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Ipswich Town look to be edging closer and closer to picking up Kalvin Phillips, in what could be seen as a statement loan deal by the Tractor Boys, if he settles in well.

Of course, Kieran McKenna and Co will need to get the out-of-sorts midfielder back to the heights he has shown he can be capable of, having really struggled out on loan last season with West Ham United away from parent employers Manchester City.

This is arguably make-or-break time for the ex-Leeds United hero, therefore, who could be joined through the door at Portman Road with another exciting midfield teammate soon, if everything develops swimmingly on the transfer front.

Ipswich closing in on another loan deal

As per Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, and further backed up the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich are closing in on another deal involving a brand-new midfield option, in the form of Napoli gem Jens Cajuste.

This would also involve Cajuste arriving on loan for the season, with Ipswich snapping up the Sweden international on a temporary basis at the expense of fellow Premier League outfit Brentford, who were reportedly once in advanced talks for the Scandinavian star.

How Phillips and Cajuste could fit in at Ipswich

Potentially arriving in Suffolk with a similar pedigree to that of Phillips – with both potential loan captures even experiencing Champions League across their varied careers to date – these signings could really boost the Tractor Boys in terms of options in the middle of the park, away from over-relying on first-team stalwarts Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo.

This new pairing might well even ruffle a few feathers and pip the usual Ipswich suspects to a first-team spot over time, especially if they're both at their A-Games and help their new loan side to amazingly stay put in the Premier League.

Cajuste, away from Phillips who will be more than content at just being a steady presence as a holding midfielder for his new loan side, will be seen as the more daring and "exciting" presence out of the duo, as he was labelled previously by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Alongside doing a job lining up in a traditional central midfield role, where he has dazzled in the past with former employers Stade Reims with six goals and one assist from 33 games, the promising 25-year-old is also capable of playing down either flank if necessary, which could come in handy if injuries start to get the better of Ipswich and McKenna's options become worryingly thin.

Games played

29

Goals scored

1

Assists

2

Touches*

65.0

Big chances created

5

Accurate passes*

41.0 (85%)

Interceptions*

1.6

Tackles*

2.6

Total duels won*

5.3

Cajuste will have a point to prove moving to England, however, having found first-team minutes hard to come by at Napoli of late, much like how his potential new teammate in Phillips will also be hungry to silence his own doubters and get back to his Leeds best from the season above.

Phillips' standout performances that campaign, right after his boyhood club's triumphant promotion, helped Marcelo Bielsa's men return to the Premier League in style by finishing all the way up in the ninth spot, before everything unfortunately unravelled for the Whites and their homegrown gem.

He would even be dubbed the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' by the Leeds masses as a result of this unbelievable campaign, but McKenna will just want him to be another dependable body he can rely on in the midst of a relegation dogfight, away from being a superhuman figure.

If any manager can get the best out of Phillips again, it could well be the ex-Manchester United coach, however, who is an adored figure in Suffolk for putting the Tractor Boys back on the footballing map, and transforming once unremarkable EFL players into top performers now about to taste Premier League action.

Ipswich will go into the top flight hoping to catch some elite teams off-guard as major underdogs, and with new buys such as Phillips and Cajuste potentially entering the fray soon, more and more quality could soon be added to help.

Imagine him & Davis: Ipswich keen on signing "great" new defender

This potential new Ipswich Town signing could shine next to Leif Davis.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 15, 2024

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil is leaving no stone unturned in his goal to take the club into the top half of the Premier League next season.

If it weren’t for a late-season collapse during 2023/24, they might have achieved that goal. It was an encouraging start by the former Bournemouth manager, however, and the onus is for him to improve the Old Gold next term.

Having made a few signings so far this summer, will he bring in another couple of players to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes?

Wolves could move for Colombian sensation

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey last week, the Molineux outfit have been offered the chance to sign James Rodriguez, who ended his recent spell with São Paulo by tearing up his contract.

Having shone at the most recent Copa América tournament, Rodriguez should have no shortage of offers, especially in Europe.

Could O’Neil tempt the former Real Madrid playmaker into moving to the Premier League, as he would be a wonderful signing.

Why James Rodriguez would be a perfect signing for Matheus Cunha

Last season saw Matheus Cunha emerge as one of O’Neil’s key players at the Old Gold, scoring 14 goals while chipping in with eight assists, becoming their top goalscorer in the process.

There is no doubt he can get even better next season, especially if there is someone like Rodriguez playing just behind him, creating plenty of chances for the Brazilian to slot away on a regular basis.

The 33-year-old didn’t exactly enjoy the best spell in Brazil, scoring just twice in 22 matches for São Paulo, but he did enjoy a decent stint at Olympiacos in Greece during the 2022/23 season.

Goals

1

Assists

6

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

3.3

Shots per game

1.3

Total duels won per game

4

Goal conversion rate

13%

The attacking midfielder rolled back the years in the Greek top flight, scoring five and grabbing five assists in just 17 games, showing that he can still shine in Europe if given the chance.

Despite his club form not being the best, he shone for Colombia at the 2024 Copa América as they reached their first final since 2001.

Colombia may not have won the competition, but Rodriguez was certainly one of the finest performers throughout the tournament.

Across six matches, Rodriguez scored once while registering an impressive six assists, showcasing his attacking talents in the USA.

Not only that, but the former Real Madrid gem also created five big chances, averaged 3.3 key passes per game and averaged 1.3 shots per game, giving Colombia the best chance for success.

He was hailed as a “superstar” by journalist Nico Cantor following his exploits at the Copa América, while his former manager Carlo Ancelotti dubbed the midfielder as “fantastic” during his spell with Everton.

Rodriguez may be coming towards the end of his career, but his displays for his country this summer certainly prove that he has the ability to make a difference.

Cunha may find himself with the chance to score more than 20 goals should the Colombian join the Old Gold this summer, and it would signal a major statement of intent by O’Neil.

More creative than Ait-Nouri: Wolves explore move for £3m Neto replacement

Gary O’Neil is targeting another teenage signing after Pedro Lima…

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 24, 2024

Chelsea are not the juggernaut they once were but there are hopes that former glory can be restored under Enzo Maresca, who is ready to take on the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

Admittedly, pre-season preparations have encountered snags and setbacks in the form of high-scoring losses against Manchester City and Celtic and previously a 2-2 draw against Wrexham to kickstart their United States tour.

The Blues were never going to adopt the possession-centric style without raising some questions but defensive fragility and a perceived lack of organisation across the past several weeks will not have been welcomed as simply part and parcel of pre-season.

03/08/2024

vs Man City

4-2 loss

01/08/2024

vs Club America

3-0 win

27/08/2024

vs Celtic

4-1 loss

25/08/2024

vs Wrexham

2-2 draw

No, Chelsea must of course trust the process, but that tactical undertaking needs to enter third or fourth gear within the coming fortnight, and some added impetus in attack might go down a treat.

Chelsea transfer news

As per Football Insider, Chelsea have learned that Manchester City's Julian Alvarez will be available for £70m this summer, amid ongoing chatter around the versatile forward's future.

Alvarez, 24, is struggling with his at-times utility role at the club and would seemingly jump at the chance to move, so it now remains to be seen whether Chelsea can negotiate a deal.

The west Londoners have a healthy mix of attacking options but could benefit from a player of Alvarez's talent and winning pedigree, perhaps swaying the odds in the bid to return to the Champions League and hunt down silverware.

Why Chelsea want Julian Alvarez

With Arsenal also sniffing around, Todd Boehly and Co know that swift action could hold sway, lest the Gunners get their own back concerning a recent transfer history of hijacked deals.

On January deadline day, 2022, Alvarez signed for City from River Plate in Argentina for a fee in the region of £14m, proving to be a shrewd signing indeed for a player who is now among the finest in the Premier League.

Across 103 matches under Pep Guardiola's management, the dynamo has posted 36 goals and 18 assists, with his performances earning him praise for his unwavering consistency – pundit Owen Hargreaves has even said that he's "never seen him have a bad game."

Oh, of course, the accolades have come in hordes, but Alvarez has reached a point in his career where he wants his giddy quality to match the standing in the squad. Despite playing regularly and completing the set under his Spanish boss, the £100k-per-week star yearns for a role of greater significance.

His two campaigns in Greater Manchester have acted as an illustrious teething period of sorts, but now is the time for Alvarez to be handed a platform at the top of the squad's pyramid, Chelsea can offer that platform.

His dynamism and electrifying qualities on the ball could even see him perform as Maresca's very own version of Kai Havertz, who plays for the Blues no more.

Maresca's own Kai Havertz

Havertz has divided opinion since arriving in England, signing for Chelsea in a £76m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen four years ago, scoring the Blues' winning goal to win the Champions League but finishing his stay at Stamford Bridge with only 32 strikes across 139 matches.

Making the cross-London switch to Arsenal last summer, the German has gone from strength to strength and has formed into a coherent and effective threat under Mikel Arteta, scoring nine goals and supplying six assists over the final 14 matches of the top-flight term.

The 25-year-old's tactical fluidity has seen him operate across myriad positions, with the Gunners deploying him as a thrusting type of midfielder earlier in the campaign before returning him to the top of the pitch, where he found his Midas touch.

With Alvarez, Chelsea could emulate this impact, for the Man City sensation has also played up and down the pitch in England and has the potency in attack to make a marked improvement on the side's offensive fluency.

And if he knows one thing, it's how to make an impact. Over the past year, as per FBref, Alvarez ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored and the top 15% for assists per 90.

Matches (starts)

36 (31)

37 (30)

Goals

11

13

Assists

9

7

Shots taken*

2.7

1.9

Big chances missed

10

13

Touches*

45.3

37.1

Pass completion

88%

81%

Big chances created

7

8

Key passes*

1.9

1.2

Ball recoveries*

2.7

3.3

Dribbles completed*

0.6

0.4

The Argentine World Cup winner also offers skills similar to Havertz's while proving to be more technically crisp and creative – a product of his learning under Guardiola and something that could see him thrive in the new Chelsea system.

Alvarez would want to nail down a regular role at Chelsea, as is his desire as he considers leaving the world's most imperious outfit, but he could find that under Maresca.

With Conor Gallagher in the process of being sold to Atletico Madrid, Alvarez could adopt the advanced position behind the centre-forward – almost a Havertz-like false 9 of sorts – bolstered by the deep-lying orchestrating of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo's tough tackling.

Guardiola has actually said that he's "almost undroppable" in the past – which is rather lofty praise from a man known for constant tinkering and tweaking.

Whether Chelsea wish to part with a hefty sum to bring Alvarez in remains to be seen, but he could be the perfect figure to perform at the summit of the midfield triangle and ensure that the club rise to the fore at the start of a new, exciting era.

28 goals last season: Chelsea could look at terrifying Osimhen alternative

Chelsea look to strengthen forward options with Osimhen alternative

ByConnor Holden Aug 5, 2024

Manchester United have identified Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as their "main target" to replace David De Gea between the sticks, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Recent reports indicating that Man United are unwilling to pay Diogo Costa's €75m (£64m) release clause, but FC Porto are unwilling to lower the price, so Erik ten Hag may be forced to move on to other goalkeeper targets.

According to talkSPORT, Everton's Jordan Pickford is at the top of the Red Devils' list, and the England goalkeeper would jump at the chance of moving to Old Trafford, as a result of his desire to play in the Champions League.

United could make a move for Pickford even if De Gea remains at the club, while they have also been linked with a move for Brentford's David Raya, who has now rejected multiple contract offers from the Bees.

While Pickford is emerging as a key target for Ten Hag, Galetti has now told GiveMeSport that bringing in the Sevilla goalkeeper will be the manager's main priority this summer.

The journalist said:“ At the moment, Manchester United remain interested in Bounou. De Gea’s situation does not leave them calm, with so many doubts about the Spanish goalkeeper who also had offers from Saudi Arabia and you’re seeing Bounou who could replace him and for this reason, he remains the main target for Man United.”

Who is Yassine Bounou?

The Morocco international, who was hailed as GOAL as an "immovable force", made a name for himself at the World Cup, with members of the media lauding him as a "hero" due to his solid performances, ranked by Sofascore as his side's fourth-best performing player in their remarkable run to the semi-final.

Hailed as "brilliant" by sports writer John McAuley, the 32-year-old has also impressed at club level, with journalist Abhishek Dey claiming he was the "best" goalkeeper in La Liga during the 2021-22 campaign.

That said, there are some indications the £15k-per-week shot-stopper, who impressed against Man United in 2020, is starting to show his age, keeping just five clean sheets in La Liga last season.

Having conceded an average of 1.71 goals per 90 over the past year, the Sevilla goalkeeper ranks in just the 16th percentile, when compared to his positional peers.

As such, Man United would be better off prioritising a move for Pickford, as the Everton goalkeeper is only 29-years-old, and he is already proven in the Premier League, having made 248 appearances in the competition.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to bolster their attacking midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Luis Palma to Rangers?

According to Light Blues insider The 4th Official, the club are keen on a swoop for Honduras international Luis Palma from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki in the summer transfer window.

They Tweeted: "I have only done stories I am confident about, and according to a few people I have spoken with, the Rangers interest in both Cyriel Dessers and Luis Palma is real."

This comes after Football Insider reported, last month, that the Gers are not in talks with Aris over a deal to snap up the forward, who is wanted by multiple unnamed clubs in Europe

Would Luis Palma be a good signing for Rangers?

The 23-year-old has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad as manager Michael Beale could unearth his next Mason Mount by striking a £4.3m deal for the attacker.

Rangers' head coach worked closely with the Chelsea midfielder during his time at Stamford Bridge working in the academy and is said to have played a key role in the England international's development.

As recently as 2021, it was reported that the player continues to make contact with Beale to pick his brain and ask for advice, which shows how much of an impact the Gers boss had on Mount.

The 24-year-old ace has gone on to become a regular at Chelsea in the first-team and has racked up 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 appearances so far, whilst mainly being deployed as an attacking midfielder but also out wide at times.

Palma could arrive at Ibrox and be Beale's own version of the Blues dynamo as his form for Aris in Greece suggests that he has the potential to make a huge impact in the final third for Rangers.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the Honduras international, who has mainly played as an attacking midfielder and left winger in his career so far, produced 11 goals and four assists in 20 starts in the Greek top flight.

This shows that the attacker is capable of frequently finding the back of the net from a midfield position, much in the same way that Beale taught the now-England star to do.

He created 1.4 chances per game for his teammates in the division, a number not too dissimilar to the creative impact made by Mount, who scored 13 goals in the last two top-flight seasons combined. On top of that, the England international produced 1.8 key passes in 2021/22 and 1.3 in 2022/23.

These statistics suggest that Palma, whose goal contributions were hailed as “brilliant” by agent Paulo Hernandez, has the potential to be a Mount-like figure for Beale at Ibrox.

In the week Jude Bellingham's £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid moved a giant step closer, another member of the talented footballing family could also be on the move.

Sunderland have been linked with Jude's younger brother Jobe for a number of weeks now, and Birmingham World reports that the Black Cats will not give up on negotiations until an agreement can be reached with Birmingham City.

Who is Sunderland target Jobe Bellingham?

Like brother Jude, Jobe emerged through Birmingham's youth ranks and into the first team at a young age. However, whereas the older of the siblings made a £25m switch to Dortmund at 17, Jobe is only just establishing himself in City's first team.

The Stourbridge-born midfielder made his senior debut for City in January 2021 and, after remaining patient for his chance, he appeared 22 times in last season's Championship campaign as the Blues finished 17th.

But while Jude broke the record for being Birmingham's youngest player and goalscorer, Jobe is on a different path, albeit one that could also culminate in him joining an elite club further down the line.

As then-City boss Lee Bowyer put it previously, "Whenever he steps on the pitch now everyone is going to expect him to be like his brother.

"Don't do that to the lad. It's not fair on him. He's going to be his own player, himself. We believe he will be good."

Is Jobe Bellingham ready for Sunderland move?

Far from having a nine-figure valuation like his brother, Jobe could be available for as little as £3m, as previously cited by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Given his relative lack of matches at senior level, there is still an unknown nature about the youngster's game, though those who have seen him up close can already see comparisons with Madrid-bound Jude.

"His ability to keep the ball is very Jude-esque," said a member of the Blues Focus team in an interview with Roker Report. "His size for such a young lad is also very reminiscent of when Jude was starting at Blues."

That aerial ability has been put to good use, with Bellingham winning 2.06 aerial duels per 90 minutes last season – only two other regular Birmingham midfielders registered a higher tally.

Indeed, that figure places Bellingham in the top 6% among his positional peers over the past year, while he is in the top 1% for clearances (1.47 per game), showing he clearly has a talent for the defensive side of the game.

Adding goals and assists to his game will take Bellingham to the next level, having failed to register a single goal involvement in his 22 – mainly substitute – appearances in the Championship last season. That should not deter the Black Cats from moving, though, who will no doubt benefit from his arrival.

Indeed, in an exciting Sunderland team boasting talents such as Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart in attack, Bellingham can take his own – albeit lower profile – step towards future stardom by putting pen to paper at the Stadium of Light.

Manchester United will likely continue their efforts to rebuild and improve the squad this summer and now a new update has emerged on a long-standing transfer target.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Adrien Rabiot?

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Man United have revived their interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

As per the report, Rabiot's outstanding form this season hasn't gone unnoticed with the Red Devils set to compete with Newcastle United for his signature this summer.

The Frenchman will be out of contract and available for free in a few weeks' time.

Who would Rabiot replace at Man United?

Whilst the highest priority at Old Trafford this summer will be to sign a prolific centre-forward, adding quality into key areas all over the pitch will be essential to continue the progress already made by Erik ten Hag in his first season.

The Manchester giants have made positive steps forward this season with a League Cup and Champions League qualification secured, so the signing of high-quality players will be important in their pursuit of challenging at the top again domestically and also putting in a strong European campaign too.

As a result, the signing of Rabiot could be exactly what Ten Hag needs to inject some great talent and a fresh perspective in midfield next season with the France international potentially standing as a much-needed Paul Pogba replacement.

Rabiot has stepped up into Pogba's role for both the France national team and Juventus over the last 12 months to become the beating heart in midfield during the Qatar World Cup and throughout the season in the Serie A, whilst the former Man United man has been out injured.

Over 31 league appearances, the 6 foot 2 titan has been an effective presence at both ends of the pitch having scored eight goals, registered four assists and successfully completed 60% of his dribbles.

Furthermore, the Juve star has averaged one key pass, 1.5 shots on goal, two tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, proving that he has the all-round game to replace Pogba at Old Trafford.

Despite a controversial past, the Frenchman has seemingly been reborn in Italy and has demonstrated his strong midfield attributes that has led to high praise from many including his manager Andrea Pirlo, who said:

"He is a complete player, I have rarely seen someone so strong both physically and technically.

"He doesn't even know the potential for improvement he can have, and we work on the mental side of things to make him understand that he is a champion. He is improving game after game."

With that being said, if Man United can snap up the services of Rabiot for free this summer it would be a great opportunity for Ten Hag to add some much-need quality in midfield with that Pogba-shaped void finally being filled.

Newcastle United are considering raiding Wolverhampton Wanderers for their prized asset in Ruben Neves, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Molineux this summer.

What's the latest on Ruben Neves to Newcastle?

According to the Mirror, Newcastle's qualification for the 23/24 Champions League has placed them back in the reckoning for a swoop for Neves, who is expected to depart from Wolverhampton this summer.

Barcelona have been the discernible favourites to complete a deal for the 26-year-old, though Ansu Fati's refusal to be included in a swap deal for the Portuguese midfielder has thrown a spanner in the works.

As such, Eddie Howe's Magpies and Manchester United, who need one point from two matches to secure top four, are in a firm position to clinch Neves' signature, with a fee as high as £50m touted for his signature.

Should Newcastle sign Ruben Neves?

Despite a remarkable campaign that has propelled Newcastle back to the forefront of the Premier League, Howe has admitted that a "big transfer window" is forthcoming, with a return to the Champions League expected to continue the ascension, and not cultivate a slump with the increase in match action.

Signing Neves would represent a marked improvement on an already thriving midfield, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton all impressing with their exploits this year and playing instrumental roles in crafting a high-octane and cohesive side capable of fighting to the top across multiple fronts.

Having made 252 appearances for the Old Gold, Neves, who has been described as "incredible" by former teammate Hugo Bueno, is a distinguished gem in English football and is one of the sweetest strikers of a football around, also hailed as a "beast" by former pro Jimmy Conrad for his scintillating set-piece ability.

As per Sofascore, the 39-cap Portugal international has recorded an average rating of 7.26 in the top flight this season, scoring six goals, averaging 1.9 shots per match, completing 84% of his passes, and making 2.3 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game.

He also ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 15% for interceptions, the top 8% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90 (statistics provided by FBref) illustrating his defensive resilience and eye for the back of the net.

The £50k-per-week phenom could be the perfect ace to replace Sean Longstaff, who has been a notable success story on Tyneside this year and has been regarded as a £50m player by journalist Keith Downie, which could bode well for United as they look to make the requisite improvements to their team to ultimately unleash a squad brimming with Europe's premium talent.

Longstaff has been heralded as Newcastle's "unsung hero" by Paul Merson, but is outscored by Neves across almost every metric on Sofascore, and while statistics do not paint the full picture, with Longstaff's work indeed encapsulating the diligence that falls below the eye-catching, dazzling side of football, Neves is something of an assiduous ace himself.

Neves, who indeed has been touted for the very same fee as the lifelong Magpie, is unquestionably an upgrade: more robust, more tenacious, and more quality on the ball.

Newcastle United are on the verge of securing Champions League football for the 2023/24 campaign as they only need a point against Leicester on Monday night to confirm it.

They are currently three points clear of Liverpool and have two matches left to play, whilst they have one, and this means that avoiding defeat against the Foxes would put them out of reach heading into the final day.

This would be a significant achievement for the Magpies and it could give them the edge in the transfer market this summer as they would have elite European football on offer.

It was recently reported that Newcastle and Liverpool have both sent scouts to watch Sporting central midfielder Manuel Ugarte in action and Eddie Howe's side landing a top-four place ahead of them could provide an advantage in the race for his signature.

Who is Manuel Ugarte?

The 22-year-old, who has a release clause of €60m (£52m) in his contract, is a defensive-minded player who could come in and be the club's own answer to Manchester City star Rodri.

Since arriving in the Premier League in 2019, the Spain international has been a consistent presence in Pep Guardiola's midfield with his ability to screen in front of the back four whilst also having the ability in possession to be incredibly reliable with his passing.

As per Sofascore, Rodri has played 34 times in the top-flight this season and completed an eye-catching 91% of his attempted passes. He has also made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game and won 59% of his physical duels, which shows that he is a strong defender who wins the majority of his battles in the middle of the park.

Ugarte, meanwhile, has featured in 30 matches in Liga Portugal and completed 92% of his passes. The Uruguay enforcer, who was once hailed as a "machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also made a stunning 5.7 tackles and interceptions per outing and won 56% of his contests.

These statistics indicate that the eight-cap international has the potential to replicate the impact that Rodri has on City at Newcastle as he is a defensive midfielder who does not cede possession often and is able to win the ball back on a regular basis.

The Sporting star's impressive pass completion – which almost mirrors the Spanish battler and his output – proves that he is a reliable passer who can anchor the Toon midfield and be their metronome in the middle of the park – distributing the ball to the attacking players to keep things ticking and to create attacking opportunities.

Both players have also won at least 67% of their aerial battles in their respective leagues and this shows that they are excellent competitors in the air and that could be vital when it comes to defending and attacking set-pieces as they are able to dominate opposition players in those positions.

Therefore, the Magpies must swoop for Ugarte, who Kulig also once described as "tenacious", this summer as the youngster could develop into Howe's answer to Rodri in the defensive midfield role in the years to come.

Newcastle United have been name-checked in a transfer report regarding Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse's future.

Is Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton?

The 28-year-old has been a fantastic servant for Saints down the years, so often standing out as their most talented and influential player. In total, he has racked up 406 appearances for his current club, but it looks as though he will soon player his final game for them.

Southampton now look almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League, following a desperately poor season, and they will find it impossible to keep hold of their most prized asset. He is simply too good to be playing Championship football next season and there is sure to be plenty of interest in his signature.

Newcastle are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Ward-Prowse this summer, as they look to make significant additions in key areas before competing in four competitions next term. A fresh update has now emerged that suggests it could be a two-way shootout between the Magpies and one other Premier League club.

Could Ward-Prowse seal Newcastle move?

According to The Athletic, it could be a case of "to Newcastle United or Aston Villa" for Ward-Prowse, with a chunk of the report focusing on how he could benefit the Magpies:

"With Newcastle set to play an increased number of games next season due to European commitments, having a figure of dependability, set-play prowess and someone who habitually covers more distance than anyone else in the Premier League would be of undoubted benefit.

"Tactically, Howe’s 4-3-3 shape gives license to two attack-minded No 8s and accommodates the type of box-to-box, high-energy profile of midfielder Ward-Prowse is."

Ward-Prowse could be such a good signing by Newcastle if they pip Aston Villa to his services, with the Englishman someone who is arguably at the peak of his powers, despite Southampton's struggles this season.

The midfielder was described as "world-class" by former Saints manager Nathan Jones earlier this year, which says a lot about his ability, and he possesses a wealth of experience in the top flight.

Ward-Prowse's set-piece quality is up there with the best players in the world – he is only one behind David Beckham's tally of 18 when it comes to most free-kicks scored in Premier League history – and he is also strong off the ball, averaging 1.7 tackles per game in the league this season. He could provide ideal squad depth ahead of European commitments for Newcastle, but is also likely to force his way in as a regular starter.