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According to reports in The Sun on December 17, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is keen to sign Red Bull Salzburg striker Dimitri Oberlin, who is currently on loan with FC Basel, during the January transfer window.

The Magpies have dropped into the relegation zone after only scoring 16 goals in their opening 18 Premier League matches this term, and The Sun says that Benitez believes the 20-year-old can boost his side’s goal threat.

The report adds that while Manchester United have also kept tabs on the Switzerland U21 international as he was in their Champions League group this term, the Tyneside outfit are in pole position to wrap up a deal for the £20m-rated attacker.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s disappointing top flight season continued as they suffered successive defeats to Leicester City and Chelsea that left them just three points above the relegation zone, and Mauricio Pellegrino will be looking at his attacking options considering his team have also been goal-shy – they have netted 17 times in their opening 18 Premier League games.

The Argentine is coming under increased scrutiny from the St Mary’s faithful, and bringing Oberlin to the club could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Southampton must hijack Newcastle’s bid to sign the Swiss forward…

Goals

The 20-year-old is a versatile forward but he has usually played as a centre-forward for Basel this season, and he certainly hasn’t let them down in the goals department.

The Cameroon-born player has scored eight times and provided one assist in 23 appearances in all competitions for the Swiss outfit, with four of those goals coming in the group stages of the Champions League.

With the likes of Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long struggling for form and goals, Oberlin would prove to be a welcome addition to the Southampton frontline.

Attributes

Ever since Sadio Mane left for Liverpool in 2016 Southampton have lacked that pace and unpredictability in their attack, but bringing Oberlin to St Mary’s next month would change that.

The 20-year-old is lightning-quick and – like Mane – he is showing that he has an end product at the end of a run or dribble.

Talking of dribbling, according to WhoScored.com the Switzerland U21 international has successfully completed five of the 12 take-ons he attempted in the group stages of the Champions League this season.

While that may not be overly impressive, the forward is still young and his pace and direct running would undoubtedly mean that he is a threat for Premier League defenders if he did sign for Saints.

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Price tag

According to reports in The Sun, Oberlin could be available for £20m and considering the potential he has and the big impact he could make in the Premier League – as well as filling a big void in the Southampton side – that could prove to be a bargain.

The fee would break Saints’ club-record, but the striker would fit into their transfer philosophy of being a young player who can develop at St Mary’s and then go on to increase his value, and they would be mad to not try and beat Newcastle to his signature in the New Year.

Do you agree, Southampton fans? Let us know below.

According to reports in German media outlet Sport Bild, former Tottenham Hotspur target Marc Barta could be set to leave Borussia Dortmund this month.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Sport Bild say that following the arrival of Manuel Akanji – also a reported target for Spurs – from FC Basel, as well as the club targeting a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, Barta could be allowed to leave the Bundesliga giants before the transfer window slams shut on January 31.

The Mirror reported that Tottenham were one of the favourites to sign the Spaniard when he left in Barcelona in the summer of 2016, and having missed out on Akanji they may choose to reignite their interest in the 27-year-old.

With Toby Alderweireld currently absent through injury and with continued doubts over his future as he is yet to sign a new contract, Mauricio Pochettino could be looking for extra central defensive cover before the end of the month.

How has Bartra done this season?

While the 27-year-old was a regular at centre-back under previous boss Peter Bosz at the beginning of the campaign, that situation has changed since Peter Stoger replaced the former Ajax manager.

He has still played quite regularly for the German side but he has featured at right-back and even right midfield instead of his preferred position at the heart of the defence, and he may well be on his way out this month.

According to WhoScored.com the defender’s main strengths are his tackling, his ball interception and his ability in the air, and he has won 45 tackles, made 41 interceptions and won 45 aerial duels in 16 appearances in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League this term.

Would Tottenham still be interested in him?

As we mentioned previously, Pochettino may still hold an interest in the 27-year-old having reportedly been so keen to sign him 18 months ago, and with doubts remaining over Alderweireld’s future.

While the likes of Ben Davies and Eric Dier can deputise in a three-man defence when required, the Spurs boss would likely prefer a more specialist person in the role and Bartra could be the answer.

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The former Barcelona man certainly has the ability to be a success for Tottenham and should be approaching the peak years of his career, and he could be available for a reasonable fee if Dortmund are looking to push him out of the door before January 31.

Arsenal will look to end a run of four matches in all competitions without a win when they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, and Gunners fans are demanding that Danny Welbeck doesn’t start the Premier League clash.

The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes and scored one in the 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend and the goalless draw against Chelsea in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie on Wednesday, with Mesut Ozil missing both games and Alexis Sanchez only named on the substitutes’ bench for the latter.

The Chile international looks unlikely to be involved against the Cherries as he edges closer to an exit, but even though Arsene Wenger has a shortage of attacking options right now, it doesn’t seem as though a place in the starting line-up for Welbeck will be met with much appreciation.

Arsenal supporters were quick to have their say on the potential of the former Manchester United man featuring via social media, and while one said they would “cry if he starts”, another said “if he starts tomorrow just expect a loss”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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There is certainly no disgrace in losing over two legs to arguably the greatest team in Europe right now. And there’s certainly no shame when you’re a Championship side that had to beat four Premier League teams just for the right to play Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

On top of that though, Bristol City didn’t just make up the numbers – they’ve come as close as any top flight team, excepting Liverpool, to beating the Citizens this season. The difference over the two legs was just two stoppage time goals.

Indeed, as they met in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final last night, the Robins produced yet another valiant performance against the Premier League leaders, one that not only required the defensive organisation to slow down one of the most rampant attacks ever witnessed in the Premier League but also the bravery and quality to cause problems for them at the other end.

Integral to that was centre-back Aden Flint. The 28-year-old centre-back has already earned plaudits from Leeds United fans for last night’s performance and it’s not hard to see why after getting on the scoresheet for the seventh time this season, including the most Championship goals, six, of any defender in the division. While the responsibility of scoring goals doesn’t ultimately rest with the centre-half, his late goal was testament to the leadership, determination and desire Flint possesses to make an impact in such a high-profile game, against high-quality opponents.

That was evident in Flint’s defensive display too, making a vital difference in his own box as well. Although City scored three times, the 6 foot 5 defender put up an impressive rearguard; winning the most aerial duels and making the most clearances of any Robins player while blocking one shot from the visitors.

Contrast that with a Leeds side which has conceded more than one goal per game in the Championship this season and lacked the character to see out a 3-2 comeback against Millwall last weekend, and it’s easy to understand why Whites supporters are so keen for their club to sign the towering centre-half.

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Southampton slipped back into the Premier League relegation zone on Sunday following a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at St Mary’s and because of most of the other results elsewhere going against them, increasing the pressure on manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

The 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion the previous weekend had moved Saints out of the bottom three and provided the under-fire Argentine with some much-needed respite, but while not too many of the south coast outfit’s fans would have been expecting too much against Jurgen Klopp’s side, it was more the manner of the loss that will concern them, and probably the board too.

The reverse against the Reds left them on 26 points with 11 games left to play, and with the likes of Huddersfield, Newcastle United and Swansea City all winning over the weekend it is starting to look as though it could possibly take 40 points to stay in the division.

Southampton have a crucial run of five top flight fixtures against Burnley, Stoke City, Newcastle United, Swansea City and West Ham United – four of which are away – coming up, and now may be time to relieve Pellegrino of his duties and bring in a new man who can make a difference.

Here are three managers that could replace Pellegrino now and keep Saints up…

Marco Silva

It is only just over a year since Hull City took a punt on Silva to save them from relegation from the Premier League, and the Portuguese boss came pretty close to doing so before eventually falling just short.

The 40-year-old was given the Watford job during the summer and he quickly gave the Hornets an identity and playing style – something Southampton don’t have under Pellegrino – and you get the feeling that he could get the attacking players firing more than the Argentine manager is right now.

If Saints could bring him in until the end of the season it really should be a no-brainer for the club, as Silva has shown that he has the ability to get the results they need and produce the performances that will get the fans on side.

Mark Hughes

Hughes’ reign as Stoke City manager came to an end last month following a disappointing season, but while things may have gone stale for him at the Britannia Stadium, it shouldn’t put Southampton off.

The Welshman has proven over the years that he has the experience and quality to put points on the board on a consistent basis at this level, and there is no doubt that he could make a difference at St Mary’s over the course of the rest of the season.

Pellegrino looks out of his depth right now, and Hughes could bring a fresh impetus to the club and set the team up to get the results that they need to escape relegation.

Slaven Bilic

Bilic was sacked by West Ham in October following a hugely disappointing start to the campaign, and while he failed to turn things around for West Ham you get the feeling he was working in tough circumstances under the board.

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The Croatian turned down the chance to talk to West Bromwich Albion about their vacant managerial role back in November because he wanted a break from the game, but he could be tempted by the opportunity to manage Southampton until the end of the season.

The 49-year-old would be confident that he could lead the south coast outfit to survival, and it would give him the chance to potentially reignite his Premier League managerial career as a result.

Would you want any of these three, Saints fans? Let us know below.

Having once held legendary status at Southampton, Jose Fonte very quickly dropped down in the estimations of Saints fans when he sealed a move to West Ham in January 2017.

After 260 games played over three leagues for the South Coast club, many fans were amazed to see the Portuguese international leave for a team that were in a far worse position in the Premier League.

Subsequently, supporters naturally assumed that the move was driven by money, which added further fuel to an already burning fire of disdain for Fonte at St Mary’s.

Now, after a thoroughly disappointing 12 months with West Ham, Fonte looks set to move to the Chinese Super League with Dalian Yifang, according to The Daily Record.

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The 33-year-old may now regret his move to London but Saints fans aren’t concerned and, if there Twitter reactions are anything to go by, may feel a sense of justice has been handed to their former defender and captain…

According to reports in The Mirror, Southampton are ready to sack manager Mauricio Pellegrino whether they stay in the Premier League or are relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that Saints have already started drawing up a shortlist of replacements for the Argentine, who has won just five of his 29 top flight matches in charge this term.

The Mirror says that Pellegrino has fallen way short of the target he was set after replacing Claude Puel last summer, with the south coast outfit in real danger of being relegated rather than challenging for a European spot via the league.

The report adds that Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund chief Graham Potter are two potential replacements for the 46-year-old.

How badly has Pellegrino done this season?

He hasn’t done well at all and Southampton fans have wanted him to be sacked for a number of months now, and especially after the goalless draw against Stoke City on Saturday.

The former Liverpool defender has taken a club that finished eighth last term to one that faces a real battle to survive this, with the south coast outfit failing to beat relegation rivals Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United at St Mary’s this season.

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Saints are also without a home win since they beat Everton 4-1 back in November, and they only have three matches left on their own patch throughout the rest of the campaign – two of those are against Chelsea and Manchester City.

Should he go in the summer?

To be honest, it is a surprise that he is still at St Mary’s now, although The Mirror reports that Les Reed doesn’t want to get rid of him and make a panic appointment.

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That could be a decision he lives to regret though, with Saints showing little signs that they have the quality to beat the drop.

Whatever happens, it is clear for many to see that Pellegrino is out of his depth, and the two parties must go their separate ways at the end of the campaign.

Southampton fans will have mixed emotions about the latest report however, and while the majority will be happy that he is set to go in the summer, they could be in the Championship by then.

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are interested in signing Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina at the end of the season.

What’s the story?

Liverpool are not exactly strangers to signing players from Southampton. Indeed, it has been an extremely common occurrence in recent years.

Virgil van Dijk was the latest player to switch between the clubs, with the Netherlands international moving to Liverpool for £75m during the January transfer window.

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool want to raid the Saints once again; this time for central midfielder Lemina, who has impressed during his first season in England.

Southampton are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of the player that they only signed from Juventus last summer, but Liverpool have consistently shown that they know it takes to raid St Mary’s, and the situation appears to have cropped up once again.

How good is Lemina?

There is no doubt that the midfielder has made a positive impression in the Premier League since making the move from Juventus.

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It is rarely easy for a foreign player to settle in England, but the 24-year-old has shown that he more than has what it takes to operate at this level of football.

Indeed, the Gabon international has already made 22 appearances for Southampton – 20 of which have been in the Premier League, where he has managed one goal.

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Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have not exactly been flying this term, but Lemina has consistently put in strong performances alongside another big talent Oriol Romeu in the middle of midfield.

Liverpool appear to be losing Emre Can at the end of the season, and Lemina, who is valued at £13.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, would bring energy and quality to a key area of the field.

It is worth remembering that Naby Keita will also make the move to Anfield this summer, but the Reds are short of numbers, and would surely not have to break the bank to sign Southampton’s highly-rated midfielder ahead of the new campaign.

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are one of a number of clubs lining up a summer swoop for Dani Garcia.

What’s the story?

Rafa Benitez has been on the lookout for a central midfielder to partner with Jonjo Shelvey next season and AS reports Dani Garcia is a target for the Magpies.

Garcia, who has made 248 league appearances for his current club Eibar, is out of contract this summer. Newcastle could have competition from within the Premier League, as the report claims Southampton are also interested in the defensive midfielder.

Real Betis, Levante and Athletic Bilbao are all hoping to convince the 27 year-old to stay in Spain.

Would he be a good signing?

The fact that Benitez is on the lookout for reinforcements is a good sign in itself for Newcastle fans, and Garcia would be a great starting point.

The 27 year-old is not the technically gifted maestro one might expect when signing a midfielder from Spain, but he would bring a great balance to the Newcastle midfield alongside Jonjo Shelvey. Garcia is a classic Spanish defensive midfielder, using his intelligence and reading of the game to sniff out attacks and stop them before they begin.

Valued at £4.41million by Transfermarkt, the midfielder averages 2.7 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in Eibar’s midfield, and isn’t afraid to spray the ball around either, averaging 6.2 successful long balls per game (Shelvey averages 4.5).

If Benitez’s plan is to build a strong central midfield that can drop long balls in behind to wingers like Kenedy and Christian Atsu, then Garcia and Shelvey could be the perfect partnership on Tyneside. Add to that the fact that it would be a free signing with his contract running down, and Garcia could be exactly what Benitez is looking for.

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Newcastle fans, do you think Garcia would be a good fit? Let us know in the comments below…

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Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen has spoken about his failed moved to Newcastle, and it certainly sounds like he’d be open to a move in the future.

Newcastle looked all set to sign Jorgensen in January after tabling a £15million bid for the goalscoring machine. The bid was rejected, which was “a little annoying” according to the 27 year-old striker.

Jorgensen was supposed to come in and provide the goals that Rafa Benitez’s side has been lacking. Dwight Gayle is a fan favourite but hasn’t really proved himself at the top level yet, and Joselu has not had the required impact since his move to Tyneside.

Benitez and Newcastle eventually settled for a loan move for Islam Slimani, who is yet to kick a ball for the club. Jorgensen says he was a disappointed because it is a dream to play in the Premier League.

“It was a little annoying. Of course it is always nice to know that there is a club that will pay so much money for one, so of course it gave me confidence, but at the same time a little bit of sigh,” the 27 year-old told Tips Bladet.

“It is of course a big dream for me to end up in such a league.”

A player publicly speaking so positively about a failed transfer can only mean good things if Newcastle want to pursue him again. Jorgensen only has eight Eredivisie goals this season, but managed 21 in 32 starts last season.

Jorgensen definitely sounds interested in a move to Newcastle if they keep their Premier League status, but says he is focused on his job with Feyenoord.

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“It is okay. I’m really happy to be in the club so there is nothing there. The only reason I was a little down was because it was a dream like all football players.”

Newcastle fans, would you like to re-visit the Jorgensen deal this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…