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Newcastle United were the first side to travel in person to watch transfer target Gabri Veiga and Celta Vigo could be powerless to stop the midfielder moving to Tyneside, according to a new report from Spain.

The Magpies have done brilliantly under Eddie Howe this season, losing just four games in the Premier League all season. Having drawn 11 times, there is also huge potential for Newcastle to improve and further threaten the so-called 'Big Six' given that they now dwarf every club in the world in terms of owner wealth.

What is the latest on Gabri Veiga to Newcastle?

AS journalist Manu Sainz reports that Real Madrid have bid for the 20-year-old but that he is not considered to be "close" to joining the Champions League holders. Given that Jude Bellingham is closing in on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, it would be surprising to see them sign another midfielder given the wealth of talent available to Carlo Ancelotti in that department.

Liverpool is another side mentioned in Sainz's report but he states that “Newcastle is a club that were the first to travel to Vigo to monitor him and you know they are willing to pay the €40m of his release clause".

Given Newcastle United's wealth since their takeover, it's unlikely that a €40m (£35m) fee would stand in the way of signing Veiga. Crucially, Sainz reports that with the ball in "Veiga’s court" – it's up to the player himself to decide between the three options at hand. If Newcastle submit a €40m (£35m) offer to trigger his release clause, Celta Vigo will be powerless to stop him leaving.

How would Veiga fit in at Newcastle United?

The Spaniard, dubbed a "very interesting" talent by scouts, is able to play in a variety of positions much like many other attackers in the modern game. While he is a natural attacking midfielder, he has played 64% of his games in central midfield this season. Signing him or a player of his profile would allow Newcastle greater tactical flexibility in-game – Veiga can play as a central midfielder, as a no.10, on the right wing and even played as a striker once this season.

In La Liga, Veiga has scored nine goals while laying on four assists for teammates. Howe has shown a preference for midfielders that can score as well as contribute to build-up play, though they also need to prove that they can play the ugly side of the game – Joelinton leads the top flight in yellow cards for example..

All in all, Veiga would be a fine signing especially if he's recruited with a view to alleviating stress and fatigue on starters with Champions League football all but guaranteed at St. James Park for the 2023/24 season.

عزز منتخب الإمارات من تقدمه بالهدف الثالث في مباراته أمام نظيره هونج كونج، خلال المواجهة التي تجمعهما اليوم الأحد، في منافسات كأس أمم آسيا 2023.

ويلتقي منتخب الإمارات مع هونج كونج، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من عمر مباريات المجموعة الثالثة لـ كأس آسيا.

وسجل هدف منتخب الإمارات الثالث أمام هونج كونج، يحيى الغساني في الدقيقة 95 من ركلة جزاء. هدف الإمارات الثالث أمام هونج كونج في كأس آسيا 2023

وكان منتخب الإمارات تقدم بالنتيجة عن طريق سلطان عادل في الدقيقة 33 من طريق ركلة جزاء احتسبها حكم اللقاء بعد الرجوع لتقنية الـvar بداعي لمسة يد.

وتعادل منتخب هونج كونج في الدقيقة 49، عن طريق لاعبه فيليب تشن، بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وكان زايد سلطان سجل هدف منتخب الإمارات الثاني، في الدقيقة 52.

Journalist Dean Jones has rubbished the idea that Newcastle United have any chance of landing Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia amid recent transfer links.

What are the latest rumours on Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

The Magpies have impressed many this term and look as though they could be playing Champions League football next term.

Indeed, with just eight Premier League games left to play, they currently sit fourth on the table, three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur despite having played one game fewer.

With that being the case, if they can finish inside the top four, Eddie Howe and his team will feel confident of landing some big names this summer when the market reopens.

Already, plenty of targets are already being touted. For instance, as per a recent report in The Telegraph Napoli pair Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are "admired” by the Magpies.

However, while talking on a recent episode of the Chasing Green Arrows podcast, insider Jones slammed the idea of either playing joining.

He explained (14:21): "There is absolutely no chance.

"Like, even if Newcastle are abandoning their careful spending, there is not enough money in the world to convince those two to go to Newcastle at the moment.

"I'm sorry, you are not there."

How much would Osimhen or Kvaratskhelia cost Newcastle?

Both players have had exceptional seasons as they look destined to win Serie A with Napoli, who are also currently still in with a shot at winning the Champions League.

Indeed, Osimhen has scored 25 goals in 30 games this term in total, while also claiming five assists – meaning he averages one direct goal contribution every time he plays.

Kvaratskhelia is operating on a similar level, with 14 goals and 16 assists in 34 outings in his debut season in Italy.

With that in mind, Newcastle won't be the only ones interested in the pair this summer. For example, Chelsea have recently been tipped to make a £100m bid for Osimhen.

On top of that, Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Christian Emile, has told Fabrizio Romano (via Goal): "He’s come to Napoli, he’s been brilliant, and people are talking about €100m (£88m).

"For me, if he continues to perform like this until the end of the season and next season, because there’s a 0% chance they sell him [in January]. He will reach €100m for sure.”

Thanks to their wealthy owners and possible European football next term, the Magpies might have the finances to splash that kind of cash next summer.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean these two would want to join Newcastle and Jones certainly doesn't think either one of the duo would trade Naples for Tyneside any time soon.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota leaving to join Premier League rivals Newcastle United is ‘out of reach’, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Magpies interest

The Portuguese forward only put pen to paper on a new deal last summer, meaning that his contract at Anfield isn’t set to expire until 2027, but he’s recently been linked with an exit having struggled to find form since returning from injury.

Football Transfers revealed earlier this month that the Magpies are considering a move for the 26-year-old later in the summer having identified him as someone that Eddie Howe would like to bring to St. James’ Park.

The Reds, however, do not wish to lose their attacker to one of their top-four chasing rivals as stated by the same outlet, but it appears that a move is off the cards anyway.

The Latest: Talbot’s verdict

Speaking during an exclusive interview with LFC Transfer Room, Talbot confirmed that Newcastle do indeed hold an interest in Jota, but suggested that any kind of deal is unlikely to happen due to a £70m price tag:

“He (Diogo Jota) is liked by the club (Newcastle) but it is probably out of reach. You can see why (Newcastle target him) he ticks a lot of boxes in terms of versatility, Premier League proven. It will be around £70m for that to happen.”

Expanding on his comments, the reporter continued to state that a move is ‘not going to happen’ as a result of Jurgen Klopp not wanting to let any other of his attacking options leave alongside Roberto Firmino at the end of the season.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Jota has been hailed a ‘superb player’ by journalist Josh Bunting and Liverpool need to do everything they can to keep hold of him beyond the upcoming summer window.

The Adidas-sponsored star has clocked up 49 goal contributions in 101 appearances since joining the Merseyside outfit, helping them get their hands on both the FA and League Cups along the way.

The Massarelos native also currently ranks in the 99th percentile for total number of assists and the 97th percentile for most touches in the attacking penalty area, showing just how much he contributes in the final third (FBRef).

Jota’s versatility to operate in five various positions and the fact that he’s comfortable being fielded anywhere across the frontline will be an attractive attribute to Klopp, and is yet another reason why the Reds shouldn’t let him go.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been offered the chance to bring Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

Julen Lopetegui made six new signings during the January transfer window but he will need to recruit further reinforcements in the summer regardless of if he’s able to maintain his side’s top-flight status.

The Uruguayan’s contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium isn’t set to expire until 2026, but being Ruben Amorim’s top-performing defensive player, he has caught the eye of the hierarchy at Molineux.

The Latest: Wolves offered Ugarte

According to reports in Europe (via Sport Witness), Wolves have been gifted the chance to sign Ugarte with his agent, Jorge Mendes, ‘offering’ him to Lopetegui.

Sporting are currently ‘refusing’ to sanction a sale, but the 21-year-old does have a €60m (£53m release clause) included in his deal.

Barcelona and other unnamed clubs are also in the mix, but with the super agent’s strong connection to the Midlands, this could be one to watch in the months ahead.

The Verdict: Neves successor?

The Athletic have reported that Ruben Neves could be heading for the exit after failing to be persuaded to sign a new contract, so should he depart, Ugarte could be the ideal successor.

Sporting’s gem is naturally stronger in the defensive aspect of his game, where he currently ranks in the 99th percentile for most tackles and also pass accuracy.

The Montevideo native would also provide flexibility having operated as a box-to-box central midfielder alongside his more natural number six role, making him a useful option to have in the building.

Ugarte has been dubbed a ‘Uruguayan Warrior’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and we believe he would be an excellent signing for Fosun should they successfully get a deal over the line.

Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos is still approximately three weeks away from returning to first-team action, according to journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Carlos missing most of the season

The 29-year-old was an exciting signing from Sevilla during last summer’s transfer window, with the hope being that would become the mainstay of Villa’s defence.

Unfortunately, Carlos managed just two Premier League appearances before rupturing his achilles back in August, and he hasn’t returned to action since then.

The Brazilian is working hard in his recovery, though, and it looks as though his comeback will arrive in March.

The Latest: Three weeks away

Writing in a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece claimed that Carlos could be available in three weeks’ time:

“Carlos…I think he’s still 3 weeks away from putting himself in contention to start. He’ll need some training time and perhaps some behind-closed-doors games, possibly for the U21s.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Villa

This is great news for Villa, with Carlos someone with the potential to be an upgrade on the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, being hailed as ‘amazing’ and ‘big’ by Kevin Campbell.

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He averaged 1.5 aerial duel wins per game in his two league appearances so far, while 136 appearances for Sevilla are a further testament to his pedigree.

Granted, Carlos will need time to get back into match practice and rhythm upon his return, meaning he likely won’t be at his best until next season, but Unai Emery will be delighted to have him back.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is reportedly keeping tabs on Ajax midfielder, Edson Alvarez, ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs – in his CaughtOffside daily briefing – the Mexico international is a player whom the Magpies have “loosely on their radar”, albeit with Premier League rivals Arsenal also said to be in the mix for the 25-year-old’s signature.

This follows a report from The Athletic last month that named the 61-cap ace as one of Howe’s possible midfield targets for January, with the Tynesiders seemingly intent on securing a new ‘number six’.

It does appear that the former Club America star – who has just over two years left on his current deal in Amsterdam – has been something of a long-term target for the St James’ Park outfit, having reportedly made an enquiry about his availability over the summer.

Newcastle’s own Enzo Fernandez

It is hard to deny that the northeast side are in need of another addition in the centre of the park in the near future, with the recent departure of Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest having left the club rather short on options in that department.

The signing of Alvarez would more than just plug a hole, however, with the “tenacious” gem – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – having illustrated his quality in the Eredivisie of late, averaging an impressive 2.4 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game from his 18 league outings this season.

That standout form – which has also seen the 6 foot 2 brute create four big chances thus far – has ensured that the highly-coveted midfielder boasts an average match rating of 7.24, as per Sofascore, this term, with that figure only bettered by Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar among Howe’s current squad.

A player who also provides the benefit of his Champions League and international experience, the “ball-playing” menace, as described by Kulig, would also prove an appealing prospect due to his versatility, as he can comfortably slot in at centre-back if required.

It may also prove noteworthy to those on Tyneside that the towering asset is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Chelsea’s new £107m man, Enzo Fernandez, according to FBref, with that an indication of the potential diamond that Newcastle could have on their hands.

That likeness is indicated by the fact that the Stamford Bridge starlet ranks in the top 19% among his peers in the ‘Men’s next eight competitions’ for tackles made, while Alvarez ranks in the top 16% in that regard as evidence of his ball-winning prowess.

The duo are also capable of impacting play in an attacking sense from their deep-lying roles, with the Ajax man ranking in the top 14% for progressive passes made, while the Argentina international ranks in the top 1% for that same metric.

The latter man is currently creating a real buzz as a result of his high-profile switch to west London, having only recently announced himself on the global stage after claiming the Best Young Player award at the World Cup in Qatar.

To be able to have their own version of the former Benfica man in the form of Alvarez could well represent a real coup for Howe and co, although the hope will be that they won’t have to splash the cash to the same extent as the free-spending Blues.

West Ham United manager David Moyes could still look to push for another forward in the coming days despite signing Danny Ings just last week.

What’s the latest?

Amid the Hammers’ struggles in the Premier League this season, Moyes was handed a boost in front of goal last week with the signing of Ings from Aston Villa.

It was a deal which is believed to have cost the Irons in the region of £15m for the 30-year-old who arrives in London with six league goals already to his name this season.

However, West Ham may have already endured an issue with Ings given he is believed to have picked up an injury in the weekend victory over Everton.

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And on the back of this news, speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested Moyes could now look to bring in another forward option before Tuesday’s deadline:

“Obviously getting Danny Ings eases that blow that they’ve now got an extra forward in the building right now as well. But now he’s got an injury as well, which isn’t ideal, but I think West Ham, still, if the right opportunity might come along before the end the window could still be in the market for another forward.”

More reinforcement needed

Goals have been a serious issue for the Hammers this season with the likes of Gianluca Scamacca struggling to adapt to the Premier League so far.

In their 20 league games this season, Moyes’ men have only been able to provide a return of 17 goals which is the fourth-lowest in the league.

The big-money summer signing of Scamacca is yet to provide much of a return on the investment but the likes of Jarrod Bowen have also struggled to find his scoring boots too.

Therefore, the addition of a proven Premier League goalscorer in Ings felt like it had great potential to be an inspired signing for the Hammers as they look to battle against the drop.

Instead, his injury has proven a serious setback with just days remaining of the January window.

Reports have suggested West Ham are set to be without their £15m signing for several weeks following the knee injury the 30-year-old picked up on the weekend.

A difficult run of fixtures lies ahead of what has been a struggling West Ham side and missing a goal threat like Ings will likely be a major blow for Moyes.

But with just days remaining of the window, it will be interesting to see if West Ham make any moves and if they do to what expense they will be willing to spend.

Leeds United have made ‘first contact’ to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Leeds move

The American has forged a good career for himself at Juventus, not always being a regular starter but still making 13 starts in Serie A this season, also starring at the World Cup by featuring from the off in all four USA games in Qatar.

McKennie has recently been linked with a move to Leeds, with Jesse Marsch looking for midfield reinforcements and Juve possibly willing to sell him given their own troubles, recently docked 15 points for transfer irregularities.

Now, a new update suggests that progress may have been made regarding the Whites signing the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Whites make ‘first contact’

According to Sky Sports journalist Di Marzio [via Sport Witness], Leeds have made their ‘first contact’ with McKennie over a move, ahead of a potential transfer.

It isn’t specified if it would be a January or a summer move, but it does say the parties are continuing to hold talks in the hope of finding an agreement.

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The Verdict: Brilliant midfield signing

McKennie could be a great signing for Leeds this month, providing even more energy and quality in the middle of the park, having scored twice and averaging 1.2 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, showing he can perform on the big stage.

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The fact that he, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson are international teammates with the USA would also be an added bonus, allowing the trio to dovetail to great effect for the Whites.

McKennie has been described as the ‘best American player playing in Europe’ by Massimiliano Allegri, and his £54,000-a-week wages should be able to be matched by Leeds, with Adams currently on £55,000.

At just 24, the Juve man’s prime years should still be ahead of him, too, and his robust style could be perfectly suited to the physical nature of the Premier League.

Transfer insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that Wolves are unlikely to rekindle their past transfer interest in Craig Dawson under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

What’s the latest?

The West Ham United defender very nearly moved to Molineux in the summer only for things eventually to fall through on deadline day.

Indeed, as per The Athletic, a fee in the region of £4m had been agreed and Dawson was even set for his medical on September 1 only for things to collapse.

The player was said to be keen on a move as he wants to be ‘closer to his family in Cheshire’ and presumably that will still be the case this winter.

However, even if Dawson would still be up for joining Wolves, it sounds as though Lopetegui may have other ideas. Ex explained as much while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast.

He said: “I know the manager there has said he wants to sign more British players.

“But Dawson is 33, I think, or coming up to it. So whether Dawson would be the first name on his wishlist, I’d be sceptical. So, in my opinion, Dawson does stay [at West Ham] until the end of the season.”

No longer wanted

Dawson, who was hailed as “unbelievable” last season by Michail Antonio, has proved his importance to West Ham this season even if he was so close to leaving in the summer. After all, he has been called on to start the past five games in the Premier League for the Hammers.

However, they’ve lost all of those games and at 32 but turning 33 in May, it would be fair to suggest that any Wolves move for the centre-back wouldn’t really be planning for the long-term future.

Still, as mentioned by Ex, Lopetegui is understood to be keen on signing more British players this winter, with The Times stating that he wants six incoming in January.

If that is the case, perhaps Dawson could be a good option to solve any short-term defensive issues. It certainly seems as though he would be keen on a move.

Taking everything into account though, it doesn’t seem like this is quite on the cards just yet.