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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has overseen a real revival at St James’ Park since his appointment just over a year ago, having taken the Magpies from fearing for their safety at the foot of the table to now being well-placed for Champions League football.

While many will point to the club’s investment in that time under the new ownership as the recent factor behind that success – having notably spent over £100m in the summer window – that has potentially done a disservice to the Englishman’s coaching credentials, with the 44-year-old having seemingly rejuvenated a number of players already at the club in recent times.

The likes of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron – who has netted eight league goals this season – have been the obvious names to have flourished since the former Bournemouth boss walked in the door, although that duo are not the only figures to have enjoyed a real resurgence of late.

Another to have blossomed at St James’ Park in the last 12 months or so is centre-back, Fabian Schar, with the Switzerland international – who is set to feature for his country at the World Cup – having been a bedrock of the Tynesiders’ success this season.

The 30-year-old has formed a rock-solid partnership alongside summer signing Sven Botman so far this term, with the pair helping to form part of a backline that has shipped just 11 league goals this season – the joint-best record in the division to date.

The 73-cap sensation had initially joined the club on a £3m deal back in the summer of 2018, although was unable to truly impress during his time under former boss Steve Bruce, with journalist John Gibson suggesting that the experienced ace had been a “walking mistake” at times in the past.

As Gibson also pointed out, however, that has since been “eliminated from his game” during Howe’s tenure, with the player himself admitting to having benefitted from working under the Amersham-born visionary, having previously come close to joining his manager at the Cherries in the past.

The Newcastle boss himself has also been pleased by what he has seen from the £40k-per-week colossus, suggesting that the club were able to pull off an “incredible piece of business” with their initial, bargain capture of the centre-back.

The astute nature of that swoop has been laid bare by the fact that Schar is now believed to be worth around £8.7m, according to CIES Football Observatory, with that a 190% rise from his initial cost.

That illustrates just how the Magpies truly did strike gold by bringing the 6 foot 2 ace to England from La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna just over four years ago.

Scottish champions Celtic spent much of the recent window being linked with a move for Bristol City starlet, Antoine Semenyo, with the striker’s agent having even seemingly been in contact with the Parkhead outfit earlier this year.

Despite the Hoops’ potential interest in the promising youngster, no such move came to fruition as the forward ultimately stayed put at Ashton Gate, with the Championship side’s reported £15m valuation a possible sticking point.

Having seemingly opted against a move for the 22-year-old over the summer, the Old Firm outfit could well be tempted into striking a deal in January, amid reports that the Ghanaian could now be worth just £5m amid the impending expiry of his contract with the Robins.

Nigel Pearson’s side are said to be willing to cash in during the winter window in order to avoid losing the three-cap gem for nothing at the end of the season, with Rangers having also now reportedly joined the race for his signature.

Those back at Celtic Park would likely love to steal a march on their Glasgow foes and strike a deal for Semenyo sooner rather than later, with the Chelsea-born sensation having warranted such interest amid his sparkling form over the past year or so.

The 2021/22 campaign proved particularly impressive for the former Newport County loanee as he netted eight times and provided 12 assists in all competitions, having proven himself something of a “nightmare to play against” as a result of his speed and strength, according to his manager.

While the versatile forward – who can play through the middle or on the flanks – has arguably not been as prolific so far this campaign, with just four goals and one assist, that impact was hampered by an early season injury.

Adding the imposing and powerful marksman to his squad could provide Postecoglou with another string to his attacking bow, with the forward line having at times been somewhat one-dimensional with an array of diminutive talents.

The former Yokohama boss himself had even quipped that many of his side “will struggle to get on any ride at Disneyland” due to their small stature, hence the need for a greater focal point such as Semenyo in attack.

The latter man’s addition could also help to shunt fellow forward Daizen Maeda further down the pecking order, with the Japan international having infuriated some with his profligacy so far this season, notably squandering three big chances during the club’s Champions League run.

The 5 foot 8 speedster – who can also feature out wide or in a centre-forward berth – was notably criticised for his display against Ross County in the club’s final game before the World Cup break, with journalist Ben Banks writing that he had shown ‘very little end product’ on the day.

That has seemingly been a theme for the eight-cap menace in recent times, amid his European woes, with securing a quality upgrade such as Semenyo potentially an ideal solution for those at Paradise.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence could make a loan move away from the north London club during the upcoming January transfer window, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: A slow start for Spence

Spurs signed the 22-year-old back in the previous summer transfer window from Middlesbrough on a five-year deal worth a reported fee of up to £20m.

Since then, the Englishman has only played three minutes of Premier League action for Antonio Conte’s side across three separate games.

This highlights that the youngster is not particularly high in the pecking order as things stand, and it appears as though a January loan move could be on the cards.

The Latest: A January exit?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones had this to say on the matter.

“I’ve said since the day he arrived that Spence would probably be loaned out in January. It was always going to be a long path getting into this team, particularly under Conte, who’s got a bit of a different development plan to other players that were brought in this summer.”

The Verdict: An ideal move

Taking into account the lack of minutes that Spence has had since joining the north London club, it could be an ideal move for him if he were to leave in January on loan and join a club where he’d be able to play regularly.

With Conte having the likes of Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty in his squad, unless there are any injuries, it would be difficult to see the summer recruit’s situation at Spurs change any time soon.

Moving forward, with the January transfer window approaching, if the Lilywhites can loan the right-back out and give him the chance to play regular football, this would certainly be a suitable move for all involved.

Journalist Gregg Evans has responded angrily to the news that Douglas Luiz’s red card in Aston Villa’s defeat to Fulham has now been rescinded.

The Lowdown: Luiz’s red card rescinded

The Villans suffered a dire night at Craven Cottage on Thursday, losing 3-0 in their Premier League clash, leading to Steven Gerrard’s dismissal after the match.

Villa’s misery was compounded when Luiz – hailed as a “transformed” player by Gabby Agbonlahor earlier this year – was sent off for an apparent headbutt on Aleksandar Mitrovic following a VAR review, making life even harder for them on the night.

Since then, the Brazilian’s red card has been overturned, meaning that he will no longer face a suspension and is available to face Brentford on Sunday.

The Latest: Evans not impressed

Taking to Twitter, Evans was left perplexed by the news, in terms of the red card being shown at the time and ultimately costing Villa on the night.

In response to a clip from Sky Sports Premier League announcing the reversal of the decision, The Athletic journalist tweeted:

“Unbelievable. Get it right in the first place.”

The Verdict: Simply not good enough

This sums up the ineptitude and inconsistency of VAR, with the much-discussed technology surely in place to ensure that red cards never have to be rescinded.

Essentially, the decision to send Luiz off may have been the difference between Villa getting a result, and duly Gerrard losing or keeping his job, such are the fine margins of football.

Granted, he would still likely have been sacked given the vocal supporter unrest on the night, but rescinding a red card further down the line is only beneficial after a match, when it could – and should – happen during the game instead.

West Ham United are one of the most famous clubs in English football, but do you know which celebrities and sportsmen you’re likely to spot at 3pm on a Saturday at the London Stadium?

The Hammers have not got off to the start that they would have hoped for heading into the 2022/23 Premier League season.

After seven matches, David Moyes’ side are in the relegation zone in 18th place; a hugely disappointing start to the campaign given their £163.8m summer spend, which saw the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca arrive in east London.

The international break gives the Irons the chance to reset and recharge as they look to make a resurgence in the league after an underwhelming start to the campaign. Fans will be hoping to see their new signings fit and firing when club football returns to E15 on October 1 – if Moyes does end up putting his trust in the new faces at Rush Green.

In the meantime, why not procrastinate with a little test? It’s simple! All you have to do is tell us which celebrities are really West Ham fans in the quiz below!

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will likely be keeping a close eye on his players who are on international duty this week, with some members of the Magpies squad potentially able to stake their claim for a more prominent role at club level by impressing for their country.

One man who has already caught the eye for their national team is forward Ryan Fraser, with the Scotland international having produced a stunning late cameo to help fire Steve Clarke’s side to victory over Ukraine in Wednesday’s Nations League clash at Hampden Park.

The 28-year-old had initially been named on the bench for last night’s encounter, although more than made the most of his brief outing on the pitch, having provided two assists in his 14-minute appearance.

With the home side already ahead through Aston Villa skipper John McGinn’s driven effort, the diminutive winger then twice teed up fellow substitute Lyndon Dykes with two delightful inswinging corners, with the towering striker duly heading home on both occasions.

That impactful display saw the Newcastle man lay on those two assists from a total of just ten touches – including only three passes – with that showcasing the type of quality the £9m-rated man can produce in the final third.

As journalist Dominic Scurr stated, the £35k-per-week ace was well and truly “back with a bang” on the international stage, having been absent from the Scotland set-up since pulling out of a squad last year with injury, only to then be pictured in training for the Tynesiders just days later.

Now firmly back in Clarke’s good books, the former Bournemouth gem will likely be hoping it can lead to a more prominent role back at his club, having largely been a bit-part player since his arrival in the northeast on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.

While last term saw the Aberdeen-born speedster reunited with former Cherries boss Howe, he was still unable to secure a greater role in the side, having made just 18 Premier League starts during the 2021/22 campaign.

The early weeks of the new season have seen the 5 foot 4 wide man make just three starts from the opening seven league games, with that involvement having largely only come as a result of an injury to teammate Allan Saint-Maximin.

The expectation is that once the Frenchman returns Fraser will then be sacrificed, although his current form could well see him moved over to the right flank rather than the left, with playmaker Miguel Almiron seemingly not an out-and-out option in that wide berth.

With two games still left to play for his country before league action resumes, the 22-cap gem could well go on to further illustrate his potent attacking threat.

Manchester United are edging closer to the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, and his arrival at Old Trafford could allow Erik ten Hag to finally get rid of Scott McTominay.

What’s the word?

After links emerged earlier in the week, talks between United and Real Madrid have accelerated, and it now seems likely that the 30-year-old will join Ten Hag’s side this summer in a deal potentially rising to €70m (£59.4m).

Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Friday morning: “Manchester United are working to get Casemiro deal approved in the next hours – medical expected within 48 hours, once Real Madrid will approve the proposal. Four-year deal for Casemiro, option for further season also confirmed. €60m & €10m add-ons bid on the table.”

Will Casemiro be a good signing?

Casemiro has been a mainstay in Real Madrid’s side since signing for Los Blancos from Sao Paulo in 2013. He has gone on to make more than 330 appearances for the club and has won an impressive five Champions League titles, so it is clear that he is a serial winner.

The “world class” midfielder – as described by journalist Josh Bunting – was in excellent form for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season as they won La Liga, making 32 appearances as he averaged a superb 7.26 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

That was the third-highest rating of anyone to feature more than three times in that triumphant league campaign.

The Brazil international vastly outperformed McTominay, who averaged a 6.89 rating in the Premier League. The Scotland international also averaged fewer tackles (2.5 vs 0.8), shots (1.3 vs 0.9) and clearances (1.8 vs 0.8) per game than Casemiro last season, which suggests that the Real Madrid man is a much better defensive midfielder than the 26-year-old.

McTominay’s shocking performances in the opening two fixtures of the current campaign – which have seen him average a paltry 6.44 WhoScored rating – emphasise that he is not good enough to be a regular in Ten Hag’s midfield.

Paul Scholes was highly critical of the midfielder’s performance in the 2-1 defeat against Brighton, saying: “McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.

‘I was happy he didn’t get sent off [for a high challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again he’s running with the ball, absolutely ridiculous.”

The 25-year-old, who reportedly earns £60k per week at Old Trafford, could well find his game-time limited by the impending arrival of Casemiro; and if the Brazilian’s deal goes through in time for him to feature against Liverpool on Monday, the shambolic performance at Brentford – which included one particularly woeful pass – could be the last we see of McTominay in a United shirt.

Italian newspaper and broadcaster La Gazzetta dello Sport have shared a big money West Ham United transfer update involving free agent defender Dan-Axel Zagadou.

The Lowdown: Hammers in defender hunt…

As reliably reported, the Irons and manager David Moyes are determined to sign a new central defender amid their worrying shortage in that department.

Summer signing Nayef Aguerd is currently on the treatment table with Angelo Ogbonna also fighting his way back to full fitness at the London Stadium.

Craig Dawson, meanwhile, has just one year remaining on his current deal and concerns surround the fitness history of fellow centre-back Kurt Zouma.

Ben Johnson, a natural full-back, was tasked with partnering Zouma against Premier League champions Man City last weekend – prompting West Ham to scour the market in search of more options.

The Latest: West Ham ‘ready’ to offer big money for Zagadou…

After earlier reports claimed talks had taken place over a move for Zagadou, the Italian press have in the last 48 hours shared a major update on West Ham’s determination to strike a deal.

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La Gazzetta claim the east Londoners are now ‘ready to put many pounds on the table’ in a bid to convince the free agent to join West Ham following his release from Borussia Dortmund.

The Verdict: Right move?

Dependent on the offer they send his way, if Zagadou can put his past injury history to bed, he could end up being a shrewd capture.

A physical specimen, standing at 6 foot 5, the 23-year-old has been praised for his pace as well with ex-Dortmund boss Marco Rose calling him ‘excellent’ earlier last season whilst hoping he’d pen a new deal (via Fansided).

Moyes will be weighing this move carefully but La Gazzetta at least make it clear that West Ham are willing to back him with a big offer.

Everton are set to battle it out with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Maxwel Cornet from Burnley, according to Guardian journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Cornet’s season

Arriving at Turf Moor after six-and-a-half years with Lyon, the Ivory Coast international went on to become a bright spark in a struggling Clarets side.

Last season in the Premier League, the 25-year-old found the net nine times in 26 appearances, scoring more than a quarter of his team’s top-flight goals.

However, following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, a whole host of top-flight clubs have been monitoring Cornet with a potential swoop in mind this summer.

The Latest: Aarons’ claim

Aarons has shared an update regarding the growing interest in the Ivorian winger.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Understand it is between Everton and Forest to sign Maxwell Cornet from Burnley. Everton had loan bid rejected last week”

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The Verdict: Great potential coup

With a £17.5m release clause now active following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, Cornet would be a great signing for the price considering his attacking contributions.

After the 25-year-old scored twice in his team’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City last season, Sky Blues manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the winger, claiming that he was “very impressed by the talent of Maxwel Cornet”.

Considering Everton’s struggles for goals last season, his arrival at Goodison Park would be welcomed, as nine goals in the Premier League for a relegated team with little attacking threat demonstrates his clinical ability in the final third.

Manchester United are interested in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Times, who understand that the 25-year-old is of high interest to Erik ten Hag and features on a wish list of targets.

Improving his midfield is a matter of priority for the new boss, with Christian Eriksen also noted as a player he would like to bring to Old Trafford.

It is unsure how intense the interest in Tielemans is from United, but as the midfielder has just one year left on his contract, a reported asking price of £25m.

Imagine him and Bruno

Youri Tielemans has impressed since his permanent arrival at the King Power Stadium back in 2019.

He has provided a creative spark in the Leicester midfield, acting as a calming presence in the middle of the park.

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This, alongside the wildcard Bruno Fernandes could help the Portuguese star to recapture his form from 2020/21, where he attained 29 goal contributions.

His 7.08 average SofaScore rating in the league outlies him as a consistent performer, and also notched up six goals and four assists last season.

He is the complete midfielder and would complement Fernandes perfectly. The two could form a formidable partnership, which could further be bolstered should United complete their reported move for Frenkie de Jong.

He has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances in English football and was dubbed “outstanding” by his manager Brendan Rodgers. He further went on to label him as “one of Europe’s top midfielders.”

When ranked amongst other midfielders, it’s clear to see why as he ranks in the 94th percentile for shots totalled and the 88th percentile for progressive passes per 90.

He stands out as a creative force from deep, which is something United have been missing over the last couple of years, as Scott McTominay and Fred have held down both spots and offered little creativity.

If Ten Hag can tempt Tielemans and reported target Frenkie de Jong, both can combine to facilitate the upturn in form for Fernandes and help propel United back up the table after a disappointing season.

AND, in other news: “New contact..”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge MUFC transfer update, imagine him & Sancho.