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Ciaran Clark is reportedly now ‘closing in’ on a loan move away from Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

The Republic of Ireland international was largely out of favour at St James’ Park last season, making just 14 appearances across all competitions and completing the full 90 minutes in just 11 of those matches (Transfermarkt).

As per The Daily Mail, the centre-back has been training with the under-23s alongside both Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle, suggesting that his long-term future now lies away from Tyneside.

The Latest: Sheffield United loan move

Taking to Twitter, Mike McGrath has revealed that Clark is now ‘closing in’ on a loan move to Sheffield United in the Championship, with a deal ‘close’ to being agreed between the two clubs.

The Daily Telegraph journalist tweeted: “Newcastle are close to agreeing a deal for Ciaran Clark to join Sheffield United on loan. #SUFC closing in on a season-long move for the #NUFC centre-back.”

The Verdict: He needs it

Clark needed a move away from Tyneside in order to get more regular game-time.

Given that Newcastle already have five other senior centre-backs currently in their ranks, and that Clark is now 32 years of age, they would have probably preferred a permanent deal for the Irishman, but instead it looks like he will move to Sheffield United on loan.

Clark currently earns £42,000-per-week at St James’ Park, so Eddie Howe’s side would also be grateful to get at least some of his wages off their books.

Newcastle United have been linked with a summer move for Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness), the Magpies have joined Ajax and Anderlecht in the race to sign the centre-forward this summer.

Starting his career in Netherlands, the 21-year-old joined Bayern’s under-17 squad five years ago. Since then, the youngster has gone on to make 98 appearances for the German club across their senior and youth teams.

In that time, he has scored 50 goals and delivered 26 assists along the way, highlighting his attacking prowess in front of goal.

Last season saw the striker spend the campaign on loan with Anderlecht in Belgium, where he found the net 18 times and provided 13 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.

In his 32 league games for the Brussels outfit, Zirkzee – who is currently valued at £9.9m by Transfermarkt – ended the season with more shots on target (30) than any other player at the club. He also won 27 tackles, showing that he isn’t afraid to get stuck in to try and win the ball back for his team either.

The next Wilson

Praised for his “remarkable” development at Bayern by former manager Hansi Flick, Zirkzee has also received praise from the German club’s academy manager Holger Seitz.

He said of the Dutch youngster: “He’s the kind of player who is highly sought-after: a powerful striker who keeps his cool and doesn’t let himself be caught out. He has a great understanding of football and reacts quickly to different situations.”

Given how Newcastle have relied on goals from Callum Wilson over the past couple of years (20 in total), it seems as though the Toon could find their next version of the English striker this summer in the Bayern sensation.

Having been described by former Magpies interim boss Graeme Jones as the “best matchday finisher” with whom he’s worked, the 30-year-old would be a great figure for a player like Zirkzee to have as a mentor should he make his way to St James’ Park this summer.

If an opportunity to sign the young Dutchman arises at any point this summer, the Magpies should do all they can to make it a reality.

AND in other news – “Have enquired”: talkSPORT journalist drops NUFC transfer claim that’ll excite supporters

According to The Athletic, Jed Wallace is now undergoing a medical at West Brom ahead of a summer move to the Hawthorns.

The Lowdown: Baggies table offer

The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the month upon the expiration of his contract at Millwall, and the Baggies have been monitoring the winger for quite some time.

It was reported that the Midlands outfit had already made an official offer to the player in a bid to keep him in the Championship, but were set to face competition from the likes of newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

In a fresh update though, it looks as though Steve Bruce has now beaten his competitors in the race for the Lions starlet.

The Latest: Wallace undergoing medical

In a column published by The Athletic, it’s claimed that Wallace is now ‘undergoing a medical’ at West Brom ahead of completing the switch up north.

It’s stated that the maestro is now free to find a new club after ‘turning down’ a contract extension at The Den, with the offer from Gary Rowett and co said to have been ‘lucrative’.

The Verdict: Fantastic addition

The fact that Bruce has finally managed to secure his long-term transfer target will come as a huge boost to the club, and Wallace will be a brilliant addition to the Albion starting XI.

The £5.85m-rated gem will be joining the Baggies on the back of yet another hugely successful season with Millwall, having become the assist king with 12 to his name in the second tier, as well as netting six goals himself, via Transfermarkt.

Salford striker Matt Smith, son-in-law of the West Brom boss and former teammate of Wallace, is reported to have put in a good word with the Baggies gaffer, so WBA fans may have him to thank if Wallace carries his red-hot form into the new season.

Leeds ‘will be monitoring’ winger Alberth Elis ‘closely’, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The 26-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Bordeaux in Ligue 1 from parent club Boavista, with the French outfit having exercised the option to sign him permanently for a fee of £5.4m.

However, his future at the club may be in doubt after Les Girondins were demoted to the third tier of the French pyramid ‘due to their financial situation’. Bordeaux had finished bottom of the top flight and had expected to be playing Ligue 2 football next term, but this has dramatically compounded their misery.

Elis played most of his football on the right flank last season but also featured as a centre-forward on seven occasions.

The latest

O’Rourke has said that Leeds will be waiting for an ‘opportunity’ to pounce and escalate their reported interest in Elis, who has 53 caps for Honduras.

The reporter told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure Leeds will be monitoring his situation closely, and if the opportunity does come, they will be able to offer him that opportunity to move to the Premier League.”

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The verdict

Should Leeds look to capitalise on Bordeaux’s woes and swoop for Elis?

His return of nine goals for a team which propped up the table is impressive in itself, and that’s even before you consider that he only played 1,415 minutes across 20 top-flight appearances. Doing the maths, he found the net every 157 minutes on average.

According to FBRef, Elis is similar in profile to West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, offering a significant goal threat from out wide. Indeed, according to a translated tweet from journalist Zach Lowy, ‘The Little Panther’ (as he’s nicknamed) simply ‘does not stop scoring’.

With uncertainty continuing to abound over Raphinha’s future at Elland Road, and amid the chaos at Bordeaux, Leeds could do a lot worse than consider a swoop for the Honduran.

In other news, Leeds are also keeping tabs on this Premier League winger

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a potential move to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

It is no secret that the St. James’ Park outfit hope to sign Sven Botman from Lille this window, but if a deal cannot be struck then they will be forced to look at alternative targets.

Lisandro Martinez and Eric Bailly are just two names who have been linked in recent days as Botman continues to flirt with Milan, with the Magpies now looking set to be very busy in the defender market over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Adarabioyo interest

As per The Daily Mirror, the Tynesiders are now interested in signing Adarabioyo.

The six-foot-five colossus made the EFL and PFA Team of the Year last term, and has gained a reputation for being a physically strong defender but also composed on the ball.

However, he only has one year left on his contract at Fulham, and so the newly-promoted Premier League club could now look to cash in.

The Verdict: Good Botman alternative?

If the Magpies do not manage to sign Botman, then Adarabioyo could provide a cheaper alternative.

The 24-year-old could be available at a cut price given his contract situation, and offers added top-flight experience that Botman does not have.

Comparing the two in their respective domestic leagues last campaign, Adarabioyo actually won more aerial duels than Botman and averaged more interceptions and passes per game.

Coming through the youth ranks at Manchester City, he is a player that Pep Guardiola has dubbed ‘exceptional’ in the past, and no doubt has a bright future in English football.

The Toon Army should be relatively pleased if he comes through the door.

Fabrizio Romano has shared news on transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s plans for Tottenham Hotspur amid their attempts to seal an agreement for Premier League star Yves Bissouma.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites start strong…

As Spurs close in on the Mali international, who is looking very likely to become their third summer signing, it’s safe to say this may be the north Londoners’ strongest start to a window in recent memory.

Deals for both Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic, who both arrived at Hotspur Way as free agents, preceded Bissouma and it’s reliably believed the Lilywhites are certainly not done there.

Head coach Antonio Conte reportedly has his sights on even more additions with reliable reporter Romano now sharing ‘talks’ and an update for supporters.

The Latest: Romano shares Spurs ‘talks’…

Amid the drama surrounding Bissouma, Romano claims Spurs and Paratici have been making moves for other targets with negotiations even held in the meantime.

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Replying to supporters on Twitter, the big name journalist says they are ‘for sure’ eyeing a move for Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence and have had ‘talks with his agents’.

However, it is believed that the Championship side are still waiting for an ‘official proposal’ from N17.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Only 21-years-old, homegrown and possessing a abundance of quality – Spence should ideally follow Bissouma through the door at Tottenham.

Called the ‘perfect player’ for Conte by members of the press (talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook), his arrival would also help to balance the club’s homegrown quota books and help solve that troubling issue.

Valued at around £20 million, Spence’s potential and brilliant performances on the road to promotion with Nottingham Forest last year make him a standout right-wing-back candidate.

In other news: Meeting held: Tottenham now enter ‘extraordinary’ defender talks as Sky Sports news emerges! Find out more here.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed Newcastle United’s ‘interest’ in signing Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

The 22-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season for Benfica, scoring no fewer than 34 goals and supplying a further four assists in 41 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an “absolute beast” by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive display in the Champions League against the eventual finalists and Premier League runners-up, the striker has shown that he looks more than capable of making the step up to the English top flight.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘interest’ in Nunez

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that while Nunez’s preferred destination would be Manchester United, there is also ‘interest’ in him from St James’ Park, and indeed a number of other clubs in the Premier League.

The journalist stated: “Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: Statement

For Newcastle to beat all of those clubs, who can all offer him European football next season, to sign Nunez would certainly be a statement of intent from PIF.

His goal record speaks for itself, and the Uruguay international is capable of spearheading Eddie Howe’s attack and firing them up the table.

Indeed, he is still only 22 years of age, so it is scary to think how good he could be in just a few years’ time.

In other news, find out which ‘superb’ colossus Dan Ashworth is now eyeing here!

Aston Villa are eyeing up a swoop for Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards this summer as Steven Gerrard looks to build his own team in the Midlands.

What’s the word?

The Birmingham Mail have reported that the teenager has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, with Villa amongst them.

The report added that an unnamed top-flight side have had a £2m bid rejected for the player, as Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry appears to be demanding a club record fee of £15m in order for them to sell the 19-year-old.

Forget Tarkowski

Gerrard has already made a few signings ahead of next season, capturing Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara as the spine of his new-look team begins to take shape.

Another defender would be a welcome addition to the squad, with James Tarkowski being heavily linked with the Villans, although the manager could well go for youth and potential over signing the more experienced Burnley defender.

Edwards has already made his England under-19s debut against France last year and seems set to leave relegated Peterborough this summer.

His former manager Darren Ferguson lavished him with praise in the past, stating that the 19-year-old is an “incredible talent”; and with clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur sniffing around the youngster, Gerrard might need to act quickly.

Edwards has a slightly better temperament compared to Tarkowski, receiving only six bookings last season compared to 11 for the Burnley defender. The 19-year-old also committed just 14 fouls in 34 matches, an impressive number when you compare it to the 34 fouls for which the Clarets centre-back was culpable.

Edwards might still be slightly raw, but a move to a club like Aston Villa could prove to be the catalyst that he needs to kick on and reach his potential.

An outlay of £15m might seem a lot to Gerrard for a 19-year-old centre-back in the here-and-now, but he could well make Villa a fortune further down the line if they can persuade Peterborough to sell this summer.

AND in other news, Gerrard must axe “frustrating” Aston Villa liability in deal for “unreal” £10m dynamo

Crystal Palace want to sign Conor Gallagher on a permanent deal from Chelsea this summer after his loan spell at Selhurst Park was a major success.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Dean Jones writing for GIVEMESPORT, who claimed that Palace will be remaining in touch with Gallagher over the summer with manager Patrick Vieira in no doubt about wanting him back at the club. It’s said he would be a dream signing for The Eagles.

However, he could get a chance to prove himself at Chelsea, with manager Thomas Tuchel recently confirming that the player will join up with the squad for pre-season where a decision on his future will then be made.

Vieira needs him

Gallagher is vital to Palace’s progression, and his contribution to the team will be hard for Vieira to replace if they can’t land him on a permanent deal.

Of course there is the possibility of another loan, but the player is likely going to want to leave Chelsea permanently if he isn’t guaranteed game time at Stamford Bridge.

If that happens you would fancy Palace to be his first choice, however other clubs will be in the race, with recent reports saying that Everton are interested in the player. For Chelsea, it may be a case of whoever is willing to pay the most.

He is rated at £22.5m, but given his impressive performances over the past season, it wouldn’t be surprising if his parent club want more.

In 39 appearances for The Eagles he had 13 direct goal contributions, scoring the second most in the team, after Wilfried Zaha.

His overall statistics are impressive. When you compare him to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, he ranks in the top 1o% for goal creating actions.

The England international has been described as a “gem” by podcaster Reev who thinks he should be “on the plane to Qatar”.

The 22-year-old also has an incredible work rate. When compared against the same group he ranks in the top 3% for pressures in the attacking third and top 6% for tackles in the attacking third.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that another podcaster in the form of Dan Cook described him as “outrageous”.

If he’s producing numbers on those levels right now, just imagine how good he can become as he develops. Wherever he ends up playing he will be a huge asset to the team.

Palace and Vieira will be hoping he stays with them and helps improve on their solid 12th place finish.

IN other news: Contact made: Vieira now plots CPFC move for £27m-rated gem, he’s a “tackling machine”…

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, West Ham United look set to ‘make an offer’ for Jesse Lingard during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: West Ham set to face competition for Lingard

The 29-year-old is a Manchester United academy product and has been at the club since the age of seven, having since gone on to make 232 senior appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.

The 32-cap England international joined the Irons on loan in January 2021 and hugely impressed during his time at the London Stadium.

With his current contract in Manchester set to expire at the end of June, it looks as though David Moyes has reignited his interest in the midfielder after it was revealed earlier this week that West Ham have made initial enquiries about the possibility of re-signing Lingard in the summer.

The Hammers are set to face competition for his signature, though, as Serie A trio Roma, AC Milan and Juventus are all believed to be keen on offering the Warrington native a route out of the Premier League, with the player reportedly demanding a £150k-per-week contract wherever his next destination is.

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The Latest: Jones makes Lingard ‘offer’ claim

Jones understands that West Ham are preparing to present an offer for Lingard and thinks that they will still have a go at making a proposal despite the 29-year-old’s hopes of landing a big-money move.

He told GiveMeSport: “They are going to make an offer to Jesse Lingard. They haven’t got around to it just yet, but there is going to be something happening on that front. We’ll just have to wait and see what that Lingard proposal is, first of all.”

The Verdict: Europa temptation?

Lingard was in scintillating form during his half-season at the London Stadium last year, so it comes as no surprise to see that the West Ham hierarchy are now trying to bring him to the club on a permanent basis.

The £18m-rated maestro scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 16 appearances under Moyes (as per Transfermarkt) and played a crucial part in helping the Irons to secure a club-record Premier League points tally and a crack at the Europa League, in which they went all the way to the semi-finals.

West Ham will now be looking forward to yet another season of European football next term after claiming a seventh-place finish in the league table, albeit in the Europa Conference League instead.

Nonetheless, the opportunity of playing regularly on the European stage may be a huge deciding factor when it comes to Lingard choosing where the next chapter of his career will take him.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped this ‘big’ West Ham transfer twist