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Many Newcastle United fans have slammed the performance of Martin Dubravka in their 4-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Friday night.

Steve Bruce’s team put up a good fight against the newly-crowned champions at St James’ Park, but goals from Emil Krafth, Joelinton and Joe Willock were not enough on the night as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick after Joao Cancelo scored City’s first goal with a deflected effort.

Some Newcastle fans questioned Dubravka’s performance between the sticks and thought that he should have done better with some of City’s goals.

Even though Torres’ first goal was a lovely piece of improvisation, it was scored into the middle of the net, and as such some thought that the Magpies ‘keeper could have still saved it.

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The kicking of the Slovakia international was also criticised as Newcastle struggled to find an out-ball at the best of times against a team which loves to dominate possession. Only 10 of his 19 passes found a team-mate, while the visitors had a whopping 83% of the ball throughout the game (Sofascore).

Newcastle fans on Dubravka display

These Newcastle supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the goalkeeper is ‘rubbish’:

“Has Dubravka made a save tonight?”

Credit: @BykerWallv2

“Dubravka, for me, is rubbish”

Credit: @Callum0996

“Unless Dubravka is making a reaction save, he’s absolutely woeful. Slowest GK I’ve ever seen.”

Credit: @CharSmth94

“Dubravka’s kicking is terrible, definitely needs to improve.”

Credit: @lednufcTJL

“You having a laugh? Dubravka went a bit Scott Carson there. Wasn’t that high up. Ah well. The dream of a win was fun for 10 mins. #newmci #nufc”

Credit: @TheGingerPirlo_

“In fact seeing it again I’m saying Dubravka has got to be doing better it’s down his throat goes wrong hand #NUFC”

Credit: @DennyBaldwin

In other news, find out what big Mike Ashley claim has been dropped after a takeover statement was released.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer believes the Saints need a new striker like Tammy Abraham, even if Danny Ings remains at St. Mary’s.

Ings’ contract is up next summer and the 28-year-old has been linked with a move to both Manchester City and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are said to be open to selling Abraham in the next transfer window, with The Telegraph reporting that the FA Cup finalists are ready to do business at £40m.

Southampton are thought to be one side who are admirers of the England international, who really impressed Matt Le Tissier last season, and Palmer feels he is a player Ralph Hasenhuttl could do with whether Ings stays or not.

When asked by TT if the Saints still needed to strengthen up front if they managed to keep hold of Ings, the retired Premier League player said:

“Yeah, for sure. You know, the one thing that wins you games… people who score goals. They haven’t scored enough goals and they need goals.

“I’m sure there’d be a lot of suitors for Tammy. I don’t think Chelsea are selling unless it’s a lot of money, but sure [could be a good option]. Tammy just needs to go out and play.”

Landing the Chelsea No.9, though, may not be easy, with the likes of Leicester City and West Ham also thought to bee keen on acquiring his services this summer.

Newcastle must look to sign Joe Willock on a permanent basis after Steve Bruce’s update on his situation.

What’s the story?

The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation since joining the Magpies on loan until the end of the season, popping up with some vital match-saving goals for the Tyneside club in recent weeks against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against the Gunners on Sunday, Bruce once again confirmed his intentions to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

He said: “He doesn’t like being called super sub by the way, and – if we can get him for next year, he won’t be a super sub, he’ll be playing. I’m pleased for Joe, he has the football world talking about him. We’d love to keep him if we can.”

Bruce’s priority

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton earlier in the season, Bruce admitted that Willock has a the style of play from which the Magpies could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

When you look at the rest of the Magpies’ midfield, Willock really does solve a major Bruce nightmare. The 21-year-old’s four goals from midfield is already more than what the rest of Newcastle’s midfield options have scored this season, with Jeff Hendrick the next closest with two in the league.

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Arsenal legend Martin Keown has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier this season.

The ex-Gunners defender said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The £26m-rated Willock is the man Newcastle need to sign this summer.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could finally wave goodbye to this Newcastle liability…

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to join the European Super League could have some seriously dangerous consequences, especially when it comes their chances of keeping hold of Harry Kane.

This bombshell was revealed on Monday as Spurs became one of the ESL’s 12 founding clubs, something that has understandably gone down like a lead balloon across the footballing world.

Not only have supporters voiced their concerns but governing bodies like FIFA, UEFA and the Premier League among others have condemned the plans and are set to do all they can to stop the breakaway league from becoming a reality.

UEFA released a statement suggesting that they could pursue legal action over the proposals and insisted that those players involved in the new league would be banned from domestic, European and international competitions, whilst the rebel clubs could be booted out of these competitions too.

In addition to that, Spurs have also withdrawn from the European Club Association (ECA), which will only increase the prospect of them being unable to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League any longer.

The Lilywhites have been involved in one of the two European competitions for 11 straight seasons, and they made the UCL final in 2019. Daniel Levy’s decision to join the ESL takes away this privilege and two potential competitions that they could qualify for, and potentially win.

Kane’s future was already in doubt prior to this announcement, and will surely be in grave danger now, especially as he’s the England national team captain too.

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The 27-year-old continues to break goalscoring records in England but ultimately, he has no silverware to back up what should’ve been an illustrious career so by limiting the competitions that Spurs play in, and potentially even risking their expulsion from the Premier League, Levy is playing a dangerous game if he wants the 219-goal striker to stay in north London.

In addition to that, if Kane stays and plays in the ESL, then his England career could well be over and that’s certainly something he will not want to lose as he has the potential of becoming the first Three Lions skipper to lift a trophy since Bobby Moore in 1966.

Gareth Southgate’s side have a chance to win the European Championships this summer, and barring any qualification issues, they could make a run at winning the World Cup in 2022 too, after reaching the semi-finals in 2018.

“I am looking forward to a really special couple of years with the Euros in the summer and then the World Cup in 2022,” revealed Kane back in October.

So Levy may well have just dealt Spurs a huge hammer blow in more ways than one, this news surely has Kane reeling in fury and that’s not a good thing when considering his long-term future in north London.

Of course, in any scenario where he chooses to leave in order to maintain his place in the England set-up, Kane wouldn’t be able to move to another Super League club as they too could see their players banned from representing their national teams.

However, there are still some huge clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain who are not part of the breakaway and who could, in theory, still have the finances to purchase a player as good as Harry Kane. PSG have been linked with a move for Kane in the past too so a move to the French capital isn’t something that is beyond the realms of possibility.

If UEFA and co. get their way, Spurs will only have the ESL to play for and the fact that Spurs are one of the weaker sides of the Super League Founder Members makes it highly unlikely that they can win that competition either, so Kane is looking at a trophyless future, one where he can’t captain his country. Those factors will surely anger the Tottenham superstar and as a result, will put his future with the club in even more doubt.

AND in other news, here’s how Spurs could look under Ryan Mason with three forgotten stars returning…

Everton should ignore Carlo Ancelotti’s concerns over Tariq Lamptey and seal a deal for him after Paddy Kenny urged the Brighton & Hove Albion defender be signed instead of Norwich City’s Max Aarons.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Football Insider, Kenny suggested Everton would be making a mistake by signing Aarons fresh off a Premier League promotion-clinching campaign.

The Toffees are reportedly exploring a deal to sign the Canaries product, who is keen on a move to Merseyside, but are reluctant to pay the £30m fee needed.

Everton chiefs are working to lower Norwich’s valuation but may struggle to drive a hard bargain after Daniel Farke’s side secured their return to the top-flight, and will rival Watford for the Championship title over the final games.

Lamptey has also been linked with a potential summer switch to Goodison Park with the Blues undeterred by the 20-year-old signing a new £40,000-per-week contract in January, although Ancelotti is thought to have concerns over his height at 5 ft 5.

Yet Kenny insists the Chelsea product would be the better option as Seamus Coleman’s long-term successor, as Aarons could be another miss rather than hit in the transfer market.

“They could be making a mistake,” the former Ireland international said. “He [Aarons] is a Championship player, he’s not Premier League at the moment. It is a lot of money to pay for a player who has just been promoted but has only played one season in the Premier League.

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“Lamptey could be the one, he’s a very good player. Everton are hit-and-miss – you don’t know what you’re going to get from them each week. They need to start getting a little bit more consistent. A right-back, you’d think, would be part of that.”

Should Everton sign Lamptey over Aarons?

Aarons would appear to be the favourite to occupy a place in Ancelotti’s plans next season with Everton rating the 21-year-old highly, and believing he can deliver a similar impact to that seen from Ben Godfrey since his arrival from Norwich in October.

That’s not to say Lamptey is out of the running entirely, as the Toffees also consider the electric Brighton full-back to be a ‘great talent’, but he most likely is second on the shortlist at best given Ancelotti’s supposed concerns and a similar £30m asking price.

A season-ending hamstring injury has also kept Lamptey out of action since December, to see that his sample size for the 2020/21 campaign is far less than Aarons’ having only played 11 games to the Canaries dynamo’s 44 appearances across all competitions so far.

Yet having more than four times the minutes on the pitch has only resulted in Aarons (3,898 minutes) offering one more assist than Lamptey (890) – who Neal Maupay claims “doesn’t have limits” – while being matched for goals scored with one each.

Lamptey also won 0.5 of his 1.5 aerial duels per Premier League appearance before being consigned to the treatment room, just shy of 5 ft 9 Coleman’s 0.6 from 1.5 over 11 outings, while 5 ft 10 Aarons has won 0.9 of 2.2 in the Championship after winning 0.6 of two in the top-flight last term, per WhoScored.

If Lamptey’s height is the only prevailing concern Ancelotti has, then Everton should ignore his concern and launch a pursuit with Brighton likely to demand as much to sell as Norwich are for Aarons, who Kenny seemingly fears is only a second-tier talent.

AND in other news, Everton have been told to pay £34.5m for a 23-year-old that Carlo Ancelotti would welcome at Goodison Park…

Charly Musonda was such a valuable signing to Celtic that the Bhoys tried to bring him to Parkhead twice.

In the summer of 2017, he nearly joined the Hoops on loan before his parent club decided to keep him at the club instead.

He became part of Chelsea’s Premier League squad and played nine times in all competitions for the Blues that term. In the process, he picked up an assist in Europe and also in the top-flight.

Though, after a lack of first-team opportunities Celtic ultimately got their man in January 2018.

After penning temporary terms, Musonda said: “I feel really good. Massive club, really looking forward to it. I’m very lucky to be here and I’m very happy to be here. It’s going to be unreal to play at Celtic Park. Hopefully I can do well for the team.”

Unfortunately, despite Brendan Rodgers’ desire to see him thrive, it was an unsuccessful stint in Glasgow for the Belgian.

Upon signing for an initial 18 months, the former Celtic boss cited Musonda’s “wonderful ability.”

Rodgers added: “I’ve known him for a few years. A big thank you must go to Chelsea. He’s a shining light in their academy.”

Musonda would eventually play just eight times for the Bhoys, being recalled in May after Chelsea lost their patience. He failed to score during his time in Scotland and it was unsurprising they recalled him; he wasn’t even in the squad during the end of his stay.

Since he departed Paradise, his career has fallen off the wagon in one of the worst ways possible.

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The attacking midfielder headed to Vitesse in the Netherlands but after making four appearances early in the 2018/19 season on loan, he’s not been seen on the field of play since.

Musonda has been through his very own version of hell and he’s not in the clear yet either. He picked a cruciate ligament injury in his knee and hasn’t played for the best part of 19 months.

Speaking in December he said: “It’s been four years since I played back to back professional games, three years since I last played for my club, two of those last four years, I’ve been injured with the post cruciate ligament of my knee.”

The midfielder continued: “Doctors told me going through surgery after being out for so long would be the end, an impossible mountain to climb, were the exact words. This is my story and how I keep training and staying ready, despite the odds, one day I’ll be back.”

Now 24, Musonda has returned to light training with Chelsea and has hired his own personal fitness and conditioning strength. He is still yet to appear for the Blues since resuming light ball work in what has been a nightmare two years.

Is the end in sight for the midfielder? Time will tell. Described as a “big talent” by Rodgers, the £42k-per-week earner once had the world at his feet.

Another prodigy off the Chelsea production line, his lack of opportunities has been through complete misfortune, rather than some of the other reasons academy graduates have been handed throughout the years.

Just as his career was beginning to take off, it was effectively ripped away from him. Musonda undoubtedly deserves a second chance.

AND in other news, Big U-turn emerges in Celtic manager search, it’s great news for supporters…

Leeds must keep Illan Meslier at all costs in this upcoming summer transfer window, amid reports of interest from PSG.

What’s the story?

The goalkeeper only signed for Marcelo Bielsa’s side on a permanent deal last summer but has enjoyed an impressive first season at Premier League level, keeping nine clean sheets in the top-flight alone.

That form has seen clubs across Europe sit up and take notice, with the latest rumours indicating that Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG are keen on luring the £26m-rated titan back to his native France.

According to The National, the French giants have identified Meslier as a more attainable option than the likes of Hugo Lloris and David de Gea, and are considering making a bid for the Leeds man this summer – it’s added that a switch to Paris could well tempt the 21-year-old.

Bielsa would be fuming

Since ousting former first-choice goalkeeper Kiko Casilla in between the sticks at Elland Road, Meslier has developed into a very impressive young player – in fact, after his shut-out against Southampton last month, he broke Joe Hart’s 14-year record of keeping the most clean sheets in a single season for a shot-stopper before the age of 21.

The Frenchman has already earned rave reviews from across the board, with former Whites striker Jermaine Beckford hailing: “The kid is incredible. I was watching the game (against Everton) and there were a couple of moments, (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James (Rodriguez) had chances, but Meslier stood in their way. His distribution is one of the best in the Premier League.”

Meslier’s willingness to come for crosses has also been praised by former England shot-stopper David James, who said earlier this year: “Meslier – I love him. I went on social media, I was watching a game and he went for about 10 crosses (v Burnley), he carried on coming for crosses.

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“The commentators were battering him. I was thinking ‘the guy is still coming’, and as soon as the whistle went, the camera was panning but you could see all the defenders going up to him. That is quality.”

Make no mistake about it, if Leeds were to cash in on their number one goalkeeper this summer, it would leave Bielsa absolutely fuming as he tries to plot success for the Whites’ in their second season in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano delivers a major Leeds United transfer update…

According to Bristol Live, Southampton are said to be interested in Bristol City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Saints eye Bentley

The Saints are believed to have been scouting three Robins players in Bentley, Antoine Semenyo and Tyreeq Bakinson.

However, Ralph Hasenhuttl is interested in the former in particular as he reviews his goalkeeping options ahead of next season.

Cheap option

Valued at £3.6m (Transfermarkt), Bentley would likely be a cheap option for the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit. That, though, does not mean he would be a poor purchase for the club. He has been close to an ever-present for Bristol City this season, appearing in 36 of their 38 matches in the Championship. Despite a couple of recent mistakes, he has still been reliable between the sticks for much of the campaign, and he was labelled as “incredible” by Dean Holden earlier this term (via sportsmole.co.uk).

At the moment, Hasenhuttl appears to be undecided on his goalkeepers. In recent weeks, he has chopped and changed between Fraser Forster and Alex McCarthy, even though the former’s time on the south coast appeared to be up after spending last season on loan at Celtic. Could Bentley be the man to resolve the boss’ dilemma? That remains to be seen. Southampton, though, could do an awful lot worse than the 27-year-old shot-stopper.

In other news, Sevilla eye this Southampton ace.

Many Everton fans have been left to laud Jordan Pickford as the former Sunderland ace spoke about his “good” form lately.

Speaking to evertontv, with his comments relayed by the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, Pickford also claimed that mentally he is “in a very good place” after finding himself out injured for a while in February, as he looks ahead to the Merseyside club’s next game at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The England international has been in very good form recently, despite conceding the penalty away at Chelsea as Carlo Ancelotti’s team lost the match 2-0. Before that game, in which he made a number of decent saves as well, he had kept three clean sheets in a row in the top flight, helping his side claim nine points and really aid their push to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the start of the 2021/22 term.

Everton fan reaction to Pickford comments

These Toffees supporters lauded Pickford on Twitter after reading his comments, with one Blues fan even going as far as to claim that the 27-year-old goalkeeper has been “outstanding”:

“He’s been simply outstanding”

Credit: @CBobblers1878

“Been great”

Credit: @_jennifer1878

“Been in phenomenal form lately. Keep it going lad”

Credit: @alexdsmiff

“My MOTM the last few games”

Credit: @Nirosta

“Been superb”

Credit: @Upper__Gwladys

“Much improved lately, hopefully can continue. Showing people why he’s Everton and England No1”

Credit: @PaulAshcroft8

In other news, find out what early news before Burnley has left fans fuming here!

Carlo Ancelotti must stop Marcel Brands from wasting millions of pounds with a summer swoop for Everton to sign AS Roma defender Gianluca Mancini.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Mancini is earning widespread admirers with his performance at the Stadio Olimpico, to see that Everton are not the only side keen.

Ancelotti’s Toffees are said to be big admirers of the Giallorossi enforcer, but face having to contend with Chelsea for his signature as they eye a potential heir for Thiago Silva.

Ligue 1 and Bundesliga giants Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are on the scene, as well, with the Parc des Princes natives long-term admirers and approached Roma for further information on his availability during the recent winter market.

Scouts from Italian powerhouse duo Inter Milan and Juventus are also keeping an eye on developments, with the latter aware of the need to reinforce the guard currently occupied by 36-year-old Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, who turns 34 in May.

But the number of admirers Mancini has gained has also seen Roma up their valuation of the £33,000-per-week talent they paid a combined €24m (£20.5m) for, between a loan spell and his purchase, with the defender now worth at least €10-€15m (£8.5-£13m) more.

An asking price of between €34m (£29m) and €39m (£33.5m) is not expected to scare off the Premier League sides said to be interested, while Mancini intends to evaluate his options in the summer.

Mancini’s former side, Atalanta BC, would also be owed 10% of any fee Roma receive for the 24-year-old, who has started all 23 of his Serie A appearances this season after missing two games with a muscular injury and one through an accumulation of yellow cards.

Should Everton sign Mancini?

Qualification for next season’s edition of the Champions League is expected to be crucial for any side wishing to land Mancini’s services in the off-season, as the four-cap Italy international is anticipated to put the sporting project above a potential pay rise.

Everton are in the mix for a top-four finish to the Premier League season, with a four-point gap but a game in hand all that separates them from Chelsea in the last of the qualifying spots.

Yet Ancelotti must block Brands from using a UEFA campaign as a reason to spend a vast sum to sign Mancini, as it would be questionable of the 6 ft 3 enforcer establishing himself as an upgrade on those already at Goodison Park.

Ancelotti already considers Ben Godfrey to be the best of his current centre-halves, despite Mason Holgate offering a unit-high 2.5 successful tackles from 3.2 duels per game when fielded in the heart of the Everton backline for Premier League fixtures, per WhoScored.

Mancini offers Roma 1.7 successful tackles from 2.2 attempts per game in the Serie A this season, along with winning possession back for Paulo Fonseca’s side with 2.1 clearances.

Holgate currently offers the fewest clearances by one of the Toffees’ centre-halves with 3.5 a game, while Mancini would rank last on Merseyside for aerial duels won with 1.8 from three – Holgate offers the least with two from 2.7 at present.

If Brands is to spend a significant sum – more than Everton paid for Allan (£21m), Abdoulaye Doucoure (£20m) or Godfrey (£20m) last summer – on a new centre-back, he will surely have to be a distinct upgrade.

AND in other news, Everton will listen to offers for a £16m-rated ace who has failed to live up to his price tag…