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Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Newcastle United to sign Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez after an admission from Eddie Howe that the player may be too expensive.

The Lowdown: Howe ‘aware’ of Fernandez

Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe admitted that he is ‘aware’ of Fernandez after impressing with winners Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but fears that the transfer fee required to sign him in the January transfer window may be ‘quite lumpy’.

He added that a player should not be signed just off the back of performances at a World Cup, after Magpies legend Alan Shearer joked that he would like to see Fernandez at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Would be a ‘real coup’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League shot-stopper Robinson has urged the North East club to sign Fernandez if they can, claiming that he would be a ‘real coup’:

“Everyone knows Newcastle have a lot of money to play with.

“When Newcastle come knocking, clubs will charge a premium.

“I agree with Howe about signing a player off the back of one tournament. But, Fernandez does not fall into that category. He has been brilliant over a period of time. He has been very good for Benfica by all accounts.

“He is a player they should absolutely be looking at. Imagine him alongside Bruno Guimaraes.

“Fernandez is a brilliant player at the right age. Whoever gets him will be getting one of the best young midfielders in the world. It would be a real coup for Newcastle if they can get him in.”

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The Verdict: Statement signing

Fernandez would certainly be a statement signing if the Tynesiders can get a deal done in January.

The 21-year-old was a star player at the World Cup, winning the Young Player Award, and was his country’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and supplying one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).

However, he is also performing at club level with Benfica, having ranked in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues over the last year for expected goals and expected assists combined, as well as for passes attempted and progressive passes per game (FBRef).

Fernandez has been a mainstay in the team currently sitting comfortably top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League after qualifying from their group.

Nonetheless, a midfield partnership of him and Bruno would really excite the Toon Army.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Lyon defender Malo Gusto in the New Year, although it could take a sizeable investment to prise the Frenchman from his current club.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth is seemingly showing an interest in the 19-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, with the northeast side having joined the growing list of suitors who are chasing his signature.

The report does suggest, however, that the Tynesiders – as well as Premier League rivals Manchester United – could be forced to wait until the summer to make a concrete approach, with the Ligue 1 outfit demanding £35m if they are to sell their prized asset next month.

It’s also thought that the St James’ Park outfit are already keen on securing a potential heir for Kieran Trippier, 32, at right-back with Gusto among the names being mentioned at present.

Repeat Bruno masterclass

Newcastle have already enjoyed notable success in securing the services of a Lyon player in recent times, with midfield talisman Bruno Guimaraes having joined from the French outfit on a £40m deal back in January.

The Brazilian international has since gone on to prove something of a revelation for Eddie Howe’s side in the calendar year thus far, having produced a string of “magnificent” displays for the club to date, as per Alan Shearer.

The “world-class” playmaker – as described by teammate Dan Burn – has scored eight goals and registered four assists in just 33 appearances for his new side in all competitions, including six goal contributions in just 13 league games so far this term.

With Howe and co already reaping the rewards of that winter addition, the Magpies could look to repeat that transfer masterclass by bringing in Guimaraes’ former teammate, Gusto, with the teenager currently shining for Laurent Blanc’s side.

The “special” talent – as lauded by one source – has been a truly impressive figure in his full-back berth, notably providing five assists in all competitions last term in what was a breakthrough campaign at senior level.

The £7k-per-week menace has provided a further assist from his 14 league outings in the current campaign, posing a notable threat down the right flank as he has created three big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.

That quality in possession is further illustrated by the fact that the youngster ranks in the top 20% in Europe among those in his position for dribbles completed, as well as in the top 15% for pass completion.

The 5 foot 10 sensation has also showcased his defensive prowess of late after averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in Ligue 1, with that an almost identical record to the aforementioned Trippier, who has averaged 2.0 and 1.5 for the same two metrics, respectively.

That should illustrate that Gusto has what it takes to be a success at St James’ Park, with it set to prove another Guimaraes-esque masterclass if Ashworth can get a deal wrapped up in 2023.

Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly being eyed by French club Nice for a move to the continent. 

The Lowdown: Ait-Nouri’s season so far

So far this season, the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for the Old Gold across all competitions, scoring two goals and delivering one assist along the way.

The defender’s latest appearance saw him score Wolves’ last-gasp winner in their 2-1 victory against Everton in the Premier League at Goodison Park after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Despite his latest heroics, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding the possibility of the former France underage international departing Molineux.

The Latest: Ait-Nouri linked with Wolves exit

After Foot Mercato recently claimed that Nice are interested in signing the Wolves defender, a recent report from French outlet Le 10 Sport has backed up this line.

They stated that Nice are in discussions with Wolves over the possibility of signing Ait-Nouri, and while the Midlands club are open to letting him leave, they would not do business for anything less than €25m (£22m).

The Verdict: Wolves should keep hold of Ait-Nouri

As things stand, the left-back’s contract at Wolves runs until the summer of 2026.

To highlight how valuable a player Ait-Nouri is for the Old Gold, particularly from an attacking point of view, he has made the third-highest number of passes into the 18-yard box (12) at the club, while also recording the second-highest number of successful dribbles (14).

His overall performances in the league have earned him a season rating of 6.58/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player at the club.

Having been hailed by Tim Spiers this year for his “outstanding work” on the pitch, we feel that Wolves should have no intention of letting Ait-Nouri leave Molineux next month, even if an offer comes in that the Old Gold would see as being financially suitable.

Everton journalist for The Liverpool Echo Joe Thomas has shared that Michael Keane has picked up a ‘small’ injury, and will have to ‘undergo a scan’.

The Lowdown: Named on bench

Keane was originally named on the bench for the Goodison Park outfit in their 1-1 draw away at Manchester City in the Premier League, but was replaced by Isaac Price after picking up an injury in the warm-up.

He has only made one appearance in the top flight so far this season, as he has seen his game time limited by the arrivals of both Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer.

The Latest: ‘Small’ knee injury

Taking to Twitter on Saturday evening, Thomas has shared that Keane has picked up a ‘small’ injury to the back of his knee, and he will need to undergo a scan to find out the extent of it:

“Latest on Michael Keane, who was named on Everton’s bench and then pulled out at the last minute: He has a ‘small’ injury to the back of the knee that he initially felt yesterday. Will undergo a scan to look at it in more detail.”

The Verdict: Time to go…

The City game may have given Keane an opportunity to prove himself to Frank Lampard and earn a starting spot, but instead an injury setback means that his opportunities will likely continue to be limited.

He has recently been linked with a move to West Ham United amid the opening of the January transfer window,  and on £80,000-per-week, the Englishman is one of the Toffees’ higher earners in the squad (FBRef).

Nonetheless, it may be time for the Blues to move on from Keane now, especially given that he has not been a regular.

Crystal Palace could hold an advantage in any potential January deal for Middlesbrough star Chuba Akpom, so chairman Steve Parish should do all he can to bring him to Selhurst Park this month.

What’s the word?

Akpom has recently been linked with the Eagles, as well as Everton and Southampton, after hitting 13 goals during the first half of the Championship for Michael Carrick’s promotion hopefuls.

The 27-year-old’s contract at the Riverside is set to expire at the end of the season which could cause Boro to cash in, with the frontman no doubt targeting another shot at Premier League football having failed to make the grade with Arsenal as a youngster.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his opinions on a potential Palace move for Akpom, suggesting that manager Patrick Vieira could also be a big selling point.

He said:

“I think anyone with past Arsenal connections would want to work with an Arsenal legend like Patrick Vieira. I’m sure that will be something that is interesting to Chuba Akpom. Also, the chance to move back to London, I’m sure will be attractive to him as well.”

Parish must act

While Akpom never really cut it at Arsenal, managing no goals in 12 appearances for the senior side, he was described as “dangerous” by legendary manager Arsene Wenger.

He has certainly lived up to that praise this season, leading the goalscoring charts in the second tier after some sensational recent form which has fired Middlesbrough into promotion contention, with the northeast outfit currently sitting fifth in the second tier.

Palace’s form since the World Cup ended has certainly been worrying, as they have suffered two heavy defeats at home to Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, which may have Vieira concerned that the Eagles could still find themselves in a relegation battle this season.

A lack of goals in attack has also been a problem for the Frenchman, as none of Odsonne Edouard, Jordan Ayew and Jean Phillipe-Mateta have shown themselves to be consistent goalscorers at this level, as they have managed just five league goals between them this season.

Akpom would presumably be a low-cost, low-risk signing for Parish to make and given his excellent performances in the second tier this season, he should definitely be given another chance in the Premier League with the Eagles.

Manchester City look set to complete the signing of Maximo Perrone from Velez Sarsfield this week, and the Argentine could prove to be the ideal heir to Rodri in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Recent reports have suggested that the Citizens have won the race to sign the exciting 19-year-old, beating Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Wolves to one of Argentina’s top young talents.

The midfielder will move to Manchester on a £6.5m deal which could be confirmed in the next few days, although he will only join once the South America Under-20 Championship has been completed.

Perrone only made his professional debut last March but he has made a big impression since then, contributing three goals and two assists in 33 appearances for Velez Sarsfield, playing predominantly as a defensive midfielder.

According to FBref, the young midfielder excels at tackling, assisting and blocking, ranking in the 96th, 91st and 86th percentile for each of these statistics among positional peers in the ‘Men’s Next 8 Competitions’, all of which make him an ideal candidate to feature at defensive midfield in a Guardiola team.

Although Rodri is still relatively young and could easily play in City’s first team for another decade, Perrone could be a natural heir for the 26-year-old at the Etihad Stadium, given that no player in Guardiola’s squad has averaged more tackles per game in the Premier League so far this term.

Since joining City in 2019, the former Atletico Madrid man has established himself as one of the best in the world in his position, making 176 appearances for his current employers, in which he has contributed 14 goals and 13 assists.

Many touted the Spaniard as a natural heir to Fernandinho, and Perrone could follow in his footsteps by playing alongside Rodri at the Etihad before potentially replacing him in the future.

Gabriel Heinze, the teenager’s boss at Velez Sarsfield, spotted his potential when he was just 17, dubbing him a “spectacular” talent; and under Guardiola’s coaching, there seems no reason why Perrone can’t live up to his obvious potential at Manchester City and potentially emulate Rodri in years to come.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to improve their squad during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The 4th Official has claimed that the Light Blues want to secure a deal to sign Swansea winger Morgan Whittaker by Sunday night to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

They Tweeted: “Rangers are trying to get both Morgan Whittaker and Todd Cantwell’s deal over the line by the end of this week. Both players want Rangers and that should be the clincher here.”

This comes after the Scottish Sun reported that the Gers made an offer of £900k to sign the attacker, who is valued at £2m by the Championship outfit.

Scott Wright upgrade

Michael Beale and Ross Wilson could land an upgrade on current right winger Scott Wright by securing a deal to bring Whittaker to Ibrox in the coming days and weeks.

The Swansea attacker spent the first half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan to English League One outfit Plymouth and caught the eye with a string of impressive displays.

Whittaker played 25 matches for the third tier side and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 as he racked up nine goals and seven assists at the top end of the pitch.

Wright, meanwhile, has produced two assists and failed to score a single goal in 23 appearances for the Gers in all competitions this season, with his second assist coming in the recent 2-1 win over Aberdeen in the League Cup.

He has zero goals and one assist in 14 Premiership outings and has averaged an unimpressive Sofascore rating of 6.66, which places him 22nd in the Light Blues squad.

His disappointing performances for the club this term indicate that Beale could improve the squad by ditching the 25-year-old and bringing in a new player, which the head coach could do by signing Whittaker to take Wright’s place.

The Swansea forward, who was once hailed as “flamboyant” and “similar” to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez by talent scout Jacek Kulig, caught the eye with his displays for Plymouth and has plenty of potential left to fulfill at the age of 22.

Whittaker’s impressive statistics this term indicate that he could be a big upgrade on Wright if the marksman can replicate his form in League One in the Premiership.

Rangers seemingly believe that the gem can translate his success in front of goal to this level, due to their interest in his services, and that is why signing him could significantly improve Beale’s options in the right wing position.

Newcastle need to sign a holding midfielder in the January transfer window, Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Magpies have had a stunning first half of the season, and look set to contend for a top-four spot, but may need some more squad depth to do so.

A lot of Eddie Howe’s signings have been successful, such as Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes, and the club could further increase the quality of the squad in the January transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fancast, O’Rourke claimed that a defensive midfielder should be the priority in the window, and that the club need extra bodies in the middle of the park.

“I think we need two midfielders in there, if I’m honest with you, but I think getting one holding midfielder in is crucial,” he stated of Newcastle.

“I think I think it would be a real mistake if they weren’t to add someone, and I don’t mean like a young kid coming through, like what they’re trying to do at right-back. I think they need to add someone with experience and then I think I think they know that.”

Necessary depth

With Jonjo Shelvey injured and Joelinton currently occupying a role on the left wing, Newcastle’s options in the middle of the park are fairly limited.

Bruno Guimaraes has been excellent as the deepest midfielder, but additional cover for him could help boost their chances as they hunt down a European spot, and a January signing could give Howe’s side an extra boost for the rest of the season.

Edson Alvarez has been linked, and if a natural defensive midfielder were to come in, they could even play alongside Guimaraes as well as providing cover for him.

While there may still be hope among Manchester United supporters that manager Erik ten Hag is handed funds to further strengthen this month, one of the Dutchman’s primary concerns will be to try and get a tune out of those already at the club, including summer signing Antony.

Having worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, the fleet-footed Brazilian followed his former boss to Old Trafford during the previous window, joining for a rather hefty fee of around £86m.

That price tag didn’t appear too great of a burden initially as the 22-year-old netted in each of his first three Premier League games, although the winger has struggled to perform consistently since then, with his two further goals having come in the FA Cup and League Cup, respectively.

Although those efforts have illustrated the youngster’s undoubted talent – having notably curled home in emphatic fashion in the recent win over Charlton Athletic – they have failed to mask the 15-cap gem’s inability to make a difference in matches for a sustained period.

Those struggles were evident in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, as the Sao Paolo native was unable to combine his commendable work ethic with an end product.

The mercurial talent did win six of his nine duels in what was a combative performance on the flanks, although his woes in an attacking sense were epitomised by one moment in the second half as he attempted to surge forward into space with the ball at his feet, only to see a heavy touch gift possession back to the Gunners.

The sight of the 5 foot 9 maverick trudging off after being substituted has been a familiar one this season, with the club nor United supporters yet to be convinced of his suitability for English football.

While it is far too early to write Antony off, the wide man may find himself in a position later this year in which his place in the side could be directly threatened, with Amad Diallo showing signs out on loan at Sunderland that he could still be able to force his way into the first-team reckoning at Old Trafford in the near future.

The 20-year-old has been on the periphery since joining the Red Devils on an initial £19m deal from Atalanta back in January 2021, having notably endured an underwhelming spell on loan at Old Firm giants Rangers in the second half of last term, scoring three times in only 13 outings for the Ibrox club.

The Ivorian’s subsequent move to the Stadium of Light has since proved particularly fruitful, however, with the three-cap international having scored seven goals in his 22 Championship outings this season, including in the recent win over Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough.

That devastating finish saw the £29k-per-week gem brilliantly lash home after cutting in onto his stronger left foot from the right flank, having showcased himself as a truly “unbelievable” talent during his time with the Black Cats thus far, as per manager Tony Mowbray.

Such form also earned praise from the aforementioned Carrick ahead of that recent meeting, with the United legend stating:

“I know Amad very well from United. He’s a terrific footballer and seems to have jumped up a level again from the start of the season.

“His performances have improved and he is a threat.”

Even though Amad is thriving in the second tier rather than the top flight, it would appear that he is continuing to make great strides at present, with his hot streak in stark contrast to that of Antony’s.

Those displays have also seemingly impressed Ten Hag, with the Dutchman even stating that a loan recall could be under consideration, albeit while also acknowledging that a mid-season return could harm his development:

“We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process. He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that. But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.

“But I see and value his potential and capabilities. What I saw is that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think there are many aspects of football to get strong physically and mentally, and also skills-wise to improve and develop that so he can have value for us.”

It would appear the hope is for Amad to be primed and ready for the start of next season, with the sparkling talent – who typically lines up on the right flank – no doubt hoping to rival his fellow left-footer, Antony, for a starting berth.

On the evidence of the pair’s differing form this season, that could well be a very tight battle indeed.

Pundit Tam McManus ‘can’t believe’ that Newcastle United have not made a move for reported transfer target Youri Tielemans.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Tielemans

The Magpies have reportedly been interested in a cut-price move for the 25-year-old this month, with his contract at Leicester City set to expire in the summer.

Both Jonjo Shelvey and Matty Longstaff are also out of contract in June, so the St James’ Park outfit will surely be looking for a central midfielder to replace them in the squad, either in January or in the next transfer window.

The Latest: McManus urges Tielemans move

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus says that he ‘can’t believe’ Newcastle have not made a move for Tielemans yet, claiming that the Belgian would be a ‘sensational’ and ‘tremendous signing’ for Eddie Howe’s side.

The 41-year-old said: “I can’t believe Newcastle haven’t at least made a move for him. Howe has been saying how much they need a new midfielder and he’s right there for the taking. I don’t get that one.

“Tielemans would be a sensational signing for any of the top four clubs and Newcastle, right now, are up there.

“It’s going to boil down to finances, he will be looking for a big payday as a soon-to-be free agent. So if Newcastle can stick up the money then I think he would be a tremendous signing. It gives Newcastle another quality option when going forward.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer

Considering Shelvey and Longstaff’s contract situations, signing Tielemans for a cut-price is surely a no-brainer for the Tynesiders.

Hailed by his boss Brendan Rodgers as an ‘outstanding player’ and ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’, the Belgium international ranks in the 85th percentile for shot-creating actions, 84th for tackles, 81st for passes attempted and 80th for progressive passes per match of all his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBRef).

Furthermore, he has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt already, featuring 140 times in the division.

At just 25 years of age, he has probably not even hit his peak yet, so he could be a mainstay in the Magpies’ midfield alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton for years to come.