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Ben Jacobs has dropped a promising claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United involving the upcoming arbitration case against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Newcastle protest

As per Jacobs, some members of the Toon Army have gone out on a protest to call for more transparency over the whole takeover situation.

This comes after similar calls from Amanda Staveley in an interview with Sky Sports and from the St. James’ Park faithful themselves after releasing a statement on their official website.

The Latest: Jacobs on arbitration

Citing the forthcoming arbitration hearing as ‘specifically about separation’, moreover whether the North East club can prove that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) is a separate entity to the Saudi state, Jacobs has given his latest verdict on what the results could mean.

The sports journalist, who has been following the latest developments in the takeover saga very closely, has claimed that a takeover is ‘still likely’ if the Tyneside club can win arbitration.

The Verdict: Still hope

There is still very much hope that a takeover can be completed for the Magpies, especially if they can win arbitration.

With the protests going on and more calls for transparency, including from consortium members themselves, the Premier League are clearly under a lot of pressure, and so NUFC may well take advantage of this when the proceedings begin.

Nonetheless, the results are set to be pivotal in determining the direction of where the takeover is heading, and the club will obviously be hoping that they go in their favour so we can find out if Jacobs’ ‘still likely’ prediction comes true.

In other news, find out what ‘end game’ claim Lee Ryder has made on the potential takeover here!

According to Fichajes, Southampton are interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Adnan Januzaj this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints prepare for new season

The Saints had a mixed season last time out, reaching the FA Cup semi-finals but also finishing in 15th place in the table despite briefly going top in November.

As such, Ralph Hasenhuttl is likely to target a number of new signings this summer, and one former Manchester United man is said to be on his radar.

The Latest: Saints eye Januzaj

It has been reported that Southampton are interested in capturing the services of Januzaj, who currently plays in Spain for Real Sociedad but has been touted for an exit from the club.

Brighton are also said to be in pursuit of the 26-year-old winger, according to Fichajes.

The Verdict: Still plenty to give

Many football fans will remember when the Belgium international burst onto the scene as a teenager in 2013 – he scored four goals and provided four assists in the Premier League in his first full campaign at Manchester United (Transfermarkt). He was even compared to Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney by then-Red Devils manager David Moyes (Sky Sports).

However, he has been unable to live up to those initial expectations, managing just 24 goals throughout his professional career. Still, he has played in many of Europe’s top leagues and has won 13 caps for a Belgium side ranked first in the world, and he could still bring plenty of attacking endeavour to the Saints.

Nimble with the ball at his feet, Januzaj averaged 1.7 dribbles per game last season – for context, only Stuart Armstrong (2.1) could beat that within Southampton’s squad.

For the right price, it could be a good deal for Hasenhuttl and co to bring in the former Manchester United talent, especially if he is open to leaving Real Sociedad.

In other news, many Southampton fans have reacted to news on this in-form striker.

For years, Manchester City struggled defensively but now they could be tempted to sell Aymeric Laporte this summer if the right offer arrives and former defender Steve Howey believes that offer would have to be around the £70 million mark.

Before Ruben Dias arrived at the Etihad, Laporte was seen as the lynchpin in City’s defence, however, his injuries and the revival of John Stones has seen the Frenchman pushed down the pecking order and now competing with Nathan Ake for the third-choice centre back spot, having made just 27 appearances in all competitions last term.

With Premier League minutes not guaranteed next season, Laporte has been linked with a move to Barcelona and he would be with familiar faces like Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia who are now both with the Catalan club.

Laporte is an established Premier League centre back who has not even reached the peak years of his career so City will surely be looking to receive a monster fee for the now Spanish international, according to Howey, who spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“They will be looking in the region of £65-70 million for him and I think if they can get that for him, then it will be good business.

“I think if they can get more money than they paid for Laporte, then I think it’s good business and they could probably get another couple of centre backs to have in the squad.”

If Laporte was to leave, then it would certainly leave the Premier League champions short in the heart of their defence as they’d be left with just Dias, Stones and Ake who have experience at the top level.

Man City will know that teams around them will be looking to improve their squads this summer so instead of selling their players, they will also want to add depth and quality to their ranks.

A lot of Wolves fans will be desperate for the club to make some signings this summer after a relatively poor season last time out, but someone who may be able to improve their starting line-up is Morgan Gibbs-White, who reminds Wanderers legend Steve Bull of Adama Traore.

Gibbs-White had a mixed season as he was recalled early from his loan spell at Swansea City which came after he was caught breaching COVID restrictions, but when given his chance at the end of last season he thrived at Molineux.

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene at Molineux during the 2018/19 season and at the end of the last campaign his skill, raw power and strength, coupled with great finishing ability, may have been enough to earn him a regular spot in Bruno Lage’s starting line-up for next season.

To have one Traore in your side can be frightening enough for the opposition, however, Wolves appear to have two players of that ilk and quality, according to Bull, who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I think he’s like Traore with the things he can do on the ball, and I saw him do it for 90 minutes against Brighton at the end of the season.”

Despite being just 21-years-old, Gibbs-White has already racked up 83 appearances for Wolves in all competitions so he will be wanting to shine in pre-season in front of Lage who will be bringing a different philosophy to Wolves compared to Nuno Espirito Santo.

Gibbs-White could be set for a bigger role this season with Pedro Neto still injured and not clear when he will be fit and match ready but also, Traore has been linked with a move away which would leave a massive hole in Wolves’ side that the 21-year old could fill.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been tipped as a possible shrewd addition at Aston Villa.

A number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts on comments from pundit Dean Windass on social media regarding this potential transfer.

Alli has three years remaining on his Spurs contract, but he has fallen out of favour in north London over the past 12 months. The England international started just seven Premier League games last term under Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason, five of which came in the final five fixtures of the campaign, having been a scorer of 18 league goals in 2016/17, the best season of his career so far.

Nuno Espirito Santo is the new man in charge at Tottenham and Villa have made the signing of a number 10 their transfer priority; and Windass feels that Alli could shine in the Midlands if he makes such a move.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the former Hull striker believes that the Spurs playmaker could fit in at Villa, saying:

“The new manager might want to keep Alli, but I don’t think Kane will be staying so their main focus will be trying to get another centre forward quickly.

“I think Dele would fit in well at Villa and he needs to start playing again.

“He needs to start being a bit more confident as well because it does demoralise you when you don’t play and the manager doesn’t rate you.”

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared their story regarding Windass’ comments on Alli multiple times on Twitter.

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many in favour of a possible swoop. One describing him as ‘quality’, while another alluded to the off-field friendship between the 25-year-old and Jack Grealish.

“Yes please!! Dele is a quality player who’s been wronged by his club! He looked quality when he came in towards the end of the season and he’s just coming into peak age!! Good pals with Jack too so bonus there too”Credit: @danskyba”I think it’s worth a gamble”Credit: @Sean_2431″Yes, simple answer”Credit: @mattym1985″Did see sparks of his former self after Mourinho left and he’s still only 25. Who knows what the issue has been but surely there’s still a class player in there. It’s possibly still a risk but coming to a positive environment and at the right price – maybe? Jack might like it too”Credit: @JamieChesterman”People comparing Dele to Barkley are jumping the shark imo. Dele is spectacular and can win a game on his own. If the teams struggling Ross switched off. Don’t see Dele doing so”Credit: @DarthVaDan”Unfair to put him in same bag as Barkley….. don’t believe his attitude would be the same…Yes of course we’d prefer Smith Rowe but if we don’t get him I think Dele Alli would be a great addition”Credit: @CliffRoberts1

In other news: ‘Absolute madness’, ‘Leave us alone’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘garbage’ transfer news, find out more here.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to the Evening Standard, the Red Devils are keen to “test West Ham’s resolve” over the 22-year-old this summer after an impressive season with the east London club.

Hammers boss David Moyes has previously claimed that Rice is worth in excess of £100m amid interest in his prized asset, so any move is likely to be an expensive one.

Manchester United must swoop

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated his intention to bring in “two or three players to strengthen the starting XI” after United’s disappointing defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, and a new defensive midfielder is thought to be high up on the Norwegian’s wish list.

Scott McTominay has often been deployed at the base of United’s midfield in recent years, sometimes alongside Brazil international Fred, but the 24-year-old is naturally more of a box-to-box player.

Although McTominay was arguably United’s standout performer in midweek, the need for a new, more orthodox defensive midfielder has been apparent for quite some time now, with Fred often proving an unreliable figure.

While the Old Trafford outfit have had to select a double-pivot in their biggest games for added insurance for the last two seasons, Rice has gone from strength to strength at the London Stadium, playing a crucial part in West Ham’s sixth-placed finish in 2020/21.

The £58.5m-rated ace (Transfermarkt) enjoyed a stellar season with the east London outfit, making 32 league appearances as they recorded their highest Premier League points haul; and when delving into his underlying numbers, it’s clear that Rice would offer an upgrade on Manchester United’s current options.

In possession, Rice recorded an average of 47.7 passes per game, compared to McTominay’s 40.6; and despite playing more passes, the England international found a teammate more regularly, with an accuracy of 88% compared to the Scotsman’s 87%.

It’s not just with the ball at his feet where Rice excels, either. The youngster made 1.8 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game throughout 2020/21, bettering McTominay’s match averages of 1.6 tackles and 0.9 interceptions.

United need to close the 12-point gap to champions Manchester City next term to continue their progress under Solskjaer, and picking up Rice – once dubbed the “future England captain” by The Times journalist Henry Winter – would be a solid start to that task.

In other news…Man Utd could find their own Van Dijk by signing £51.5m-rated “leader” 

Former West Ham striker Brian Deane has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he can understand why David Moyes opted against signing a replacement for Sebastien Haller in January.

Haller departed West Ham for Ajax in the last transfer window, leaving the Hammers short upfront.

Despite that, no striker was brought in, meaning Michail Antonio has had to lead the line with no natural cover. However, prior to the 2-1 win against Burnley, the 31-year-old had missed the defeats to Chelsea and Newcastle United.

It has left some questioning the decision not to replace Haller as West Ham continue to compete against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool for Champions League football, two teams who are stacked in attack, in contrast.

Deane, however, can see the sense behind Moyes, David Gold and David Sullivan’s thinking. Speaking exclusively to FFC on the subject, the ex-West Ham player said:

“It’s difficult because I think what people don’t realise a lot of the time is that you can turn round and say they should have brought a striker in, but the manager might not always be able to get what he wants.

“Bringing in somebody for the sake of it sometimes doesn’t work.”

The Hammers will now be expected to move for a new No.9 in the summer, though that is unlikely to be Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham after Moyes claimed that his alleged £40m price tag is too much for the club.

Former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that the Blades need a manager like Slavisa Jokanovic going into next season.

Sheffield United are looking for a new man for the dugout following Chris Wilder’s departure back in March and recent reports have suggested that they could be in for Jokanovic.

According to BBC Sport, the Yorkshire club have already spoken to the ex-Fulham and Watford boss about taking over. Meanwhile, current caretaker manager Paul Heckingbottom is also in contention for the job.

Speaking exclusively to TT about United’s reported interest in Jokanovic, Deane said:

“I’ve seen the headlines like everybody else. I think that in order to move forward, the club needs somebody who has that kind of presence out there. When you’re signing players and you’re trying to bring players into the club, they need to believe in what the project is.

“I think by bringing in somebody like him, it kind of says, ‘Ok, well, he’s got a couple of promotions on his CV,’ so they’ll buy into the hope that he’s the right person to move the club forward.”

While Jokanovic struggled during his time in the Premier League with Fulham before being sacked, he excelled during those two promotion-winning campaigns with the west London club and Watford.

Furthermore, he could be the man to take Sheffield United back to English football’s top flight – perhaps at the first time of asking.

Former Everton ace Michael Ball has delivered a brutal verdict on Carlo Ancelotti’s Goodison Park exit to Real Madrid by claiming he “bottled it”.

The Italian made the shocking switch to the Bernabeu last week, returning to the club with whom he won the Champions League in the 2013/14 season.

Ancelotti did not manage to win La Liga but he also lifted the Copa del Rey and, the following season, the FIFA Club World Cup.

At Everton, though, he struggled to turn them into winners, finishing 10th in his only full season on Merseyside.

Ancelotti signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he joined the Toffees, but his spell lasted just 18 months.

Ball believes there was supposed to be a long-term project with Ancelotti as manager, but that he has run to the easiest option at the first sign of a new opportunity.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “But I just think it was an easy option for him. I feel at his age, he just realised that it was going to take a lot longer at Everton to get where he wants them to be. He is a winner at the end of the day.

“You know Everton can’t go out and be paying 80, 90 million pounds on four or five players. And I just feel that he bottled it at Everton.

“I think he really just looked at the project and thought this is much more difficult than what I thought.

“The players probably couldn’t go out and perform the way he’d liked because he’s always been with high profile, high calibre players who will probably take that information and deliver on a football pitch.”

Ancelotti has never spent over two seasons at a club apart from with AC Milan, with whom he spent eight years.

KV Oostende are keen to take up their option of making Jack Hendry’s loan move permanent in the summer, however, his stay in Belgium could be short-lived.

According to sources close to Give Me Sport, the Jupiler Pro League side are looking to make the centre-back’s deal permanent over the coming months.

They add a damning seven-word detail on the Belgian outfit’s interest in the £8,000-a-week Hoops man; ‘if only to sell him on quickly’.

Premier League interest in Hendry

Reports back in March suggested that up to eight Premier League sides have shown an interest in the Scotland international, with Oostende well aware of that situation.

It seems as if they’ll therefore look to activate a clause to sign the player for around a reported £1.75m and could then move him on for bigger money fairly swiftly.

Transfer Tavern take

Celtic, in our view, will only have themselves to blame if they miss out on millions this summer.

The Hoops only signed Hendry, described as a ‘leader’, for £1.44m back in 2018, so they’ll be in line to make just a £310,000 profit.

Hendry’s Parkhead deal runs until 2022, so it’s not as if the club were under major pressure to make a long-term decision last summer.

Oostende feel that they could sell the defender for £10m in the upcoming window, resulting in an £8.25m profit.

It remains to be seen if a move to the Premier League will materialise, but the Hoops may well be hoping it doesn’t or they will certainly have egg on their faces.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on Celtic midfielder who wants to leave Parkhead, find out more here.