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Newcastle United forward Garang Kuol ‘will join’ Hearts on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign, according to journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: January arrival

The Australian international made the official move to the Premier League at the start of the month after putting pen to paper on a contract at St. James’ Park last summer.

The Scottish outfit have recently been heavily linked with the 18-year-old starlet, and following much contemplation regarding his short-term future, it appears that he is set for a temporary spell north of the border.

The Latest: Hope’s update

Taking to Twitter, Hope revealed that the Magpies are now about to give Kuol the green-light to make his switch to Hearts, with a move likely to be finalised imminently. He wrote:

“I’m told it’s now been decided that Garang Kuol will join Hearts on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season.”

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The Verdict: Correct decision

Kuol is yet to feature for Newcastle since joining so allowing him to go out and receive regular football is completely the right decision.

Eddie Howe will know that he won’t yet be able to force his way into the squad given the strong start to the term the first team have had so this is a move that makes sense for both parties.

The Egypt-born talent will also be able to gain some valuable experience and get plenty of minutes under his belt before returning to the northeast to hopefully make a positive impression under his new boss.

Leeds United are eyeing a number of solutions for their striker issues, with one of their alternatives sure to impress…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Phil Hay, who writes in The Athletic about their pursuit of several targets.

Of those mentioned, it is noted that Jesse Marsch is a huge admirer of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Hee-chan, who moved to England permanently in a £14m move.

The two worked together at RB Leipzig and is seen as a direct alternative should they miss out on their marquee target Georginio Rutter.

Rutter alternative

Although he has had a poor season, the South Korean last season established himself as a fine forward for the Premier League.

The 26-year-old burst onto the scene and, acting as a versatile option for the Old Gold, he would score five times and assist once.

However, it was his display from the bench against Liverpool in the FA Cup that truly suggests he could be a fine asset for the Whites now.

Handed just 27 minutes with the Midlands outfit trailing, he earned the highest rating (7.4) of anyone from his side whilst scoring the equalising goal.

He would pair this with 100% of his duels won, outlining just how his workmanlike assets often match his offensive threat.

When he first moved to Molineux, journalist Nathan Judah captured his announcement to the home crowd whilst labelling him an “exciting talent”.

However, it seems he is yet to truly capture that potential.

Despite this, he still recorded 0.9 shots and 0.9 tackles per game during that first campaign, via Sofascore.

Whilst he is hardly prolific, it could be argued that neither is their main target Rutter. The Frenchman has only scored twice in the Bundesliga this season, yet is expected to command a fee of around €30m (£26m).

Meanwhile, his alternative would score 16 and assist 22 across both domestic and Champions League competitions in his final season for RB Salzburg.

Perhaps it might be a smart move to stay wary of the situation with Hwang, who arguably would not offer that much less than the 20-year-old for far less a financial output.

He can be a fine alternative that would instantly take to Marsch’s system, hopefully, to propel them to safety once more.

Newcastle United are one of several Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Zaniolo’s contract ticking down

The 23-year-old has become a key squad player for Roma over the years, making 128 appearances for the Serie A giants and scoring 24 goals along the way.

Zaniolo has had a relatively quiet season to date, however, only netting once in the league and registering no assists, despite starting 12 times in the competition.

His current deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and it looks as though a move away could be on the cards before then.

The Latest: Newcastle in the mix

According to Voce Giallorossa [via Sport Witness], Newcastle have joined Nottingham Forest and West Ham in the race to sign Zaniolo.

Roma will ‘seriously consider’ selling the Italian if an offer of €20-25million (£17.7-22.1m) arrives, with the Premier League trio’s interest ‘no secret’.

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The Verdict: Shrewd signing?

Zaniolo may not have set the world alight of late but he is exactly the kind of player Newcastle need if they are to challenge in multiple competitions next term, in terms of having proper squad depth and versatile options throughout the team.

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The Roma man could offer more attacking thrust in midfield than the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff, and is also capable of playing as a centre forward.

Zaniolo was once hailed as ‘incredible’ by Daniele De Rossi, highlighting his pedigree, and two goals in 11 caps for Italy further outline the quality he possesses.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of signing Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs submit loan bid for Zaniolo

After renewing their interest in the Italy international, Spurs reportedly lodged a loan bid with an obligation to buy, which was rejected by the Serie A club.

Sky Sports shared that information with numerous updates coming out since, including talks with Zaniolo’s agent as the north Londoners attempt to beat capital rivals West Ham to his signature.

The 23-year-old was also offered out to Paris-Saint Germain as Jose Mourinho and Roma attempt to offload him before the January window closes.

The Latest: Zaniolo signing ‘very possible’ at Spurs…

Jacobs took to Twitter to claim that the signing of Zaniolo at Spurs is ‘very possible’, as Mourinho is ‘happy’ to sanction his sale this month.

He adds that there are ‘talks ongoing’ over the attacker’s signature, although no agreement has been reached just yet, coming after strong summer interest.

Spurs manager Antonio Conte is thought to view Zaniolo as a highly versatile player who can operate further forward and as a wing-back when required.

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The Verdict: Right man?

Going by Zaniolo’s statistics last season, when he was arguably at his best, it’s clear to see why Conte could view the 23-year-old as a solid makeshift wing-back option.

As per WhoScored, the forward averaged a higher rate of successful take-ons and attracted more fouls per 90 than any Roma player in 2021/22. The latter aspect of his game could even help to drag Spurs further up the pitch and relieve pressure, akin to someone like Jack Grealish, the fourth-most fouled player in the Premier League per match (2.4).

The fact that he racked up Roma’s highest rate of successful take-ons last season indicates that, at wing-back, he could provide a dynamic presence and more creativity out wide than that of current first-choice Emerson Royal.

Indeed, he could not only come as a further attacking option, but perhaps even an alternative to fellow target Pedro Porro at right wing-back, although Spurs supporters would most likely want both players to come in.

Crystal Palace were reportedly in the running to sign Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal this month and Patrick Vieira will surely rue not bringing him to Selhurst Park.

According to reports from France, Palace were linked with signing the former Bournemouth man but were ousted initially by Everton, with the Dutch winger seemingly on the brink of a switch to Goodison Park.

However, the sacking of Frank Lampard threw the deal into chaos, with Steve Parish unable to properly take advantage, as he has now been confirmed as a Tottenham Hotspur player for the rest of the season, albeit with an option to buy of £27m.

It doesn’t bode well that the Eagles were unable to convince Danjuma to join ahead of Everton, given the Toffees sit 19th in the Premier League table and are something of a shambles at the moment, but it is yet another blow to Vieira’s hopes of new additions that he has opted for Spurs this month.

Since domestic football returned after the World Cup break, Palace have managed just four goals in seven games, while things could only get worse for Vieira after talismanic forward Wilfried Zaha was forced off with an injury in the draw against Newcastle United last weekend.

Therefore, a goal-scoring winger in the mould of Danjuma should surely have been a priority for Parish this week and considering he was available on loan, it would have been a no-brainer for Palace to bring him in.

The 25-year-old has struggled for consistent form this season but was one of the stars in Villarreal’s impressive performances in the 2021/22 campaign, contributing 16 goals and four assists in all competitions, including six goals in the Champions League as the Spanish side reached the semi-finals.

He has also proven himself in England before, registering 17 goals and eight assists for Bournemouth in the 2020/21 campaign, before his move to Villarreal.

Kevin Phillips was full of praise for the wide man amid interest from Liverpool in January 2022.

He said: “Danjuma is a very, very good player.

“On his day he is a nightmare for defenders. He can create and score goals. He can hurt any defence with his pace and directness.

“I know it was in the Championship but he’s proved he can perform in this country. I think he’d be available for reasonable money as well. I don’t think he’d cost the world.

“He is a player who can hurt any defence on his day. He’s shown that countless times. Players like him are a rarity in this day and age.”

If he can produce anywhere near that form for Spurs, he will surely prove a worthwhile addition on loan, and Vieira will surely be disappointed that Parish couldn’t complete a deal for Danjuma this month.

Leeds United could potentially look at signing free agent Faouzi Ghoulam to bolster their left-back options, claims LeedsLive reporter George Bennett.  

The Lowdown: Ghoulam profiled

Ghoulam is 31 years of age and has been without a club since the summer after leaving Napoli. The Algeria international made 216 appearances and contributed to 31 goals for the Serie A side after joining in 2014.

He is primarily a left-footed left-back but can also play further forward as a left midfielder or a left winger and is still sponsored by Nike.

The Latest: Leeds claim

Bennett shared a story for LeedsLive on Sunday, looking at free agents the Whites could potentially target once the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.

Ghoulam was one of those, with the reporter claiming that the full-back ‘could be a strong option’, should Jesse Marsch wish to add to his left-back ranks further.

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The Verdict: Not needed?

The Whites have addressed their left-back issues this month by bringing in Max Wober from RB Salzburg, with the Austrian capable of turning out as a centre-back or left-back.

Pascal Struijk has excelled as a left-back for large parts of the season and is currently the club’s best-performing player, as per WhoScored. Junior Firpo has also returned to the fold in recent weeks and has played every minute of the club’s FA Cup run, contributing to two goals, so is another available option for Marsch.

Therefore, it appears as if the club are well-stocked in that department for now, and with Leeds rarely dipping into the market for players above the age of 30, it would be a surprise if they looked at signing Ghoulam.

Leeds United could still look at bringing in another forward before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ attacking options

The Whites have been busy in the market so far this month, with a club-record move for Georginio Rutter the most eye-catching deal at Elland Road.

The French forward is just the second out-and-out centre-forward in the senior squad alongside Patrick Bamford, whereas Jesse Marsch also has top scorer Rodrigo and wide options Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra.

Marsch’s side haven’t lacked goals this season, scoring 26 times in 19 Premier League games and 10 in three FA Cup matches, but there could well be another attacking addition on the cards, with a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie also looking likely to go through.

The Latest: Jacobs’ comments

Jacobs was speaking to GiveMeSport about Leeds and the possibility of another attacker arriving at Elland Road before the deadline.

The CBS Sports reporter referenced Bamford’s recent injury issues and Harrison being linked with a late exit from Yorkshite, and although he said that it could be difficult to complete, he claimed that there could be a late “surprise” in store.

Jacobs outlined: “Jesse Marsch, I think, has always known that the Patrick Bamford situation dictates that they need something more from that.

“In addition to that, Jack Harrison, who’s often linked with clubs, hasn’t replicated the goalscoring form of last season, either. And then Raphinha had departed over the summer, and even though Leeds were able to get a few decent names in, they still probably need a little bit more up front.

“So, it’s going to be tough to get that done in the last few days of the window, but don’t be surprised if there’s a surprise on the forward front as far as Leeds are concerned.”

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The Verdict: One to watch?

A number of Leeds’ current attackers are hugely versatile and can play in multiple positions in attack. Harrison is the latest example, recently lining out in a more central role, but should the 26-year-old leave – with Leicester City making an offer of £20m – then perhaps the Whites would look to replace him late in the transfer window.

However, if he stays, you could make the argument that Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta have done what they needed to do by signing Rutter and are well-stocked going forward.

Bamford also appears to be over his injury problems for now and has been building up the minutes in recent weeks, but Jacobs believes that a prospective new attacking addition could be one to watch.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou believes the future of Giorgos Giakoumakis will be ‘resolved in the coming days’.

The Lowdown: Atlanta move still on?

Giakoumakis has been linked with a move away from Glasgow since the beginning of December after contract talks stalled between the Hoops and the forward.

As we know, he remains a Celtic player as of today, despite being heavily linked with MLS side Atlanta United and Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds.

Postecoglou brought in what appears to be a replacement in Hyeon-gyu Oh, and it seems as if Giakoumakis’ future will be finalised over the coming days, with a move to America still seemingly on the cards.

The Latest: Postecoglou’s update

Postecoglou was talking to Sky Sports News (14:36) ahead of the club’s trip to St Johnstone on Sunday. He was quizzed on Giakoumakis’ Parkhead future alongside a number of other topics, to which he said:

‘It’s kind of gone off my radar now. Obviously there is something that’s pending there. I’m sure it’ll be resolved in the coming days.”

The Verdict: Best for all involved…

A Celtic Park exit for Giakoumakis appears to be best for all involved after talks broke down over a new deal towards the end of 2022.

He’s only started four Scottish Premiership fixtures all season and hasn’t been involved in the club’s last four games in all competitions.

As mentioned, Oh appears to be Giakoumakis’ replacement in Scotland, so providing the finances for an exit are acceptable, a departure could be finalised fairly soon, leaving Postecoglou with Oh and Kyogo Furuhashi as centre-forward options.

Journalist Ross Gregory believes Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin will almost certainly leave the club in the near future following the arrival of Anthony Gordon.

What’s the word?

The French winger hasn’t been at his best for some time now and having been “scapegoated” at times towards the end of last season, he’s carried his poor form deep into the current campaign.

Indeed, manager Eddie Howe doesn’t seem to fully trust the Frenchman and has started him just five times in the Premier League so far.

What’s more, Newcastle opted to spend big in January on another winger with Gordon arriving from Everton for a touted £45m transfer fee.

This may well see Saint-Maximin’s position in the pecking order fall even further, and Gregory seems to think it proves that the club are looking to get rid of the winger.

Speaking on NUFC Matters, he said: “I still don’t see ASM being a long-term option for Newcastle. I don’t think he’s going to be here in the next 12 months. Personally, that’s how I view it.

“I don’t think Eddie Howe, firmly trusts him. I think the fact that he’s brought in Anthony Gordon is another indication of that.

“He’s a fantastic player, really talented, but I just don’t think he suits Newcastle’s setup at the minute.

“I think he wants to stay and he would really like to be that type of player and have a really big role in a team which is clearly gone places. But I just can’t see any way forward other than him ultimately leaving for pastures new.

Writing on the wall?

Saint-Maximin was at least handed the chance to impress with a rare start in the club’s most recent game. However, in that 1-1 draw against West Ham, he hardly took his chance.

For instance, journalist Lee Ryder gave him a 6/10 player rating for ChroniceLive and noted that he had a “disappointing night” managing to have just one shot at goal which was blocked.

In that same game, Gordon came off the bench for Saint-Maximin in the 69th minute to make his debut. Tellingly, Ryder was much more positive about the new man giving him an 8/10 for his eye-catching cameo.

The journalist said: “Made a big difference. If this is a taste of what’s to come, the future is exciting.”

While it might be exciting for Newcastle fans and their new signing, it may be damming for Saint-Maximin. Indeed, that could well mean the writing is on the wall for the 25-year-old who might struggle to get many more opportunities to prove himself to Howe.

Manchester United have been handed named as the sole contenders to sign Jeremie Frimpong as Bayer Leverkusen’s struggles may cause them to have to reshape their squad.

The Lowdown: Red Devils chase right-back?

In the January transfer window, Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT that Man United could be in the market for a new right-back, should Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave the club.

The Englishman ended up remaining at Old Trafford, despite interest from the likes of Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it is unclear how highly he is rated by Erik ten Hag, given that he has made just eight Premier League appearances this season.

The Latest: Door open for Frimpong

According to a report from BILD,  Leverkusen’s ‘crisis season’ could open the door for the Red Devils to sign Frimpong in the summer.

Man United are named in this report as the only main side interested, and they could have a very good chance to sign him, given that the Bundesliga club may choose to overhaul their squad.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Once hailed as ‘outstanding’ and a ‘top, top player’ by Celtic boss Neil Lennon, the 22-year-old would provide Ten Hag with more of an attacking threat from right-back, weighing in with a remarkable five goals and one assist in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season.

The Dutchman is also a very competent dribbler of the ball, ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, averaging 2.00, an increase on the figure of 1.49 per 90 from Wan-Bissaka in the same timeframe.

Frimpong is less assured in the defensive side of the game, recording less tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90 than the 25-year-old, but he would still be a very good signing, able to offer Ten Hag different qualities to his current options in the position.