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With added investment from new super-rich owners originating from the Middle East – new Saudi owners buying the club for a reported £300m after the disastrous reign of Mike Ashley as chairman was over – Newcastle have started to compete with the best of the best both in terms of league performance but also with transfers into St James' Park.

Sandro Tonali especially was a statement purchase for the Magpies, swapping Milan for Newcastle in the last transfer window with the Italian giants demanding a hefty £55m transfer fee to win the midfielder's services.

Unfortunate news around an impending ban for Tonali – alleged betting activity on the Italian's part could lead to him being sidelined – has come at the worst possible time for Eddie Howe's men – the 23-year-old performing well for the Magpies since leaving Serie A football behind.

How is Sandro Tonali performing?

Tonali has made a big impression on the Magpies faithful from only 11 appearances for Howe's side to date, scoring on his debut versus Aston Villa in a blistering introduction to Premier League life.

Newcastle would win 5-1 in this contest, overwhelming Unai Emery's sub-par Villa away team on the day. Tonali's sixth minute strike set the tone for the rest of the afternoon, the 23-year-old's movement into the area top class with Anthony Gordon's cross into the box inch perfect for the former Milan man to power home.

The central midfielder was also solid when Newcastle faced off against AC Milan in the Champions League group stages, the first time the Magpies had featured in this elite competition since back in the 2002/03 season.

He helped contribute to an effective shut-out of his former club, an excellent point on their travels at the San Siro backed up by an unbelievable 4-1 demolition job of PSG on home turf.

Newcastle will be rueing their luck therefore that Tonali has found himself embroiled in a betting scandal so early into his career with the club, but they could well have an ace up their sleeve from their academy to call upon to ease the blow in Lewis Miley.

Who is Lewis Miley?

Joining the Newcastle United Academy ranks at just seven years of age, Miley is highly thought of at the Magpies as a major talent for the future.

He would make his first ever appearance in the starting XI for the senior side in a pre-season friendly match against Al-Hilal in 2022, a reward for his development within the youth set-up.

In total, he's made 46 appearances for both the Newcastle United U18s and U21s – helping himself to seven goals along the way, alongside tallying up eight assists.

It's led to Howe giving him more first-team chances away from that solitary run-out in pre-season, making his first team debut for his hometown team at the end of last campaign – afforded 14 minutes at Stamford Bridge in May this year, holding himself well against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.

Miley would even hit the crossbar with a speculative effort versus Chelsea, a sign that the youngster wasn't fazed by the bright lights of Premier League football.

The 17-year-old was delighted with his impactful cameo off the bench, stating "I have dreamt about that since I was a little boy" when questioned about the emotions racing through his head pulling on a Newcastle jersey.

The future certainly looks bright for this homegrown talent, and with Tonali expected to be handed a lengthy ban, Howe could well look to Miley as a bold, raw option through the centre.

Patience is the key word when it comes to Chelsea so far this season. They’ve shown glimpses under Mauricio Pochettino, but only glimpses as they saw any building momentum gained from victories over Fulham and Burnley, before a dramatic draw against Arsenal, come to a crashing halt in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford.

Things don’t get any easier for the Blues, either, who travel to an unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur side in the hope of placing the first dent in their London rivals’ Premier League title chances. As ever, whilst results are inconsistent on the pitch, Todd Boehly reportedly already has an eye on the transfer market and one particular summer target.

Chelsea transfer news

Chelsea once again stole the headlines in the summer transfer window as Boehly gave Pochettino’s new squad a major rebuild. The likes of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount were all shown the exit door as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson, alongside many others came through the door at Stamford Bridge.

It would come as little surprise if it was the London giants dominating next summer’s window as well, given their financial power and consistent need for reinforcements following poor results. According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are already eyeing a move for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the summer. The Blues reportedly consider the Borussia Dortmund player to be someone with exceptional potential and could make their move.

If Chelsea are to sign the English teenager, however, they’ll reportedly have to win the battle for his signature against both Newcastle United and Arsenal in a deal that could reportedly be worth €40m (£35m) in the summer. The winger will certainly have a lot to think about regarding his future, having initially left Manchester City in the Premier League in favour of a move to Dortmund.

Chelsea interested in Bynoe-Gittens

Chelsea’s reported interest in Bynoe-Gittens comes as little surprise. After all, this is a 19-year-old player who has already featured at one of Europe’s top clubs in the form of Borussia Dortmund, making 30 appearances in all competitions. Ticking the homegrown box, too, this is simply a deal that could make perfect sense from a Chelsea perspective. (Jamie Bynoe-Gittens stats – Transfermarkt)

Of course, those at Stamford Bridge will have their current focus on fixing issues within their squad, but they can then turn their attention back towards the future and potentially landing Bynoe-Gittens in 2024. The winger has already been at the centre of praise throughout his Dortmund career, including from teammate Karim Adeyemi who said: "He has no fear. For me, he is one of the best players one-against-one I have ever seen, to be honest. He will be a really good player."

Chelsea may well be hoping to be in a strong enough position to convince Bynoe-Gittens when next summer arrives. As of right now, they do not look on course to qualify for the Champions League, something that Dortmund can consistently offer. The Englishman has also seen just how badly a return to the Premier League from the Bundesliga can go, courtesy of Jadon Sancho, so it could be a tricky transfer.

With just three recognised senior centre-backs to call on this season, to say that Ange Postecoglou needs to add depth to his Tottenham Hotspur side this month would be an understatement. The Lilywhites, when everyone was fit and firing, snuck into conversations about the Premier League title race and looked on course to at least secure a place inside the top four. Now at the halfway mark, those in North London sit fifth, albeit just one point adrift of rivals Arsenal in fourth with key men to return soon.

What should help to keep Spurs in the race for a Champions League place and in touching distance of the likes of Arsenal is one particular reinforcement who has already agreed personal terms, and now looks increasingly likely to complete a move to North London this month.

Tottenham transfer news

Whilst Spurs may not have welcomed enough depth during the summer transfer window, the players they managed to bring in have proved to be instant hits. James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario particularly found their feet quickly for the Lilywhites, before the outfield duo suffered untimely injuries in a frustrating blow for Postecoglou. And with the winter window now open, Spurs could repeat their transfer genius.

Trevoh Chalobah

20th December

Jean-Clair Todibo

31st December

Morato

19th December

Ko Itakura

2nd January

Sebastian Caceres

14th December

Jarrad Branthwaite

1st January

According to Rudy Galetti, Spurs are set to complete an agreement with Genoa to sign Radu Dragusin, who has already agreed personal terms and is keen on a move. Talks are reportedly at an advanced stage with Daniel Levy willing to up their bid to €27m (£23m) to get the deal over the line this month.

The central defender would provide the London club with a much-needed boost at the back after injuries to Van de Ven and Cristian Romero left them worryingly short, forcing Postecoglou to form some makeshift backlines.

"Dominant" Dragusin's versatility the key

Dragusin's versatility may prove to be his greatest trait should he complete a move to Spurs this month. His ability to play in every position across the backline will help put an end to the Lilywhites' depth problem in defence, and also mean there is a place for him in the XI even when both Cristian Romero and van de Ven are fit.

Still just 21-years-old, the Romanian could prove to be one of the bargains of the season if he goes on and eventually realises his potential. Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig is certainly a fan of the defender, previously posting on X:

With Spurs' next Premier League game not until January 14, Dragusin could yet feature if the North London club can get the deal over the line in the next week or so. If that game is to be the defender's debut, he will square off against a struggling giant in the form of Manchester United. If Dragusin helped secure all three points in a game against a top four rival, it would go a long way in instantly endearing himself to the Spurs fans, that's for sure.

Australia great wants the Indian team management should exercise caution on how they pick and drop players

Sreshth Shah in Bengaluru09-Sep-2018With India’s tour of England coming to an end, there’s now a buzz around their tour of Australia in November, where they will play four Tests and a limited-overs series. If Adam Gilchrist, the Australian great, is to be believed, the tour may be shaped up by how Australia’s replacements for David Warner and Steven Smith, who are in the middle of a year-long ban for the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, can step up and perform.”It’s a big setback to lose your highest run-scorers for a few years, to lose two people who have scored a high percentage of your runs, so that’s going to be the challenge for our guys against India,” Gilchrist told ESPNcricinfo in Bengaluru. “It’s a great opportunity for a few people, to come in and fill the void, but they’re big shoes to fill and that will have a big impact on the series. The big challenge for Australia will be to get the runs that their pacers and Nathan Lyon can defend.”In hindsight, and certainly after the time that has passed, the general feeling is that the punishment was a bit too harsh. But at the time everyone was really upset by it and everyone wanted stern action to be taken.”But what I’m really impressed by is how the fantastic the players have accepted it. They’ve shown the cricketing world that they know they did the wrong thing and they’ve copped a harsh ban, but they’ve just got to move on with it and return as better people and players.”Of particular interest, Gilchrist thinks, will be the battle between the quicks from both sides. In saying that, he’s been impressed with how India’s fast bowlers have performed in England.”In England, they’ve shown the potential to rip through the batting line-up,” Gilchrist said. “And they’re all fit, strong and aggressive young men so those are all the virtues you need to take on Australia in Australia.”And from an Australian perspective, we have (Mitchell) Starc, backed up by Pat Cummins, who is outstanding, and (Josh) Hazlewood is almost (Glenn) McGrath like with his methodic repetitious bowling, so there’s three guys there, and there are a couple in the wings as well. As the series goes on, we’re going to find out who has the better pace attack, and that is going to be the most intriguing part of the series.”Gilchrist was also empathetic towards India’s struggle to find a permanent wicketkeeper-batsman after MS Dhoni’s Test retirement in December 2014, but said that the Indian selectors must exercise caution on how they pick and drop players.He’s seen Australia adopt the revolving door policy since Brad Haddin’s retirement in 2015. Australia have tried Graham Manou, Matthew Wade, Peter Nevill and Peter Handscomb, before eventually recalling Tim Paine. It’s a mistake he hopes India don’t make, calling for them to instead be patient with Rishabh Pant. The 20-year old wicketkeeper so far has scores of 24, 1, 0, 18 and 5 in five Test innings.”It may take some chopping and changing, but if you churn through players too quickly, it can leave a psychological scar on their minds,” Gilchrist said. “And that can limit their efforts in producing their best. So hopefully Pant gets a nice run with the Test side.”It’s like when Shane Warne finished, it left such a big hole in the team because of the quality of player and person that Shane was. And it was the same in India when the big batting four departed. So they’re not easy gaps to fill, and Dhoni’s been as good as any in the keeper-batsman category.”

Bayern Munich will reportedly let Joshua Kimmich leave the club in the summer, with as many as five European clubs already interested.

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Bayern to let Kimmich leaveNo progress on contract talksFive European giants vying for signatureWHAT HAPPENED?

The German midfielder sees his contract at Bayern expire in 2025 with no progress as yet of an extension. As a result, Florian Plettenberg of reports that the midfielder is thought to be exploring his options this summer. Furthermore, Plettenberg states that Bayern would be willing to sell Kimmich should a "suitable offer" arrive.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kimmich is vastly experienced and is one of the world's best in his position, and at 29 years old he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. As a result, news of his potential departure has sent alarm bells ringing across Europe. Plettenberg lists Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona as all interested, with some reportedly having already made contact with the midfielder.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Kimmich could become hot property in the summer, Plettenberg notes that not all top-level clubs will move for him. He singles out Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as not currently being in the race for the Germany international.

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getty imagesWHAT NEXT FOR KIMMICH?

While European giants circle there is still, of course, the possibility that an agreement may be reached with Bayern over a contract renewal. Should those talks fall through, however, the Bavarian giants will likely want a healthy return on a player who has become a club legend since signing for €8.5 million (£7.2m/$9.2m) in 2015.

This is the second time in succession that he has been added to the ODI squad midway through a series

Mohammad Isam24-Oct-2018Bangladesh have included Soumya Sarkar in the squad for the third ODI against Zimbabwe in Chittagong. Soumya left Khulna on the third day of his side’s ongoing first-class match against Rajshahi Division.Chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Soumya was the only addition to the current squad.This is the second time in succession that Soumya has been added to the ODI squad midway through a series. He was flown to the UAE to join the team during the Asia Cup as “batting reinforcement” after Bangladesh were hit by an injury to Tamim Iqbal and were grappling with the form of their top order. In his two outings, however, he opened the batting only once, with a five-ball duck against Pakistan, before chipping in with a handy 33 in the final against India, where he batted at No. 7.Since then, he has made a century and three fifties in the NCL first-class competition, apart from an unbeaten 102 for BCB XI against Zimbabwe in the practice match in BKSP last Friday. He also took a five-for in the last match for Khulna against Rangpur.Khulna have called upon Robiul Islam Robi as his replacement for the remainder of the first-class match.Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Abu Hider, Mohammad Saifuddin, Fazle Mahmud, Soumya Sarkar

Joe Denly and Sean Dickson both it hundreds and to make matters worse for Warwickshire Keith Barker ran foul of the umpires

ECB Reporters Network21-Jun-2018
ScorecardSecond-innings centuries by Sean Dickson and Joe Denly helped Kent to build a potentially game-defining lead of 431 runs as the hosts closed on day two of their top-of-the-table Specsavers County Championship clash with Warwickshire on an impressive 359 for 6.Kent’s position is especially strong because Keith Barker has been forced out of the attack by the umpires after two warnings for running on the pitch.In a complete volte face to the opening day when 20 wickets fell, Kent’s third-wicket pairing found batting at The Nevill in Tunbridge Wells a pleasurable pastime once the shine went off the new ball and the wind and sunshine took effect in helping to harden the top surface.Earlier, opener Daniel Bell-Drummond had succumbed cheaply to Keith Barker – the clear pick of Warwickshire’s attack first time around with 5 for 32. Barker saw two worthy leg before decisions turned aside before running one across the right-hander and enticing him to nick one to the keeper.Barker also accounted for in-form Heino Kuhn, moving one back in through the air to snare the former Proteas Test opener flush in front to bring acting captain Denly and Dickson together.The pair, who had notched Kent’s only other championship centuries of the summer at Bristol during the previous round of matches, combined to add 208 trouble-free runs and set a Kent third-wicket record against Warwickshire, surpassing the 186 made by Bill Ashdown and Les Ames at Edgbaston in 1934.Jeetan Patel, the Warwickshire captain might have made life tougher for the pair by posting a third man when something like 25 per cent of their runs came through the gap, but instead they were allowed to bat through the middle session unfettered.Patel made amends by removing both soon after tea with his off-spinners. Dickson’s 229-ball stay for 133 ended when he played across a quicker ball to depart lbw. Then, turning one in from well outside off, he won an ambitious lbw shout that ended Denley’s 88-ball stay for a polished 119.Patel mystified some pundits later on by delaying taking the second new ball for five overs before finally throwing the new cherry to Keith Barker, comfortably his most potent threat in taking five for 32 in Kent’s first innings.When Barker did get the new ball he quickly removed Darren Stevens, following one outside off to be caught behind, before trapping Rouse leg before with a full in-swinger.With Kent six down and already leading by 410 runs, Barker blotted his copybook by running on the pitch for the second time to be taken out of the attack by umpire Steve O’Shaughnessy.With Barker out of their attack, Kent rookie Zak Crawley reached an eye-catching 47 through to stumps to deepen Warwickshire’s parlous position.The visitors will know they will have to bat superbly to save this game, let alone win it.

It wasn't so long ago that Newcastle United were struggling to survive in the Premier League, but ever since their takeover by the Saudi Investment Fund the Magpies have been flying up the Premier League ranks, resulting in Champions League qualification last season. Eddie Howe's side have impressed at times throughout the current campaign too, with their standout moment being a 4-1 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain at St James' Park.

If some thought that result was a blip, then Newcastle's valiant 1-1 draw against the French champions quickly put an end to that belief, even if French newspaper L'Equipe delivered a rather harsh verdict on the Magpies' performance.

Newcastle vs PSG player ratings

Newcastle found themselves on the verge of what would have been a famous three points at the Parc des Princes before Kylian Mbappe equalised in the 98th minute with an incredibly controversial penalty awarded for Tino Livramento's handball.

The Magpies now face the prospect of a Champions League exit into the Europa League or out of Europe entirely in what will frustrate Howe, given how well his depleted side played. They sit third in Group E, level on points with Milan and two points adrift of PSG with one game left to play.

Despite how tight the game was, L'Equipe were not quick to praise Newcastle players. Instead, they delivered some fairly harsh ratings, handing 17-year-old Lewis Miley the lowest in the team with a four out of ten.

9/10 Newcastle star outshone Livramento & Isak against PSG

This “outstanding” player outshone Alexander Isak on his return and was Newcastle United’s real hero in the 1-1 draw away at PSG.

ByAdam Scully Nov 29, 2023

Meanwhile, Miguel Almiron, who very nearly had an early assist to his name and worked tirelessly all evening, was given a six, as was Tripper, who kept Mbappe quiet aside from his penalty, even forcing him to switch flanks late on in search of more space. Livramento was hit with a rating as low as five, despite often acting as Newcastle's driving force down the left-hand side and defending valiantly.

L'Equipe harsh on Newcastle players

Travelling to a side of PSG's stature is never an easy task. Taking the lead at the home of the French champions, meanwhile, before only being pegged back in the dying minutes by a controversial penalty call, seems an impossible task. Yet, Newcastle did just that, all whilst enduring their fair share of injury problems in the build-up. If anyone deserved credit, it was the Magpies.

Miley, at just 17-years-old, was particularly hard done by, given that he performed exceptionally in the circumstances. Almiron, meanwhile, would have come away with a memorable goal involvement if Alexander Isak had tucked away from close range at the first time of asking. From Howe's perspective though, what the media in France, or anywhere for that matter, say about his side won't replace his pride in his team.

Speaking after the game, Howe delivered his verdict on the controversial penalty call, saying via ITV: "It wasn’t the right decision in my opinion. There are so many things to take into account at that moment, the speed first. It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down, looks completely different to the live event.

“The ball hits his chest first, comes up and hits his hand. But his hand is not in an unnatural position, they [his hands] are down by his side, but he is in a running motion. I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us as you know how little time there is left in the game. There is nothing we can do about it now.”

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news as Spurs cast their eyes on an "interesting" £39m star

Spurs striker targets

The departure of star forward and club-record goalscorer Harry Kane has scarcely been noticed so far. Instead of suffering without their former talisman, Spurs have reinvented themselves as a more fluid attacking team, with new captain Son Heung-min thriving in a more central role. Tottenham, after their latest 2-1 win on Friday night, have extended their unbeaten run to 10 games; winning eight of them in a real statement to the rest of the Premier League.

New manager Ange Postecoglou is seemingly transforming the club, and things haven't looked better than this for quite a long time. However, despite thriving without a traditional number nine of Kane's ilk, there have been suggestions that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and incoming new transfer chief Johan Lange could still sign a new striker next year.

Tottenham are interested in Brentford's Ivan Toney, for instance, who looks set to become one of the hottest commodities in English football once he returns from his ban for alleged gambling breaches. Spurs are eyeing Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez as well, according to recent reports, with one agent even saying this week that Spurs are among the "closest" sides to getting him.

Gimenez really "interesting" Tottenham

Now, a very reliable transfer source in Romano has shared his own update on the matter. While he confirms that Gimenez is being watched by Spurs, things don't appear as advanced as previously suggested. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalis backs that he's a player really "interesting" Postecoglou's side. Romano also says that Gimenez could leave for just £39 million.

“We know very well that many top clubs around Europe are keeping an eye on the boy,” said Romano.

“From what I’m hearing, something around €45million (£39million) could be the right fee to make it happen. Let’s see if (it’s) in the January window or in the summer window it depends on Feyenoord, more than on the player. The interest of many clubs is there. I think we saw Tottenham linked, because from what I’m told, Tottenham scouts have been following the player already last year.

“While they were following the manager (Slot) they saw that Santi Gimenez is absolutely a very good striker. So Santi Gimenez for sure is a player interesting for Tottenham, but also for many other clubs around Europe, and this is why decisions will be made in the next months. But at the moment, no statement from people close to the player and the only person (handling his transfer business) is the father.”

The 22-year-old has stood out as one of Europe's most in-form strikers this season. Scoring 13 goals and notching a further three assists, his tender age and pedigree could make his reported £39 million valuation a price really worth paying. Gimenez's departure from the Netherlands is surely one to watch as we head into 2024.

So far this season, Aston Villa have very much looked like a side on the up under Unai Emery, who has got things right at the second time of asking in the Premier League, restoring his reputation after the disaster that was his Arsenal spell a few years ago. The credit for their rise deserves to be shared around Villa Park, and not just given to Emery, with the recruitment team working wonders to build an impressive squad.

Their job doesn't end with the summer, though. Instead, their attention simply turns to the January transfer window, when they will undoubtedly look to bolster Emery's squad even further. One recent transfer update will leave them disappointed, however.

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

During the summer transfer window, the Villans got their expensive additions spot on, and have been rewarded with results ever since. In total, Aston Villa's summer spending reached the €93m (£80m) mark, as they welcomed the likes of Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby.

Player

Price

Moussa Diaby

€55m (£48m)

Pau Torres

€33m (£29m)

Nicolo Zaniolo

€5m (£4m) loan fee

Youri Tielemans

Free

Clement Lenglet

Loan

The Midlands club may not face the same success when it comes to January arrivals, though, with the latest Jonathan Rowe transfer news suggesting that Villa could face disappointment. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Norwich City are set to block the Villans' January move for their star player, and will not entertain any offers.

This comes as a blow for Villa, who were reportedly in pole position to land the winger's signature. It looks like they'll now be forced to wait until next summer to test the Canaries' resolve, which could be easier to break down if they fail to secure promotion into the Premier League this season.

How has Jonathan Rowe performed this season?

Rowe's stats show that he has been the standout player for Norwich this season. The winger has scored seven goals in 13 games in all competitions, and at 20-years-old, will only get better with time. If his side are to earn promotion back into the top flight, then Rowe will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their charge, despite still being so young.

The Villa target has earned deserved praise for his performances this season, including from Norwich boss David Wagner, who said, via the Pink Un: "Hopefully he comes back healthy. He has done great so far, and he deserved every praise, but he knows he has to start to work even more if he wants to improve and continue this form. He is a very smart guy. He will do what is necessary. He is in a good mood, obviously.

“Everyone else can speak about the (Coventry) goal, I would speak about the defensive block in the second half because it showed how committed he is to do the hard work as well for the defence. He is a team player, he works hard. Obviously, he is scoring goals, which is great.”

With that said, Villa will be frustrated by their recent transfer blow, especially given Rowe's form. Norwich may still face a fight to keep hold of their rising star during the summer, however.