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Pundit Noel Whelan has told Newcastle United to make their move for Christian Pulisic after it emerged the American is a Magpies target.

The Lowdown: Lacklustre in London

Since securing a switch to Stamford Bridge back in 2019, Pulisic has failed to hit the heights that were expected. 

In fairness, the USA captain made an impressive start, registering nine goals and four assists from 25 appearances under Frank Lampard. But as a result of not being trusted with a starting role by previous manager Thomas Tuchel and now current boss Graham Potter, Pulisic may be forced to switch sides in a bid for regular minutes.

And Newcastle are set to offer the speedster a way out, with reports over the weekend revealing PIF want to make Pulisic their next ‘statement signing’.

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The Latest: Get it done

Asked by Football Insider about the Magpies’ interest in the Chelsea outcast, former Premier League forward Whelan was full of praise for the potential deal.

“Absolutely. He’s still at a very tender age. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, we’ve seen good performances at the World Cup.

“He’s the type of player Newcastle should be looking at.

“He will benefit from playing more regularly in a top side. I don’t think he’s getting the right amount of game time right now to really show what he can do.

“Newcastle will only benefit, as well, from having more options. He can play through the middle, and he can play on both sides.

“He’s got pace, and an eye for a goal – it’s a no-brainer. If they can get him in January, it’d give them a great chance of staying in that top four bracket.”

The Verdict: Right call?

We think Whelan is absolutely spot on – the signing of a player of Pulisic’s star status would represent a big coup for the Magpies, not only improving the starting XI but also the depth at Eddie Howe’s disposal due to his versatility.

The £150k-per-week star, dubbed by ‘fantastic’ by his former national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann, would bring a big boost in their battle for Champions League qualification, so this is indeed a no brainer if Howe and co can make this happen.

Tim Iroegbunam has been a regular in Queens Park Rangers’ side since joining on loan from Aston Villa in the summer but the Hoops could potentially lose him back to his parent club in January.

According to BirminghamLive journalist Ashley Preece, new Villa boss Unai Emery is monitoring the progress of the teenage midfielder, and the Villans do have the option to recall him in the January transfer window.

The Championship is set to resume this weekend after being suspended for the World Cup break and Iroegbunam will be hoping to keep his place in midfield, having featured in 13 Championship games so far this campaign.

His performances have earned him a solid 6.67 rating from WhoScored, which is very impressive given that this is his first season in senior football, although that may prove enough to convince Emery that he is worth bringing back to the Premier League.

The Michael Beale factor proved instrumental in bringing the 19-year-old gem to Loftus Road in the first place and now that he is gone, it could prove difficult to keep the young talent in west London.

Journalist Ian McCullough was full of praise for Iroegbunam and his potential earlier this season in an interview with BirminghamLive. He said:

“Villa certainly have a player on their hands in Tim Iroegbunam. Although he has started just two games out of the five he has been available for since arriving on transfer deadline day, his ability to run with the ball from midfield and use those long legs to win tackles have been eye-catching.

“In possession, he is very tidy and blessed with an excellent first touch giving credence to Mick Beale’s claim that he has the tools to play at the very highest level in years to come.”

Iroegbunam ranks joint-fourth for tackles, joint-third for dribbles and fifth for shots per game when compared to the rest of QPR’s squad, which emphasises the impact he is having all over the pitch.

After already losing Beale, QPR will be desperately hoping that they aren’t weakened further in January should Villa recall Iroegbunam, as the teenager is only just starting to show what he is capable of at Loftus Road.

Football Insider pundit Tam McManus doesn’t think Leeds United will be able to sign Newcastle United forward Chris Wood.

The Lowdown: Wood rumours

It seems as if Victor Orta is on the hunt to sign a striker in the New Year to bolster Jesse Marsch’s squad.

A reunion with Wood has been mentioned, with reports citing a possible loan swoop for the New Zealand international to provide an alternative to Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford.

Wood appears to have fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, starting just twice in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: McManus’ comments

Talking to FI regarding Wood possibly re-joining Leeds, McManus said that the striker would probably be first choice at Elland Road but doesn’t think the Magpies will part way with the forward.

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“On the face of it, it’s a deal that works for everyone.

“Wood would go down to Leeds and probably be the first-choice striker there. Bamford is never fit these days.

“They have some very quick, young attackers there and Wood could just sit in there and hold it up, it could work really well.

“That being said, Wood has spent his entire career fighting in relegation fights. Now he is at a club that is going places.

“Newcastle are fighting at the top of the table and that must be a nice change for Wood. He looks settled in Newcastle.

“He will be getting a great wage and he is usually good for a goal if you really need him.

“This might come as a surprise but I don’t see Newcastle selling him.”

The Verdict: Makes sense?

McManus also said that a deal could work for everyone, and it does seem to make sense from the outside looking in. Bamford has struggled for form and fitness in 2022, something which has put plenty of pressure on Rodrigo, who has netted nine times so far this season.

However, Wood, who has scored 191 goals during his career, would give Marsch a different option in attack and something that could prove valuable in the second half of the season as the club look to avoid another relegation battle.

Reporter Pete O’Rourke has been reacting to rumours regarding Aston Villa and Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Torres links

New Villa boss Unai Emery looks set to be backed by NSWE in the New Year with a ‘huge’ transfer budget.

A new centre-back is thought to be on the Spaniard’s radar, with reports claiming that Emery has given the green light to a move for Torres.

He is thought to be a top target in the Midlands and is valued at £40m, which would be a record transfer outlay at Villa Park.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern regarding Torres and if Emery could play a big role in a move, O’Rourke said:

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“Yeah, it’s a really obvious link. You’ve got the connections between Unai Emery and Paul Torres, who has been a target for several Premier League clubs in the past.

“The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City have all been linked with him so if Aston Villa were able to convince him to move to Villa Park it would be a real coup because he’s a top player and a top defender and he’s shown that for Villareal in Europe over the last couple of seasons.”

The Verdict: Perfect?

Torres looks set to represent Spain at the World Cup later this month and has made more appearances under Emery than any other manager during his career.

He appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation and has been hailed as ‘sensational’ by his national team boss Luis Enrique.

Therefore, a reunion with Emery, as O’Rourke says, could be a ‘real coup’ for all associated with Villa and Torres could help take the club to the next level during the Emery era.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou could be facing another potential headache, amid concerns regarding the fitness of Greek striker, Giorgos Giakoumakis.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulous, the 27-year-old is currently being monitored while on international duty for a potential leg injury, albeit with a scan showing no obvious sign of an issue.

Writing on Twitter about that possible concern, he stated: “Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis made a scan because he felt a little problem at his leg. Scan didn’t show anything but he will be under check by NT medical team. Anyway, Giakoumakis would not be part of the team today due to cards suspension.”

As Chorianopoulous alluded to, the former VVV-Venlo marksman was forced to sit out Saturday’s defeat to Cyprus due to suspension, albeit with it uncertain as to whether the 11-cap gem would have been available anyway amid this injury scare.

Not what Postecoglou needs

With the Old Firm outfit returning to action at home to Motherwell next weekend, this will likely be another unwanted concern for title-winning coach Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old already facing a handful of potential injury absentees.

The central defensive pairing of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers are both currently sidelined with injury, with the latter man having been forced to withdraw from the United States squad after missing the recent loss to St Mirren.

That was followed by another concern regarding midfielder David Turnbull, with the 23-year-old having also pulled out of the Scotland ranks earlier this week, putting his involvement in the clash with his former club in seven days’ time in doubt.

The Hoops would likely have been praying to come through the international break unscathed ahead of what will be a hectic fixture schedule over the next month or so, with Postecoglou’s squad depth now set to be pushed to the limit with absences potentially mounting.

In the case of Giakoumakis, the loss of the £3.6m-rated man would be a real blow such has been the striker’s promising form in the early weeks of the new season, having scored three goals in just nine games thus far.

That involvement has largely come off the bench to date, although the 6 foot 1 menace has proven a real quality alternative to that of usual starter Kyogo Furuhashi, with the Japan international having endured his own injury woes of late.

Not having that depth in reserve in the forward ranks would be of real concern to the champions, with Giakoumakis having proven his threat last term after netting 17 goals in 29 games in what was a sparkling debut campaign in Glasgow.

It is now seemingly an anxious wait to see if the imposing centre-forward will be available to feature when club action resumes, with the Scottish giants needing everyone fit and firing as they attempt to juggle domestic and European commitments.

West Ham United are plotting an audacious loan move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, Michael Bridge has told Sky Sports News (Tuesday 30 August, 7:05 am, via Hammers News).

The lowdown

Transfer insider Dean Jones told GiveMeSport on Sunday that the Hammers intend to ‘ask about’ Gallagher prior to the transfer deadline.

The England international spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Crystal Palace but has started two of Chelsea’s first four matches this season after returning to Stamford Bridge.

It’s hardly been an ideal start to the campaign for the 22-year-old, though, with the misery of a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United compounded by a first-half red card against Leicester City last Saturday.

The latest

Bridge corroborated Jones’ report and specified that it would be a loan move, contrary to the player’s apparent wishes.

Gallagher will have served his one-match ban before the end of the transfer window, with Southampton due to face Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Bridge said live on Sky Sports News this morning: “Conor Gallagher, now, it’s been an interesting last couple of games for him.

“He started against Leeds United, probably wasn’t his best game, he’s really trying here and doesn’t want another loan spell, he told me this in July.

“Then he was sent off against Leicester, but that won’t stop Crystal Palace and it won’t stop West Ham from trying to sign him, if he is available on loan.”

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The verdict

This would be similar in some respects to the deal for Jesse Lingard in 2021, with West Ham taking an English player from a ‘big six’ club (Manchester United) on a temporary basis.

That move worked an absolute treat for David Moyes and the Hammers, with Lingard scoring nine times and providing five assists in 16 appearances at the London Stadium.

Gallagher’s tricky bedding-in period in west London clearly hasn’t put the Irons off, probably because they remember just how good he was last season.

He was named Palace’s Player of the Year as they matched their second-highest points tally since returning to the Premier League in 2013, which makes his recent difficulties seem like a mere blip by comparison.

Celtic have rarely had a problem when it comes to scoring goals under Ange Postecoglou, something that was seen first-hand over the weekend when they won 9-0.

Not only did the Hoops secure the SPFL title last season in his debut campaign in charge of the Parkhead club, they also ended up scoring more league goals than any other side in the division (92).

One figure that has been a focal point in the team in regards to putting the ball in the back of the net is Kyogo Furuhashi.

In 20 league appearances last term, the Japanese striker scored 12 goals in total, leaving only Giorgos Giakoumakis (13) with more.

The 27-year-old has been in the same hot goalscoring form this season too, as he’s found the net six times in five league games.

With the end of the summer transfer window in sight, the next few days could see the Hoops add some extra attacking depth to their squad, thus giving Postecoglou the chance to form a potentially deadly duo alongside Kyogo.

One name that has been mentioned with a move to Celtic Park that could fit this bill is Bamba Dieng.

Having made 42 senior appearances for Olympique Marseille, the 22-year-old has nine goals and three assists to his name.

Hailed as a “serious talent” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Dieng has also been described as an “explosive” player by Jorge Sampaoli.

To compare his previous Ligue 1 campaign with Kyogo’s recent season with the Bhoys, both players ended up with the sixth-highest average for shots per game at their respective clubs, with Dieng having 1.5 and Furuhashi having 2.2.

Also, the attacking duo had an almost identical rate for shots at goal per 90 minutes (3.42 v 3.43) last season, further highlighting the similarities between the pair.

With the Senegal international being able to switch between playing as a centre-forward and as a left-winger, this also mirrors the current Celtic attacker, who has been known to play in both positions in his career, which could make it easier for Postecoglou to form a partnership between them.

If the Australian feels that an extra attacking figure is needed for his squad, securing a deal for the Marseille star is something the Hoops should look to do before the summer transfer window closes.

A report from Africa has shared an interesting transfer update involving Tottenham Hotspur and a brand new target in Ajax sensation Mohammed Kudus.

The Lowdown: Paratici’s busiest summer yet…

The Lilywhites have been busy behind-the-scenes as sporting director Fabio Paratici and co gear up for what is perhaps their most crucial Premier League campaign in some time.

Antonio Conte’s first full season in charge of Spurs will attract many eyes to N17, especially after their hectic window thus far in which they’ve managed to sign and seal six new players.

Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet, Richarlison and Djed Spence arrive in north London to seriously bolster the Italian’s options with links emerging to more potential incomings.

The Latest: Spurs believe they can ‘poach’ Kudus…

Now, as per a report from overseas, Spurs believe they can Ajax starlet Kudus.

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Indeed, it is claimed by GhanaWeb that Paratici and co are ‘aiming to secure’ the 22-year-old and have ‘monitored’ him over the last six months.

Going further, the source states that Tottenham ‘believes’ Kudus’ current lack of playing time ‘could help’ their efforts to ‘poach him’ from Amsterdam.

The Verdict: Make the move?

While the Ghana international struggled for fitness and regular minutes last season, we believe it is no surprise Spurs are interested given the attacker’s real potential.

Journalists from Kudus’ homeland have been quick to point out his ‘incredible’ pre-season for Ajax and have tipped the player to have a ‘big year’ in the Eredivisie (Owuraku Ampofo).

BBC reporter John Bennet is another to have raved over the attacking midfield man, calling him Ghana’s ‘new star’ after watching their recent World Cup qualifier against Nigeria (via Ghana Web).

London World correspondent Rahman Osman, commenting on his country’s crop of emerging talent, also pointed out Kudus as one of Ghana’s ‘really exciting’ young players coming through.

It’s clear how highly-rated the player is and it’s hardly a surprise Spurs are now paying close attention.

Leeds United have a definite interest in Martin Terrier but they’ll need to fork out to secure his signature this transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, who claims that the Yorkshire giants are keen on the Stade Rennes forward and that he’s one of many targets in the role.

“Terrier is one there’s definite interest in from Leeds. But I do question whether they have the kind of money available to sign him, because he would probably cost £35 million, £30 million,” he revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

“Given the sales or Raphinha and Phillips, that’s doable, for sure. I think there’s a handful of potential targets. But at the moment it’s not clear who exactly they’re going to push for.”

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Marsch needs him

The Whites have enjoyed a busy summer of business off the pitch, bringing in no fewer than six new names, all of which will add a lot to manager Jesse Marsch’s squad.

However, they are still lacking another striker to provide backup and potentially challenge Patrick Bamford to the starting spot.

Both the American and his predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, had to suffer from the Englishman’s absence throughout last season. He was only able to play in nine top-flight matches with injury and Leeds struggled, largely because they did not have another senior striker.

Winger Dan James and young forward Joe Gelhardt were left to pick up the pieces but ultimately, no one could replace his 17 goals from a season earlier.

Terrier, whilst he would be a sizeable investment, is certainly an exciting candidate to help Marsch’s frontline.

The 25-year-old delivered a whopping 21 goals and four assists across 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season as he enjoyed something of a career year in France. He was largely deployed upfront but also out on the left flank, as per Transfermarkt.

And there are plenty of reasons to why he would be an instant hit in the Premier League, having earned lofty comparisons to that of ex-Arsenal marksman Thierry Henry.

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in; a-la Thierry Henry,” claimed European football writer Tom Williams to the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

Marsch and co cannot afford to go into the rest of the season without another option to Bamford, so the signing of a new frontman must be among the priorities at Elland Road.

Director of football Victor Orta could well seal a “real coup” in Terrier, as claimed by journalist Pete O’Rourke, so it’s on him and his recruitment staff to get this one over the line.

It may cost around £34m, according to reports in France, but it would be worth every penny, given his recent goalscoring record. Marsch needs someone like the Rennes goal machine before September 1st, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Orta could seal perfect £40k-p/w “liability” heir as Leeds move for £12k-p/w “bargain”…

Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy have intervened in the club’s transfer activity as the Lilywhites line up ‘exciting’ player talks, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici busy…

Spurs, after completing a £25 million deal to sign Premier League star Yves Bissouma recently, are now setting their sights on more key additions.

The Evening Standard claim a right-wing-back, central defensive star and new striker are the current priorities in north London as transfer chief Fabio Paratici gets moving.

Three major incomings, including Bissouma, have already been confirmed with both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster preceding the Mali international on Bosman deals.

The Latest: Sky share big update as Spurs line up ‘talks’

Following this plethora of activity, it appears Spurs have set their sights on another move as they line up talks.

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According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, sharing news on Twitter, Lilywhites hierarchy have even intervened as chairman Daniel Levy ‘personally’ drives a deal for Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence.

He explained:

“Tottenham set for further talks over signing Djed Spence. Daniel Levy personally driving this deal as Fabio Paratici concentrates on other targets. Initial talks did not find agreement but Spence wants #Spurs move.“

The Verdict: Exciting…

The 21-year-old, called a ‘perfect player’ for manager Antonio Conte, seriously impressed whilst on loan at Nottingham Forest over 2021/2022.

Spence was a key figure in their promotion push and his status as a homegrown player could also help Tottenham balance the books in terms of their worrying quota.

Called an ‘exciting player’ also by members of the press (Marc Williams, Basford United head of media), it’s little wonder Levy has personally intervened and is attempting to strike an agreement.