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Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves has revealed that former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is a contender for the now vacant Newcastle United manager’s job.

What’s the story?

The Magpies finally confirmed on mid-Wednesday morning that Steve Bruce had left the club via mutual consent, and Graves has indicated that Fonseca is in the frame to take over.

Writing on Twitter earlier this morning before news broke of Bruce’s departure, he said: “Should #nufc new owners decide to part ways with Steve Bruce, we understand former Porto, Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca would be of significant interest. Latest on @SkySportsNews. Fonseca is currently out of work and came close to joining Tottenham in the summer.”

Fans should be excited

While Fonseca may not be the most recognisable name to English football fans, he’s certainly earned a reputation out in Europe as someone who’s a winner and is capable of creating teams who play exciting, attacking football.

At Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk, the 48-year-old won three successive league titles and three successive domestic cups, while his team at AS Roma saw him build the team into a genuine force in European competition.

“I’d put them with Atalanta and Sassuolo as the league’s entertainers,” claimed The Athletic’s James Horncastle, via Tifo Football, whilst Alex Stewart described his style as “exciting.”

And, despite their Europa League exit last season at the semi-final stage, Portuguese journalist Alex Goncalves still backed Fonseca to enjoy a big career, tweeting: “It’s a bad result for Paulo Fonseca today, a 6-2 defeat to Manchester United. His managerial CV is exceptional, & his managerial ability matches it, but his time at Roma may be coming to an end. A talented manager who plays stylish football likely to be available this summer.”

After the dreariness of Bruce-ball at St James’ Park, Fonseca’s arrival could lift spirits at St James’ Park, and his penchant for front-foot football is sure to excite Magpies fans.

Meanwhile, George Caulkin has dropped some behind-the-scenes insight on PIF…

Celtic are reportedly in advanced talks with Cameron Carter-Vickers over a permanent move to Parkhead this summer, in what would be a big piece of business.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers excelling on loan

The American joined the Hoops on a temporary basis last summer, coming in on loan from Tottenham in order to enjoy more regular playing time.

Carter-Vickers’ switch north of the border has been a match made in heaven, with the 24-year-old becoming a key part of Ange Postecoglou’s defence in the Scottish Premiership.

The centre-back’s future remains up in the air – a number of other clubs want to sign him this summer – but a promising update is now doing the rounds.

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The Latest: Permanent move close?

According to SBI Soccer, an American source has revealed Celtic are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Carter-Vickers permanently at the end of the season, with Spurs still valuing him at £6million.

The report states that Wolves, Leicester City and Watford have all shown an interest, too, but the Hoops appear to be in pole position for his signature.

The Verdict: Huge news for Celtic

Carter-Vickers may already be part of Celtic’s squad but clinching a permanent move for him this summer really would feel like a big signing, given his influence.

The USA international has been an increasingly colossal performer at the heart of the defence, averaging 3.2 aerial duel wins and an 89.8% pass completion rate in the Europa League this season, showing he is more than capable playing at a higher level.

At 24, he is primed to improve in the coming years, becoming an even more formidable player, and he could play a big part in Celtic’s future, potentially then being sold for a hefty profit after some years of sustained success.

In other news, a pundit has bemoaned something that will affect Celtic next season. Read more here.

Leeds United will need to pay a ‘decent fee’ to Feyenoord if they want to sign exciting midfielder Orkun Kokcu, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on Kokcu move

The Whites may be eyeing up new signings in the January transfer window, in order to tackle what has been a disappointing start to the season due largely to injuries ripping through a thin squad.

Kokcu is one player who has been linked with a switch to Elland Road this year, having caught the eye for Feyenoord and emerged as arguably one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Netherlands.

The 20-year-old has been compared to Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil in terms of playing style and has backed that up by registering six Eredivisie assists this season.

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The Latest: Journalist makes key claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke made it clear that Kokcu was unlikely to come in on the cheap, should Leeds make a move for him:

“The boy at Feyenoord, I think he might cost a decent fee.”

Reports in the Netherlands, via TEAMtalk, believe Victor Orta and co will face competition from Sevilla and Roma.

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The Verdict: Hugely talented prospect

Leeds are badly in need of a creative spark in midfield, with only 18 goals scored in as many league games in 2021/22 to date.

While Kokcu’s aforementioned assist-making quality stands out – he has 19 in total for Feyenoord – Patrick Bamford (two) is the only Leeds player with more than one in the league this season.

Not only would Kokcu come in as a long-term prospect with a high ceiling but he could also make an immediate difference, taking some of the creative pressure off the likes of Raphinha and Bamford and giving Marcelo Bielsa an extra attacking dimension.

In other news, one Leeds player could be out of action for a long period. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski looks set to sign a new contract at the London Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that the 34-year-old goalkeeper is set to be rewarded for his fine form over the past four seasons with a new one-year deal in East London, which will see the shot-stopper remain with West Ham until the summer of 2023.

The report goes on to mention the fact that the former Poland international’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, however, an agreement between David Moyes’ side and the player regarding an extension is expected to be reached in the coming days.

Moyes will be delighted

Considering just how important a part of the West Ham side Fabianski has become since his £7m move from Swansea City back in 2018, the news that the goalkeeper looks set to remain a fixture of Moyes’ first-team squad beyond the end of the current campaign is sure to have left the 58-year-old manager delighted.

Indeed, the £900k-rated man has continually been a rock between the West Ham sticks over his three and a half years in East London, earning seasonal SofaScore ratings of 6.94, 6.76 and 6.84 in 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 respectively, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.90 over his 21 Premier League appearances in the current campaign.

The £65k-per-week ‘keeper has also kept 31 clean sheets over his 123 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, a rather impressive feat considering the club’s turbulent period prior to Moyes’ return to the London Stadium in December of 2020.

As such, the news that the shot-stopper is set to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Irons is undoubtedly positive for everyone involved with the club, as, despite his advancing years, Fabianski has demonstrated this season that he still has much to offer at the very top level of the English game.

In other news: Big twist emerges on £42k-p/w ace after ExWHUemployee claim, WHU fans will be fuming

West Ham have ‘in recent hours’ shown an interest in Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Left-back options

West Ham have been hugely reliant on Aaron Cresswell for many years to hold down the left-back position. The defender has made an astonishing 239 appearances for the Hammers in the league, placing him second in the Irons’ table for most Premier League appearances, behind Mark Noble, who totals 407 matches.

However, Cresswell is now 32 years old, and he has just 18 months left on his contract.

Arthur Masuaku is the club’s alternative option at left-back. The 28-year-old has made 11 top-flight appearances this season, seven of which have come off the bench. Despite this, fans would likely be reluctant to see him replace Cresswell in the starting XI, as the player has received some criticism for his recent performances.

Pundit Ian Wright singled Masuaku out for the ‘poor game’ he had in the Hammers’ defeat to Southampton, suggesting that he is a defensive liability.

As Cresswell doesn’t have long left on his current deal and with Masuaku failing to show why he should play a part in David Moyes’ starting XI, it is clear to see why West Ham have been searching for a left-back to bring into the club.

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The Latest: Hammers interested in Kurzawa

According to Foot Mercato journalist Aouna, West Ham have ‘shown interest in recent hours’ for PSG defender Kurzawa.

The Frenchman has not played any part in the current season for PSG; with just one appearance in all 2021/22 competitions, which was off the bench for nine minutes in the Trophée des Champions.

Therefore, this could be ‘a way out’ for the left-back, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in the player.

The Verdict: Poor choice

Kurzawa was previously linked with a deal to fellow London club Arsenal, with reports suggesting that he even agreed a deal to move to the Emirates Stadium in January 2020.

However, with the deal failing to materialise, questions have been asked as to the reason why. The 29-year-old has a lengthy injury history, which has seen him sidelined for weeks at a time; the longest of which was a herniated disc which kept him out for three months.

With suggestions that he also has a bad attitude, this does not seem like the sort of player that Moyes should be pursuing, even despite the player’s incredible trophy haul of 18 domestic competitions won in Paris.

In other news: West Ham United: Phillips bid officially rejected

Crystal Palace have been rather impressive in recent times as they continue to improve under Roy Hodgson, having gone unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions. 

The Eagles still find themselves at risk from slipping into the relegation zone as they’re currently only two points above the bottom three, so they still need to seek even more improvements.

Interestingly, it appears as if the London club already have their sights set on a possible summer swoop, as according to Calciomercato (via 90Min), Crystal Palace are interested in Christian Kouame.

Indeed, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Italy this season, having produced four goals and six assists at current club Genoa. He is a powerful forward who possesses an obvious aerial threat, so he would be a great addition for Palace who look to play off a target man.

Sadly, the likes of Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew, Connor Wickham and Michy Batshuayi have only produced a combined three goals this season, so it’s safe to say they could do with bringing in attacking reinforcements.

Roy Hodgson can make a big statement by securing the services of Christian Kouame as they would pip one of Europe’s elite to the signing as Juventus also hold a strong interest in the Ivory Coast forward, and he has the potential to become a future star.

What do you think Crystal Palace fans?

Everton have been linked with a move for Monaco midfielder Aleksandr Golovin as new manager Rafa Benitez looks to replace the departed James Rodriguez over the coming months.

What’s the story?

According to Russian outlet Championat (as relayed by Inside Futbol), the Toffees are showing a ‘serious interest’ in the highly-rated 25-year-old ahead of a potential bid.

Inside Futbol’s report claims a source was quoted as saying: “The Premier League club is showing serious interest in the Russian midfielder. So far, everything is at an initial stage.”

An expected price tag isn’t listed for Golovin, but with his current contract not set to expire until the summer of 2024, it could take a sizeable fee to prize him away from the principality club.

Everton fans will love him

The Russia international established himself as one of the most exciting and promising talents in his homeland after making 113 appearances for boyhood club CSKA Moscow, helping them lift the top-flight title in 2016.

Golovin’s impressive displays for the capital club saw him play a pivotal part in his country’s run to the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals, where his performances caught the eye of Jose Mourinho.

During his work as a television pundit for broadcaster RT, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager said: “Golovin is a playmaker, he’s a player that gives the dynamic of the team.”

And it wasn’t only Mourinho who was convinced by the creative talents showings on the biggest stage of them all.

Ligue 1 outfit Monaco spent big money to secure the £25.2m-rated magician’s services after the tournament, and although he made a slow start to life in French football, Golovin is now finding his best form once again.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, the versatile forward has bagged nine goals and provided a further 12 assists in 40 appearances for Niko Kovac’s charges, illustrating the true potential that Golovin possesses.

His ability to play defence-splitting passes with ease, provide threat from dead-ball situations, and his defensive work-rate means he’s a player that the Everton faithful would love to see arrive on Merseyside during the winter window.

With Rodriguez’s exit over the summer leaving a significant gap in Benitez’s squad, the Blues’ hierarchy could secure the ideal candidate to plug it by sanctioning a move for Golovin.

And, in other news…Forget Godfrey: Everton liability who lost possession 17x had a shocker vs Wolves 

Leeds United have picked up a bit of form at just the right time, and having picked up seven points from a possible nine, they head into tomorrow’s clash against Watford with a whole lot more confidence.

Jesse Marsch’s side picked up some much-needed victories over Norwich and Wolves before drawing 1-1 to Southampton at Elland Road last time out.

Their trip to Vicarage Road may prove to be a stern test given that Roy Hodgson’s men are currently battling for their lives in the Premier League relegation battle, and Marsch will have some big calls to make on his starting line-up.

One decision he might be compelled to make is dropping Diego Llorente.

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The Spain international has found himself in and out of the side in recent weeks and months, with niggling injuries disrupting him from really putting together a run of consistent games together.

After being forced off inside the first half against Wolves at Molineux in mid-March, Llorente made an immediate return against the Saints last weekend, but he looked off the pace and nervy on occasion.

As per Sofascore, while he made a team-high six tackles, he also committed the joint-most fouls, finding it difficult to balance being aggressive and playing on the edge, and sometimes losing his cool and composure. In fact, this season has seen him lose 80 duels in total in the Premier League, while winning only 97.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross gave him a five, saying: “Can be unconventional, but brilliant at times or just verging on calamity in the backline. Armando Broja gave him a difficult afternoon without dominating him.”

Those sentiments were echoed by The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, who awarded him a six, before adding: “Brought an element of drama at times that felt unnecessary, some mixed moments of defending and in possession.”

Pascal Struijk was the man to find himself out of the team following the return of club captain Liam Cooper, and the Scot was partnered with Llorente in central defence.

While the Dutchman may have had a difficult time of late, at just 22 he remains a big part of the future of this Leeds team, and he would surely learn a lot more from playing rather than sitting on the bench.

Indeed, speaking earlier this year, Cooper himself said of Struijk: “Pascal has absolutely everything to be one of the best centre-backs out there, he really has. He’s unbelievable on the ball, he’s strong, good in the air. I always knew. We all know now. His improvement speaks for itself.”

Bringing the youngster into the line-up and having someone as experienced as Cooper alongside him should see him return to much better form, knowing that he has someone to fall back upon and organise the defence rather than feeling the pressure to do so himself.

Valued at £12m by CIES, Llorente should be dropped from the starting line-up against Watford, with Struijk coming back in to take his place and resume his fledgling partnership with Cooper.

AND in other news – Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with “quality” 22 y/o

Leeds United are among the teams interested in Fabio Carvalho…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the Fulham attacker is wanted by the Whites, Liverpool and West Ham United, among others.

The 19-year-old is out of contract at Craven Cottage in the summer and will be free to join these clubs for mere compensation ahead of next season but a switch to a Premier League side this month could be too tempting to turn down – especially if the Championship giants are to secure some sort of fee.

Carvalho is highly-rated after impressing in southwest London and could be available for as little as £5m before next Monday’s transfer deadline, as per The Sun.

Saiz void

The Yorkshireman have long lacked a midfield addition, particularly of an attacking nature – or in the no.10 role, to be precise.

It has now been four years since the club signed someone for the engine room after Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in 2018. They have also let some key names depart in that timeframe, including Pablo Hernadez in the summer and Samuel Saiz, who left permanently in summer 2019.

The Spaniard’s presence in the final third has been sorely missed, more so this season than ever.

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He was capable of providing goals and creativity in the final third, whilst either playing out on the left flank or through the middle and there are plenty of similarities between the former Leeds man and their exciting transfer target.

Carvalho has enjoyed a breakthrough season under Marco Silva, scoring eight goals and laying on two assists in 17 league appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That’s as many goals as Leeds’ top scorer Raphinha, who Bielsa has relied on heavily as no other player has found the net more than four times.

Born in Lisbon but opting for England, Carvalho qualifies as a homegrown player, which only bolsters the reasoning behind signing him.

The teenager sensation has previously been dubbed “unplayable” and as a “playmaker” by his former Balham coach Greg Cruttwell, who also told The Athletic: “He was assists and goals and affected every game.”

In the Fulham dynamo, manager Marcelo Bielsa could finally replace the Saiz-like void at Elland Road and for around £5m, it has to be an absolute steal for one of the EFL’s brightest talents.

AND in other news, “In talks”: Sky Sports journo drops huge Leeds transfer update, Bielsa will be buzzing…

Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action today at Paradise in their pursuit to pull closer to the top of the table.

The Hoops are third heading into this afternoon’s encounter after Hearts moved ahead of them in the standings on Saturday, although they have two games in hand to go back into second, starting with this clash against Aberdeen.

Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys side come into the game off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League, and he could be tempted to make a few changes to his starting XI.

Game-changer

One player who could be thrown into the mix is young winger Liel Abada. He could come in and replace James Forrest, who endured a difficult evening against the Bundesliga outfit.

As per SofaScore, Forrest lost 75% of his duels on the pitch and failed to make a single clearance, tackle, interception or block. He also failed with his one attempted dribble and did not create a single chance for his teammates, whilst he ended the game without a shot on goal.

This suggests that he was off the pace and was unable to make a positive impact on the right wing. Therefore, it could be the ideal time for Postecoglou to axe him from the line-up and unleash Abada from the start, as the young Israel international has the quality to be a game-changer for Celtic.

The 20-year-old has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.12 in the Premiership this season, with three goals and two assists in 11 starts. He has created a whopping nine ‘big chances’ in the league, suggesting that he deserves more than just two assists for his creative efforts.

Former Hoops player Frank McAvennie previously hailed the attacker, telling Football Insider: “He’s only 20, isn’t he? There was an element of resting him, I get that. He needs to manage that squad.

“He looks a wonderful player and when he first arrived he wanted everything. There was an early game where he took the ball off Edouard for a penalty and Edouard just went ‘no, that’s mine’.

“That was brilliant and it’s what you want to see from a young player. You can’t buy that desire and hunger. He probably didn’t expect to play as much as he has so he will be delighted.

The £2.7m-rated gem has seven goals and five assists in all competitions for the Hoops and could be a difference-maker for Postecoglou’s side against Aberdeen. He has shown with his aforementioned statistics that he is capable of creating big chances for his teammates, and his magic from the wing could be a game-changer, which is why he must start today.

AND in other news, Forget Bitton: Ange must unleash “top-class” £14k-p/w Celtic maestro vs Aberdeen…