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Newcastle United are reportedly adamant that they will be able to keep Sven Botman this summer, amid interest from PSG.

The Lowdown: PSG interest

PSG’s interest in Botman was reported earlier this week, after an impressive first season at St. James’ Park.

He has been part of a solid defensive unit that have conceded only 17 goals in the Premier League so far this season, by far the fewest of any of their opponents.

The Latest: Not going anywhere

As per The Northern Echo’s Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson, Newcastle are ‘adamant’ that Botman will not leave to join PSG this summer.

They had looked at signing him last summer before he moved to the North East, when he was at fellow Ligue 1 side Lille.

Part-owner Amanda Staveley has assured that the Tynesiders will not be a ‘selling club’, as they look to establish themselves among Europe’s elite over the course of their long-term project.

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The Verdict: Big boost

Keeping Botman beyond this season would certainly be a big boost for the Magpies in terms of trying to get to the next level of their development.

Hailed as a ‘special player’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, the central defender has established himself as a key part of the team already despite only moving this summer, ranking highly among his team-mates for average aerial duels won, interceptions, clearances, blocks, passes and pass success rate per game in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Moving to PSG, where he could play in the UEFA Champions League alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, may be tempting for Botman, but at 23 years of age, he still has a lot of his career left ahead of him, and the Toon certainly have a project that would persuade him to stay.

Manchester United are reportedly among a handful of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Fulham midfielder, Joao Palhinha, according to reports.

What’s the latest on Palhinha to Man United?

As per The Sun, the Red Devils – as well as the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be eyeing a move for the Portugal international this summer, with the 27-year-old having impressed since arriving in England last year.

The report suggests that the former Sporting CP man – who was signed by the Cottagers on a £17m deal in July – could command a fee of more than £40m, with Marco Silva and co unsurprisingly reluctant to sanction a sale.

The towering brute was reportedly a target for the Old Trafford outfit prior to eventually making the move to west London, with it looking as if the club could revive that interest ahead of next season.

How is Palhinha performing at Fulham?

United boss Erik ten Hag will no doubt be fully aware of the impact that Palhinha is making a Craven Cottage at present, with the highly-coveted “warrior” – as described by journalist Hunter Godson – having produced a truly dominant display when the two sides met earlier this season.

Despite ending up on the losing side, the 6 foot 3 titan notably won 12 of his 15 total duels – including making nine tackles – having illustrated just why he has been “one of the signings of the season”, according to Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir.

That standout showing has seemingly been the norm for the 18-cap powerhouse so far this term, as he currently ranks top of the division for tackles made (101), with that tally far superior to that of current United man, Casemiro (58).

Despite the plaudits that the latter man has received this season at the Theatre of Dreams – having been lauded as someone who “makes such a difference” by his manager – it is actually Palhinha that is arguably performing better in his defensive-midfield berth.

That is indicated by the fact that the Fulham star has averaged a mammoth tally of 4.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 from his 24 league appearances this season, while Casemiro averages slightly lower at 3.1 and 1.3 for the same two metrics, respectively, from his 19 outings.

Equally, Palhinha also comes out on top with regard to total duels won (63% to 57%), while his potentially superior quality on the ball has been showcased by the fact that he has lost possession just 8.5 times per game and has a pass accuracy rate of 81%, while Casemiro has lost possession 12.6 times per game and has a pass accuracy rate of just 75%.

Not that such a comparison is a criticism of the Brazilian’s performances under Ten Hag this season, it is merely a marker of just how impressive Palhinha has been for the Cottagers thus far, hence why the Premier League’s big boys have well and truly taken notice.

As such, whether the signing of the Lisbon-born machine is to rival Casemiro in the side or to play alongside him, it would surely represent an astute move for United.

Arsenal were knocked out of the Europa League on penalties by Sporting CP on Thursday, ending their chances of potentially winning a double this season.

It could perhaps be a blessing in disguise for Mikel Arteta’s men, with fewer games now until the end of the season, it should alleviate some of the burden placed on the players having to play twice a week.

The loss against Sporting may have been more significant than first thought, however, with defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba coming off in the first half with injuries.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Spaniard was asked how the two players were, saying: “I don’t know. Tomiyasu looks pretty serious from his reaction straight and what he said to me, but obviously, it’s very early. Willy? I don’t know, he had some discomfort and could not continue so we had to take him out.”

Not the best of news and while Arteta has Ben White who could come straight in for Tomiyasu, there might be a conundrum over who should partner Gabriel at the heart of the defence, but he should certainly unleash Jakub Kiwior in place of Saliba.

Will William Saliba miss the Crystal Palace match?

Arsenal will assess the Frenchman over the next 24 hours to see if he will be available to play against Crystal Palace, however, it might be better in the long run if Arteta gives him extra time to recover, especially if the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

In that instance, Kiwior should be the man to come in at the heart of defence. The £20m January signing from Spezia struggled in his only appearance for the club against Sporting last week – having been hooked late on by Arteta – however he looks like a player that could command a starting spot in the coming years.

During the first half of the campaign, the Polish defender was in superb form for the Serie A side making 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, and four clearances per game, while winning over half of his total duels and ranking as the club’s seventh-best player in the Italian top-flight.

The 23-year-old even played a solid role for his country at the recent World Cup, ranking as Poland’s tenth-best player as they bowed out to France at the last 16 stage, and it’s clear he has the ability to perform at the highest stage.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has described Kiwior as “a very positive surprise” following his performances this season and if there is any uncertainty regarding Saliba’s involvement tomorrow, the manager must unleash the 6 foot 2 titan at centre-back.

Chelsea fans have been reacting to the news that Mason Mount could be set to leave the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Blues playmaker has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and is facing an uncertain future under Graham Potter having rejected the chance to extend his stay.

Football Insider report that the England international is being targeted by Premier League rivals Liverpool and it’s claimed that he would be keen on the move being an admirer of Jurgen Klopp.

Fabrizio Romano recently delivered an update on the 24-year-old’s current stance having joined forces with a new representative. He wrote:

“Tony Mount remains Mason Mount’s official agent; he has partnered with Neil Fewings (ROOF group) to help with talks as there’s no agreement with Chelsea on new deal.

“Mount could leave in the summer if agreement won’t be reached – Liverpool remain among clubs interested.”

The Latest: Chelsea fans react…

Taking to Twitter, Chelsea lovers reacted to the possibility of Mount departing SW6 at the end of the season which they seemed to like the idea of. They said:

“If he doesn’t want to play for Chelsea anymore, I’ll show him where the door is.” – @LiquidatorPod

“WE’RE FINALLY FREED FROM THE SHACKLES OF MOUNT.” – @ryanwritesalot

“We wish you all the best Mason. Hope you don’t regret it at the end. Good luck!” – @Teeprince22

“If he doesn’t want to stay he should be sold immediately in the summer.” – @onlyoneNtonja

“Let’s just get it done. It’s becoming more annoying than having Potter as our coach.” – @JGarliauskas

“Chelsea will probably just end up paying over the odds for a replacement like they usually do.“ – @andyorton7

“We don’t care he can leave we are still better without him.” – @madebablue2

“Mason Mount should just leave quietly with no drama, he has not been [at] the levels of Recce James, Chalobah.” – @DavidMayieko1

The Verdict: Don’t let him go

Chelsea may have been stuck in ongoing negotiations with Mount for a long period of time but Todd Boehly shouldn’t let him go because he’s such an important player for the future of the club.

The Portsmouth-born talent has posted 70 goal contributions in 192 senior appearances in the capital, highlighting the positive impact he makes when on the field.

The Blues already previously sold the likes of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori who were academy graduates so it’s important that they don’t do the same with Mount.

Arsenal's squad is one laden with talent, and such is the shared mentality they now seem on track to claim the Premier League title that has eluded them for so many years.

Having won it in unprecedented fashion in 2004, the north London outfit would oversee a turbulent period following which they would achieve limited success aside from a few FA Cups. Fans demanded more, and despite having moved on from Arsene Wenger, there seemed little indication they would challenge at the top again anytime soon.

That was until they took a chance on Mikel Arteta, who has transformed the culture at the Emirates by exorcising those he deemed unfit or uncommitted to his philosophy and replacing them with loyal soldiers.

The Spaniard clearly likes to cherry-pick his acquisitions, and their January pursuit of Moises Caicedo outlined to the footballing world that a midfielder was on their agenda. Whilst Jorginho provided a fine stopgap for now, he, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are not getting any younger.

It is a position they must start grooming their next big star for, so a deal this summer is almost guaranteed. Whilst many might tout Declan Rice with a move, perhaps a far more understated option who they could swoop for is Amadou Onana, of which they have been linked.

Would Amadou Onana join Arsenal?

Despite having only signed for Everton in the summer, the £33m man has already established himself as a promising asset in the engine room who flits between anonymous and unstoppable for the Toffees.

The 21-year-old stands at an impressive 6 foot 4, and has earned praise for his defensive contributions for both Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche. However, his impressive physique makes him a unique offensive asset as when he gets running, few can knock him off his stride. As such, the former boss branded him an "all-rounder"; a trait which Arteta would likely lavish.

Although seemingly having really bought into the battle going on at Goodison Park, their financial troubles could once again lead them to sell their prized possessions as they did with Richarlison last summer.

This is a move that would bare a striking resemblance to that of Martin Keown's 1993 switch from Merseyside, who would go on to become something of a hero at Highbury.

The 56-year-old would play 428 times for Arsenal over two spells, enjoying a huge role in numerous trophy victories including that aforementioned most recent title win.

Perhaps Onana could come in and have a similarly impressive effect, helping to solidify the future of their midfield whilst providing ample competition in the present.

After all, he has maintained 2.3 tackles and one interception per 90, alongside an 83% pass accuracy (via Sofascore). Considering Partey has only managed the exact same numbers defensively, and a slightly improved 87% pass accuracy (via Sofascore), the disparity between the two is hardly startling.

Should they sign the former LOSC Lille man this summer, it gives them plenty of time to mould him into the perfect replacement for their 29-year-old Ghanaian stopper and hopefully emulate the dynasty Keown garnered during his time at the club.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is being monitored by Arsenal ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

What's the latest on Calvert-Lewin's future?

The Toffees forward’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025 but he hasn’t been able to put a consistent run of performances or form together this season. The 26-year-old is extremely injury prone having been absent for 125 days with a fractured toe last term and he’s been out on the sidelines again twice this campaign with a knee followed by a hamstring injury, as per Transfermarkt.

The England international has therefore made just nine starts and two substitute appearances in the top-flight in 2022/23, via WhoScored, yet is still costing the club a hell of a lot of money. The Blues attacker is currently earning £100k-p/w making him the joint-second highest-paid player and one at risk of being sold should his side drop down to the Championship.

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, Premier League leaders Arsenal are “monitoring the availability” of Calvert-Lewin ahead of the new term. Mikel Arteta is reportedly in the market for a new centre-forward and is “keeping tabs” on his situation should a potential cut-price deal become available if the Merseyside outfit are to be relegated. The Gunners boss is an “admirer” of his target and it’s stated that he’s “ready to launch” a shock move despite his consistent spells out of action.

Sean Dyche is a “fan” of the 6 foot 2 star but is aware that he could have no choice but to cash in if his side fails to maintain their top-flight status. Should this be the case, it’s believed that other unnamed clubs in the first division would also “join the race”, but the team currently leading the race are the one at the Emirates Stadium.

Should Everton keep or sell Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin has previously been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig which was true when he was in his prime, but Everton could now be making the right decision to cash in at the end of the season, regardless of if they stay up or not.

The Sheffield-born talent has scored just one goal in 12 appearances across all competitions this season which shows that he’s not even being prolific in the final third when injury free and given the chance to show what he’s capable of. The Toffees could also use whatever fee they got for Calvert-Lewin to generate transfer funds for future new signings, possibly a new centre-forward of their own, so letting him go could prove to be the best option.

A potential priority this summer for Newcastle United appears to be the signing of a new central midfielder, with manager Eddie Howe currently short on quality depth in the centre of the park.

Amid that need for a new recruit, there have been claims that the Magpies are taking an interest in Manchester United's Scott McTominay, with the 26-year-old – who has started just eight league games this season at Old Trafford – said to be valued at around £40m.

The Scotland international was given the chance of a potential audition ahead of a future move to St James' Park during the Premier League encounter between the two sides at the weekend, albeit with the 6 foot 4 brute failing to impress on the day, having been 'absent for large spells of the game', according to GOAL's Peter McVitie.

With supporters likely to have doubts regarding the signing of a player who has been branded "not good enough" for his current side by pundit Roy Keane, the hope will be that Howe and co look elsewhere for a possible midfield solution.

The Magpies may well have found the ideal figure who can make them forget all about McTominay in the form of Southampton skipper, James Ward-Prowse, with Football Insider reporting last month that the 28-year-old could depart St Mary's if the south coast side suffer relegation.

The report adds that the Tynesiders are among the top-flight clubs who have sent scouts to watch the England international in action of late, with the long-serving Saints star said to also be up for grabs for around £40m.

Should Newcastle sign James Ward-Prowse?

The obvious benefit of bringing in Ward-Prowse would be the playmaker's quality from dead-ball situations, with the Portsmouth native an undoubted "set piece master" – as per broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos – having netted 17 free-kicks in his Premier League to date, just one shy of record holder David Beckham.

That stunning record has ensured that the 5 foot 8 maestro has an overall goal tally of 47 goals and 36 assists in 334 top-flight games in his career thus far, while McTominay, by contrast, has just 11 goals and three assists in 139 league outings at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ward-Prowse's superior creativity is also showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 13% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, while McTominay ranks in just the bottom 16% in that regard.

The differing quality between the pair is also laid bare by the fact that the Southampton man averages an impressive 2.2 key passes per game and has created seven big chances in the league this season, while the Man United academy graduate has averaged just 0.2 key passes and created only one big chance.

Equally, despite possessing a smaller frame it is also Ward-Prowse who comes out on top in a defensive sense as he has averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game as a marker of his ball-winning prowess, while McTominay has averaged just 1.5 and 0.6 for the same two metrics, respectively.

As has been evidenced above, the Saints star is clearly something of an all-rounder due to his ability to effectively impact proceedings at both ends of the pitch, while the Old Trafford dud is hardly gifted in either department, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst writing of his performance at the weekend:

'Still mired in an identity crisis at club level. It was unclear if McTominay was supposed to defend or attack and he barely did either.'

That damning assessment should set alarm bells ringing among the Newcastle hierarchy, with Howe surely needing to plump for the gifted Ward-Prowse instead this summer.

After the doom and gloom of life under Mike Ashley, the arrival of the PIF regime has brought with it renewed optimism and on-field improvement for Newcastle United, with the Magpies having enjoyed a remarkable transformation over the past 18 months or so.

Having repeatedly found themselves fighting to stave off relegation in recent years, the northeast side could well be closing in on what would be a stunning top-four finish, having also reached the final of the Carabao Cup just a few months ago.

It would appear that the new ownership have got little wrong since taking over the club back in October 2021, with the club's recruitment having undoubtedly been particularly astute in that time, namely snapping up the likes of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn last year for bargain fees of just £12m and £13m, respectively.

One notable blunder that PIF may well have made in recent times with regard to incomings, however, is the signing of striker Chris Wood, with the New Zealand international having hardly proved value for money following his £25m arrival from Burnley back in January 2022.

How much did Chris Wood cost Newcastle?

After early, ambitious talk following the change in ownership that Newcastle would be targeting the likes of Kylian Mbappe, the St James' Park outfit no doubt took a wise approach not to opt for the big marquee names, having been in a fight for survival heading into that winter window.

To go from rumours regarding such high-profile figures to then ending up with a more low-key signing such as Wood, however, did appear rather odd at the time, with talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor describing it as a "strange, strange signing" after talk of "all these superstars".

Having scored just three league goals in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign at Turf Moor, the experienced marksman went on to score just twice more in the remainder of the season in his new home, despite starting 15 top-flight games.

That inability to make an impact was continued in the current campaign as the 31-year-old again netted only two league goals in 18 outings in the first half of the season, having looked a "bit lost", according to pundit Tam McManus.

With Eddie Howe and co already having Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak to call upon there appeared to be little need to keep Wood around, with the Magpies ultimately allowing the 70-cap dud to join Nottingham Forest on an initial loan deal in January.

That brought to an end a bizarre and rather costly 12 months for the centre-forward on Tyneside, with the 6 foot 3 man having cost roughly £4m in wages across the year in relation to his £80k-per-week salary, as well as his initial fee of £25m – totalling £29m.

That does appear money down the drain, in truth, such were the Auckland native's shortcomings, albeit with the only saving grace having been the fact that Forest have already forked out £15m to make the temporary deal permanent.

Even so, that transfer tale will be one that PIF will wish to forget in a hurry…

Newcastle United roared to victory yesterday, brushing aside Tottenham Hotspur in the race for top four.

Eddie Howe's men went into the clash in the driving seat, three points ahead with a game in hand. Now, that gap has been extended to six points, with that one-game advantage still intact. The Premier League's Champions League spots now seem all but sewn up.

The former AFC Bournemouth boss is deserving of all the accolades coming his way, and despite spending big in a few key positions, most of their squad is made up of those he inherited. Masterminding the turnaround of Joelinton marked one such point of endearment for the Toon Army, but his work in helping others realise their potential only bolsters his reputation.

For example, many knew the qualities that Fabian Schar possessed, yet under Steve Bruce these were limited. Turgid football did not give way to allowing the Switzerland international to showcase his ball-playing assets, and as such he struggled.

Now, under this free-flowing system that is seemingly destined for Champions League football, the £40k-per-week titan is thriving. His work alongside Sven Botman has been nothing short of exceptional, with his rise to such a level deserving of the same attention that his Brazilian teammate garners.

How did Fabian Schar play vs Spurs?

In the last full season before Howe's arrival, the 31-year-old recorded a miserable 6.64 average Sofascore rating. That has since risen to a meteoric 7.21, as a key component in a defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the whole division.

Yesterday was one of many fine showings from the classy centre-back, as he boasted an 8.2 rating that was upheld by numerous defensive interventions. With four tackles and one interception alongside his seven duels won, via Sofascore, Schar played a key role in prohibiting the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son from getting any joy.

Both cut frustrated figures throughout a game in which they were largely silenced.

However, it was at the other end where he truly shone, recording two assists alongside his two key passes. To have such a decisive input whilst maintaining a 78% pass accuracy is indicative of this quality that Bruce kept under wraps.

Statman Dave even took to Twitter to laud an imperious display from the defender, claiming he was: "Important at both ends."

With Joelinton having gone from being branded one of the worst transfers in recent history to the important cog he is today has been well-documented. Indeed, the big-money Brazilian has seven goals and three assists from his central berth this term.

However, few have been singing the praises of Schar, who this season has played just as big a role in their unlikely European push. He deserves every ounce of credit as his midfield colleague is getting.

Newcastle United could aid Barcelona in their quest to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou this summer by signing Brazilian winger Raphinha, journalist Dean Jones has suggested.

What's the latest transfer news surrounding Raphinha and Lionel Messi?

As per The Daily Mail, both Newcastle United and Arsenal are said to be 'monitoring' Raphinha's situation at Barcelona as Xavi weighs up whether to sell the 26-year-old to raise funds this summer.

Both sides were keen on Raphinha last year before he joined Barcelona from Leeds United for £55 million; however, there is 'no guarantee' that La Blaugrana will be able to recoup the fee they shelled out for the Porto Alegre-born man in the upcoming off-season.

Spanish publication AS also claim that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on offering Raphinha a second spell in the Premier League, potentially creating a tug-of-war for his services.

Barcelona are also believed to be leaving 'no stone unturned' in their mission to re-sign club icon Messi and find themselves in contact with his representatives, with both parties at a point where an 'agreement is close to being reached', as per 90min.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has suggested that Newcastle United acquiring Raphinha may not be out of reach in the forthcoming transfer window.

Jones suggested: "Newcastle are in the market for an exciting wide player and have a host of targets in mind. But one of the most ambitious is Raphinha, who joined Barca from Leeds last summer for £55million.

"It would be a tricky one to pull off but with a Champions League place now firmly within reach a good source told GiveMeSport such a move is “not impossible” for the Toon."

Would Raphinha be a good signing for Newcastle United?

The £212k-per-week winger could provide a goal threat and an extra element of creative ingenuity to Newcastle United's side, which could help them to break down stubborn defences in 2023/24.

This term, the Brazil international has registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, chipping in with his fair share of important contributions as Barcelona near a first La Liga title triumph since 2019.

FBRef also show that the 26-year-old has successfully performed 114 shot-creating actions in 2022/23, demonstrating his ability to fashion chances on a regular basis.

With Newcastle United looking likely to secure continental qualification this season, Raphinha could be a statement signing that could take Eddie Howe's men to the next level next campaign.