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Journalist Lee Ryder has revealed that Newcastle United were jeered by the Crystal Palace home fans even after the game went they got on the coach to leave London.

What’s the word?

On Saturday evening, the Magpies took on the Eagles at Selhurst Park in their latest Premier League fixture. In the end, the two teams had to settle for just a point following a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Newcastle can be relatively satisfied with the point as it allows them to maintain their current unbeaten steak of 15 league matches, though it does mean they have now drawn three of their last four games in the English top-flight.

Still, coming into the match in good form, the home side wanted to make the visit as uncomfortable as possible and were extremely hostile towards Eddie Howe and co throughout their trip to Croydon.

Indeed, in an article for ChronicleLive, Ryder noted: “Newcastle left the field to jeers and obscene chants from Palace as home fans served up a hostile farewell as the Toon players walked down the tunnel at Selhurst Park. This continued as players boarded the team bus with Palace fans waiting in the street long after the game.

“The Holmesdale Fanatics waiting outside hurled offensive comments towards the players as they set off for home. There were no objects thrown but the Palace faithful made it clear what they thought as United players began refuelling with post-game meals on board the coach.”

Time to act?

As per BBC Sport, Newcastle dominated possession, and also had more shots on and off target, as well as having 15 corners compared to Palace’s three. However. the home side did make 13 fouls, which six more than their opposition – so it’s clear Patrick Vieira’s men were up for the physical battle.

And that sort of in-your-face attitude seems to be a continuation of what the supporters brought off the field. Even so, manager Howe didn’t seem to mind too much.

Indeed, amid it all, he told the press: ‘We’re not here to be popular – we’re here to compete.”

Of course, rival clubs may well have a particular dislike for the Magpies due to their new owners and the unsavoury connections they have with sportswashing and Saudi Arabia.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Martin Zubimendi to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report from Spain, who claim that, despite the Real Sociedad central midfielder reportedly having rejected the chance to join the Gunners after the Premier League side offered to pay the 23-year-old’s £52.5m release clause this winter, Mikel Arteta remains keen on a move for the Spain international at the end of the current campaign.

However, the report goes on to suggest that Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of the playmaker, with Xavi Hernandez reported to view Zubimendi as the heir to Sergio Busquets in the heart of his Barcelona side – with the LaLiga outfit also believed to be keen on a deal to bring the Sociedad starlet to the Camp Nou in the summer transfer window.

Busquets 2.0

Considering the sheer amount of potential Zubimendi quite clearly possesses, coupled with central midfield arguably being the area of Arteta’s squad that currently lacks the most strength in depth, it is not difficult to understand why the Spaniard would be keen on a deal to bring the midfielder to The Emirates at the end of the season.

Indeed, over his 17 LaLiga appearances in the current campaign, the £22m-rated talent has been in sensational form in the heart of Imanol Alguacil’s side, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating two big chances, in addition to making an average of 0.5 key passes, playing 2.1 long balls and completing 40.9 total passes – at a success rate of 85% – per game.

The £50k-per-week wonderkid has also caught the eye in more workmanlike metrics, making an average of 1.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and winning 5.2 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per match.

These returns have seen the 23-year-old – who reporter Jose Alberto Chozas dubbed “exciting” and journalist Jacque Talbot labelled “the new Busquets” – average a simply sensational Sofascore statistical rating of 6.95, currently ranking him as third-placed Sociedad’s sixth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football.

As such, with Zubimendi evidently being a midfielder who is incredibly creative in possession, strong in the tackle and excellent at reading the game, it is easy to see why the youngster has drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Busquets, while it is also not hard to comprehend why Arteta would be keen to add the Spanish starlet to his midfield ranks in north London next summer.

Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay won’t be leaving the club in the January transfer window, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: United pair out of favour

Erik ten Hag has made an impressive start to life as United manager, but Maguire and McTominay have had to settle for squad roles during the campaign. They have only made 11 starts between them in the Premier League in 2022/23, with the likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen often being preferred.

Both Maguire and McTominay have been linked with exits from Old Trafford, but a telling update has emerged regarding their respective futures.

The Latest: Duo set to stay put

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth claimed that the United duo would be staying put this month.

The Sky Sports reporter stated:

“I know there’s been lots of talk about Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay being interesting to other clubs. The information I have is that they will both be staying.”

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The Verdict: Summer exits would make sense

Keeping hold of Maguire and McTominay in January makes complete sense for United in terms of retaining squad depth as they battle across four different competitions.

That being said, a summer exit for the British duo – who have a combined weekly wage of £250,000 – would be the correct decision, with the Red Devils going up a gear this season while that pair have been mostly on the periphery.

Both Maguire and McTominay could continue to enjoy impressive careers elsewhere – they have a combined 89 caps for England and Scotland respectively – but their sparsity of starts in recent months would suggest that they are seen as squad players at best at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag’s sparing use of them this season indicates that they are not quite up to the level required at United now, and it is difficult to see that changing before the summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers sealed yet another January signing under Julen Lopetegui recently, with midfielder Joao Gomes joining from Flamengo in a £15m deal, and it represents another excellent piece of business by the 56-year-old.

Could there be another late deal or two to come? With the Old Gold struggling near the foot of the Premier League table, their manager will surely be keen to build for the future with another signing.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently spoke to Football FanCast about Wolves’ potential interest in West Bromwich Albion right-back Ethan Ingram, saying: “Wolves are in the market for a new right-back and are keeping tabs on Ethan Ingram’s situation at the Hawthorns.”

With less than 18 months left on his current contract and Football Insider claiming that an exit could be on the cards, the Molineux outfit may just be ready to swoop with a late bid before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.

Although the 19-year-old wouldn’t be expected to jump straight into the first team, he could become a regular in the future, and the right-back position is one where Wolves have struggled this season.

Nelson Semedo has had a season to forget, losing possession on average 8.2 times per match while ranking as Wolves’ 17th-best performer for his displays throughout the campaign according to Sofascore. Indeed, his shortcoming have previously been documented on Football FanCast and highlighted by journalist Alex Dicken.

It’s evident that a plan is required for not only the present but also the future on the right-hand side of defence, and Ingram could be an excellent option over the next couple of years.

Although Ingram is yet to make his Championship debut for WBA, he played against Derby County in the Carabao Cup earlier this season and showed glimpses of his potential during a 45-minute cameo.

He appeared comfortable on the ball, as evidenced by his 39 touches, while he made three clearances, won 75% of his aerial duels and was dribbled past only once, proving that the occasion didn’t faze him in the slightest.

He also provides an attacking threat and, following a 1-0 win for WBA U23s against their Sunderland counterparts last season, journalist Josh Bunting was impressed with the youngster, tweeting: “Ethan Ingram good at going up and down from full-back, also aggressive and I love that type of player.”

Lopetegui does seem intent on planning ahead for the future, and by signing Ingram, the Spaniard could have a player ready to compete for a place in Wolves’ starting XI sooner rather than later.

Tottenham are targeting Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret and even made contact in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Lloris successor…

Ahead of the summer, it is believed that Spurs are weighing the possibility of signing a long-term replacement for current number one Hugo Lloris.

The France international, who is under contract until 2024, has been on the decline this season as Antonio Conte’s Premier League top four chasers look to the future.

Jordon Pickford and Illan Meslier have been mentioned as potential targets this year with Italian journalist Ciro Venerato now revealing another name.

The Latest: Tottenham target Meret…

According to the Italian reporter, via Tutto Napoli, Spurs contacted the Serie A shot-stopper’s entourage in January and are ‘interested’ in signing him.

This comes as Meret is set to decide his future at the end of this season, whether to renew his current Napoli deal or head elsewhere, with the Lilywhites now emerging as suitors.

The Verdict: Right man?

The 25-year-old has been in great form for Napoli this season, making some crucial saves against big opposition and being the first name on Luciano Spalletti’s team sheet.

Meret has started all 20 Serie A games as the south Italian side lead Inter Milan by 13 points at the top of the table.

The 6 foot 3 shot stopper has been an ever-present on their title charge with both members of the press and esteemed football pundits praising Meret in recent seasons.

Udinese legend Antonio Di Natale even called him the ‘new Buffon’ back in 2018 while journalist Roberto Rojas, far more recently, added that he is a ‘stellar goalkeeper’.

Meret’s deal also expires in 2024, putting Spurs in a strong position to negotiate a reasonable summer fee if the player hasn’t extended by then.

Stephen McGowan believes that it looks unlikely Leeds United will try and appoint Ange Postecoglou as their next manager.

The Lowdown: Leeds scrambling around

It is a sign of the absolute mess which has occurred behind the scenes at Leeds that owner Andrea Radrizzani has been speaking to fans on Twitter and pleading for them to give the club more time to find a manager.

Earlier in the week Radrizzani may well have got fans excited by saying there would be some white smoke by Wednesday evening but that was clearly just an empty promise and another case of him misleading the fans.

The Whites have seemingly been unsuccessful in their pursuit of both Carlos Corberan and Andoni Iraola, but now Arne Slot is seen as the number one candidate to replace Jesse Marsch, which could well reject the idea that Postecoglou won’t be moving to Elland Road.

The Latest: Postecoglou is not going to Leeds

McGowan, who covers Scottish football, has claimed on The Press Box podcast that is’ looking unlikely Postecoglou will leave Celtic for Leeds any time soon.

He said: (2:12) “I think there’s been a lot of heat, there’s been a lot of conversation but I’ve not really seen anything that would suggest to me that it’s likely to happen, I mean that could be famous last words but I just don’t think the timing is especially right for Ange Postecoglou.”

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The Verdict: Orta looks to be gunning for his man

It has indeed been reported that Leeds have looked at Postecoglou for a while and how he’s managed to turn Celtic around and assert them as the most dominant side in Scotland will certainly be admired and appreciated.

However, Postecoglou’s record outside of Scotland and in Europe since taking over at Celtic is the one red flag on his CV which may well have seen Leeds and Victor Orta turn their attention elsewhere.

If Leeds believe they can land someone better than Postecoglou who’s built Celtic up to overtake Rangers, then they must be a very good manager as the Australian coach has been hailed as ‘tremendous’ on Sky Sports recently.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will no doubt be considering his team selection ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup meeting at home to St Mirren, with the title-winning coach likely to be contemplating whether to rotate his charges for the visit of Stephen Robinson’s side.

One man who should well be exempt from dropping out of the side, however, is man of the moment, Aaron Mooy, with the experienced Aussie having been in truly “outstanding” form in recent months, according to his manager.

Having seemingly benefitted from his “immense” displays at the World Cup in Qatar, as per journalist Josh Bunting, the 32-year-old has forced his way firmly into the starting lineup of late, with previous regular Matt O’Riley having been usurped as the Old Firm outfit’s creative hub.

The former Huddersfield Town playmaker currently boasts a tally of six goals and six assists in all competitions so far this term, having most recently netted a delightful dinked effort in the win away at St Johnstone at the weekend.

The manner in which the 57-cap maestro – who has been described as a “leader” for his country by national team boss Graham Arnold – lofted the ball over the onrushing Remi Matthews was a testament to his burgeoning confidence, with it looking as if he is now “one of Celtic’s best”, according to writer Sacha Pisani.

This upcoming clash with the Buddies will seemingly allow the 5 foot 9 ace the chance to showcase just how far he has come since his initial struggles following his free transfer arrival, having been hooked at half-time in the meeting in Paisley back in September on what was his first league start for the club.

That rather limp showing from the £23k-per-week man – in which he failed to win any duels nor register any key passes – sparked notable criticism from former Parkhead hero, Stiliyan Petrov, who suggested that Mooy should have done better to track Mark O’Hara for the Buddies’ opener.

Another former Bhoys man, Charlie Nicholas, was also critical of Mooy’s display at the time, stating that the new man had looked ‘off the pace’ whenever he had featured in the early weeks of the season.

Since enjoying a regular run in the side following the league’s resumption in December, however, the one-time Brighton and Hove Albion gem has begun to truly showcase his class, firmly quashing those doubts over his suitability to life in Glasgow.

The aim will be for the in-form asset to maintain that hot streak on Saturday evening against one of his former employers, with the Saints no doubt set to be fearful of facing a player who looks somewhat unstoppable at present.

Leeds United remain managerless and are deep in relegation trouble after they were beaten by Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

Whilst it was the second strong showing against the Red Devils this week, the Yorkshire outfit desperately need to pick up points or risk going back to the Championship after just three years back in the big time.

Late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho extended the Whites’ winless run to nine straight matches in the Premier League. It also means that Leeds have scored just three goals in five outings too.

Patrick Bamford’s struggles since making a permanent comeback from injury have certainly continued…

How did Patrick Bamford do against Man Utd?

It was only one-and-a-half seasons ago that the Englishman had completed a prolific campaign in front of goal as he helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side to a ninth-placed finish with his 17 goals and seven assists.

Since then, injuries have wrecked his time in west Yorkshire and he’s returned as a shadow of himself post-surgery as this latest blank has made it four straight without a goal, via Transfermarkt.

This wretched record is doing Leeds more harm than good and with a club-record signing waiting in the wings, it could be an easy switch for any new manager to make.

Against United, Bamford mustered up fewer touches of the ball (16) than even goalkeeper Illan Meslier (31) – hardly a surprise given he was hooked before the hour mark but a rather damning indictment of just how ineffective he’s been.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who earns a reported £74k-per-week at Elland Road – missed one big chance at 0-0 and had that fallen to him during the 2020/21 season, then you’d imagine it would be buried, without fail.

The former Chelsea youth graduate also managed just four accurate passes from his 16 touches, which was the same number as his replacement managed in half the time, whilst just one effort was on target, via Sofascore.

If Leeds’ next manager is to turn the tide at Elland Road, then he’ll quickly need to find a solution in the final third, with Bamford misfiring once again. It’s been a frequent occurrence since his return, so perhaps it’s finally time to see what Georginio Rutter can offer.

AND in other news, Marsch downgrade: Orta could put the final nail in Leeds’ coffin with “clueless” 55y/o…

Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is likely to ‘stick around’ at Ibrox beyond the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Finland international’s contract north of the border isn’t set to expire until 2025, but his future has been in doubt for a large amount of time having fallen out of favour under previous manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Light Blues star was linked with respective moves to Nice and Salernitana last year, though with any kind of deal having not come to fruition, is still in the building.

Football Insider have reported that the 27-year-old could leave this summer after Michael Beale admitted that he would have to compete for a starting place with Nicolas Raskin, but a departure at this stage looks unlikely.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones delivered a significant update on Kamara’s immediate future at Rangers amid the exit rumours floating around for the last year.

“The stance I’ve heard on this ever since Beale came in is that he is a player he really trusts and would like to use as he steers his way through this season.

“And if we see enough of him between now and the end of the term, as I would expect us to, he will most likely stick around. There’s not the level of interest there once was either.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Kamara has featured in 12 of Beale’s 13 games since returning to Rangers, showing that he sees him as part of his long-term plans, which is why the club should keep hold of him.

The Teddy Bears ace has racked up 11 assists and nine goals during his time at Ibrox and is a useful option to have available with his versatility to play in both defensive and central midfield (Transfermarkt).

The Tampere native is also averaging a league pass success rate of 88.8%, highlighting his ability to dictate the game from the centre of the park.

Kamara was previously dubbed a ‘monster’ by former manager Steven Gerrard and there’s no doubting that he will continue to be an integral member of the squad should he stay put beyond the current campaign.

Jose Mourinho is a beloved and coveted name in west London, with the legendary Portuguese manager leading Chelsea to abundant success across two tenures, but signing the 60-year-old for a third spell would be a detrimental failure for owner Todd Boehly’s Blues project.

After taking ownership of the club last year and pumping incredible sums of cash into the transfer department, looking to reshape and remould a Blues outfit that fell to Liverpool at the final stage of both domestic cup competitions last term, but progress has plummeted to depths unforeseen at the season’s inception.

Languishing in tenth place in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of top-four, out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and trailing Borussia Dortmund following the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, Boehly will be highly disconcerted by the trajectory his affluent project has taken, and despite replacing Thomas Tuchel with Graham Potter in the early phases of the campaign, a second managerial change might now be necessary.

An emergency board meeting was held earlier this week to get to the bottom of the strife, with the club winning just one solitary match from the past ten contests, and a host of managerial replacements have subsequently been circulating.

On this list is none other than Mourinho, who led Chelsea to a wealth of silverware multiple times across his two times at the head of the table, but returning for the manager once again would be a calamitous move for the club.

Would signing Mourinho spell disaster?

Mourinho’s total time spent leading the ranks in west London totals over five years, taking charge for 184 matches during his first tenure and then 136 games over his second; for his labours, he has clinched gold in a plethora of tournaments, notably winning three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cup trophies with Chelsea.

In his first spell, his average PPM (points-per-match) was an incredible 2.23, before his second stay was marred by a dreadful final season that saw him sacked in December 2015 and lowered his average to a still impressive 1.94.

However, if Chelsea made a move for the icon once again, it might well echo that of another manager who endured multiple stints at the Bridge, that of Guus Hiddink, who was in fact brought in to replace Mourinho over seven years ago.

Hiddink won just ten of his 27 matches at the helm in his second spell at Chelsea as he attempted to dig the Blues out of their rut, and there will indeed be fears that the past might poignantly repeat itself if Boehly does not stick to his guns and look to wipe a new, fresh sheen over Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, making a move for Mourinho would be nothing more than “nostalgia repackaged”, according to journalist Daniel Childs, with the manager’s move to Chelsea’s heated rivals Tottenham Hotspur an indication that the relationship might now be closer to acrimonious than harmonious for the demanding support. 

Now managing AS Roma in Serie A, the footballing boss has won the UEFA Conference League with his outfit and now seeks to return the club to their rightful place in the Champions League, but a return to Chelsea could indeed hamper all three parties involved.

Despite the nature of his previous exit from Stamford Bridge, Mourinho, hailed as “incredible” by John Terry, will be eternally endeared by the swathes of Chelsea support, but that is how it should remain.

Given the flow of the river that currently dictates the west London club’s new era, the Blues must target a fresh approach, and not rehash old tricks.