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Early Newcastle United team news has emerged ahead of their clash with Liverpool this weekend…

What’s the latest?

Magpies reporter Dominic Scurr has provided an injury update as the club prepare to take on the Reds at St. James’ Park on Saturday.

Three key players remain out injured for the Toon as they all bid to make their comebacks before the end of the current campaign.

Scurr Tweeted: “Good to see Isaac Hayden pictured back in full training for #NUFC this week, as suggested by Eddie Howe. Still no Callum Wilson or Kieran Trippier. Ryan Fraser also remains out ahead of Saturday’s match against Liverpool.”

Supporters will be gutted

This update will surely leave the supporters gutted as they remain in the dark over when the trio will make their respective returns to first-team action.

Hayden being back in full training is good news amongst the bad but he will not be an option for Howe until next season at the earliest. He was omitted from the club’s 25-man Premier League squad and this means that he will not be able to play again this season, irrespective of his fitness situation.

Fraser, Wilson and Trippier, however, are all eligible to play and are all big blows for the Toon as they have each enjoyed impressive campaigns in their own right.

Wilson remains the club’s top scorer in the division with six strikes in 14 starts. The Englishman also scored 12 times in the league last term – proving that he is a reliable goalscorer at this level and the fans will surely want to see him back out on the pitch as quickly as possible.

Trippier, meanwhile, has averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.67 across four appearances for the club since joining from Atletico Madrid. He has scored two goals for Howe’s side and averaged an eye-catching 6.0 tackles and interceptions per game.

Fraser has also emerged as a key player for the manager he worked with at Bournemouth. He has chipped in with two goals and three assists in 18 starts this season whilst averaging a solid SofaScore rating of 6.88. The Scot has been a respectable performer out wide and is a player Howe will want back as soon as he is fit.

Therefore, the fans will be gutted with all three of them being out injured as it is a big blow to the side and they will be keeping their fingers crossed that they will all be able to feature in the final few matches of the campaign.

AND in other news, Forget Burn: Howe can find new leader as NUFC plot bid for £24m tank with “no nerves”…

While it’s not been smooth sailing, Chelsea are not doing too badly so far this season.

They are currently third in the Premier League and should still qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

Moreover, Enzo Maresca’s side have had to make do without Cole Palmer for most of the campaign so far.

The Englishman is undoubtedly Chelsea’s best player, and so fans should be excited about reports linking them with an incredible talent who could be another Palmer-like addition to the team.

Chelsea target Palmer-like star

Since making his Chelsea debut, Palmer has been one of the very best players in the Premier League, if not in European football at large.

For example, even though he had a few barren runs last season, the former Manchester City prospect has amassed a staggering tally of 74 goal involvements in 101 appearances for the Blues.

The 23-year-old is a truly special player, and while Maresca and Co are never going to find someone just like him, they are clearly looking to sign players who could develop in a similar way.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

At least that is according to a recent report from journalist Simon Phillips, who claims Chelsea are interested in and have reopened contact with Kenan Yıldız.

The report has revealed that, alongside the Blues, Liverpool and Manchester United are keen on signing the Juventus gem, who is currently in talks over a new deal with the club that is not going all that well.

This situation has opened the door to interested parties, though, according to other reports, if West Londoners do want to sign the Turkish wonderkid, they’ll have to stump up around £88m.

It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s immense ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should be fighting for, especially as he could be another Palmer.

Why Yıldız would be a Palmer-like signing for Chelsea

So to be considered a ‘Palmer-like’ signing, the player in question has to be someone capable of arriving at Chelsea and, within a relatively short space of time, establishing themselves as one of the best players in the squad and a true game-changer.

Now, while it might still be early in Yıldız’s career, he certainly seems like the sort of player who could fit that description perfectly.

For example, despite being just 19 years old last season, the Regensburg-born maestro scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 52 appearances, totalling just 3520 minutes.

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.47 games, or every 167.61 minutes, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down this season.

In fact, his tally of three goals and four assists in 14 appearances, totalling 1155 minutes, comes out to an even better average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 165 minutes, which lends more credence to one analyst’s claim that he’s “one of the best wingers in the world.”

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

3.22

Top 3%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.11

Top 3%

Shot-Creating Actions

4.87

Top 4%

SCA (Shot)

0.45

Top 5%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.95

Top 6%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

0.97

Top 6%

Successful Take-Ons

2.21

Top 6%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.56

Top 7%

Touches

55.64

Top 7%

Touches (Live-Ball)

55.64

Top 7%

Touches (Att 3rd)

28.18

Top 9%

Carries

36.12

Top 9%

Passes Received

41.82

Top 9%

Passes Completed (Short)

19.41

Top 11%

Key Passes

2.14

Top 11%

Progressive Passes

4.53

Top 12%

Goals – xG

+0.10

Top 12%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.10

Top 12%

Passes Attempted (Short)

21.69

Top 12%

Live-ball Passes

38.97

Top 12%

SCA (Take-On)

0.49

Top 12%

GCA (Take-On)

0.07

Top 12%

In addition to the youngster’s impressive output, his underlying numbers from last season make for some spectacular reading.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Serie A for shot-creating actions from live passes, the top 4% for outright shot-creating actions, the top 6% for passes into the penalty area and successful take-ons, the top 9% for carries and more, all per 90.

In other words, even when he’s not directly scoring or assisting a goal, the superstar in the making is heavily involved in the team’s attacks.

Ultimately, while it is still early in his career, there is no denying that Yıldız is one of the most exciting talents in European football, and therefore, Chelsea should sign him, as he could have a Palmer-like impact on the team.

Bye-bye Tosin & Chalobah: Chelsea submit bid to re-sign "the world's best CB"

The iconic defender would be excellent for Chelsea, but bad news for Tosin and Chalobah.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 20, 2025

Leeds United had one of the biggest annual wage bills in the Championship but are now back in the Premier League. The Whites, after a busy summer transfer window, now have an annual payroll of £59,306,000, with the average player earning more than £2m per season at Elland Road.

So, we at Football FanCast have ranked every Leeds United player in the first-team squad in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025/26 season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

1

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

£100,000

£5,200,000

2

Jack Harrison

£90,000

£4,680,000

3

Sean Longstaff

£80,000

£4,160,000

4

Daniel James

£75,000

£3,900,000

5

Noah Okafor

£72,500

£3,770,000

=6

Pascal Struijk

£50,000

£2,600,000

=6

Lucas Perri

£50,000

£2,600,000

=7

Anton Stach

£45,000

£2,340,000

=7

Brenden Aaronson

£45,000

£2,340,000

=7

Jaka Bijol

£45,000

£2,340,000

=7

Sebastiaan Bornauw

£45,000

£2,340,000

=11

Ethan Ampadu

£40,000

£2,080,000

=11

Joe Rodon

£40,000

£2,080,000

=11

Wilfried Gnonto

£40,000

£2,080,000

=11

Joel Piroe

£40,000

£2,080,000

=15

Lukas Nmecha

£35,000

£1,820,000

=15

James Justin

£35,000

£1,820,000

=17

Karl Darlow

£30,000

£1,560,000

=17

Jayden Bogle

£30,000

£1,560,000

=17

Illan Meslier

£30,000

£1,560,000

=20

Ao Tanaka

£25,000

£1,300,000

=20

Sam Byram

£20,000

£1,040,000

22

Ilia Gruev

£15,000

£780,000

23

Alex Cairns

£10,000

£520,000

24

Sam Chambers

£8,000

£416,000

Here are the top 10 Leeds United earners… 10 Jaka Bijol £45,000 per week

Another new centre-back on £45,000 per week is Jaka Bijol, who cost more than Sebastiaan Bornauw. Leeds paid Serie A side Udinese an initial £15m for the Slovenia international.

Bijol is under contract at Elland Road until 2030.

9 Brenden Aaronson £45,000 per week

Attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson is one of Leeds’ most expensive signings of all time, however, he’s had his struggles in Yorkshire.

After returning from a loan spell in Germany in 2024, the USA international helped Leeds win promotion back to the Premier League and his deal expires in 2027.

8 Anton Stach £45,000 per week

Central midfielder Anton Stach cost Leeds more than £17m from Hoffenheim following their return to the Premier League and signed a four-year contract with the Whites.

Already becoming a fan favourite, Stach is the last of four players to collect £2.34m a year.

7 Lucas Perri £50,000 per week

Following Illan Meslier’s poor performances in 2024/25, Leeds moved to sign a new first choice goalkeeper in Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri.

Costing just under £14m from French side Lyon, Perri stands at 6ft 6 and is under contract until 2029.

6 Pascal Struijk £50,000 per week

Pascal Struijk has had his injury issues in recent seasons, but when fully fit, appears to be a part of Daniel Farke’s strongest XI.

The defender joined Leeds’ U21 ranks back in 2020 from Ajax and progressed into the first-team setup under Marcelo Bielsa. He’s made over 150 appearances for the Whites.

5 Noah Okafor £72,500 per week

Leeds’ most expensive signing of the summer was versatile forward Noah Okafor, who cost around £18m from AC Milan.

The Swiss attacker actually played against the Whites in pre-season weeks before moving to Elland Road and scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 win at Wolves.

4 Daniel James £75,000 per week

Signed from rivals Manchester United in 2021, Daniel James struggled to get going at Elland Road and was even sent out on loan to Fulham a year later.

However, following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, James has found a home in Yorkshire and starred in the Championship, resulting in a new deal being signed in 2025.

3 Sean Longstaff £80,000 per week

Sean Longstaff cost Leeds £12m from Newcastle over the summer and arrived with plenty of Premier League experience with the Magpies.

Earning more than £4m per season at Elland Road, Longstaff’s current Leeds contract expires in 2029.

2 Jack Harrison £90,000 per week

After two seasons on loan at Everton, Jack Harrison returned to Leeds in the summer and is once again a part of the first-team picture at Elland Road.

The winger, who made his move to Leeds permanent back in 2021 under Bielsa, is under contract with the Whites until 2028 after signing his latest deal in 2023.

1 Dominic Calvert-Lewin £100,000 per week

Top of the charts as Leeds’ top earner for 2025/26 is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who arrived at Elland Road on a free transfer following his Everton exit.

The centre-forward snubbed an offer from a Champions League side in order to sign for Leeds, and with no fee involved, the Whites were able to offer him £5.2m per season until 2028.

Newcastle United are becoming quite the force in the transfer market and could now be able to tempt a high-profile star to St James’ Park in the near future.

Wissa injury puts dampener on Newcastle's new arrivals

Excitement has engulfed the North East air as supporters await Yoane Wissa’s debut following his £55 million move from Brentford on Deadline Day. Nevertheless, the DR Congo international may need to wait a little while before being able to pull on the famous black and white for the first time after Eddie Howe confirmed he picked up a knee injury before his side took on Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He explained: “Unfortunately not, no, so he won’t make this game (vs Wolves). I saw him for the first time yesterday. He’s feeling the effects of the injury he sustained just before he came off, so we’re going to have to see how he is.”

Later, he added on a potential timescale for his return: “I don’t know currently as I sit here. I think he’ll go away for tests and maybe see a specialist to see.”

Jacob Ramsey also missed out due to an ankle issue, leaving Howe short on options as his side look to climb the Premier League table. Nevertheless, Newcastle retain a strong squad with proven top-flight quality, and Nick Woltemade got off to the perfect start with a fine headed goal to open the scoring against Wolves.

Tino Livramento could be in line for a new contract to ward off Manchester City’s advances, albeit the Magpies have needed to deal with change this summer, signifying that incomings in January may be likely.

Adhering to their preference of bringing in Premier League talent, Newcastle are now looking to tempt a renowned star to the North East who has previously been on their radar.

Newcastle United target Jan Paul van Hecke open to Magpies switch

According to Football Insider, Newcastle target Jan Paul van Hecke is open to joining the Magpies due to the prospect of being able to play Champions League football in the North East.

Valued at £60 million, PIF held internal talks about signing the Netherlands international during the summer window and Dan Burn was even drafted in to try and convince him that a move to St James’ Park would be best for his career.

Worth even more than Anderson: Newcastle struck gold on "one of the best"

Newcastle have so much talent running through Eddie Howe’s first-team squad.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 12, 2025

Deemed as an alternative signing to Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi, the 25-year-old has made just shy of 100 appearances for the Seagulls, registering one goal and three assists.

Establishing himself as a reliable presence within Fabian Hurzeler’s backline, Van Hecke has already been a consistent figure for the Seagulls on Premier League duty in 2025/26.

Ultimately, plenty can change between now and the January window, though Newcastle already seem to be building a shortlist of exciting targets.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is publicly on the hunt for a new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou following the controversial decision to sack him, which was officially confirmed on Friday afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou sacked after two years at Tottenham

Exactly two years to the day since Levy announced their decision to replace Antonio Conte with the Australian, Tottenham released a statement that Postecoglou would not be at the helm next term, despite having ended their 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware.

Tottenham pushing to sign £34m Inter Milan star with exit "increasingly close"

A Spurs player could even go the other way.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025

A lot of fierce debate has since surrounded the 59-year-old’s departure, with Spurs in a very healthy position after winning the Europa League and booking their place in next season’s Champions League draw.

On the flipside, Postecoglou led them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats, finishing just one place above the relegation zone. The club suggested in their announcement that the whole picture must be considered, and Spurs cannot operate on raw emotion after a triumphant night in Bilbao against Man United.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club,” read the official statement on Postecoglou’s sacking.

“Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

“However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season.

“At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”

Postecoglou was a charismatic and popular figure among the players in particular. Since his dismissal, credible media sources have reported that members of the Spurs squad are infuriated by Levy’s decision to part company, just over two weeks they won the Europa League final (Matt Law).

Whoever steps into Postecoglou’s shoes will be inheriting a difficult atmosphere, with £4.5 million-per-year Brentford boss Thomas Frank currently one of the lead contenders.

Daniel Levy "impressed" by Thomas Frank during Tottenham talks

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the “class” tactician has already personally spoken to Levy about becoming the Lilywhites’ new head coach.

What’s more, Levy is said to be “impressed” by Frank after holding Tottenham managerial talks, with all signs pointing towards the Dane entering pole position to succeed Postecoglou.

“I can confirm that talks have been ongoing with potential replacements for weeks,” said Bailey.

“And our information is that Brentford’s Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading contender in the last couple of weeks. Daniel Levy has been impressed with Frank during conversations.”

The 51-year-old Dane can operate on both a shoe-string budget and work within a data-driven model of recruitment like Tottenham’s, as he’s displayed through years of excellent squad management at Brentford.

He could be tailor-made for Spurs, but Levy must take time and weigh up their next move carefully.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has placed a marquee forward at the “top” of his transfer target list ahead of the summer window, and the Gunners have responded by opening talks between all parties.

Arteta makes "clear" Arsenal transfer claim

Speaking ahead of their final Premier League game of the season against Southampton on Sunday, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s recruitment drive, Berta’s crucial role and the type of player he wants to see his club try and go for.

Viktor Gyokeres' message to close circle amid Arsenal agreement claims

The Portugal has admitted something to teammates.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 22, 2025

Kai Havertz has returned to action already, after coming back from what was initially thought to be a season-ending hamstring injury blow, making his first appearance since February during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The German, who’s still managed to score 15 goals in all competitions in spite of his injury woes, also looks physically transformed after months of work in the gym. However, while Havertz’s return ahead of next season comes as a boost for Arteta, he sent a “clear” message to the Gunners hierarchy that more firepower is required if they’re to mount a more successful title challenge.

“What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat, we need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow,” said Arteta in a pre-match press conference.

“We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”

Arteta was also asked about their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, following recent reports he could well join Arsenal.

The 43-year-old didn’t get drawn in to named targets, but categorically refused to rule out a move for the Brazil international either, who’s bagged 13 goals and a further 10 assists from the right-wing, left-wing and at centre-forward this term.

Rodrygo "top" of Berta list with Arsenal talks opened

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of Arsenal working on a deal for Rodryho behind-the-scenes earlier this week, and that same reporter has now provided a further update.

Plettenberg reports that Rodrygo is actually at the “very top” of Berta’s transfer list at Arsenal too, and negotiations have begun at all avenues, presumably meaning that they’re in talks with both the £202,000-per-week forward and Real.

Arsenal are not without competition in the race for him, though, with Chelsea also reportedly holding talks with Rodrygo’s representatives ahead of the mini-transfer window from June 1 to June 10 – which would allow them to sign him before the Club World Cup.