Newcastle Planning Talks Over Transfer Of 25-Year-Old Serie A Star

Newcastle United are hopeful of trying to land Federico Chiesa this summer and are planning to hold new discussions over a potential move for the player, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness.

How good is Federico Chiesa?

The winger once dazzled with his displays for former club Fiorentina, hitting ten league goals and six assists as a 21-year-old in Serie A. It eventually earned him a move to current club Juventus, where he continued to produce the goods until injury got in the way.

Prior to being sidelined, the Italian had managed eight goals and eight assists in 30 league outings back in 2020/21. However, after suffering knocks and sitting out of action, both his gametime and his output has recently tailed off.

Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

In the 2022/23 season for example, the 25-year-old had to make do with mostly substitute appearances. He started only six Serie A games for Juve but played on 21 occasions, managing just 9.5 lots of 90 minutes. That is his lowest total ever for a league season – and shows just how much of a struggle it has been to get regular minutes after falling down the pecking order. However, he still managed to score two goals and bag five assists over the year – and that actually led to an impressive goal contribution rate of 0.74 per 90.

Are Newcastle United signing Federico Chiesa?

With his future potentially lying away from the Turin outfit now, with the Old Lady also needing to sell thanks to falling out of Europe amid FFP trouble, there is interest in Chiesa's services.

It's mainly been Premier League sides Liverpool and Newcastle who have been linked with a transfer for the winger, with the Reds preparing to speak to his agents over a potential move.

However, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Toon are also stepping up their pursuit of the Italy international. They are set to undergo new talks over a potential switch for the 25-year-old and want to speak to both the player and Juventus over a deal.

They are hopeful – and want to make a move for Chiesa happen – as it also states that they have an "excellent" relationship with the player's agent that they will use to their advantage. Newcastle then are ready to go all out and try to swoop in for the forward from under the noses of Liverpool this summer.

It could be a steal for the club too. It shows how talented Chiesa can be that when he suffered an ACL injury last year, football journalist Josh Bunting was quick to admit his sadness at the player being ruled out. He added that the winger is a real "difference maker" and is also "one of the most exciting" players that you can see.

On his game then, and fully fit, the Italian looks to be the real deal and someone who can really stand out at a club. If Newcastle can pull off a deal, it could be a huge help to them in both the league and Europe.

Man United: Ten Hag would "100%" choose £85m beast over Hojlund

Manchester United would elect to choose Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund as Erik Ten Hag eyes an elite forward at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news on Manchester United's striker hunt?

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are continuing talks to sign Kolo Muani and Hojlund as Ten Hag looks to secure a striker in pre-season to help spearhead their attack this term.

Both players are admired at Old Trafford and would represent good options in attack. However, with no takeover agreement on the horizon, either of the pair arriving could derail the Red Devils' search for a new goalkeeper in turn.

Football Insider claim that Eintracht Frankfurt star Kolo Muani could cost as much as £85 million to prize away from the Bundesliga outfit this window.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on the France international as they try to replace Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, respectively.

Another report from The Daily Mail indicates that for Manchester United's alternative striking target, Hojlund, his parent club Atalanta will try and hold out to receive a blockbuster £86 million fee before considering selling one of their most important assets.

Chelsea also 'remain in the wings' to try and acquire the 20-year-old, though have recently signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, which could put a spanner in the works of their pursuit.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that if Manchester United were to have a choice to make between the two, they would favour bringing Kolo Muani into the building over Hojlund.

Jones told FFC: "In Manchester United's mind, Kolo Muani is valued at a value, that is really, twice what Hojlund should be. That's what they're trying to factor in right now. If Kolo Muani was cheaper, I 100% think they would be going for him right now, but he's got that clause and it's making it difficult."

Who would be a better fit for Manchester United?

Kolo Muani is probably the more established name and is a little more mature than Hojlund at 24-years-old; however, Hojlund is a major rising star in European football that has caught the eye in Serie A, making it hard to pick who would be a better fit for Manchester United.

In 2022/23, Kolo Muani enjoyed a fine campaign in front of goal, registering 23 goals and 17 assists from 46 appearances in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani

According to WhoScored, Kolo Muani also offered a frequent goal threat that was difficult to contend with for opposition backlines, averaging around 2.4 shots per match in the Bundesliga.

Hojlund has made waves in Europe in fairly rapid fashion and put up some fairly impressive numbers himself last term combining his spell at Sturm Graz and with his current employers Atalanta, firing home 16 goals and seven assists in 42 outings, as per Transfermarkt.

Ten Hag will want to make sure he gets the right man in place to fire his side to potential glory in 2023/24, though only time will tell with regards to who he may turn to in the end.

West Ham Monitoring Situation Of 21-Year-Old Defender

West Ham United have a new target on their radar it seems, with The Athletic reporting they are now keeping a close eye on Chelsea's Ian Maatsen, who starred on loan at Burnley last season.

How many goals has Ian Maatsen scored for Burnley?

The 21-year-old has come up through the ranks with Chelsea but has still yet to make his Premier League debut for his parent club. He's had to make do with only reserve team showings for the Blues and a variety of loan spells to get regular minutes and experience.

Given the chance to play a prominent role for Burnley, he grasped it with both hands. The left-back helped the Clarets to a Championship title and promotion, with the defender featuring in 39 games. It led to him bagging four goals and six assists, despite the fact he was a part of their backline. It marked the first time he had hit a double digit amount of goal contributions in his career.

It isn't the first time he has proven to be a solid option in the Championship either. A year earlier, he spent some time with Coventry and missed only six games throughout the entire league season for the Sky Blues. He didn't bag as many goals or assists – he hit the back of the net three times and teed up a teammate once – but was still a reliable option and featured heavily for his side as they finished 12th.

Are West Ham United signing Ian Maatsen?

Now, he could have the chance to play in the Premier League for the first time in his career. That's because West Ham have entered the race to sign Maatsen this summer, with Burnley also still keen. The Clarets have been linked with a move for most of the summer, but according to a report from The Athletic, the Hammers have recently added him to their own transfer wanted list.

No official bid is on the table yet, from the Irons or any other club, but there appear to be a handful of sides all monitoring the situation of the left-back now. Whether he does leave or stay with Chelsea could depend on whether they offer him more gametime, or whether any other players in his position are shown the door by Mauricio Pochettino before the transfer window shuts.

Ian-Maatsen-Burnley

It has been his showings with Burnley that really seem to have caught the attention of many. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig highlighted that Maatsen bagged a "superb" brace for the Clarets during their run to the Championship title and also picked on the fact he had four goals and assists for the club at the time.

It shows that he has really shone when given the opportunity to play regularly in the second tier, and may now have earned the opportunity to try his luck more frequently further up the pyramid. That could now come with West Ham, as the Hammers look to build on their European success and push on next season.

Nottingham Forest Book Medical For Exciting £15m Signing

Nottingham Forest have scheduled imminent medical tests to finalise a summer deal for Manchester United star Anthony Elanga, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Anthony Elanga?

Elanga is primarily a left-sided winger who has played his football at Old Trafford for the past eight years having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team fold back in January 2022, as per Transfermarkt, but there’s a chance that he could be on the move during the present window.

During the 2022/23 Premier League season, Erik Ten Hag only handed the 21-year-old five top-flight starts and he was reduced to coming off the bench as a substitute on 11 occasions, via WhoScored, showing how out of favour he is and highlighting that he needs to leave should he want to receive more regular game time elsewhere.

The Telegraph have reported that despite interest from West Ham United and Everton, the Sweden international turned down the chance to join David Moyes’ and Sean Dyche's sides and instead has opted to make the switch to Steve Cooper’s men, with The Athletic revealing that the Reds have had a £15m offer for the attacker accepted in M16.

So far this summer, the Midlands outfit have finalised a permanent deal for Chris Wood who initially joined on loan from Newcastle United and most recently they confirmed the arrival of defender Ola Aina from Torino, and the club’s third recruit could be about to walk through the doors at The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Anthony Elanga?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Nottingham Forest have already agreed with Manchester United for a medical to take place for Elanga, whilst also providing an update on their pursuit of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who Cooper is keen to secure following his successful loan spell last season.

“Nottingham Forest are insisting on Dean Henderson as negotiations are ongoing with Manchester United after loan bid sent earlier this week. Medical booked for Anthony Elanga after permanent deal agreed on Friday.”

Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga.

How many goals has Anthony Elanga scored?

Whilst Nottingham Forest will know that Elanga wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, the left-winger has racked up a total of 50 goal contributions (30 goals and 20 assists) in 124 appearances since the start of his career, so should he put pen to paper, he could be reborn under Cooper.

The CAA Stellar client can pose a huge threat in the final third having ranked in the 92nd percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, whilst averaging 3.59 shot-creating actions per top-flight match last term was also impressive even though he was a bit-part player, as per FBRef.

The Malmo native, who has the versatility to operate in five different positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline, also has bags of experience under his belt having previously played in both the Champions and Europa League competitions, so he would be able to instil a much-needed winning mentality and increase the level of performance in the Midlands.

Newcastle Ready To Make £30m Bid For "Devastating" Star

Newcastle United are now ready to make a €35m (£30m) bid to sign Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, with an official offer expected to arrive at some point this week, according to reports from Turkey.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

With the new Premier League season rapidly approaching, Newcastle's main target in the transfer market appears to be a defender, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently telling GiveMeSport: “I would keep an eye on a centre-back after Barnes, I think a centre-back could be a possibility.”

However, the Magpies are still being linked with moves for some attacking targets, including Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, however journalist Ben Jacobs is sceptical about whether a deal will be possible this summer.

Juventus' Federico Chiesa is another potential option for Eddie Howe, with it now being reported that an offer of €50m (£43m) plus bonuses could soon be on its way, although the St James' Park outfit will face stiff competition from Aston Villa.

According to reports from Turkey (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are also expected to make an official offer to sign Zaniolo at some point this week, having been convinced by his performances for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.

There may be competition for the attacking midfielder's signature, however, as RB Leipzig are named as potential suitors, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal also said to be in the race.

The Magpies are actively trying to convince the 24-year-old to make the switch to St. James' Park, and they are now ready to pay Galatasary €35m (£30m) to get the deal over the line.

With Sandro Tonali already making his way to Tyneside this summer, Newcastle are now working on signing his compatriot, and it appears as though we can expect more news on their pursuit later this week.

How many goals has Nicolo Zaniolo scored?

The Italian scored 24 goals in 128 appearances for AS Roma, during which time he was lauded as "devastating" by manager Jose Mourinho, who also added that he is "always tough to handle" for the opposition.

However, the former Roma man asked to leave during the January transfer window, much to the disappointment of Mourinho, going on to join Galatasaray, where he has scored five goals in ten Turkish Super Lig appearances.

The Massa-born maestro clearly offers a threat in front of goal, however there are question marks over whether he would be a worthwhile addition for Newcastle, considering he is quite poor at setting up opportunities for his teammates.

nicolo-zaniolo-premier-league-newcastle-transfers

Over the past year, the Italy international ranks in just the 14th percentile for assists per 90, when compared to his positional peers, and in the 30th percentile for shot-creating actions.

Not only that, the Galatasaray ace scores poorly on almost all defensive metrics, placing in just the seventh percentile for tackles, and in the 15th for interceptions over the same time period.

Now they have Champions League football on offer, Newcastle can attract far better players than Zaniolo, and they should pursue other targets this summer.

Aston Villa Keen On Snapping Up 19-Year-Old This Summer

Aston Villa remain interested in signing Juventus youngster Samuel Iling-Junior in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh rumour.

Who is Samuel Iling-Junior?

The 19-year-old Englishman spent the vast majority of his youth career at Chelsea, arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2011 and spending the next nine years there. He then made the move to Juve, where he has broken into the first team, making 18 appearances to date and holding his own.

Iling-Junior is currently contracted with Juve until the summer of 2025, but it could be that he is allowed to leave the club before then, should interest arrive.

Villa are continuing to work hard on new signings, following a brilliant summer that has already seen the likes of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby come in, as they look to build on a brilliant campaign that led to qualification from the UEFA Europa Conference League.

They have been linked with a move for Iling-Junior in the recent past, and it looks as though they are still looking to potentially snap him up.

Soccer Football – Serie A – Inter Milan v Juventus – San Siro, Milan, Italy – March 19, 2023 Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, Samuel Iling Junior and teammates celebrate after the match REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

Could Aston Villa sign Samuel Iling-Junior?

According to Tuttosport [via Sport Witness], the teenage attacker has "long been on Monchi's list" of potential signings for Villa, as he aims to work his brilliance since coming in from Sevilla this summer. Their interest in him has been "rekindled", although much may depend on the future of Leon Bailey.

Juve are demanding €25m (£21.4m) for Iling-Junior's services, although it is stressed that they certainly aren't desperate for him to leave, with only an "important offer" doing enough to turn their heads. Everton are also mentioned as potential suitors.

While Villa signing players in and around their peak years is great to see this summer, it is also important that the club continue to plan for the future, too, ensuring that this period under Unai Emery isn't just a fleeting spell of positivity and possible success.

With that in mind, Iling-Junior could be a really exciting signing who comes in as a squad player to begin with, before eventually becoming more of a key figure as time passes, and as his level of maturity as a footballer grows. To have already played nearly 20 times for a club of Juve's stature says a lot about his potential, and he has also represented England at five different youth team levels, including winning three caps for the Under-20s.

Predominantly a left-sided player, the former Chelsea youngster's ability is summed up by the fact that a return to Stamford Bridge has been mooted, while financial powerhouses Manchester City and Newcastle United have also been in the conversation when it comes to his next move.

Bringing in a young homegrown player is always exciting for an English club, in terms of hitting their quota and having a big talent from his homeland in the squad, so the idea of Iling-Junior in a Villa shirt is very exciting, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

At worst, he could simply come in and not fulfill his potential, but on the plus side, the Villans could acquire his signature before others manage to swoop in, snapping up a huge talent in the process.

Leeds United: First-Team Defender Set To Seal Elland Road Exit

Experienced defender Liam Cooper is set to leave Leeds United this summer, according to a journalist in the Middle East. The 31-year-old has been at Elland Road since 2014, but looks set to finally bid farewell to the Yorkshire club.

Where is Liam Cooper going?

Cooper is set to end his nine-year stay at Leeds this summer, with an agreement reached on personal terms with Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah, according to journalist Abu Faisal, via MOT Leeds News.

The defender is set to leave after an impressive nine years, which featured a promotion back to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, before the Yorkshire club ultimately suffered relegation back down to the Championship at the end of the previous campaign.

Now back in England's second tier, it looks as though Leeds will have to earn promotion at the first time of asking without the experience of Cooper in their side.

The veteran defender has agreed to join Al-Qadisiyah after the club finished 11th in the Saudi First Division – Saudi Arabia's second tier – last season, and has the job of taking them far closer to promotion.

Cooper will, of course, join up with Premier League legend Robbie Fowler if he completes the move this summer. The former Leeds and Liverpool forward has taken up the managerial role at the club.

How can Leeds replace Liam Cooper?

Leeds United defender Liam Cooper.

Replacing Cooper's experience won't be easy, but when it comes to the work done on the pitch, the defender only made 18 league appearances for the Yorkshire club last season, so his impact in the side could certainly be replicated by others.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Karl Robinson believed that Cooper looked ready and willing to take Leeds back to the Premier League recently, telling TalkSport, via Leeds Live: “I tell you what, you’ve got Luke Ayling, you’ve got Liam Cooper, you’ve got Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford, just really good lads who have obviously been promoted with them, felt the pain of the relegation.

“At the end of the game against Tottenham, Liam Cooper’s stood up and everyone was down and a little bit struggling with what’s just happened and he actually said a few words.

“And I thought to myself, do you know what, there’s a proper man, someone who literally said, ‘If you don’t want to be here next year, don’t come back.’

“I sort of looked at him and you could see there was a steeliness in his eyes that he was so determined to drag Leeds United back to the Premier League.”

Perhaps summing up the Scotland international's leadership qualities more than anything, Robinson's quotes make it clear that Leeds will miss Cooper's presence in the dressing room.

On the pitch, it could come down to young players to step up and make their mark, particularly Charlie Cresswell.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan in the Championship at Millwall, so already carries plenty of experience in England's second division. After missing out on a play-off place with the London club on the final day of last season, too, Cresswell will be keen to make up for that failure by securing promotion at Elland Road in the coming campaign.

Rangers Plot Move For £10k-p/w "Threat"

Glasgow Rangers are now turning their attention to signing a defender or two before the summer transfer window closes in just a few weeks.

Michael Beale has already made nine new signings so far, yet just two of them are defenders and given the major mix-up in the box that led to Kilmarnock scoring the winner during the opening 2023/24 Premiership fixture, this area is now a priority.

A recent update has emerged in their pursuit of a defender, with Beale diverting his attention to the English Championship…

Who could Rangers sign this summer?

The Gers showed interest in Jake Cooper back in January and they have kept tabs on him since 2018, when Steven Gerrard was in charge, suggesting that Beale knows the Millwall star rather well.

A fresh update from Football Insider has now claimed that Beale has now ‘set his sights’ on securing his signature before the end of the window.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

The Englishman is heading into the final year of his current contract at the club and thus could potentially be lured north of the border for an affordable fee.

Could Jake Cooper improve Rangers?

Beale has five centre-backs to choose from, yet Ben Davies may not have a future at Ibrox.

The former Liverpool defender has been told that he is free to depart the Light Blues following just a year at the club.

2022/23 wasn’t exactly the season Davies had in mind upon joining the Gers last summer, as he ranked way down in 14th position across the squad for overall Sofascore match rating in the Premiership (6.94) while he ranked seventh for interceptions (0.8) and third for clearances (two) per game, failing to have the desired outcome that Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Beale expected.

Rangers defender Ben Davies.

Cooper, in comparison, ranked sixth in the Millwall squad for overall match rating, while also ranking fifth for interceptions (1.2) and first for clearances (3.1) per game, clearly suggesting that he could be an improvement on Davies this season.

It wasn’t just his defensive ability which has obviously caught Beale’s eye over the previous few months, but the fact he can also chip in with the odd goal and assist too.

Indeed, last term, Cooper registered six goal contributions – three goals and three assists – and during his spell in the Championship with the club, there has only been one season out of six where he has failed to score three goals.

It’s no wonder he was lauded as a “threat” by Paul Heckingbottom in 2022. Davies on the other hand, registered just one assist across 38 matches, failing to provide the same attacking threat as Cooper throughout the season.

The £10k-per-week centre-back may not be the marquee name that the supporters will want to see arrive at Ibrox in the coming weeks, yet he offers not only a wonderful defensive acumen but is also capable of posing as something of a weapon at set pieces.

Beale obviously knows all about him and with the opportunity to secure his signature on the cheap, it could be a smart investment by the 42-year-old.

Man United Eyeing £152k-p/w Midfielder

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and they appear to have the advantage over one Premier League rival when it comes to a potential transfer.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been busy so far this summer with big-money moves for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. There could be further business before the September 1 deadline, though, however, that may depend on any Old Trafford departures.

A new midfielder could be on the cards should a number of players move on, with Sofyan Amrabat and Amadou Onana two players heavily linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Another player who has been of interest earlier in the year is Gravenberch, and it looks as if United could be back in for the 21-year-old.

According to Foot Mercato, Man United, alongside rivals Liverpool, ‘have reactivated the track leading to the Dutch international’. The report claims that no offer has been made so far, however, Gravenberch, should he leave Munich, would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Anfield.

andre-ryan-gravenberch-liverpool-transfer-news-premier-league

Who is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027. The Netherlands U21 international left Ajax for Bayern Munich just last year and has made 33 appearances for the Bundesliga champions.

Prior to that, Gravenberch, on £152,000-a-week, made more than 100 appearances for Ajax so has played plenty of first team football early into his career.

He has also came in for praise from former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who suggested last year that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers", saying:

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Therefore, should Man United miss out on Amrabat or Onana, then perhaps a move for Gravenberch could be one to watch and a potential shrewd transfer by Old Trafford chiefs.

You’d expect he’ll only get better with age, and he has already worked under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, with all of his Ajax appearances coming under the United manager.

The 6ft 2 midfielder has been compared to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham over the past 12 months, as per FBref, and statistically, has also impressed.

Compared to midfielders, Gravenberch has ranked in the top 10% for tackles in midfield and attacking zones, shot-creating actions and long pass completion, showing his ability in a number of areas. He also ranks highly for carries into the final third and progressive passes received, so Ten Hag may view the midfielder as an ideal addition to challenge the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen, making this one to watch.

Newcastle: Howe must now unleash £80k-p/w "livewire"

Newcastle United might have lost against Manchester City last time out in the Premier League, but Eddie Howe will be delighted with his side's application and will be confident of emulating last season's success and forging ahead with another prosperous year.

The Magpies qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish, and opened their 2023/24 account with an incisive 5-1 victory over Aston Villa at St. James' Park.

Howe's side did indeed lose 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium last week, but the performance was promising once again and now, returning to home turf, the Tyneside team await Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp's side looking to reclaim the Champions League spot Newcastle have swiped.

What is the Newcastle team news vs Liverpool?

Ahead of this afternoon's anticipated tie, Howe said that he hopes for barrelling midfielder Joelinton to be available against the Reds despite suffering a knock against Manchester City.

The 45-year-old also revealed that while Joe Willock is "making good progress" as he recovers from a hamstring problem, the former Arsenal starlet is still not ready for match day consideration.

The club's versatile signing Lewis Hall, who completed a £35m move from Chelsea earlier this week (on an initial loan), could also make his debut for the club, though the teenage talent is lacking match fitness and is unlikely to start.

Harvey Barnes is yet to make his full debut for Newcastle after his £39m acquisition from relegated Leicester City last month, and having impressed through his two cameos thus far, might finally earn his chance.

Will Harvey Barnes start against Liverpool?

While Leicester suffered relegation from the Premier League last year, Barnes was one of the standout stars and posted 13 goals in the top flight and was hailed as a "livewire" by pundit Alan Hutton.

It was this clinical ability and directness that persuaded Howe to bolster his ranks with the dynamic ace, who offers a different kind of threat to the mercurial Allan Saint-Maximin, who joined Al Ahli for £23m in July.

Barnes' qualities were showcased most emphatically as he entered the fray in the 68th minute against Villa, replacing Anthony Gordon, and stamping his mark with a match-best Sofascore rating of 8.5, clinching a goal and assist and making two key passes.

The Chronicle's Lee Ryder remarked that the performance "justifies" Howe's decision to demand the transfer, and while he was benched once again against the Citizens, he completed 92% of his passes and unleashed a shot on target during his second appearance in black and white.

Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes.

Against Liverpool, Newcastle are going to have to take their chances to bypass Alisson's goal, and given that Barnes ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals per 90, as per FBref, they would certainly have a good chance of doing so with him on the pitch.

The £80k-per-week phenom, who has been described as "incredible" by former boss Brendan Rodgers, must now be provided the platform to shine, and while he does not boast the finest record against the Merseyside outfit, scoring just once from seven outings, he could now be in position to wreak havoc against Klopp's squad.

Barnes is a player who has scored once despite only playing 56 minutes of Premier League action for the Toon, and considering that he has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Klopp, it's clear that Newcastle's forthcoming opposition fear the qualities at the 25-year-old's disposal.

With Newcastle now in a position to push for three points against an outfit of Liverpool's ilk, Howe must opt to give Barnes his first start since joining this summer, and by making such a move, the home side might just conclude the evening affair in rapture.

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