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Members of the Newcastle United squad have been left angered at Steve Bruce’s treatment of both Matty and Sean Longstaff, according to Football Insider.

This follows reports from earlier on in the week that players at St. James’ Park were left ‘disgusted’ at the leak to the press that Karl Darlow was to be dropped for Martin Dubravka a few days before their 1-1 home draw against Wolves in the Premier League.

The players believed it was Bruce who leaked the news to the press as Darlow himself had not been informed of the decision.

The former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss also had a bust-up with Matt Ritchie on the training ground in which the former reportedly physically confronted the Scotland international and barged into him after he was called a ‘coward’ by Ritchie.

Now, Football Insider have reported that a source at the North East club has told them that there is both confusion and surprise among the players over Bruce ostracising both of the Longstaff brothers.

There is also anger on Tyneside over the Magpies’ failure to secure a loan move for Matty in the January transfer window.

Some at the Toon believe that Bruce is hindering the development of the two local lads.

Longstaff brothers barely playing for Newcastle

Sean has only played in a mere five senior appearances.

NUFC fans will surely want to see more local talent like the Longstaff brothers coming through, but it seems as if Bruce is haltering their development by not giving them enough matches.

In other news, find out what Mike Ashley claim Keith Downie has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Jermaine Jenas has claimed that Joelinton has his ‘best game’ for Newcastle United in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday night.

Speaking on the BBC’s latest Match of the Day programme (via Chronicle Live), the former Magpies player was still critical of the former Hoffenheim man’s display, but claimed that he gave Tyrone Mings a ‘torrid’ night:

“Joelinton potentially had his best game in a Newcastle shirt but it all seemed to fall apart once they got in that 18 yard box.

“Even into the final third, some of the decision making at times…

“Dwight Gayle and Fraser have got to get closer into positions where they can score goals. Joelinton doesn’t get his shot off in the first half.

“These are the situations Steve Bruce is talking about.

“We know Joelinton isn’t a true centre-forward and these situations explain that. Just shoot there and anything can happen.

“It was a negative pass. In a weird way it was his best game in a Newcastle shirt and he gave Tyrone Mings a torrid time but it doesn’t really matter because he doesn’t score goals.”

Joelinton tried but not enough quality

It is perhaps fair to say that Joelinton did try his best to help his team out at St James’ Park, but ultimately a lack of real quality let him down once more.

As Jenas points out, the 24-year-old – currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – decided to try and square the ball instead of shoot when he was clean through on goal, which pretty much sums up just how low on confidence he is front of goal at the moment.

The striker failed to record a single shot on target and also lost no fewer than 18 of his duels and was dispossessed of the ball 21 times, the joint-most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Joelinton just needs to get a run of goals to gain some confidence, but at the moment his lack of end product in the final third is costing Steve Bruce’s side at a time when they really need him given their precarious league position.

In other news, find out what inside takeover claim has been dropped on PIF by Mark Douglas.

Marcel Brands must block any attempts by Atletico Madrid to sign star left-back Lucas Digne this summer, after the publication of a report suggesting that The Blues could cash in on the defender in order to fund a transfer of their own.

What’s the word?

According to Gol Digital, La Liga leaders Atletico are keen on signing Digne in the summer transfer window as boss Diego Simeone strives to improve his options at left-back.

Digne is considered to be a player who meets Simeone’s checklist as the Frenchman is fast, strong and plays with an offensive threat that can make the 27-year-old an extra forward.

Everton are expected to value the former FC Barcelona defender at no less than €30m (£25.5m) after Digne penned a new £119,000-per-week contract last month, keeping him tied down at Goodison Park through to June 2025.

But despite his new deal, Carlo Ancelotti is said to be open to parting ways with the full-back, as the Italian would like to sign Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon just a year after he left Real Madrid in a deal that could reach £32m.

Digne would also be expected to have admirers from clubs in the Serie A and Bundesliga if his time on Merseyside is set to end this season, while Atletico would need to find new homes for Kieran Trippier, Santiago Arias and Sime Vrsaljko to fund their pursuit.

Should Everton replace Digne with Reguilon?

It certainly seems questionable that Ancelotti would be looking to replace Digne just weeks after he signed a deal to extend his spell at Everton for a further two seasons from the five-year terms agreed upon his £18m arrival in 2018.

But, if true, Everton’s Director of Football Marcel Brands – who Ancelotti claims he enjoys a “beautiful relationship” with – must step in and block the Italian coach from a potentially huge blunder of trying to move Digne on and replacing him with Reguilon.

Everton would be taking a step backwards by parting with Digne, who has six assists in 20 Premier League games this season, for Reguilon, who has offered three assists in 17 top-flight matches since joining Tottenham last year.

Reguilon has talent, no doubt, with Jamie Redknapp claiming the five-cap Spain international was “fantastic” for Spurs before being sidelined with a muscle injury in his right leg at the end of January.

“When he was playing, he was fantastic. He had great energy, was crossing the ball, good in one-on-one situations – he had it all. It’s no surprise that their performances have not been as good since he has not been playing. He offers so much to this team,” the Sky Sports pundit said, via quotes by The Boot Room.

But Reguilon would not be an upgrade on Digne, who averages 1.6 key passes and 1.6 accurate crosses (22%) a game in the Premier League this season to the Tottenham man’s 0.6 chances created and 0.5 accurate crosses (24%), per SofaScore.

Signing Reguilon would also see Ancelotti acquire an inferior aerial presence at left-back with the £48,000-per-week 24-year-old offering 1.0 duels won (40%) a game to Digne’s 3.1 (67%). Although the pair are evenly matched for defensive contributions, with two and 2.2 successful tackles, 2.2 and 2.3 clearances plus 1.2 and 1.0 interceptions respectively.

Though it is in Digne’s offensive contributions that Ancelotti relies on the Frenchman the most, with only James Rodriguez offering a higher volume of key passes (1.7) than the full-back who offers the highest number of accurate crosses per league game at Everton, per WhoScored.

Tottenham would be expected to strive to acquire a substantial figure for Reguilon, as well, so there would not be a financial benefit to replacing Digne with him, making it even more puzzling why Ancelotti would be considering making this change in the summer.

AND in other news, a £15k-p/w Everton dud who gives “absolutely nothing” has been tipped to seal a summer transfer…

Leicester City have been handed a considerable injury blow ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final meeting against Manchester United, with Ricardo Pereira set to miss out.

Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the news ahead of the match, saying that the Portuguese international had suffered a “slight strain” to his hamstring.

It was originally thought that his problem wasn’t too serious, having only been withdrawn at half-time in Leicester’s 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United in the Premier League as a precaution.

However, it warrants him being restricted to the sidelines this weekend, in what is a big blow to Rodgers and the Foxes’ chances of overcoming the Red Devils.

It is the latest in a handful of problems for Pereira throughout the 2020/21 campaign. Having come into the season ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury, he then suffered another problem upon his return. This has led the defender to miss as many as 25 matches in all competitions so far this season through injury.

This latest setback also exacerbates a problem position for Leicester this season. Fellow full-back James Justin is out with a long-term cruciate injury, whilst Timothy Castagne has also suffered from his own issues this term.

With Pereira in the side, Leicester look far more balanced. Rodgers’ troops have only lost twice in the Premier League in ten matches when Pereira has appeared.

That is just the tip of a very impressive iceberg for Pereira, who was dubbed “outstanding” by his manager after the Portuguese international scooped Leicester’s Player of the Year award for his performances throughout the 2018/19 campaign.

It is hard to argue with that assessment, with the £27m-rated fullback having made 83 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing ten assists.

However, Leicester will now have to do without him against Manchester United, making their assignment even trickier.

AND in more news, take a look at how a failed transfer swoop could be beneficial for a current Leicester starlet…

David Moyes should urge David Sullivan to fund a summer swoop to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Arnaut Danjuma, who tormented West Ham United last year.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Danjuma’s eye-catching performances in the Championship this term have attracted top-flight interest from West Ham and Southampton.

The Irons have begun tracking the 24-year-old’s development at the Vitality Stadium after netting 10 goals in 25 league games this term and assisting a further four.

Southampton had been weighing up a move for the Nigeria-born Netherlands international after getting a first-hand experience of his potential in the FA Cup earlier this month, with Danjuma a rare positive for a well-beaten Cherries side.

Bournemouth paid Club Brugge KV £13.5m to sign Danjuma two years ago but failed to see the best of the winger in his maiden campaign due to a string of injuries, starting only six of his 14 appearances as Eddie Howe’s men were relegated.

Danjuma has again missed time out this season with a hamstring injury restricting his involvement over the winter, but hit his best form before the international break with three goals and two assists in his last three Championship games.

Jonathan Woodgate will hope that Danjuma can continue his form over the remainder of the season to fire the south coast side to an immediate Premier League return, with Bournemouth three points outside the play-off places but with a game in hand.

And promotion may hinder West Ham and Southampton’s hopes of a deal, while a strong run of games could see the Cherries increase their valuation of the £22,000-per-week livewire.

Should West Ham sign Danjuma?

Moyes may have to hope that Woodgate falls short in his efforts to lead Bournemouth back into the top-flight to sign Danjuma, but the West Ham boss should be urging Sullivan to forge a raid on the south coast if the chance arises.

West Ham found out about Danjuma the hard way last summer when he tormented the Irons at the London Stadium in a pre-season friendly, with the 24-year-old running in behind during the opening minutes before seeing Aaron Cresswell intercept his cross.

But the Cherries broke the deadlock moments later with Danjuma again involved, this time twice weaving through two players before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner of the net under duress from Angelo Ogbonna.

His goal turned out to be a sign of things to come, with only striker Dominic Solanke (11) netting more often for Bournemouth in the Championship this season than the left-winger (10), who has played 848 fewer minutes.

As well as having an eye for goal and blistering the pace, the game-changing forward – who Jason Tindall describes as “electric” – has a fantastic mentality and room to grow, ideal for West Ham as Moyes reportedly strives to offload Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko.

“He’s confident. He’s working really, really hard for the team now, which I think is important,” Woodgate told the Daily Echo. “If you add that to your game, you can only get better. He’s got a lot of ability.

“He keeps on doing it week in, week out and that’s great for the football club. I’m enjoying his mentality, he seems to be a winner, which is even better for me. When I left him out of a couple of games he’s responded, he’s got that in abundance really.”

AND in other news, a £70k-p/w dud with “wonderful feet” intends to quit West Ham this summer…

Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in previous transfer target Nabil Fekir.

The Reds came close to signing the Frenchman back in 2018, with promotional content and interviews thought to have been completed before a deal with his then-employers Lyon fell through at the 11th hour.

Todo Fichajes have claimed that Fekir, who is now at La Liga outfit Real Betis, is back on the Reds’ radar – but Michael Edwards would be making a mistake in again trying to bring the midfielder to Anfield.

The last time Fekir almost joined the Reds, it was easy to see why Jurgen Klopp was so interested. The club needed another midfielder to fill the gap left by Philippe Coutinho, who had joined Barcelona just a few months previously.

The 24-cap Frenchman seemed the perfect candidate, having just had his best season in front of goal with 23 goals and eight assists for Lyon in all competitions throughout the 2017/18 campaign.

His numbers have plummeted since, though. He has just three goals and six assists for Betis this season, having not had a direct goal contribution for the Spaniards between the months of October and January.

Whilst the 27-year-old has recovered his form somewhat recently, with two goals and five assists in his last ten league games, they are still not the kind of numbers Liverpool need as they aim to recover from their dreadful title defence of 2020/21.

It is form which would likely see him struggle to break into the Reds’ midfield. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara ensure that competition for that sector at Anfield remains fierce.

Rated at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, Fekir would not be the most expensive acquisition, but he is a potential signing that Liverpool should avoid once more.

AND in more news, the Reds must bring in “one of the best” goalkeepers this summer to challenge Alisson…

Speaking exclusively to Transfer Tavern, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Dean Smith will be delighted after a successful international break for his players.

The Villans have no real injury concerns following the latest round of international fixtures, while the likes of Ollie Watkins and John McGinn were able to steal the headlines during their time with England and Scotland.

Watkins capped off his Three Lions debut against San Marino with a goal, helping his country to a 5-0 win. As for McGinn, the 26-year-old put himself on the back pages in Scotland with an incredible overhead kick, before netting twice against the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.

The above, and the fact that both players have returned to Bodymoor Heath injury-free, would have delighted Smith, according to Hendrie.

Discussing the recent heroics of Watkins and McGinn, the ex-Villa player told TT:

“It’s massive, you know, when players go out on international duty the first and foremost thing that Dean will want is to make sure that his players are coming back in, they’re fit and ready for the weekend’s game. That’s the only worry for managers, that the players go away and you don’t see them for a week or two.”

On the same topic, Hendrie added:

“Dean will be over the moon. Ollie had his chance where he came on and scored his goal. John’s obviously a key fixture in the Scotland squad at the moment, so he had plenty of minutes. But I think Dean will just be happy that he’s got his two players back through the door and they’re fit and ready to go for the weekend.”

Smith and Villa will also be boosted by the return of captain Jack Grealish, who is now training again following a leg injury.

A number of Wolves fans have been reacting the crushing news of Jonny Otto suffering a second anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side endured another disappointing night at the office on Monday, losing 3-2 to high-flying West Ham.

Wolves found themselves 3-0 down in the first half, and while a spirited comeback saw them save what could have been an embarrassment, it was still a poor result at Molineux.

It leaves them sitting 14th in the Premier League table, with very little to play for between now and the end of the season.

There was horrible news that broke earlier in the day, however, with the Express & Star‘s Joe Edwards revealing Jonny has suffered a second ACL injury, news now confirmed by the club.

It means the 27-year-old faces another long spell on the sidelines, having only returned from his other serious setback in February.

It is a cruel blow for a popular Wolves player and the main hope now is that he can battle through this long recovery and return the same footballer of old.

Wolves fans bemoan Jonny injury

These Wolves supporters took to Twitter to react to the news, with many left heartbroken for Jonny.

“Nooo”

Credit: @GianSG11

“Career over”

Credit: @NeilPugh10

“That’s really disappointing, has made a huge difference back in the team, may need to start planning for life without Jonny moving forward”

Credit: @Ry4nH07

“Unbelievable season for injuries. Poor Jonny.”

Credit: @daturk74

“Awful news, awful season. Best wishes Jonny”

Credit: @metalliam

“Unusual to rupture the same ACL after reconstruction. Wish him the best of luck”

Credit: @Stuart16913042

“Get well soon Johnny….so disappointing..Gutted for him”

Credit: @RobDew8

In other news, a Wolves legend believes the club missed out on signing a world-class player – find out who it is here.

Lee Charnley should take action to see Newcastle United seal a summer transfer for Kyle Joseph amid doubt in Rangers’ interest in the Wigan Athletic striker.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Steven Gerrard’s Gers may back out of the race to sign Joseph after Glasgow rivals Celtic made a formal approach.

The Hoops are understood to have offered the 19-year-old prospect a long-term contract in hopes of convincing him of a move to Parkhead once the striker’s Latics deal expires in June.

Joseph rejected the offer of a new contract at the DW Stadium, and will now be available to the Premiership heavyweights for a compensation fee of just £300,000 due to cross-border rules on out-of-contract players aged under 24.

Newcastle would have to pay closer to £1m as they do not benefit from the same cross-border rules, and may also have to fend off rival interest from other English suitors.

The Toon were previously considered to be the favourites for the highly-rated teenager’s signature after presenting Joseph with a more lucrative contract offer than Celtic.

Newcastle also held promising discussions with his League One side and were willing to pay £850,000 to seal a deal, as club chiefs believe the striker has the potential to push for a first-team role.

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Tottenham Hotspur were previously said to be making checks on Joseph’s situation as they lined up a pre-contract offer, as well, while Arsenal weighed up a move with a view to the London-born forward joining their Under 23s.

Should Newcastle sign Wigan’s Joseph?

Rangers potentially backing out of the race to sign Joseph will come as a huge boost for Newcastle with one less competitor to beat out, but the Toon may yet miss out to Celtic despite presenting the teen forward with a more lucrative contract.

A clear route to the first-team is what Magpies Managing Director Charnley is likely to need to put in front of Joseph if United are to secure his services as he’s gotten a taste of senior action at Wigan this season.

Joseph only made his senior Latics debut in October, but the Scotland U19 international already has five goals in 16 appearances – including a hat-trick to help seal a 4-3 away win over Burton Albion.

Unfortunately for the Wigan product – who manager Leam Richardson lauds for being an “intelligent” player – Joseph sustained a serious back injury in February that is likely to rule him out for much of the remainder of the campaign.

But Joseph had done enough before the blow to earn widespread interest, with Barnsley seeing a £500,000 bid rejected in January, while Richardson waxed lyrical over the “work in progress” after scoring with two “absolutely fantastic finishes” against Burton.

If Newcastle consider Joseph to have the potential to make a first-team role for himself at St. James’ Park in the future, Charnley needs to take the appropriate action swiftly and capitalise on the boost Rangers may present.

AND in other news, a £47k-p/w titan proved vs Burnley why Newcastle cannot let him leave this summer…

Southampton are heading towards a summer transfer window in which they need to rebuild and strengthen, so Ralph Hasenhuttl should be looking to get rid of veteran striker Shane Long permanently.

The Republic of Ireland international was somewhat surprisingly handed a new two-year deal last summer but barely featured for the Saints in the first half of the campaign, before being sent out on loan to Bournemouth in the Championship.

The 34-year-old made just two starts for Southampton in all competitions, along with some brief cameo appearances from the bench, before making the loan switch to the Cherries in January, with whom he has made nine appearances thus far, contributing two goals.

However, his lack of goals for the Saints has been a real concern in recent seasons, and following his contract renewal, he has failed to find the back of the net for Hasenhuttl’s side.

This means that, given that Long reportedly earns £60k per week at Southampton, he has been paid £2.7m in wages so far this season without returning a single goal.

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The Irish forward isn’t exactly setting the world alight at Bournemouth so unless Southampton can find a buyer for him this summer, it seems likely that he will end up back on Hasenhuttl’s bench again next season.

The Austrian already has the likes of Danny Ings and Che Adams available as regular striking options in his side, whilst Nathan Redmond and Theo Walcott have also featured up front at times this season.

This, combined with promising attacking options such as Dan N’Lundulu and Nathan Tella, suggests that Long doesn’t have a future with the Saints in a playing capacity.

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Therefore, they must try and rectify the mistake they made last summer when they gave him a new two-year deal and ensure that he leaves the club on a permanent basis ahead of next season and get his huge salary off the books.

And, in other news… Nine passes completed: £16.2m-rated Saints flop let Hasenhuttl down with an anonymous display