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Journalist Ronan Murphy has been left reacting to some exciting Newcastle United transfer news which has now emerged.

The Lowdown: Ndicka interest from Newcastle

As per Bild, the St. James’ Park outfit are now interested in signing Evan Ndicka from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer window.

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His contract at the Bundesliga club expires in 2023, so he could be available on the cheap with just a year left on that deal.

The Latest: Murphy reacts to Ndicka transfer latest

Taking to Twitter, journalist and Bundesliga pundit Murphy has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that Ndicka is an ‘upgrade’ on Ciaran Clark as he said:

“Newcastle are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka, according to Bild. Definitely an upgrade on Ciaran Clark.”

The Verdict: Exciting

As Newcastle have all but guaranteed their safety in the Premier League, they can now start to look towards the summer in terms of upgrading their squad.

At 22 years of age, Ndicka is a rising star in football and is enjoying a fine season at Frankfurt, helping them to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Described as a ‘towering’ central defender, journalist Jacque Talbot has recently noted the Frenchman’s dominating presence, as the 6 foot 4 colossus has won a mammoth 3.8 of his aerial duels per match in the Bundesliga, notching an impressive four goals and four assists in the process.

Compared t0 Clark, who is now on the fringes at Tyneside, it is simply not a contest. Ndicka has averaged more tackles, interceptions, clearances, shots, key passes, dribbles and long balls per game than the Irishman in their respective domestic leagues this season (WhoScored).

Selling the 32-year-old and bringing in Ndicka would seem to be a smart piece of business from the Magpies, with Murphy’s statement a fair one based on the above metrics.

In other news, find out who could now be first to leave NUFC this summer

Liverpool have suffered a big injury blow ahead of their midweek clash with Norwich City in the Carabao Cup after key midfielder Thiago was ruled out of action.

What’s the word?

The influential Spain international had to be substituted in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend after picking up a calf injury.

And now, assistant manager Pepi Lijnders has provided an update on Thiago’s situation, revealing he’s set to miss the Reds’ next two fixtures at least.

“Thiago, how the gaffer said after the game, it was a calf injury. I can’t say now how long it will take but definitely not tomorrow and not at the weekend,” Lijnders confirmed in his press conference.

“Let’s get the scan results back, and we have a proper diagnosis. A shame as well because he was taking the game by the hand, he was a proper playmaker, in my opinion. A shame that we miss him.

“In one week we lose two really influential midfielders; that’s the bad thing.”

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Thiago’s fitness concerns come just days after fellow midfielder Harvey Elliott was sidelined for up to six months with a dislocated ankle suffered against Leeds United.

Thiago’s injury, added to Elliott’s long-term absence, will leave manager Jurgen Klopp short of options in the middle of the park over the next week or so, at least, no doubt leaving the German tactician feeling gutted as he looks to keep the momentum going as Liverpool have started the season in excellent form.

However, he’ll be hopeful that Thiago’s latest injury setback won’t see him remain on the treatment table for too long, especially with Manchester City’s visit to Anfield on the horizon.

And, in other news…Signed for free, sold for £19m: Edwards sealed big Liverpool masterclass in 24y/o flop 

ExWHUemployee has provoked mass excitement amongst West Ham United supporters after claiming that the club are ‘very hopeful’ Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma will be a Hammers player in the near future.

The Lowdown: Hammers have red hot start

Starting off 2021/22 in the same fashion that they ended last term, West Ham United boss David Moyes will be desperate to add quality to his already impressive roster in order to once again challenge for European football this season.

Having made inroads in terms of recruitment, the Scot has acquired two new faces in the form of Craig Dawson and Alphonse Areola [Transfermarkt].

Now, the Hammers look to be close to sealing a major coup following recent claims on social media.

The Latest: West Ham ‘very hopeful’ on Zouma deal

Speaking to his large audience on Twitter, the well-connected ExWHUemployee responded to a fan question asking about the latest on the Zouma state of play, stating:

“Club very hopeful that deal will be completed soon”

The two clubs are said to have agreed a fee of around £25 million for his services, with personal terms believed to be in the final stage of negotiations [Daily Star].

The Frenchman is expected to sign a five-year-deal at the London Stadium upon completion of the deal.

The Verdict: Zouma signing would be a major coup

With West Ham set to find out their Europa League group stage fate this week, bringing Zouma to the club would be a positive statement of intent that would significantly add to Moyes’ side going forward.

In 2020/21, the 6 foot 3 ace enjoyed an impressive year, registering five goals in 36 appearances encapsulating all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Showing his dominant presence within the Blues rear-guard, Zouma successfully won 3.6 aerial duels per fixture on average in the Premier League, taking considerably pressure off his contemporaries in the process [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘brilliant’ by his former boss Frank Lampard, West Ham United should look to close out a deal for Zouma’s signature as soon as possible [Absolute Chelsea].

If ExWHUemployee’s account of events is anything to go by, this could be sooner rather than later.

 In other news, West Ham United fans are loving a reported transfer update. Find out more here.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow regarding the fitness of Adam Forshaw ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Leeds Live which said that Marcelo Bielsa revealed following the 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday that the midfielder was not available for selection as a result of a muscle strain, something which would appear to cast serious doubt as to whether the 29-year-old will be available for the trip to Newcastle United on Friday.

Forshaw has not featured in a league game for the Whites in almost two years, having previously been sidelined due to a hip injury.

Fans will be gutted

Considering the influential role Forshaw held in the side prior to his long-term injury, the midfielder’s latest setback in his recovery is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful gutted.

Indeed, the £1.8m-rated man impressed over his 30 Championship appearances in Bielsa’s first season at Leeds, averaging 0.9 key passes, 0.7 interceptions and 2.2 tackles and winning 5.4 duels per game.

These returns saw the £23k-per-week midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as the Whites’ joint eighth-best performer in the second tier of English football – level with Kalvin Phillips.

As such, it is undeniable that the 29-year-old’s return to first team action would be a considerable boost for his club, especially when considering the sheer length of time for which he has been sidelined.

However, whether or not Forshaw is the same player he was two years ago remains very much up in the air, and it is something which will only be discovered when (or even if) the midfielder finally manages to get back on the pitch on a regular basis.

In other news: Orta could be heading for his biggest mistake at Leeds to date, Bielsa would be livid

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to pursue a deal for a new Hoops midfielder from one of the club’s Premiership rivals…

What’s the talk?

The Herald journalist James Cairney has urged Celtic to make a move for St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath in the January transfer window.

His contract at St Mirren expires at the end of the season and Cairney believes that the Hoops could benefit from snapping him up on a cut-price deal in the winter market to improve their options in the middle of the park.

Armstrong 2.0

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could land Stuart Armstrong 2.0 by completing a deal to sign McGrath in the January window.

Mo Elyounoussi was the only midfielder or wide player to hit double figures for goals in the Premiership for Celtic last term, with David Turnbull’s eight the next most by a player from those positions.

Coincidently, Elyounoussi has now returned to Southampton to play alongside another player who knows a thing or two about scoring goals for Celtic – Armstrong. In his last two seasons in Scotland, Armstrong produced 22 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Hoops, including 18 goals in the league, and was then sold to the Saints in 2018 for £7.16m.

McGrath showed last season for St Mirren that he has the quality to come in and be Celtic’s next goalscoring attacking midfielder, just like Armstrong was during his time at the club. He scored 17 goals and provided six assists in all competitions last term, including ten goals in the Premiership.

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin previously lauded the player and claimed that his bravery in possession of the ball is second to none, saying:

“He had been pigeonholed as a No 10 at Dundalk and people looked at him as a luxury player, but I had a very good conversation with Jamie and his representatives and explained that I saw there was more to him than that.

“My belief was that he could become a No 8 and be a box-to-box player and I think he’s shown he can do that.

“He’s not one to fly into tackles, but he gets close to opponents, he’s fit, he’s quick and his composure on the ball is incredible. His creativity and bravery when in possession is second to none.”

This highlights the level of quality he could bring to Postecoglou’s side and why they should act upon Cairney’s advice and make a swoop for him in January. The Australian head coach could unearth the next goalscoring central midfield sensation, Armstrong 2.0 if you will, by snapping McGrath up from St Mirren.

AND in other news, Ange must ruthlessly axe 26 y/o dud who left Celtic “livid”, he’s not good enough…

Fabian Delph could leave Everton this summer, but Dean Windass has ruled out the 31-year-old returning to Leeds.

The midfielder left Manchester City to join the Toffees two years ago, but his short stay on Merseyside has been overshadowed by injuries.

Delph has missed 39 games across all competitions for Everton with several muscle problems preventing him from making any real impact on the pitch.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are open to selling him this summer after making just 30 appearances in a Toffees shirt.

Following their promotion back to the Premier League 12 months ago, Leeds were plotting a move to bring Delph back to Elland Road as reported by the Daily Star to add experience to their squad.

Delph began his playing career with Leeds and made 50 appearances before he left for Aston Villa when the Yorkshire giants were still playing League One football.

But Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he doesn’t expect to see the midfielder return to his former club this window.

“I don’t think he’s a Bielsa type. He’s always injured.

“The one thing about football now is all on stats, they want to see how many games you’ve played, what you’re good at, what you’re not good at. How many games has he played for Everton? So, I can’t see that.”

Everton have reportedly initiated contact with Juventus over wantaway midfielder Aaron Ramsey ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, Rafa Benitez’s charges have begun negotiations with the 30-year-old’s advisors ahead of a potential move, with Juve keen to get the player off their books.

The report states that: “The Toffees have initiated the first contact with the player’s entourage, and there is room for reaching the finish line. The Juventus club crosses its fingers and is willing to let him start at zero in the winter transfer market, cancelling his contract and therefore giving up monetizing.”

Everton could finally replace James Rodriguez

After James Rodriguez’s September switch to Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan, Everton have been left with a creative void in the middle of the park.

While the likes of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure offer running power, pace and stability, they arguably lack the imagination and guile to carve elite-level defences open on a regular basis, something Ramsey is more than capable of doing.

Throughout his 11-year stint with Arsenal, the Wales international scored 65 goals and laid on a further 65 assists in 371 appearances, winning three FA Cups along the way.

Martin Keown labelled him a “real leader” and an “outstanding technician” following a typically classy display in Europe back in 2019, but Ramsey has found life slightly tougher since departing north London later that year.

Despite being in Turin for two-and-half years now, the £9m-rated maestro has only started 25 Serie A games for the Old Lady, highlighting his peripheral role within the first-team squad.

However, Ramsey has continued to perform at an exceptional level for his nation throughout and was instrumental in Wales’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His eye-catching performances saw teammate Joe Allen dub him “world-class” after a stellar showing against Turkey in a crucial 2-0 victory at the European Championship this year, and moving to Everton could prove to be the catalyst he needs to get his career back on track.

And, in other news…Everton could discover their new Rooney by signing “first-class” 20 y/o with “no fear” 

Wolverhampton Wanderers are battling for the signature of highly-rated teenage goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

What’s the story?

Wolves are amongst several Premier League clubs interested in the 17-year-old according to reports, via Inside Futbol. He is currently playing in the MLS at Chicago Fire and is rated at £2.7m by Transfermarkt.

Wanderers are battling with both Southampton and Chelsea for his signature but with sanctions against the latter, it is slowly becoming a two-horse race.

The American youngster made his MLS debut in August last year where he became the youngest goalkeeper to start and keep a clean sheet in the division.

He’s been compared to Buffon and Neuer

Slonina is thought of so highly that he’s been compared to goalkeeping greats Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer. If he’s to reach those levels then he’ll have to work hard, but he’s already attracting interest from Europe at his age so it’s a good sign.

When asked about whether or not he could reach the levels of Buffon and Neuer he said “I use it as a motivation” and that he grew up “idolising” them both.

Signing his first professional deal at 14-years of age he has since excelled to become the number one at his club.

Speaking of his qualities, manager Ezra Hendrickson commented: “He’s a young player, but this kid has talent.”

His overall record for the Fire is impressive with 17 appearances and four clean sheets to his name. He plays at U20 level for his country and has even been called up to the senior national team but still hasn’t made an appearance.

Reports state that any deal done could rise to £10m which would make it the highest sale for a goalkeeper in MLS history.

Slonina’s clean sheet and save percentage so far this season is in the top 4% in his league. It’s unlikely he would compete with Wolves’ number one José Sá just yet but he is one for the future and could potentially compete for the reserve spot currently held by John Ruddy.

It’s bold to compare him to legends who are as good as Buffon and Neuer, but 17 is extremely young for a goalkeeper so this is one we will certainly be keeping an eye on for years to come.

IN other news: Wolves targeting “breathtaking” £32m-rated gem, he’s miles better than Traore – opinion…