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Newcastle United attempted to sign Marko Pjaca from Juventus in the January transfer window, as per Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness.

What’s the word?

The Magpies signed Miguel Almiron in a club-record January move, paying £20million to secure the signature of the former Atlanta United playmaker.

The club also secured a loan move for AS Monaco’s Antonio Barreca.

But reports in Italy claim that the club were interested in bringing in Pjaca, who is currently on loan at Fiorentina.

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The 23-year-old has struggled for form at Fiorentina, scoring just once and providing one assist – in the same game, a 3-0 victory over SPAL – in a total of 707 minutes on the pitch.

He played just 30 minutes last time out, against Udinese, and was left on the bench against both Sampdoria and Chievo Verona.

The aforementioned report, via Sport Witness, claims that Juventus wanted to send him to a different club in a bid to help him rediscover his form, with Newcastle attempting to get a deal over the line prior to the transfer deadline.

Pjaca, though, chose instead to stay at Fiorentina and fight for his place – the club are currently ninth in Serie A.

Right recruitment steps

Newcastle are getting better in the transfer market.

Rafael Benitez clearly wanted to strengthen his side and the move for Pjaca suggests that there is now a framework in place for the Magpies’ recruitment strategy.

Along with Almiron and Barreca, he could have been improved by the Spaniard at St James’ Park, after a difficult few months in Italy.

It remains to be seen if he will ever make the grade at Juventus, but he may well have made the wrong decision to stay in Florence.

Fiorentina have done nothing for his career thus far this season but a move to England could have linked him up with Benitez, a manager who has a sterling track record of making players better.

Put this one down as a missed opportunity for both parties.

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Everton manager Marco Silva’s position at Goodison Park is under threat following his side’s dismal recent run of form. The Toffees have lost four of their last five Premier League games – including falling to defeat against Silva’s former club, Watford, last time out.

The Portuguese coach must identify the cause for his team’s woes and rectify it before it’s too late.

Identifying the problem

Everton have struggled so much in recent weeks as they’ve been far too easy for opponents to pressurise and bully. Everton undeniably possess considerable talent amongst their ranks, including the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Andre Gomes and Bernard.

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However, the aforementioned trio, amongst others in Silva’s squad, are all guilty of being careless in possession at times, and failing to adequately protect the ball when they have it.

According to WhoScored’s stats, Everton have averaged 18.4 unsuccessful touches per league match this season – more that any other team in the division. On top of that, their record of being dispossessed 12.7 times per game is only better than Crystal Palace’s average.

Finding the solution

Until Everton are able to better protect the ball they’ll continue to struggle to accrue positive results. Needlessly gifting possession to the opposition so regularly causes avoidable pressure to build on Everton’s defence.

In terms of technical quality, Silva’s squad have the ability to take greater care of the ball than this. However, it could be a mentality issue. The manager has to find a way to inspire greater levels of endeavour out of this group.

Additionally, the Toffees lack steel. Idrissa Gueye is the only regular starter on Merseyside capable of physically competing with anyone in the middle of park. If they want to stop being pushovers, Everton must rediscover their bite. 

Having been nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month for the second time in a row, Nathan Holland has won the accolade, as reported by West Ham United’s official channels.

In November, the winger produced four goals and two assists, helping the U23s to continue their undefeated league campaign.

This has seen him move to second in the league in the goalscorer rankings, with the award adding a bit more shine to what has already been a successful month.

Many fans have been congratulating him for winning the award, feeling that he deserves it, having been one of the academy’s standout players this campaign.

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This is indicated by the fact that he has got a very impressive nine goals and six assists from just 11 appearances.

The accolade, on top of last month’s nomination and the number of goal contributions made all indicate just how effective he has been for the U23s.

This has even seen him get into Manuel Pellegrini’s squad for the Premier League, making substitute appearances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal.

It is a pretty encouraging sign for his confidence in the step-up that he has made a combined three dribbles from 31 minutes, completing all of them.

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This direct style of play has helped make him a popular choice to play for the team more regularly, with one fan demanding they “get him in now”.

In other news, FFC has identified a Hammer who could have a vital role to play against Southampton.

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It is fair to say that Phil Parkinson hasn’t made many friends in the north-east since his arrival a little more than a month ago.

Such a short time feels a lot longer due to the significant decline that has taken place since, with fan unrest, a director resigning, and the team ultimately faltering on the pitch.

The Black Cats are now in a dire situation, sitting in 11th, with fans running out of trust and patience with Stewart Donald, and in a bid to put the club on the right path Parkinson may have made a decision which ultimately results in him being sacked.

That decision, of course, is the removal of Aiden McGeady from the first-team squad, and the development to make him available for transfer with a view to moving him on in January.

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Whilst the former Celtic player hasn’t lived up to his usual level of play under the new boss, he remains one of the best players in the squad, and without him, Sunderland lack a maverick, a player to produce a moment of magic capable of winning a game.

When on form McGeady is a great influence on the team, often picking up the ball to run at defenders before unleashing a strike, as his goals show.

He may have shown that too infrequently with 1.7 successful dribbles per game this term, but his six goals can’t be matched by a teammate and perhaps under a more understanding and accommodating manager he would have been able to realise his potential.

As a result, like Stephen Elliott alludes to, Parkinson shouldn’t have taken such a decisive step so soon and nipped in the bud any issue the player may have had before it became so serious.

After all, players with experience of playing in the Champions League and on the international stage are rare in League One, and the guidance he may have provided for his teammates, and young players, could have proved beneficial in both the short and long-term.

Results may be on a slippery slope, but there is every chance they could get even worse with McGeady’s departure. If Parkinson fails to address the slump then the mounting pressure could finally see him lose his job.

In other, more positive Sunderland news, Jack Bainbridge has made a good impression behind the scenes and could soon find his way into the first-team set-up.

Newcastle returned to winning ways and showed exactly why they have been so effective this season in overcoming Crystal Palace.

Steve Bruce’s side was made to work hard for their victory, as they have so often this season in terms of not having much of the ball – with 43% possession on this occasion – but their organisation ultimately shone through.

The return of Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron made all the difference, too, as the Magpies shaded the first half and had a lot more efforts on goal than in the previous match, with three shots on target compared to zero.

Almiron in particular impressed. Not only did he finally break his goal duck for Newcastle but he was a handful for Patrick van Aanholt throughout, with 94% pass accuracy and two successful dribbles completed.

After Saturday’s success, and with some notable players still absent, such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruce has a pretty straight-forward decision to make when it comes to his line-up, at least in attack.

Christian Atsu missed out as Andy Carroll partnered Joelinton up-front as Newcastle varied their formation against the Eagles, and though those two should feature again, for the latter it may be in a different role.

Considering that, here is how Bruce should decide to line-up on Boxing Day.

Joelinton has looked poor on occasion this season, with a lacklustre performance against Southampton particularly worth noting, but on the wing against Burnley he looked rejuvenated.

As well as using his power to great advantage to provide Dwight Gayle with a brilliant opportunity to score, he also used the ball with better efficiency, achieving 90% pass accuracy and two key passes.

The Brazilian’s average of 5.1 aerial duels won per game also suggest he will be able to use his physicality to great effect, particularly in coming up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is better suited to defending on the floor and winning tackles. He’s won 4.4 per game in the Premier League this term.

Joelinton and Almiron offer alternative threats and such variety should be effective against Manchester United, especially as the latter should benefit from newly-found confidence as a result of his goal.

Bruce’s only difficult decision may be whether Dummett deserves to retain his place in the side.

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Jetro Willems is likely to return to the team after missing out through injury against Palace, and with Florian Lejeune making a successful comeback from his own injury in that match, and keeping a clean sheet, it would be a little harsh to leave him out.

His fitness may be a factor in Bruce’s decision-making as there are several games coming up against soon, but to keep out the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial Newcastle will need to call upon their best defenders.

As a result, Willems should be drafted straight back in for Newcastle’s only change with Lejeune operating next to him. That is likely the Magpies’ best chance of keeping a clean sheet.

Newcastle fans were delighted to see Florian Lejeune return to action last weekend, and they will no doubt be hoping he keeps his place in the side after helping to keep a clean sheet.

According to French media outlet Foot Mercato, Everton have contacted the agent of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot over a potential move during the January transfer window.

The report says that while the Toffees are prioritising bringing in a new central defender during the next month, they have also been in contact with Rabiot’s mum and agent, Veronique.

While Foot Mercato report that the 24-year-old would like some reassurances over his future having found playing time hard to come by under Maurizio Sarri this season – he has only featured for 711 minutes in all competitions – Juve would reportedly prefer to sacrifice Emre Can before the former Paris Saint-Germain man.

Therefore it seems the Merseyside outfit may have their work cut out trying to bring the France international to Goodison Park, but that hasn’t stopped many supporters getting excited at the prospect of him linking up with Carlo Ancelotti in a blue shirt.

One suggested that he “would make a huge difference to our midfield”, while another simply said “get him” about the player who scored 24 times and set up 14 others in 227 outings for PSG.

While plenty of Everton supporters were keen on a move for Rabiot, there was also a couple of individuals who had their doubts over any potential deal.

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One questioned the player’s attitude – something that has been widely highlighted before – while another simply said they “don’t want him”.

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Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha’s agent Pini Zahavi is attempting to broker a deal that would take the forward to Tottenham Hotspur, per The Mirror.

What’s the word?

The former Manchester United man is said to have linked up with Zahavi as he bids to seal a move away from Selhurst Park.

Zaha attempted to leave in the summer, handing in a transfer request amid interest from Arsenal and Everton, but no deal eventually materialised. Spurs are said to have had an interest in the attacker then, too, per The Mirror.

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However, Spurs are not said to be willing to go near the Eagles’ asking price of £80m, which would smash Tottenham’s current transfer record of £53.8m, and are currently looking at cheaper options at the turn of the year.

Nevertheless, Zaha remains keen, per the report, on moving to a club that can compete for Champions League football.

A luxury buy

While a player Jurgen Klopp labelled as “world-class” last season could well be an excellent addition and offer something of a wildcard in attack, one has to feel that he isn’t the player they currently need.

Spurs have deficiencies in defence – they have conceded the joint-most goals in the top-half of the league – and in defensive midfield, with Eric Dier struggling to stamp his authority on games.

He has averaged a Premier League rating, per WhoScored, of just 6.63.

To move for Zaha, then, would be ignoring the major issues.

Not only would he be an expensive acquisition, but he would also be something of a luxury signing.

The club’s recruitment team really needs to focus on recruiting players in other areas.

Meanwhile, Spurs are monitoring a 16-goal star who wants to move to the Premier League. 

Tottenham Hotspur fans have urged the club to swerve a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, reported earlier this week that Spurs, Arsenal and Everton are all interested in potentially bringing the central midfielder to the club.

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However, a number of supporters are concerned about the prospective deal.

While Rabiot has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season and has also won six caps for France, some supporters believe he is simply too much trouble for the club.

The 24-year-old, per a Bleacher Report article written last year, has been embroiled in a number of controversies during his career, turning up late to team meetings and rejecting a spot on the standby list for France’s World Cup squad in 2018.

Other supporters, meanwhile, are growing tired of being linked with the midfielder.

Spurs were linked with a bid for the star last January, as well as during the 2018 summer window, with The Sun latterly quoting France Football.

And some fans would like the rumours to stop.

Rabiot only joined Juve in the summer and has a contract that runs until 2023.

Per Transfermarkt, he is currently valued at £28.8m.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been given some really bad news about Christian Eriksen. 

According to a fresh report from The Athletic, Arsenal are in advanced talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible transfer of Layvin Kurzawa as they would like to immediately sign the player.

What’s the word, then?

The Gunners are on a lookout for a new defender, especially with new signing Kieran Tierney hampered by injuries throughout the campaign and the club’s only other natural left-back, Sead Kolasinac, nursing an ankle injury as well.

This leaves Mikel Arteta with very few options for the left side of his defence and this could very well force the Gunners to move for Kurzawa this month.

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The Athletic also state the English outfit are maintaining hope that they’ll be able to sign Kurzawa without having to pay a fee.

His contract is due to expire in the summer and, with his position at PSG under question, the French giants wouldn’t really miss him too much.

Verdict

Kurzawa’s departure seems to be imminent at this point.

The 27-year-old left-back has only managed to muster 585 minutes across 11 games in Ligue 1 this season and has only been a starter in six out of a possible 13 matches.

Granted, injuries have also caused him some trouble and that’s part of the reason why he hasn’t been picked regularly by Thomas Tuchel.

Even with that under consideration, at this very moment he seems as far away from regular football as he can be.

This is reinforced even more by the fact that his contract is due to expire in the summer and there are still no concrete signs of a possible renewal being offered.

For those reasons, parting ways with him seems reasonable for PSG to get him off the wage bill this month even if it means getting no compensation for him.

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Newcastle could have a busy end to the transfer window as Italian journalist Louis Giraldi reports that the club is showing an interest in AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu.

What’s the word, then?

The Magpies confirmed the loan signing of Nabil Bentaleb this week but it seems that Steve Bruce is not satisfied at stopping there, and is keen to add the Turkey midfielder as well.

Giraldi suggests an offer has been made for the 25-year-old, who was signed by the Rossoneri for €25m (£21m) back in 2017, and has been part of Gennaro Gattuso’s plans this year with 18 appearances made.

Big ambition

Mike Ashley provided more funds than he usually does in the summer with big fees spent on Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin, but with Newcastle still looking over their shoulders at relegation he may be tempted to dip his hand into his pocket once more.

Bentaleb arriving on loan is a sensible option that didn’t risk too much financial outlay, and if Inter Milan target Valentino Lazaro arrives he would also fit into a similar category.

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Calhanoglu, however, is a different kettle of fish, and would mark a significant change of pace from the north-east outfit.

He has been a regular for one of the biggest clubs in Europe over the past two-and-a-half years making 85 Serie A appearances, and to pursue a player with international and Champions League experience sends a statement to league rivals and the fanbase.

Furthermore, the midfielder may be still to hit his prime given his age, and he possesses the kind of quality that would serve the Toon well in midfield, with 1.6 key passes and 1.1 dribbles made per game this term.

Added to that, his flexibility and versatility would be a key addition during this troubling period for Newcastle. He can play in central midfield as well as on either flank, which could prove vital given how many of their players have been struck by injury – Saint-Maximin missing out once more against Everton on Tuesday.

In 2017/18 he recorded his most productive season for Milan with 13 goal contributions in Serie A alone, and with the technique he possesses from set-pieces he could be key to finally getting Joelinton firing.

In other news, Newcastle fans may be grateful for the club targeting new recruits following the match against Everton.