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Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be interested in a summer move for Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, with the Scotland international currently struggling for game-time in north London.

What’s the latest on Tierney to Newcastle?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are said to be ‘closely monitoring’ the 25-year-old ahead of a potential swoop at the end of the season, with the Carabao Cup finalists set to be ‘in the market’ for a new left-back despite their bid to tie down Dan Burn to a new deal.

The report suggests that the 35-cap machine – who signed for the Gunners for £25m from Celtic in 2019 – could potentially be up for grabs for a fee of around £30m, having lost his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta’s side.

This follows a report from the same publication which suggested that Ashworth and co are also looking at Fulham’s Antonee Robinson as an alternative option to bolster their backline, albeit with Premier League champions Manchester City also in the mix for the USA international’s signature.

How good could Tierney and Botman be together?

The prospective arrival of Tierney could well help to strengthen what remains the meanest defence in the division, with Eddie Howe’s relentless side having only shipped 15 goals in 23 top-flight outings to date this season.

A key factor in that stark improvement from last season – when the Tynesiders conceded 62 goals in the league alone – has been the arrival of former Lille defender Sven Botman, with the £35m addition having made a “huge difference” to the side, according to journalist Josh Bunting.

The 6 foot 4 “leader” – as hailed by Bunting – has helped to keep nine clean sheets from his 21 appearances in the Premier League so far this term, notably winning a solid 68% of his duels while averaging 3.5 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per match in that time.

The “incredible” Dutchman, as described by pundit Leon Osman, has proven to be something of a rock in his left-sided centre-back berth, and it’s a mouthwatering prospect to imagine throwing Tierney into the mix alongside him at left-back.

The former Parkhead star is also something of a defensive menace, having previously been described as a “warrior” by ex-England international Ashley Cole. The relentless Arsenal ace has also mirrored Botman in being praised as a “leader”, as per Cole.

Tierney would also be able to provide the benefit of offering a real attacking thrust down the left flank at St James’ Park, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 7% for progressive passes among his European peers, and in the top 13% for progressives carries. The aforementioned Burn ranks in just the bottom 12% and the bottom 4% for those same two metrics respectively.

An approach for the Scotland international was previously given the backing of pundit Joe Cole back in 2021 following the arrival of PIF at St James’ Park.

The retired playmaker stated at the time: “Kieran Tierney as well, is another who is out of the team at Arsenal, I think would be fantastic. I think he’s ideal for Newcastle, fits right in and he needs a new challenge. I don’t know why he’s not playing regularly at Arsenal recently.”

With the 5 foot 10 defender’s situation having failed to improve since then – starting just four league games this season – it could well be an opportune time for Newcastle to pounce, with the prospect of partnering Botman with Tierney one that Howe simply can’t turn down.

Chelsea have reportedly decided to stick with manager Graham Potter but it remains to be seen how much longer his job will last if the coach does not lift the team up from tenth in the Premier League table.

Along with the manager, some players are facing uncertain futures heading into the summer transfer window. One player who could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge is attacking midfielder Mason Mount as his contract standoff with the club continues to rumble on.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that the Blues will not return to the negotiating table with the England international until the end of the season, after having several offers turned down by the academy graduate.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and Chelsea could be forced to consider selling the gem this summer if he does not put pen to paper on an extension as they would, otherwise, risk losing him for nothing.

Potter, if he remains in his post, could land a dream upgrade on Mount in the summer transfer window by securing a deal to sign Leicester City star James Maddison, who is reportedly on the club’s radar and plays in the same position as the current Blues talent.

Is James Maddison better than Mason Mount?

The former Norwich and Coventry midfielder could improve Chelsea’s team based on his incredible form for the Foxes in the Premier League this season.

In the top-flight, the mercurial playmaker has averaged a terrific Sofascore rating of 7.42 across 17 appearances. In that time, the 5 foot 9 playmaker has produced nine goals and five assists from midfield, which shows he can regularly impact games at the top end of the pitch by scoring or assisting goals.

Mount, meanwhile, has scored three goals and provided two assists in 22 Premier League outings for the Blues – averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.09.

Maddison has scored 21 times in 44 league starts since the start of last season but the Chelsea attacker has managed 14 in 47 starts in the division in that time.

This suggests the Leicester man would be a big upgrade on Mount in terms of the threat he provides from midfield, whilst the Foxes talent has also created more chances (2.2) per game than his compatriot (1.4) this season.

The 26-year-old, who was once hailed as “magical” and a “magician” by Statman Dave, could, therefore, be a dream upgrade on the Blues academy graduate this summer. 

Maddison’s current form suggests that he would improve Chelsea’s attack by scoring more goals and creating more opportunities for his teammates to score than Mount has managed for Potter in 2022/23.

Racism has been a long-standing issue in football teams. It occurs when people discriminate against someone based on the colour of their skin, ethnicity or nationality. Racism can take many forms from verbal abuse to physical violence and it is not limited to any particular team or country – it happens all around the world.

There are many reasons why racism is still present in football teams, including ignorance and lack of education about diversity. Unfortunately, it is often seen as acceptable behaviour by some people and can be perpetuated by the media, which contributes to an environment where racism is tolerated or even encouraged.

Read about racism examples

Racism in football is an issue that has been around for a long time, and unfortunately it still exists today. Football can be an incredibly powerful platform to speak out against racism and its damaging effects. Essays on this topic can help us better understand why racism exists in football and how we can try to prevent it from occurring. For those interested in learning more about racism in football, reading a racism essay on this subject can provide valuable insight. These essays can help us understand the history of racism in football, how it is manifested today, and what we can do to put an end to it.

Effects of racism on footballers

Racism in football can have far-reaching negative effects on players. It can create a hostile environment in the stadium, leading to decreased performance levels and a lack of concentration. Players may feel isolated and unwelcome, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

The psychological impact of racism is significant and long lasting. Being  the victim of racism can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anger, fear and anxiety. These feelings can impact a player’s performance on the field and their overall mental health. Racism can also cause players to withdraw from the sport altogether.

Furthermore, racism can be a barrier to entry for certain players who might otherwise have been able to participate in the sport. Racism can also lead to poor decisions on and off the field, as players may be influenced negatively by racist comments or language used to describe them.

Finally, racism can have a lasting impact on players’ careers, as they may not receive the same opportunities for growth or recognition because of their race. It is important  to be aware of the impact racism can have on football players, and to take action to combat it.

Dealing with racism on the football field

Let’s discuss the most effective ways to overcome racism in football teams.

1. Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Team Recruitment

Recruiting a diverse team of players helps create an atmosphere that celebrates differences and prevents racism from taking root. Teams should look to recruit talent from all backgrounds, including those with different ethnicities, genders, religions, economic backgrounds, and more. Coaches should also be mindful of any internal biases they may have when selecting players for their team. It’s important to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to compete for a spot regardless of race or background.

2. Train Players on Racial Sensitivity

Teams should have training sessions where they teach players how to be sensitive to people of different races and how to stop racism on their teams. This can include things like:

understanding privilege learning about different cultural practices encouraging respectful communication recognizing biases.

By giving players ways to learn more about each other, teams can make a place where people from all backgrounds feel more welcome.

3. Create a Zero-Tolerance Policy

Teams should also have clear policies in place that outline the consequences for any racist remarks or behaviour. This should ensure everyone feels safe and respected within the team environment without fear of racial discrimination. It’s important that coaches and staff are held accountable as well to ensure they are not tolerating any form of racism on their team or in their organization.

4. Promote Open Dialogue

Creating an open dialogue between players can help them understand each other better and foster a greater sense of unity. Players should be encouraged to discuss their backgrounds and experiences, as well as any racism they have witnessed or experienced in the past. This will help to create a more empathetic atmosphere and make it easier for players to identify any instances of racial discrimination on their team.

5. Support Anti-Racism Organizations

Teams can show how much they want to stop racism by giving money or other resources to anti-racism groups that work to raise awareness and fight systemic racism. Being involved in the fight against racism not only sends a strong message, but it can also start conversations within the team about why this is important and how everyone can help make football more welcoming for everyone.

6. Hold Team Meetings

Regular team meetings should be held to discuss any incidents of racism that may have occurred, as well as strategies for preventing such behaviour in the future. This can help players become more aware of how their words and actions can affect others and ensure everyone feels heard and respected on the team. Additionally, coaches and staff members should be held accountable during these meetings if they are not actively working to prevent racism.

7. Encourage Positive Role Models

Having positive role models within the team can help inspire other players to stand up against discrimination and promote acceptance of differences among all members. Teams should look for players who embody qualities of respect, inclusivity, understanding, and empathy to be seen as leaders in the sport. These players can help set an example for others and show that all racial backgrounds are welcome and celebrated.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, racism in football teams is a deeply complex issue. With the right education and measures put in place by coaches and team leaders, it is possible to overcome racism in football teams. Creating a safe and respectful team environment is key to eradicating racism in football teams.

Photos by Unsplash

Leeds United are thought to be already considering a move for Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.

The Lowdown: Gracia in

The Whites brought in Javi Gracia on a flexible contract last month, with the Spaniard tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League.

He made a winning start at Elland Road against Southampton last weekend, a result that took Leeds out of the relegation zone.

Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises appear to be keeping an eye on the managerial market with Gracia not fixed to a long-term deal though, with Cooper a new name who appears to be of interest.

The Latest: Cooper update

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from The Daily Mail on Friday regarding Cooper.

They said that a number of Premier League clubs, including Leeds, are considering a move for the Welshman after his impressive work at the City Ground.

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Forest are currently in a better position than Leeds, so you could argue that a move to Elland Road for Cooper at this moment in time is unlikely, especially with Chelsea and Tottenham also named with a potential interest.

The 3-4-2-1 style manager has wins over Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch on his CV and has done a brilliant job for Forest, taking them from a relegation battle in the Championship to the Premier League.

Also, should Gracia keep Leeds up, you could say that he deserves the job on a full-time basis, but it seems as if Cooper’s name could be a name to keep an eye on following this update.

Everton want to bring Flamengo striker Pedro to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Merseyside outfit failed to add a single fresh face to their ranks in January so attacking reinforcements will definitely be needed in the upcoming window regardless of which division they might find themselves in.

The Brazilian’s contract at the Maracana Stadium isn’t set to expire until 2027, but being Vitor Pereira’s second top-performing offensive player, has caught the eye of Sean Dyche at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Everton eyeing Pedro

According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Everton, alongside West Ham and Aston Villa, are ‘keen on signing’ Pedro ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

It’s stated that the 25-year-old ‘could be tempted’ by a move to the English top-flight to show what he’s really capable of, so this may be one to watch in the months ahead.

The Verdict: Perfect for Dyche

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and the recently returning Ellis Simms haven’t made a significant enough impact at Everton this season so Pedro would be the perfect centre-forward to come in and change Dyche’s fortunes.

The Adidas-sponsored talisman has clocked up 90 goal contributions in 159 appearances for Flamengo, where he’s currently averaging 2.2 shots per league game.

The 6 foot 1 attacker additionally ranks in the 99th percentile for four different statistics, including non-penalty expected goals plus assisted goals (FBRef).

Finally, Pedro has been hailed an ‘excellent finisher’ by BBC commentator Guy Mowbray, making him the ideal candidate to put pen to paper this summer.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is now back in training after his groin injury, according to a report from The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Injuries mounting up

A whole host of Forest players are set for a spell on the sidelines, with Cheikhou Kouyate, Scott McKenna, Willy Boly and Omar Richards all ruled out due to a variety of different injury issues.

Awoniyi has not been named in the match-day squad for the last eight Premier League matches, having sustained a groin injury in the Tricky Trees’ 1-0 win away at Southampton at the beginning of January.

With winger Brennan Johnson also sustaining a groin issue in the recent defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, Steve Cooper is light on numbers in forward areas, and so the latest news about Awoniyi will be a welcome boost for the manager…

The Latest: Awoniyi back in training

According to a report from The Athletic, the striker has recently returned to light training, as he looks to put his injury problem behind him.

The 25-year-old is said to have stepped up his involvement at Wilford Lane over the past week, indicating it may not be too long until he is deemed ready for a return to the first team.

It is detailed that Cooper may also view the Nigerian as a potential replacement for Johnson in the starting XI, despite the fact they are very different types of players, as he can be a real outlet for Forest in attack.

The Verdict: Boost for Cooper

The Ilorin-born marksman was just starting to find his feet in the Premier League prior to his injury blow, netting the winner in the 1-0 victory at Southampton, which remains the Tricky Trees’ only win on their travels in the top flight all season.

Hailed as ‘absolutely sublime’ by the media earlier this season, the forward was also branded a ‘hero’ for his performance in the 1-0 victory against Liverpool at the City Ground, a match in which he again netted the winner, while he also displayed his playmaking ability, creating one big chance.

With Forest sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone, it is absolutely vital they have their best players available for the run-in, as we enter the final third of the Premier League season.

Awoniyi is firmly in that category, having averaged 0.51 goals per 90 so far this season, the highest amount of any player, and so it is a real boost that he could return to first-team action soon.

Andrew Musgrove believes that James Ward-Prowse would fit the bill perfectly for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle to bolster their midfield

It was reported back in January that midfield was the priority position for Newcastle to improve, but instead, they ended up weakening that area by letting Jonjo Shelvey depart on a permanent transfer.

Therefore, Newcastle will very likely have to strengthen their midfield department come the summer, so finishing in a European place will help their recruitment drive.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for England international and Premier League stalwart Ward-Prowse, which could be a lot easier if Southampton are relegated this season.

The Latest: Ward-Prowse could improve the Magpies

Speaking on the Everything is Black and White podcast, Toon journalist John Gibson stated that Ward-Prowse could be the ‘locksmith’ that Newcastle need to go to the next level – and Musgrove couldn’t agree more.

He said: “Newcastle have been linked with James Ward-Prowse. I think people on the podcast will know I’m a huge, huge fan of him. Only 28, dead-ball specialist.

“You said there that they need a locksmith, someone who can pick the pass without even thinking about it. For me, he fits that bill absolutely perfectly.”

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The Verdict: Strength in depth will be key for Newcastle

While Newcastle have a solid core group of around 14 players, their lack of depth has certainly started to show in the second half of this season, with the Magpies winning just one league game in 2023.

Therefore, bringing in someone such as Ward-Prowse could allow Eddie Howe to have a choice of players for different sorts of games, although he would likely demand one of the bigger pay packets at the club, as he’s already thought to be on £100,000 per week on the south coast.

If Newcastle are to qualify for Europe next season, they will need a far deeper squad to be playing twice a week for a lot of the season, and to have someone such as Ward-Prowse, who’s come in for praise from Toon legend Alan Shearer in the past, would be a sign of Newcastle taking steps forward in their development under PIF and Howe.

One win in eight Premier League matches and defeat in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United; merely one week ago, Newcastle United's resounding exploits under Eddie Howe's tutelage looked to have been hampered, but the engine is now churning once again.

Victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James's Park last weekend preceded yesterday's enthralling encounter at City Ground, where an emphatic Alexander Isak brace sank Nottingham Forest and took the Magpies six points clear of Liverpool, who are sixth in the top-flight.

In both affairs, United entered the closing stages of the match with parity intact, exhibiting their guile and tenacity by seeking out late winners, with £63m record signing Isak's penalty in the 93rd minute against Steve Cooper's Forest integral in the pursuit of Champions League football.

And while successive victories have now been struck, dynamic wide man Allan Saint-Maximin failed to impress in Nottingham, withdrawn from action by Howe at the midpoint.

How did Saint-Maximin perform against Forest?

Last season, Saint-Maximin showcased his fleet-footed brilliance with regularity for his outfit, having signed from Nice for £16.5m in 2019, arguably enjoying his most fruitful year and plundering five goals and five assists from 31 league starts, once hailed as a "marvellous magician" by journalist Luke Edwards.

Howe did reveal in the wake of the encounter that the 26-year-old was struggling with a fitness issue, saying; “Allan wasn’t quite right today, physically, I didn’t think. He’s been carrying a tight hamstring.

"I don’t think it’s a pull, it’s just a little bit of tightness. For me, it was obvious during that first half that he probably wouldn’t be able to carry on."

As per Sofascore, the £70k-per-week phenom recorded a match rating of 6.6, shadowed by the excellence of Isak and Jacob Murphy on the alternating flank, with the duo picking up ratings of 8.2 and 7.4 respectively.

Saint-Maximin managed just one dribble on the night, completing 67% of his passes and failing with both of his attempted crosses and playing a largely peripheral role, branded "ineffective" by reporter Miles Starforth.

Perhaps an encapsulation of his miserable fortunes lies in his success with the ball at his feet; making a total of 20 touches, the ace lost the ball on ten occasions, failing to register a shot or make a single key pass, utterly nullified by the home back-line.

Centre-back Sven Botman arguably suffered the worst performance on the occasion, recording a lowly 5.9 match rating after making a detrimental error from which Forest talisman Emmanuel Dennis capitalised on to take the early lead, but with the £35m summer signing largely imperious this term, vital in asserting the Magpies' authority as the best defensive unit in the division, conceding just 19 goals.

Such a "poor" performance from the wily winger – as remarked by Chris Waugh – is a bitter reflection of the pro's travails this term, having scored just once and started on only nine occasions in the Premier League.

Saint-Maximin remains one of the most exciting and enterprising forwards in the division, but his potency in front of goal, both directly and from a supporting standpoint, must improve if he is to cement a role in burgeoning Newcastle's squad over the coming, potentially illustrious, years.

Sunderland are plotting a move to bring Stoke City defender Morgan Fox to the Stadium of Light, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Fox profiled

The Welshman’s contract at the Bet365 Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season meaning that should he not put pen to paper on fresh terms, he will be a free agent available on the market in the summer.

The Potters left-back has been a regular feature under Alex Neil this term having made 29 starts in the Championship where he’s currently the Midlands outfit’s second-best-performing defensive player.

Tony Mowbray will be fully aware that the 29-year-old has just received an international call-up to represent Rob Page’s nation for their Euro 2024 qualifiers and it sounds like he’s now weighing up whether to make an approach during the upcoming transfer window.

The Latest: Sunderland eyeing Fox

According to Football League World, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City are all ‘looking to land’ Fox ahead of the 2023/24 term.

The Black Cats’ interest in the full-back, alongside their fellow competitors, is ‘growing’, though it’s understood that Stoke ‘want to keep hold’ of their standout performer.

The Stadium of Light boss is ‘keen’ on his target, whose impressive season in the Potteries has ‘not gone unnoticed’ by his trio of potential suitors.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Fox has previously been hailed a ‘great professional’ by manager Garry Monk during his time at Sheffield Wednesday, and should the opportunity to sign him arise, Sunderland have a no-brainer of a decision to make.

The Reds star is currently averaging 2.8 clearances and 2.4 aerial wins per second-tier game, highlighting that he’s not only able to stop attacks in their tracks but is also just as much of a threat off the ground as he is on it (WhoScored).

The Chelmsford-born talent has additionally produced his fair share of contributions in the final third having provided 20 assists and scored six goals himself throughout his career whilst ranking in the 97th percentile for most progressive passes per game.

The left-footed ace offers versatility having previously operated at centre-back and higher up in the midfield dependent on formation which will no doubt be yet another attractive attribute to Mowbray.

Fox potentially about to become a free agent means that it would cost the northeast outfit nothing to snap him up so he would be a fantastic acquisition for the boss should the club be able to secure his services ahead of their competitors.

HLTCO host Dan Cook has claimed that Brighton may be a more "attractive proposition" for Mateo Retegui amid transfer links to Crystal Palace.

What's the latest on Mateo Retegui and Crystal Palace?

The Italian striker made headlines last week as he scored on his national team debut against England and then followed this up with another effort against Malta.

The 23-year-old was actually born in Argentina – and is currently on loan at Tigres from Boca Juniors – but qualifies to play for Italy thanks to his grandfather.

After the most recent game, his national team manager Roberto Mancini was full of praise but warned that he still needed to do more to prove himself as a top player.

He told the press: "He unlocked the match, he was essential today. But I repeat: he needs time, he still needs to learn more about European football."

According to Corriere dello Sport (via FC Inter News), Retegui could be set for a move to a big team in Europe this summer with Inter Milan named as a possible option.

Beyond the Serie A team, Palace and Brighton were also linked and while speaking on the HLTCO podcast, Cook explained why it might be a hard deal to pull off for the Eagles.

He said (8:12): “I hate to say this in a Crystal Palace podcast, but I'm not sure we are necessarily anything like as an attractive proposition at the moment as Brighton and Hove Albion.

"They are upwardly mobile, there is every chance they will get into Europe by the end of this season.

"And you look at our current plight, you know, hopefully Roy Hodgson can steady the ship and keep us afloat in the Premier League.

"But without a permanent manager, and without a guarantee of even the division that we're going to be playing in next season, you do wonder whether or not he may well plump for the seagulls."

Why would Mateo Retegui want to join Brighton?

It's certainly true that Palace are struggling to maintain their status as a Premier League side sitting just three points above the bottom three with only ten games to keep themselves up.

All the while, bitter rivals Brighton have lofty ambitions as they look to bright European football to the Amex next season, currently seventh in the league, level on points with Liverpool in sixth (with a game in hand too).

With that in mind, it's not hard to see why Retegui – who has six goals in eight league games with Tigre this term – may feel as though Brighton is the more appealing destination should he seek out a move to England in the summer.