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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) have reportedly ‘held talks’ over signing defender Piero Hincapie for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Ashby deal ‘agreed’

Newcastle have reportedly ‘agreed’ a deal to sign right-back Harrison Ashby from West Ham United for a fee wort £3m including add-ons, and he is expected to have a medical on Tyneside before Tuesday evening’s deadline.

This comes after the signing of winger Anthony Gordon from Everton, with the Saudi ownership looking busy in the last few days of the transfer window.

The Latest: Hincapie talks held

As per Football Insider, the St. James’ Park outfit have also ‘held talks’ over the signing of Hincapie, but fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are in talks too, and have reportedly had a £22m bid rejected for him.

The Magpies want to wait until the summer to sign Hincapie, and Bayer Leverkusen are ‘adamant’ that he will not leave this month anyway.

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The Verdict: Get a deal in place

The North East club should try and get a deal in place for Hincapie now if they can, rather than waiting until the summer where he is sure to gain more interest, and could potentially be snapped up quick.

Hailed as an ‘outstanding’ player by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, he possesses many characteristics needed in a modern-day defender, and is equally as comfortable at playing at left-back as well as at centre-half.

The 21-year-old already has 24 caps for Ecuador, including three at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar (Transfermarkt), showing that he has been trusted to perform on the big stage despite his age, while he has also played 21 times for Leverkusen so far this season, including five appearances in the coveted UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Hincapie would add quality to what is an already stubborn defence under Eddie Howe, having conceded just 11 goals in the Premier League so far, by far the best defensive record in the division.

Aston Villa are interested in a move to bring Vitinha to the Premier League on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato, who claim that, despite Unai Emery having already secured the signing of Jhon Duran this month, following Danny Ings’ move to West Ham United, Villa are still in the market for another centre-forward over the remainder of the January window – with the SC Braga striker emerging as a potential target.

The report goes on to state that Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton are also interested in a late move for the 22-year-old, while the Liga Portugal side are demanding that the Portugal U21 international’s €30m (£26.5m) release clause is met if the youngster is to leave the Estadio Municipal de Braga prior to this evening’s transfer deadline.

Benzema 2.0

Considering just how impressive Vitinha has been in Portugal so far this season, coupled with the 22-year-old’s enormous scope for future development, it is not difficult to understand why Emery would be interested in a late move for the Braga sensation.

Indeed, over his 17 Liga Portugal appearances – only 12 of which have come as starts – in the current campaign, the £12.75m-rated talent has been in sensational attacking form, having already scored seven goals, registered two assists and created three big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the player who football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed a “complete striker” average an extremely impressive Sofascore statistical rating of 7.01, currently ranking him as Carlos Carvalhal’s 11th-best performer in the league – playing a key role in second-placed Braga’s extraordinary 2022/23 campaign thus far.

So exciting a prospect is Vitinha that the aforementioned Kulig went as far as to compare the Portugal youth international to none other than legendary Real Madrid centre-forward Karim Benzema, as well as listing the 22-year-old’s strengths as his “pace, finishing, instinct, movement, heading, technique, ball control, flair, versatility.”

As such, should Emrey manage to get a last-minute deal over the line for Vitinha on Tuesday, the Spaniard could well have unearthed the next Benzema-esque talent at Villa Park – a prospect that is sure to be incredibly tantalising for everyone involved with the Premier League club.

However, with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing in a post on Twitter that French side Olympique de Marseille have now reached an initial agreement with Braga for the centre-forward, should the English club wish to have any chance of landing Vitinha in the coming hours, they simply must act as quickly as possible.

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was missing from the Reds’ Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday due to ‘illness’, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The Lowdown: Fabinho misses Molineux defeat

The Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat on the road at Molineux on Saturday afternoon, but that wasn’t the only cause for concern to emerge from the game against Julen Lopetegui’s side.

The Brazilian was absent from Klopp’s matchday squad and the Liverpool boss hadn’t suggested that the 29-year-old had sustained any type of injury prior to the showdown in the Midlands, hence why supporters might have initially been fearing the worst.

However, a reassuring update has since been delivered by the German which could put minds at ease…

The Latest: Fabinho’s absence explained

Taking to Twitter shortly after the defeat on Saturday, Pearce relayed an update on Fabinho from Liverpool’s manager during the post-match press conference.

The Athletic reporter notified followers: “Klopp says Fabinho was absent today due to illness.”

The Verdict: Relief for Klopp

Despite coming in for strong criticism of his performances this season, Fabinho has been labelled a ‘crucial player’ for Liverpool in the past by journalist Josh Bunting, and it will be a huge relief for Klopp to learn that he doesn’t have to contend with yet another injury blow in his heavily-stricken squad.

The Adidas-sponsored maestro currently averages 1.8 tackles per league game and has a pass success rate of 88.5%, highlighting his ability to take control in midfield. Those returns place him in the top four of the Reds’ squad for both metrics, so he is still an important figure at Anfield (WhoScored).

Liverpool already have six senior first-team players on the treatment table and Klopp will be relieved to know that Fabinho won’t be joining that number, offering a sliver of comfort amid a truly wretched start to 2023 for his team.

Newcastle United’s new signing Anthony Gordon was unaware of the driving ban he has recently received which has made national news last week.

What’s the latest?

It’s been quite the week for Anthony Gordon who signed for the Magpies just days before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline in a deal believed to be worth around £45m.

However, his move to Tyneside was marred as reports from some of the national press emerged during the week with mages of him driving in Newcastle despite being banned from driving.

However, it has now been suggested the driving ban letter had been sent to a previous address of the 21-year-old which meant he was unaware of his disqualification from the roads.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Craig Hope has provided the update with the reports from other outlets suggesting Gordon could face jail time for his actions:

“Now, my understanding of that is that Gordon was disqualified on Monday, so was not aware that he had been banned from driving. The correspondence was sent to an old address.

“He was only aware of the situation when the club were contacted by a national newspaper during the week. Since he is aware of that, we’re told that he has been driven everywhere by his girlfriend, and he’s now going down the correct legal channels in a bid to sort out that situation and have the ban overturned. “

Worry for Newcastle

This is far from the start to life on Tyneside which the youngster would have dreamt of after making the move from Everton to the Champions League-challenging Magpies.

And in his first game since making the move, he had to settle for a spot on the bench as Allan Saint-Maximin was handed the starting spot at left-wing.

However, Eddie Howe had seen enough of the Frenchman after 69 minutes as he brought on the new £45m signing in his place with little over 20 minutes to impress.

And impress he did, in less than a third of the game time Saint-Maximin had on the pitch, Gordon was able to provide a key pass which saw Callum Wilson through on goal (via Sofascore).

Something the Frenchman was unable to do in his 69 minutes of action which also saw him lose possession 13 times despite only recording 35 touches of the ball.

Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Bournemouth and it will leave Howe with a decision to make on the back of an underwhelming display from Saint-Maximin and early promise from Gordon.

However, both Howe and Gordon will be hoping this off-field matter is able to be resolved quickly as neither will want it hanging over the club as they set their sights on a strong end to the campaign.

One man who has largely been a bystander to proceedings at Manchester United in recent times is academy graduate Anthony Elanga, with the explosive Swede having slipped down the attacking pecking order under Erik ten Hag.

Just under a year on from his composed finish in the draw away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the 20-year-old has failed to truly kick on since the change in the dugout, having benefitted from the faith of interim boss Ralf Rangnick last season.

The youngster’s woes are emphasised by the fact that his standout moment at the Wanda Metropolitano remains the last time that the 5 foot 10 dud managed to get on the scoresheet for the Red Devils, having contributed just two assists in 21 games in all competitions this season.

Those struggles have come amid limited chances to impress for the former Malmo asset in the current campaign, as the nine-cap speedster has failed to start a Premier League game since the win over Fulham in November.

In fact, the dynamic wide man has only featured once off the bench in the club’s last six top-flight outings, with that rare appearance coming as a brief cameo in last weekend’s triumph over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Amid that inability to force his way into the side – even amid Antony’s recent injury and with Jadon Sancho having only just returned to action – there may well be some questioning just why the emerging prospect was not allowed to depart last month, amid hefty interest in his services.

As journalist Fabrizio Romano outlined, United were said to have received as many as ten proposals during the January transfer window to take the winger on loan, with Everton one of those eyeing up an initial temporary swoop.

Although Elanga ultimately stayed put at the Theatre of Dreams, there may well be wisdom in sanctioning his exit come the summer, either on a loan move or a permanent deal.

How much is Elanga worth?

Should Ten Hag opt for the latter option and allow the former youth starlet to exit permanently, it could well represent good business for the club, with Football Transfers suggesting that the 20-year-old’s expected transfer value is around €31m (£27m).

That would prove an immense profit on a player who has cost the club nothing in transfer fees after rising up through the academy ranks, with there likely to be a consideration as to the benefit of seeling Elanga in the near future, particularly as he has been dubbed “not good enough” by talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

For all of the Swede’s promise last season – having been described as a “breath of fresh air” by club legend Denis Irwin – he does now appear to be “suffering” as a result of being propelled into the first-time so soon, according to journalist Muhammad Butt.

Having now been overtaken in the attacking pecking order by 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho – who scored in the win over Leeds – and with Facundo Pellistri also enjoying a more prominent role of late, it is hard to see just where Elanga fits into Ten Hag’s plans moving forward.

Therefore, while it may be a rather ruthless decision, it could be time that United’s breakout star of 2021/22 is shown the door.

Manchester United’s latest triumph at home to Leicester City saw Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho steal the limelight as a result of their devastating displays in attack, with the England duo having been vital figures in the Red Devils’ stirring second-half display at Old Trafford.

For all the quality of that fleet-footed pairing, though, arguably the “best player on the pitch” on the day was midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes – in the words of manager Erik ten Hag – with the Portuguese magician having yet again been the team’s creative hub.

Despite being deployed out on the right flank for the visit of the Foxes – as he has done on occasion this season – the 28-year-old playmaker was still central to everything which was good about the home side, notably teeing up Rashford with a stunning outside-of-the-boot assist in the first half.

The former Sporting Lisbon man also found the aforementioned Sancho with a perfectly weighted pull-back on the hour mark to make sure of the points, while he should well have had a third assist to his name late in the first half, only for compatriot Diogo Dalot to inexplicably fail to convert.

That stellar impact saw Fernandes rack up a truly outrageous haul of nine key passes in total – albeit while losing possession 30 times – having also completed four of his five dribbles as a marker of his dynamic brilliance.

What was most impressive about the 5 foot 11 man’s display, though, was his willingness to put in a shift for his team despite featuring in something of a makeshift role, winning eight of his 11 ground duels.

Such an all-action outing – in which the £240k-per-week star racked up a 9.7 match rating from Sofascore – has no doubt become the norm for Fernandes during his time in Manchester, with United having truly hit the jackpot after signing the 53-cap menace for an initial fee of just £47m back in January 2020.

How much is Fernandes worth now?

The midfielder’s continued rise is showcased by the fact that he is now said to be worth around €100m (£89m) according to CIES Football Observatory, with that a notable increase on what the club signed him for just over three years ago.

Although United will have no intention of letting the consistent “genius” – as once described by journalist Muhammad Butt – depart the Theatre of Dreams any time soon, it will be pleasing to see what has been one of the few transfer success stories in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

In truth, Fernandes’ impact at the club upon his arrival in England was almost immediate as he scooped the Man of the Match award on his debut in a goalless draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, before going on to finish the pandemic-impacted 2019/20 campaign with 20 goal involvements in just 22 games in all competitions.

That impact has continued since then, with the Maia-born sensation now boasting 106 goals and assists in 162 games for the club across all fronts, including 41 goals and 31 assists in just 110 Premier League appearances.

Currently ranking third in the division for chances created (17), the former Udinese man has enjoyed another standout season with regard to his impact in the final third, with 17 goal contributions in 36 games so far.

That relentless brilliance has been aided by the player’s ability to be available for selection almost every week, having rarely been absent through injury or illness throughout his career, both before and during his time in Manchester.

To have a player who can be counted upon to perform no matter the occasion or the opposition is truly worth its weight in gold, with Ten Hag no doubt thankful to have inherited such a gloriously joyful talent as Fernandes.

Manchester City are one of the numerous Premier League sides ‘offered’ Paris-Saint Germain superstar Neymar, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Business as usual…

Following the unprecedented news of over 100 financial misconduct allegations against City from the top flight, it is very much business as usual for the Blues on the pitch.

Pep Guardiola’s side have responded to the charges in perfect fashion, winning their last two league games and most recently securing a mammoth 3-1 victory away to title rivals Arsenal.

The crucial win takes City level on points with Mikel Arteta’s side as they wrestle themselves back into contention for a third-successive domestic crown.

The Latest: City ‘offered’ Neymar…

Off the field, there have still been plenty of transfer rumours, with 90min now sharing a link to Brazil star Neymar.

City are apparently one of many English clubs who have been ‘offered’ the 31-year-old with PSG apparently open to selling at the end of the season.

It is believed that agents have held talks with Guardiola’s side, having ‘spoken with’ them alongside the likes of Man United, Liverpool and Newcastle.

The Verdict: Take it up?

Reports have suggested that there could be a real summer overhaul at the Etihad with players coming in and out of Eastlands past 2022/2023.

If City consider a move for Neymar, there would be plenty of benefit to such a move, with Guardiola previously revealing his major admiration for the South American.

The serial winner claimed Neymar ‘makes football a pleasure’ with members of the media also calling him ‘colossal’.

As per WhoScored, the forward is enjoying another stellar season at PSG, scoring 12 goals and racking up a further ten assists in Ligue 1.

Only Lionel Messi can boast a similar rate of key passes made per 90 in the final third out of PSG’s star-studded side but it remains to be seen where Guardiola would fit Neymar into an-already phenomenal City side.

Tottenham Hotspur hold concrete interest in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Tottenham targeting goalkeeper

It has now become clear that Antonio Conte wants a replacement for Hugo Lloris this summer, and a plethora of potential signings have been linked with a move to north London.

Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been tracked by Tottenham, and Football London report that Robert Sanchez, Dean Henderson and Jan Oblak are viewed as replacements for the Frenchman.

The Latest: Martinez eyed

According to a report from Football Insider, Spurs staff also have a concrete interest in Martinez, after being impressed by his performances with Argentina at the World Cup.

The Lilywhites have been watching the 30-year-old closely during his time with Aston Villa, and they are currently doing background checks to assess his skill-set, character and lifestyle before they commit to launching a summer bid.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

The 26-time Argentina international was outstanding in Qatar, being hailed for the vital role he played in winning the World Cup and described as ‘world class’ by members of the media.

At club level, the former Arsenal man has also looked impressive this season, recently putting in an incredible performance in Villa’s 1-0 victory at Southampton, making four saves from inside the box and receiving the highest Sofascore rating of any player.

That said, the 6 foot 5 colossus is now 30-years-old, meaning he is unlikely to be a long-term solution for Spurs between the sticks, while he has also recorded a far worse save percentage and has conceded more than goals Mamardashvili over the past year.

Given that the Georgian is just 22-years-old, he would be a far better option for Conte in the summer transfer window, providing Spurs can negotiate about his £88m release clause.

Arsenal are reportedly ‘on the lookout’ to potentially sign Celta Vigo attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga this summer.

The Lowdown: Rising star

The 20-year-old is emerging as a rising star in the European game, having been labelled by media in his homeland as ‘one of the fashionable’ players in La Liga and ‘one of the revelations’ of Spanish football.

He has close to the relegation zone.

The Latest: Arsenal interested in Veiga

As per Spanish newspaper AS (via Sport Witness), both Arsenal and Manchester United are ‘on the lookout’ for Veiga’s performances, and Celta could sell him this summer for €30m (£26.5m).

He is described as one of Los Celeste’s most ‘decisive’ players, as evidenced by his tally of goals and assists for the season so far.

The Verdict: Arsenal don’t need him

Arsenal already have the likes of Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe that they can call upon in terms of attacking midfielders, so signing Veiga at this moment in time would feel like a waste of money despite his burgeoning talents.

The Spaniard has been very impressive over the past year, ranking in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, also placing in the top 10% for a number of other key metrics.

At 20 years of age, Veiga still has plenty of potential, so the Gunners could look to sign him when he is more of a finished article, or when there is a gap in their squad for a player like him.

BBC pundit Alan Hutton has claimed that Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could be tempted by a summer exit if a big offer arrives for the Australian.

What’s the latest on Postecoglu at Celtic?

Postecoglou has found great success at Celtic, winning the league in his first season, as well as two league cups, whilst he also looks set to retain the Scottish Premiership.

He has been linked with Premier League jobs in the past as interest grows in the 57-year-old, and it has now been mooted that he could be tempted by a move.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton praised the job he has done at Celtic, whilst also hinting that a move is not impossible.

“You can never say never in football,” he stated.

“You just do not know what is round the corner.

“One thing I would say is that what he has done is remarkable and no wonder there is other teams looking at him.

“The turnaround, the recruitment, the players that he has brought in have been excellent. He is performing at a high level and he comes across as a really genuine guy.

Where could Postecoglou move to?

Given the support he has at Celtic, it would likely take a big offer to convince Postecoglou to leave Glasgow for the Premier League, and it remains to be seen what roles are available at the end of the season.

Antonio Conte’s future at Tottenham Hotspur looks uncertain, but the club may look to hire someone with previous experience in the Premier League should the Italian depart, with their last four permanent appointments being managers who had previously coached another English side.

Further down the table, Patrick Vieira has come in for criticism amidst poor form at Crystal Palace, and should they choose to fire the Frenchman, a move to South London could be a possibility if Postecoglou is keen on the move.

If fellow former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers departs Leicester City, Postecoglou could follow the same route, with the Foxes previously mooted as a possible destination.

If an appealing offer does not arrive for Postecoglou, then he will stay at the club, given his current level of success and popularity amongst the fanbase.