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A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s efforts to seal a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has issued a fresh claim on their attempts to close the transfer, as Eddie Howe seeks to complete his third signing of the transfer window after Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

Hope tweeted late on Thursday night: “Newcastle hoping to complete Bruno Guimaraes medical tomorrow.”

Howe will be salivating

This news will surely leave Howe salivating as his mouth waters over the prospect of Guimaraes holding up a Newcastle shirt alongside him in an official announcement photoshoot sooner rather than later.

Completing a medical will represent a huge step in their journey to completing the signing, as it will alleviate any worries over his physical condition, with the Brazilian – hopefully – not carrying any issues which will affect him in the long-term.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Magpies have agreed a fee which could rise to €48m (£40m) with Lyon and that he will sign a contract until 2026. This suggests that the medical could be the last piece of the puzzle before the Magpies are able to announce his arrival on Tyneside.

This is why Howe’s mouth will be watering over this latest update, as the midfielder is poised to link-up with the rest of the Newcastle squad ahead of their next Premier League match. It could also mean that the move is in place prior to deadline day, which will relieve the head coach as he will have no need to worry about scrambling to get the deal over the line in the final few hours. However, it remains to be seen whether or not that will be the case with other potential signings.

The ex-Bournemouth boss will also be excited by this news because of the quality of player the club are on the verge of bringing in. Guimaraes has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.3 in Ligue 1, making 3.6 tackles and interceptions along with 1.8 key passes per game.

This highlights how much of an impact he can have at both ends of the pitch at the top level. The Brazilian can break up the play and win the ball back for his team whilst also having the quality to step forward and play brilliant passes to create chances for his teammates, which is why Howe will be buzzing to have him as part of his squad moving forward.

AND in other news, Newcastle plotting late swoop for £54m-rated “winner”, he’s far better than Wilson…

An update has emerged on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel regarding interest from Newcastle United.

What’s the talk?

According to TuttoJuve, the Magpies have tabled a contract offer for the Belgium international, with his deal due to expire at the end of the season.

The report claims Juventus are also interested in a swoop for the beast, with Newcastle offering him a contract worth £8.4m (€10m) per season.

Fans will be buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing to read that PIF are working hard to secure a deal for Witsel. They have the opportunity to land him on a pre-contract in January ahead of officially signing him in the summer, and this update suggests that they are serious about sealing a move.

The experienced midfielder could be a terrific addition to Eddie Howe’s side and help them take the next step to fighting in the top half of the Premier League table, provided they avoid relegation this term. He has played at the top level of the game for club and country and could provide an injection of quality into the Magpies’ squad.

Witsel has been capped a whopping 120 times by Belgium and has made 122 appearances for Dortmund to date, having also played 180 times for Zenit in Russia. He also has bags of Champions League and Europa League experience, showing that he knows what it takes to play at the pinnacle of club football as he has competed in the premier competitions.

The 32-year-old has averaged a career WhoScored rating of 7.00 and 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game, showing how remarkably consistent he has been over the years for his various clubs and for Belgium. This highlights the quality he could bring to Newcastle and shows why fans will surely be buzzing to read that the club have made an official contract offer to the midfield beast, who has proven that he can produce consistently impressive displays.

He has shown that he can play at the top level and he could be an important signing for the Magpies both in terms of his impact on and off the pitch. His aforementioned statistics highlight his on-field qualities, while his experience could also help the younger players off the pitch, and signing a player of his stature could potentially help PIF to attract more players to the club in the long run.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Saint-Maximin: NUFC must swoop for 25-goal gem who was left “hurting” by Shearer…

West Brom have had a high turnover of players in the last 18 months, and are seemingly now trying to put together a squad with a consistent starting XI.

The Baggies will be keen to add quality to their side as they attempt to earn an automatic promotion spot, either challenging for the Championship title or finishing second to secure Premier League football next season.

One player that has been heavily linked to Ismael’s side is Tom Lawrence.

Lawrence is currently in Wayne Rooney’s side at Derby County, however, the move to a Premier League challenging side could prove more attractive to the 27-year-old gem as the Rams are struggling in the relegation zone after a series of points deductions this season due to financial troubles.

His record at his current club is 30 goals and 23 assists, with his hunger for goals he would be a great addition for the West Bromwich Albion side who will be trying to climb the table.

Tom Lawrence’s former manager Gary Bowyer, once dubbed the player “a fabulous talent” in an interview;

“He’s a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He’s one of these players that when he picks the ball up, half-turns and starts running, you get off the edge of your seat because you know something’s going to happen.

“I think today in the second half, he had a couple of runs and looked like he would make something happen. He’s a fabulous talent.”

Valerien Ismael could capitalise on Derby’s current situation by attracting Lawrence to a side with potential, and use the opportunity to offload Jordan Hugill, who has struggled to find the back of the net for West Brom this season, with just one goal so far and zero assists, offering little impact in the fight for promotion.

West Brom will have work to do to close the gap on Fulham and Bournemouth, as they currently sit in third, nine points adrift from the top of the table, but the Championship is ever-changing and the Baggies will hoping to use their experience in Championship title challenges to climb up the ranks in the second half of the season.

In other news: Callum Robinson must start against Blackpool

Manchester United could finally strengthen their midfield over the coming months after being linked with a transfer move for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s transfer expert David Ornstein, United a keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old’s situation after he decided to leave the Stade Velodrome as a free agent at the end of the season.

Kamara’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2022 and is not expected to extend his stay in the south of France, opening the door to an imminent exit.

The report states that: “There are suggestions that Marseille could yet make a last push to secure fresh terms but The Athletic understands Kamara has now opted to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

“He is under consideration at one of the traditional top-four Premier League clubs and Manchester United are also across the situation as they weigh up possibilities to bolster their midfield.”

Rangnick must seal Man Utd move

Given United’s recent struggles at the base of their midfield, new interim manager Ralf Rangnick must seal a move for the former France U21 international.

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, Kamara has made 141 appearances for Les Olympiens in all competitions, illustrating his top-class credentials in a variety of positions.

Comfortable at the base of midfield, centre-back and right-back, the £46,000-per-week gem shone from an early age, catching the eye of former teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon,” said the defender. “When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

“He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.”

But it’s in a holding role at the foundation of the engine room where Kamara has truly excelled this season, elevating his game to new heights under Jorge Sampaoli.

As per FBref.com, the 6-foot dynamo has recorded 1.59 tackles won per 90 throughout 2021/22, 6.02 successful pressures and 1.50 interceptions, bettering Scott McTominay’s totals in each metric.

The United ace has produced tallies of 1.32, 3.77 and 1.40, respectively, highlighting how Kamara’s arrival would improve the Red Devils’ midfield options.

Therefore, Rangnick must sanction a swoop for the promising maestro, kickstarting United’s new era under his watchful eye with an extremely astute acquisition.

And, in other news…“As things stand..”: Romano drops intriguing Man Utd update, fans will be ecstatic

Rangers face their Old Firm rivals away from home on Sunday and, if Steven Gerrard wants to preserve the Ibrox outfit’s current unbeaten Premiership status, he should restore Filip Helander to his starting eleven.

The Swedish international was surprisingly dropped for Rangers’ 2-0 defeat against Slavia Prague in the Europa League in midweek and, after Leon Balogun’s disappointing display, Gerrard should revert to a partnership of Connor Goldson and Helander in central defence.

The former Liverpool captain may well be forced into taking action following the news that Nathan Patterson picked up a knock in midweek, meaning Balogun could move to right-back for Sunday’s game, allowing Helander to come back in.

Nikola Katic is still sidelined through injury, whilst Jack Simpson is unlikely to be handed his first start in a game of this importance, so it seems very likely that the 27-year-old Swede will be the man selected alongside Goldson in defence.

In 20 Premiership appearances this season, the former Bologna ace – who reportedly earns £10,000 per week at Rangers – has averaged an impressive 7.13 WhoScored average match rating, so has clearly been a big part of their title success.

The Gers’ impressive season has been built on a strong defence, with Gerrard’s side having conceded just nine goals in their 32 Premiership games so far this term, with the likes of James Tavernier, Goldson, Borna Barisic and Helander all rated in their top seven performers in the league by WhoScored.

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Helander’s impressive form for Rangers since signing has earned him a recall to the Swedish national team, with manager Janne Andersson full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:

“He’s a reliable defender with a great sense of where to place himself on the pitch. Filip’s also a very tough player who won’t bow down.”

Now that they are out of the Europa League, Rangers’ focus should be on trying to finish the season unbeaten, a feat which was last completed by their rivals in 2016/17; and Sunday’s fixture is arguably the biggest challenge they will face in their hopes of attaining invincible status at the end of the campaign.

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Therefore, Gerrard should go with his best partnership in defence for the game on Sunday, and that means unleashing Helander alongside Goldson after his surprise exclusion in midweek.

in other news… Wilson can sign Rangers their ideal Defoe heir with swoop for prolific £6.3m-rated beast

Rangers may already have their long-term replacement for Allan McGregor sorted in 17-year-old Jay Hogarth, who was rewarded with a new contract at Ibrox recently and has been training with Steven Gerrard’s first-team.

It was revealed last week that the teenager had signed a new deal with the Ibrox outfit to keep him contracted until 2023, with him clearly having impressed those at the club with his performances with the youth side and in training.

In fact, despite being so young, he was spotted in first-team training ahead of the home game against Slavia Prague in the Europa League working alongisde the vastly experienced McGregor and Jon McLaughlin.

Therefore, he has already had the chance to impress Gerrard and his coaching staff in training, and they wouldn’t have given him that opportunity if they didn’t believe in his ability, so there seems no reason why he can’t have a bright future at Ibrox.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Although he is probably a few years away from breaking into the first-team for matches, perhaps he could be the man to replace McGregor in this Rangers side when he eventually retires, with the 39-year-old having been a key fixture in Gerrard’s side so far this season.

Although the former Hull City man’s contract is currently set to expire at the end of the season, his impressive record of 16 clean sheets in 24 Premiership appearances speaks for itself, whilst he has made some world-class saves throughout the season, perhaps most memorably in the final stages of the 1-1 draw against Slavia Prague.

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When McGregor does eventually retire, whoever replaces him will undoubtedly have some big gloves to fill, but if Hogarth can continue to impress in the youth sides and with the first-team in training, perhaps he will be the one to step up as the veteran shot-stopper’s replacement.

And, in other news… No goals or assists in March: £1.8m-rated Rangers ace endured a nightmare month

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken to Steve McClaren over a possible Old Trafford role, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced

The Red Devils officially confirmed the Dutchman as their new manager on Thursday.

Ten Hag will depart Ajax in the summer and has signed a three-year contract with United which includes the option of a further 12 months.

He looks set to be joined at Old Trafford by current Ajax assistant Mitchell van der Gaag, and a reunion with McClaren, who Ten Hag worked with at FC Twente, looks like it could also be on the cards too.

The Latest: McClaren talks

Romano, who has been on top of all Ten Hag to United developments, shared an update on Thursday afternoon regarding his coaching staff.

The reliable reporter said that Van der Gaag has ‘accepted’ to join his coaching staff, adding that Ten Hag has also had a ‘direct conversation’ with McClaren over a role at Old Trafford.

The Verdict: Interesting…

You can see why Ten Hag has spoken to McClaren over a possible reunion ahead of his first season as United boss, with a lot of work needing to be done off the pitch before he takes to the Old Trafford dugout for the first time.

The pair know each other well after Ten Hag served as McClaren’s assistant at FC Twente for 50 games. Roles could now be reversed in Manchester, and with McClaren already working under Sir Alex Ferguson for 142 games between 1999 and 2001, a backroom role could be a shrewd move by the new manager as he looks to settle in during his first season in England.

In other news: ‘Revolution begins’: Fabrizio Romano now shares key Man Utd exit news emerging from Old Trafford. 

Alongside the several potential new players Celtic have been linked to this window, they also have their eye on a new manager. The Mirror recently reported that Rafael Benitez is in the picture to usurp Neil Lennon as head coach of the Glasgow giants, following his decision to leave his role in China.

No decision has been confirmed yet and Lennon is still very much in charge of the Hoops, but if he is to be shown the door, the club have a lot to thank him for.

Not only did the Irishman lead Celtic to their historic quadruple-treble accolade, alongside several Premiership titles but he has developed players like Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull into proven first team players.

The 2020/21 season has undeniably been tough on the Bhoys, who are down and out in their chances of securing a tenth consecutive Premiership trophy. They were also handed an early exit from the Europa League after conceding the joint-most amount of goals (19) and managing to win just one match out of the group stages.

With a crisis on their hands, Lennon was forced to rummage around in the substitutes barrel. Taking a punt, the boss took a chance on 2020 signings Turnbull and Soro. This is one of the smartest decisions Lennon has made this season and if he is to part ways with Celtic, he will leaving two ready-made stars in his wake.

According to Transfermarkt, Turnbull has contributed six goals and three assists for Celtic this season, despite only making his first start in October. He has been the difference for his side on numerous occasions, including his goal to secure a point against Hibernian earlier this month.

Soro has also made a vast difference to Celtic’s midfield and has taken the place of Scott Brown on several occasions. According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old has averaged a higher passing accuracy than the Hoops skipper and more interceptions and tackles per match.

This goes to show the benefits of Lennon taking a risk as he desperately tried to turn this season on its head. Whilst he hasn’t achieved what he wanted, he can be proud that he has developed two overlooked players into solid and reliable starters.

In other news, Carlton Palmer believes Benitez would be good coup for Celtic…

Manchester City take on Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday evening, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to continue their impressive run of results away from the Etihad Stadium with a victory against Graham Potter’s side.

A much-changed Citizens side edged a 4-3 thriller against Newcastle United last time out after a superb hat-trick from Ferran Torres clinched their 12th successive away league win, and it seems likely that Guardiola will rotate his side once again against the Seagulls.

Potter’s side are now safe from relegation and can play without pressure against the Citizens, and they will likely continue with the playing style which has earned the former Swansea boss many plaudits this season, not least from his direct opponent tonight.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line his side up on Tuesday night, with nine changes to the team which started against Newcastle…

Despite Scott Carson’s penalty save and general all-round performance at St James’ Park, Guardiola has already confirmed that Ederson will return in goal for City’s final two Premier League fixtures.

There are three changes in defence as Joao Cancelo, Nathan Ake and Eric Garcia make way for a more defensively secure backline, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruben Dias and John Stones coming in, whilst Kyle Walker keeps his place on the right.

Fernandinho rotates with Rodri in defensive midfield to partner Ilkay Gundogan, with Kevin De Bruyne returning from injury to start in attacking midfield.

It’s all change in attack, as Phil Foden replaces the “world-class” Raheem Sterling on the left wing after another poor performance from the 26-year-old against Newcastle, whilst Riyad Mahrez replaces Torres on the right despite his superb display last time out.

Finally, Liam Delap could be handed his first Premier League start up front, replacing the goal-shy Gabriel Jesus.

In other news… one Manchester City star has made a big declaration about his future at the club.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie thinks moving for Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic could be a good idea for Celtic, claiming that the 33-year-old is a “big player”.

Following Fraser Forster’s return to Southampton, Vasilis Barkas has spent some time between the posts for the Bhoys after joining the club from AEK Athens last summer.

However, the goalkeeper has really struggled, recently coming in for some strong criticism from Richard Foster.

Undoubtedly, the role in goal has proven to be a problem position for Celtic this season, and Hendrie believes a player like Begovic could be the solution – especially as the 6 ft 6 stopper is someone prospective new Bhoys boss Eddie Howe knows well from their time together at Dean Court.

The Sky Sports pundit told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“Begovic, you know, he’s a big player. Again, he’s had a very good season at Bournemouth.

“I do feel that, yes, the goalkeeping area is certainly a massive must for me. Begovic is a very, very good goalkeeper.

“There are lots of goalkeepers out there that would certainly be attracted to go into Celtic.”

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international had a spell at Chelsea between 2015-2017, where he was described as an “excellent ‘keeper” by former manager Jose Mourinho, so has experience playing for a demanding club where there are a lot of expectations.