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Luke Edwards has issued a worrying claim after Newcastle United released a statement with regards to their takeover arbitration case.

The Lowdown: Arbitration call

According to a statement released on the official website of the North East club, they believe that the arbitration case between them and and the Premier League should be made public.

However, this would only happen if the top flight agree to this too, otherwise the process will remain entirely confidential.

In what can only be described as rather bullish words, the St. James’ Park faithful claimed that they have ‘nothing to hide’ with regards to the hearing, and suggested that the division should have ‘no reason to be afraid of the public spotlight’, providing that they have acted ‘lawfully and properly’, and therefore should side with them in making the process public.

The Latest: Edwards claim

In reaction to the statement, Edwards, journalist for The Daily Telegraph who has been following developments in the takeover saga, has claimed that it ‘sounds desperate’, and added that Mike Ashley ‘wouldn’t need’ to make the statement and call for the arbitration to be public if he was confident of winning, as he ‘always does business under a cloak of secrecy’.

Edwards also claimed that Ashley’s camp ‘anticipates losing’, after analysing the statement in full.

The Verdict: Worrying

While the statement certainly has a confident tone to it, Edwards does make a point that Ashley should not feel the need to make so much noise if he is so confident of winning, as he is notoriously secretive with most dealings around the club – the Toon are the only top flight side who have not publicised last year’s accounts.

Therefore, it could come across as a sign of desperation from the Tyneside club owner, who is desperate himself to sell up.

Nonetheless, the results of the arbitration proceedings should give a much clearer picture over the direction of where the takeover is going, and Ashley and the Magpies will be hoping that it goes in their favour.

In other news, find out what arbitration update Keith Downie has dropped here!

The Saudis’ dream signing for Newcastle United has now been revealed as Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Interest there

Fabrizio Romano reported just a couple of days ago that the St. James’ Park faithful are ‘seriously interested’ in a deal to sign Botman, in a rumour that seems to be gathering pace.

Given that Eddie Howe’s team shipped four goals away at Leicester City in the Premier League last time out, it is clear that defensive reinforcements are needed, and a new dominating central defender would certainly help their cause in their battle to beat the drop.

The Latest: Dream signing

As per Grand Hotel Calciomercato, ‘it is one of the dreams’ of the new Saudi ownership to sign Botman, however, their current position in the Premier League table does not favour their chances.

Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atalanta, Roma and Napoli are also all interested in his signature, and he would be allowed to leave Lille in the January transfer window for an offer of between €30-40m (£25.5-34m).

The Verdict: Difficult

Given that Lille are still in the UEFA Champions League, it may be too difficult to attract Botman to the North East, especially in January.

Tipped to be ‘the next van Dijk’ by statistical experts WhoScored, fellow Dutchman Botman has a six-foot-four frame as well, and has averaged a similar number of interceptions and blocks per game in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

Van Dijk is widely thought of as the best centre-back in the Premier League, and given that Botman is only 21 years of age and drawing such comparisons, his potential is scary.

He was a won the Ligue 1 title ahead of PSG last season, as teammate Jose Fonte dubbed him a ‘machine’ midway through the campaign.

He would be a very difficult player to bring to Tyneside, but what a coup it would be if the Saudis’ dream came to fruition.

In other news, find out which ‘gladiator’ who ‘can produce magic’ NUFC are interested in here!

Vice-captain, loyal servant and arguably a club legend, Leeds United defender Luke Ayling is something of a hero around Elland Road.

But having amassed 217 appearances and secured a Championship winners medal during his time at the west Yorkshire outfit, it could be time to move on.

There’s no denying that this season has been appalling – stopping just short of disastrous – as it appears as if new manager Jesse Marsch has steered the Whites to safety, having been involved in the relegation dogfight for the past few months.

A four-game unbeaten run, which includes wins over basement boys Norwich City and relegation rivals Watford, has seen Leeds move nine points clear of Burnley with six matches left to play.

They may have just done it.

However, the team is still the leakiest defence in the Premier League, having conceded a whopping 68 goals from their 32 outings – an average of 2.1 goals let in per game.

And when you’re having to score three goals every week to stand a chance at winning – without last season’s top goalscorer Patrick Bamford too – then it’s no wonder the Yorkshiremen have found themselves in a precarious position at times.

It’s a backline that has largely been unaltered since promotion from the second flight and there have to be question marks over whether big players like Ayling can consistently cut the mustard at this level.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

Marsch ought to be ruthless this off-season by trying to secure a better option and that’s not through any fault of his own but Ayling has looked out of his depth at times.

During the recent win over the Hornets, commentator and former Wales international David Phillips described the 30-year-old’s defending as “awful”, whilst his seasonal 6.56 average WhoScored rating is bettered by eight other Leeds players right now.

No one is dribbled past more than Ayling either, letting his man run by 1.6 times per game and when you’re coming up against some of the best left-wingers in the division – ranging from Heung-min Son to Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling – it’s going to cause plenty of trouble for his defensive counterparts.

Former manager Marcelo Bielsa was a big admirer of the full-back, especially as he could often slot in at centre-half for him. He even once waxed lyrical about his talents in this regard. He told reporters:

“He was quick, he was agile, he defended well, he headed well, he used the ball well, he transmitted serenity to the rest of the team.”

Just because he has been at the club for the best part of six years, doesn’t mean Marsch owes him anything. If a better option can be secured, then he must look to axe the Leeds favourite for the benefit of him becoming a successful manager at Elland Road.

The £35k-per-week ace just isn’t good enough for the big time, at least in a team that shouldn’t be fighting to keep their place in the division. A ruthless decision, but the right one.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops Robin Koch update amid Leeds exit rumours…

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… 

Southampton fans are far from happy with the cameo performance of Theo Walcott during the Saints’ League Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea.

The Saints travelled to Stamford Bridge for their round of 16 tie against the Blues and put in a positive display. Kai Havertz gave the home side the lead before Che Adams equalised early on in the second half and, eventually, it was only a penalty shoot-out that stopped the Saints from progressing to the quarter-finals.

Walcott was one of the men who stepped up to take a spot-kick, and he was unable to find the back of the net. That came following a 23-minute performance that was far from impressive – the former Arsenal failed to have any real impact on the game.

The fans were generally pleased with what they saw from their side, but Walcott was one of the exceptions. The supporters took to social media to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the display of Walcott below

“Walcott needs to go in January waste of wages”

Credit: @sfcJoshhh

“Walcott is done man”

Credit: @SfcGdog

“Know a lot of people disagree but I think Elyounoussi has been alright recently. He certainly deserves more of a chance than Redmond/Djenepo who have had multiple seasons, and Walcott who is finished.”

Credit: @sfcJoe_

“How does Walcott get anywhere near the team, always been overrated”

Credit: @kevinro290560

“I really fail to see exactly what RH sees in Walcott he is now stealing a living from SFC he did the same at Everton who were lucky enough to unload him on to us… he is now holding up younger better players development it’s time to get rid of and to save the £75k a week !”

Credit: @Peter67305335

“Forster and Lyanco surely start at the weekend. Tonight’s performance proves Walcott shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting line up. Long is also a better option to bring on”

Credit: @sfc_zone

In other news, Southampton fans were reacting to this Yan Valery news.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has made a claim on some ‘great news’ to come out of West Ham United recently.

The Lowdown: Big boost for Moyes…

As per reliable reporter Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, manager David Moyes has just been handed a major West Ham boost.

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Indeed, according to his information, defender and fan favourite Vladimir Coufal has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at the London Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who had been in new deal talks for a good portion of the year according to Sky Sports, has apparently committed his future to West Ham as GSB tie down one of last season’s star players.

Speaking to FI, Campbell has now made a claim on this news out of Rush Green.

The Latest: Campbell makes claim…

The Sky pundit, commenting on this major development, believes there was ‘talk’ of Coufal leaving West Ham if the club couldn’t agree terms on a new deal – meaning this update comes as a ‘great news’.

“Coufal has been a revelation,” he explained.

“There was talk about him maybe leaving so it’s great news for the club to get him tied down. Any team worth their salt gets their best players on long-term contracts.

“I am pleased that West Ham have got him tied up.

“He is a very good right-back and a solid defender. There are not many better than him in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Big…

Coufal finished 2020/2021 as West Ham’s joint-highest tackler per 90 in the Premier League and, arguably, one of the division’s supreme full-backs.

Both him and compatriot Tomas Soucek have flourished since signing for West Ham in the summer of 2020 and Irons supporters will certainly be overjoyed that the defender has now put pen to paper.

In other news: Newman gifted big boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

Leicester City have suffered a big double selection setback ahead of their Europa League tie with Legia Warsaw after Jonny Evans and Kelechi Iheanacho were ruled out of contention.

What’s the word?

The Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the pair haven’t travelled to Poland with the rest of the first-team squad, with Evans not well enough to make the journey.

“He hasn’t travelled. He wasn’t well enough to travel. We’ll see how he is for the weekend,” Rodgers said in Wednesday’s press conference.

“He’s a top defender, and when he plays, we are better. We were hoping he was going to be available, but obviously not. We’ll see how he is for the weekend.”

The Northern Irish tactician also disclosed how an issue with Iheanacho’s paperwork has prevented him from playing any part in their second Group C encounter.

Rodgers said: “We’ve had an issue with Kelechi. His documentation coming into the country wasn’t sufficient, so he wasn’t able to travel. He will be unavailable for the game.

“The paperwork didn’t allow him to enter the country. We’ll have to look at that when we’re back.”

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Rodgers will surely be gutted to be without both Iheanacho and Evans for this evening’s trip to Warsaw, with both stars playing key roles in the first-team setup.

Evans has only completed one 90 minute game so far this season due to a recurring foot injury, while Iheanacho has managed to bag two goals and provide two assists in all competitions despite making just one start all campaign.

Leicester will be hoping to have the duo back available when they take on Crystal Palace over the weekend as they attempt to end a three-game winless run in the Premier League.

And, in other news…Romano delivers Leicester transfer update that will surely leave Rodgers gutted 

Hugo Lloris will always be a legend of the club for former Tottenham Hotspur player Graham Roberts.

Lloris signed for Tottenham on transfer deadline day in 2012 along with Clint Dempsey and has gone on to make 375 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, keeping 128 clean sheets in the process.

Spurs, now under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, have started the season in fine form, winning both their opening two matches of the Premier League season against Manchester City and Wolves, with Lloris keeping clean sheets in both fixtures.

Espirito Santo has brought in Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta this summer as competition to the Tottenham number one, with Gollini starting the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Pacos Ferreira.

Ex-Tottenham player Graham Roberts believes that Lloris is a legend of the club, telling Football FanCast: “For me, he’ll always be a legend because you know, he’s captain of the football club and played 300 games, well loads more but 300 Premier League games, so yeah, he’ll always be a legend.”

After a great start to the Premier League campaign with two wins and two clean sheets, Tottenham will be hoping that they can continue their good run of form and be competing for a place in the top four and for trophies this season.

A number of Rangers fans have been praising Scott Arfield following his comments after the Scottish League Cup exit at the hands of Hibernian.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst suffered a sobering afternoon on Sunday watching on as Light Blues manager, with his side sent packing from the competition.

The Scottish Premiership champions found themselves 3-0 down at Hampden Park before half-time and, despite Arfield pulling one goal back, missed the opportunity to set up a showdown against Celtic in the final.

It was a bitterly disappointing day for the Gers and it is now vital that the ship is steadied in the coming weeks, ensuring that a second successive league title is secured.

One player who has come away from the Hibs game with some credit is Arfield, with the club’s official Twitter channel sharing an interview with him assessing the defeat and Football Scotland writer Calum Woodger describing him as ‘one of few bright sparks for the Light Blues’.

The Canada international bluntly admitted that the “collective and individual standards” of the team were “not good enough” at Hampden Park and that the Gers had “no excuses” for what he felt was a deserved defeat.

Rangers fans praise Arfield comments

These Gers fans responded to the video to show their appreciation for the midfielder, claiming that he is someone who understands the values of the club.

“Only one of two players who showed up yesterday. Then they got subbed…”

Credit: @No_Bikers

“Even in defeat this man knows what it means”

Credit: @RobbieBaird98

“Always been a big fan of Scotty & this shows the type of guy he truly is. Well said sir!”

Credit: @joanneawright

“Fair play to Arfield, no point in trying to sugar coat it”

Credit: @dougie_rfc

“Well said, one of the only ones that deserves pass marks”

Credit: @_ReidFisher

“One guy who can be relied on”

Credit: @m6134n

In other news, some Rangers fans slaughtered one player’s performance against Hibernian. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United have entered talks to sign Kurt Zouma, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Sky Sports claim that the 26-year-old centre-back would favour a move to the Hammers as he is settled in London. Chelsea have been mooted with using the France international in a player-plus-cash swap deal for Sevilla star Jules Kounde.

It’s believed the Irons would be prepared to pay around £20m to seal Zouma but that is below the Blues’ valuation, whilst he still has two years to run on his current £65k-per-week contract.

It remains to be seen how much Chelsea are looking for, with CIES Football Observatory currently rating him at €40m (£34m).

Fans will be buzzing

With David Moyes reportedly keen to bolster his defence with a high-quality centre-back, the link to Zouma should come as no surprise, even more so with the Hammers in need of replacing Fabian Balbuena’s place in the squad.

The Frenchman’s vast experience in the top-flight, having featured 165 times in the Premier League, makes him seem like a perfect candidate to add to Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson.

Zouma rated out as Chelsea’s second-best player during the 2020/21 season, earning a 7.07 grade on WhoScored.

He averaged a squad-high 3.6 aerial duels won and 3.8 clearances per game, whilst also managing a seasonal passing success rate of 90.9%, which suggests he’s not just a defensive animal but a player who is equally deft with the ball at his feet, which will suit Moyes’ out-from-the-back system to a tee.

Blues legend John Terry once described the 26-year-old as a “beast of a player” and it’s easy to see why on the above evidence.

Furthermore, much of the London Stadium faithful are very eager to see Moyes make a move for the Chelsea star this summer, with one fan claiming that he’s a “fantastic defender” on his day and another lauding it as a “steal”, amongst many more reactions.

The fact that Zouma would be open to a switch to East London will leave them absolutely buzzing. GSB must look to get this done.

AND in other news, Moyes given big West Ham transfer boost over £36m-rated “machine”, fans surely buzzing…