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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.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale masterminded a thumping 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday and that may rank as one of his best achievements since entering the Ibrox dugout.

The Light Blues head coach was unable to prevent them from winning the title this season but has only lost two of his 18 league matches in charge and will be hoping that the latest result is a sign of things to come in 2023/24.

Beale will not end his first campaign at the helm with a trophy but there have been encouraging signs from the Englishman, including his willingness to utilise young talent.

After the club returned from the break for the 2022 World Cup, the manager called upon teenage academy talent Adam Devine to step up at left-back in the absence of Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz.

The homegrown gem, who since turned 20 in March of this year, has played five times in the Premiership and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.85 – creating two 'big chances' and providing 1.2 chances per game.

Beale could now find his next Devine by unearthing talented left-back Robbie Fraser from the 'B' team in the coming weeks and months.

Who is Robbie Fraser?

The 20-year-old is a defender who is currently the captain of the Gers' second team. He also recently signed a contract extension with the club to take him through to the summer of 2024.

Fraser, who Heart and Hand podcaster Ross Hutton hailed as "brave", is yet to make his senior bow for the Light Blues but his performances for the youth side suggest that a call-up could arrive sooner rather than later.

Earlier this season, the emerging dynamo said: “I feel like I’m getting closer to making that next step into the first team hopefully."

The youngster has made 40 appearances in all competitions for the academy this season and produced two goals and seven assists from defence.

Fraser has showcased his ability to burst forward from left-back to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis, in a similar fashion to Devine – who created two 'big chances' in five first-team outings in the Premiership.

Being the captain of the B team also suggests that the Murray Park prodigy has the mental attributes to make the step up to the first team as he has shown himself to be a leader amongst his own age group.

This, coupled with his attacking quality from left-back, indicates that the gem has the potential to be Beale's next Devine and the Gers head coach could use the last few matches in the Premiership this season to offer the bustling youngster a chance to impress.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared some behind-the-scenes talks at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Moyes steps it up…

As reported by The Evening Standard, manager Moyes is stepping up transfer talks this summer with a real east London overhaul on the cards before West Ham’s next Premier League campaign.

The Scotsman failed to upgrade his ranks with fresh additions in January and his side just missed out on a 2022/2023 spot in the Europa League to Manchester United.

Four departures have already been confirmed as Moyes sets his sights on refreshing the squad and whilst finding new and improved replacements.

The Latest: Romano shares big Areola update…

Romano, taking to Twitter, has shared a big Hammers update from behind-the-scenes as they eye a permanent deal for Paris-Saint Germain loanee Alphonse Areola.

The journalist claims West Ham are ‘planning’ to trigger his buy-option and ‘new’ in-house talks with the player’s representatives are imminent.

He explained:

“West Ham are prepared to pay €9m fee for Alphonse Areola. Buy option clause is expected to be triggered as West Ham are planning with Areola as goalkeeper.

New direct contact with his agents will take place this week.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Areola, despite a lack of game time behind Lukasz Fabianski in the top flight, has proved a more-than capable deputy to the Pole in cup competitions.

Some of his brilliant European performances on the road to West Ham’s semi-final last season perhaps sum up why it is imperative they seal a permanent move.

The 29-year-old already knows Rush Green and comes as a ready-made heir to Fabianski, making this deal a real no-brainer.

In other news: Decision made: Sky Sports make major behind-scenes West Ham claim contrary to reports! Find out more here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s hunt for Lille centre-back Sven Botman heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the Magpies will go back in for the Dutch central defender after missing out on him earlier this year.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure they will [make another attempt]. They tried really hard to sign him in January but just weren’t able to get that deal over the line with the player remaining in Lille.

“They still face big competition for his signature this summer with AC Milan very interested in bringing Botman to the San Siro, and obviously they have the lure of Champions League football.”

Supporters will be excited

The Toon supporters will be excited by this claim as Botman would be an excellent signing to add to Eddie Howe’s squad this summer.

He is a talented young centre-back who has excelled in a major European league over the last two seasons and has the potential to get better.

The gem turned 22 in January and has the majority of his career left ahead of him, which means that he is a player the club can bring in as an investment for the future as well as someone who can immediately improve the team.

In the 2021/22 Ligue 1 campaign, the defender caught the eye with consistently impressive displays at the back…

These statistics illustrate how well he performed for Lille at the heart of their defence and this followed on from his sublime 2020/21 title-winning season.

He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.08 and helped his team to keep 20 clean sheets in 37 games as they lifted the Ligue 1 title. Botman has proven that he can deliver top-quality displays on a regular basis in the French top-flight and this is why he can be an excellent signing for Newcastle.

No Magpies player averaged a rating higher than 6.98 (Dan Burn) in the Premier League and this suggests that the Dutchman would be an upgrade on what Howe currently has to work with.

The supporters will, therefore, be excited by the prospect of the club making another attempt to bring him to St. James’ Park. His statistics, and age, suggest that he will be a terrific signing for the club and PIF are now tasked with being able to beat Milan to his signature in the coming months.

AND in other news, Bid inbound: NUFC set to make £15m offer for “star in the making”, Howe would love him…

Manchester City have been crowned champions of England again after a dramatic final day 3-2 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

The Lowdown: 93:20…the sequel

Ten years on from Sergio Aguero’s dramatic smash-and grab-winner at home to Queen’s Park Rangers, which gave the Sky Blues their first Premier League crown, City have somehow repeated those heroics this afternoon.

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Steven Gerrard, who may have seemed fated to help his former club Liverpool with a result at Eastlands, was close to doing so after Villa found themselves two goals ahead courtesy of strikes from Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho.

Cityzens could have been forgiven for thinking that the title had slipped out of Guardiola’s grasp, but much like what happened a decade ago, the script was far from written.

The inspired introduction of Ilkay Gundogan seemingly turned the game on its head as the German opened City floodgates with his header at the back post on 76 minutes. Just moments later, long-distance specialist Rodri slotted a brilliant finish past Robin Olsen from outside the area, gifting supporters in the ground hope of a 93:20-esque sequel.

In ensuring that the crown was back in City’s hands, Gundogan found himself at the back post yet again soon after, tapping home his side’s 3-2 advantage and sealing one of the best final day comebacks in football history.

The Latest: Aguero’s five-word message…

City legend and all-time top scorer Aguero, a man who knows all about title-winning drama, sent a candid five-word message to the club and their supporters after their phenomenal end to the 2021/22 campaign.

The Argentine said on Twitter: “Campeones campeones , I love you.”

The Verdict: Deserved champions…

City and Liverpool were locked in one of the fiercest races for domestic glory that supporters are ever likely to see, with barely anything separating Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp for the second time in four seasons after a similarly close-run finish in 2018/19.

While the latter can look forward to a Champions League final next weekend, safe in the knowledge that he has also won a domestic double this year, Sky Blues supporters will be more than satisfied with a near-carbon copy of the 93:20 heroics today which will live long in the memory.

In other news: Pep blown away by ‘phenomenal’ £25 million man as Man City become main bidders to sign him…find out more here.

Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma is now on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer transfer window, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Danjuma’s season

Since making the switch from Bournemouth last year, the 25-year-old has gone on to leave an incredible impression on the Spanish top-flight. In 34 games for the La Liga outfit, the Netherlands international has netted an impressive 16 goals.

As a result of his domestic and European form – he scored six times on route to the Champions League semi-finals – a number of transfer rumours have arisen linking the winger with a move back to England.

According to a report by 90min, Fabio Paratici and co. sent a number of club officials to watch Danjuma in the first leg of Villarreal’s semi-final tie against Liverpool earlier this month.

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The Latest: Jones’ claim

With all this information, transfer window expert Jones believes that Danjuma is on Paratici’s summer wish list.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“They’ve got Danjuma on their radar. He’s a good player, but I don’t believe that he’s going to increase the ceiling of what this Tottenham team can achieve, so I think this is one they will wait and see on.”

The Verdict: Great signing

During his stint along the south coast, Bournemouth manager Jonathan Woodgate was full of praise for the 25-year-old, asserting that he is “an exceptional player”.

Former European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips has also reiterated this rhetoric, claiming that Danjuma “is a nightmare for defenders”, as “he can hurt any defence with his pace and directness”.

With Antonio Conte’s side hoping to secure a top four Premier League finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, Paratici will be eyeing the likes of Danjuma, as the Lilywhites look to bolster the quality in their squad as they plan for a busier schedule next year.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Levy will be ‘delighted’ with Champions League plans

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has labelled Luke Ayling’s red card against Arsenal on the weekend as a ‘massive blow for the club’ before the clash with Chelsea, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Ayling’s season over

The Whites had another weekend to forget, falling to a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates which has left them in the relegation zone for the first time since October with just three games remaining.

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The Gunners raced into an early lead after two goals from Eddie Nketiah before Ayling received his marching orders following a terrible two-footed tackle on Gabriel Martinelli.

He’ll serve a three-game suspension as a result of just his second-ever straight red card, leaving Jesse Marsch short of replacements with Stuart Dallas sidelined with a long-term injury.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Whelan, talking to FI, labelled Ayling’s season-ending red-card in London as a ‘massive blow’ and believes he’ll be a ‘huge miss’ for Marsch, starting against Chelsea.

“I think the frustration was clear to see all over the pitch and it just boiled over with Ayling unfortunately.

“It’s a massive blow for the club. To lose him at right-back – he’s the natural, he’s the best option we have at the club.

“Not only that, but we’re also seriously going to miss the energy, leadership, and experience he brings as well.

“He’s going to be a huge miss for these crucial last three games of the season.”

The Verdict: Shackleton?

Marsch hinted on Tuesday that Jamie Shackleton could make a first start under him against the Blues, which seems to be the most sensible solution.

The 22-year-old was a regular at right-back in Ayling’s absence during September and October and has made a total of 10 appearances at right-back in 2021/22.

He’s also a fairly experienced member of the squad as he has 78 appearances to his name in a Leeds shirt, and with options limited, now could be his time to shine as the Whites look to pick up points in all three of their remaining fixtures to ensure safety.

In other news: ‘Sad to report…’ – Phil Hay reacts to Leeds news as things go from bad to worse at Elland Road.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be sold by Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Ox out of favour

The 28-year-old has had a hit-and-miss Reds career, proving to be a key player at times but also suffering numerous injury problems and falling down the pecking order.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been limited to just nine starts in the Premier League so far this season, and it looks unlikely that he will feature again in 2021/22.

With the midfielder’s current Liverpool deal expiring in 2023, this summer could be the last chance for the club to earn a transfer fee from his exit.

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The Latest: Summer exit mooted

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell claimed that it is time for Oxlade-Chamberlain to move on from Liverpool, with Aurelien Tchouameni potentially replacing him. The 52-year-old said:

“You can never have enough quality and youth in the middle of the park. They need to get a touch younger. Oxlade-Chamberlain looks like he will leave. There may be a couple of outgoings in that position.

“I think it would be wise to freshen things up a little bit. If someone like Tchouameni comes in it keeps everyone on their toes. It would be a smart move if they manage to get that over the line.”

The Verdict: The end seems nigh

It feels almost inevitable that Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, considering how he seems to be nowhere near Jurgen Klopp’s current plans.

His last appearance came against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in March, a month after he last played in the league. Indeed, the 28-year-old hasn’t even been in a Premier League matchday squad since the first weekend of April [Transfermarkt].

His manager has hailed him as ‘brilliant’ in the past but he has become an increasingly forgotten man at Anfield, and his absolute peak years look to be behind him.

Oxlade-Chamberlain could move to another Premier League club and become a key player, so it would make sense for him to move on and enjoy a fresh challenge.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard could be granted one last chance to rescue their Manchester United careers with the appointment of Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that Rashford has received assurances that he will get his chance to perform under Ten Hag next season.

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Whilst Lingard could also stay if Ten Hag is able to convince him that he has a future at Manchester United.

Saved or Axed?

24-year-old Rashford has endured the worst season of his career this year, with the out-of-favour England international having just four goals and two assists to show for his 25 appearances for United this season.

It goes without saying that Lingard has also suffered this season, but more so for game-time rather than form, with the 29-year-old accumulating just 355 minutes this campaign from 16 cameo appearances that have seen him grab two goals.

Lingard, who has been dubbed “awful” by Journalist Rob Blanchette, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with his deal expiring this summer.

Rashford’s situation on the other hand is slightly more intricate, with the winger still holding value amidst his contract expiry in 2023, of which the club have an option to extend by a year.

The 24-year-old – who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by Chris Waddle for his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – does have something going for him though. And that is the fact that this is his first blip at Man United with the club massively underachieving as a collective this season.

Though, quite simply, the pair have not been good enough this season and with Ten Hag looking to rebuild the Red Devils, the saving in wages on Lingard and the sale of £45m-rated Rashford could help United to build on their transfer war chest.

Ten Hag’s stance on the £275k-per-week pair will make or break their future at Old Trafford, though with on-going links to the likes of Sebastien Haller, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Antony, it does not bode well for the duo and it should well see them axed.

In other news: Ten Hag could unearth a new Berbatov for Man United by signing 152-goal “hero”…