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Newcastle United have been hit with a frustrating selection setback ahead of their trip to face Southampton at St. Mary’s in the Premier League next weekend.

What’s the latest?

Central midfielder Joelinton will be unavailable for selection against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Five yellow cards in the Premier League before the midway point of the campaign leads to a one-match suspension and the Brazilian’s caution against Villa means that he will now be watching on from the sidelines for the next match.

Fabian Schar is the only other Newcastle player on the verge of a suspension, with four bookings, as every other player has been booked twice or less.

Big blow

This is a big blow for Eddie Howe as Joelinton has been in fantastic form this season and will be a miss for the match against the Saints.

The midfield machine put in a fantastic performance in the win over Villa as he got himself on the scoresheet, won three of his four aerial battles and created two chances for his teammates – as per SofaScore.

He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.08 in the Premier League across 12 appearances so far this season. Only six outfield players have averaged a higher rating than the former Hoffenheim man and this shows that he has been one of the top performers in the side this term.

Joelinton has been a monster in the centre of the pitch as he has averaged 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game. This shows that he is consistently cutting out opposition attacks and providing a shield in front of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman at the back for the Magpies.

He has also shown off the creative side of his game as he has made 1.1 key passes per match and created one ‘big chance’ this season in the top flight. The Brazilian is proving that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch as a superb box-to-box midfielder.

Therefore, losing him is a frustrating setback as he has been consistently brilliant in the middle of the park and out wide on the left for Howe. He is a versatile, strong and quality option for the manager to call upon and he will now have to do without him for the clash with Southampton.

Glasgow Rangers haven’t exactly had the greatest of weeks on the pitch.

A 7-1 Champions League defeat at Ibrox against Liverpool on Wednesday was bad enough, and a serious injury sustained to the ever-reliable Connor Goldson that night means that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is facing something of an injury crisis in defence.

The Engilishman joins Filip Helander and John Souttar on the treatment table, with all three looking like long-term absentees.

It also looked like Ben Davies might be joining them, as the defender was assessed following the Liverpool match with a suspected injury complaint.

However, The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell delivered a big boost to Rangers ahead of the Premiership clash against Motherwell tomorrow, tweeting: “Hearing positive news re Davies ahead of Sunday after further tests. He’s been positive in the last four starts. Been really composed and Rangers need him at the moment.”

This is great news for the Gers and will surely be a sigh of relief for Van Bronckhorst, especially as he would otherwise have had only Leon King and James Sands available to play at the heart of defence.

Davies arrived at Ibrox in the summer for £4m and has started for Rangers in their last four matches. In his three Premiership appearances for the club, the 27-year-old has averaged 54.7 touches and completed 92% of his attempted passes, proving that he is comfortable on the ball and can display an excellent passing ability.

The defender has also won 53% of his duels and lost possession just 4.3 times per match, showing that he is strong in one-on-one scenarios and doesn’t often make mistakes on the ball.

Van Bronckhorst will be praying that Davies is 100% fit for tomorrow’s clash against Motherwell, and the Dutchman will be looking at his team to grasp the opportunity to redeem themselves following the woeful midweek result in the Champions League.

Having the former Liverpool defender available will come as a huge boost to the Gers, especially in the wake of the Goldson body blow, and it looks like there is finally one piece of good news on the injury front for Van Bronckhorst.

Wolves have been linked with a wide range of managers following the sacking of Bruno Lage last weekend but few options would be as poor as Italian coach Eusebio di Francesco.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the former Roma boss has emerged as one of the favourites to take over from Lage at Molineux, with talks reportedly having already taken place.

The Old Gold are said to be seriously considering a move for the 53-year-old, although they will face competition from Bournemouth, who are still yet to appoint a new manager after the inexplicably early sacking of Scott Parker.

Di Francesco would represent a cheaper option than most, as he is currently a free agent after leaving Hellas Verona more than a year ago.

Worse than Lage?

The fact that he was sacked after just four games with the Seria A side, and has been unable to find a new job since should be a significant deterrent for Fosun as they look for a Lage heir at Molineux.

While Di Francesco has done well with Sassuolo and Roma in the past, his three most recent jobs have all been far from successful, with the Italian manager mustering a significantly worse points per game average than Lage did at Wolves.

He would win just one of four matches at Hellas Verona, five of 26 at Cagliari and two of just eight at Sampdoria, never averaging more than one point per game, which suggests that he has well and truly lost his touch.

Lage, by comparison, would average 1.29 points per game during his time at Wolves and while fans think that it couldn’t get much worse at the moment, Di Francesco’s recent history suggests that it definitely could.

With Wolves currently occupying a relegation spot in the Premier League, the last thing they need is to appoint a manager who will bring a losing mentality to Molineux.

Considering Di Francesco has lost a remarkable 24 of his last 38 matches as a manager, across three different clubs, it would be a disaster if Wolves appointed him.

Indeed, they could do with a long-term approach and on the evidence of the Italian, he hasn’t been able to stick around for long in his last few vacancies.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have joined the race to sign Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Desire to leave

The 22-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but has been linked with a move away after being unhappy with his lack of game time, playing just 24 minutes so far this season.

Manager Alfred Schreuder has been recently quoted saying he doesn’t want his midfield maestro to leave, though he’s now the subject of strong interest from two clubs, and it looks like a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

The Latest: Wolves eyeing Kudus

According to Football Ghana and Ghana Soccer Net (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Kudus has ‘agreed on personal terms’ to join Everton, with there being a chance he ‘could end up’ at Goodison Park after Frank Lampard has ‘not given up’, despite Ajax not wanting to sell.

It’s stated that they are set to face competition though, with Wolves now deciding to ‘join the pursuit’ and ‘set to open talks’ with the player’s representatives ahead of a potential move.

It’s reported that Kudus ‘will fancy a dream move’ to England, and it seems either Everton or Wolves will make that dream a reality.

The Verdict: One for the future

Kudus has huge potential, and if he were to put pen to paper at Molineux, he would be such an exciting player for the future.

The 5 foot 10 star, hailed as ‘electric’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, made seven goal contributions in 16 appearances when playing in his natural attacking midfield role last season, but also has the versatility to play anywhere across the midfielder or even up front.

It remains to be seen whether Kudus would be a guaranteed starter under Lage, but with his guidance, he more than has the opportunity to become a revelation in the English top-flight in years to come.

An update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers’ plans for the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Gers reporter Derek Clark has revealed that, contrary to reports, the club are not looking to sign Romania international Darius Olaru.

He tweeted: “Reliably informed there is no Rangers interest in Darius Olaru.”

The Light Blues had been linked with a swoop for the attacking midfielder, although FCSB chief Gigi Becali had stated that the gem was not for sale until Friday (today).

Potential blunder

The apparent lack of interest in Olaru could be a big blunder from Ibrox chief Ross Wilson, as the Romanian has the potential to be an excellent signing for Gio van Bronckhorst’s team and a possible replacement for one of their current players.

Earlier this month, Pete O’Rourke suggested that Fashion Sakala could want out of Ibrox amid speculation over his future, saying: “I think it’s probably maybe more Sakala’s looking for an exit.

“He’s maybe seen his path to the first team at Ibrox blocked with the incomings this summer of Colak and the boy from Germany who’s of Bayern Munich, Tillman. So maybe he’s thinking he might not get many first-team opportunities at the club this year.”

It has been reported that Sakala is now set to stay at the club after English Championship side Burnley ended their interest in him, but O’Rourke’s comments suggest that he may not be happy with his current situation.

This leaves the door ajar to the Gers changing their stance on him later in the window if he decides to push for a move because of his lack of game-time, with zero minutes on the pitch this season so far in all competitions.

If the situation does change in the coming weeks and the Zambian ends up leaving the club, then it could be a big blunder from Wilson to not be interested in signing Olaru.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an eye-catching 2021/22 campaign as he scored six goals and set up 12 in 36 outings for FCSB, whilst he still has plenty of time left ahead of him to improve at that age.

Meanwhile, Sakala produced nine goals and six assists in 41 Premiership and Europa League matches combined last term, which suggests that Olaru offers a similar goalscoring threat whilst being far more creative to help his team-mates score.

Both of them can play virtually anywhere across the attack, which means that the FCSB star could be an ideal replacement for the Zambian forward due to his goal contributions and his versatility.

Olaru could also settle in quickly as he has played with Gers ace Ianis Hagi for Romania at under-21 and senior level, which could help to bridge the language gap whilst also settling him down on the pitch as well.

Therefore, not making a move for the gem to potentially replace Sakala could end up being a big blunder from Wilson, as the Romanian appears to be an exciting prospective signing on paper.

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Maxwel Cornet.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter revealed that, following a number of recent reports linking David Moyes with a move for the Burnley winger this summer, West Ham have now held initial talks with the Championship side regarding a deal for the 25-year-old – with the Hammers believed to favour a loan.

The journalist went on to state that Everton have also held talks with the Clarets for the Ivory Coast international – who is believed to have a £17.5m release clause written into his contract at Turf Moor.

In his tweet, Sheth said: “West Ham United have held initial talks with Burnley over the signing of Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet. West Ham thought to favour a loan. Everton have been in talks about signing him. It is understood Cornet has a £17.5m release clause.”

Moyes would love him

Considering just how impressive Cornet was for Burnley following his €15m (£12.5m) move to the club last summer, in addition to the signing of a versatile left flanker reportedly being a target on Moyes’ shortlist ahead of September’s transfer deadline, a deal for the Clarets attacker is certain to be one that the 59-year-old manager would love.

Indeed, over his 26 Premier League appearances last season, the £13.5m-rated forward was in fantastic form, scoring nine goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £44k-per-week winger average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.84 – a quite remarkable feat for an attacker who was a part of a side that finished in the bottom three and scored just 34 goals all season.

Furthermore, with the 29-cap international also being more than capable of operating from left-back, left midfield and on the left wing, as well as on the right wing and up front, it is clear to see that Cornet’s versatility would tick a great many of Moyes’ boxes for the signing of a new left flanker this summer.

As such, should Rob Newman manage to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old in the coming weeks – be that on a season-long loan or a £17.25m permanent move – it is evident that Cornet would very much be a player the Scottish manager would love to have at his disposal next term.

Glasgow Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly eyeing up a move for Darius Olaru this summer, according to a report from Romanian outlet ProSport.

The lowdown: Hot property

Previously a reported target for West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, attacking midfielder Olaru has enjoyed an impressive rise to stardom in his homeland with FCSB.

Signed from Gaz Metan in 2020 having made 114 appearances for the club, the 24-year-old playmaker has gone from strength to strength since arriving in the Romanian top flight.

The senior international has directly contributed to 34 goals in 84 outings for the 1985/86 UEFA Champions League winners and is now seemingly on the radar at Ibrox…

The latest: Scouts impressed

As per ProSport, Rangers officials are believed to have ‘watched’ the six-cap ace in action recently.

It’s claimed that Olaru ‘came to the attention’ of scouts at the Glasgow giants and the Teddy Bears are now ‘following in the footsteps’ of the Romanian.

The report also states that Rangers will make a ‘final decision’ over a move during this window, whilst FCSB will demand a fee in excess of €10million (£8.4million) for the man described as being ‘great with both feet’ by scout Jan Říha.

The verdict: Aribo 2.0?

Following the departure of Joe Aribo to Southampton last week, signing Olaru would be a superb piece of business from Rangers as Van Bronckhorst will require a direct replacement for the influential midfielder.

In a similar fashion to the former-Ibrox favourite, the attack-minded Romanian can operate in a variety of positions, including centrally in midfield, in wide areas and even as a central striker. Predominantly operating as a conventional midfielder last season, Olaru scored six times and provided 12 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Despite the positives of this potential deal, although the suggested asking price for Olaru isn’t astronomical in the grand scheme of transfer fees, it may be ambitious for a player who is yet to play outside of Romania and currently holds a perceived market value of £4.95million (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, the Europa League runners-up would be wise to maintain a watching brief and perhaps even pursue alternative targets such as the Bayern Munich sensation Malik Tillman for the time being before potentially making a move at a lower rate for the compatriot of Ianis Hagi.

Tottenham Hotspur could make another two or three new signings this summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who delivered a fresh update live on air on Tuesday afternoon. He said on the Sky Sports Transfer Centre:

“I think maybe two or three more [new signings].

“Djed Spence is widely known [as a target], they want at right wing-back, they’re still negotiating a fee with Middlesbrough. The player wants to come, so Spurs and I imagine Chris Wilder and Boro want to get this done as quickly as possible.

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“Djed Spence wasn’t part of Middlesbrough’s pre-season training camp in Portugal, so I expect that to happen.

“I think they want a more attack-minded central midfielder – someone a bit more creative.

“I thought maybe at the start of the summer that might have been Christian Eriksen but hearing from a couple of people that they think Christian Eriksen is looking for maybe a new challenge. Spurs is maybe not a new challenge for him as he was there for seven, eight years.”

Conte will be buzzing

With the Lilywhites competing in the Champions League this season, it would make sense to add strength in depth to the squad, enough to make them challenge on all fronts.

It would allow manager Antonio Conte to rotate his side without losing out on quality. The toll of two matches per week, after a rigorous pre-season camp, could easily take its toll by Christmas.

Spurs have already added some key names to the side, such as Richarlison from Everton and Yves Bissouma from Brighton. Two experienced Premier League talents that only bolster already-stacked departments.

Meanwhile, the likes of Ivan Perisic and Clement Lenglet provide the Italian with solutions to gaps in the squad.

In total, the north Londoners have made five signings, so if Bridge’s claim turns out to be true, then sporting director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy could well hit the seven or eight mark, for the first time in a very long time.

Spence is likely to be one of those additions, as Bridge explains, whilst a new no.10 or creative-minded midfielder wouldn’t go amiss given the struggles of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, who could both leave permanently, too.

Either way, Conte has been backed to the hill this summer and their spending spree isn’t done yet, so you have to presume that he’s absolutely buzzing with their business.

AND in other news, After Djed Spence: Journo drops exciting Spurs transfer claim…

According to an Italian source, Liverpool are said to be plotting a shock move for Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt.

The Lowdown: Strong Anfield links

The Dutchman has become a regular feature at the Allianz since joining the Italian giants from Ajax back in 2019, having made 117 appearances during his three-year spell to date.

Even though the 22-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract in the Serie A, he has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, in particular to Anfield, and after a fresh update, the Reds have now been put even more firmly into the picture for his signature.

The Latest: Liverpool join the race

In a new report published by Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Liverpool have now ‘joined’ their top-flight rivals Chelsea in the race for De Ligt’s services, with the Reds ‘edging forward’ for a move.

The outlet says to ‘pay attention’ to the Merseysiders, with any big offers coming from England said to be too ‘difficult to refuse’.

It’s believed that Juventus ‘want to keep’ the £63m-rated star and have been trying to tempt him into signing a new deal, but would want him to agree to a decrease in wages, in return for a lower release clause, which opens up the chances of a cheaper move for potential suitors.

The Verdict: Not an essential signing

De Ligt, who was once hailed an “oil tanker” by Mino Raiola, will already have an established relationship with Virgil Van Dijk as a result of the pair representing the Netherlands together, but as solid as a centre-back he is, now is not the right time for Liverpool to be considering a move.

Jurgen Klopp already has the four incredible options of VVD, Matip, Gomez and Konate to choose from, and it seems unnecessary for FSG to be thinking about breaking the bank for the transfer of a player in a position that they don’t even need to cover for.

After spending a club-record £85m fee on the signing of Darwin Nunez, it would be sensible for the club to keep the rest of their pot at bay for the moment and then reassess the situation come next summer when a few individual situations may have altered.

Phil Hay has dropped a big hint on one of Victor Orta’s potential Leeds United transfer targets this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that there is an internal discussion currently ongoing at Elland Road regarding the signing of a more experienced backup option for first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier – with Orta believed to be tempted by the idea of a move for a new shot-stopper this summer.

In response to a question asking whether – following a shaky campaign between the sticks – the France U21 international could see his position as the Whites’ number one come under threat upon the signing of a new ‘keeper, Hay replied:

“No, Meslier wasn’t flawless but I think it’s absolutely the right decision to continue pushing him as the No 1.

“There is a discussion going on at Leeds at the moment about what to do with their goalkeeping ranks. They’re tempted to bring in a more experienced No 2, someone to sit behind Meslier and ahead of 21-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson. It’s something to keep an eye on.”

Supporters will love Hay’s update

While it is undeniable that Meslier is a talent who boasts an incredible amount of potential for future development, the fact that Leeds shipped an enormous 79 goals in the Premier League last season – with only bottom of the table Norwich City conceding more – cannot be avoided.

And, while the 22-year-old is not solely to blame for the Whites’ extremely worrying defensive record in 2021/22, it would be a difficult argument to make that the signing of an experienced second choice goalkeeper would not be a sensible addition for Orta to make this summer.

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Indeed, this would provide the £18m-rated Frenchman with much greater competition for his starting spot in Jesse Marsch’s side – something that typically increases performance levels – while the former FC Lorient starlet would also be likely benefit from the input and advice of a player who is longer in the tooth.

Furthermore, should the £41k-per-week shot-stopper find himself going through a rough patch of form – as he did in December, March and May this season – being taken out of the firing line for a couple of matches would almost certainly help the youngster get back on his feet more quickly.

As such, the signing of a new number two would very much appear to be an intelligent deal for Orta to pursue this summer, with Hay’s update sure to be news that the Elland Road faithful will love.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now given green light for “outstanding” Leeds signing, he’s John Terry 2.0