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Mark Douglas has revealed what Eddie Howe has now told him about an injury to Newcastle United ace Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

Saint-Maximin did come off for Callum Wilson in the 79th minute of their 3-1 loss away at Liverpool in the Premier League in midweek because of an injury scare.

Of course, there is no denying the fact that he is such an important player to the team, as underlined by being their second-top scorer in the top flight with three goals, and has averaged the joint-most shots (two) and the most dribbles (4.1) per game, with WhoScored rating him as their best player (7.14) overall.

Nonetheless, with a game at home to the reigning champions Manchester City to come on Sunday afternoon, it will be interesting to see if he is deemed fit enough to play.

The Latest: What Howe has said…

Speaking to journalist Douglas for the inews newspaper, Howe has now revealed that he is ‘not sure’ whether the injury Saint-Maximin suffered is related to the ‘nasty’ tackle on him against the Reds or whether it is more muscular.

He did try to speak to the Frenchman about it, but did not get any clarification.

Howe now has his ‘fingers crossed’ for someone who he described is a ‘big player’ for the St. James’ Park faithful.

The Verdict: Big blow

It is a big, big blow if the North East club are without Saint-Maximin for any prolonged period of time.

He has already shown this season how key he is to the side, and with them currently fighting a relegation battle, they simply need their best players on the pitch.

That is no different for their clash against City tomorrow, and if the winger is confirmed to be out, then it is even more of an uphill task for them to take any points.

In other news, find out who looks certain to miss the City clash here!

Price tags today like Ben White’s are ridiculous, says former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Leeds are one club said to be interested in signing the Brighton defender this summer, but it is going to cost a lot of money to get him out of the Amex.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, the Whites will have to pay over £50m if they are to sign White, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Elland Road.

Arsenal are already said to have had a £40m bid turned down for the player, so it does indeed seem like Brighton are looking for the sort of money Castles has mentioned.

On White’s rumoured price tag, Palmer told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“All the price tags are ridiculous now. It’s supply and demand, you know, if somebody is willing to pay that, then that’s what you’ll get for the player. It’s not what the player’s valued at.

“No disrespect to the player. I think he had a fantastic season last season and he’s done really well, but clubs can actually pick a figure out because if they don’t want to sell you, they don’t have to sell you. And so they can pick a figure out and it’s whether that club’s prepared to go to that figure.

“There are very few players that go in the transfer market now that are actually worth the figure that the club’s paid. It’s all inflated prices.”

White certainly had a strong campaign. He averaged 1.7 interceptions per league game, which puts him only behind Yves Bissouma (1.8) in Brighton’s squad, as he thwarted attacks for his side (via WhoScored).

Paying £50m plus for the central defender, though, is questionable after one season in the top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to meet with Erik ten Hag over their managerial vacancy in the coming days…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano, who claimed that the 51-year-old Ajax boss is interested in listening to what Daniel Levy and the club have to offer, and he could be after a new challenge after winning everything domestically in the Netherlands.

The Dutchman has quickly emerged as a front-runner for the Spurs job after mooted number one target Julian Nagelsmann was confirmed as Bayern Munich’s next head coach, subsequently handing a huge blow to the north London outfit.

Time to forget Rodgers

Spurs must now push ahead with Ten Hag as he fits the bill of everything that Levy is seeking. The Guardian also believe that the Lilywhites chairman is seeking an ‘attack-minded’ coach to replace Jose Mourinho – he is ‘keen for the replacement to be modern in outlook and have strong credentials in the development of young players.’

That profile would not be too different to that of Mauricio Pochettino, and Ten Hag certainly falls into this bracket too. Whilst amassing plenty of silverware and a 73% win rate in Amsterdam, the former Bayern Munich B coach has gained a reputation for developing Ajax’s young stars from an early age.

They are all but confirmed as this season’s Eredivisie champions and they have done so with an average squad age of just 24.3. By comparison, Spurs’ average is 27 (fourth-oldest in the top flight) and no league minutes have been given to a single player under the age of 21 this term.

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Big-name players such as Frankie de Jong, Donny van de Beek and. Matthijs de Ligt have all gone onto earn the Dutch giants hefty profit in the transfer market, only showing how quickly they emerged as potential first team stars from the Ajax academy.

Ten Hag’s playing style should also meet the criteria, especially as it is largely inspired by Pep Guardiola and the late Johan Cruyff – “Total Football 2.0”, as it’s known.

He has said: “I learned a lot from Guardiola. His philosophy is sensational, what he did in Barcelona, Bayern and now with Manchester City, that attacking and attractive style sees him win a lot. It’s this structure that I’ve tried to implement with Ajax.”

The 51-year-old utilises a similar 4-2-3-1 formation to that of Pochettino, too, and they both favour a high-pressing, high-intensity and attacking style of play.

“When we lose the ball, we must win it back immediately,” Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana told AFP (via Planet Football) in May 2019. “He is focused on that, he is always telling us that if we have control of the ball, we have the ability to push back any opponent.”

He has also received glowing praise from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who said back in December: “Erik [ten Hag] is rightly regarded as one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football at the moment because of the work he does with Ajax.”

It is thought that the Dutchman is affordable in terms of compensation as he will enter the final year of his contract this summer, unlike another one of Levy’s targets in Brendan Rodgers, who would cost Spurs in excess of £70m to prise away from Leicester City.

Spurs can forget about Rodgers and should push ahead to land Ten Hag this summer.

AND in other news, next Spurs boss could find long-term Skipp partner in 19 y/o gem who’s a “coach’s dream”…

Rangers secured, arguably, one of their best-ever transfer deals at Ibrox back in 2017 when they signed striker Alfredo Morelos.

Having gone on to score 113 goals in 224 games, the Colombian has undoubtedly been a critical player for the Gers since his arrival.

Even though he’s only 25 and still has until the summer of 2023 before his deal with Rangers expires, it seems as though the club already have their eye on signing someone that could go on to become an ideal long-term replacement for Morelos.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from A Bola (via Daily Record) Rangers are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the development of Brazil youngster Antony Alves.

Originally from Brazilian side Joinville-SC, the 20-year-old is currently on loan with Portuguese team Arouca.

Their new Morelos?

Despite only starting four of the 17 league games he’s appeared in this season, the attacker has managed to score two goals.

The youngster has also racked up 13 crosses in total and been able to draw 15 fouls, showing how dangerous he can be going forward and what a tricky figure he can be to play against.

The Brazilian has not shirked away from his defensive duties this season either, having won 11 tackles and made seven interceptions.

In addition to this, the £180k-rated starlet has shown how versatile he can be on the pitch by playing in numerous attacking positions throughout his short career so far.

Thus, if the Gers end up selling Morelos anytime soon for the £13m fee that they would reportedly want for him, snapping up Alves as another young south American talent that has a knack for goal could be a great bit of business for them.

However, with the report claiming that FC Basel are also interested in signing the youngster, Rangers could have a challenge on their hands getting him to Ibrox.

If Ross Wilson is able to get the Brazilian to make a move to Scotland, he’ll certainly have some big shoes to fill should Morelos find himself leaving.

Having had a total of 113 shots at goal in the league this season, more than any other player in the SPFL, any player would find it hard to immediately replace Rangers’ prolific striker.

In other news: Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…

Juan Mata’s time at Manchester United could soon be coming to an end.

The Spaniard, signed by David Moyes from Chelsea in 2014, is out of contract the end of the season. Despite there reportedly being an option in his deal for the Red Devils to extend his stay at Old Trafford, that is something that they should avoid and thus, they should bring his seven-year stint at the club to an end.

Mata, a reliable servant for the Red Devils in that time, is now not the player he once was.

Now at the age of 32, he has fallen down the pecking order considerably for a midfield berth. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba are all likely to be picked ahead of the former Valencia man – and this is indicated in Mata’s opportunities this season, with him having only made eight starts in 2020/21, just four of those coming in the Premier League.

As a matter of fact, the midfielder has only completed 90 minutes on three occasions, highlighting how somewhat obsolete in the squad he has become.

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In his time on the pitch, Mata’s numbers are actually the lowest that they have ever been. He only has two goals and three assists in all competitions this season, making 2020/21 the least productive season of his career.

The 41-cap Spanish international is now only averaging 0.8 shots and just over one key pass per game according to WhoScored which again are amongst some of the lowest numbers of his career.

Despite being previously hailed as “class” by fellow United midfielder Scott McTominay, the fact that Mata is no longer contributing is certainly a problem considering that he is earning £160k per week at Old Trafford.

With there no longer appearing to be a space in the squad for him, it is now time to bring Mata’s chapter at Manchester United to a close.

AND in more news, take a look at which United star has picked up a gutting injury whilst on international duty…

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move for Mario Lemina in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders needed

Given that Joe Willock is not guaranteed to sign from Arsenal on a permanent deal, and Matty Longstaff has also been recently linked with a move away from St. James’ Park on loan, the North East club may need to bring in reinforcements in the centre of midfield.

Steve Bruce will certainly be looking to add to his squad in time for the new 2021/22 season, and midfield should be an area that he will be looking to strengthen in.

The Latest: Lemina eyed

As per the Daily Mail, the Tyneside club are reportedly interested in signing Lemina, who only has a year left on his current deal at Southampton.

The Gabon international spent last term on loan at Fulham, who find themselves relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship.

The Verdict: Wait for other targets

While signing Lemina should not be completely ruled out by the Magpies, given his past experience of playing in the top flight, they should wait to see who else may become available first later on in the window.

The 27-year-old had a fine individual campaign for Fulham, wining 4.5 of his duels a game in the top flight, while also averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per match (Sofascore).

However, he was not able to help enough to keep Scott Parker’s side up, and the fact that the Saints wanted to loan him out to a Premier League rival in the first place shows that they clearly do not rate him very highly.

Also earning a heavy £64,000-per-week at St. Mary’s Stadium, the Toon should avoid signing him – for now.

In other news, find out which six-foot ace courted by Atletico Madrid NUFC are eyeing here!

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard has lifted the lid on a GSB call with his 9-word West Ham transfer revelation involving Ryan Bertrand.

The Lowdown: West Ham line up new defenders?

The defensive department is one key area of the pitch West Ham have been touted to reinforce this transfer window.

Centre-backs appear mainly on the agenda, with a recent Claret & Hugh report stating the Irons are keen for new bodies in that position.

Former defender Fabian Balbuena has also just departed, adding to West Ham’s need for a centre-half replacement, but the club could also look to strengthen in the full-back positions.

Junior Firpo, for example, has been linked with a move to east London as West Ham keen tabs on new defenders.

The Latest: Rosser lifts lid on GSB call involving Bertrand…

Now, writing on Twitter, journalist Rosser of the Evening Standard has lifted the lid on a GSB call involving former Southampton left-back Bertrand.

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The Englishman has now agreed to join Leicester City upon the expiry of his Saints contract but West Ham apparently had the chance to make a move – with Rosser dropping the 9-word claim ‘West Ham turned down the chance to sign him’.

West Ham had been backed to exploit the free agent market by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee as a useful tool, especially given the club’s financial difficulties due to coronavirus.

Alas, it appears Bertrand wasn’t worth the effort in that regard.

The Verdict: Good call?

Bertrand was a mainstay under Ralph Hasenhuttl during his last season on the south coast, where he started 29 Premier League games.

During that time, he made the third-most tackles per 90 on average (2.1) out of any Southampton player with over 20 appearances (WhoScored), so we believe he could have been an astute back up option for West Ham – especially on a free deal.

You could of course make an argument that the 31-year-old would’ve been a quick fix to bolster left-back position and hardly a long term solution, but with barely any fees involved, the Irons had little to lose financially.

In other news: ‘Exciting’, ‘Here we go’…West Ham fans flock to official club announcement, find out more here.

West Brom have had to wait all weekend, but they finally return to Premier League action tonight.

And the Baggies will be going into their encounter with Southampton at the Hawthorns in great confidence after dispatching Europe-chasing Chelsea in a resounding and shock victory last time out.

Sam Allardyce’s men put five past the Blues to bolster their hopes of surviving in the top-flight, though the Midlands outfit still remain some 11 points adrift with only six matches left to play.

A win this evening would certainly be another big boost in the right direction and Big Sam must turn to one man in his hour of need after his impressive exploits at Stamford Bridge.

Enter Callum Robinson…

On the Chalkboard

The 26-year-old has largely been a forgotten man at West Brom this season, starting only 15 times in the Premier League. In fact, his 53 minutes against Chelsea were his first since the start of February, when he struggled to make an impact against his former club, Sheffield United.

All four of his league goals this season may have come against the same side, but he cannot be ignored after tearing Thomas Tuchel’s side apart last weekend.

talkSPORT claimed he haunted the Blues ‘like Sergio Aguero’ whilst ex-England shot-stopper Paul Robinson lauded his performance “amazing” to Football Insider.

Despite coming off the bench for the injured Branislav Ivanovic in the 37th minute, Robinson was indeed the Baggies’ star-performer, scoring both his shots at goal.

The former Blades forward also managed to pull off two successful dribbles, as many as the silky Matheus Pereira – who played the full 90 – and as many as Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic combined.

Whilst only one player on the whole pitch could better his three key passes, an impressive feat considering he was barely on the pitch for an hour.

Evidently, he was a thorn in Chelsea’s side and he could well repeat those exploits against the Saints tonight – if Allardyce finally unshackles him.

Albion Journalist Adrian Goldberg believes the Baggies boss has “missed a trick” with the £13m-rated dynamo this season, he told ‘The Liquidator’ podcast:

“I just think they’ve missed a trick with Callum Robinson, and I’ve argued this point long and hard that he offers you something that Hal Robson-Kanu doesn’t up front, if only it’s a bustling energy and determination, but also as that goal proved he’s got real quality.”

It’s that sort of presence a desperate team needs, so he must start at the Hawthorns tonight. Robinson can once again be West Brom’s game-changer.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Steve Bull urges Baggies star to stick with West Brom this summer…

Leicester City narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification following a final day defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Foxes were trailing fifth-placed Liverpool on goal difference and third-placed Chelsea by a point heading into the last round of Premier League fixtures, but despite Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over the Blues, Leicester couldn’t capitalise.

Two late Gareth Bale goals sealed all three points for Spurs in what was likely to be the Welshman’s last ever game for the capital club and it ensured that the Midlands outfit will be playing Europa League football next term.

It was a poor display all round for Brendan Rodgers’ men, especially in the second half, however, one man, in particular, let the Northern Irish manager down.

As per SofaScore, Timothy Castagne received a miserly rating of 6.1/10, the joint-second lowest score of any player on the King Power Stadium pitch.

The Belgium international has adapted to the English top-flight well since a summer move from Atalanta, but he certainly fell short when Leicester and Rodgers needed him most.

Castagne won just two of his five duels on Sunday afternoon, and the £21.6m-rated full-back (as per Transfermarkt) was also unable to find a teammate with either of his two long balls.

In a must-win game, players need to be strong in the tackle and be good on the ball, Castagne was neither.

His below-par performance summed up a bitterly disappointing final day for the FA Cup champions, who were hoping to return to Europe’s elite cup competition following a five-year absence.

It’s the second consecutive season where Rodgers’ side have missed out on a place in the top four on the last day of the campaign, although the former Celtic boss can still be incredibly proud of what his team have achieved in 2020/21.

And, in other news…Rodgers masterstroke: Leicester must swoop for “superb” £9m-rated workhorse

Nuno Santo could be without two members of his first-team squad after the international break, according to reports…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Mail claim that Argentina duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero are facing over three weeks out of action after it emerged that they were under investigation for breaching Brazil’s quarantine rules.

It’s thought that the Spurs pair are facing 14 days of quarantine in Brazil following their World Cup qualifying clash before another ten days upon their return to the United Kingdom.

They have been accused of failing to declare on official documents that they had travelled from the UK when they arrived in Sao Paolo on Friday.

This would, in turn, rule them out of at least three Premier League matches, one Carabao Cup clash and one UEFA Europa Conference League group game, too.

Hammer blow

After the start Spurs have had to the new season, this latest development should leave Nuno absolutely furious as he’ll be without two key squad members for some very crucial encounters.

These fixtures include games against arch-rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, and a trip to Rennes, where they will undoubtedly want to start well to try and win that inaugural competition.

Neither player has featured for many minutes so far this season but given the congested calendar in September, they would have been handed plenty of opportunities to get game time.

The Portuguese head coach was even against the duo travelling abroad during this international break, so for them to get caught up in a saga will only leave him more angry.

“Yes, it’s a big problem, not only for our players, it’s a problem for all the South American players playing in the Premier League because they have to obey the government laws,” he revealed to reporters, via talkSPORT. “But we must be aware that saying no to our national team is very difficult. It’s very difficult, so we’ll see how things go.”

He later added: “It [is] clear – as a club we don’t approve of the situation. What we want is a solution for everybody because this will be a big problem.”

Nuno may well struggle to keep up Spurs’ 100% in the top-flight and continue their fine form into other competitions without having the full depth of his squad available to him.

This will surely come as a hammer blow heading into Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

AND in other news, Nuno can fix alarming Spurs issue by unleashing “phenomenal” £100k-p/w gem in new role…