Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy appears to be focused on deciding who could be the man to replace Antonio Conte in the dugout at N17, with it looking increasingly likely that the Italian coach will depart at the end of the season.
As The Athletic's David Ornstein noted on Monday, there is a 'good chance' that the 53-year-old will move on once his contract expires this summer, with the former Inter Milan man's 18-month stint in charge set to come to an inevitable end.
Like many predicted, the serial-winning coach has been a mere 'short-term fix' for the Lilywhites – as per Sunday Times journalist Alyson Rudd – with Levy and co now somewhat back to square one in their hunt to land a more long-term appointment ahead of next season.
One potential candidate that has emerged in recent times is Brighton and Hove Albion boss, Roberto De Zerbi, with the Telegraph naming the 43-year-old among the alternative targets that the north Londoners may consider this summer – should the club opt against a move to re-hire Mauricio Pochettino.
While the former Shakhtar Donetsk head coach – who arrived in England back in September – may have impressed during his brief stint at the Amex thus far, there may be doubts as to whether he is the right fit to help revive Spurs' fortunes.
Would De Zerbi be a success at Spurs?
Turning to De Zerbi could well lead to a similar scenario to that of Chelsea's appointment of former Brighton boss, Graham Potter, with the Englishman having since made a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge after joining the Blues earlier in the campaign.
While the one-time Swansea City man has overseen three wins in his last three games in all competitions – notably guiding the west London outfit into the last eight of the Champions League – it had been a bumpy ride prior to that, with rumours abound that the 47-year-old could be set for the axe.
The previously highly-rated coach has unsurprisingly faced intense scrutiny since taking on such a high-profile job, with it undoubtedly a different kettle of fish to be working at a club such as Brighton, rather than an elite outfit that demands immediate success.
Although Potter may come good in his current post, his Chelsea record at present makes for rather grim reading, having won just 12 of his first 29 games in charge at the club – while picking up a points per game average of just 1.48.
The fear will be that while De Zerbi – who has been hailed as "special" by Seagulls star Adam Lallana – has guided the south coast side into European contention against the odds, it is another matter entirely being able to cope under pressure at a club such as Spurs, where supporters are no doubt hungry to see their long-running trophy drought come to an end.
As pundit Stan Collymore recently stated, the Brescia native may be better served to "bide his time" and remain in charge at the Amex for a longer period, despite interest from Levy and co, with it perhaps far too soon for the one-time Sassuolo coach to be jumping ship.
For all the commendable work that De Zerbi has done over the last six months or so, the example of Potter at Chelsea – as well as Nuno Espirito Santo at Spurs – should show that making that step up is not always an easy move to make, with the Lilywhites unable to afford to make another costly, managerial error.
Liverpool are in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan Ndicka during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.
The Lowdown: Ndicka shining for Frankfurt
The 23-year-old is enjoying an excellent season for the Bundesliga side season currently, proving to be a dominant figure at the heart of their defence throughout the campaign.
Ndicka has started 24 of Frankfurt’s 25 league games in 2022/23 to date, helping them to sixth place in the table, averaging a whopping five clearances per game in the competition, far more than any Reds regular in the Premier League.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season, however, and with an extension not likely to be signed, there could be a big fight for his signature.
Ndicka is unlikely to be without suitors if that is the case, which is where Liverpool come into the equation.
The Latest: Liverpool in the mix
According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], the Reds are one of the clubs battling to acquire the centre-back’s signature at the end of the season.
Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all mentioned as possible destinations for him, too, highlighting how strong the competition to snap him up is.
It is Barca who are focused on the most in the report, with the Catalan giants keen on signing a left-footed central defender this summer, but they are aware that Liverpool’s interest could scupper their plans.
The Verdict: Brilliant centre-back option
The Reds badly need a new centre-back in the summer, with serious doubts over the long-term worth of both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez at this point.
The former is out of contract at the end of next season and turns 32 later this year, while the latter’s performances have generally not been good enough this season, leading to speculation surrounding his future.
In Ndicka, Liverpool would be signing an excellent prospect – he has been hailed as a ‘superb player’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – and someone who could be an upgrade on both Matip and Gomez, perhaps a cheaper alternative to Josko Gvardiol too.
The fact that he is left-footed like Gvardiol would be an added bonus for Jurgen Klopp, giving his defensive options more balance, and he could even be viewed as Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor alongside Ibrahima Konate.
Ndicka’s contract situation also means that Liverpool would be able to snap him up on a free transfer, which given the one-time capped France Under-21 international’s potential, would be an absolute bargain.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in making a move for Porto midfielder and former Liverpool man Marko Grujic in the summer transfer window.
The Lowdown: Grujic impressing for Porto
The 26-year-old has forged an impressive career for himself since failing to properly make the grade under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, becoming a key man for his current club.
Grujic has now racked up a total of 105 appearances for Porto since arriving in the summer of 2020, proving to be a dominant figure in the middle of the park.
During that time, the Serbian has won one Primeira Liga title, Portuguese Cup and Portuguese League Cup apiece, justifying his move there in the first place.
It could be that Grujic looks for a new challenge in the near future, however, and with his performances catching the eye, a return to England may be on the cards.
That’s where United come into play, with an intriguing new transfer update emerging.
The Latest: United eyeing move
According to Telegraf [via Sport Witness], the Red Devils are one of the clubs who are ‘seriously enquiring’ about the potential signing of Grujic this summer.
Contacts are believed to have ‘already been stabilised through intermediaries’, with AC Milan also noted as possible suitors in the report.
That being said, it is also stated that Grujic is a ‘big fan of Liverpool since childhood’ and may not want his decision to join United to be seen as ‘disappointing’ by Reds supporters.
The Verdict: Liverpool connection an issue?
There is no denying that Grujic has grown hugely as a footballer in recent years, winning 19 caps for Serbia and becoming a more rounded individual than the one who departed Liverpool.
He could be a really shrewd summer signing by United – he once was called the ‘best midfielder we have had in the last 20 years’ by Hertha Berlin boss Pal Dardai during a loan spell there in 2018 – adding physicality and quality to their midfield.
Not only has Grujic won an average of 2.3 aerial duels and 1.7 tackles per game in the league this season, but he has also enjoyed an 87.3% pass completion rate in the Champions League, showing his ability on the big stage.
The key drawback is the lingering Liverpool issue, however, and while the midfielder wouldn’t be directly joining the Red Devils from their arch-rivals this summer, it would still be a controversial piece of business, especially for someone who grew up supporting the Merseysiders.
Newcastle United may have been handed a potential injury boost after Eddie Howe's hint over Miguel Almiron's recent thigh problem.
When will Almiron return from injury?
The Paraguayan was forced to miss the international break having been absent for Newcastle's dramatic 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Almiron had picked up a thigh issue earlier in the month and remained on Tyneside as the rest of the side jetted off to Dubai for some warm-weather training.
However, journalist Lee Ryder has suggested the £60k-per-week winger could be set to return to the side within the next month if all goes to plan.
Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, the Toon reporter suggested Howe had hinted at the issue not being overly serious during his press conference on Friday morning:
"Miguel Almiron, [the game] comes too quickly for him. Slight hint that he might be back before the timeframe – slightly before. So it's going to be interesting to see if he's going to be available for what could be the Champions League decider against Tottenham Hotspur later next month. So positive news on the injury front."
Who could replace Almiron?
Reports have suggested Howe is set to receive a number of injury boosts ahead of their next game against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
One of those potentially being Anthony Gordon with the youngster also making his own return from ankle injury which has kept him out of the last two games.
As well as Gordon, Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to be available for the Toon on Sunday which will provide Howe with a surplus of options to choose from out wide.
Jacob Murphy battles againstRenan Lodi as Newcastle united beat Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
However, the decision is likely to come down to who is best to replace Almiron if Gordon is fit enough to return to his spot on the left after making a big-money move to St. James' Park.
And it is certainly an open race with neither Jacob Murphy nor Saint-Maximin particularly setting the world alight this season in the Premier League.
Murphy has recently stepped in for Almiron on the right side in his absence and has been a regular feature off the bench for Howe throughout the 2022/23 campaign (via Transfermarkt).
In a game against a side of Manchester United's calibre, Murphy could be the best option with a player like Marcus Rashford attacking down their left side.
Over the course of the season, Murphy has proven himself to be a stronger defensive option for Howe on the wing with the 28-year-old having lodged over double the number of tackles of Saint-Maxmin per 90 minutes (via Fbref).
If Howe does have the likes of Gordon and Alexander Isak in the front three, Howe could well look to provide Kieran Trippier with some extra support at right-back.
Arsenal are now reportedly 'ready to tempt' AC Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini with an offer to sign defender Theo Hernandez.
What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?
The Gunners and transfer chief Edu are reportedly set to be busy in their backing for manager Mikel Arteta this summer with central midfield thought to be a major summer priority. Indeed, the likes of West Ham star Declan Rice Brighton's Moises Caicedo and even ex-target Raphinha are rumoured to be targets for the Premier League title-chasers.
Reports also suggest that Eintracht Frankfurt star Jesper Lindstrom is a serious target for Arsenal, with the north Londoners apparently pushing for his signature as he looks very likely to leave his current club. In terms of defensive additions, Hernandez is a player who features heavily as a target through the press, coming amid his brilliant form for Milan in Serie A.
The France international was a pivotal player during Pioli's title charge last season, attracting interest from big-hitters like Man City among others. Now, as per reports out of Italy, there has been an update on Arsenal's interest in signing Hernandez.
AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez.
Calciomercato.it states that the league-leaders are 'ready to tempt' Milan chief Maldini with a 'proposal' to sign the 25-year-old. The news outlet claims that a 'concrete' offer from Arsenal could arrive for Hernandez, and the possibility of including Oleksandr Zinchenko or Kieran Tierney in a swap isn't ruled out either.
Milan value the right-back at around €70-80 million (£61m-£70m) and Arsenal are thought to be willing to offer players as a way of reaching that figure overall, though Maldini is apparently unlikely to be swayed by such an approach.
What would Hernandez bring to Arsenal?
Hernandez is Milan's third-most selected Serie A player and there is good reason for that – he is quite simply brilliant.
The former Real Madrid man ranks as one of Pioli's best-performing players by average match rating, according to WhoScored, with the full-back also sitting in their top five for attempts at goal and key passes per 90 in the final third.
Hernandez has three goals and three assists to his name this season, standing out as a real threat from out wide for Milan and a possibly brilliant option for Arteta if they were to sign him.
The player has also attracted huge praise from both Emmanuel Petit, who called him 'perfect' for the Premier League, and members of the media – with journalist Sacha Pisani calling him an 'elite full-back' since joining Milan.
There is undoubtedly excitement brewing among Newcastle United supporters regarding the potential strike partnership involving Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, with the two men having worked in tandem in the second half against Brentford last weekend.
As journalist Charlie Bennett noted following that 2-1 win, that centre-forward combo does appear rather "frightening", with the pair able to cause "so much trouble for the opposition" when they are on the pitch together, according to 90min's Sean Walsh.
Whether that pairing is a long-term option remains to be seen, however, with manager Eddie Howe admitting that the duo may not be deployed together in every game, having stated after the win over the Bees:
"Can they play together every week? Tactically, probably not. But can they play together in a game like this? Absolutely.”
That combination has also only been a relatively recent option with both Wilson and Isak having endured fitness and injury woes so far this season, with it perhaps of some frustration that the Tynesiders haven't been able to totally rely on either man throughout the campaign.
One pairing that have undoubtedly been far more consistent for the Magpies is that of centre-back duo, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, with the Chronicle's Lee Ryder only recently noting that the first-choice defensive axis have been "excellent" this season.
How good have Schar and Botman been?
The £130k-per-week duo have been truly influential in Newcastle's Champions League qualification push, having been crucial figures in a backline that has shipped just 21 Premier League goals this season – the best record in the division.
After previously conceding 62 goals in the top-flight alone last term, the summer arrival of Botman, in particular, has made a "huge difference" for Howe's men, according to journalist Josh Bunting, with the towering Dutchman proving a real colossus in his central defensive berth.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp even went as far as to suggest that the former Lille man could become one of the best defenders to have graced the Premier League, having stated earlier this season:
"We’ve seen some good centre-backs in this league (but) he’s got the capabilities to be better than them. He’s a real leader of men – what a special player he is."
Amid the standout displays of the 23-year-old – who has averaged 1.1 tackles and one interception per game in the top-flight this season – his defensive colleague, Schar, has perhaps 'gone under the radar' at times, according to managerial legend Harry Redknapp, having also been deserving of praise.
Newcastle defender Sven Botman
The experienced Switzerland international has been hailed as 'quick, good in the air and very composed on the ball' by the former Tottenham Hotspur boss, having made great strides of late after an initially tricky time of it at St James' Park.
Having previously looked like a "walking mistake" – according to journalist John Gibson – the 31-year-old is now shining for the league's best defence, racking up 1.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game as a marker of his ball-winning prowess.
In truth, with the likes of Wilson and Isak having been out of the picture at times this season, the Magpies' success has been built on the solid foundation at the back, with the club's hopes of securing a top-four berth also set to be aided by remaining tough to beat defensively.
As Redknapp Sr exclaimed, 'there's not many better centre half pairings than Schar and Botman.'
Chelsea are growing in confidence of being able to beat the competition in the summer to the potential signing of Victor Osimhen.
How much will Victor Osimhen cost?
It has been a season to forget for Chelsea with Todd Boehly's arrival seeing the club potentially set for their worst Premier League finish since 1996.
Tuesday night's game against Real Madrid saw the Blues knocked out of the Champions League leaving only pride to play for in the Premier League in their remaining games.
Chelsea's shortcomings have not been through a lack of financial backing with the American overseeing a stunning amount of money spent on improving their squad this season.
However, it has clearly not had the desired effect with the west London side sat slumped in 11th spot of the Premier League table and without a win in their last seven league games.
The upcoming summer will provide Boehly with another opportunity to add to his squad and it seems as if a new striker could be on the radar.
Indeed, speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed the Blues are eyeing a potential summer swoop for Napoli's €130m-€150m-rated (£114m-£132m) Osimhen:
(4:55) "I think Victor Osimhen will be that marquee signing for Chelsea and we were talking off-pod about all the issues Chelsea have, but I think a lot of ills will be cured by Osimhen. I think he'll come in, he'll be that number nine, you can build a team around him.
"I don't see how Chelsea get outbid by anyone for Osimhen. You know, he's been linked to Bayern Munich. He's been to Manchester United, from what I understand, I don't think Chelsea will be beaten for him. I think they'll go to €150m (£132m) for him if they have to."
"I think Osimhen and Chelsea is a complete no-brainer. And they're confident about getting him."
Could Osimhen solve Chelsea's issues?
It has been a season to forget for a number of reasons at Stamford Bridge but none more so than their lack of potency in front of goal.
Only five other teams in the Premier League have scored fewer goals than the Blues this season (30) with Manchester City having scored well over double that of the Londoners.
These struggles can be seen through their top scorers list with Kai Havertz (9) closely followed by Raheem Sterling (7) but then a huge gap to the next top scorers with three players all on three goals.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen applauds the fans following their Champions League exit.
"It's one of the biggest mysteries of all time – how can you spend £500m and hardly bring a player in who's going to influence the goal-scoring department?" Michael Owen told BT Sport on Tuesday.
However, could Osimhen be that man to come in and change the narrative for Chelsea next season?
The Nigerian striker has certainly impressed this season in Serie A with 21 goals from his 24 appearances in the league and a further five goals in the Champions League (via Transfermarkt).
To put that into perspective, the striker has only scored four fewer goals this season than Chelsea have managed in their Premier League campaign.
Presenter Stephen Howson has hailed the £91k-per-week striker as a "monster" and that is evident having returned a better shot/goal ratio (0.21) than Harry Kane has this season (0.18) (via FBref).
Michael Beale faces an intriguing summer transfer window in charge of Glasgow Rangers, especially if a mass exodus of first-team stars occurs.
All in all, seven members of the Ibrox first team are out of contract at the end of the season and although Beale would love to retain a couple, there are some who have naturally come to the end of their journey at the club and will be released.
This could leave a gaping hole in his team, which will of course need to be filled with new players, whether that is from free agents, loan deals or even spending money on a couple of quality signings ahead of 2023/24.
Another avenue the manager could go down is promoting from within. The academy is producing some top-tier talent of late, with the likes of Alex Lowry, Leon King and Robbie Ure all making their debuts after impressing at youth level and Charlie Lindsay could be the next youngster to make an impression in the first team.
Who is Charlie Lindsay?
The 19-year-old has been at the Light Blues since 2020 and has progressed into the B team with ease and his performances this season suggest that a senior debut shouldn’t be far away.
Across 38 appearances in all competitions, Lindsay has scored 12 goals and registered seven assists from a midfield position, and he has wonderful versatility, being able to operate either as an attacking midfielder or in a slightly deeper role to great effect.
With Ryan Jack one of the players who will see his contract expire at the end of the season, Beale will be looking to potentially replace him if he goes, or if he does remain, secure a long-term heir for the Scot. Lindsay might just be the prime candidate.
Jack is slightly more defensively minded but can control games extremely well from the middle of the pitch and this is a key attribute that the Northern Irishman has in his locker.
Jordan Campbell praised the former Glentoran talent as someone who was capable of “running the show” for Rangers, while also describing his passing ability as “absolutely sublime”.
With Jack holding a pass success rate of 91% this term, the similarities could allow Lindsay to prosper when he makes the breakthrough at senior level.
Ryan Jack and James Tavernier for Rangers
The youngster is another talented starlet who looks ready to make an appearance for the first team before the end of the current season, particularly with there being nothing to play for and Beale could see how he reacts to playing against senior opposition.
Jack may have a year or two left if he does extend his stay, yet planning ahead for an heir apparent could pay dividends, with Lindsay at the front of the queue.
When reflecting on those who failed to live up to the hype at Manchester United, the obvious answer is that of Ravel Morrison, with the gifted, yet troubled playmaker regularly brought up as the wonderkid who fell by the wayside.
The star attraction in the FA Youth Cup-winning team of 2011 – alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard – the exciting talent looked a certainty to go on to flourish in the first team at Old Trafford.
That was certainly the assessment of many at the club at the time, with former Red Devils star Quinton Fortune only recently telling The Athletic of just what a talent the then-youngster was:
"Not even a question. It was effortless. It was a once-in-a-lifetime talent. It was like watching Xavi, Iniesta, Neymar, all those guys put together. We were mesmerised by him."
That glowing praise was also corroborated by former scout Phil Brogan who noted that young Morrison appeared "destined to be the best", while even the great Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have referred to him as "the most talented player he’s ever worked with", according to Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp.
As it proved, however, the midfield's off-field antics – which saw him "skip training" on occasion, in his own words – ultimately lead to those at the Theatre of Dreams losing patience, with the Wythenshawe native leaving for West Ham United in January 2012 having featured just three times for United's first-team.
That lack of impact in a red jersey has ensured that the Jamaica international has almost become something of a mythical, fabled figure among the club's supporters, with few having ever got to witness the once-promising talent in the flesh.
Man United's Ravel Morrison
As such, there will likely have been little attachment to the current DC United man for the Old Trafford faithful, with Morrison's chance having come and gone all too rapidly under Ferguson.
By contrast, however, Red Devils supporters were likely to have been far more enamoured with another former academy star who failed to live up to their early potential, with Adnan Januzaj's first-team displays having left many daring to dream that he could be the "future" of the club, as hailed by former boss David Moyes.
What happened to Adnan Januzaj?
While Morrison's impact at senior level was all too brief, in the case of Januzaj the Belgian endured a far lengthier and more consistent run in the side, having broken into the team during Moyes' solitary season in charge during the 2013/14 campaign.
It was the winger's performance in that breakthrough season that may ensure his subsequent decline is of more frustration than that of Morrison, with the Brussels-born ace having shown – unlike his fellow youth ace – that he could flourish in a United shirt in the senior set-up.
Having been thrust into the side by Moyes as a mere teenager as the Scotsman looked for a solution to his Old Trafford woes, Januzaj – who had been an unused substitute in Ferguson's last game in charge against West Bromwich Albion the year prior – was handed his debut in the Community Shield triumph over Wigan Athletic.
It was on the wide man's first start for the club, however, that he truly announced himself to the wider world, having bagged a brace in a 2-1, comeback win over Sunderland in the Premier League in October 2013.
The manner in which the 18-year-old struck his second of the match on the volley was simply glorious, with the teen ace quickly endearing himself to the United support.
Adnan Januzaj for Manchester United
The fleet-footed menace would end that breakout campaign with a respectable haul of four goals and four assists to his name in 27 league games, with then-teammate Darren Fletcher describing him as "up there with some of the best I have seen" in terms of talent.
Having subsequently taken on Ryan Giggs' famed number 11 shirt for the following season, Januzaj would ultimately fail to replicate his early heroics, seemingly suffering from the departure of Moyes.
That 2014/15 season under Louis van Gaal saw the elegant left-footer fail to register a single-goal involvement at first-team level, having notably been restricted to just seven league starts – later reflecting on how "difficult" life was under the Dutchman.
Despite being likened to a young Wayne Rooney by Moyes, such was his talent, Januzaj failed to earn the faith of Van Gaal and was shipped off on loan to Borussia Dortmund in 2015, albeit while making only 12 appearances for the Bundesliga side.
Man United's Adnan Januzaj
After linking up with Moyes again the year after having joined Sunderland on a temporary basis – where he provided no goals and just three assists in the top-flight for the Black Cats – the once-promising gem was allowed to join Real Sociedad on a permanent deal in 2017, with Jose Mourinho sanctioning the player's £9m sale.
Where is Adnan Januzaj now?
That move to Spain ultimately brought some much-needed stability to Januzaj's career as the 15-cap starlet went on to rack up 168 appearances for the La Liga side in all competitions, contributing 23 goals and 21 assists in that time.
The dynamic ace also came back onto the radar of those in England after scoring against the Three Lions for Belgium at the World Cup in 2018, with that fine finish another fleeting example of what might have been for the forward at the Theatre of Dreams.
The one-time Anderlecht youth product also notably reunited with the Red Devils after taking on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the Europa League in 2021, with club legend Paul Scholes hailing him as "brilliant" in the first-leg meeting.
Man United's Adnan Januzaj
That encounter had even brought to attention the fact that United could have exercised a buy-back clause that was included as part of the deal that saw Januzaj move to Spain, albeit with Solskjaer and co taking the decision not to engineer a romantic return, with the player going on to leave La Real last summer.
After departing the Basque side at the end of his five-year spell in San Sebastian, the 28-year-old was snapped up by Sevilla on a free transfer last August, only to then be sent on loan to Turkish outfit, Istanbul Basaksehir in February.
At a time when he could have been entering his peak years as a leading figure for the Red Devils, the experienced forward is now lining up outside of Europe's top five leagues, having netted three goals in nine outings for the Super Lig side this season.
That fall from grace has ensured that Januzaj is now said to be worth as little as £5m, as per Football Transfers, having never lived up to the initial, justified buzz that had surrounded him.
Adnan Januzaj
For United, while with Morrison the midfielder had never really made an impact on the first-team set-up, Januzaj had shown glimpses that he could be the next star of the side, hence the intense frustration for all parties that such a scenario did not pan out.
In truth, the Belgian has still enjoyed a respectable career at the elite level, but one can't help but think what might have been for the man who dazzled at the Stadium Of Light almost nine years ago…
Newcastle United could now land Brazilian sensation Angelo Gabriel this summer, with reports in Brazil (via Sport Witness) revealing that his club, Santos, are in desperate need of cash.
What is the latest on Angelo Gabriel to Newcastle?
The Premier League outfit have had an incredible campaign this year, surprising plenty with how competitive they've been and with their staying power at the top end of the division. The club are currently sat in third place with just five games to go and are eyeing a first season in Europe since 2012/13, when they featured in the Europa League.
It comes down to a combination of new owners PIF and manager Eddie Howe. Newcastle's new owners have already splashed the cash with the Toon and are even considering rivalling Man City by branching out into the ownership of other clubs, with KV Oostende in Belgium the latest side rumored to be on their radar.
Howe too has shone, managing his best ever win-rate as a boss with 54%. Being given a platform to work with, the former Bournemouth boss is flourishing and will be looking to add more strength to his side's ranks this window in order to keep his team improving.
One name that could make the move to England this summer is Angelo Gabriel, with Brazilian media via Sport Witness reporting that Santos are prepared to sell the winger. The report states that the South American club need money, as they are struggling financially, and are willing to part ways with Gabriel to boost their funds. Newcastle are prepared to capitalise on that situation and could launch a fresh bid to sign him then at the end of the campaign.
Who is Angelo Gabriel?
Gabriel is the latest Brazilian youngster to be impressing in his native country, with clubs now lining up to sign him according to previous reports from Italy.
The winger has impressed despite his youth, breaking records before he has even hit his twenties. He is already the youngest player to ever score in the Copa Libertadores and his former coach Ariel Holan admitted that the player has a "huge future" in the game.
His efforts in Brazil so far would certainly back that up – he's played in 116 games for Santos already and has 13 goal contributions to his name, with the 18-year-old proving he has a penchant for teeing up his teammates via his ten assists.
Whilst a move to Newcastle – or any club for that matter – at this age would be a tough prospect for most players, Gabriel has already achieved plenty despite his tender age and his potential is clear to see. The Toon would do well to have him in their squad.