر سيتي بعد انفراد تام بمرمى حارس بورنموث، ليكتب التقدم مرة أخرى لصالح الفريق السماوي. هدف هالاند الثاني لصالح مانشستر سيتي أمام بورنموث في الدوري الإنجليزي

A manager who Oliver Glasner described as “amazing” is now being targeted by Manchester United as a replacement for Ruben Amorim.

Amorim under fire after Brentford defeat

After the 3-1 defeat against Brentford over the weekend, Amorim is under fire once again, with Jamie Carragher describing the 40-year-old’s time at the club as a “disaster”, and suggesting it is “inevitable” he will be sacked.

It is also revealed that just one of the 17 ever-present Premier League clubs have collected fewer points than Amorim since his arrival at Old Trafford, underlining just how poor Man United have been under the helm of the former Sporting CP boss.

Alan Shearer has suggested that the only reason INEOS haven’t dismissed the manager already is because they don’t want to admit they got another decision wrong, saying: “I genuinely believe that the owners or the people that are running the club at the minute have made that many errors in the last two years or 18 months since they’ve been there. It would look terrible to admit another error and sack (Amorim).”

That said, the United hierarchy are clearly now planning for life after Amorim, with a report from The Sun revealing that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler is now under consideration as a replacement for the Portuguese manager.

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INEOS are said to have drawn up a three-man shortlist, which also includes Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, with the board evidently keen on bringing in a proven Premier League manager.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still backing Amorim for the time being, but contingency plans are now being put in place, with Hurzeler one of the managers being targeted, having performed well at Brighton, leading the Seagulls to an eighth-placed finish last season.

"Amazing" Hurzeler impressing in first Premier League job

At 32-years-old, the Brighton boss is the youngest manager in the Premier League, but he has shown maturity beyond his years, with Glasner being left particularly impressed by the work his opposite number has done in England and Germany.

The Palace manager said: “He did an amazing job in Germany with St. Pauli. Also, what I always like with every manager is when you can see a clear style of playing and this is what he implemented in Germany, in St. Pauli, and what he implemented here with Brighton.

“He does a fantastic job there.”

The German has averaged 1.70 points per match during his time with the Seagulls, having taken charge of 53 matches, suggesting he would be a big upgrade on Amorim, with the United boss averaging 1.35 over 49 games with the Red Devils.

With the former St Pauli boss preferring to implement a 4-2-3-1 system, appointing the up-and-coming manager could mean a welcome return to four-at-the-back for Man United, amid widespread calls for Amorim to tinker with his system.

That said, it would be a risk to appoint Hurzeler, given his age, with United perhaps in need of a more experienced manager, who has a proven track record at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Liverpool made some statement signings during the summer and are now fighting Manchester United to sign a Barcelona teenager.

Liverpool prepare to face Burnley in the Premier League

The international break is now over and supporters of Premier League clubs will be delighted to see their clubs back in action this weekend as the top-flight season begins to take shape.

Before their blockbuster Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool travel to Burnley on Sunday as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season under Arne Slot.

In a match that could signal Alexander Isak’s introduction for the Reds after joining from Newcastle for £125 million, Jermaine Pennant has taken the bold step of claiming the Sweden international is a better forward than Harry Kane.

He stated: “No, I would say Isak. Just because over the years, Harry Kane’s numbers in the Premier League have been fantastic, golden boots galore, but Harry Kane now, right at this minute, is not a better player than Alexander Isak.

“He’s not better than Haaland either. Isak is the best number nine in the world. When he’s fit, give him some games, give him some time.”

Recent developments suggest that Real Madrid’s interest in Ibrahima Konate is growing by the minute, albeit it remains to be seen whether replacing the France international is something that will leap to the top of their agenda amid his uncertain contract situation.

Regardless, Liverpool have maintained a keen focus on securing new arrivals at the expense of their Premier League rivals and could look to complete the trick once again as they pursue one of the world’s rising stars.

Liverpool battling Man Utd to sign Barcelona's Dro Fernandez

According to reports in Spain,Liverpool are battling Manchester United to sign Barcelona rising star Dro Fernandez, who has shot to prominence this term after rising through the ranks at La Masia.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also courting the 17-year-old, and he is a regular in the La Liga giants’ second string. Making the step up to first-team level, he also scored against Vissel Kobe in pre-season.

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Dubbed “very special” by former coach Luis Perez, who likened Fernandez to Catalan icon Andres Iniesta, the attacking midfielder has two years left on his contract at Barcelona and is viewed as a prospect worth exploring due to his tactical understanding and efficient decision making in the final third.

Intriguingly, the next few months are said to be crucial to his future, and Liverpool appear to be positioning themselves for a swoop amid their excellent success rate when offering young talent opportunities to make their mark at senior level.

Spain Under-17 international Fernandez appears to be someone that could become a topic of conversation on the market, though it remains to be seen if the Reds can beat rivals such as Manchester United to his signature.

This match will have a huge say in who reaches the Sheffield Shield final and the home side spent the whole day in the field

Tristan Lavalette07-Mar-2025

Kurtis Patterson helped earn New South Wales a valuable lead•Getty Images

Kurtis Patterson stared down hostile bowling from quick Lance Morris on a tricky WACA surface and batted almost through day two in an indefatigable effort as New South Wales built a handy first innings lead against Western Australia.In a pivotal Sheffield Shield fixture, NSW reached stumps on top with captain Jack Edwards and Chris Green making invaluable contributions before the close.Related

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After 13 wickets fell on the opening day, the match appeared to be moving at warp speed in echoes of last month’s remarkable WA-South Australia clash at the WACA – the shortest outright result in Shield history.NSW teetered at 26 for 4 in reply to WA’s first innings of 196 before No. 3 Patterson, who was dropped twice, rescued the innings with unwavering powers of concentration to make 86 from 262 balls. He survived an onslaught late on the opening day before defying WA’s strong attack until he finally fell to Morris in the final hour of play.Patterson departed short of a deserved century, but continued his outstanding Shield season where he has now tallied 697 runs at 69.70. Patterson had an intriguing battle with Morris, who straddled sharp pace and control to good effect and finished with 4 for 25 from 18 overs.Morris, playing a rare back-to-back Shield match, does have a restriction of around 30 overs per game coming off a stress fracture last winter as well as a quad strain late in the pre-season. “I think I’m going to be a little bit restricted [bowling for the rest of NSW’s first innings], need to keep a few [overs] up the sleeve if we want to try and chase a result,” Morris said after play.Just 0.24 points separated second-placed NSW and WA before this round began with a victory for either team putting them in pole position to reach the final.Resuming at 17 for 3, NSW were initially in a battle for survival on day two but WA were left to rue an early chance off Patterson when Sam Fanning dropped a tough catch at short leg.Lance Morris was a threat but his workload is being managed•Getty Images

Nighwatchman Liam Hatcher, the second used in the innings, succumbed quickly when he was late on a short delivery and miscued to quick Cameron Gannon, who dived forward to take a sharp return catch in his follow through.Having claimed two wickets during a fiery spell late on the first evening, Morris bowled angrily after the earlier missed chance off his bowling. He consistently bowled around 140kph and bent his back to ensure the ball sizzled past the helmets.Matthew Gilkes unwisely took his eyes off the ball on one particularly fierce short delivery from Morris and copped a blow to the grill. He was shaken but stuck it out and provided good support for Patterson, who dropped anchor and scored just eight runs off his first 50 deliveries.After such a torrid time against pace bowling, his eyes lit up when offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli came into the attack and he swept superbly to finally get the WACA’s legendary scoreboard ticking over.But Patterson had more fortune on 27 when Fanning dropped another tough chance at short leg much to the despair of Rocchiccioli, who occasionally produced sharp bounce and turn.Patterson and Gilkes batted cautiously after the resumption knowing that wickets fell in clumps at the same stage on the previous day. The surface appeared to be flattening and an increasingly confident Patterson started to trust driving as he reached his half-century off his 156th delivery with a lovely stroke through the covers.The milestone – rare in recent times at the WACA – received strong applause from his team-mates in the terraces, notably Sam Konstas who earlier in the day’s play had been mobbed by kids desperate for selfies.WA looked out of answers until the 93-run partnership – lasting over 41 overs – was broken seemingly out of nowhere. Gilkes, who earlier had almost been run out, turned slowly on the second run and was short of his ground after a brilliant throw from Jayden Goodwin at fine leg was collected at the stumps by wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.It gave WA an opening, but NSW were still confident given they had plenty of batting still at their disposal having used up two tailenders for nightwatchman roles. Playing against his former team, Josh Philippe was aggressive against the old ball and clubbed a massive straight six into the ground’s construction site leading to a brief stoppage.Philippe’s run-a-ball 26 ended when the towering Gannon showcased his athleticism with his latest brilliant catch at gully. But WA’s bid to wrap up the innings was thwarted by Edwards as NSW batted through the day’s play against the odds.

Manchester United still have work to do in the transfer window and may now have the opportunity to offload another of their high earners, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd impress despite opening day defeat to Arsenal

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but Ruben Amorim can take plenty of encouragement from the way his side managed to maintain an adequate level of intensity during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

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Speaking on Match of the Day, he reiterated his belief that the Red Devils were the better team on the day, even if they ultimately came up short against Mikel Arteta’s dogged outfit in their opening Premier League encounter.

He stated: “We deserved more and we were the better team, that is clear but in the end we lost. We need to work on the things we need to improve. We need to defend set pieces. We did a lot things right.

“There are a lot of things without seeing the video that we need to work. I am really proud of my players. We were more aggressive and brave. In certain moments I think Bryan (Mbeumo) and Cunha helped a lot. We stuck to the plan even when the stadium is nervous, we continued to play the way we played and that will help us in the future.”

Altay Bayindir’s error between the sticks was all that separated both sides, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that talks have been initiated for Manchester United to re-sign David De Gea as a potential fix to their goalkeeper situation.

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However, with their move to sign Carlos Baleba stalling, outgoings have become a priority at Old Trafford, and Amorim could now have the opportunity to get rid of a star who isn’t part of his long-term plans.

Romano: Roma make contact to sign Tyrell Malacia

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has confirmed Roma have initiated contact to sign Tyrell Malacia from Manchester United to bolster their pool of left-back options. Importantly, and unlike their move for Jadon Sancho, the player is keen on the move.

Besiktas are also interested in the Red Devils’ outcast, who earns £75,000 per week at Old Trafford and is part of the infamous ‘bomb squad’ that Amorim would like to offload should appropriate interest arise.

Plagued by injury since joining under Erik ten Hag, Malacia has featured only 47 times for Manchester United and has struggled to make a lasting impact at the club.

Last term, he spent the second half of the campaign on loan at PSV Eindhoven and made 12 appearances across all competitions, and he could now be set for another exit sooner rather than later.

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Celtic have been chasing a striker all window and could now be set to land an experienced goalscorer who has his heart set on a move to Parkhead, according to a report.

Brendan Rodgers responds to Celtic transfer speculation

Brendan Rodgers has been asked plenty of times about transfer speculation this window and the questions aren’t about to stop any time soon, given his side need to secure arrivals to prepare them for a two-legged Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty.

Speaking after his side saw off Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup last week, the Irishman stated in his press conference that he is hopeful arrivals will come in sooner rather than later to bolster his squad.

He said: “Hopefully would be the answer to that. We have right up until, I believe it’s the day before the game, to change our squad so hopefully that can be the case. We hope that we can improve it, and hopefully by then we will do.”

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s loan from Manchester City was the last signing Celtic made, albeit West Ham United star Andy Irving is open to joining the Bhoys if he is allowed to leave the London Stadium before the end of the window.

Royal Antwerp star Michel-Ange Balikwisha is also on the Bhoys’ radar and may be a solution out wide. However, it remains to be seen how the Scottish Premiership champions go about strengthening in the forward areas.

Plenty of work remains to be done ahead of the close of play, and Celtic could now be well in contention to land a striker who has seen and done it all across his distinguished career.

Jamie Vardy has his 'heart set' on move to Celtic

According to The Sun, Jamie Vardy has his heart set on a move to Celtic and is reportedly desperate to reunite with Rodgers before the window closes, with the Hoops boss hoping to make a move.

West Ham United, Wrexham and Brentford are also keen on the free agent, who has enlisted the help of a personal trainer to keep fit since his departure from Leicester City.

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The ex-England international believes he can play on for another season or two and will hope to replicate his goalscoring exploits south of the border, where he has netted 244 times across all competitions for club and country.

Last term, he hit the net ten times in 36 appearances, showing he still has plenty left to give in someone’s forward line despite turning 38 at the start of the year.

Now, it remains to be seen if Celtic can push a deal over the line, though the fact Vardy is seemingly relishing a shot at life north of the border will fill supporters with optimism.

Newcastle United are just over one week away from kicking off their 2025/26 Premier League season, facing Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies fanbase will be hoping for a little more depth to match Eddie Howe’s vision and maintain the trajectory that yielded triumph in last season’s Carabao Cup and a fifth-place league finish, rolling out the carpet for a second Champions League campaign in three years.

Previously, there was an onus on adding quality to the Magpies ranks. Now, there’s an urgent need for quantity as United gear up for the new campaign.

Alexander Isak’s future rumbles like a dark cloud over St. James’ Park, heightening the desperate situation at the front of the ship. After so many missed lunges, the situation is dire, although recent reports suggest talks have been held with Chelsea over the potential transfer of Nicolas Jackson, which could be next on the agenda.

Marc Guehi and Malick Thiaw have also been named as defensive targets, but Howe may yet need to sign a centre-midfielder too.

Why Newcastle need a midfielder

Last month, Newcastle sold the homegrown Sean Longstaff to Leeds United in a £12m move. The 27-year-old was always going to remain behind Howe’s star midfielders, but the engine room has been thinned all the same.

Joe Willock was forced off during Newcastle’s pre-season fixture against Team K League while in South Korea, and though fears of an Achilles injury have been allayed, he will still be sidelined for “a number of weeks,” said Howe.

With these things in mind, it would be worth adding a bit more quality to add to Bruno Guimaraes’ engine room, to be sure.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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And as per the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Magpies are now ‘considering a move’ for Aston Villa’s John McGinn. The former Hibernian man is high on the list of targets as Howe looks to head into the new season with enough depth in the centre.

Unai Emery won’t want to sell his skipper, but PSR could loosen Villa’s resolve, and the temptation of Champions League football might convince the player too.

Everton were previously interested in a £30m deal this summer, but their acquisition of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall means Newcastle have a great chance at sealing a shrewd transfer.

What John McGinn would bring to Newcastle

McGinn has completed 285 appearances since leaving Hibs for Aston Villa way back when, scoring 30 goals and supplying 40 assists.

And over the past few years, he’s been one of the most important cogs in Emery’s system, not just the captain but a “very good example” for younger players to follow, as was said by his Spanish manager.

FBref have even recorded that McGinn’s complete range of qualities means he is cut from a similar cloth to Guimaraes, who has been such a stalwart in the centre for Howe’s Newcastle over the past several years.

Looking at the pairs’ respective Premier League campaigns, there’s certainly a likeness.

Premier League 24/25 – Bruno Guimaraes vs John McGinn

Stats (* per game)

Guimaraes

McGinn

Matches (starts)

38 (38)

34 (27)

Goals

5

1

Assists

6

4

Touches*

64.0

34.9

Pass completion

84%

87%

Big chances created

12

6

Key passes*

1.4

0.9

Dribbles (success)*

0.9 (56%)

0.6 (61%)

Ball recoveries*

4.9

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

3.0

1.4

Duels (won)*

6.4 (52%)

4.1 (55%)

Data via Sofascore

McGinn’s energy and enthusiasm are not easily captured by statistical analysis, though, with his prowess as a “midfield machine”, as was once noted by reporter Ashley Preece, something that comes from his off-the-ball movement, his tenacity and his work ethic.

Another thing about the Scotland international is that his athleticism lends itself to alternative roles down the left flank, which is something that would give Howe an extra dimension and the opportunity to field both players together, with Guimaraes feeding McGinn.

Guimaraes might have more technical mastery, but both players are strong and commanding and confident on the ball, with the Brazilian actually described as being “at the heart of everything good” for the Toon by club legend Alan Shearer.

So too has McGinn’s progress in claret been synonymous with Aston Villa’s period of success.

McGinn has been a staple in the Premier League for many years and would unquestionably bring energy and impetus to Howe’s squad. Given his Guimaraes-like attributes and invaluable leadership skills, getting a deal done pronto feels crucial at this stage.

That curtain-raiser at Villa Park just got a bit more interesting, eh.

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Posts 2 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025