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Chelsea are 'pushing' to sign Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte as the first step of their summer rebuild.

What’s the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are “in talks” for the midfield target, who has been approved by the incoming Mauricio Pochettino.

The reputable journalist also says the Blues will be rivalled by Paris Saint-Germain for the 22-year-old’s signature, but Chelsea will keep insisting.

The Guardian has revealed that the Uruguayan has a release clause of €60m (£52m) and the 2021 Champions League holders “have a chance of winning the race” to complete the transfer.

How would Manuel Ugarte fit in at Chelsea?

The eight-cap ace has enjoyed an incredible season that has alerted Europe’s most elite clubs to his unbelievable talent.

The titan has developed a formidable reputation as an aggressive, defensive-minded protector for the backline. This is showcased by the fact that this season he has made the most tackles in Liga Portugal (121), and the Champions League (29), while only five players have made more tackles in the Europa League, as per WhoScored.

The highly-rated titan has been described as a 'warrior' by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig and a 'balling-winning machine' by Dave Kendrick, thanks to the aforementioned imperious consistency.

This is precisely why the west London outfit are interested and Ugarte; he could be the perfect midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez who has been a shining light in Chelsea’s abysmal season.

The Argentine has recorded more successful long balls (133) and successful attacking third passes (318) than any other player in the Premier League since his debut in the competition in February.

The World Cup winner’s wondrous ability to dictate play combined with the Sporting prodigy’s tenacity could be a sensational combination that could catapult the Londoners back to where they belong.

Furthermore, the Montevideo-born gift can emulate Fernandez’s role as a deep-lying playmaker as he ranks in the top 19% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for passes attempted per 90, as well as the highest 1% for pass completion.

He is simply too good for his current division and a move to a Chelsea team, whose midfield is in desperate need of a huge revamp, would hugely benefit both parties.

Both the aforementioned players are just 22 years old, so they are brimming with potential, and under the meticulous guidance of Pochettino, they could both be two of the world’s most elite footballers.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:45

‘Every win is cherished’ – Mommsen

Scotland’s batsmen celebrated the annual Fringe Festival in Edinburgh by orchestrating a run fest of their own at The Grange Cricket Club Ground on Sunday afternoon as captain Preston Mommsen and vice-captain Kyle Coetzer brought up centuries in a 98-run rout over UAE.It was just the second time that two Scotland batsmen scored centuries in the same ODI, the previous effort coming seven years ago in a loss to Canada. Coetzer, Richie Berrington and Mommsen also each passed 1000 career ODI runs each – in that order – joining Gavin Hamilton and Neil McCallum.Coetzer ensured the hosts would not be on the losing end this time, his 127 laying the platform for Scotland’s second-highest ODI total – 327 for 5. UAE let themselves down badly after sending Scotland in at the toss. Mohammad Shahzad set the tone for a wretched fielding display when, in the third over, opener Craig Wallace top-edged his first delivery but Shahzad spilled a straightforward chance at long leg.That opened the doors for a 78-run opening stand. Coetzer targetted Mohammad Naveed and captain Amjad Javed during the Powerplay, and at one point, clubbed six fours and a six in the space of 15 balls off Naveed, Javed and Krishna Chandran to bring up his half-century off 37 balls.Left-arm spinner Ahmed Raza’s introduction slowed Scotland as he removed Wallace for 16 with his third ball. Raza also got Calum MacLeod, with a simple return catch, in the 20th over in a superb spell of 2 for 28 where he bowled 10 overs straight. Coetzer had been dropped on 73 off Raza when a top-edged sweep looped up straight to Naveed, who was positioned perfectly on the circle at short fine leg, but let it through his hands.The drop seemed to play on the mind of Naveed, who returned for a second spell in the 29th over and routinely dropped too short to be punished by Coetzer. In all, Coetzer struck nine of his 14 fours off Naveed, including a cover drive in the 33rd over for his 12th four and third ODI ton, off 102 balls.Kyle Coetzer scored 127 and crossed 1000 career ODI runs•Peter Della Penna

The third-wicket stand with Mommsen had realised 112 before Coetzer drove to long-on where Shaiman Anwar took a juggling catch on the rope to give Shahzad his first wicket. Anwar took another catch at long-on off Shahzad two overs later to remove Michael Leask for 10, leaving Scotland 236 for 4 in the 41st over.Mommsen, though, propelled Scotland to 91 off the last nine overs, including a 69-run stand with Richie Berrington for the fifth wicket. The stand ended in the 48th over when Berrington skied one to the deep point sweeper for a 16-ball 27. While Coetzer profited most from the straight boundaries, Mommsen peppered the leg-side rope for eight of his nine fours, including a series of paddle sweeps. Mommsen got to his fifty in 61 balls, and took only another 34 to bring up his second ODI ton.A scoop over fine leg off Shahzad in the final over gave Mommsen 1000 career ODI runs. His only prior ODI ton also came against UAE, an unbeaten 139 to win the final of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand.UAE’s chase got off to a very confident start with Rohan Mustafa and L Sreekumar racking up 68 in the Powerplay. Sreekumar flicked Alasdair Evans for two fours over midwicket and a third driven back down the ground in the medium-pacer’s first over, which went for 16. But Evans dragged his length back in his next over, the 12th of the innings, and Sreekumar fended a short ball to wicketkeeper Matthew Cross to end the opening stand on 72. Evans claimed Mustafa in the 16th over for 43, courtesy of a spectacular diving catch at point by Berrington to make it 79 for 2.From there, wickets fell at regular intervals with Con de Lange applying solid pressure in a superb display of left-arm spin to finish with 2 for 35. The next best partnership was 40 for the eighth wicket as Javed made a late fightback with 32 off 19. Javed hit Evans hard in the 41st over, before miscuing one to extra cover. Evans knocked over Chandran next to finish with 4 for 41 in eight overs, before Leask sealed the match, having Saqlain Haider top-edge to fine leg as UAE were bowled out for 229 in 43.3 overs.The win for Scotland brought them level with Hong Kong on the WCL Championship table in second place with nine points, three behind Netherlands. UAE remains in joint-last place with Namibia on two points. The two sides face off again on Tuesday.

Misbah-ul-Haq said it was important for the players to apply themselves and not get overawed by the conditions on their tour of England

Umar Farooq18-Jun-2016Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s Test captain, has said it is important for the players to apply themselves and not get overawed by the conditions on their tour of England, where they play four Test matches, five ODIs and a one-off T20 international.Pakistan left for England from Lahore on Saturday morning, determined not to stir the memories from their previous tour, in 2010, when Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were mixed up in the spot-fixing scandal.Pakistan last played a Test seven months ago in the UAE, against the same opposition. Since then many of their players, including Misbah, have been idle for a large portion of time, though players like Sarfraz Ahmed, Amir and Wahab Riaz have played in limited-overs cricket. From the current touring party, only Azhar Ali, Amir and Wahab Riaz were a part of the squad that travelled in 2010. The inexperience has led to former players being sceptical of how they will fare, but Misbah exuded confidence on the eve of the team’s departure.”This is true that it will be a challenging series, but, overall, we have experience of playing good cricket irrespective of the conditions, and that is what we are confident about,” he said. “Our batters have scored enough runs … they all have done well in Test cricket, so I don’t see how it [the inexperience in English conditions] will make much of a difference.”We only have to apply ourselves, have to fight, and these boys love challenges. This is another challenge for them and they are ready for it. Nothing is easy and each time we have to fight it out to win, so this is yet another task for the boys. If we succeed in scoring around 350 runs in a Test [innings], we will have bright chances of winning. Our bowling attack is also outstanding and it has the ability to destroy even the strongest of batting line-ups. We need to be focused and should not get overawed by English conditions. I see the tour as a big opportunity for our players to prove their mettle and play their due role in Pakistan’s victory.”Pakistan have not won a Test series in England in 20 years, after their 2-0 triumph in 1996 under the leadership of Wasim Akram. Both their previous tours ended in defeats – 0-3 in 2006 and 1-3 in 2010. Including their first tour, in 1954, Pakistan have played 13 Test series in England and have won three, consecutively between 1987 and 1996. England have won seven, while three were drawn.Pakistan arrive in England as the No. 3-ranked team in the world, one place above England. Pakistan will have a two-week conditioning camp in Hampshire, before they formally begin their tour with a three-day practice match against Somerset from July 3. Misbah said it was important to focus on the cricket and not let the unsavoury moments of the past affect them.”It indeed is a tough series, but the easy way to deal with this tour is to just focus on your game,” Misbah said. “We don’t have to look around and there is no need to peep into the past, otherwise you will never move ahead. Just believe in your training, your practice and enjoy your cricket. This is the only way to keep away from controversies.”It’s not like Pakistan never played well in England conditions. No doubt they are good in their own conditions and very familiar with their venues, but we have a chance. Bowling is our strength and we are also coming with a winning state of mind. So we have an opportunity to do our best and it’s hope that keeps you alive, otherwise you can’t do anything.”With Amir set to play his first Test in more than five years, Misbah backed him to come out of the shadow of the spot-fixing controversy. After serving a five-year ban, Amir, who was the Man of the Series in 2010, has become an automatic selection, allowing him to resume his Test career and pick up from where he left off at Lord’s. “Whatever happened in past is gone, but it has resulted in some solid life lessons for him,” Misbah said. “He has changed, and now he has an opportunity to prove himself as a bowler and as a person as well.”So performance is the only way he can reintegrate himself with the England fans and he can do it. He is mentally strong and can handle pressure, and I expect him to play an important role in Pakistan’s victory.”

Celtic sent club scouts to watch AEK Athens forward Levi Garcia in action last weekend ahead of a potential move.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news involving Garcia?

The Hoops look set for a busy summer window, with Ange Postecoglou after three headline signings ahead of the 2023/24 season in defence, midfield and attack.

One of those could well be Garcia, who can play anywhere across the front three but is primarily a right-winger. The left-footed forward has been with AEK Athens since 2020 and has scored 32 times and provided 19 assists in 107 appearances for the club, with 24 of those goal contributions coming in 2022/23.

The 25-year-old appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €5m Transfermarkt valuation, and a move to Glasgow could well be on the cards even though his current contract isn't set to expire until 2025.

The Scottish Sun shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Celtic and Garcia. The Hoops have made their first move over a potential transfer by sending scouts to watch him in action, with Garcia, labelled as prolific in the report, scoring in a 3-1 win over Olympiacos.

The report states how the Trinidad and Tobago international could come in as a replacement for Liel Abada, with the future of the Hoops winger currently up in the air.

Is Abada leaving Celtic this summer?

Abada could well be on the move this summer, with reports suggesting he has turned down a new Celtic Park contract and wants to quit the club over the coming months.

The Hoops could allow him to depart for a fee of between £7m-£10m, a figure which would represent a healthy profit after signing the forward for £3.6m, with Dutch giants Ajax thought to be one of the sides keen on his services.

Therefore, should he depart, Garcia could be viewed as an ideal replacement, with his versatility in the final third possibly being something the Hoops admire. He is four years older than Abada and has plenty of experience in a number of attacking positions, so Celtic could be getting a ready-made forward at the top of his game.

It could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, and it’ll be interesting to see if the Hoops make a formal approach for Garcia after getting on the score sheet while Celtic officials were in attendance.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs hold 'reservations' over the possible appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, even if he could 'take the job immediately'.

What's the latest on Pochettino to Spurs?

The Argentine's prospective sensational return to Spurs, the club where he arguably made his reputation as an elite coach, has been a much discussed topic in north London.

Pochettino's name has been repeatedly mentioned both in the press and in the stands, with supporters heard chanting for his comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 51-year-old lead them to a Champions League final in 2019, their first ever as a football club, and earned praise for his work on a shoe-string budget.

Pochettino's exit from PSG last year, having signed off with a Ligue 1 title, makes him a readily-available free agent for hire with it being zero surprise he has been linked to Spurs.

He is even thought to be open to returning as Antonio Conte's replacement, yet according to recent reports, it appears the only thing standing in Tottenham's way is, in fact, Tottenham. There have been suggestions that chairman Daniel Levy favours a move for Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, even if members of the Spurs squad are yearning for Pochettino's return.

Now, a report from The Evening Standard claims that it isn't just Levy – with other members of the hierarchy holding 'reservations' over his return. This is apparently down to how the final five months of his tenure played out.

Indeed, even though Pochettino 'could potentially take the job immediately', as explained in the report, it appears there are those within the Tottenham boardroom who are opposed.

Should Spurs move for Pochettino?

We believe the South American is both a very safe and exciting choice – possibly standing out as their most attainable and obvious managerial candidate. Pochettino encourages the 4-3-3 attack formation, and for Spurs supporters who want to see the return of open, expansive football, this could be a real attraction.

Called a 'ruthless' tactician by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, it perhaps speaks volumes that Tottenham players reportedly want him back at Hotspur Way.

Pochettino's experiences winning silverware in France, not to mention managing players of Lionel Messi's ilk, will have only strengthened the coach's credentials whilst making him an even more tantalising option for Levy.

He is currently ripe for the taking with zero obstacles standing in the way of Spurs, surely this is a no-brainer?

Celtic look set to sell goalkeeper Scott Bain this summer, according to Football Insider.

What’s the latest on Bain’s Celtic future?

Bain has been at Celtic since 2018 and still has another 12 months remaining on his £395,000-a-year Parkhead deal.

The 31-year-old joined from Dundee and has gone on to make 74 appearances for the Hoops, keeping 38 clean sheets, mainly as second choice under the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou.

Bain has only made 10 or more Scottish Premiership appearances in two of his five seasons in Glasgow, with Postecoglou yet to use him during the current campaign, however, he has won 10 major honours with the club.

Football Insider shared a story regarding Bain’s future at Parkhead in the last 48 hours. They revealed that the Hoops plan to move the ‘keeper on over the coming months, bringing his five-year stay in Glasgow to an end.

The report adds that sides in Scotland and England are showing an interest in the player, with Celtic, and by extension head of recruitment Mark Lawwell, already laying the groundwork for a new keeper to replace Bain by scouting a number of potential targets.

Do Celtic need another goalkeeper?

Unless the Hoops plan on replacing Joe Hart as first choice next season, you could argue that a new goalkeeper isn’t required at Parkhead. Postecoglou could have both Benjamin Siegrist and Conor Hazard as back up options, with the latter of the two currently on loan at HJK Helsinki.

The Hoops also have highly-rated teenager Tobi Oluwayemi on the books looking to work towards a first-team spot, with the youngster currently out on loan at Cork City. Therefore, you could say that Celtic are well-stocked even with Bain’s likely departure, however, it looks as if the club will once again look to freshen things up with a new addition.

Postecoglou is also looking at bringing in three headline signings in defence, midfield and attack, so it could be a busy summer for Lawwell and co in the transfer market.

Crystal Palace are already considering a move for Lille manager Paulo Fonseca to replace Roy Hodgson at the end of the season, according to The Guardian.

The Lowdown: Hodgson in

The Eagles parted ways with Patrick Vieira last week after a run of 12 games without a win in 2023. U21s coach Paddy McCarthy was tasked with taking the side to Arsenal 48 hours after the Frenchman’s dismissal, with Palace suffering a 4-1 defeat in the Premier League, remaining just three points clear of the relegation zone heading into the international break.

Steve Parish and the Palace board have now reappointed Hodgson, with the 75-year-old given the job until the end of the season, aiming to keep his boyhood club in the top flight.

As to be expected, Hodgson appears to be a short-term solution at Selhurst Park, with Palace already looking at who could come in for the long run at the end of the campaign.

The Latest: Palace interest

The Guardian’s Ed Aarons shared a story in the last 24 hours following the news of Hodgson’s return to Palace. The journalist touched on the club’s plans for the summer, with Fonseca and Adi Hutter named as possible targets, with Aarons stating that they have admirers from Palace boardroom members.

‘Adi Hutter, who was sacked by Borussia Monchengladbach last May, and Lille’s Paulo Fonseca are believed to be among the managers under consideration to take over at the end of the season, with both having supporters in the Palace boardroom.’

The Verdict: Interesting

Sky Sports claimed that Hutter was spoken to prior to the move for Hodgson. He’s currently out of work, so could have been a straightforward appointment, but Fonseca’s name is a more interesting one.

The 4-2-3-1 manager has enjoyed success with SC Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk, winning eight trophies with the two clubs. He has also managed AS Roma and currently averages 1.75 points per game with Lille in Ligue 1 this season.

Born in Mozambique but a Portuguese citizen, Fonseca was linked with the Palace job back in 2021 prior to Vieira’s appointment and has recently been name-checked as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte at Tottenham, with Spurs seemingly preferring the 50-year-old to Mauricio Pochettino.

Therefore, a move for Fonseca could be a shrewd one by Palace chiefs, as it does feel as if it could be just a matter of time until the manager tries his luck in the Premier League following stints in Portugal, Ukraine, Italy and now France.

In the last 10 years, Newcastle United have had mixed luck with attacking players, with no large number of standouts. In truth, for the most part, it’s been a decade to forget for The Magpies, who will be hoping to see their fortunes change in a new era under new, and far richer owners. 

The main aim under Eddie Howe this summer should be finding a consistent talisman at St James’ Park. If they can find that, then they will be far closer to reaching their new and far more lofty ambitions at the club.

In the last 10 years, they have still had standouts, of course, as we found out when taking a look at those with the most contributions in every season since 2012.

2012/13: Papiss Cisse – 17 

Papiss Cisse is a player that many are unlikely to forget anytime soon, given his sudden rise at Newcastle.

In the 2012/13 season, he was unstoppable together with strike partner Demba Ba.

By the end of the season, he had scored 13 goals and recorded a further four assists in all competitions for the Magpies to take his contributions to 17. 

2013/14: Loic Remy – 17 

When looking back on it, Newcastle were unlucky to be in a position to only enjoy players like Demba Ba and Loic Remy for a short period of time before they jumped ship to bigger and better things.

In the 2013/14 campaign, Remy managed to score an impressive 14 goals, whilst also assisting a further three to make 17 contributions.

It’s also fair to say that it was never better for Remy, who went on to flop at Chelsea.

He’s still playing, at French club Brest.

2014/15: Papiss Cisse – 12 

A season later, Cisse was back at the top of Newcastle’s top contributions list, with 12 to his name.

His 11 goals and one assist was enough to place him above his teammates.

Though, it must be said that the numbers weren’t all too impressive on the whole in a disappointing season for Newcastle’s forwards.

2015/16: Georginio Wijnaldum – 16 

It’s no surprise that Georginio Wijnaldum earned a move to Liverpool, where he went onto become a serial winner.

But it was in the 2015/16 season when the Dutchman stood out at St James’ Park, with 11 goals and five assists making 16 contributions.

Who could forget his four goals in one game against Norwich City?

He’s left a major hole at Liverpool, too, having left the club for PSG.

2016/17: Dwight Gayle – 27

As Newcastle bounced back from the heartache of relegation at the first time of asking, it was Dwight Gayle who played a starring role, scoring 23 goals and recording a further three assists to make 27 contributions in total.

It remains one of Gayle’s most impressive campaigns in his career so far.

However, he struggled immensely to replicate that form in the Premier League; he’s currently on the books at Stoke City, having dropped back into the second-tier.

2017/18: Ayoze Perez – 14 

Ayoze Perez’s time at Newcastle remains underrated, given the period of time that he featured for the Magpies, and the consistent numbers that he achieved.

During the 2017/18 season, the Spaniard managed a total of 14 goal contributions, with 10 goals and four assists in what was an impressive campaign. 

He moved onto Leicester City eventually and is now playing for Spanish club Real Betis on loan.

2018/19: Salomon Rondon – 19 

Just like Perez, Salomon Rondon endured an underrated spell with Newcastle, where he managed 19 goal contributions in the 2018/19 season as the Magpies survived for another season in the Premier League.

By the end of the season, he had scored 12 goals, whilst also assisting a further seven goals in all competitions. 

It’s worth saying here, too, that this was a particularly poor Magpies side, and Rondon was dragging them kicking and screaming along.

A sorely underrated striker.

2019/20: Allan Saint-Maximin – 11

In a season without many sparks, Allan Saint-Maximin at least provided one positive light, with 11 goal contributions.

In truth, though, his numbers weren’t the most impressive aspect of his game, with his tricky footwork and showman-like style really standing out at St James’ Park and making him an instant fan favourite amongst Newcastle fans.

He’s continuing to stand out, even under the management of Eddie Howe.

A terrific player and a real entertainer.

2020/21: Callum Wilson – 17 

As the Premier League battled through the pandemic, it was Callum Wilson who took the crown for goal contributions for Newcastle, with 17 in all competitions.

His 12 goals and five assists were enough to keep the Tyneside club up for another season, before they finally entered a new era under new owners

That he’s remained at the club, and the Magpies haven’t spent big on a striker to replace him, speaks to just how good Wilson is.

2021/22: Allan Saint-Maximin – 10

As Newcastle comfortably survived last season, Allan Saint-Maximin once again starred, especially in the second half of the campaign under new owners, with new arrivals, and new manager in the form of Eddie Howe.

By the end of the season, the winger had scored five goals, and assisted a further five to make 10 goal contributions. 

He remains an absolutely integral part of the squad at St James’ Park and will continue to as the Magpies go for Champions League qualification.

So, as you can see, with no player managing over 20 goal contributions in one Premier League season, Newcastle United have struggled to find a consistent talisman – something that would not have helped their constant mid-table finishes in the last decade.

In a new era, the Magpies, as one of the richest clubs in the world, have the resources to find a player capable of taking the club to new levels. They’ve already improved since the takeover. Now, heading into their first full season, the owners will be keen to oversee a club on a gradual, but impressive rise. 

Chelsea’s fondness for extravagant transfer fees, especially during the January transfer window, has seen them create a squad which, on paper, could be one of the most talented in the Premier League.

On the pitch, however, it is a totally different story. Of course, it takes time for players to gel into a new team and environment, and with the Blues securing eight new signings last month, it might take longer than most, but their form under Graham Potter has been poor.

The Blues have won just once in the league this year, and although he will be aiming to be at the club for the long haul, the 47-year-old will need to inspire an improvement from his players – and fast.

If he does make it to the summer with his job intact, Potter must then turn to the club’s academy for future talent instead of splashing the cash in the transfer market. With Conor Gallagher emerging from the youth system to become a member of the first-team squad, it’s evident there is more than enough potential to satisfy the Chelsea manager.

How much is Conor Gallagher worth now?

Under Frank Lampard, Mason Mount was given his chance in the first-team due to the transfer embargo which was placed on Chelsea at the time, and his success will have given many youngsters confidence that they could replicate it, Gallagher included.

Having impressed in the club’s youth academy, registering 30 goal contributions across 92 matches for the U21s and U18s, he gained some much-needed senior experience on loan at Charlton, Swansea, and West Bromwich Albion in the years which followed.

However, it wasn’t until he joined Crystal Palace on loan for the 2021/22 season that he really broke through into the public eye on the biggest stage of them all.

The 23-year-old played 39 times for the Eagles across all competitions, scoring eight goals and recording five assists, which from a central midfield role was even more impressive.

His league displays were of particular interest, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.08/10 while creating five big chances and averaging 1.1 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game, with his attacking abilities made him stand out for the south Londoners.

The 5 foot 11 gem was lauded by journalist and analytics expert Patrick Rowe, who described the midfielder’s best traits to be his “relentless work rate” and “threat in the final third”, which suggests that he can be of great use to Potter.

Indeed, Gallagher has featured 20 times for Chelsea in the league this season, and although his scoring rate has dropped (netting just once), he has still managed to create five big chances and make 0.8 key passes per game.

With his continued improvement comes greater responsibility in this Chelsea team. According to Football Transfers, his market value is now €44m (£39m), and this should only rise as time goes on.

Chelsea have struck gold on Gallagher, and if he somehow falls out of favour at the club, then Potter could make a lavish profit on the midfielder, who came up from the Blues’ academy and therefore didn’t cost them a penny in transfer fees.

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is seemingly already eyeing potential moves ahead of the summer transfer window, amid reports that the Magpies could make a renewed approach for Leicester City talisman James Maddison.

What’s the word?

According to The Northern Echo, the Tynesiders are set to make the Englishman a ‘key target’ come the end of the season, albeit with Premier League rivals Manchester City also set to now be in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature.

The report suggests that, having made an offer for the playmaker last summer for a fee of around £50m – as well as another enquiry last month – Ashworth and co are set to rekindle that interest in the summer, with the Magpies willing to be ‘patient’ in their lengthy pursuit of the player.

The article adds that the St James’ Park outfit would be open to forking out around £40m for the former Norwich City man, with the one-cap England international having yet to commit himself to the Foxes with less than 18 months left on his existing deal.

Newcastle’s own De Bruyne

Maddison has emerged as a leading target for Eddie Howe’s side as a result of his standout form at the King Power Stadium of late, having bagged eight goals and four assists in just 15 top-flight appearances this season, on top of providing 30 goal contributions across all fronts last term.

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third from his creative midfield berth has ensured that the Coventry-born sensation shares a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, as per FBref.

That likeness is evidenced by the fact that the latter ranks in the top 1% in Europe among those in his position for assists, shots and non-penalty goals as a marker of his relentless consistency in attack, while Maddison also ranks in the top 1% in those same three metrics.

The two players’ quality on the ball is also further showcased by the fact that De Bruyne – who has three goals and 12 assists in the league this season – ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes received, with the Leicester dynamo only slightly behind as he features in the top 5% in that regard.

Such brilliance in possession is also laid bare by the fact that the Belgian has been lauded as “the best passer the Premier League has ever seen” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, while Maddison has previously been praised for his “world-class” delivery by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

To merit a mention in the same breath as the 31-year-old is testament to the rise that the eye-catching 5 foot 9 “baller” – as lauded by journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray – has enjoyed under Brendan Rodgers of late, and it is some feat to be compared to someone who Jamie Carragher hailed as “the best player in the Premier League for the past four or five years”.

While Maddison still has some way to go before truly matching the former Chelsea man – who is currently top of the division for big chances created this season (20) – it does bode quite well for the impact that he could make for the Magpies.