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Newcastle United have interviewed former RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick for the role of sporting director as a new era begins at St James’ Park under PIF.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Mirror, the club’s new owners are keen to revamp the club from the top down, and one of the areas in which they are considering making a move for is the sporting director role.

It’s been suggested that both Rangnick, and former PSG transfer supremo, Antero Henrique, have been interviewed for the position as they look to make some big changes at St James’ Park.

Rangnick would be perfect

Aside from his work as a sporting director, Rangnick has also previously had extensive managerial experience, and that could prove to be an ideal piece of knowledge for any new man coming in looking to liaise with him on potential targets and recruitment.

The Athletic described his approach as being “Bielsa-esque” as he plays a high-pressing game that looks to dominate on the front-foot – it’s perhaps no surprise then that he is actually renowned as being the pioneer of the ‘gengenpress’ system.

As well as that, Rangnick has also been dubbed as “a professor, a scientist of football,” and the “architect” of RB Leipzig’s rise into a Champions League outfit, bringing through the likes of Timo Werner, Naby Keita and Marcel Sabitzer in his time there at the club.

What’s perhaps most telling about the kind of impact he has on European football over these past two decades is the number of high-profile coaches who point to him as being their main source of inspiration, including Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool boss simply said: “One of the best, if not the best German coach.”

That’s high praise from a Premier League and Champions League winning manager, and while his role would be slightly different at St James’ Park as a sporting director, it would be such a massive coup for the Magpies to bring Rangnick into the fold.

Newcastle fans would surely be delighted with the 63-year-old’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must also get rid of this man as well as Bruce…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Samir Handanovic to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Rudy Galetti, with the Italian journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, following Inter Milan’s recent signing of Andre Onana, the 37-year-old Handanovic could leave the San Siro on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign.

Galetti goes on to state that Tottenham are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Slovenia international – who is thought to have been offered a new deal by the Serie A side – as Antonio Conte is believed to be extremely interested in securing a deal for the shot-stopper.

In his post, Galetti said: “With the arrival of Onana (five-year contract), Handanovic – despite the renewal proposal – could leave the [Nerazzurri] at the end of the season. THFC follow the [Slovenian] goalkeeper: Conte has asked for him and in June he could arrive in [the] EPL as a free agent.”

Fans will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Handanovic is a goalkeeper who does not have too many more seasons ahead of him at the top level of professional football, considering just how impressive the 37-year-old has been for Inter this season, he would still very much appear to make a fantastic addition to Conte’s current options in the position at Spurs.

Indeed, over his 19 Serie A appearances in the current campaign, the £2.25m-rated man has helped his side keep nine clean sheets and has made an average of 2.8 saves per game, with these returns seeing the shot-stopper average a SofaScore match rating of 7.09 – ranking him as Inter’s ninth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

As such, while Hugo Lloris is expected to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Tottenham in the coming weeks, the potential addition of a goalkeeper who boasts the ability and the experience of Handanovic, particularly on a free transfer, is something that will undoubtedly have Spurs fans buzzing.

The £96k-per-week ‘keeper would not only provide backup to the France international next season, he could well go on to push the 35-year-old for his starting spot between the Tottenham sticks.

In other news: “I understand”: Big twist emerges in THFC pursuit of £25m-rated gem, AC surely buzzing

Spanish outlet Sport have provided an update involving Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale. 

The lowdown: Bale in Madrid

Out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), it now seems inevitable that the 32-year-old will finally leave Spain this summer.

Despite being an integral part of a successful time in the history of the La Liga giants, the Welsh forward has been castigated by fans and media alike in recent years at the Bernabeu due to an ongoing battle with fitness issues.

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Having spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Tottenham – scoring 16 times and providing three assists – a fresh claim has now emerged from Spain…

The latest: Spurs keen

As per the report from Sport, Spurs, and by extension Fabio Paratici, are among the clubs plotting to offer Bale a contract should the Welshman indeed decide to continue with his career.

Hometown club Cardiff City, Newcastle United, Rangers and a move to the MLS are also cited as possible destinations for the man once hailed as ‘one of the best in the world’ by former interim Tottenham boss Ryan Mason following a hat-trick against Sheffield United.

However, it’s suggested that the 102-cap ace may yet hang up his boots should Wales fail to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The verdict: Still got it

If there was any doubting whether the enigmatic Welshman still has the quality to perform at the elite level, a recent stunning brace for Wales in the World Cup playoff against Austria put the questions to rest.

Managing Director of Football Paratici will attempt to strengthen the squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer and a move for Bale, who Antonio Conte actually tried to sign whilst at Inter Milan, would be an interesting option.

Whilst a return would excite supporters, since moving to Madrid in 2013 Bale has missed an eye-watering 134 matches through injury and fitness woes. Therefore, to make this move a feasible option certain assurances would either need to be in place over fitness or it would need to come at a low financial cost.

In other news: Report makes swap deal claim as Spurs open talks! Find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers have now been gifted a big boost in their hope of tying Scott Arfield down to a new deal at the club.

The Lowdown: van Bronckhorst wants him

Speaking to the media before their 3-3 draw away at Ross County (via The Glasgow Times), manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted that he wants to keep Arfield beyond his current contract with the Teddy Bears, which will run out in the summer.

As the Dutchman says, the central midfield player has been ‘really important‘ to the side, as he has played 27 matches in total across all competitions for them this term, scoring four goals (Transfermarkt).

At 33 years of age with 19 international caps to his name, he is one of the most experienced players in the dressing room.

The Latest: Arfield speaks out

Speaking to the media in a pre-game press conference ahead of their match at home to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon, Arfield has now revealed that his agent is talking with the club about a potential new deal:

“My agent is talking to the club, this is a club I want to be a part of.

“I love being part of this football club.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Called a ‘very clever’ player by former boss Steven Gerrard, Arfield is someone who can still thrive under another coach in van Bronckhorst, and there is no doubt that he is still a key part of the team.

Yes, there will be a time when the Light Blues will have to start thinking about phasing him out given his age, but the Canadian should be given at least until the end of next season in order to help stabilise the ship under the new boss.

Nonetheless, he is someone that the fans want to keep at Ibrox too, and so a new deal will work out for all parties involved.

In other news, find out what big Gers transfer update Fabrizio Romano has dropped here!

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook on Twitter, West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph is set to move to Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Randolph now third-choice at West Ham

The veteran has been well down the Hammers’ pecking order this season, as Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola have been battling it out for the berth between the sticks. The 34-year-old has not yet featured in a West Ham shirt this season, having last done so against West Brom towards the end of last term.

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Indeed, Randolph has not even been included in any of Moyes’ Premier League squads this season. This could threaten his spot in the Republic of Ireland national team, having been capped 50 times by his country.

The Latest: Randolph set to join Villa on loan

According to Crook, Randolph is set to join Aston Villa on a loan deal, as Steven Gerrard seeks a backup for first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the Midlands

The talkSPORT journalist tweeted: “Another pending arrival at #AVFC who I understand are set to sign #WHUFC goalkeeper Darren Randolph on loan as back-up for Emi Martinez”

It has previously been reported by Claret and Hugh that the Irons would have accepted any offer which would see the Irishman leave the club, and it now looks likely that a loan exit to Villa will materialise.

The Verdict: Could be just what Randolph needs

With Fabianski and Areola going toe-to-toe with one another for the starting spot at West Ham, it seems silly to keep Randolph at the club. A move to Villa could reinvigorate the 34-year-old, who through no fault of his own has been left kicking his heels on matchdays since the start of the campaign.

Former Middlesbrough teammate Ryan Shotton has previously described the Irishman as ‘brilliant’, exclaiming that ‘some of his saves are just unbelievable’.

The move to Villa could provide him with the opportunity to play whenever Martinez is rested or unavailable, and it may just enable him to return to east London sharper and more motivated to force his way back into David Moyes’ plans.

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘Absolutely insane’ – Many West Ham fans erupt over ‘huge’ boost for Irons beast

Tottenham have been brilliant this season and although it’s a longshot, still have a chance in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Without spending a single penny and suffering badly from big injuries, Mauricio Pochettino and his players have just got on with things, not worrying about anything else apart from doing the business on the pitch.

There have been a number of terrific showings from Tottenham recently that have since brought them back into the Premier League title debate, whilst their Champions League aspirations are also very much alive and kicking.

Yet, whatever success they may or may not enjoy this season, Spurs cannot stand still in the transfer market again and must look to replenish their squad.

Whether he would want to play second-fiddle or Tottenham somehow integrated him within the starting line-up, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic could be a brilliant summer coup.

Mitrovic, (who is valued at £22.5 million on Transfermarkt) is far greater than the Championship striker he could become if Fulham are to be relegated and would arguably good enough for Tottenham’s squad.

With the chance to play with a much greater surrounding of quality, Mitrovic could be looking at bettering the ten goals he has scored this season so far.

The Serbian international is still only 24-years-old as well, meaning that his career with Tottenham could be very long lasting and full of success eventually.

Tottenham have a squad full of young and exciting players, which Aleksandar Mitrovic would also fit the criteria of being too.

He is a bullish striker that is superb in the air and on the ground knocking the ball around. He would be far better than Fernando Llorente and would ultimately improve Tottenham’s choices massively.

Do you agree… Let us know!

A fresh update has emerged on Villarreal boss Unai Emery, regarding a potential move to Newcastle this week.

What’s the talk?

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has claimed that the Spanish club are now confident of the ex-Arsenal man staying in Spain amidst the speculation over his future. He has, however, added that there are more twists to come in the story.

He wrote: “Villarreal now confident Emery will turn down NUFC few more twists in this one…”

Intrigue

This update from Crook will initially leave fans feeling confused about the whole situation in Tyneside.

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope claimed that Emery told Newcastle he wanted the job on Tuesday before Guillem Balague then reported that he was now set to reject the club after his team’s 2-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League last night.

However, Crook now states that Villarreal believe Emery will remain with the La Liga club, but with more twists to come, it suggests that a deal is not dead yet. With that in mind, supporters will undoubtedly be intrigued with the glimmer of hope that’s still left in any potential move for the Spanish coach.

With the Magpies already six points adrift of safety after ten games, with zero wins and six losses in the top-flight as it stands. Graeme Jones has been the caretaker manager for two games since Steve Bruce’s departure and picked up one point, from a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, in that time.

As a result, there is a lack of cohesion and belief on the pitch and that appears to be the case off the field as well as Newcastle struggle to get a deal for Emery over the line. However, with his continental pedigree and experience of spending big with PSG in mind, eventually hiring him would no doubt have supporters over the moon.

Hopefully, PIF are able to strike a balance and work things out, whether that be convincing Emery to make the switch or by securing another top manager to come in and steady the ship. They then have the January transfer window to flex their financial muscle to bolster the playing squad in order to help them avoid relegation. At the moment, this is a particularly intriguing set of events. How it ends is anyone’s guess but the Toon Army will surely be lusting after Emery.

Disclaimer: Since time of publishing, Emery has since confirmed he will be remaining at Villarreal.

AND in other news, “Emery will..” – Journalist delivers crushing Newcastle update that’ll worry fans…

Celtic are looking to swiftly conclude their January business, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph. 

The lowdown

The Hoops are closing in on their first winter signing, Kawasaki Frontale defender Reo Hatate. They are seemingly nearing a deal with the Japanese club and personal terms aren’t expected to cause any problems, with the player pushing for the move to Glasgow.

The Hoops backed Ange Postecoglou with a £20m spend in the summer ahead of his first season in charge, but clearly the 56-year-old feels that he needs additional reinforcements in his pursuit of the Premiership title with Rangers four points ahead at the top of the table.

The latest

Keeping Celtic supporters posted on the latest transfer news, Joseph tweeted:

“Celtic are also continuing talks in their pursuit of Yokohama F Marinos forward Daizen Maeda and Gamba Osaka midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi.

“It’s understood the Hoops are looking to complete their January business early in the window.”

The verdict

It was telling that, after Kyogo Furuhashi and Albian Ajeti joined Celtic’s injury list last week, Postecoglou pointed to a lack of depth in the squad (via Daily Record). His argument seemed to be that, if he had better rotation options, it would be easier for him to protect key players.

Celtic’s squad will continue to be stretched in the New Year, especially if they progress through the Europa Conference League play-off round in February.

With a three-week winter break pencilled in between the Old Firm derby on 2 January and the Scottish Cup clash with Alloa Athletic on 22 January, early business would at least allow Celtic’s additions a healthy bedding-in period in Glasgow.

In other news, what about players who might be headed the other way?

Leeds United youngster Crysencio Summerville is reportedly Hamburg’s ‘preferred’ target to join the club before the January transfer window closes.

The Lowdown: Summerville struggles for playing time

The 20-year-old may be one of the Whites’ most exciting young players but he has had to make do with a peripheral role this season.

Summerville’s only start of the campaign to date came in the Carabao Cup, so it could make sense for Leeds to loan him out for the rest of the season.

As deadline day approaches, that still looks to potentially be on the cards, with reports from Hamburg delivering more news on that front.

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The Latest: Hamburg keen on move

According to Hamburger Morgenpost [via Sport Witness], Summerville remains the 2. Bundesliga club’s primary target, as they continue to chase a temporary deal.

It is stated that ‘talks with Leeds are increasingly difficult’, however, so it may be tricky to get it completed before Monday’s deadline.

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The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

In terms of Summerville’s development, it makes perfect sense for him to seal a loan move away from Leeds this month, having been described as ‘superb’ by Noel Whelan.

It would hopefully allow him more regular football in Germany’s second tier and the experience of playing abroad could help him mature as an all-round footballer.

There seems little benefit for anyone if Summerville ends up staying put in January, sitting on the substitutes bench or playing for the Under-23s.

All that said, with such little depth in attacking areas already at Elland Road, perhaps part of the trouble with the deal is Leeds’ desire to secure their own attacking signing first.

In other news, Leeds have been boosted in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa will be looking to finish the 2021/22 season as strongly as possible ahead of a summer which promises plenty of excitement.

As Steven Gerrard enters his first summer transfer window as Villa manager, it’s no secret that the Midlands club will be looking to invest heavily in order to upgrade their squad.

One area which could certainly be improved is centre-forward, especially with last summer’s £25m addition Danny Ings failing to make a big impact at Villa Park, with the 29-year-old scoring just five goals in claret and blue thus far.

Moreover, Ollie Watkins hasn’t had his best season either, with the 26-year-old scoring only seven goals this campaign, having netted 16 last time around.

However, Gerrard and the Villa hierarchy may not have to invest too heavily to sign a striker, with exciting 20-year-old prospect Cameron Archer potentially ready for a regular run in the first team.

In the pipeline

The youngster has made a serious impression at the Midlands club this season, scoring four goals for the first team in two Carabao Cup appearances, plus nine in eight appearances for the under-23s.

In order to help continue his development, Villa sent the striker on loan to Championship side Preston North End in January, with Archer continuing to thrive at Deepdale. The 20-year-old has netted on five occasions in 12 appearances for Ryan Lowe’s side and will be looking to finish the season strongly in order to make a serious impression on the Villa manager.

Aston Villa journalist Ashley Preece has had plenty of positive things to say about the young striker, especially earlier this season after Villa’s under-23s defeated League One Burton Albion 4-2 in the EFL Trophy.

Preece said on that occasion: “Absolutely sensational as he picks up his second match ball of the season with yet another classy hat-trick. It was finishing of the highest order with Archer being applauded off by Smith, Shakespeare, Danks and Lange in the stands.

“Archer was levels above here, whacking home his trio past Balcombe in the Burton net. Villa need to get his contract sorted now. His development since the summer has been staggering. The boy’s some finisher.”

Since then, the deal has been sorted and the 20-year-old is contracted at Villa Park until 2025. The striker will now have to be assured that he has a future in Gerrard’s first-team plans, as his goal record this term suggests that he could be an upgrade on the out-of-sorts Ings.

In other news: Aston Villa open transfer talks over 105-goal machine, Gerrard will be buzzing