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Craig Hope has revealed some fresh Newcastle United transfer news involving Dean Henderson.

The Lowdown: Burn on his way?

As per Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, the St. James’ Park faithful have now agreed a £13m fee with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Dan Burn, adding that he is travelling up to the North East in order to undergo a medical.

He looks set to join Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and the imminent Bruno Guimaraes on Tyneside, meaning that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium can now focus on other targets before the deadline hits.

It seems as though the priority is still on improving the defensive record even after the move for Burn, judging by the latest news from Hope.

The Latest: Attention on Henderson

According to The Daily Mail journalist, talks have begun this weekend to bring Manchester United’s Henderson to Tyneside on loan:

“Talks have taken place in past 24 hours.”

However, after previously reporting that there was a ‘strong chance’ of a deal, Hope is no longer so positive.

“Never say never, but I’m told Henderson/NUFC now looks unlikely.”

The Verdict: Not a priority

Henderson is undeniably talented – during his incredible spell on loan with Sheffield United, when he kept 35 clean sheets in 86 appearances, his Blades teammate, Sander Berge, hailed him as ‘insane’ and ‘exceptional’.

However, the Toon are already stacked in the goalkeeping department with Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman, and so they should not be prioritising bringing in a new one – even if Woodman leaves, Eddie Howe will still have two senior shot-stoppers at his disposal.

Furthermore, Henderson currently earns a whopping £120,000-per-week at Old Trafford, and while money is not an object to the new owners, they would probably be expected to pay a large chunk of that on top of a potential loan fee.

Nonetheless, they should focus on other positions, with another striker mooted with Callum Wilson’s injury, and the likes of Alvaro Morata and Dominic Calvert-Lewin still reportedly seen as options.

In other news, find out who NUFC have made enquiries over here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over an admission from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of their game away at Liverpool in the Premier League this evening, the Spaniard admitted (via Sky Sports Scotland) that he is a Gers fan: “As a Rangers fan I must say thanks so much to Stevie”.

Of course, he is referencing the departed Steven Gerrard, who has left to go and manage Aston Villa, while Giovanni van Bronckhorst has now taken his place.

Nonetheless, members of the Ibrox faithful picked up on the fact that he is a Light Blues supporter, despite growing up in Spain and currently managing the Gunners.

Arteta won a Scottish Premiership title with the Teddy Bears as a player, as well as two other domestic trophies (Transfermarkt), and must have enjoyed his time in Scotland so much to call himself an RFC supporter.

Rangers fans on Arteta admission

These Rangers fans buzzed as his admission was shared on Twitter, with one claiming that they ‘love’ it while another even went as far as to call it ‘superb’:

“Class, well said Mikel! Always a Ranger”

Credit: @KenM_inCzechRep

“Outstanding Mikel”

Credit: @gazza226

“Now this does put a smile on my face”

Credit: @Gsinclair291

“Superb”

Credit: @douglasjamesgr2

“Love this”

Credit: @buntymunn

“Cutting onions”

Credit: @RssGrhm

In other news, find out who van Bronckhorst is bringing with him to Rangers here!

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after it emerged that the Reds are expected to wear their new Nike away kit away to Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face one of their biggest games of the season this weekend, making to trip to Old Trafford for a fierce clash with United.

Liverpool are in superb form at the moment, thumping Watford last Saturday and winning away to Atletico Madrid in midweek, but this will be a stern test even despite their hosts’ questionable form.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure and United don’t look on the Reds’ level currently, but they have the attacking quality to win matches in an instant.

According to This Is Anfield [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool will wear their new Nike away strip for the first time on Sunday, giving fans a chance to see it on the biggest stage of all.

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Liverpool fans react to kit claim

These Reds supporters reacted to the news on Twitter, with many seeing this is a ‘good omen’.

“Finally”

Credit: @stackz1shot

“We winning 6-0”

Credit: @lulusityy

“Finally. I hope this kit be our good omen”

Credit: @Hananliverpool

“Looks great”

Credit: @sean99o82

“I’m wearing mine all day then”

Credit: @TheOrigin__96

“Such a beauty”

Credit: @quindelamore

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at one piece of news ahead of the United clash. Read more here.

Off the back of two successive agonising defeats – and both for different reasons – Leeds United face the daunting task of games against Arsenal, Liverpool and a resurgent Aston Villa before the end of the year.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were hammered 7-0 by Manchester City in their latest outing, and host Arsenal knowing that they are firmly in that battle to beat the drop.

Injuries have derailed the Whites’ hopes of enjoying another impressive year in the top-flight, but while that is understandably a cause for concern, it can also be a blessing in disguise in other respects: namely, handing an opportunity to some of the club’s brightest young prospects.

Joe Gelhardt has already had his share of first-team football in recent weeks, and now, Cody Drameh should surely be in the frame for a starting spot.

Jamie Shackleton occupied that right-back slot against City before being taken off, and when you consider Bielsa ought to be putting square pegs in square holes, Drameh must figure into the equation for that role going forward.

Indeed, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has even suggested that the 20-year-old could well be the long-term heir to Luke Ayling.

He said: “The point about Drameh was that he could be a natural successor to Ayling, who still has time left but is clearly not in his first flush of youth. Drameh is well thought of and I do feel like he’s got a serious chance here if he’s patient.”

While naturally much of the excitement of Leeds fans will be surrounding Gelhardt, Drameh is another from the U23s group who could really make a name for himself at Elland Road.

At just 20, the versatile ace has got plenty of time to grow and develop, but first-team minutes could be more on offer now that the Whites find themselves in such an injury crisis.

Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson was quick to rave about his potential and how good he is already, saying: “Defensively so impressive! His mind works quicker than most right-backs I’ve seen in a naturally defensive mindset. Tactically very aware of what is being asked of him, times his engagements well, needs to add a little more unpredictability going forward.”

Meanwhile, LUTV commentator Tom Hill described the 20-year-old as a “box of tricks” after an impressive performance against Sunderland at U23 level, and that bodes well for his future as a more adventurous full-back.

With the busy festive schedule taking its toll on Leeds’ players, Drameh could finally be unleashed by Bielsa in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a move for this South American star…

Writing for the Telegraph, journalist Chris Bascombe has lifted the lid on why Fenway Sports Group won’t be changing their approach to Liverpool despite being set to receive a $750 million (£539 million) investment from RedBird Capital Partners – which has prompted Reds to erupt on social media.

It has been reported over the last two days that, alongside LeBron James becoming an FSG partner, Liverpool are set to receive a significant cash injection after approving the £539m investment by RedBird.

However, Bascombe has warned Liverpool supporters to not get too overly excited in regards to how this effects issues like transfer policy – saying the approach from FSG will be no different and this news should not signal the start of a new era.

As a result, many Reds erupted on social media in response to the insight – find all of their verdicts down below, look away now John W. Henry…

Liverpool fans erupt over FSG claim

“Lol we are finished had fun for 3 years it’s over now teams have gotten way better dead owners no investment”

Credit: @NabyDazzler

“FSG out”

Credit: @Is_Alive101

“Disgraceful owners”

Credit: @DJ08_

“Sell to buy merchants living off Klopps genius”

Credit: @Corballyred

“FSG out asap”

Credit: @DavidVaughan5

“We’re done for. SELL UP!”

Credit: @_jms98

“Absolute joke”

Credit: @Tjtrxcxy10

“Why am I not surprised? Absolute parasites”

Credit: @Hendoshuffle1

In other news: Liverpool fans also want this player signed, find out more here.

As Benji Kimpioka wheeled away after scoring in the 90th minute to rescue a draw with Coventry in 2019, it felt like a landmark moment.

11 months on from when Josh Maja had been sold, a member of Sunderland’s academy was scoring goals again.

Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, he has not scored for the senior team in league action since.

Chances have been hard to come by for Kimpioka, a young talent who swapped Swedish shores for the north-east of England in 2016.

It was in Scandinavia where he learned the game, but it’s at Sunderland where he’s been developed and tailored.

That being said, it has not been an easy ride for the striker, someone who has struggled to make a sufficient impression under both Jack Ross and Phil Parkinson.

Ross was the man to give him his senior debut but he’s not kicked on and has also had his troubles with injury.

Speaking in October 2018, just over a year before he scored his first league goal, Ross commented: “He’s an enigma at times. He’s got really good attributes. It’s just about trying to piece it all together.”

Indeed, not a single manager has been able to piece them together until recently. Kimpioka has been busy making a big impression for Elliott Dickman’s U23s but his season hasn’t been without its setbacks.

The talented forward didn’t even have a club at the beginning of the term. He was out of contract with the Black Cats and even went back to his native Sweden to train with his former club, IK Sirius.

He eventually penned new terms at the Stadium of Light in October and immediately hit the ground running, scoring four goals in five Premier League 2 outings.

A hamstring injury in November proved another setback, but we’re starting to see signs of a revival. He was among the substitutes bench for the EFL Trophy final at Wembley just over a week ago which clearly shows Lee Johnson has him on his radar.

The arrival of Ross Stewart has damaged the potential of further senior minutes but with Will Grigg out on loan, there is a spot in the first-team with Kimpioka’s name on it.

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If he continues to score with great regularity for the U23s, there’s no reason he can’t make an impression at first team level. After all, Johnson has already handed minutes to the likes of Dan Neil and Ollie Younger.

Could Kimpioka be the next in line? You should hope so. The forward has proven he can hit the back of the net this season and Sunderland are surely done with Grigg.

Therefore, the youngster should be unleashed next season instead.

AND in other news, Drop him: Sunderland gem who lost 67% of his duels continues to let Johnson down…

Wolverhampton Wanderers will face a Burnley side without Ashley Westwood in their Premier League clash this afternoon.

What’s the story?

The Clarets midfielder was forced off on a stretcher in their 1-1 draw against West Ham last weekend and has since had to have surgery on his ankle, after fracturing and dislocating it.

Caretaker boss Mike Jackson said to the media, as quoted by Birmingham Live: “It is a fracture and a dislocation. The operation went really well.”

Although, Jackson did provide a positive update on left-back Erik Pieters, saying: “Erik Pieters is doing a lot of running on the grass and is where he needs to be.”

However, after surgery, the 32-year-old now faces a long period on the sidelines and will certainly be absent for Wolves’ meeting with the Lancashire outfit at Turf Moor this afternoon.

A boost for Wolves

It goes without saying that we wish Westwood the very best in his recovery from a serious injury but given his importance to the Clarets, it will be a boost to Wolves that he is missing for this encounter.

The significance of today’s match for both sides is of serious magnitude with both fighting at different ends of the table.

Burnley boosted their survival hopes on Thursday evening with a 2-0 win at home to Southampton but still find themselves one point off safety with 17th-place Everton having a game in hand.

As for Bruno Lage’s men, European qualification is still very possible but will require a strong run of form to close out the season, with the West Midlands outfit currently eighth but five points behind sixth-place Manchester United with two games in hand.

Wanderers are also battling with West Ham, who currently occupy seventh, for a European place with the Hammers three points ahead, although Wolves do have a game in hand.

Lage’s men are in a good position, however, they are slightly reliant on results elsewhere going their way whilst also needing to win their own matches.

At 32, Westwood boasts plenty of experience whilst making 27 appearances in the top-flight for the Lancashire outfit this term, making him a key fixture in their plans.

Therefore, the knowledge that Burnley will be without one of their regular players in Westwood for a crucial match will be a major boost for Lage and co.

AND in other news: Wolves now plot bid to sign “unique” £31.5m-rated livewire, just imagine him & Jimenez

Steve Bruce must urge Newcastle United to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury on loan during the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports (Transfer Centre, 19/1, 13:42), Bruce is in the market for a new option for his engine room as the Toon boss feels like he is currently lacking a midfielder with the energy to control play at both ends of the field.

Newcastle would be expected to face strong competition should they move to sign Choudhury this month, and any deal for the former England U21 international is likely to go down to the wire.

The 23-year-old has fallen out of favour at the King Power Stadium this season after earning a career-high 20 outings in the Premier League last term, with Brendan Rodgers only calling on the Loughborough-born midfielder to play 70 minutes of top-flight football to date.

Rodgers has confirmed Leicester would prefer to sell Choudhury in the January transfer window if he is to leave the East Midlands outfit in search of more game time, as the loan offers received so far have not been attractive enough from a Foxes perspective.

Sam Allardyce is thought to have marked Choudhury as his top target for West Bromwich Albion to sign this month as, like Bruce, he strives to bring in a new midfielder.

The Leicester product also reportedly favours a move to The Hawthorns over Southampton or Newcastle as he feels he will be given the most playing time, while not having to relocate, per the Express and Star.

Should Newcastle sign Choudhury?

Bruce should do all he can to ensure Choudhury opts for a move to St. James’ Park by the end of the winter market by pushing Newcastle to have a package in place that will appeal to Leicester, as the Foxes outcast could be the ideal option to solve his midfield headache.

Choudhury may be out of favour in the Premier League this season, yet he has kept his fitness up with frequent minutes in the Europa League with Rodgers opting to rotate his options. But those chances will likely soon dwindle, as Leicester look to negotiate their way through the knockout stages.

That will, more probably than not, see Choudhury face the same situation as he does in the top-flight, where Rodgers has omitted the £7m-rated anchor from six matchday squads and left him as an unused substitute on 10 occasions and counting.

It was not that long ago that Rodgers was a firm advocate of Choudhury’s talents in the engine room and those sentiments were also echoed by former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, who told BBC Radio 5 Live: “What Choudhury gives you is that he can sniff out danger, he destroys it and can make a tackle, but he’s also really good on the ball.”

Choudhury reflected his Carabao Cup exploits over the 2019/20 Premier League season with 1.2 interceptions and 0.8 successful tackles a game. Those numbers would suggest he can provide Bruce with strong depth as Isaac Hayden (1.85) and Matty Longstaff (1.4) are the sole members of his current unit who break up opposition play more often this term, per SofaScore.

His ability to be the box-to-box presence may not be as strong, with Choudhury rarely carrying possession up the field with just 0.1 successful dribbles a game last season. But his defensive prowess may better free Jonjo Shelvey, who ranks second only to Matt Ritchie (1.63) for key passes (1.2).

AND in other news, Newcastle face heightened competition for a £2.7m target…

A big claim has been dropped on the potential takeover of Newcastle United after a lawyer was appointed by Mike Ashley for his anti-competition lawsuit.

The Lowdown: Ashley appoints lawyer

Ashley has launched an anti-competition lawsuit against the Premier League with regards to their decision-making process in the failed takeover at St James’ Park from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The chief executive of Sports Direct has since appointed Daniel Jowell as his QC for the case, and football finance expert Kieran Maguire thinks that this was an inspired decision.

The Latest: Maguire lauds Jowell appointment

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire has lauded the appointment of Jowell and what affect that he could have on the potential takeover on Tyneside. He said:

“It bodes well for the takeover.

“People’s reputations and the future of Newcastle United are at stake. You want somebody in your corner who is going to represent your interests as best as possible.

“So you find out who the best QCs are and you snap them up. There are some pretty impressive ones out there and by all accounts, he falls into that category.

“So what Ashley has done is definitely logical in terms of this appointment.”

The Verdict: Ashley gives himself best chance

Ashley certainly seems to have given himself the best chance in terms of being able to sell the club from the appointment of Jowell as his QC.

The lawyer has received very high praise for his work in the past and has also worked alongside Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

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If he is successful in this case, and Ashley also achieves a positive result in his pending arbitration hearing against the Premier League, then a giant step will have been taken in terms of clearing a pathway for the potential takeover at Newcastle United.

In other news, find out what big PIF claim has been dropped after Ashley’s takeover power play.

Luton Town have made an approach to sign Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on a permanent basis, a source has exclusively revealed to Football FanCast.

After joining Luton Town on a season-long loan deal back in October of last year, the 22-year-old went on to prove himself as one of Nathan Jones’ star players in the Hatters’ impressive Championship campaign.

Over his 39 league appearances, the midfielder scored three goals, registered six assists and created six big chances, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.7 key passes per game, earning the £1.8m-rated man a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11 – ranking him as Luton’s best performer in the second tier.

Now, a source has exclusively revealed to Football FanCast that, as a result of these exceptional returns, the Hatters’ chief recruitment officer, Mick Harford, has made an approach to Leicester City regarding a permanent deal for the £20k-per-week midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.

And, should Harford be successful with his bid to bring Dewsbury-Hall back to Kenilworth Road this summer, the deal would represent something of a coup for Luton, who appear to be moving in all the right directions under the leadership of Jones.