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Newcastle United have added two players to their ranks this month as PIF begin to flex their financial muscles at St James’ Park.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have become the first acquisitions of the new era but there is still plenty of work to be done before the window closes on January 31st.

What’s the word?

Newcastle are facing difficulties in their bid to bring Diego Carlos to the northeast of England with Fabrizio Romano claiming on Thursday evening that a bid had been knocked back.

However, some early morning transfer news from West Ham insider – ExWHUEmployee – was a little more encouraging.

He provided an update on Jesse Lingard from West Ham’s point of view with the Irons interested in re-signing the England international this month.

His update came amid Newcastle’s bid to sign the attacking midfielder. However, after Craig Hope revealed that a move had been rebuffed, Ex seemed to be more upbeat about the Magpies’ hopes.

Indeed, he went as far as to suggest he was already on his way to link up with Eddie Howe’s men.

He said: “I have tried to get a clear answer on the Jesse Lingard situation. Rumours are that he is set to join Newcastle on loan after they agreed to match his £100k a week salary (and more) as well as paying a fee. Whereas Manchester United will not agree a deal with us due to being in competition with them for a Champions League spot.”

Fans buzzing

Newcastle have found life incredibly tricky in the transfer market this month and thus, the idea of a player being on the verge of joining will surely leave supporters elated.

However, when it’s someone of Lingard’s quality, they will only be more delighted.

The Toon Army saw the benefits of adding well in January last year when they welcomed Joe Willock to St James who was a roaring success.

He eventually became a permanent signing last summer after scoring a mightily impressive eight goals.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Lingard was also lighting up proceedings during a temporary stint at the Hammers.

His form in east London was immense, racking up nine goals and five assists in just 16 outings. It’s that type of form that has seen his stock and reputation increase with plenty of eyes now cast in his direction with the January window ongoing.

Lingard has only found the net on two occasions this term but has found regular minutes hard to come by. Therefore, a move elsewhere makes sense and Newcastle will be hoping he chooses them this winter.

If the rumours are true and he really is on his way to join the Magpies, supporters will be extremely pleased. This is a player who will add more vibrancy, personality and style to their forward line.

AND in other news, “From sources” – Fabrizio Romano drops big NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Newcastle United face the unenviable task of playing against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Premier League today in the club’s last match before Christmas.

The Magpies are 19th in the table as it stands, on 10 points, whilst the Citizens are flying high at the summit with 41 points to their name.

Eddie Howe’s men come into the game off the back of a 3-1 defeat away to Liverpool in midweek, losing to Jurgen Klopp’s side after taking the lead early on through Jonjo Shelvey.

Unleash him

One change to the team from that loss could be the reintroduction of Callum Wilson after he was left on the bench at Anfield. The former Bournemouth striker must be unleashed against Man City and placed back in the starting XI after he was given a rest against the Reds.

He has had his chance to sit and watch on from the sidelines for the majority of the game to catch his breath back after a busy schedule of late. This, hopefully, means that he will now be fresh and 100% ready to take on City in tip-top shape.

Wilson has scored six goals in 12 Premier League starts this season and is the biggest goal threat in the Newcastle squad. Allan Saint-Maximin’s tally of three is the next highest, whilst the ex-Cherries attacker’s return of 12 league strikes last term also topped the goalscoring charts for the club.

Howe previously said of the 29-year-old: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.”

The Magpies head coach, who once dubbed Wilson’s passing as “hugely impressive”, must now unleash him from the start against Man City.

Wilson could provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch whilst harbouring the potential to be the match-winner for the club. The £92k-per-week dynamo’s goalscoring record for Newcastle shows that he has the quality to find the back of the net at this level

That is why he should be starting as the number nine today, whether that comes in place of Allan Saint-Maximin – after his injury against Liverpool – or anyone else. He has proven himself to be the most effective goalscorer at St. James’ Park and that is why he is deserving of a place in the XI.

AND in other news, Journo drops transfer news that’ll leave NUFC fans buzzing, he can be the next Shearer…

A big update has emerged regarding the short-term future of Rangers defender Jack Simpson at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the centre-back is primed for a loan move away from the club amid growing interest in his services.

The report claims that Giovanni van Bronckhorst will not prevent him from leaving, with Ross Wilson now tasked with sorting out the best solution to his situation.

Fans will be buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this news as it suggests that the club are willing to send Simpson out to obtain regular game-time without completely giving up on him.

The £3.1k-per-week outcast has not played a single minute of competitive football for the first team since the Dutchman arrived at Ibrox, suggesting that he is not in the 46-year-old’s immediate plans.

His last appearance came in a 6-1 win over Motherwell in October, when Steven Gerrard was at the helm. He has been named on the bench three times under Van Bronckhorst but was never used.

However, this does not mean that his future at the club is non-existent. Wilson previously heaped praise on the centre-back upon signing him for the club, saying: “His contractual situation at Bournemouth provided a natural and attractive moment for us to pursue Jack’s signature. It has been well publicised that he has been a much-coveted player south of the border but from our first discussion with Jack, we could see how the opportunity to join Rangers was one that was very appealing to him.”

This suggests that there is a good player IN there somewhere, as Wilson claimed that Simpson was ‘highly-coveted’; and going away to play consistently could be what he needs to discover his best form. If, for example, he goes to the Championship in England and catches the eye with consistent performances, that could tempt Van Bronckhorst into giving him a chance at Rangers.

Therefore, Gers fans will surely be buzzing as the club will potentially recoup money back in wages over the coming months for a player who is currently rotting away on the periphery, whilst still offering him the opportunity to go out and prove that he has more to give at Ibrox. A loan exit appears to be a move which suits all parties involved, and it could be a masterclass from Wilson if it works out.

AND in other news, “Money talks”: Journalist drops key Rangers prediction which will leave fans fuming…

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will believe his squad is relatively light on numbers as the January transfer window approaches, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

What’s the story?

The 45-year-old oversaw an extensive squad rebuild over the summer, with several young, exciting acquisitions replacing multiple experienced campaigners.

However, Bridge stated in a recent interview that Vieira is likely to want further reinforcements over the coming months despite their strong start to the season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “How much they do in January, I don’t know. I think Palace look pretty settled at the moment, but if Patrick Vieira was on this call, he’d say he was probably a bit light.”

Crystal Palace fans will be intrigued

Although it’s unlikely that the Eagles will add extensively in January, Bridge’s latest revelation will be an intriguing one for the club’s supporters.

Gaps at right-wing, central midfield and right-back are evident throughout Vieira’s first-team squad, especially with Conor Gallagher expected to return to parent club Chelsea at the end of the campaign and age to finally catch up with the likes of Joel Ward and James McArthur.

Therefore, the capital club’s fanbase are likely to be eager for additional acquisitions over the next couple of transfer windows as they look to continue their recent progression.

Although Palace have only won three of their 12 Premier League fixtures to date, their performances have been extremely promising, and famous victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have illustrated their potential.

Securing the signatures of two or three more talented stars would have the potential to propel Vieira’s charges even further up the top-flight table and provide hope of a top-half finish for the first time since 2014/15.

It remains to be seen whether chairman Steve Parish can find enough room in Palace’s budget to dip back into the transfer market over the winter, but the fanbase will be eagerly anticipating their next move. The club’s chairman and Vieira simply have to act to propel them to the next level.

And, in other news…Forget Kouyate: Palace’s “clever” £6.3m-rated maestro must be unleashed amid big blow

Aston Villa’s Premier League match at home to Burnley was postponed on Saturday due to a number of positive virus tests within the Villa squad.

As to be expected with just hours before kick-off, a number of Villa fans were quick to vent their frustration at the news on social media.

Villa posted the news regarding the postponement at 12:40pm on their official Twitter channel, just over two hours until the game was supposed to get underway. The club requested to call the game off at the earlier time of 10:30am, but Burnley only received confirmation at 12:15pm after a Premier League meeting.

Steven Gerrard admitted on Friday that the club were adapting ‘by the hour’ and more positive tests overnight ultimately led to the cancellation.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to the match being postponed at late notice, with many understandably not happy and one describing it as ‘awful’.

“Gutted, was just about to leave with my son as it’s one of his birthday presents”

Credit: @stuiemoore_6

“It’s all turning into a big mess, isn’t it.”

Credit: @Bhangra_Machine

“Awful communication from the club this.. you’ve had since this morning to tell people the game won’t go ahead and you leave it 2 hours before kick off. I feel for anyone that has travelled to Villa Park today…”

Credit: @AVFCMidge

“What the hell?”

Credit: @minxnicki

“Damn!!!! Damn, damn, damn, damn damn.”

Credit: @B6Utfv

“We’ve flown in from Northern Ireland for my son’s 6th birthday, to call the game off so close to kick off is a disgrace”

Credit: @villanni

In other news: ‘A wind up?’ – Many Villa fans flock to ’embarrassing’ FA Cup news

David Moyes will be looking for his West Ham side to continue their momentum when they return to Premier League action later this afternoon.

The Irons have won four straight matches across all competitions since they returned from the international break and a fifth successive victory away at Aston Villa today could see them level on points with defending champions Manchester City, who are in third place.

West Ham head into the encounter after they knocked the aforementioned Citizens out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, whilst Dean Smith’s men are looking to change their fortunes down in 16th.

The 58-year-old boss is left with plenty to ponder ahead of kickoff, so what sort of Hammers side could we see at Villa Park today?

Here’s what we are predicting…

There could be as many as eight changes from the side that defeated City on penalties.

In goal, there should be a routine swap with Lukasz Fabianski resuming his Premier League duties over Alphonse Areola, who appears to be getting minutes in their cup competitions.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Polish veteran, full-back duo Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson keep their place, even despite the potential return of Vladimir Coufal.

Moyes has one mighty decision to make on the right-hand side of defence after the Czech Republic star picked up his first minutes since injury as a substitute on Wednesday night.

However, he may not be risked just yet and it would be tough on the young 21-year-old gem, seeing as he’s kept a clean sheet in all six of his starts this campaign, so he should remain in the starting XI.

They will be joined by Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna in central defence, replacing Issa Diop and 31-year-old Craig Dawson.

In midfield, Declan Rice returns to partner Tomas Soucek, who remains from midweek, whilst further up the pitch, it’s likely to be all change as Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and leading talisman Michail Antonio all return.

The attacking quartet replace Nikola Vlasic, Manuel Lanzini, Arthur Masuaku and Andriy Yarmolenko.

AND in other news, Newman could deliver West Ham their next Payet by signing £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”…

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi could take his game to the next level after receiving guidance from Sol Campbell in recent weeks, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

The 47-year-old former England international has been out of work since leaving Southend United in June 2020 but is keen to continue learning and remain in the game until another chance comes along.

Campbell left his managerial position on the south coast by ‘mutual consent’ following the club’s relegation to League Two after the 2019/20 League One season was cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

And now he’s been invited to take part in some Palace training sessions by former Arsenal teammate Patrick Vieira, something Barclay believes will be extremely beneficial to 21-year-old Guehi.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “He seems to really be one of those characters who is like a sponge. I know it’s a cliché but he’s particularly one of those players who listens to everything, really tries to pick up tips, and you start noticing it in his game.

“The more he’s played, the more he’s adding things to his game, and I think Campbell’s vast experience of playing right at the top could only enhance that.”

Crystal Palace fans will be excited

Guehi only arrived at Selhurst Park over the summer via an £18m move from boyhood club Chelsea, but he’s already made a big impression under Vieira’s tutelage.

The centre-back has played every minute of Palace’s Premier League campaign to date, averaging 1.2 tackles per game, 0.7 interceptions and a whopping 3.4 clearances, as per WhoScored.

But Campbell’s presence on the training ground could help the England U21 international elevate his game to new heights in the months ahead.

In a career spanning 20 years, Campbell made over 500 appearances for the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one League Cup throughout his playing days.

Therefore, he could be the ideal tutor for Guehi at this early stage of his career, and Palace fans will surely be excited to see the progress that he makes during his time in south London.

And, in other news…Signed for £7.9m, made 238 outings: Palace struck gold over “warrior” who Vieira loves 

Reported Everton target Luis Diaz pulled off an ‘outrageous’ piece of skill during Colombia’s World Cup qualifying clash with Brazil on Sunday.

Diaz was under challenge from Marquinhos and Fred and shuffled the ball from his right foot onto his left, which he used to dink it between the two players.

The game would end up finishing 0-0, with FC Porto’s Diaz playing the full 90 minutes.

He was otherwise marshalled pretty effectively, winning only two of his nine ground duels (via SofaScore).

Diaz could have been a Blue

Everton tried to sign Diaz in the final knockings of the transfer window as part of a deal that would have seen James Rodriguez go the other way. Ultimately, James’ salary was an insurmountable hurdle (via Carlos Aleman).

It remains to be seen whether the Blues revisit their interest in subsequent windows. Manager Rafael Benitez ‘clearly wanted more options out wide’.

Portuguese football feed Proxima Jornada posted the footage, and here’s what Everton supporters had to say.

Everton fans flock to Diaz clip

“If only James hadn’t got greedy, Diaz would be at Everton now!”

Credit: @MaxyMj3669

“I’m on my knees Brands”

Credit: @Adam_1878

“Get him in, he’d have Trent all over the gaff in the derby.”

Credit: @Joel_1878

“Get him signed up @Everton ASAP”

Credit: @gflan02

“Get to r’s x”

Credit: @MainManMina

“Feel sick”

Credit: @lucas1878_

In other news, Everton fans will be encouraged by what Greg O’Keeffe said about January.

Craig Hope has revealed that Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is now in the frame to take over the vacant manager’s job at Newcastle United.

What’s the story?

As was to be expected, a number of names have already been linked with the job left by Steve Bruce earlier on Wednesday, with former AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca among those to be touted.

But, while Hope indicated that Fonseca has been spoken to by the club, Martinez has now also emerged as a possible contender, and that the early signs are that he would be interested in becoming the new Magpies boss.

He said: “One thing said to me y’day re next NUFC boss is that odds on Fonseca are reflective of fact they’ve spoken to him, but that could change if/when they speak to others. Roberto Martinez also in frame. He’s interested & it would cost less than £2m to buyout Belgium contract.”

Fans will be fuming

While Martinez may be leading the world’s number one ranked side in Belgium, that hasn’t actually translated into any considerable trophy success.

They lost in the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2018 which was his first tournament in charge and were defeated 2-1 by Italy in the quarter-finals of the EUROs earlier this summer.

His record at domestic level is arguably even more worrying and what will really cause Magpies fans to be up in arms.

Despite winning the FA Cup with Wigan, he did get the Latics relegated from the Premier League, while a period of lavish spending in his next job at Everton couldn’t deliver any trophies there.

His best-placed finish at Goodison Park was fifth, but he ended up losing his job on Merseyside in May 2016 after leaving them 12th in the table with just one game remaining.

Martinez’s record as manager isn’t something to really shout home about, and the fact he’s been out of the club scene for a number of years now is surely an asterisk too.

Hope’s update on the Spaniard being in the frame for the job at St James’ Park is surely not going to have Newcastle fans happy.

Meanwhile, a “favourite” has emerged for the Newcastle United job…

Lee Ryder has now revealed what sources close to Mike Ashley have said would get Steve Bruce sacked at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Poor start

The St. James’ Park faithful have made a poor start to the Premier League season, picking up no wins and a mere two points from there opening five matches, leaving them in 19th place in the table (Premier League).

Bruce will feel under pressure to pick up some results sooner rather than later, and if he has any hope of getting the Toon Army off his back that turnaround will have to start soon.

The Latest: Ryder on Bruce

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has now revealed what it would take for Bruce to be sacked.

According to close sources to Ashley, it would take the North East club to be left a ‘fair distance’ behind those in the bottom half of the league for their to be a change of manager while he is still the owner.

Otherwise, the intention is to leave the choice of manager to the prospective new owners should the proposed takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium go through.

The Verdict: Worrying

The Magpies need to pick up results fast, otherwise it is very likely that they will leave themselves in yet another relegation battle.

Given that some players have been critical of his training methods, perhaps sacking Bruce and bringing in somebody else for a new manager bounce would not be a bad idea, and may propel them up the table before any new owners even arrive.

Nonetheless, Ashley cannot afford to leave a decision too late or rely on the takeover going through, whatever he decides to do.

In other news, find out when Ashley has said the takeover will be completed by here!