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Lee Ryder has claimed that Newcastle United could sign Tom Davies in a potential swap deal with Sean Longstaff before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Davies linked before

The St. James’ Park faithful were reportedly linked with a move for Davies in last summer’s window, before he ended up staying at Everton.

It seems as if they could revisit their previous interest this summer, as the new 2021/22 Premier League season draws ever closer.

The Latest: Swap deal?

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Tyneside journalist Ryder has claimed that Longstaff could be used in a swap deal to bring Davies to the North East.

The move has been played down at this moment in time, but it has not been ruled out.

The Verdict: Avoid

It seems a bit unnecessary for the Tyneside club to swap Longstaff for Davies, as they are both very similar players.

They both managed no goals and just one assist in the top flight last term, and while Davies, lauded as an ‘excellent’ player by pundit Paddy Kenny back in June, averaged more interceptions, clearances, blocks, dribbles and passes per game, Longstaff averaged more tackles, shots, key passes, crosses and long balls (Whoscored).

Put simply, they are both tenacious midfielders with an eye for a pass, but little potency going forward and plenty of room to develop their games further.

Longstaff is also a local boy and so the Toon Army would not be pleased in letting one of their own go, unless a much better replacement was brought in.

Thus, the Magpies should only look to add Davies to their squad if Longstaff was not included as part of a deal.

In other news, find out which Premier League NUFC are ‘desperate’ to sign here!

Leeds United will look to tie down Patrick Bamford to a new long-term deal this summer, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth.

The Lowdown: Bamford excels for Leeds

The Whites had a number of star performers last season as Marcelo Bielsa’s side sealed a hugely impressive ninth-placed finish back in the Premier League.

It was Bamford who arguably shone more than anyone, however, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in the league as he led the line superbly.

The 27-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, so the need to extend his stay at Elland Road is pressing.

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The Latest: Long-term deal in the offing

According to Smyth’s latest report, Leeds offering Bamford a new deal is ‘an item on the agenda’ this summer as they look to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.

It is also mentioned that ‘one or two others’ could also agree new contracts which would then ‘reflect their Premier League status’.

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Bielsa

Giving Bamford a new deal would make perfect sense for Leeds, with the striker such an influential member of this Whites team.

At 27, he is a player at the peak of his powers, and that should remain that way for a few more years, especially considering that pace isn’t a key aspect of his game.

The hope is that he will find a similar level to his excellent 2020/21 form for the foreseeable future, proving that he is far more than a one-season wonder at Premier League level.

In other news, Leeds look set to miss out on the signing of one player this summer. Read more here.

Sunderland have announced that Aiden McGeady has put pen to paper on a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

The Lowdown: McGeady deal ran out

McGeady’s deal with the Black Cats ran out at the end of the previous campaign, and it looked like he could be leaving the club after a four-year spell when the bulk of free agent contracts expire on July 1.

However, there has now been a big update on his future in the north-east, with the club finally dropping the news fans were hoping for.

The Latest: New deal agreed

Sunderland have confirmed that McGeady has signed a new deal to keep him at the club (safc.com).

The new contract is just one year in length, so Sunderland will be hoping the former Ireland international can inspire the side to promotion after a stunning end to the campaign last term.

The Verdict: Exciting

Make no mistake – it is absolutely vital that Sunderland have managed to tie McGeady down to a new deal. With six goals and 17 assists in all competitions last time out (Transfermarkt), he was one of the Black Cats’ most dangerous players under Lee Johnson as they narrowly missed out on promotion.

With 88 goals and 122 assists throughout his career, he has constantly proven his ability to influence the attacking play of the sides he has played for.

And, even though he is now 35, he does not seem to have lost his quality. Johnson will feel a lot better about the side’s promotion hopes now he has McGeady back in the fold.

In other news, Sunderland fans want to the club to sign this international.

Leeds United are reportedly keen on making an audacious move for Real Madrid legend Marcelo this summer, as the search for a left-back continues.

The Lowdown: Left-back needed

The Whites could have a productive time of things in the next transfer window, with Marcelo Bielsa keen on bringing in reinforcements.

One area that looks key to address is left-back, with Ezgjan Alioski expected to move on once his contract expires.

Leeds have been linked with a host of players in that position, including Ajax man Nicolas Tagliafico, but a hugely exciting rumour has now emerged.

The Latest: Marcelo linked with move

According to the Mirror, the Whites are interested in snapping up Marcelo, with the Brazilian an iconic figure at Real Madrid, winning five La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Everton are also mentioned as potential suitors for the 33-year-old, whose Madrid contract expires at the end of next season.

The Verdict: Potential incredible addition

While Marcelo may not be the force he once was, he could be a wonderful addition at Leeds, both in terms of his quality and the winning mentality he has acquired in Spain, having won so much silverware.

At Madrid, Marcelo has won five league titles, four Champions Leagues and many other medals and that winning experience could be an excellent addition to the Leeds squad,

At 33, the Brazilian could still have a few years left in him at the top – Pablo Hernandez is 36 and has only just left the Whites, for example.

Whether or not Marcelo’s wage demands or transfer fee become an issue remains to be seen, but the fact that Leeds are linked with him is a testament to the strides they have made under Bielsa.

In other news, a pundit has tipped a Leeds player to feature more prominently next season. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a shock summer move to Juventus, as his reputation continues to soar.

The Lowdown: Phillips shines for England

The 25-year-old has been exceptional for the Whites over a sustained period now, playing a major role in them returning to the Premier League.

Phillips has taken his club form with him to the international stage, producing a Man of the Match performance in England’s Euro 2020 opener against Croatia last weekend.

The midfielder is again expected to start when the Three Lions face Scotland on Friday night, looking a key man for the rest of the tournament.

The Latest: Juventus linked with move

Phillips’ form has seen his stock rise hugely in a short space of time and Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid have been linked with signing him.

Now, Juventus are also believed to be in the mix, with Tutto Juve claiming that the Serie A are keeping tabs on his current situation.

Manchester City and Tottenham are also mentioned as potential suitors, in what could become a bidding war for the Leeds hero.

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The Verdict: Expect him to stay put

The current links are predictable, considering Phillips is shining on a huge stage, but it would be a major shock if he departed Elland Road this summer.

He is a loyal player who will surely believe he still has unfinished business with the club who raised him, as they look to push towards the European places next season.

Should Leeds struggle to kick on in the next year or so, Phillips may then eye up a fresh challenge at a Champions League club. But for now he appears to be perfectly happy, and if he keeps performing like he is, the price will only increase from here, so there is no rush to cash in.

In other news, a pundit has given some interesting insight into one Leeds player – read more here. 

Frank Lampard is thought to be among the contenders for the vacant Everton job…

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror, the 42-year-old is being considered as one of the names on a long shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

Earlier this week, Merseyside were stunned as the Italian forced a move to his former club, Real Madrid, leaving director of football Marcel Brands and majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri looking for a new manager.

Lampard has been available ever since he was sacked by Chelsea at the end of January this year and the Toffees could face competition to land him as he’s been linked to the vacancies at West Brom, Crystal Palace and Wolves.

Revolutionary appointment

An approach for the legendary Premier League midfielder turned coach would be a fresh change of approach from the Everton hierarchy.

They’ve gone for the tried-and-tested top-flight veteran in Sam Allardyce, and that failed. They’ve attempted the foreign approach with Marco Silva, and that failed. And their ambitious ploy over Ancelotti as evidently ended in tears.

Lampard simply doesn’t get enough credit for the work he did at Chelsea, especially as he built the current squad that went onto clinch the Champions League trophy last week.

He deserves another crack at the big time.

Arguably, the biggest two key players at Stamford Bridge this season have been Thiago Silva and Mason Mount.

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The 42-year-old convinced the vastly-experienced centre-back to join on a free from Paris Saint-Germain, and he subsequently went onto record ten clean sheets in only 23 appearances, as per the Premier League’s official website.

Meanwhile, the England international has emerged as one of the best midfielders across Europe right now, at just 22.

He owes Lampard a lot for his emergence and development too, having not only trusted him as an inexperienced prospect at Derby County but then making him a key piece of his Blues team despite having an array of talent at his disposal.

It’s this sort of connection with the academy set-up that has long been lacking at Goodison Park and that’s exactly how the ex-Chelsea man can revolutionise the club and continue Ancelotti’s fine work.

Tammy Abraham and Reece James are merely two further examples of Lampard’s impressive development skills.

It’s no wonder he has received plenty of glowing endorsements since becoming a coach.

His former teammate and current Fulham boss Scott Parker dubbed him “unbelievable” and “incredible” whilst Peterborough United chairman told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he “would be a success” whatever team he ends up at.

There have been calls for the club to appoint Rafa Benitez, with former nemesis Jamie Carragher claiming the former Liverpool boss would be an “obvious candidate.”

The Athletic also believe that the 61-year-old would be open to talks with the Everton board but they would risk uproar from all sections of Goodison Park here and he’s been out of the English game for quite a while now.

Lampard would be a better choice and his candidacy should be strongly considered by Brands and co. He could be the man to revolutionise the club following Ancelotti’s shock exit.

AND in other news, Everton could find their very own Bielsa in 62 y/o “professor”,  he’d make fans buzzing…

Watford right-back Kiko Femenia looks set to remain at Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

Despite the fact that Trabzonspor have been reported to be keen on a move for the Hornets defender in the upcoming transfer window, in a recent interview with Spanish outlet Las Provincias, the 30-year-old appeared to put any rumours of a departure to bed.

Femenia said: “It has been a complicated year, but since the arrival of the new coach, Xisco Munoz, we have improved, and we have achieved the goal. I renewed when we were demoted [from the Premier League in 2020], and the truth is that I am very happy here. Both my family and I have adapted very well.”

Fans will be buzzing

Femenia’s comments are likely to come as music to the ears of Xisco Munoz, as well as leaving fans of the club buzzing, as the defender has proven a highly valuable asset since making his move to Vicarage Road back in 2017.

Indeed, the £20k-per-week Spaniard was influential to the Hornets achieving promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking in the season just past, helping his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 0.8 key passes per game over his 37 Championship appearances.

Overall, the £3.15m-rated 30-year-old averaged an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.98 in the second tier, ranking him as Xisco’s eighth-best performer in the competition.

As such, the news that the defender – whom Gerard Deulofeu dubbed an “amazing” player – is happy at Vicarage Road would appear to be extremely beneficial to Watford’s chances of retaining their top-flight status come the end of next season, as Femenia already has Premier League experience under his belt, as well as being an extremely reliable option for Xisco since his arrival at the club.

In other news: Bye-bye Gray: Giaretta must sanction £5m Watford swoop for “exciting” 11-goal beast – opinion

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has admitted that a number of players will move on from the club this summer following the Black Cats’ play-off disappointment.

The Lowdown: Another season in League One

Johnson’s side may have beaten Lincoln City 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, but they still exited the League One play-offs at the semi-final stage.

The 2-0 defeat in the first leg did the damage for Sunderland, meaning they must now prepare for a fourth successive season in English football’s third tier.

The Latest: Johnson provides key update

There have been claims that Johnson could be sacked this summer, and speaking to The Chronicle after the Lincoln match, the manager admitted that several players will leave in what is set to be a summer of upheaval on Wearside. The 39-year-old outlined:

“There’s going to be a natural evolution of the squad now. Some players will have played their last game there today for various reasons.

“Some we may want to keep but can’t afford to, some we might not want and will want to move on, and others we might want to retain and will give them our best offer. It’s a sad day because you do build a rapport with these players.

“I think our recruitment becomes the difference, to be honest with you. That is the summer challenge – to make sure, potentially on a slightly reduced budget, that we actually recruit very well.

“I fully believe in the club, there’s no doubting that. I came into the club knowing how difficult it was going to be.

“We’ve had an unbelievable run of things that have gone on – some you know, and some you don’t know – and we’ve obviously continued to try to plough away.

“In the background, we’ve got a sporting director and owner working very hard, and a new head of recruitment and data, and that’s a process that’s ever-evolving, but that I don’t have to be involved in until now.

“We will set down and reflect on the season, and have some really honest conversations and be brutally honest about what went well and what didn’t go well.

“There’ll be changes. It’s inevitable there’ll be changes, and the test will be whether we can make those changes for the better.”

The Verdict: Time for an overhaul

With so many Sunderland players out of contract at the end of the season, with the likes of Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen or Aiden McGeady among that list, it does feel like a new era is beginning at the club, particularly in light of Johnson’s candid admission.

Another promotion push has to be the aim in 2021/22, however, as the Black Cats desperately look to battle their way back into the Championship for the first time since 2017/18.

Whether or not Johnson is the man to oversee a new batch of players coming to the club remains to be seen, but he is clearly under no illusions that his squad will be very different if he stays. There were numerous new arrivals at the start of the campaign; we can expect that to be the case again this summer.

In other news, many Sunderland fans slammed one player after the play-off exit. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace have walked away from their pursuit of former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as they search for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles terminated talks with the 47-year-old amid concerns over his demands.

The report claims that Espirito Santo has made a string of requests that the club’s hierarchy were not prepared to meet and have decided not to follow through with their interest as a result, despite being very close to appointing him as their next boss.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche and Swansea City’s Steve Cooper are believed to be in the running to fill the vacancy at Selhurst Park, with chairman Steve Parish wanting a new appointment to be made urgently.

Fans will be gutted

Sky Sports News recently reported that Palace were hoping to conclude a deal bringing the Portuguese tactician to south London as soon as possible after they held three days’ worth of talks with the retired goalkeeper.

However, the fact that Wolves ended last season only one point and one place above the capital club in the Premier League table is believed to be the main contributing factor behind why Palace have refused to meet a set of new stipulations made by Espirito Santo.

The ex-Valencia and Porto manager saw his stock rise considerably during an impressive four-year stay with Wolves, guiding the Midlands outfit back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

It was in the top-flight where he really shone, though, recording consecutive seventh-place finishes, a run to the FA Cup semi-finals, and a run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

During his time in England, Espirito Santo has managed a highly respectable points per game tally of 1.68, better than Hodgson’s 1.22 during his time with the Eagles by a considerable distance.

Therefore, this latest revelation will surely leave the Palace supporters absolutely gutted.

The fans will be under no illusion at just how difficult the task awaiting Hodgson’s replacement is. Many first-team players are set to become free agents at the end of the month, and the capital club currently have the oldest squad in the division.

With talisman Wilfried Zaha expressing his desire to depart his boyhood club and injuries to promising youngsters Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson adding to Palace’s problems, it’s going to be a turbulent few months ahead.

Appointing Espirito Santo, then, may have felt like a significant coup for Palace. Attracting a proven Premier League manager to Selhurst Park with experience of overseeing a squad overhaul would have been an ideal scenario, but he appears to have slipped through their fingers.

With decisions to be made about so many pending free agents, Palace needed to have a manager in place ASAP, this latest setback could prove to be very costly. Eagles fans will have every right to feel gutted about how this whole situation has panned out.

And, in other news…CPFC heading for massive transfer mistake over £4.5m-rated flop, Parish must avoid 

Are we finally reaching some sort of verdict in Celtic’s hunt to replace Neil Lennon? Rather amazingly, that could be the case.

It has now been two months to the day since the Northern Irishman departed the scene, but the Bhoys still only have a temporary manager in charge.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been after two very different men so far – Roy Keane and Eddie Howe.

However, after some dramatic words from Hoops pundit Frank McAvennie, they may have to focus on the former, with Howe apparently not so keen on the job as it first appeared.

The 43-year-old was in advanced discussions but a number of issues have since plagued negotiations. As a result, it would be a surprise if he did end up in the Parkhead dugout next term.

Speaking to Football Insider, a man with well-placed contacts shared a vital opinion on the matter.

McAvennie commented: “I’m hoping he’s not given up because he’d be great. I know he’s not won trophies but he has a chance to do that and raise his profile up here.

“He did so well at Bournemouth, taking them from the fourth division right through to the Premier League. I don’t know what’s going on but in my opinion, he doesn’t want it any more. If he did then he’d be here.”

Desmond should be fuming

It has now been 24 days since news emerged that Celtic were in advanced talks with Howe and, since that moment, he has only crept further and further away from them.

There have been a number of setbacks in that time, with the likes of Brighton and Crystal Palace both monitoring his situation, while the manager’s agent hasn’t played a particularly good role in this from a Hoops perspective either.

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Howe’s representative revealed that the 43-year-old didn’t want to return to management until the summer before a claim came to light from the same source that they were trying to convince him he could still get a job in the Premier League.

There have also been issues relating to his backroom staff, namely Richard Hughes. Celtic are trying to tie down the landmark appointment of a director of football but, despite having a deal 90% completed for Fergal Harkin, it was suggested that Howe wanted Hughes instead.

There have also been other backroom requests from the former Bournemouth boss which sources suggest the Bhoys have refused as well.

With all that in mind, to hear that Howe now doesn’t want the job is news which should leave the club’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond enraged.

AND in other news, Forget Harkin: Celtic could find their new Van Dijk by appointing title-winning 39 y/o…