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A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s efforts to land a director of football…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s Brighton reporter Andy Naylor, the Magpies have held talks with Brighton’s technical director Dan Ashworth over a move to St. James’ Park.

The report claims that a decision is not believed to be imminent on his future, whilst mentioning that the Seagulls gave permission to Newcastle to speak with him.

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this news as it suggests that they are inching closer to landing a director of football. Whilst it may not be happening in the immediate future, it shows that the wheels have been set in motion and PIF are looking to the future in terms of where they want to go with the club.

Ashworth could be the man to come in and sculpt the side moving forward with decisions on matters on and off the pitch, whilst working alongside Howe to create a successful team. That is why this is such an important move for the new owners and why supporters will be delighted that they are making progress in their efforts to bring the Brighton man in.

Seagulls reporter Aden-Jay Wood previously Tweeted: “If Dan Ashworth goes (which I think he will), it will be a huge shame. Ashworth has almost singlehandedly changed Brighton’s approach both on and off the field and would be very, very difficult to replace.”

This suggests that he is the right man for PIF to appoint as he has managed to achieve success in turning a club around with Brighton, and that is yet a further reason why the Toon Army will be pleased with this news.

Nick Hammond has already been appointed to oversee the January window, which means that there is no rush for a deal to be completed for Ashworth. The ex-Reading chief has arrived on a short-term basis to assist the manager this month as the Magpies attempt to bolster their squad and he has got off to the best possible start.

Kieran Trippier is poised to sign on a permanent transfer from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, six months after starring for England as they reached the final of the European Championships. The former Tottenham full-back averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.20 and provided six assists in the league last term for the Spanish side, showing the quality he possesses as a right-back.

This shows that Hammond is doing a fine job, so far, and Newcastle don’t need to rush Ashworth’s appointment and can, therefore, bide their time with him. Whether this means that he remains on the south coast until the end of the campaign or joins the Toon at the end of the window remains to be seen, but the fact that there have already been talks between the two parties will surely excite the supporters.

AND in other news, “Under discussion..”: Luke Edwards drops big NUFC transfer claim that’ll excite fans…

Manchester United have not been as active as expected during this transfer window so far, although they have been linked with a number of players over the last few months as Ralf Rangnick’s side have struggled to chase down a top four spot so far this season.

What’s the word?

Journalist Alex Crook has given his insight to the speculation surrounding United potentially signing Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria during this month’s transfer window.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he revealed: “I think if they did that, it’d be to keep him out of the clutches of the likes of Liverpool. I think certainly there’s been talks between United and his representatives.

“No fee agreed yet, and there would be a minimal fee, I think it’d be less than £10 million to sign him this month.”

It was reported by SPORT1 this week that United had made contact with the midfielder and commenced talks, but there doesn’t appear to be any official moves made by the club as of yet.

Fans will be buzzing

Signing a defensive midfielder has been a priority at Old Trafford for a long time, and numerous fans have continuously identified this issue in poor performances over the last 18 months.

Nothing has materialised in the way of filling the position with a high-quality upgrade, but if the club can bring Zakaria to Manchester, it would likely leave many Red Devils supporters buzzing.

The 25-year-old is composed on the ball, his 90.1% passing success rate this season bettered only by Jesse Lingard at United. He is also adept at breaking up play, making 1.2 interceptions per game – a higher average than any of Rangnick’s current midfielders.

He is not afraid to break forward, either, averaging 1.2 shots per match this term. Remarkably, that is a slightly better return than United forward Marcus Rashford (1.1).

The Red Devils remain in a decent position to change the direction of their campaign, still competing in the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as being in contention to finish inside the top four with almost half of the Premier League season still to go and only six points off West Ham, who currently occupy fourth spot.

Adding a player like Zakaria, who has won the majority of his aerial duels this season, into an oft-cited weakness of the team would surely help United to progress in the tournaments in which they are still competing, as well as the challenge of securing a top four spot in the Premier League.

In other news: Rangnick reveals quadruple selection boost ahead of Aston Villa clash

Leeds United have enquired about signing Djed Spence, according to reports…

What’s the word?

“Teams in the Premier League and across Europe have been enquiring about the availability of Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence during this window,” revealed Sky Sports reporter Tom White (via Football Daily).

“It’s believed that Arsenal have made their interest known as they look to add competition for places at right-back. Leeds have also made an enquiry. The 21-year-old is actually a Middlesbrough player but is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.”

The Mirror believe the young full-back is valued at around £10m after impressing against the Gunners during their shock FA Cup victory nearly two weeks ago.

Ayling backup

As an attack-minded wing-back, Spence would be a really intriguing signing for Leeds and one that could well benefit manager Marcelo Bielsa tenfold.

The Argentinian head coach only really has one senior option on the right-hand side of defence in vice-captain Luke Ayling, who has missed games through injury this campaign. The likes of Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton have had to deputise out of position, as a result.

After falling down the pecking order under Neil Warnock at Boro, the 6-foot defender has been a standout star under Steve Cooper at the City Ground, where he currently ranks as their fifth-best performer in the Championship.

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As per WhoScored, Spence has averaged 1.6 tackles and interceptions per game, showing his defensive stability, but also a squad-high 1.8 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per game, which goes to show his influence in the final third, too.

Despite things turning south under the veteran boss, Warnock was once full of praise for the young starlet, comparing him to two of England’s top right-backs.

“You look at one or two or the others now, Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool and Wan-Bissaka at Man United, they are all that type,” he said. “He has got enormous ability and when you have that ability it’s criminal if you don’t get to the very top.”

His performance against Arsenal earlier in the month was described as an “incredible display” by football.london writer Connor Humm, so it suggests that he is more than capable of competing with the big boys, should a move ensue this year.

With a lack of solid options behind his star man, Bielsa could really do with Spence and at just £10m for a homegrown talent, it would be an absolute steal.

AND in other news, Deal agreed: Leeds eye bargain swoop for £4.5m-rated “pitbull”, Bielsa will be buzzing…

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has been giving his thoughts on Leeds United’s pursuit of RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Where we stand

At this moment in time, it seems like Aaronson or nothing for the Whites heading into the final days of the January window.

Any interest in Ronaldo Vieira is now off after Sampdoria decided they would like to keep the former Whites man, and Victor Orta is running out of time to find alternative options for Marcelo Bielsa.

Orta has made the American a key target though, with Leeds having an initial £15m offer turned down. They’ve since returned with a £20m bid, btu Salzburg are yet to accept despite Leeds remaining hopeful of agreeing on a deal.

The Latest: Phillips reacts

Phillips, who regularly contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the pursuit of Aaronson.

He admitted he would be ‘very surprised’ if a transfer went through, labelling it as ‘crazy’ – he feels the club should be after a striker instead.

“I would say that’s crazy.

“Another attacking midfielder? When they haven’t got a second senior striker it makes no sense to me.

“I don’t think an attacking midfielder should be the priority right now. I think a striker and then a holding midfielder is what is needed. Most people would agree that’s a better option.

“Unless Aaronson can play in a false nine role, the money would be better spent in other areas.

“It stood out in the game against Newcastle that Leeds need another striker. That game highlighted it. I would be very surprised if that move goes through.”

The Verdict: Both needed

Phillips’ comments on ‘another attacking midfielder’ are rather strange when you take into consideration Leeds currently don’t have an out and out attacking midfielder on the books at Elland Road.

However, Leeds have struggled without Patrick Bamford’s focal point in attack, so a new forward is probably actually needed as well as Aaronson, not instead of.

It doesn’t seem likely though that they would suddenly splash the cash on two big signings, given the lack of concrete links to forward targets, so the capture of Aaronson alone may be the best case scenario for Leeds fans in the coming days.

In other news: Orta now eyeing record Leeds signing for Bielsa in 12-goal international – report. 

Wolves are interested in making a deadline day move for Paris Saint-Germain youngster Djeidi Gassama, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Gassama an emerging talent

The 18-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Ligue 1 giants but that’s not to say that he isn’t making waves in France.

Gassama has shone for PSG’s under-19s, scoring five goals in just six UEFA Youth League appearances this season, also chipping in with two assists.

It appears as though the attacker could be on the move before January ends, with a new rumour claiming as much.

The Latest: Wolves keen on move for Gassama

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Wolves are one of three clubs eyeing up a deadline day move for Gassama, along with FC Basel and Hamburg.

It is reported that the trio ‘surveyed with the player’s entourage for a loan with an option to buy’, as Bruno Lage looks to do some last-gasp business.

The Verdict: One for the future

Gassama probably wouldn’t be coming in as a readymade starter for Wolves this season, but his aforementioned goalscoring record speaks volumes about his potential.

It is always important that Wanderers plan for the future, rather than simply basking in their current success under Lage, and the PSG youngster fits the bill in that respect.

A left winger by trade, the teenager can be considered someone who could eventually battle with Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan for first team minutes at Molineux. Of course, that is if the Old Gold can persaude him to swap Paris for the Black Country.

In other news, one Wolves player could leave on deadline day. Find out who it is here.

Ange Postecoglou has suggested that Tom Rogic will be available for selection in Celtic’s upcoming Premiership clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Football Scotland, the 56-year-old revealed that, despite having only recently returned from international duty with Australia, the attacking midfielder does not require a rest from first-team football and will be available for Sunday afternoon’s trip to Motherwell.

Speaking about the availability of the 29-year-old, Postecoglou said: “He’s back and he’s ready to play.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Rogic has been for the Bhoys so far this season, the news that the midfielder will be available for selection for the trip to Fir Park tomorrow is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 18 Premiership outings in the current campaign, the £1.35m-rated Australian has been in fantastic form for the Hoops, having already bagged three goals, provided six assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, along with taking 2.1 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game. These returns have seen the £15k-per-week midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00.

Furthermore, with Rogic’s fellow attacking midfielder David Turnbull still unavailable because of his hamstring injury, the return of the 29-year-old will undoubtedly be very welcome for Postecoglou, who will certainly be hoping that Rogic and his Celtic team-mates can continue their remarkable recent form with yet another positive result against Motherwell.

Rangers face a challenging test against third-placed Hearts tomorrow, and should the Bhoys’ Glasgow rivals once again slip up, a victory at Fir Park could well see the Hoops move clear in the Premiership title race – an outcome which would undoubtedly delight everyone involved with the Parkhead club.

In other news – Forget Dembele: Postecoglou must now unleash “generational” Celtic prodigy who has “no fear”

West Ham have been backed to make a move for Southampton striker Armando Broja, with the youngster currently impressing on loan from Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Broja impressing for Saints

The 20-year-old moved to St Mary’s Stadium on a temporary basis last summer, in order to earn more playing time away from Stamford Bridge.

Broja has impressed for Saints, leading the line well and scoring six goals in 11 Premier League starts, also chipping in with two Carabao Cup strikes.

It seems unlikely that the Albanian will play a big role at Chelsea for the foreseeable future – they have £100m Romelu Lukaku, £72m Kai Havertz and £48m Timo Werner to keep happy – and with West Ham eyeing up summer additions, he has been backed as a potential target.

The Latest: Broja backed to make move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Alex Crook of talkSPORT claimed the Hammers should consider making a move for the young striker, even though another year on loan at Southampton appears most likely:

“That’s the most likely outcome [another year at Southampton], but teams like West Ham and Newcastle would be foolish not to at least have a try.”

This comes after claims that an absolute promise has been made to David Moyes from GSB, ensuring he will have cash to splash with a proper strategy in place to attack the market this summer.

The Verdict: Shrewd summer signing

While it may be difficult to snap up Broja permanently, given his potential ceiling at Chelsea and the fact his contract there is until 2026, a loan move could add much-needed attacking depth to Moyes’ squad.

The youngster has been hailed as ‘dangerous’ by Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and he has won an average of 2.9 aerial duels per game in the league this season, showing the type of physicality which could make him the perfect deputy to Michail Antonio.

The Hammers have long needed an adequate support for the Jamaica star, and Broja’s age and profile suggest they should look on further.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a big West Ham transfer claim. Read more here.

Leeds United have been urged to ‘cut their losses’ with on-loan Whites winger Helder Costa and sell him permanently at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Costa unwanted at Leeds

The 28-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Marcelo Bielsa last summer, being loaned out to La Liga outfit Valencia.

Costa has struggled to get going in Spain this season, having failed to score and registering just one assist in 15 league appearances to date.

As things stand, the Portuguese forward is set to return to Leeds at the end of the campaign, having scored eight goals in 71 matches for the Whites.

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The Latest: Whites urged to sell winger

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke said that Leeds must sell Costa for good this summer, bringing an end to his time at Elland Road.

The journalist stated: “I think Leeds need to cut their losses, see what money they can get in for him and use that to maybe strengthen the squad elsewhere, because Helder Costa doesn’t figure in the plans of Bielsa going forward, so it makes sense for all parties to move on.”

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The Verdict: Makes complete sense

It seems that Costa has no future at Leeds whatsoever, even if Bielsa were to be replaced by a new manager once the summer arrives.

For that reason, it makes perfect sense for the Whites to try and recoup a fee for the winger, with his current deal not expiring until the summer of 2024 and his former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo once describing him as ‘immense’.

It would generate some transfer funds for Leeds, while it would allow Costa to find a new permanent club and enjoy a new chapter in his career, so we’re very much with O’Rourke on this one.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on bringing in one key figure this summer. Find out who it is here.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been left ‘delighted’ for West Ham following the draw for the Europa League round of 16.

The Lowdown: West Ham draw Sevilla in Europa League…

As confirmed, the Hammers and David Moyes are set for a real blockbuster clash in March following Friday’s developments.

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Indeed, the round of 16 Europa League draw has pitted West Ham against La Liga giants Sevilla, the most successful club in the competition’s history.

Having clinched the trophy a record six times, double that of the joint-second most successful teams in the tournament (Transfermarkt), Moyes and co will face a stern test against the Spanish side, but Kenny insists that the draw is actually good news for the Irons.

The Latest: Kenny thrilled…

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League goalkeeper claimed that the high-profile encounter is exactly what West Ham qualified for in the first place, saying:

“That’s why you challenge to get into Europe.

“Incredible, what a game that will be for both sets of fans. It’s a massive game and probably the toughest they could have got.

“But that’s why they are here, you want to test yourself against the best and these guys are the best in this competition.

“I’m already looking forward to that. They have some huge players there.

“Martial is there but West Ham will know how to play against him.

“I’m delighted for them though. Sevilla are a massive club and West Ham aren’t flying out to the far end of Europe to play some nobodies.

“I’ll tell you what, imagine if they win. Maybe they can, it’s possible.

“It will be tough but you never know if they turn up.”

The Verdict: Big nights ahead…

Given the revenue it could bring to West Ham, not to mention the excitement of the tie for the club’s supporters, we believe that Kenny has a point.

Indeed, if Moyes’ men do get past Sevilla, it will make the occasion all the more momentous as West Ham aim to make history on their European run this season.

A couple of very big nights for the Hammers lay in store on 10 and 17 March.

In other news: Top club insider claims West Ham could now back Moyes with signing of  ‘world class’ £50m star, find out more here.

Wolves have struggled to fill the void that was left when Diogo Jota departed for Liverpool, with Pedro Neto showing encouraging signs before being hit by a fractured kneecap injury, suffered against Fulham last April.

With on-loan Francisco Trincao making zero Premier League goal contributions this season and Daniel Podence making just three, Wolves are crying out for a creative forward or midfielder to really bolster their attack.

Should it take Neto a couple of months to really get back to full fitness and match sharpness, there could be an opportunity for 19-year-old Chem Campbell to receive some first-team minutes, after hitting a perfect hat-trick for Wolves U23’s just a couple of days ago.

Taking on Reading’s youth team, the attack-minded midfielder demonstrated not just his superb technical ability with a “stunning” free-kick, but also his footballing intelligence to make the right run to convert a cross, as well as superb athleticism and improvisation to head home a deep cross.

A composed individual with a mature attitude, he clearly has remained grounded despite the performance, and recent attention in him – saying after the game: “I’m just taking each game as it comes.

“I’m trying to have more shots and I probably could have had even more shots today and more goals, but I’ve got the three, so I can’t really complain.”

Campbell, a former Wales U17 international, has scored five goals and provided two assists in the Premier League 2 this campaign, and was once targeted by Borussia Dortmund before being tied down to a new contract at Molineux.

Once described as a player with “the proverbial world at his feet” and someone who “catches the eye” by The Athletic, you can understand why fans are getting excited by his development and potential.

Despite naturally being more of a central attacking midfielder, he has also demonstrated his versatility, as he has regularly been deployed by Wolves U23s manager James Collins as a left-winger in a 3-4-3 formation – to “mirror” the same set-up boss Bruno Lage has regularly been setting up the first team in.

With the West Midlands club still in the hunt for a European place next season – potentially even a spot in the Champions League, it would be a bit of a risk to begin relying on a teenager, but considering the lack of quality and creativity in the final third from their wingers, an opportunity for Campbell surely isn’t too far off.

In other news: Fosun struck dream Wolves deal on “dominant” £12.5m-rated gem who’s been “massive”…