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Rafael Benitez has suggested he could quit Newcastle United over the club’s lack of investment, according to his Manchester City pre-match press conference quotes, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Magpies have yet to make a new signing this month, despite sitting just one place above the relegation zone.

What’s the word?

Newcastle have attempted moves for a number of players this month, but none have yet come off.

The club were in talks to sign Jordan Lukaku on loan from Lazio but, per BBC, the deal fell through.

Chronicle Live report that a bid was tabled for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron, too, but that the club refused to increase the offer after receiving little encouragement from the American club.

And the Spaniard’s frustrations at the way the club have been operating appear to have boiled over.

Sky Sports report that, when asked if he could guarantee that he would stay at the club until the end of the season, Benitez said: “No, I cannot guarantee anything. I guarantee I will be focused and try to do my best every minute.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

“We will wait until Thursday (transfer deadline day) and see what happens.

“Hopefully we can get three points against Manchester City and then everybody will be happy.

“I came here and I decided to stay in the Championship because I can see the potential of the club. I will try to do my best until the last minute.”

Coming home to roost

You reap what you sow.

Chairman Mike Ashley has continually failed to invest in the football club he owns, and he is yet to break the club-record £17million fee (per BBC) the club paid for Michael Owen in 2005 prior to his arrival.

To put that into perspective, Owen is now a pundit and retired in 2013, six years ago.

And here we are. Benitez stuck with the club through relegation, brought them back into the Premier League and steered them to a 10th-placed finish last season.

Now, he is being hamstrung by a lack of investment from the club’s owner, and the Magpies are just two points clear of Cardiff City as the very real spectre of the drop looms once again.

Few fans would blame the Spaniard, one of the best managers in world football, if he did walk away – Ashley will be the man at fault and he will have serious questions to answer.

Leeds United could potentially sign Barcelona centre-back Oscar Mingueza on loan this summer as part of a deal which could see Raphinha go the other way.

The Lowdown: Raphinha linked with Barca move

The future of the Elland Road winger is a major talking point at the moment, with the 25-year-old continually linked with a move away. Barcelona appear to be the current front-runners to snap up the Brazilian during the summer transfer window, should he decide to move on to pastures new.

It now looks as though one player could head in the opposite direction if the transfer materialises.

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The Latest: Mingueza on loan?

According to Diario Sport, Mingueza could be used as a bargaining tool by Barcelona, allowing Leeds to sign him on loan if Raphinha heads to Camp Nou.

The 22-year-old defender has made eight La Liga starts so far this season but has struggled to oust the likes of Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia as a regular starter.

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The Verdict: Good part of a potential deal

The hope is that Raphinha ends up remaining at Leeds beyond this summer, but if he does go to Barcelona, bringing in Mingueza could at least soften the blow a little for the Elland Road club.

The centre-back has one cap to his name for Spain, which highlights his pedigree; and with his current deal expiring in 2023, the Whites could even sign him permanently next summer if he impresses on loan.

Leeds have been worryingly leaky at the back throughout the season, conceding 67 goals in 30 Premier League games, more than any other top-flight team, and Mingueza could come in as a dependable option to bolster Jesse Marsch’s defensive ranks, with the current crop proving all too easy to breach.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key Leeds transfer update. Read more here.

After securing a loan deal for Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, it didn’t take Aston Villa long to set their sights on trying to secure another incoming transfer this month with Everton left-back Lucas Digne heavily linked with a move to Villa Park.

With this in mind, it seems as though the Villa fans may not have to wait for too much longer to see the Frenchman join Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Twitter post from French Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, he revealed that Newcastle United have “raised their offer” to sign Digne but that a medical with Villa “could take place in the next two days” and that a move to the Midlands club is “close” to being done.

Gerrard would love him

Since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Barcelona in a deal worth £18m, the 28-year-old has gone on to make 127 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, cementing himself as an important figure in the team.

Digne also proved himself as a useful attacking outlet for Everton by chipping in with six goals and 20 assists, which explains why Villa have been looking to sign him this month.With Digne having racked up a higher average of key passes per game (1.7) in the Premier League than current Villa left-back Matt Targett (1.2) as well as more crosses per game despite playing four games fewer than the Englishman this season, it provides an indication as to why Gerrard would love to have a player like Digne in his squad.Not only would he provide extra defensive attributes and experience, but he’d add a vital attacking presence in his team down the left-hand flank in the process.Labelled as an “exceptional” player by pundit Jamie Redknapp in the past, Digne’s potential arrival would prove once again just how serious Villa’s owners are about strengthening the squad and pushing the team forward. That would supply Gerrard with the fuel required that this was indeed the right decision to move to the Midlands.However, with Everton manager Rafa Benitez accusing Digne, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £110k-per-week according to Salary Sport, of prioritising his own interests above the interests of the team after a reported falling out between the pair last month, the Liverpudlian boss will have to make sure that this sort of situation doesn’t happen under his watch at Villa if the defender does join the club.In other news: Gerrard can repeat AVFC’s Coutinho masterclass by signing “relentless” 69-goal machine – opinion

According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham United, and by extension recruitment chief Rob Newman, have set their sights on a 2022 move as news emerges on Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing new left-back?

According to another report by the Irons source, it is believed that Aaron Cresswell’s back injury is much worse than originally feared with the club and manager David Moyes unable to put a timeframe on his return (West Ham Way).

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As a result, the Hammers have been linked to potentially adding a new left-back to their ranks in January, with Moyes and Newman also previously linked with a loan move for defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles (West Ham Way Podcast).

Now, as insider ExWHuemployee shares more information, it appears Newman also has his eyes on future left-back additions as he looks set to move for Robinson next summer.

The Latest: Newman set for 2022 swoop…

Indeed, as per the Hammers insider, West Ham and Newman are ‘very keen’ on the USA international and are ‘looking set to make a move’ in the summer window.

As well as the 24-year-old, it is believed that the Irons are also fond of another Cottagers defender in ex-Man City man Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Verdict: Get it done?

While West Ham fans wouldn’t see him in Claret and Blue until long into next year, we believe Robinson could come as a brilliant nominee to eventually succeed Cresswell in the left-back slot.

At 32-years-old, the Irons mainstay isn’t getting any younger and it’s little wonder Newman is looking ahead to find his defensive heir.

Robinson, already an established international, certainly comes with credentials given he has played a starring role for Fulham in the Championship this season.

According to WhoScored, the left-back has averaged the joint-most crosses out of their entire squad so far over 2021/2022 whilst also making the second-most interceptions per 90 (1.8) – marking himself out as a key man on both sides of the ball.

Lauded as ‘a hell of a player’ by Hull City boss Grant McCann, Newman could have his eyes on an ideal target.

In other news: ‘Noooo’, ‘Beyond a joke’, ‘Xmas ruined’…Many West Ham fans flock to ‘worrying’ player claim, find out more here.

Many Sunderland fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news that has emerged on Jermain Defoe.

As per The Chronicle journalist James Hunter, Lee Johnson has ‘not ruled out’ a move for the striker in the January transfer window.

They are ‘aware’ of his situation, after Defoe departed Glasgow Rangers earlier this week, but ‘a million and one things’ would have to happen for a move to go through.

Nonetheless, what an exciting deal it would be. Yes, Defoe is 39 years of age now, but Black Cats have fond memories of him during his previous spell at the Stadium of Light, especially the memorable goal that he scored against rivals Newcastle United in the Premier League back in 2015 to give them a 1-0 win.

Defoe scored a total of 37 times in 93 games in all competitions over three seasons (Transfermarkt), and so bringing back as a squad option would be a dream.

Sunderland fans on Defoe transfer news

These SAFC supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“So there’s a chance”

Credit: @kieranwiIson

“Don’t tease me”

Credit: @flaptingss

“So we’re trying, omds”

Credit: @SunlunnWill

“Bring him home”

Credit: @danstewart1234

“Please @LeeJohnsonCoach I’m on my knees”

Credit: @conorsafc_

“Offer him £1,000,001 a week”

Credit: @WearsideRoar

In other news, find out what other transfer update has Black Cats fuming here!

Many Liverpool fans questioned goalkeeper Alisson Becker during their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. 

Liverpool were looking to extend the six-game winning streak that began after the November international break.

Saturday’s fixture saw Steven Gerrard, third on the Reds’ all-time appearance list, return to Anfield in the opposition dugout.

Jurgen Klopp made one change from the side that won 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starting a game at centre forward for the first time this season.

Diogo Jota was only fit enough for the substitutes’ bench, having been sidelined for much of the week’s training.

Recapping Alisson’s performance

There were two moments of uncertainty from Alisson in the first half. First, he misjudged a long ball, with Ashley Young able to nod it beyond him, only for his pull-back to Ollie Watkins to be cut out.

Later, miscommunication with Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly allowed to nick the ball in the penalty area.

He didn’t regain any confidence after the break, nearly giving VAR a reason to get involved with a late scuffle involving Danny Ings.

Along with Thiago Alcantara, Alisson recorded the joint-lowest SofaScore rating in the Liverpool team (6.5).

These Liverpool fans slam Alisson

“With Alisson in goal it looks like we are going to concede a goal any moment”

Credit: @Limzy09

“What is going on with Alisson? A couple of missteps by him so far”

Credit: @B2Life33

“Alisson had a bevvy?”

Credit: @ianyoungkop

“Alisson brain farted twice now”

Credit: @lfcdaz1983

“Alisson’s been very concerning today”

Credit: @salahfanv1

“Why is Alisson scared to touch the ball today?”

Credit: @quarterluke

In other news, Liverpool have been backed to land this Barcelona star.

After crashing out of the FA Cup in midweek with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday are back in League One action this weekend with an away clash against Accrington Stanley next up for Darren Moore’s side.

As well as the poor result, the Owls were also dealt a big injury blow that will definitely have a lot of Wednesday fans worried.

What’s the news?

It has been reported by Yorkshire Live that Wednesday midfielder Dennis Adeniran could miss the match at the weekend after being forced off the pitch in midweek with a suspected hamstring injury.

The report also claims that Wednesday will now “face an anxious wait to discover the severity” of his injury.

In addition to this, Wednesday have a number of other senior players out injured at the moment such as Marvin Johnson, Sam Hutchinson, Dominic Iorfa, Lewis Gibson, Josh Windass and Lee Gregory, which makes Adeniran’s injury such a big blow.

Since joining the Yorkshire club on a free transfer from Premier League club Everton back in the previous summer window, the 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £360k according to Transfermarkt, has played in all but two of Wednesday’s 17 league games, showing how important he has been for the team.

His previous start for the Owls prior to the 3-0 defeat in midweek, came during the first leg of their FA Cup match against Plymouth that ended with a 0-0 draw, but it saw Adeniran prove his worth to Moore, particularly from a defensive point of view.

He made three tackles, two clearances and two interceptions as well as winning four out of the six duels he was involved in, ultimately earning himself a solid overall match rating of 7/10 according to SofaScore.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say Adeniran will be a big miss for the Owls at the weekend if he’s not fit enough to play and thus, fans will undoubtedly be worried about what appears to be a mounting injury list.

Moving forward, with Wednesday only two points away from a play-off place in the league table, this match against Accrington is a great chance for Moore’s side to secure a win and move closer to the top of the table, especially since John Coleman’s side haven’t won any of their three previous league games.

However, given the number of injuries they currently have, Moore will certainly have a big challenge on his hands to get that win.

In other news: Moore must unleash “excellent” Sheff Weds gem on Sunday, he could terrify Plymouth – opinion

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper must do all he can to keep on-loan ace Keinan Davis at the club for next season.

What’s the story?

The centre-forward has excelled on-loan from Aston Villa at Nottingham Forest since his move in January and journalist Ashley Preece has said his “Villa future is done” and that it’s likely he will move permanently in the summer.

This gives Forest and Steve Cooper every chance at signing the 24-year old but they’ll have to move quickly with other clubs in the Championship likely to be interested.

As for a fee, according to Preece, Villa will be looking for something in the region of £5m – £10m.

He’s been compared to Collymore

Although he’s not been at the club for a long time the striker has already been compared by broadcaster Darren Fletcher to Forest legend Stan Collymore.

When being asked to describe Davis’ time so far at the City Ground he picked out his goal against Barnsley and said the way he drove forward and finished so well had “a touch of Collymore” about it.

Despite only spending two seasons at the club Collymore is still regarded as a hero by many. He was vital to their promotion to the Premier League in 1994 and in his last season he scored 23 league goals firing Forest to third in the top flight.

Davis will be hoping he can be the one to fire Forest to the Premier League in a similar way to how Collymore did, and with Cooper’s men still pushing to secure a play-off place, his goals might make the difference.

Since January, Davis has made 14 appearances for Forest and contributed to seven goals in that time which has impressed many, including journalist Daniel Storey who labelled him “sensational”. Though, it doesn’t seem enough for Villa manager Steven Gerrard to want to keep hold of him.

Cooper will be in need of a new striker for next season with Lewis Grabban out of contract this summer. Davis has proved that he can be a reliable goalscorer in the Championship, and if Forest go up he’s proved he deserves a chance to lead the line for them in the Premier League.

Ultimately, whatever happens, the £25k-per-week earner won’t be short of suitors and Forest have to make sure he doesn’t go to one of their rivals or he could come back to haunt them.

IN other news: Nottingham Forest reignite interest in Blackpool winger Josh Bowler…

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has provided a big update regarding the future of Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Lowdown: Lloris’ contract situation

The Frenchman, who is approaching 10 years as a Spurs player, has continued to be first choice under Antonio Conte and is seven appearances shy from reaching 400 for the club.

However, the 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of June, so he could technically talk to clubs outside of England over a possible pre-contract agreement right now.

Spurs have been linked with a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in recent days, but it seems as if Conte wants to keep the French shot-stopper in north London for a further 12 months.

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The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Sunday afternoon to provide an update on Lloris’ future. He revealed: “Tottenham are in talks with Hugo Lloris and ‘confident’ to extend his contract until June 2023. One more season approved by Antonio Conte.”

Romano also included the following quote from the Spurs manager in his tweet: “He’s top level – I’m sure sure in a short time the club will find a solution with Lloris because he loves Tottenham”.

The Verdict: Smart move

Even if Tottenham bolster their goalkeeping ranks with the acquisition of Johnstone this month, having Lloris around for a further 12 months could be a shrewd move.

It seems as if Conte isn’t sure on loanee Pierluigi Gollini either, with the 26-year-old playing just once under the incumbent boss (the 2-1 defeat to NS Mura), so Spurs may well end up declining their option-to-buy clause for the Italian netminder in the summer.

On that basis, they could do with keeping Lloris while bringing in another stopper over the coming months, and it seems as if they are confident of retaining the French veteran for at least another year.

In other news: Spurs will be offered chance to sign 84-goal ace once likened to Zidane in next 14 days. 

Tottenham have once again been linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, Kicker report.

The Lowdown: Summer links…

Tolisso is into the final year of his contract with the German giants and has made just eight appearances during the current campaign.

The 27-year-old, labelled as ‘dangerous’ by Jean-Pierre Papin, can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder and was linked with a move to Tottenham over the summer.

Rumours emerged that the World Cup winner could have moved to Spurs before the 2021/22 campaign began, with Tanguy Ndombele moving to Munich, however, as we know, a swap deal never materialised.

The Latest: Kicker’s report

Reports from German outlet Kicker on Thursday morning linked Spurs and Inter Milan with a fresh move for Tolisso.

Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici reportedly spoke to Tolisso and his representatives, with the midfielder a big fan of Paratici.

The Verdict: McKennie alternative?

Another midfielder who has been heavily linked with a move to north London is Juventus’ Weston McKennie, and the two are similar players. [FBref]

Should Spurs explore a cut-price deal for Tolisso in the winter window and secure a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer, they’d be getting a versatile international midfielder valued at £13.5m for nothing.

He also has plenty of Champions League experience and will have a winning mentality due to his plethora of honours, so he could be an excellent addition to bolster Antonio Conte’s midfield options in his preferred 3-5-2 system.

In other news: ‘World class’, ‘Perfect’, ‘Winning already’…Sky pundit raves over transfer news out of Spurs, find out more here.