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A source from Newcastle United has shared some latest insight on the parties involved in the potential takeover, which interestingly involves Rafa Benitez.

The Lowdown: Bruce could be at risk

If the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium does eventually go through, then Steve Bruce could potentially be at risk of losing his job in the North East.

The new owners may want to go down a new pathway with regards to hiring a fresh new boss to take them to the next level, and given that Bruce was not appointed by them in the first place, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland coach may well be at risk.

In theory, a takeover at St. James’ Park could well be completed as early as July, if the arbitration case against the Premier League goes well for both Ashley and the Tyneside club, which would then in turn cast doubt over Bruce’s future going into the new season.

The Latest: Takeover insight involving Benitez

As per Football Insider, a source from the Magpies has shared the latest situation with regards to the ongoing takeover saga, which is that all parties involved in the bid are confident that the deal will go through after the arbitration proceedings.

Those working on the deal have also reportedly laid the groundwork for Benitez to return as the new manager in place of Bruce, and the Spaniard is their ‘top managerial target’.

The Verdict: Exciting times ahead

The fact that all of the parties involved in the potential deal are confident that it will go through after arbitration is certainly promising in terms of what could be expected of the results, and thus the process afterwards.

If arbitration does go in favour of the Toon, then it would certainly bring the potential revival of the takeover one step closer and thus give an incentive for the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to come back to the table.

In a dream scenario, if the takeover could be completed by July after the hearing takes place, then NUFC could start looking at managers to take them into the new era, and none more so would fit perfectly than the return of Benitez.

A lot of Newcastle fans have previously called for the 61-year-old to come back, and so he would certainly be a popular appointment among the Toon Army.

Nonetheless, he has a vast amount of experience in managing in the Premier League, with teams on bigger transfer budgets like Liverpool and Chelsea, and so he should have little problems in handling the additional funds that would come with the takeover.

In other news, find out what promising insight Lee Ryder has shared on those close to Amanda Staveley on the potential takeover here!

Southampton have been linked with Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard recently and he could prove to be the ideal heir to Danny Ings in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he arrive at St Mary’s this summer.

Whilst the Austrian manager has reaffirmed on a number of occasions that Ings won’t be sold this summer, it is also looking unlikely that he will commit to a new deal at St Mary’s, so we could see him depart on a free transfer next summer when his current deal expires.

Southampton were recently linked with a move for Edouard, with The Sun claiming that the Saints have joined the race to sign the Frenchman, who has been prolific during his time with the Hoops but is reportedly looking for a new challenge this summer.

The former PSG man’s contract at Celtic Park is, similarly to Ings, set to expire at the end of the next season, so a summer exit certainly looks to be on the cards for the 23-year-old, as you would suspect that Celtic won’t want to lose him on a free transfer.

During his time with the Scottish side, Edouard has made 168 appearances, contributing an impressive 83 goals and 37 assists in all competitions.

Despite Celtic’s struggles this season, the young striker has still been a consistent performer, contributing 16 goals and three assists in 26 Premiership appearances, which has helped him average a superb 7.31 rating from WhoScored.

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He has 22 goals in all competitions this season, so he clearly knows where the back of the net is, and his consistent record in Scotland certainly suggests that he could do a job in Hasenhuttl’s side in the future, perhaps filling the shoes of Ings, who will undoubtedly prove to be difficult to replace when he eventually does leave St Mary’s.

Earlier in the season, before his sacking, Neil Lennon was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying:

“He’s scored goals in cup finals, he’s scored goals in big games from the penalty spot and he took it brilliantly today. He looked far more like himself today and I thought he was magnificent. He’s a joy to watch at times, so he’s had a good day as well.”

If the 23-year-old does arrive at St Mary’s this summer, then he could be a fixture in Southampton’s side for many years to come, and could definitely prove to be the ideal man to replace Ings if he can replicate his goalscoring form from Scotland in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Semmens should seal Southampton swoop for 29-goal “phenomenon” 

After it was announced that Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be leaving Molineux at the end of this season, speculation mounted from supporters over whether Tottenham Hotspur would appoint him, with correspondent Alasdair Gold then taking to Twitter with his update.

The Lowdown: Nuno leaving Wolves

The 47-year-old has previously been linked with the vacant Spurs job, and there was much speculation when it was confirmed by Wolves that he would be leaving after the final game of 2020/2021.

Appointed in 2017, there is no doubt he has been a success – having guided Wolves to two seventh-placed finishes, an FA Cup semi-final and the quarter-finals of the Europa League during his tenure (The Telegraph).

However, he hasn’t been able to hit those same heights this season with Wolves set to finish in their lowest position since returning to the Premier League (The Telegraph).

The Latest: Gold drops Spurs update on Nuno

Writing on Twitter, reliable Spurs journalist Gold has quickly moved to quash the notion of Nuno taking the managerial vacancy in north London.

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“For those many people asking,” he explained on social media.

“As I said previously and it’s still the case, I understand Nuno Espirito Santo is not a candidate for Spurs’ vacant managerial role.”

As a result, Spurs supporters are very unlikely to see him come through the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium doors any time soon despite reports he already has a new job lined up after quitting Wolves.

The Verdict: Bad news for Spurs

While Nuno may not be who chairman Daniel Levy is looking for even despite Man City boss Pep Guardiola calling him ‘excellent’ in 2018 (Express and Star), you could argue that time is running out for the Lilywhites to make an appointment quickly enough for a strong 2021/2022.

According to reports, Tottenham had wished to appoint a new boss before the end of this season (football.london), but that now appears dead in the water given Spurs take on Leicester City in their last game this afternoon.

Ideally, Spurs will give their new boss time to shape the squad in his mould and have a say on both incoming and outgoing transfers.

If Levy and co are going to get the fans back on side, sufficient preparation for next campaign is an absolute necessity and appointing their new manager as soon as possible is a huge part of that.

In other news: Levy approach made for this 53-year-old called ‘perfect for Tottenham’, find out more here.

Danny Mills has dropped a big transfer claim on Joe Willock and whether he can see the 21-year-old staying at Newcastle United beyond his loan spell.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds United and Manchester City defender has claimed that there is a chance that the midfielder could stay at St James’ Park if Arsenal are not able to qualify for the Champions League next term by winning the Europa League this season. Mills said:

“He’s loving life in Newcastle and he’s not even been on a night out yet. Wait until the nightlife re-opens then he’ll really love Newcastle.

“I guess it just depends on what happens at Arsenal. They’re sort of on a knife-edge at the moment. 

“They’re very close to having a successful season in the Europa League if they win it. Suddenly you’re looking at the Champions League and it’s a whole different ball game.

“If not, you’d have to say Arteta’s job is under pressure and then actually a mid-table side this season, could Willock force his way into that? Possibly.

“If Arsenal make the Champions League he’d probably be surplus to requirements. But if they don’t, there’s every chance he could be back at Newcastle United.”

Willock future at Newcastle uncertain

The future of Willock seems uncertain, and a lot may well hinder on whether or not Arsenal qualify for the Champions League.

If Mikel Arteta’s team qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, the 21-year-old may then struggle to find a place in their squad again, but the manager may find a place for him at the Emirates Stadium if they miss out on Champions League football.

Willock has put in some very good performances in the northeast so far, with Alan Shearer hailing his display as ‘magnificent’ in the 3-2 win over Southampton back in February.

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That was the first of four important goals he has scored for Steve Bruce’s side so far, and his ability to score from midfield is just one asset which should give the Magpies the incentive to go out and sign the 21-year-old on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window.

In other news, find out which ‘phenomenal’ Premier League star Newcastle are interested in signing!

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Jadon Sancho has refused to commit his future to Borussia Dortmund, acting as a potential boost to the Reds.

The Lowdown: Sancho continually linked with Reds

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe in recent years, scoring 48 goals and registering 62 assists in 134 appearances for Dortmund.

Sancho has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool numerous times this season, with Jurgen Klopp thought to view him as a great long-term option in his attack.

The £90m-valued England international’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2023, though, so only a huge fee would prise him away from Dortmund this summer.

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The Latest: Sancho coy over his future

Sancho was on top form on Saturday, scoring twice in his side’s 3-2 win at home to RB Leipzig, keeping their Champions League hopes alive and handing Bayern Munich the Bundesliga title yet again.

Speaking after the game [via Daily Mail], the youngster discussed his future and did not rule out the prospect of a summer exit:

“Will I leave the club? I don’t know about my future.

“I am very happy here in Dortmund at the moment. I love the club, the fans and the team. They gave me my first professional start.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Reds

Liverpool should do all they can to secure a move for Sancho this summer, although financial restraints may not make that possible following a tough 12 months around the world for football clubs.

Klopp needs to make sure that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are adequately replaced once their time at Anfield is up – they are all now close to 30 – and the prolific Dortmund star would seem to be a perfect addition.

He is capable of thriving on either flank, cutting inside and hitting the byline, and his game should only become more perfected as he matures with age, becoming even more devastating in the final third.

In other news, one Liverpool forward is being tipped to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Mark Douglas has claimed that Jetro Willems is on the radar of Newcastle United and remains close friends with Allan Saint-Maximin.

However, writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the football journalist has also claimed that Marseille also want to sign the Frankfurt ace.

Newcastle should sign Willems

Willems did a very good job for the St. James’ Park faithful when he was on loan in the North East, scoring two goals and making a further three assists from left-back in 20 games in total over all competitions across the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

The Netherlands international certainly showed his worth in the Premier League, winning no fewer than 5.1 of his duels per game, as well as averaging two clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.1 successful dribbles a match (Sofascore).

His performances on the pitch quickly made him become a fans favourite at the Tyneside club, with many members of the Toon Army begging for him to be signed on a permanent deal, and the 27-year-old would certainly give Steve Bruce another handy option.

Nonetheless, a potential reunion with the Magpies could well turn out to be a match made in heaven, but they would probably have to avoid being relegated to the Championship first of all.

In other news, find out what big Bruce update Luke Edwards has dropped here!

St. Johnstone manager Callum Davidson has admitted he is eager to speak to Glasgow Rangers about keeping Glenn Middleton for next season.

Davidson wants Middleton

After making just one appearance for the Gers in the first half of the campaign (Transfermarkt), Middleton moved to fellow Premiership side St. Johnstone in search of more playing time.

Davidson is clearly happy with his performances so far, and has suggested he wants to talk to the Ibrox outfit about keeping him at the club. He said, (via The Scottish Sun):

“Glenn has had to be patient but he’s come off the bench against Ross County and scored the goal that got us into the top six. That’s some achievement.

“He’s worked really hard from the day he arrived and the more I  get him involved, the better he’ll be.

“If he does unbelievably well for me in the next five or six games I probably won’t get the chance to keep him!

“He’s great about the place, he wants to learn and has a really positive attitude.

“So we’ll be looking to have a conversation with Rangers about next season.

“I think Glenn is at the stage in his career where he now needs sustained game time.”

Right move

Middleton has so far made seven appearances for the Saints, scoring one goal. Given his lack of playing time at Ibrox, it is important that he is now featuring on a regular basis. Of course, he is still a Rangers player, but it feels unlikely at the moment that he will play too often for the Gers next season, even though he does have a record of five goals in 29 matches for the 55-time Scottish champions – he has six goals throughout his career.

As Davidson says, at 21 it is important he finds somewhere to settle so that he can kickstart his career. Despite his talent, it looks like that club will not be Rangers. St. Johnstone, therefore, could be the perfect place for him to begin to fulfill his potential.

In other news, Kevin Phillips believes this man must take a pay-cut if he wants to stay at Rangers.