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With just ten days remaining in the transfer window, Newcastle United will have to act quickly if they are to make any more reinforcements to Eddie Howe’s squad.

During the off-season, the Magpies secured deals for John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lloyd Kelly and Will Osula but the club still need more incomings to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League once again this term.

Various players have been targeted in multiple positions so far this window, including a new right-winger and a new centre-back, but as of yet, no deals are nearing completion before the end of the window.

With deals yet to progress in such key areas for Howe, he may start to look at alternative targets, including one player who’s being eyed as an excellent option for the centre-back role.

Newcastle in talks to sign £43m defender

According to journalist David Ornstein, Newcastle are in talks with German side Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal to sign centre-back Edmond Tapsoba before the deadline on August 30th.

The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international was a crucial part of Xabi Alonso’s side that won the Bundesliga last season, featuring 28 times in the 2023/24 campaign.

His subsequent form for Leverkusen has ensured that Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr also interested in a €50m (£43m) move, but Tapsoba has reiterated his desire to stay at the German side.

He could prove to be a better addition than one player who has been massively linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer, but with his move no closer to completion, Tapsoba could be the next in line for a transfer to Tyneside.

Why Tapsoba would be better than Guehi for Newcastle

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been a constant target for the Magpies during the transfer window, already being the subject of three bids, but all offers have so far been rejected.

There have been rumours about Newcastle placing a fourth bid for the English international, but with a deal yet to be agreed, journalist Ornstein claimed that other targets are being considered, with Tapsoba one of many the club are considering.

Guehi would cost in the region of £75m to move to Tyneside, but Tapsoba’s potential fee in the region of €50m (£43m) would see him prove a much cheaper alternative, as well as a more impressive addition based on his stats from last season.

When comparing the duo on FBref, the “complete” Leverkusen ace, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, dominated Guehi with the ball at his feet, averaging more progressive carries and progressive passes per 90, whilst also achieving a higher pass accuracy rate.

Games played

28

25

Minutes played

2087

2021

Progressive carries

2.1

0.7

Progressive passes

7.1

3

Pass accuracy

91%

87%

Tackles won

1.1

0.8

Interceptions

1

0.8

Aerials won

1.7

1.3

However, Tapsoba has also blown the Palace defender out of the water defensively, winning more tackles, and completing more interceptions, whilst also winning more aerial battles per 90 – making him a better option for Howe’s defence unit.

In a time when Newcastle’s PSR standing is at risk, money needs to be spent wisely, whilst also making sure that any new addition would drastically improve the options available to the Magpies.

Guehi would be a great signing for the club, but the inflated price tag, alongside the lack of progress, could see the club move on to the likes of Tapsoba who would be a better option.

He’s proven he is arguably a better defender with more ability in possession, potentially being a bargain for Newcastle if they can agree a deal for the rumoured £43m fee.

Better than Minteh: Newcastle could end RW search with "Saka regen"

The club’s hunt for a new winger looks set to continue…

ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2024

Newcastle United are now in "touching distance" of completing the signing of an "outstanding" player this summer, in an exciting new transfer update.

Newcastle want new centre-backs

The Magpies will still want to bring in fresh faces to boost their squad between now and the end of this month, with centre-back continuing to be a primary area of focus. Marc Guehi is considered a main option in that position, as he looks to make a big move from Crystal Palace, and an offer has been submitted for the 24-year-old's services.

That being said, the England international isn't the only defender being linked with a switch to Newcastle in the near future, with Toulouse ace Logan Costa considered a cheaper alternative to the Palace man. At 23, he is a year younger and should only improve for the foreseeable future.

Then there's Liverpool's Joe Gomez, who has been backed to seal a move away from Anfield this summer, having found himself down the centre-back pecking order. While that was the case under Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time as manager, it looks as though the 27-year-old will stay put, suggesting that Arne Slot may be planning to give him more minutes in his preferred position.

In attack, reinforcements could also be needed, especially if Callum Wilson leaves St James' Park ahead of the new Premier League season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Boulaye Dia have both emerged as options. The respective Everton and Salernitana stars could both represent younger additions than the current Magpies hero.

Newcastle within touching distance of new signing

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have "agreed personal terms" with Marc Guehi over a summer move to St James', with talks over a marquee signing believed to be at an "advanced" stage.

A report from The Guardian also adds that "although an agreement is still to be reached", and "the move remains in danger of being hijacked", the transfer is in "touching distance" of being completed.

At this point, it would be a huge surprise if the £2.6m-a-year-earning Guehi wasn't a Newcastle player come the end of the transfer window, with so much pointing towards a transfer being sealed.

Should that happen, Eddie Howe would acquire the signature of a top-quality defender with a big future in the game, being hailed as "outstanding" by Micah Richards and "excellent" by Alan Shearer during Euro 2024.

“I thought he was excellent in the first game," the legendary Magpies number nine said. "The second game… yeah, I think he was maybe the best of a bad bunch so yeah, particularly when there was so much talk about Harry Maguire not playing and England struggling in that position, I think he’s done really well, he can be pleased with himself."

Newcastle set to battle West Ham to pay £5m premium for new defender

The Magpies are still in the market for defensive reinforcements.

ByTom Coates Aug 5, 2024

Guehi could become Sven Botman's long-term partner at the heart of Newcastle's defence, once he returns from a knee injury, with neither Jamaal Lascelles nor Fabian Schar representing the future these days, and it could elevate Howe's team to another level.

Leeds United are "showing an interest" in completing the signing of an "incredible" defender on loan this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds transfer news

The new Championship season is now just a matter of days away, as Daniel Farke's side go into the campaign as one of the favourites to seal promotion to the Premier League. It has been a good summer to date at Elland Road, in terms of new signings, including Joe Rodon coming in on a permanent basis from Tottenham. They have lost Crysencio Summerville to West Ham, however, which is a massive blow.

There could still be further additions before the end of the summer transfer window, however, and NEC Nijmegen forward Sontje Hansen has been linked with sealing a switch to Leeds. He scored six goals and registered four assists in the Eredivisie last season, and at 22, is a young player with a bright future in the game.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark is a reported loan option for the Whites, with the 19-year-old playing his part for the Reds last season, filling in impressively when Jurgen Klopp had to deal with various injury problems. Farke could see him adding extra quality in the attacking third, bringing improved squad depth in the process.

Norwich City midfielder Gabriel Sara was also believed to be personally wanted by Farke, with the Leeds boss hopeful of snapping him up before the window reaches its conclusion, but he has now sealed a long-term move to Galatasaray.

Leeds interested in £10,000-a-week ace

According to Talking Wolves on X, Leeds are interested in signing Wolves defender Hugo Bueno this summer, with two other huge clubs also believed to be in the mix.

Bueno could be an eye-catching addition to the Whites' squad ahead of the new season, possessing Premier League experience in a Wolves shirt and making 42 appearances in the competition to date.

Still only 21, the Wanderers ace has been capped once for Spain at both Under-21 and Under-18 level, and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs said of him last year: "Since joining us as a 16-year-old number 10, the work that Hugo and the coaches have put into changing his position, and the acceptance he had of doing that, shows what a good pro he is. To be able to get his head around a new position and develop at the rate he has was incredible."

While Bueno is primarily a left-back, he is also capable of playing in a more attack-minded wide role, with such versatility something that could be another positive for Farke.

Imagine him & Rutter: Leeds eyeing swoop for "prolific" £5.9k-p/w star

The Whites are on the hunt to replace Crysencio Summerville this month.

ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2024

Only seven starts came the £10,000-a-week Spaniard's way in the Premier League last season, so he could see a move to Leeds as beneficial to his development, allowing him more regular football for a side who are expected to be among the best teams in the Championship in 2024/25.

Gabriel Martinelli gave Mikel Arteta's side the lead at Stamford Bridge, but they couldn't hang on as they again failed secure victory

Arsenal lost more ground in the Premier League title race despite Martin Odegaard's best efforts in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The first half threatened to burst into life at times, with both sides creating chances, but a lack of quality in front of goal kept the score goalless at the interval. Kai Havertz thought he’d gotten one over on his former club when he scored from a quick free-kick, but the German had strayed just offside. At the other end, Cole Palmer’s early long-range effort was tipped over by David Raya.

Gabriel Martinelli had endured a difficult first 45 minutes, squandering a great chance to put the visitors ahead when put through on goal. But with question marks remaining over his end product, the Brazilian winger responded to the critics by making it 1-0 when Odegaard capitalised on some slack Chelsea defending to find Martinelli in space, and he did the rest to finish at the near post.

The Blues had done little else to trouble Raya, and it looked like something special would be required for them to get back into the contest. Step up Pedro Neto, who fired a rasping effort from distance into the bottom corner in the 70th minute.

There was still time for either team to find a winner, but one proved elusive in a result that stretches Arsenal's winless run in the league to four matches, leaving them fourth in the table and nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Stamford Bridge…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Produced a good stop early on to tip over Palmer's long-range effort. Looked assured between the sticks before Neto's fine equaliser.

Ben White (6/10):

The right-back had a tricky battle with the pacey Neto, a task made even more difficult when he was booked in the first half. Coped well but was unable to provide much attacking threat.

William Saliba (6/10):

Limited the number of good chances Chelsea's attackers had with a fine showing.

Gabriel Maghalhaes (6/10):

Helped to keep Jackson quiet, despite the Senegalese forward's pace.

Jurrien Timber (5/10):

Like White, Timber offered little support to Martinelli and then Trossard down the left as he remained conscious of Chelsea's pace.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Martin Odegaard (8/10):

In his first start since August, the Norwegian showed how much he's been missed with a moment of quality for Martinelli's goal. Did really well to last the full 90 minutes.

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Helped to keep Palmer quiet, which was his biggest responsibility of the match.

Declan Rice (5/10):

Battled through the pain barrier but couldn't stamp his authority on the game in the same way that Caicedo did for Chelsea.

AFPAttack

Bukayo Saka (5/10):

Failed to make an impact on the game as Chelsea deployed two players to stop him. Substituted with 10 minutes to go after going down with an injury.

Kai Havertz (6/10):

Had a goal disallowed in the first half and didn't come close to scoring after that, with Trossard snatching an open goal away from him at the death.

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Never gave up after a difficult first half, and got his rewards by scoring Arsenal's opener.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Mikel Merino (6/10):

Nearly scored minutes after coming on, but couldn't get enough purchase on his header.

Leandro Trossard (5/10):

What was he thinking?! Snatched a late chance from Havertz as the German waited to put the ball in.

Gabriel Jesus (5/10):

Came on for Saka but didn't threaten.

Mikel Arteta (6/10):

Didn't get much wrong and Arsenal could have won it in the end, but the Spaniard will be worried about his side's winless run.

Rising interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold – including from Real Madrid – should worry Liverpool, says ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

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Liverpool star's contract expires in 2025Real Madrid eyeing 26-year-old defenderAlexander-Arnold has Ballon d'Or dreamsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool face the prospect of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season, but it's the potential departure of Alexander-Arnold that may prove to be the most impactful. The dynamic full-back is entering the prime years of his career but has been earmarked by Real Madrid as the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, with rumours mounting that he could join close friend and England team-mate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital when his contract expires next summer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Alexander-Arnold, who recently admitted his dream is to win the Ballon d'Or, has done nothing to dispel the rumours linking him with a move away from Anfield, which has prompted former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson to tell the Reds they should be worried about watching him leave.

WHAT ROBINSON SAID

“I genuinely couldn’t see it with the relationship that he’s got with the club,” Robinson told Football Insider. “You know, he’s one of their own if you want for a better phrase. Such an integral part of the club, to be linked so heavily away at the moment, the stories that are coming out.

“We’ve heard stories that [Ibrahima] Konate’s in discussions for a new deal at Liverpool, [Virgil] van Dijk discussing a new deal. Trent’s situation, fairly quiet, other than other clubs becoming more interested in him, which from a Liverpool point of view is worrying. Because the rumours aren’t going away, are they? They’re building up and that’s what I’m hearing as well from my sources.

"All the noises that you hear about Trent at the moment that’s Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and the amount of European giants lining up to sign him. The list seems to be getting bigger so yeah, slightly less confident than I was before [that he will stay].”

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

The 26-year-old, to his credit, hasn't let the rumours affect his performances this season. He'll aim to help Arne Slot's side maintain first place in the Premier League when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

India’s Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was back at the team’s nets in Sydney on Wednesday. Saha showed signs of recovery from his hamstring injury with four weeks still left for the much-anticipated December 17-21 Test series opener against Australia in Adelaide.Saha had injured both his hamstrings during a short but successful IPL campaign for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, in which he scored two match-winning half-centuries that took them to the playoffs.ALSO READ: Ishant Sharma ‘looking good’ after long spells in front of Rahul Dravid, Sunil JoshiBecause of the injury, the 36-year-old wicketkeeper missed the eliminator as well as the second qualifier of the IPL.On Wednesday, Saha was seen facing throwdowns at the nets from the Sri Lankan left-arm specialist Nuwan Seneviratne and Indian right-arm bowler Dayananda Garani for a considerable period of time. He didn’t keep wickets though and the extent of recovery couldn’t be ascertained from the video uploaded by the BCCI media.There wasn’t any pronounced forward press or footwork involved while driving the half-volleys. However, Saha, who has so far played 37 Tests and scored 1238 runs, didn’t look uncomfortable during his time at the nets. From the video it seemed that both the throwdown specialists didn’t go full tilt at the batsman, who is trying to gradually get into the groove after the injury.BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had recently expressed confidence that Saha would be fully fit before the first Test with physio Nitin Patel and strength and conditioning coach Nick Webb working on his injury management.During the last Test series in New Zealand, Saha was confined to the sidelines with Rishabh Pant getting an opportunity for his superior batting skills. However, this time Pant’s patchy batting form in the IPL has not helped his cause. Pant was left out of the ODI and T20I squads – with Sanju Samson preferred over him – but was picked in the Test squad along with Saha.