A “talented” England international is now interested in completing a move to Aston Villa, should the Villans like the idea of bringing him in.

McGinn happy after "important" Aston Villa win

Unai Emery’s side got back to winning ways on Thursday evening, winning 1-0 at home to Bologna in the Europa League, courtesy of John McGinn’s strike.

Speaking after the game, the Scot was in positive spirits, as Villa look to build on the victory heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Villa Park.

“It was important. We got a bit nervy towards the end. They play mental football, man-to-man, and it reminds me of (Marcelo) Bielsa when he was at Leeds. It’s tough and you need to be concentrating because they leave a few players up. You need to be clean going forward with the ball and I don’t think we were.

“I thought we were a little bit rusty going forward, but we created chances and we could have won by more. I thought we played better in the first half than the second, but the important thing was to get the win with a very important clean sheet with a good save from Marco at the end.”

New signings could be needed in January, or at least next summer, in order for Villa to keep improving, and they have now been linked with a move for a 10-cap England international.

England international "open" to Aston Villa move

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown claimed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is “open” to joining Aston Villa from AC Milan, although no approach has been made for him.

“He’s always showed a lot of promise and at his best he can be excellent, but for me he’s never quite hit the levels people expected of him, even though he’s clearly got a lot of talent. Since his move to AC Milan, he’s done well, and Tuchel obviously sees something in him.

“The qualities he’s got could be an asset to a lot of sides, there’s no doubting that, it’s just about whether he’s going to perform consistently enough. There’s been some talk of a move to Aston Villa, but I’m not sure he’s the player they need right now, he might be better off somewhere else.

“I think it’s something he’s open to, he wants to come back to the Premier League, to compete and potentially put himself in the [England] manager’s thinking. I’m sure if Aston Villa came calling, it’s a move he’d like to make, but I am doubtful about whether they’d push for that one at the moment.”

Loftus-Cheek, thoguht to be valued at £17m, could be a shrewd signing by Villa, having been hailed as a “talented” player by Owen Hargreaves in the past, especially if he has the hunger to win his place back in the England squad before next summer’s World Cup.

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At 29, he is still young enough to enjoy three or four good years at Villa Park, and his pace and power in midfield areas could be a weapon for Emery, also adding depth in the middle of the park.

Aston Villa have been dealt an injury concern ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday, after the player himself had claimed he was fine.

The Villans have found form after a troublesome start to the campaign, winning four on the bounce in all competitions since the 1-1 draw away at Sunderland in September.

Still, there is concern over Unai Emery’s attacking systems and the lack of chances created so far this season, with striker Ollie Watkins searching for form and Morgan Rogers struggling to the point he was sarcastically cheered by his own fans for simply completing a pass in the match against Bologna.

Now, the Villans’ attacking depth has taken a further hit, as Watkins has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

The striker, who is surprisingly not one of Aston Villa’s highest earners on £130,000-a-week, suffered an injury during Thursday’s 3-0 win against Wales when he collided with the post as he attempted to score his second goal of the game. He continued until half-time but was taken off and replaced by Marcus Rashford.

After the game, he said he was “OK” as he limped through the mixed zone, but he has not recovered in time for Tuesday’s game in Riga and has returned to Villa for treatment in a bid to be fit for Sunday’s game at Spurs.

FA release Ollie Watkins statement before Latvia clash

A statement from the Football Association read: “Ollie Watkins has been ruled out of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

“The Aston Villa striker has not recovered from the knock sustained against Wales at Wembley on Thursday evening and has returned to his club.

“A squad of 22 will travel to Riga.”

Captain Harry Kane is expected to return, having missed the Wales friendly with an ankle problem sustained playing for Bayern Munich last weekend. Kane has scored 19 goals in 12 games for club and country this season and will be fancying his chances of adding to his tally against the 137th-ranked side.

If the Bayern striker is not fit, then Anthony Gordon could lead the line as he did in the second half against Wales. Thomas Tuchel’s side will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they win in the Latvian capital.

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They lead Group K with five wins from five and are yet to concede a goal, so the issue for Watkins seems to be of greater concern for his club than his country, with Emery already sweating over Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Youri Tielemans ahead of the return of domestic football this weekend.

Lionel Messi has been told the one reason why eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo is the GOAT, with Danny Simpson explaining that to GOAL during an exclusive interview. Premier League title winner Simpson worked with CR7 at Manchester United and considers him to boast unique qualities that separate him from any other player in history – including Argentine icon Messi.

Top of the world: Ronaldo still going strong at 40 years of age

For over 20 years, two all-time greats have battled for the right to be billed as the best to ever do it. For many, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – as the most decorated player in history – tops that chart. Others favour Ronaldo, with the Portuguese having worked his way to the summit, rather than benefitted from seemingly God-given talents.

Old Trafford academy graduate Simpson falls into the latter of those two camps. He got to watch Ronaldo up close as Premier League giants United transformed him from a wiry, show pony of a winger into arguably the finest goalscorer that world football has ever seen. That was not an easy path for CR7 to tread.

He has, however, been driven by an insatiable desire to succeed since bursting onto the scene as a fleet-footed teenager. Ronaldo is still going strong with Portugal and in the Saudi Pro League at Al-Nassr, with a new contract in the Middle East set to take him beyond the age of 42.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALBest of the best: Qualities that put Ronaldo above Messi

Simpson remains in awe of all that Ronaldo has achieved, with relentless dedication to his craft having ensured that a standing among the immortals will forever be enjoyed. Speaking courtesy of , Simpson told GOAL: "That’s the best thing about Ronaldo, he adapts. He adapted at 18/19, he adapted at Real Madrid, he adapted Juve. He’s always adapting. He’s adapting now in Saudi, he’s adapted with Portugal. That’s why, for me, he is the best player in the world.

"I don’t think – no offence to Messi, he’s an unbelievable talent, but he’s never really had to adapt all these different parts of his game. Ronaldo, when he first came [to United], couldn’t head the ball! Now he’s probably the best header in the world – up there as a No.9. Honestly, it was a joy to be around him for a few years and see what he’s gone on to do."

Why Ronaldo considers himself to the GOAT

Ronaldo has happily billed himself as the GOAT, telling of why he sits above the likes of Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele: "I think I'm the most complete player there has ever been. That's my opinion. It could be a question of taste but I think it's me. I do everything in football. I head well, I take set pieces well, I shoot well with my left foot, I'm fast, I'm strong, I jump.

"Taste is one thing, saying this, that or that, whether you prefer Messi, Pele or Maradona, I hear it and I respect it but to say that Cristiano isn't complete is a lie. I'm the most complete. I don't see anyone better than me and I tell you that with all my heart."

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Getty/GOALPlay alongside son & 1,000 goals: Ronaldo still has targets to hit

Simpson believes that Ronaldo can extend his record-shattering career for some time yet, with there still notable individual targets for him to hit. The ex-United, Newcastle and Leicester defender said: "I don’t think you can write him off. As long as he is scoring goals, as long as he doesn’t get any injuries, then it wouldn't surprise me because it’s him. I know he wants 1,000 goals. And I think he wants to play with his son.

"Playing with your son, that’s probably one of the biggest targets that you can go for once you have won everything. Sharing a pitch with your son must be some feeling. You look at those targets. He does set targets and you look at those – 1,000 goals and play with his son – does he do those and think ‘right, I’ve done it all now’? I don’t know where you go after that. He’s just a phenomenal person, player. What he’s done for the game, it’s unbelievable."

While waiting on 15-year-old Cristiano Jr to catch him up and step out of Al-Nassr’s academy system, Ronaldo is chasing down more major honours in 2025-26 and is expected to grace next summer’s World Cup – as he attempts to emulate Messi by landing a global title.

Wednesday's MLB action will wrap up with a late-night interleague showdown between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers, starting at 10:10 pm et.

The Dodgers won the first game of the three-game set, annihilating the Rangers by the final score of 15-2. Los Angeles is now 6-4 in its last 10 games and have extended its lead in the NL West by 7.5 games.

Are we in for another blowout tonight? Let's find out what the oddsmakers think.

Rangers vs. Dodgers Odds, Run Line, and Total

Spread

• Rangers +1.5 (-126)
• Dodgers -1.5 (+105)

Moneyline

• Rangers +154
• Dodgers -184

Total

• 8.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Rangers vs. Dodgers Probable Pitchers

• Texas:
• Los Angeles: Walker Buehler (1-3, 4.82 ERA)

Rangers vs. Dodgers How to Watch

• Date: Wednesday, June 12
• Time: 10:10 p.m. EST
• Venue: Dodger Stadium
• How to watch (TV): BSSW
• Rangers record: 31-35
• Dodgers record: 42-26

Rangers vs. Dodgers Key Players to Watch

Texas Rangers

Corey Seager: If the Rangers want to win this game, they need to find ways to score runs. They may be able to do that against Walker Buehler, who's giving up 2.3 home runs per nine innings this season. Corey Seager, who is tied for the team lead in home runs with 13, has a chance to make a difference tonight.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Walker Buehler: The Dodgers' starting pitcher needs to find a way to step up. he's allowed three earned runs in five of his six starts this season and the Dodgers have lost three of those games. He continuously puts his team behind the 8 ball so getting off to a hot start tonight is key.

Rangers vs. Dodgers Prediction and Pick

The defending World Series champions are a disaster right now. Their bullpen has been one of the worst in the Majors this season, ranking 27th in bullpen ERA at 4.80. Their offense has started to match their bullpens abysmal performance over the past month.

The Rangers' OPS sits at .635 over the last 30 days, which ranks 26th in Major League Baseball over that time frame. Now, they're matched up against a Dodgers team that's third in OPS over that same time frame.

No matter who the Rangers start tonight, the Dodgers are in prime position to win in another blowout tonight.

After several years of relative caution in the transfer market, Newcastle United made a splash this summer with a host of new arrivals.

That investment bore fruit in Europe when the Magpies thrashed Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Belgium, their first win of this season’s competition and the biggest in their history.

Domestically, however, there were concerns. Newcastle’s attack looked disjointed in the early weeks of the season, with the team sitting towards the bottom of the league in their expected goals tally.

While new players are settling in, the club also had to balance the books, leading to some painful sales – including Alexander Isak’s £125m move to Liverpool.

Isak's early struggles at Liverpool

Isak’s exit dominated the summer headlines for months on end.

Having scored 62 goals and provided 11 assists in 109 appearances for Newcastle, the Swedish striker left an indelible mark on Tyneside.

His winner in last season’s Carabao Cup final sealed the club’s first major trophy in decades, making him a hero in black and white.

But the manner of his departure left a sour taste.

Isak pushed hard for the move, skipping parts of pre-season to engineer a transfer, and while Newcastle ultimately received a British record fee, the relationship between player and fans has been tarnished beyond repair.

Liverpool won the race for his signature, hoping Isak would provide the cutting edge needed to reclaim the Premier League title.

Yet, so far, things have not gone to plan.

Isak has looked far from his best, still working back to full fitness after missing much of Newcastle’s pre-season.

His lone goal for the Reds came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, but he has struggled in the league and Europe.

Against Crystal Palace last weekend, Isak’s difficulties were clear.

He registered three shots, all of them off target, and missed two big chances, as per Sofascore, in what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. He attempted one dribble, which was unsuccessful, and completed just six of his ten passes.

A cameo against Galatasaray in the Champions League brought little improvement as Liverpool slipped to defeat.

At Newcastle, the system was built to maximise Isak’s movement and finishing, but at Anfield, he has struggled to replicate that influence.

For £125m, Liverpool will expect far more, and quickly.

If Isak’s summer switch has left him looking adrift, Sean Longstaff’s move has provided the perfect reset. Both departures have created talking points, but their fortunes could not have contrasted more.

Newcastle outcast is now shining in the Premier League

While Isak is yet to catch fire, Longstaff has quietly flourished in his new home. Journalist Daniel Storey even went as far as to describe his capture as “one of the best signings in the Premier League.”

A boyhood Newcastle supporter, Longstaff made 214 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and assisting 11 more.

He was part of the side that famously defeated Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League last season and played a role in the Carabao Cup triumph.

Yet, in the era of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the midfielder represented pure profit on the balance sheet. Eddie Howe, seeking a more technically progressive profile in midfield, allowed him to leave.

Leeds United snapped him up for £12m, and it already looks like one of the bargains of the summer.

In seven appearances so far, Longstaff has scored once and registered one assist, both of which came in a standout performance during a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

He completely dominated the midfield, and the numbers tell the story of that display.

Longstaff had 70 touches and completed 36 of his 41 passes, giving Leeds control in possession.

He produced seven key passes, created two big chances, and was equally impactful without the ball, making six tackles and three clearances.

It was the kind of all-action midfield performance Newcastle fans once enjoyed, only this time in white.

Leeds currently sit 12th in the table, a solid return for a side adjusting to life back in the Premier League, and Longstaff has been central to their early progress.

His energy, vision, and defensive contribution have helped Daniel Farke’s side adapt quickly, and his blend of experience and hunger has made him a fan favourite.

For Newcastle, his departure may have made financial sense, but watching him thrive elsewhere will sting.

9/10 Newcastle star proved why he's Howe's new Isak & it's not Woltemade

Newcastle beat Union Saint-Gilloise and recorded their biggest-ever win in the Champions League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 2, 2025

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has shared his thoughts on the ideal role for rising star Kenan Yildiz, praising the Turkish international’s versatility and ability to excel in multiple positions. Spalletti even revealed that he personally asked the 20-year-old where he feels most comfortable playing, adding fresh insight to the ongoing debate over Yildiz’s best spot on the pitch.

New beginning for Juventus – Tudor out, Spalletti in

Juventus parted ways with Igor Tudor last week after an uninspiring eight-game winless run, which saw the club fall behind the pack in the race for the Serie A title. Spalletti was swiftly appointed as the successor, signing a deal that runs until the end of the 2025-26 season. In his first press conference as Juve manager, the former Napoli head coach explained why he joined on an extremely short-term contract. "If I had not believed that this team has potential, despite difficult moments, why should I have accepted an eight-month contract? I believe I can do a nice job with them," he said. "It all passes from there. Desire, self-discipline to get important results, and I see the chance to fix some things. I don’t know the level, but clearly the aim is high for a club like Juventus, who want to get into the Champions League. We need to do a good job and get up to speed because the others run fast.”

In the interim, reserve team boss Massimo Brambilla guided the Old Lady to 3-1 victory over Udinese to bring an end to the winless streak. Then, they registered their second win on the bounce last weekend, a hard-fought 2-1 win over Cremonese in Spalletti's first game in charge.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSpalletti communicating with Yildiz to realise best position

While Spalletti's biggest priority is to lead Juventus to Champions League football next season, one of the recurring topics of debate over the past year has been figuring out Yildiz's best position on the pitch. The ex-Bayern Munich youth academy prospect is often deployed as a left winger or a second striker in a 3-5-2 formation. 

Spalletti, in a press conference on Monday, shared his thoughts on the topic. "A good starting point is to ask the other player where he'd be most comfortable," began Spalletti. "When you ask him, he says he likes playing that position, center-left or on the flank. Both are fine because he's good as a second striker, or as a winger… what might bother him a bit is the 100-meter run, but in modern football, you have to adapt to that too. The technique, the shoulder push to push the opponent off the pitch to show the other player where I'm going."

Michel Platini adds another layer to the Yildiz debate

In October, Platini, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of Juventus' greatest players of all time, had his say on Yildiz's best position. "He's a number 10 and for me he should play in the centre," he said at the Trento Sports Festival. "I don't know why [Thiago] Motta and Tudor have him operating on the wings. Unfortunately, in today's football there's this tendency to move quality players to the flank, when they should play in more central positions. I've been saying it for years, but nobody listens to me."

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Getty ImagesJuventus sweating over Yildiz's availability against Sporting CP

Juventus are set to face reigning Portuguese champions Sporting CP in the Champions League at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday evening, with the Bianconeri still searching for their first win in Europe this season. "Tomorrow I expect a very difficult match," Spalletti said while reflecting on the fixture. "With [Rui] Borges, Sporting know how to play football, they know how to stay on the pitch, and they have a clear idea, even if it's hard to pin down. It's a bit of a characteristic of Portuguese football, but they're very good at switching roles and rotating. Plus, they have quality in tight spaces."

Juventus opted to rest Yildiz against Cremonese as a precaution, with the young forward still managing mild discomfort from patellar tendinopathy that has troubled his knee in recent weeks. However, he has been training with the squad and will be available for the clash. 

On Yildiz's condition, Spalletti added: "He's available. Does he remind me of anyone? [Khvicha Kvaratskhelia] is someone who had those characteristics, then someone who got less visibility because he was a phenomenal player who could have played for the best teams in the world was Antonio Di Natale, who produced phenomenal plays. Yildiz is someone who fills everyone's Instagram with great plays."

Newcastle United won two games of football last week, thumping Benfica in the Champions League before rallying late on at home against Fulham at the weekend to claim three points in the Premier League.

Three much-needed points. Newcastle had only won two of their opening eight top-flight fixtures beforehand, and Eddie Howe’s side were clearly suffering as a by-product of the drawn-out summer Alexander Isak saga.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have arrived at St. James’ Park to replace the Sweden star, and the former is firing on all cylinders, with five goals from his first ten Magpies outings in all competitions. His general play has impressed everyone at the club, and the entire fanbase besides.

But the 29-year-old Wissa has yet to make his debut as he recovers from a knee injury. The former Brentford star is slated to return in the coming weeks.

Despite this, there are a curious number of reports suggesting the Toon are considering adding to their forward ranks next year.

Newcastle eyeing another striker

Newcastle are showing signs of progress after a stodgy start to the season from an attacking standpoint. Woltemade hit the ground running after his £69m club-record move from Stuttgart, but the overall fluency had fallen from its former level.

With Bruno Guimaraes leading the creative resurgence and the likes of Anthony Gordon starting to find their form, there’s a sense that Newcastle’s strikers could hit lofty levels in the coming years.

While it may seem like Newcastle are well stocked at number nine, William Osula is expected to depart if he cannot establish regular minutes, and how Wissa will fare is as yet uncertain.

Because of this, Caught Offside believe technical director Ross Wilson is preparing a bumper bid for Brentford centre-forward Igor Thiago, who has been in fine fettle so far this season.

The Magpies are getting ready to lodge a €40m (£35m) offer for the Brazilian, though it’s felt more would be needed to convince the Bees to pay up. Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

Brentford are under no financial pressure to cash in, and thus Thiago may only leave if the Bees lose their sting and sink into the second tier at the end of the season.

What Igor Thiago would bring to Newcastle

Admittedly, Newcastle don’t need three top-class strikers in the long run. Not with Osula still making his presence known and with the likes of youngster Sean Neave just waiting to announce himself.

But if Wissa fails to make the grade after an injury-hit start to life on Tyneside, Thiago would be a compelling replacement, having rebounded from an injury-hit debut year at Brentford to make a prolific start to the new campaign under Keith Andrews’ management.

Six goals from nine Premier League matches is what he has, and despite his prolific returns, his manager has praised him as a “selfless” forward who “always puts the team first”.

The 24-year-old has also completed 60% of his dribbles this season while winning 5.4 duels per game, as per Sofascore, demonstrating his robustness and the desire to get stuck in and contribute.

Key virtues for a striker in a Howe set-up, right?

Hailed by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley for being “relentless in his work rate”, there’s little question that Thiago boasts the energy and tenacity to make waves under Howe’s wing.

FBref highlight this perfectly, showcasing the striker’s defensive qualities across the early Premier League campaign. What’s most curious is his likeness to Woltemade, with both physical and rangy forward blessed with more technical skill than might be apparent at a glance.

Goals scored

0.73

0.75

Assists

0.00

0.00

Touches (att pen)

3.64

4.53

Shots taken

2.43

2.26

Shot-creating actions

1.82

1.51

Pass completion (%)

71.0

76.9

Progressive passes

0.85

1.70

Progressive carries

0.49

0.57

Successful take-ons

0.73

0.57

Ball recoveries

1.58

2.64

Tackles + interceptions

1.58

1.51

Aerial duels won

3.27

1.51

With both stars eager to progress the ball and get stuck in defensively, you can see why Howe has been sold after the early weeks of the campaign.

Woltemade’s link-up play is one of his defining assets on the field. In this, he is similar to the ‘selfless’ Thiago, and it’s curious to note that both stars have enjoyed clinical starts to the season regardless.

Level on six goals with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Thiago has only been outscored in the top flight this term by the unstoppable Erling Haaland, who is on 11 strikes.

They are not carbon copies, though, these two strikers. This could work to the advantage of Howe’s project, to be sure, providing equally dynamic forwards to bounce off the likes of Gordon and Anthony Elanga, who has still not got going this season, willing to serve as physical focal points and use crisp passing to play the fleet-footed wingers through.

One of the staples of Howe’s Newcastle project is the collective ability to weather adversity and bounce back stronger. Thiago looks tailor-made in this regard, having featured so little last year under Thomas Frank as he recovered from that knee injury, and yet having played with such confidence and quality across the opening months of the season.

While it doesn’t seem likely that Newcastle would spend a pretty penny on a striker like Thiago without first cutting some costs, he’s been earmarked and has the talent and playing style to become a major player under Howe’s wing down the line.

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ByAngus Sinclair Oct 29, 2025

After a stop-start opening to the season, Newcastle United finally appear to be finding rhythm.

Going into their recent home fixture, Eddie Howe’s side had one of the lowest expected goals tallies in the Premier League – a concerning figure for a team competing in the Champions League and aiming for another top-four push.

But after back-to-back victories, 4-0 against Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise and 2-0 at home to Nottingham Forest, the Magpies look revitalised.

The improvement has been clear. Six goals in two games without conceding is a sign that Newcastle are balancing both ends of the pitch.

The performances weren’t so emphatic as to raise expectations sky-high, but they were precisely the kind of controlled, confident displays Howe would have wanted.

And perhaps most impressively, they’ve come despite a growing injury list.

Both starting full-backs, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, face extended spells on the sidelines.

Fabian Schär, meanwhile, has only just returned from concussion, but his place in the starting XI is suddenly far from guaranteed.

That’s because his replacement, a £30m summer signing from AC Milan, has made a seamless transition into the side.

While the spotlight currently belongs to the man spearheading Newcastle’s attack, it may be their new defender who turns out to be “one of the signings of the summer.”

Why Woltemade is the man of the moment

Nick Woltemade’s arrival at St James’ Park was met with curiosity.

The 23-year-old German forward joined from Werder Bremen after scoring 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances.

He caught the eye of Bayern Munich, who saw three bids rejected.

Instead, it was Howe who convinced the towering 1.98m striker that Newcastle was the right place to continue his development.

Since then, the attacker has been nothing short of transformative.

He opened his account on his home debut against Wolves, before adding further goals against Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Nottingham Forest – where he rifled a superb penalty into the top corner to round off the win.

His blend of physical presence, link-up play, and calm finishing has quickly made him a fan favourite on Tyneside.

In Sunday’s match against Forest, he was unlucky not to score more than once, denied by the post and an inspired Matz Sels performance.

When he left the field, the Gallowgate End rose to its feet, chanting his name in unison.

Unfortunately, illness has ruled him out of the current international break – though Howe will secretly be pleased to keep his new talisman fresh and close to home.

With Yoane Wissa yet to feature for Newcastle, Woltemade’s form and fitness are paramount.

His early-season output has quelled doubts about Newcastle’s attacking fluency and offered a glimpse into Howe’s evolving system – one that relies less on chaos and more on control.

Yet while the German striker’s goals are making headlines, another of the club’s summer signings is quietly redefining their defensive stability.

Newcastle's real signing of the summer

Woltemade’s impact on this Newcastle side has been eye-catching. On the contrary, Malick Thiaw’s introduction to English football has been understated but immaculate.

The 24-year-old centre-back arrived from AC Milan for £30m after two standout seasons in Serie A, where he made 85 appearances.

His profile – composed, progressive, and powerful – fits seamlessly into Howe’s tactical blueprint.

Statistically, Thiaw’s impact has been immense. Compared to positional peers in the Premier League, he ranks in the 95th percentile among his positional peers for pass completion (93.2%) and in the 85th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (4.86).

That ability to initiate play from deep has added an extra layer of composure to Newcastle’s build-up.

Ground Duels Won

1

Aerial Duels Won

4

Clearances

8

Interceptions

1

Dribbled Past

0

What stands out most is his calmness under pressure – his close control, his knack for turning out of tight spaces, and his confidence stepping into midfield to progress the ball.

For a defender still adjusting to the physicality of the Premier League, his transition has been remarkably smooth.

Thiaw’s partnership with Sven Botman has all the makings of a long-term defensive axis for Newcastle.

Both are young, technically gifted, and dominant in the air. Together, they could form one of the most balanced and forward-thinking centre-back pairings in the division.

For Howe, who knows the importance of rotation with European fixtures piling up, Thiaw’s arrival is more than just depth.

The German brings a level of assurance that allows Newcastle to play higher, press smarter, and retain control in matches that once felt frantic.

While Woltemade’s early-season exploits deserve every bit of praise they’ve received, the real signing of the summer might just be standing behind him.

90-touch Newcastle ace is now as undroppable as Bruno Guimaraes & Woltemade

Newcastle United secured a vital 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest this afternoon.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 5, 2025

Fabrizio Romano has now shared an update on Endrick’s future at Real Madrid, with West Ham’s striker search taking a significant twist.

Endrick is gearing up to leave Real on loan in January, and Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been touted as one of the fierce contenders for his signature.

The 19-year-old, still widely regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest young prospects, hasn’t exactly had a smooth ride since joining the La Liga giants.

With first-team opportunities limited at the Bernabeu as a result of fitness issues and competition for places in Xabi Alonso’s side, a loan move appears to be the next logical step for his development.

West Ham have reportedly held talks about bringing Endrick on loan, already positioning themselves well in the race for his signature ahead of January.

Other clubs are also interested, like Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Brentford, according to some reports, but West Ham’s reported early discussions could give them an edge.

This comes as Nuno allegedly urges David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers hierarchy to sign a new defender, midfielder and forward (GiveMeSport), but with funds tight, temporary deals could be a key theme of their winter window.

Endrick is poised to be one of Europe’s finest talents available on loan in January, leaving little wonder why West Ham are very keen to secure his signature.

While the teenager has struggled for game time under Alonso, Endrick did score five Copa del Rey goals to fire Los Blancos to the final of the competition last season, before they eventually lost to Barcelona.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

The former Palmeiras sensation would be an excellent signing for West Ham, and one who’d inject much-needed flair and enthusiasm to their forward line.

The prospect of a Premier League move could also tempt Endrick, as it would do with any other player on the continent, but according to Romano, West Ham now face growing competition for his services.

Fabrizio Romano shares Endrick update as West Ham striker search takes twist

Taking to X, the reliable transfer journalist now claims that Ligue 1 giants Lyon have opened talks to sign Endrick on loan — which could seriously impact West Ham’s chances of a deal.

Endrick is believed to be intrigued by the possibility of a move to France, as Paulo Fonseca’s side already make their intentions known with an “official approach” just over two months before the January window opens.

Commenting further, Romano also says that while Endrick is still waiting to assess all of his options, potentially including West Ham, the attacker is pretty keen on Lyon as an option.

If a move for Endrick eventually becomes out of West Ham’s reach, it is worth noting that they’ve also held rumoured discussions about signing his Real teammate, Gonzalo Garcia.

The Spaniard, who finished last summer’s Club World Cup as the competition’s joint-top scorer, has also struggled to establish himself as a starter for Alonso this season and could be a great alternative to Endrick.

There are other options for West Ham as well, but it is absolutely imperative that the club back Nuno with a new centre-forward, especially considering Niclas Fullkrug’s injury woes and their lack of decent options.

West Ham already working on deal to sign £40 million striker in January.

Leeds United are keen to keep progressing in the Premier League and may now be privy to the situation of a gem who could be made available for a loan move in January.

Leeds keen to keep competing in the Premier League

The Whites have made an admirable fist of life in the top-flight so far, and it is fair to say that Daniel Farke is proving some of his detractors wrong as his side continue to build at Elland Road.

Even with Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling to hit the target, Leeds are finding ways to put the ball in the back of the net and look considerably better than strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at this moment in time.

Of course, the Whites’ victory over the Hammers on Friday painted a stark difference between both sides, and Joe Rodon made it clear on Sky Sports that his side worked tirelessly to recover from a disappointing defeat against Burnley on matchday eight.

He said: “It was important to show a reaction after last weekend. It was important to come out the traps early, and I’m delighted with the three points. I think every team is difficult in this league. I’m a bit frustrated to concede at the end, but overall delighted with the three points. It was important to keep that momentum and make it difficult for teams to come here.”

Now, a period of preparation on the training field will ensue before the Whites head to Brighton & Hove Albion, looking to make inroads towards the middle of the Premier League table.

Undoubtedly, a long season lies ahead, and Farke knows his side will need reinforcements in January, and they may now be in a position to land one of their reported targets.

Leeds send scouts to watch Man Utd youngster Shea Lacey

According to Alan Nixon on Patreon, Leeds sent scouts to watch Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey in action against Barnsley during the week, and the journalist has made it clear that he could be allowed to leave on loan in January.

Claiming an assist on the night to add to his tally of two goals and two assists from seven matches this term, the 18-year-old winger has also been scouted by Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Hull City, and Derby County among others.

Labelled someone who could be ‘elite’ in the future by Phil Jevons, he is seen as a potential first-teamer by Ruben Amorim, albeit a loan may be the next step to maximise his development potential.

Leeds and Manchester United endure a frosty relationship at the best of times, though there may be a mutually agreeable deal to be had by all parties to benefit one of England’s rising stars.

Whether they are both able to put their difference aside remains to be seen. Either way, Lacey seems to be someone that is definitely on Leeds’ radar.

Leeds plot double January deal for exciting forward and 'new Busquets'

He would add great depth in the middle of the park.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 25, 2025