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Newcastle United have made a major breakthrough in their hopes of signing Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that while Steve Bruce’s side may have agreed a fee with the Gunners over the England U21 international, a stumbling block had appeared in the form of personal terms with the midfielder.

And now, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed: “Joe Willock has agreed terms with Newcastle (per @mcgrathmike@footyinsider247) for permanent move from Arsenal. 21yo to head north today & expected to start medical tomorrow morning before completing move for fee of above £20m @TheAthleticUK #NUFC #AFC.”

Newcastle fans will be buzzing

Having agreed a fee with Arsenal, fans would surely have been optimistic at seeing Willock return on a permanent basis, but news of the two parties being a distance apart on personal terms would have been very worrying.

This latest news is sure to have everyone associated with the club rocking.

If you needed any proof of just how much Newcastle fans have fallen in love with Willock, and how much they want him to stay, then you only have to look at the St James’ Park faithful serenading him during his post-match interview against the Blades.

The 21-year-old has been a breath of fresh air for a Magpies side who desperately needed his fresh injection of pace and energy, and his ability to break into the box and time his runs have resulted in some match-winning contributions.

He bagged eight in 14 games following his arrival, and set a new record by becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive matches.

It’s exactly why Ornstein’s latest update on Newcastle’s move for Willock will have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a dream Joe Willock partner in this star…

An update has emerged on Aston Villa target Andre-Frank Anguissa, following Fulham’s opening Championship match.

What’s the talk?

Aston Villa transfer target Andre-Frank Anguissa fueled speculation over the weekend as he was left out of Fulham’s squad to face Middlesbrough in their Championship opener.

The Villans and Arsenal are both reportedly interested in the central midfielder, who Fulham are said to value at around £20m, and there has been no reason given for his absence as of yet.

Smith would adore him

Johan Lange must react to this news by swooping for Anguissa and acting on Villa’s interest in him. It is impossible to say for sure, but his absence could be because he is not 100% motivated to play for Fulham with the prospect of a transfer on the horizon.

The season starting before the end of the window causes complications in that sense and Villa could take advantage by swooping for Anguissa in the coming weeks whilst his head is potentially turned.

Lange must bring him in as he could be a player Dean Smith would love to work with.

The Fulham beast averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.99 in the Premier League last term despite their relegation. He made 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst also completing an 2.7 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per match. This suggests that he has the quality to compete as a box-to-box midfielder, rather than specialising either defensively or offensively.

Joachim Andersen, who recently joined Crystal Palace, lauded Anguissa as a machine. He said of the Cameroonian: “He’s a top player. He’s a machine in the midfield. He’s winning so many balls and driving forward with it.”

The enforcer’s national team coach, Toni Conceicao, said of him: “He’s a quality player. In football, the collective is the most important, so you have to have players that work for the team. And although Anguissa is not a Messi or Ronaldo, he’s a player that has a lot of capacity to influence the match. He brings a lot of tactical culture and rigour to the team.

“He has got a really good passing ability, long and short, and is one of those players that makes the team tick without necessarily being the standout. As a coach and with all due respect to Fulham, which I know is a great club, Anguissa can reach an even higher level.”

This suggests that Smith would adore the £70k-per-week machine, as he is capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch and has quality on the ball in transition.

He would also come in as a known quantity, given that he played in the Premier League for Fulham last season. This means that he may not need the adaptation period players coming in from abroad sometimes need.

AND in other news, NSWE must splash the cash on “outstanding” £75k-p/w dynamo, Smith needs him at Villa…

Ireland and Netherlands had to settle on sharing the World Twenty20 Qualifiers trophy after persistent rain lashed Belfast

Cricinfo staff05-Aug-2008Ireland and Netherlands had to settle on sharing the World Twenty20 Qualifiers trophy after persistent rain lashed Belfast, but they both already had the main prize in their pockets – a place at next year’s tournamentin England. Netherlands were due to bat after Ireland won the toss, but that was as far as proceedings got and the game was finally called off at 4.30pm.Netherlands captain Jeroen Smits said: “Obviously it is disappointing because as a cricketer, you want to go out there and try to give your best performance instead of sitting in the dressing room and waiting for the match to start.”As an Associate team, we would like to play as many Twenty20 matches as possible and when one match is washed-out, it’s an opportunity lost. But as it has panned out, we are joint-winner and a winner is a winner. So I am happy.”Ireland’s next engagement is the Intercontinental Cup on Thursday against Canada in Malahide, while on the same day Netherlands meet Bermuda for the first of two one-dayers at Amstelveen.

Crystal Palace have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Parma winger Yann Karamoh.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have been linked with a move for the pacey 23-year-old in recent weeks as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to bolster his forward line.

However, according to Italian outlet Sport Parma (as relayed by Sport Witness), Karamoh is edging towards Ligue 1 champions Lille rather than Selhurst Park.

The report claims that both Palace and Les Dogues have made contact with the player’s representatives but that his entourage is ‘working’ to get the transfer to Lille, with a £5 million price tag muted.

Patrick Vieira will be fuming

Karamoh rose to prominence after a string of impressive performances for boyhood club Caen earned him a permanent move to Italian giants Inter back in 2018 following a successful loan spell at San Siro.

He struggled to make an impact in Milan, though, scoring just once in 18 appearances for the Nerazzurri before a move back to French football with Bordeaux resurrected his career.

His impressive performances with Les Girondins earned several plaudits, including former manager Eric Bedouet.

“Yann has qualities that are not ordinary. He has a great intensity,” stated Bedouet. “He can make the difference when you need it most, which is not a common trait amongst most players. He is a fantastic dribbler and is still growing. He is a very interesting prospect.”

With Andros Townsend joining fellow Premier League side Everton and Eberechi Eze sidelined through injury until January at the earliest, Vieira is thought to be in the market for a new wide man this summer.

However, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Karamoh will be joining Vieira’s revolution in south London, which is sure to leave the former Nice boss fuming.

Although Palace have undoubtedly had a solid transfer window so far, bringing in the likes of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, the capital club are still in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.

Recent reports have revealed that Southampton have beaten them to the signature of Adam Armstrong, while Brighton and Hove Albion are in pole position for Eddie Nketiah, seemingly leaving Vieira no closer to signing another forward.

This latest setback will surely infuriate the Arsenal legend further, increasing the pressure of the club to get some business done as the new Premier League campaign approaches.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Zaha: Parish must approve CPFC move for “outstanding” £15.3m-rated gem 

Sunderland could be set to offer Elliot Embleton a new deal at the Stadium of Light in the near future.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Kristjaan Speakman, with the Sunderland sporting director revealing in an interview with the Sunderland Echo that he and his side are delighted with the progress that the midfielder made while on loan at Blackpool last season, and that he is expecting the 22-year-old to play a key role for Lee Johnson’s side in the upcoming League One campaign.

The 42-year-old continued by suggesting that, as long as the academy product continues his upward trajectory this season, the club will open talks with Embleton regarding a new deal in the not too distant future.

The director said: “We’ve been really pleased with Elliot. Elliot and I spent all of the transfer deadline in January making sure we got the right place for him [to go on loan] and we worked really, really hard on that.

“He’s come back and done extremely well in pre-season and is someone who we think can be a huge player for us this season and in the future.

“We took the option up on his deal when he went out in January so he has a year left, and that’s something that we’ll have a discussion on with him and his agent.

“I’ve spoken to Elliot a few times and he’s a Sunderland boy, desperate to play for the club, and like any young player he wants minutes on the pitch, he wants to play.

“Any club at our level, you need to see the performances as well. So at the minute, it’s just a conversation that we’ll get started in terms of wanting to retain him. I think Elliot understands how much we appreciate and admire him at the club.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering the sheer amount of potential Embleton appears to possess, Speakman’s comments regarding the youngster’s regular involvement in the Black Cats first team next season, as well as the potential of the 22-year-old being offered a new deal by the club is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 30 League One appearances while on loan at Blackpool last term, the £4.3k-per-week man bagged two goals, provided four assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

The midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his central midfield role, making an average of 1.1 tackles, in addition to winning possession 0.5 times and 2.3 duels per match.

These returns saw the man Max Power dubbed a “nightmare” for defenders to play against earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as Neil Critchley’s 12th-best player in the third tier of English football.

As such, it would very much seem as if Embleton can indeed play a huge role in Sunderland’s promotion push next season, as well as going on to star for the club for a great many years in the future – as Speakman suggests.

In other news: KLD dealt Sunderland blow over “fantastic” £180k-rated “beast”, Johnson will be fuming

West Ham United are in pole position to sign Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham following reports from Football Insider that they have overtaken Aston Villa in the race for his services.

The Lowdown: West Ham gear up for exciting 2021/22 campaign

Moving into 2021/22, it will be fascinating to see how West Ham juggle the task of competing in both the Premier League and Europa League.

Making inroads in the transfer market, the Hammers have tied up a permanent deal for Craig Dawson as well as bringing in Armstrong Oko-Flex as they build towards the forthcoming campaign.

Could they now be set for a third London Stadium summer arrival following recent developments?

The Latest: West Ham now front-runners to sign Tammy Abraham

West Ham are said to be the front-runners to acquire centre-forward Abraham, according to a recruitment source at Football Insider.

The Irons face competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Wolves for the 23-year-old’s signature, who is also attracting attention from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund [Football Insider].

While the England international has been valued at around £40m by the Champions League winners, an offer of £35m could well be enough to finalise an agreement [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Abraham would be an astute signing for the Hammers

Upon reflection, the 23-year-old would be an astute piece of business in an area which desperately needs bolstering for David Moyes’ side – the injury-prone Michail Antonio is currently the Irons’ only natural senior striker.

Abraham enjoyed a productive 2020/21 campaign, registering 18 goal contributions in 32 appearances as he registered 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt]. Showing his ability to bring others into play, he won 1.8 aerial duels per game across the season [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘unbelievable’ by former Aston Villa teammate Jack Grealish [The Chelsea Chronicle], the England ace could be the perfect marquee signing for the Hammers going into 2021/22.

In other news, West Ham have lodged an offer to sign this La Liga ace.

Noel Whelan has offered his verdict on Tottenham’s reported pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic…

What’s the talk?

The one-time Premier League forward has suggested that the Lilywhites could land an upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg by bringing the 31-year-old to the club this summer.

Spurs are reportedly interested in a potential deal to bring the Bosnia international to north London ahead of next season, with Fabio Paratici exploring the possibility of signing him on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Whelan believes it would be a good piece of business.

He told Football Insider: “I don’t think the Tottenham fans are that overwhelmed by Hojbjerg right now.

“He needs a lot of work as well in pre-season. He’s done okay in the European Championships but Pjanic is a different level to me. That’s why he’s been at Barcelona.

“I think the biggest factor is experience. You need players you can trust. The experienced players that know how to control the game, dictate a game.

“Someone who’s going to be a presence on the training ground and in the changing room, to bring that calmness and that experience to a team.”

Once silenced Poch

Tottenham fans may well remember Pjanic from his performance against the club in the Champions League for Juventus in 2018. The Italian giants knocked Spurs out of the competition with a 2-1 win at Wembley to win 4-3 on aggregate.

The Bosnian played the full 90 minutes in the heart of Juventus’ midfield that night as he won one aerial battle and two tackles and completed 85% of his passes, helping to silence Mauricio Pochettino’s side by stopping their attacks through the middle and dictating the play for his own team.

Therefore, Spurs fans will already know that he has the quality to perform on the biggest stage and could adapt well to playing in the Premier League. As Whelan referenced, the 31-year-old is vastly experienced at the top level and has played more than 400 times across Serie A, Ligue 1 and La Liga for Lyon, Roma, Juventus and Barcelona throughout his career.

His technical quality is not in doubt, with former Roma coach Rudi Garcia once hailing the genius of Pjanic over a dead-ball after the Bosnian scored a free-kick in the Serie A, highlighting his ability on the ball.

Garcia said: “I am very happy for Adem Ljajic, and I knew at the break we’d probably struggle on set plays. Other than those, we weren’t really allowing any chances.

“How did we resolve the situation? Gave Pjanic the ball and watched him score a genius free kick.”

The £18m-rated magician has an excellent career average WhoScored rating of 7.13, a score no Tottenham midfielder was able to get near in the Premier League last season. Attacking trio Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane and Gareth Bale were the only players who achieved a higher rating throughout the entire squad.

This suggests that Pjanic could be a brilliant addition to Tottenham’s squad and that is why Paratici must sanction a loan swoop for the Barcelona man.

AND in other news, Paratici facing Spurs disaster over “fantastic” £100k-p/w beast, Nuno will be livid…

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could sign his team’s new Olof Mellberg in Attila Szalai.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months from Hungarian publication Blikk have claimed that the Midlands club are in the race to sign the centre-back this summer, with Newcastle and Leicester also said to be in the running.

Vitor Pereira, the 23-year-old’s manager at Fenerbahce, has said: “We are on the road with the goal of championship. Szalai is also one of our best players. He will be one of the names we will receive the biggest contribution on this path. I need Szalai for the championship goal. The club’s interests are obviously important, but I think Szalai should stay with us this season, no matter how good the offer.”

Villa’s new Mellberg

Dubbed as “exemplary” and with the “loudest voice in training” by former Fenerbahce boss Emre Belozoglu, Szalai possesses all the raw physical attributes to become a real force in the Premier League much like Mellberg was.

The great Swede became a real icon at Villa, playing seven seasons for the club and being appointed as captain by David O’Leary during the 2003/04 campaign. As well as being one of the team’s biggest leaders, Mellberg was a defensive stalwart, a “dominant figure” who “rarely made a mistake as he produced commanding displays as a matter of course”, as outlined by the club’s official website.

Szalai possesses much of the same defensive nous and has averaged an impressive 1.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in all competitions – both numbers are actually higher than any of what Villa’s centre-backs managed in the Premier League last season.

Standing at an imposing 1.92m (6 foot 4), Szalai boasts that same intimidating presence Mellberg had in his prime at Villa Park; and given how quickly he has hit the ground running at Fenerbahce, Villa should feel more confident of his ability to adapt to another high-profile move so early in his career.

The fact that Emre has said the Hungarian has the “loudest voice in training” points to someone who’s a natural-born leader at just 23, and he could add to the kind of vocal presence that Smith already has at the back with Tyrone Mings.

In other news, Ashley Preece drops Aston Villa transfer update that’ll excite fans.

Many Southampton fans want to sign Matthew Hoppe this summer after the Saints were linked with a move for the American starlet.

The Saints were hit by a bombshell earlier in this transfer window when Danny Ings turned down a new four-year contract at the club (Sky Sports). As such, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side may be on the lookout for a new striker this summer.

According to 90min.de, that man could be Schalke 04’s Hoppe. The Gelsenkirchen club had one of the worst seasons in their history last time out as they were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga and won just three league games (Sky Sports), but 20-year-old Hoppe was one of their few bright sparks as he netted six times in 22 Bundesliga matches (Transfermarkt).

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. These Southampton fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one hailing the American’s “insane potential”.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Hoppe

“Please, I would love an American Saint. Plus we all know how badly the last transfer rumour about an American from Schalke hurt us.”

Credit: @Ingsanity

“Nice”

Credit: @StarksJosh

“He has insane potential”

Credit: @saints_josh2

“He has a lot of potential. I hope this is as well as Armstrong rather than instead of though.”

Credit: @JordanPoole13

“If we get both him and Armstrong I don’t see why not. Especially if Obafemi and Ndlundulu go out on loan and Long moves on. Won’t hurt to have a little depth.”

Credit: @ArmondDeBeste

“he’d be a good fit for Ralph’s system and v cheap. like a young Gabbi, but puts in a shift pressing”

Credit: @yourboyandy8

In other news, many Southampton fans loved this club reveal.

Worcestershire held their nerve to secure a comfortable five-wicket win over Northants in the Benson and Hedges Cup on Wednesday

Sean Beynon01-May-2002Worcestershire held their nerve to secure a comfortable five-wicket win overNorthants in the Benson and Hedges Cup on Wednesday. In a performance whichensured Monday’s mauling at the hands of Gloucestershire was consigned to the memory bank, Worcester’s talented top order proved their calibre. Andy Bichel highlighted his worth as Worcester’s overseas player with four wickets and showed a cool head to guide his side to victory. Despite a superb all-round performance from Tony Penberthy and half-centuries from Mike Hussey and Jeff Cook, Northants bowling attack lacked the depth to take a promising position through to victory.Chasing 233 to win on a fair Wantage Road track which offered assistance with the new ball did not look like being a simple task. The visitors managed an excellent start. A good opening spell from Carl Greenidge was not helped by Mike Cawdron’s inaccuracy – his first two overs went for 22 – and a shoulder injury which took Ben Phillips out of the attack after two overs. Vikram Solanki, along with his opening partner Stephen Peters, punished some terrible bowling. Other than Greenidge, the Northants bowlers were too short, and mistakes were quickly seized upon. Solanki showed his ability off the front foot whenever a bowler over-compensated. Solanki reached his half-century with a delicate late cut. He had faced only 53 balls, striking five fours and two sixes. Peters provided an excellent foil, easing the ball through the field and always willing to attack on the back foot.It was left to veteran performer Penberthy to put the brakes on, a nagging line and length indicative of his experience. The pressure told, and sharp work from Toby Bailey saw an over-balancing Solanki well short of his ground. Along with Penberthy, off-spinner Graeme Swann helped keep Peters and Graeme Hick quiet for a time. Hick, who had spent time at the crease trying to establish himself, went for 17, leg before shouldering arms to an in-ducker from Penberthy. The next over saw the back of Peters, (52) lbw to Swann attempting to sweep. Penberthy finished with 2-18 from his ten overs, as the required rate pushed above six runs per over.David Leatherdale joined Ben Smith, with the pressure mounting. In a breezypartnership, with Leatherdale striking the ball cleanly through the off-side, Worcester re-gained the initiative. The pair began to take advantage of Swann, working him comfortably away without dominating. Not one to be overshadowed, Smith struck Cook for consecutive boundaries on either side of the wicket as the partnership passed 50 at better than a run a ball. With the game beginning to look lost, an uppish drive from Smith was well caught by skipper Michael Hussey at point. Leatherdale (33) soon followed, to a questionable caught behind decision, Cawdron the lucky bowler.It was left to Gareth Batty and Andy Bichel to see Worcestershire home, Batty signalling his intentions by lofting a Cawdron long-hop over mid-wicket for six. Not wishing to be outdone, Bichel hit Cook over long-off in the next over. A leg-side flick bought Bichel six more to compound Cawdron’s misery. Bichel hit the winning runs in the 48th over, flicking Greenidge away through mid-on to bring up the fifty partnership.The day began well for Worcester, with Graeme Hick winning the toss andelecting to field. Bichel struck early, removing Swann and Mal Loye in hisopening spell. Swann, who had clubbed two early boundaries, tried to turn anout-swinger to leg, only succeeding in edging to Stuart Lampitt, who took afine low catch at slip. Loye was caught on the crease, and bowled by a rogueball which kept low. Whilst Bichel was able to trouble Michael Hussey, hiscompatriot took advantage of a quick outfield and looser bowling fromAlagmir Sheriyar.David Sales made a horrible nine, scratching in defence after missing earlyattacking opportunities. He fell to Kabir Ali, flaying a wide ball through to `keeper Steve Rhodes. Russell Warren began positively, whilst Hussey emerged from his shell to lazily hook Kabir Ali over mid-wicket for six. The reintroduction of Bichel bought immediate success, Warren gloving a short ball down the leg side to Rhodes. All the while Stuart Lampitt was proving his worth, his ten overs costing just 25.Hussey continued to look to hit to leg, though the pace of the wicket hampered his efforts. He reached his half-century from 90 balls in the 35th over. He celebrated with a second six, lofting Gareth Batty over mid-wicket. Revenge came quickly for the off-spinner, as Hussey was bowled round his legs the next ball. Hussey’s 58 was a knock of patience, and vital to Northants making a decent total.Big-hitting Jeff Cook hammered David Leatherdale through the covers to signal his arrival, with the home side desperate to take advantage of the final overs. After a couple of mistimed strikes, and a replacement bat, he began to dominate. Cook launched Batty over long-off for six, and then hit Kabir Ali over both cover and Vikram Solanki’s desperate boundary effort. All the while veteran Tony Penberthy helped the board tick over, giving the strike back to Cook. The left-hander’s second six was a massive effort: straight over long-off. Later in the over, Cook hit over the leg side, this time for a one bounce four. He reached his half-century from his 36th ball, gliding Sheriyar to third-man.Once again it was Bichel’s return which proved successful for Worcestershire. Cook tried one slog too many, and was caught easily by David Leatherdale at mid-on. His 50, in a partnership of 68 with Penberthy, gave Northants the edge at halfway. Penberthy’s first boundary saw Sheriyar once more disappearing out of the ground, over mid-wicket for six. The next ball went slightly straighter for six more. His third six was straighter still, over long-on to bring up a superb fifty. Sheriyar got his man with the fifth ball of an extraordinary over, as Penberthy played all over another attempted six. Sheriyar’s ten overs cost 68. A total of 232-7 was more than competitive, set up by Hussey, and completed by Cook and Penberthy’s assault, with 92 runs added in the last ten overs.It was a case of what might have been for Northants. Hussey gritted things out after their batsmen struggled early on, enabling Cook and Penberthy to take advantage. With the ball, wickets came, but the intervening periods were often dismal. Phillips’ injury was a problem, with Cook and Cawdron haemorrhaging runs and Hussey with nobody to turn to.