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The January transfer window has been a whirlwind affair for Newcastle United but did we expect anything else?

After all, the Magpies are now owned by the oil-rich Saudi Prince Investment Fund and their power in the market has increased significantly.

What’s the word?

Despite Newcastle’s newfound wealth, they haven’t found proceedings straightforward this winter despite securing the additions of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

A move for Sven Botman has collapsed and there have been some concerns over a deal to sign Diego Carlos too.

Last night, Sky Sports revealed that another Premier League team had matched the Magpies’ bid for the central defender and then the Brazilian was subsequently also included in Sevilla’s starting XI for their match with Valencia.

Reports on Thursday morning then indicated that Newcastle could pull the plug and focus elsewhere but Craig Hope has thankfully found some positive news on the deal.

Taking to Twitter, the reporter said: “Sources say they remain very hopeful of Newcastle completing a deal for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.”

Fans will be elated

Phew, after all the swings and roundabouts, it appears as though a move for the Sevilla defender is still very much on the cards.

It was reported this week that Carlos had even sent in a transfer request to his current employers as the deal looked to move and according to Hope, things are still moving in a positive direction.

This would be a major move for Newcastle if they can complete it, one that leaves supporters elated at their new owners but also a move that provides them with more hope for the back end of the season.

The Magpies are in severe danger of being relegated to the Championship and currently sit in 19th position having won just once all season.

Worryingly, the team at the foot of the table – Burnley – have three games in hand so it’s a real possibility that in a few weeks time Newcastle find themselves dead bottom.

However, the acquisition of Carlos should significantly improve their fortunes.

One of the biggest reasons Eddie Howe’s side are so near the bottom is because of their defensive record, shipping a whopping 43 goals in 20 matches with only Norwich having a worse record in the top-flight.

Therefore, the arrival of a pedigreed international in the 29-year-old centre-back will be a welcome one, particularly after missing out on Botman.

With that saga done and dusted, the Toon Army will be delighted to see that good progress is still being made in their bid to bring Carlos to Tyneside.

AND in other news, “From sources” – Fabrizio Romano drops big NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Merry Christmas, Celtic fans!

Ange Postecoglou’s Christmas came early after he won his first piece of silverware as Celtic manager last weekend following a 2-1 win over Hibernian at Hampden Park in the Scottish League Cup final.

Kyogo Furuhashi, their number eight and record signing under Postecoglou, scored twice as the Hoops won for the first time under Postecoglou after conceding first.

We’ve prepared a Celtic-related quiz for you which will give you the chance to break up your day.

Are you good with player numbers? If so, take today’s quiz and try and see if you can get a full house regarding these former Hoops heroes.

We’ve given you four options for each player – all you have to do is select what number they wore during their time at Parkhead.

Some are fairly recent, while others will test your knowledge dating way back. Good luck, and remember to share your score once completed!

Wolves have enjoyed a consistent and comfortable first half to their Premier League season, with the side sitting 8th in the table right now, but climbing as high as fifth and sixth over the past four months thanks to seven wins and four draws from their last 18 fixtures.

A lot of credit must be given to the defensive attributes that Wolves have displayed over the season, conceding only 14 goals, with an interesting statistic that proves just how strong Wolves have been out of possession – Bruno Lage’s side are the only Premier League team to not concede a goal from a set piece so far this season.

Although we could credit the whole team and Lage for the performances we have seen over the last four months, there is one player in particular that has been given high praise for Wolves and rightly so.

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher recently did a ‘half season awards’ on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football, with Neville naming Wolves goalkeeper, Jose Sa, as the best Premier League summer signing praising his “massive impact” on the side.

“The signing of the season properly is Ronaldo for what he has brought to the Premier League, but the kid at Wolves, I was flipping between the pair earlier, but he’s only conceded 14 goals from 18 games.

“The Wolves goalkeeper has had a massive impact on their season and at this moment in time Manchester United are struggling.”

According to OneVersusOne, Jose Sa has made 71 interceptions this season so far putting him in third place amongst his goalkeeper peers in the Premier League and in the top ten (sixth) when it comes to shots saved (62)

The 28 year old keeper also has the highest rating of any other player in the Wolves team on SofaScore, with a 7.15 average.

Neville isn’t the only one to recognise and credit Sa on his phenomenal form, his manager at Molineux has also praised his player;

“He is very important for us. He came with lots of ambition to replace a top goalkeeper in Rui Patricio, and he is doing very well.

“We are very happy with him and we hope he can continue with what he is doing for us.”

The £12.5m-rated beast will be hoping to keep up the impact he is making on his side as Wolves charge on into the second half of the season in the hopes of snatching a finish that could secure the club European football next season.

Given that he was only signed for just £6.25m, it’s fair to say Jeff Shi pulled off a transfer masterclass with the6 foot 4 goalkeeper.

In other news: Ruben Neves squashes rumours of a move away

Crystal Palace slumped to their second consecutive defeat after Raphinha snatched all three points for Leeds United with an injury-time penalty in their Premier League clash at Elland Road.

The Eagles were looking to bounce back from their disappointing result against Aston Villa over the weekend and looked to be heading home with a point until referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot in the 91st minute.

Summer signing Marc Guehi was adjudged to have handled the ball following an in-swinging corner, with the decision confirmed after the Video Assistant Referee advised Friend to go to the pitch-side monitor.

The result perhaps wasn’t a fair reflection of the game, though, with Palace having the better opportunities to win the closely fought encounter.

Substitute Christian Benteke had two golden opportunities to put the visitors ahead after Wilfried Zaha clipped a delightful ball to the back post before the Belgium international headed wide, and Illan Meslier just about kept out his effort after connecting with a long ball upfield.

However, the capital club’s backline looked suspect throughout the 90 minutes, not just when Guehi gifted Leeds a golden opportunity to claim their fourth top-flight victory of the campaign.

Experienced right-back Joel Ward struggled to cope with the pace of Dan James following the break, with the former Manchester United youngster playing two key passes and creating one big chance.

As per SofaScore, the 32-year-old was awarded a match rating of just 6.5 out of 10, the second-lowest total received by any of his teammates who featured from the off on Tuesday night, letting Vieira down as a result.

And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why. Ward achieved a measly passing accuracy of 61%, won just 50% of his duels and had only 39 touches, one fewer than goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

These figures highlight his underwhelming display, and Football.London reporter Mark Wyatt was equally disappointing with his sub-par showing.

“Solid outing in the first 45 minutes from Ward other than being booked, which means he’ll miss the next game against Manchester United. Less influential in the second period as Dan James got the beating of him on a couple of occasions,” wrote Wyatt after awarding him a lowly 5 out of 10.

With winnable fixtures against Everton, Southampton and Watford on the horizon for Palace, Vieira will be hoping one of his most experienced and reliable campaigners can get back to his best as soon as possible.

And, in other news…“I imagine”: Journo drops update over £7.2m-rated flop, Palace fans will be delighted 

Former Aston Villa man and now pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has been reacting to news on Marvelous Nakamba’s knee injury, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Nakamba news

Nakamba had been a regular under Steven Gerrard before he sustained the problem against Liverpool last weekend.

News then emerged hours before Villa’s 2-0 win over Norwich City on Tuesday evening that the holding midfielder may miss the rest of the season as a result.

Villa will now consider signing a new midfielder in the January transfer window following the update on Nakamba, with the 27-year-old set to miss the Africa Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s comments

Agbonlahor, who regularly features on talkSPORT, was talking to Football Insider about Nakamba.

He labelled it as a ‘massive blow’ for Gerrard before calling on other players to ‘step in’.

“It’s a massive blow.

“Steven Gerrard has played him a lot since he’s come in and he’s been outstanding, doing a great role.

“But this is football. It gives someone else a chance to step in. Can someone else come in and take the chance?

“Yes, it’s bad news but this is why you build a squad. Other players have got to step in.”

The Verdict: Who comes in?

Gerrard has used various formations in his six games as Villa boss, with the last three all featuring three central midfielders.

John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey were the three who were used at Carrow Road, and the trio could be relied on heavily prior to the New Year.

Morgan Sanson and Carney Chukwuemeka are also options for Gerrard, so although losing Nakamba isn’t great news, at least the Villa boss should be able to deal with a busy festive period in midfield ahead of a possible addition in January.

In other news: ‘A wind up?’ – Many Villa fans flock to ’embarrassing’ official news. 

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey could well be facing up to six weeks out after picking up an injury in the 4-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.

That’s according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece, and, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the latest setback on social media.

Ramsey’s ninth Premier League appearance of the campaign was cut short after 15 minutes against the Hammers, with the 20-year-old appearing to go over on his ankle after colliding with Tomas Soucek.

Danny Ings, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Bertrand Traore all missed the meeting with David Moyes’ side, and Ramsey is the latest to join them on the sidelines ahead of the trip to Southampton on Friday.

Villa fans react

Preece posted the estimated six-week time frame regarding Ramsey on Twitter on Monday lunchtime.

The AVFC Faithful shared Preece’s update, which led to these fans interacting with both posts, with one labelling it as ‘more injury worries’.

“Remind me of the area that Villa are really struggling in, again. That’s another central midfielder out for the foreseeable future…”

Credit: @KevHughesie

“Just goes from worse to terrible.”

Credit: @amc89avfc

“More injury worries. JJ now out for possibly up to 6 weeks McGinn & Mings one booking away from a ban too”

Credit: @TheVillaHome

“Looking doom and gloom”

Credit: @FinchTheyer

“Sack the medical team”

Credit: @OcBen

“Remember over the summer when everyone could see central midfield was a weak area for us and needed improving? And we just chucked in low ball bids for players. Now we have Ramsey out, Luiz potentially out and Sanson who’s never fit. Top work lads”

Credit: @andrewstone85

In other news: ‘Bigger issue than Mings’ – Many Villa fans slam ‘useless’ player v West Ham

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley defender James Tarkowski…

What’s the talk?

According to The Northern Echo, Magpies officials are confident of sealing the January signing of the Clarets centre-back.

The report claims that Burnley have conceded that he will not extend his current contract, which expires at the end of the season, and that could duly see the club cash in on him in the next transfer window.

Fans would be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be ecstatic with this update as it appears to suggest there is a strong chance that the £70k-per-week colossus ends up at St James’ Park in January.

Officials are confident of a move being wrapped up in the winter window and his contract situation at Burnley is promising for the Magpies.

The Clarets run the risk of losing him for nothing at the end of the season if they do not sell him in January and that could play right into Newcastle’s hands. It could also mean that the Tynesiders are able to land a cut-price deal for the defender, as Burnley do not have the backing of a long-term contract to reasonably demand a huge figure in return for his services.

Newcastle fans will also be delighted with this news as the English defender is an experienced, proven player at Premier League level and could be a great addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Tony Philliskirk, former Head of Academy at Oldham, previously hailed Tarkowski in an interview with The Athletic as he said: “He became the main man on defensive and attacking set pieces, that as a player makes you think you are an integral part of the team.

“He became that because of his level of performance. He was humble and never got ahead of himself. His confidence increased and he became a leader which we discussed with him, organising those in front of him.”

The 29-year-old has played 171 Premier League games for Burnley and averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.02 last season. Since the start of the 2017/18 campaign, he has never averaged a score lower than 7.00 in the top flight, showing how remarkably consistent he has been for the Clarets over the past few years.

Also, it’s worth considering that no Newcastle centre-back has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.49 for the current campaign, whereas Tarkowski is currently clocking 7.17.

Therefore, he seems to have the ability to come in and be a solid defender for Newcastle, as he has proven his quality over the course of a number of years at Burnley. He has been able to consistently perform to a high level in the Premier League, and the Toon Army could love to see a player with his experience and pedigree come through the door in January.

AND in other news, Shearer 2.0: Howe could get St James’ rocking with NUFC deal for “incredible” beast… 

Writing for Chronicle Live, reliable Newcastle United reporter Mark Douglas has shared news on another new managerial candidate in Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Lowdown: Far from over…

Despite former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca becoming an overwhelming favourite for the role at St James’ Park, with some reports suggesting it could even be made official soon, other reliable sources suggest that it is far from a foregone conclusion.

Craig Hope of The Daily Mail believes that other major contenders like Roberto Martinez, Lucien Favre and Unai Emery could emerge over this next week as PIF continue to deliberate who should take the club forward (Twitter).

Writing for The Chronicle, Douglas has now lifted the lid on yet another name to potentially succeed Steve Bruce in the Magpies dugout.

The Latest: Douglas makes Van Bronckhorst claim…

Indeed, as per the journalist, Van Bronckhorst is now eyeing the vacant Newcastle managerial role as he throws his hat into the ring.

This comes as a plethora of managers, beyond those mentioned in the bookies and press, make PIF aware of their availability as they contend for what is surely one of the most sought-after positions in football at the moment.

Van Bronckhorst in particular is an interesting fresh candidate, having worked closely with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for a brief spell.

The Verdict: Good option?

The Dutch footballing icon, known more for his star-studded career as a player, certainly comes as a surprising name to emerge given his lack of experience compared to other contenders.

An Eredivisie title winner with Feyenoord in 2016/17, his most recent post in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou City lasted just 23 matches before he ultimately left (Transfermarkt).

Only taking charge of two senior teams so far during his managerial career, the Newcastle job could be one major step-up too soon for Van Bronckhorst at this moment in time.

In other news: ‘In the coming week’…PIF could now turn to ‘world class’ boss over Fonseca, he wants Newcastle! Find out more here.

According to Graham Roberts, Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Brendan Rodgers, believing that would be high up on Spurs’ wish list to replace Nuno Espirito Santo as manager.

The Lowdown: Nuno Espirito Santo sacked

After just four months in charge, Nuno was sacked as the club’s manager on Monday morning after Spurs lost five of their previous seven Premier League matches (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Roberts suggests Rodgers

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Roberts stated his belief that the north London club would have Rodgers high up on their list to become the new manager. The former Tottenham player said:

“Yeah, I think they would go for him. I think Rodgers, Pochettino, but I would think Rodgers would be in the top two at least.”

The Verdict: Rodgers has pedigree

Currently at Leicester City, Rodgers has proven himself consistently in recent years. He led Liverpool to the brink of the Premier League title in 2014 before going on to win a number of trophies at Celtic. With Leicester, he has twice been just a few points away from Champions League football, while he also helped the Foxes win the FA Cup last season.

Whether he would now make the move to Spurs is another question. Leicester are currently in a better place than Tottenham – they have had more success in recent seasons and continue to look up rather than down. Rodgers would be a very good choice, but he could be unattainable for Daniel Levy and co.

In other news, Tottenham want to sign this centre-back

With Lee Johnson’s Sunderland side heading into Tuesday night’s League One clash on a run of seven games without defeat in all competitions, the 40-year-old Black Cats boss would have undoubtedly been hoping for yet another dominant display against a mid-table Cheltenham Town side.

And, with goals from Bailey Wright, Luke O’Nien, Leon Dajaku and a brace from Ross Stewart sealing a 5-0 win at the Stadium of Light, it would be difficult to argue that a dominant performance is not exactly what the Sunderland side provided their manager.

Indeed, as is to be expected after such a result, a number of Johnson’s players turned in extremely impressive displays against the Robins, with Aiden McGeady, Carl Winchester and Bailey Wright all receiving SofaScore match ratings of 8.0 or higher, however, it was undeniably centre-forward Stewart who ran the show against the Robins.

Won 100% duels

Having already been one of Sunderland’s best performers in the league prior to Tuesday evening’s fixture, scoring five goals over his eight League One appearances, Stewart once again demonstrated exactly why Johnson put so much faith in the 25-year-old’s ability to replace the Mackems’ top goalscorer of last season, Charlie Wyke.

Indeed, over his 74 minutes on the pitch against Cheltenham, the £450k-rated man scored two goals, took a total of six shots, made two key passes and created one big chance for his teammates.

The player Chris Strain dubbed an “athletic” striker also won all eight of his duels – a 100% success rate – drew three fouls for his side and completed both his one attempted long ball and his one attempted dribble.

These returns saw the Scot receive a SofaScore match rating of 8.6 on the night, with no player from either side earning a higher rating for their efforts.

As such, should Stewart be able to keep up this goalscoring form, as well as his overall level of performance, for Sunderland going forwards, he will undoubtedly play an influential role in the club’s promotion push – something which, at present, appears to be in extremely good shape, with the Black Cats topping the League One table.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops Sunderland claim on “exciting” 21 y/o, Lee Johnson would be buzzing