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Steve Howey has rubbished claims that John Terry could take charge of Newcastle United if Steve Bruce is axed early in the season.

Bruce has been the target of criticism from the Toon Army since he was appointed as Rafa Benitez’s successor in the summer of 2019.

The Magpies opened their Premier League campaign by welcoming more than 50,000 supporters back to St James’ Park, but they were consigned to a 4-2 defeat by West Ham United thanks to a second half fightback.

Former West Ham United and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has claimed that Newcastle could turn to Chelsea legend Terry if the Tyneside club do not improve quickly.

Terry, 40, has yet to move into a managerial role since hanging up his boots, but he is available after leaving his role as Dean Smith’s assistant head coach during the close season.

The former central defender has made no secret of the fact he now wants to secure a top job, but ex-Newcastle man Howey believes the Magpies should look elsewhere if Bruce is given the boot.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Howey said: “John Terry worked very closely with Dean Smith at Aston Villa and I think he would have learnt a lot.

“For me, the Newcastle job is a big one to take on as your first job. I think they’d be looking to get an experienced manager in.

“I think, for John Terry’s first job, Newcastle would be a big ask.”

This is the summer of change at Celtic Football Club. However, whether their mass upheaval on the field and behind the scenes will be enough to snatch the title back from their fierce rivals remains to be seen.

The Hoops have got rid of some major names behind the scenes and they now have a pairing of Dominic McKay and Ange Postecoglou at the helm.

That being said, life for the Australian and former Scottish rugby director hasn’t got off to the greatest of starts.

Celtic have been dumped out of Europe’s premier competition at the first hurdle and lost their opening Premiership game to newly promoted Hearts.

Those matches have some common themes; defensive mistakes and a lack of goals for Odsonne Edouard. The Frenchman has failed to find the net this season and has attracted criticism as a result.

Edouard cannot be accused of not trying but he does look a shadow of the man who so consistently has reached over 20 goals a season since signing for the Bhoys.

His chance at reuniting with Brendan Rodgers has come and gone after Leicester pulled the plug on a move but Brighton remain interested in his services.

If he leaves then Celtic will have their backs against the wall. Leigh Griffiths has signed a new contract and the J-League’s top scorer – Kyogo Furuhashi – is now a Hoop.

There will be a bedding-in period for the Japan international, however, so he cannot be tasked with succeeding Edouard immediately.

Instead, they should look towards Kevin Nisbet, a man who’s started this campaign in the same vein he ended the last one; scoring goals.

The striker was included among the Scotland squad for Euro 2020 and has witnessed a rapid rise in recent years. His form has been fantastic and he’s been regularly linked with Celtic as a result.

A bigger move will be forthcoming in the not too distant future but Postecoglou must ensure his side lead the negotiations.

Dubbed a “wonderful” player by Frank McAvennie, the Hibs forward has found the net on 19 occasions in 48 matches, proving he has what it takes at Premiership level.

Impressively, he looks as though he can take his game to the next level. Rising high to reach a James Forrest cross in a pre-Euro 2020 friendly, he scored against the Netherlands during an eye-catching 2-2 draw.

He is clinical in the air and has immense composure in front of goal. He may not have the grace and poise of Edouard but he is still ruthless.

Celtic have looked to other nations to provide competition to their main striker in recent years – namely Albian Ajeti and Patryk Klimala – but their lack of goals dictate that they have been failures.

Consequently, the newly formed recruitment team should look closer to home and bring Nisbet to Paradise.

If Edouard leaves, he could make or break their Premiership title bid. He scores goals and knows the top-flight inside out.

AND in other news, Celtic in talks to sign “incredible” £20k-p/w tank, Ange desperately needs him…

Aston Villa are expected to test Southampton’s resolve with another bid for captain James Ward-Prowse, which is undoubtedly a blow to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hopes of keeping him.

What’s the word?

According to Saints Extra on Twitter, Villa believe that it could cost them up to £50m to sign the England international this summer but will attempt to negotiate a lower fee with Southampton.

They also suggest that a second bid is likely, which was also suggested by The Athletic in their initial report on Villa’s interest in Ward-Prowse after Dean Smith’s side recently submitted a £25m bid.

Could Ward-Prowse leave?

Fortunately for Southampton, Ward-Prowse is contracted at St Mary’s until 2024 and having come through the academy, you would hope that he will be loyal to the club should another Premier League side offer him a significant wage increase.

You could also argue that, whilst Aston Villa are clearly spending big this summer, with Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey having already arrived at Villa Park for £30m apiece, they are not too far ahead of Southampton in terms of being an established Premier League side.

Although they were much improved last season, they only managed to scrape Premier League survival in the 2019/20 season, which was aided by the goal technology system failing to work in a home draw against Sheffield United.

However, with Jack Grealish looking likely to seal a £100m move to Manchester City, the Birmingham-based club are not short on funds, and there is no telling on how much they would be willing to spend on a player such as Ward-Prowse.

The 26-year-old is a hugely important part of Hasenhuttl’s squad and was the Austrian’s most consistent performer in a less than consistent 2020/21 campaign for Southampton, so it would be a huge blow to lose him so close to the new season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, Southampton fans will definitely be worried by this latest transfer report, as they will surely be desperate to keep Ward-Prowse at the club.

And, in other news… Imagine him and JWP: Semmens should seal swoop for beast who “always performs”

Celtic have been urged to sign former Dundee United defender Harry Souttar… 

What’s the talk?

Celtic reporter Anthony Haggerty has urged the club to pursue a deal for Stoke central defender Harry Souttar this summer. He has said that the centre-back has “flourished” since moving down to England from Dundee United and believes that he would be a great fit in Ange Postecoglou’s team next season.         

He told This is Futbol:

“Harry Souttar would be a person of interest, especially since they know him from his time with Dundee United.

“He’s gone down south and flourished. If I’m doing my scouting right, Harry Souttar’s on the list. We need defenders and you can scout Europe, Far East Asian markets and Australian markets, but you have to know what’s under your nose.

“I think Harry Souttar could be a fit for Celtic.”

Forget Ajer

Kristoffer Ajer joined Premier League side Brentford earlier this week on a five-year deal and it is now time for Celtic fans to forget about him and start thinking about the player who could be bossing their defence next season. That player could be Souttar if the Hoops are able to prize him away from Championship side Stoke in the coming weeks left of the transfer window.

Postecoglou must ensure that Celtic are looking at the 22-year-old as a target as he could be a fantastic addition to the squad and help improve the defence. The defender enjoyed a sublime 2020/21 campaign with the Potters, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.07 across 38 starts.

What makes his statistics all the more impressive is the fact that Stoke finished 14th in the Championship, which means that he was able to consistently produce top-drawer displays despite his team as a whole underperforming and being nowhere near the promotion race. He was able to stand out ahead of his teammates, showing off his quality as a defender.

The £5.2k-per-week powerhouse won an eye-catching 5.4 aerial battles per game last season, more than the 3.2 Ajer won. Souttar also made more clearances and blocks per game than the Norweigan, whilst their tackle and interception numbers were very similar. This suggests that he could be an apt replacement for the defender and that is why Celtic must pursue a deal for him to bolster their squad ahead of next season in order to give themselves the best chance of competing with Rangers for the title.

AND in other news, Frimpong 2.0: Celtic lodge bid for “instrumental” £3m beast, Ange would love him…

West Ham United have been dealt what is potentially a knock-out blow in their bid to bring Youssef En-Nesyri to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca (via Sport Witness), who claim that Julen Lopetegui must sell one of his star players at Sevilla in order to bring in his own targets in the summer transfer window.

One candidate for a summer sale is said to be Youssef En-Nesyri, with Marca referencing West Ham’s interest in the centre-forward as a potential way to raise funds for the La Liga side.

However, it is then claimed that the 24-year-old is not open to the idea of making a move to east London, as he believes that David Moyes’ side are a “second-row” Premier League club, and would much rather remain at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium ahead of next season.

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive En-Nesyri was for Sevilla last season, the fact that the striker appears to be firmly against the possibility of a switch to West Ham this summer is sure to have left fans of the club gutted.

Indeed, over his 38 LaLiga appearances last term, the £36m-rated man scored a whopping 18 goals and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots and making 0.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Terry Gibson dubbed a “world-beater” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Lopetegui’s eighth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football. In the process, he helped his side secure a highly impressive fourth-place finish in the league.

The Morocco international also starred over his eight appearances in the Champions League last season, scoring six goals and averaging a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.33.

As such, with David Moyes in desperate need of attacking reinforcements at West Ham ahead of their upcoming Premier League campaign, the signing of the £49k-per-week man would appear to have been a very good move by the Hammers.

However, with the 24-year-old making it clear he is not in favour of a move to the club this summer, it would seem advisable for the 58-year-old West Ham boss to now turn his attention elsewhere in the summer transfer market.

In other news: West Ham handed transfer boost over “exceptional” Euro 2020 gem, Moyes will be buzzing

Emmanuel Macron appeared to joke with Kylian Mbappe about his proposed move to Real Madrid after inviting the PSG superstar to a state dinner.

• Mbappe meets Macron at Elysee Palace
• French president seen joking with PSG star
• Forward set for summer move to Madrid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe met with France president Macron and the Emir of Qatari at Elysee Palace on Tuesday after being invited to a state dinner. Macron appeared to joke with Mbappe when he arrived, according to RMC Sport. "You’re going to create problems for us," Macron is believed to have told Mbappe with a smile on his face in what is thought to be a reference to the forward's expected summer transfer to Real Madrid from Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe has been linked with a move to Madrid for a long time, with Macron having previously helped influence the France international's future. The president has admitted he advised Mbappe to snub Los Blancos in 2021 and stay in the French capital. Macron also said last summer he would try to ensure Mbappe stayed at PSG but may now have to resign himself to defeat, with the 25-year-old seemingly destined for a summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

• WHAT EMMANUEL MACRON SAID

  Macron also spoke about the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which saw Mbappe and France beaten in the final by Argentina: The French president said: "There are also so many beautiful memories, in less serious but as vibrant moments as this 2022 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary game, the memory of (Randal) Kolo Muani’s saved shot, which still remains bitter in French hearts. 

  "But that’s the thing with the king of sports. They have had a fantastic tournament, with what I think was the most spectacular final in history. France was there with its fans, its security forces, its companies like RATP and its footballers."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE AND PSG

  Madrid are yet to officially announce Mbappe's signing but are expected to do so as soon as it is confirmed Los Blancos can no longer meet PSG in this season's Champions League. Mbappe is expected to receive a world-record signing on fee when he moves to the Spanish giants on a five-year contract. Meanwhile, PSG will look for a replacement and have already been linked with a host of players, including Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.

The Portuguese is struggling to weave his magic despite the team's resurgence and urgently needs to start firing again

When Manchester United were at their lowest ebb earlier in the season, they had to thank their lucky stars they could at least rely on the brilliance of Bruno Fernandes. It was the captain who pulled them out of a hole against Nottingham Forest, when they conceded two goals in the opening four minutes. The Portuguese set up Casemiro's equaliser, earned the foul from which Forest captain Joe Worrall was sent off, and then bagged the winner from the penalty spot.

Fernandes was also pivotal to their narrow 1-0 win at Burnley, scoring a stupendous volley which halted a run of three successive defeats. And after facing fierce criticism from Roy Keane after the dire defeat by Manchester City and calls to be stripped of the captaincy, it was Fernandes who stepped up in stoppage-time at Craven Cottage, firing United to a much-needed victory at Fulham.

The midfielder was often made the scapegoat by pundits for United's troubles due to his body language and his penchant for complaining to referees, but he was never the problem. However, a curious thing has happened in the last two months: United have made huge strides in 2024, winning six out of their last seven matches, but their revival has not been down to Fernandes. If anything, it has been in spite of him.

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  No league goals in 13 games

  That decisive strike against Fulham on November 4 was Fernandes' last league goal for United. He has failed to strike in 13 matches since, while contributing just three assists.

  He has scored in the FA Cup matches against Wigan and Newport County – one of which was a penalty – and in the Champions League at Galatasaray, but he has largely been on the margins of United's best attacking moves of late.

  Instead, Alejandro Garnacho has taken a step forward, notching five goals and three assists in the league since Fernandes' last goal. Scott McTominay has also come to the fore, scoring four goals and adding an assist despite starting just four league games since December and having to make the most of substitute appearances.

  Rasmus Hojlund has also been in the mood after his quiet start to life with United, becoming the youngest-ever player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.

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  In his favourite position

  And the worrying thing about Fernandes' dip in goalscoring statistics is that he is now playing in his favoured position as a No.10, where he should be at the heart of United's best moves. He has also played more minutes than any outfield player, only missing the match with Liverpool at Anfield as he was suspended.

  The injury to Casemiro had left him with more defensive duties, but the Brazilian returned to action in late January, forming a solid double pivot with Kobbie Mainoo which has given United more stability in midfield and a solid platform for Fernandes to weave his magic. He has been unable to do so.

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  Wasting chance after chance

  It is not for want of trying, as the midfielder has fired off 14 shots in his last five Premier League outings, but he has only hit the target three times. He is also carving out plenty of opportunities for his team-mates.

  Fernandes ranks third in the Premier League for chances created per match, only trailing James Maddison and Martin Odegaard. But he ranks fourth when it comes to wasting chances, sitting behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Nicolas Jackson and Darwin Nunez.

  Fernandes has an expected goals total of six per this season, but has only managed to score three times, one of which was the penalty against Forest.

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  Alarming drop off

  Fernandes' struggles are even more alarming when you contrast his low numbers with the way he began his career with United. The midfielder posted a stunning eight league goals and seven assists in his first 14 matches after his move from Sporting CP in January 2020, dragging United to finish third as they gained more points than anyone else in the league following his signing.

  Fernandes followed his debut season with even better numbers in his second, scoring 18 times and providing 11 assists. His contributions started to fall when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the club, but he still scored 10 times in the 2021-22 season and eight times last season, his lowest tally for United.

  He is now on track for his lowest scoring season yet, and urgently needs to build on his measly three goals so far.

Liverpool could secure their dream replacement for Gini Wijnaldum this summer in the shape of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

What’s the story?

The Reds have been linked with several star names as Jurgen Klopp looks to fill the sizeable hole left in his side’s engine room following the Dutch international’s departure.

One man who could fill the void is BVB’s Bellingham. According to The Mirror, Dortmund have offered their teenage prodigy a new contract to prevent further interest from the Anfield outfit, meaning they’ll have to move quickly in order to secure their transfer target.

Klopp will love him

Succeeding Wijnaldum – a man who made 237 appearances in five seasons on Merseyside, winning the Premier League title and Champions League crown along the way – will be no easy task.

Atletico Madrid’s experienced campaigner Saul Niguez has been identified as a possible candidate, but the 26-year-old doesn’t carry as much excitement, potential, or intrigue as England’s Bellingham.

After moving to the Bundesliga giants from boyhood club Birmingham City for £25 million last summer, the youngster has gone from strength to strength during his time at the Signal Iduna Park.

Despite his tender years, Bellingham made 46 appearances for Dortmund last season in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists, earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.

His call-up to the Three Lions senior set-up came as no surprise to most, and the national team boss was full of praise for the youthful midfielder after his selection.

“Jude is phenomenal. Just in training in the last couple of days, to have a 17-year-old, who wants to compete with senior players, not only has the technique but the competitiveness and maturity… he’s a hugely exciting player,” said Southgate.

Klopp places a unique set of demands upon his midfielders due to his innovative gegenpressing system.

They must combine tactical and positional intelligence with natural athleticism and stamina. Bellingham has all of those attributes in abundance.

He’s an ideal signing for the enigmatic German manager, and he would surely love to have the former Birmingham man amongst his ranks next term.

The Mirror report that Liverpool have an interest in the teenager, as do Manchester City. The Reds must ensure they beat their fierce rival to the punch and look to secure a move for the England star as soon as possible as he is already looking like a player who has an amazing future ahead of him, he seems like the perfect fit for a Jurgen Klopp team.

And, in other news…Liverpool tell 25 y/o he can leave during weekend talks, Klopp should be very happy 

Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney says he would jump at the chance to join Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at Manchester City.

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• Rooney on lookout for new coaching role
• Admits he would join Guardiola's staff
• Ex-striker sacked after 15 games at Birmingham

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-United and England striker has already started his career as a head coach, but he would not hesitate if offered the opportunity to study under Guardiola, even if it meant joining his old team's arch-rivals. The 38-year-old highlighted Mikel Arteta's progress at Arsenal after a spell as Guardiola's assistant to justify his claim.

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  WHAT ROONEY SAID

  Asked if he would accept a job as an assistant, Rooney told the podcast: "It depends. If Pep Guardiola comes in and asks me to be his assistant, you’d walk there! But you see what Arteta is doing now and I strongly believe a lot of that is from learning what Guardiola was doing and so it depends on what the situation is.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rooney has had three stints as a manager since ending his playing career. He started with a year-and-a-half spell at Derby before heading to MLS to take over as D.C. United boss, winning just 14 of the 53 games they played in that time before he left in October last year and ended up at Birmingham. Rooney's period with the Championship side was a dismal one, though, as he was sacked by NFL legend Tom Brady and his fellow Birmingham board members after just two wins in 15 games.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?

  Rooney is still on the hunt for a new club and has indicated he would accept a job at a lower level in order to work his way up, adding: "Of course, my playing experience will help me, but I’m right at the bottom from a managerial point of view, and I want to work my way up. I’m not relying on what I’ve done as a player to get me into places that I shouldn’t be."

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has explained when the club will speak about the Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid saga that continues to drag on.

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• Superstar forward running down contract
• Has lucrative offer from Santiago Bernabeu
• Official statement expected shortly

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The reigning Ligue 1 champions had been hoping to bring that debate to a close by now. Their all-time leading goalscorer has, however, opted against triggering a contract extension. He has not committed to fresh terms at Parc des Princes either.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That situation is keeping Mbappe’s many suitors interested, with teams from the Premier League and La Liga said to be keen on doing a deal. Real Madrid have led that chase for several years and believe that they finally have an offer on the table that will make the World Cup winner another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu.

• WHAT ENRIQUE SAID ABOUT MBAPPE

  PSG are reluctant to be drawn on Mbappe’s future with no official announcement made on his future, with Enrique telling reporters when quizzed on that subject: “No. I can't say anything. I am going to try to bring this topic to an end. I don't have any comments to make. The parties involved haven't yet said anything publicly, Kylian Mbappe hasn't said anything publicly. When both parties speak, I will give my opinion.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Mbappe is reportedly yet to respond to Madrid’s latest approach, but it is claimed that his mind is now made up and he will take the opportunity to embrace a new challenge in 2024. If he does move on, then PSG will find themselves in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer.