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The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) are set to hold further talks with Jason Wilcox over taking a Director of Football (DoF) role at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: DoF wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful have recently been linked with a number of big names to fill in their new DoF model, including the likes of Luis Campos and Marc Overmars.

It is clearly the direction of where the new owners want to go, following their takeover in the North East.

The Latest: Wilcox frontrunner

As per The Daily Star, Wilcox, currently the Academy Director at Manchester City, is set to hold further talks with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium over potentially taking up their new DoF role.

He is understood to be the frontrunner for the job, and the Tyneside outfit are keen to appoint a DoF before they bring in a new permanent manager to replace the departed Steve Bruce.

The Verdict: Has the credentials

Wilcox certainly has all of the credentials to take up the new role, given the work that he has done with City so far, a club who were in a very similar position to the Magpies when they were first taken over.

The former Blackburn Rovers and England international winger has been praised by none other than Pep Guardiola for the job that he has done with the MCFC Academy, and is even credited with being a key influence on Phil Foden (The Daily Star).

Nonetheless, a DoF role would be a step up for him, and so Wilcox certainly seems attainable for the Toon should the talks go well.

In other news, find out which elite manager Overmars is backed to bring to NUFC if he becomes DoF here!

After obliterating Manchester United 5-0 last weekend, Liverpool couldn’t get past Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday in a similarly ruthless fashion, ultimately stumbling to a 2-2 draw after being 2-0 up after 24 minutes thanks to goals from club captain Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane.

Despite the disappointing overall result, one player that we feel stood out at the weekend and was yet again another shining light for the Merseyside club, was Mohamed Salah, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £200k-per-week according to Spotrac.

The Egyptian, who started the match at the weekend and played through the full 90 minutes against Graham Potter’s side, managed to assist Henderson’s goal to open the scoring after a delightful cut back from the right-hand side.

Mane was the only one of Liverpool’s offensive trio to beat the goalkeeper but Salah’s offensive display was still excellent. He had one shot on target, completed 100% of the three dribbles he attempted and also completed 22 of 30 passes. Two of those happened to be two key passes while he won all three of the ground duels he was involved in, ultimately earning himself an overall match rating of 7.4/10, making him the joint-highest rated Liverpool player on the day according to SofaScore.

This shows just how much of an attacking threat he was for the Reds on the day but just couldn’t find himself a goal, something that will presumably be a big disappointment for him as an individual given how he’s managed to net in his seven consecutive Liverpool league appearances prior to the Brighton clash.

Since joining Liverpool back in the 2017 summer transfer window from AS Roma for a reported fee of £34m, the 29-year-old, who is currently valued at £90m according to Transfermarkt, has made 216 appearances for the club across all competitions in which he has managed to rack up an impressive total of 140 goals and 53 assists, comfortably cementing himself as one of Liverpool’s most important attacking players.

Even though he failed to add another goal to his incredible tally for the season against Brighton, Salah and everyone else at the club can be pleased that he still managed to put in a top-quality performance at the weekend. Hopefully, he’ll get back to scoring form either on Wednesday in their next Champions League game against Atletico Madrid or next weekend in their next Premier League outing versus West Ham United.

In other news: Big worry: £58.5m-rated Liverpool ace who lost 75% duels really struggled vs Brighton – opinion

Glasgow Rangers fans are gutted at the news that several of their players will miss their Europa League clash with Alashkert following a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

The Gers have travelled to Armenia for the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie. In the first fixture at Ibrox, the Gers won 1-0 thanks to an Alfredo Morelos goal, even though John Lundstram was sent off in the first half. They will be looking to complete the job this week in Yerevan.

However, in the build-up to the match, the Gers have been hit with a huge blow. They have confirmed that several players have tested positive for coronavirus and will therefore miss the match, while others will have to self-isolate after coming in to close contact with those affected (rangers.co.uk). It has since emerged that Steven Gerrard will also be absent (Sky Sports).

The news was shared on Twitter by Rangers’ official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the news below

“This is no good enough – we need names???”

Credit: @LauraCampbell97

“This week canny get any worse man”

Credit: @Sparky18721

“Could not have happened at a worst time Main thing is though the players are alright”

Credit: @JL_93x

“Tell us who? This week of all weeks”

Credit: @deanog99

“Thanks weeks ruined already and I’ve still to watch you play twice”

Credit: @LY1872

“Put us all out of our misery and tell us who”

Credit: @I_Kelly96

In other news, this pundit is livid at one Rangers Old Firm decision.

Moving on from their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at the weekend, Aston Villa are on their travels once again with a trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich City, pitting Steven Gerrard against former Villa manager Dean Smith.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Gerrard could pick to be in his starting XI on this occasion, one player that got some minutes under his belt in the defeat at Anfield that should be in the team from the beginning to take on the Canaries is Morgan Sanson.

After replacing Marvelous Nakamba in the 57th minute against Liverpool, Sanson managed to show to Gerrard what a useful midfield option he can be for Villa.

With 32 touches of the ball, Sanson completed nine passes, complete all three of the dribbles he attempted, win six duels and make two tackles with one interception, showing how good he is on the ball and winning it back for his team in the middle of the pitch.

This cameo performance earned the Frenchman an overall match rating of 7/10 according to SofaScore, making him Villa’s joint-second highest rated player on the day alongside Matt Targett.

With this in mind and the fact that Nakamba has apparently picked up a knee injury that could lead to Villa having to sign a new midfielder in the upcoming January transfer window, this could be the perfect time for Gerrard to unleash Sanson from the start to see if he can prove his worth once again.

Labelled as a player that “has a bit of everything” by Smith, the 27-year-old is currently earning a weekly wage of £59k-per-week according to Salary Sport.

Given how Sanson has only made 13 senior appearances for the Villans since arriving back in January, mainly due to injury troubles, it’s safe to say the midfielder would be chomping at the bit to finally get a decent run in the team, which could get underway if Gerrard starts him tonight and he manages to impress as he did against Liverpool.

If Gerrard does start against Norwich, Sanson could potentially create a solid midfield partnership with either the likes of John McGinn or Douglas Luiz who both played the full 90 minutes against Liverpool if they start again tonight.

In other news: Lange could save AVFC millions with £46k-p/w machine who will “get better and better” – opinion

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast that Davinson Sanchez hasn’t progressed enough to warrant another season at Tottenham.

Signed by Mauricio Pochettino from Ajax in a £42m deal four years back; the Colombian centre-back was Spurs’ record-signing at the time.

An impressive first campaign followed as Tottenham secured a top four finish, with Sanchez getting his fare share of game time despite competing with two of the club’s best defenders in the Premier League era in Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

However, whilst the 25-year-old has made almost 150 appearances in the Lilywhite of Tottenham, he’s failed to develop into the world class defender that his potential threatened.

Such is the his wretched form, he featured in just under half of Spurs’ Premier League games last season, with the last of those ending in true Sanchez fashion by conceding a penalty at Leicester on the final day.

And therefore, he’s been put on the transfer list along with several of his teammates. Asked which centre-back Tottenham should get rid of between Sanchez and Eric Dier, Bridge told Football FanCast:

“For me, taking my work hat away, it would be Davinson Sanchez. I just don’t see a big improvement coming from him there.”

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be left out of England’s team to face Germany at Euro 2020, according to former Three Lions striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Phillips impresses at Euro 2020

The Whites had numerous star performers in the Premier League last season, but Phillips was undoubtedly one of the standout figures, being called ‘outstanding’ by Alex McLeish.

The 25-year-old has taken that form with him onto the international stage, shining for England at the Euros, particularly against Croatia in the opening game.

The Three Lions play Germany at Wembley in a huge last 16 clash this evening and Phillips will be hoping to start once again.

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The Latest: Pundit claims Leeds star will be axed

Speaking to Football Insider, though, former England striker Phillips claimed that the Leeds hero would be left out at the expense of Jordan Henderson. He said:

“I want to see Kalvin Phillips play because we know he can handle the big occasion. He has showed that already in this tournament.

“But I have an inkling Gareth may go with Rice and Henderson. Jordan has played in massive games and is the captain of Liverpool and Gareth might be thinking about his experience. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kalvin makes way for Jordan in this game.

“It would be a shame, and a massive call, because he has been superb for England so far.

“I think he gave Jordan and Declan a half each against the Czech Republic to get them ready for this Last 16 game. It smells of Rice and Henderson to me.

“Phillips can be very proud of what he has done so far though, that’s for sure.”

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The Verdict: Phillips must start

While Henderson is undoubtedly a top player and a great leader, it would be a poor decision by Gareth Southgate if he left out Phillips.

The midfielder’s tenacity will be key as he looks to unruffle Toni Kroos, who has the ability the dictate the pace of a game in the middle of the park.

Phillips has also done nothing to justify being left out and it would be strange for Southgate to break up the partnership of him and Declan Rice, both of whom have had good tournaments.

In other news, one player is reportedly on the verge of joining Leeds – find out who it is here.

Following West Ham United’s solid 2-0 victory away to Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday evening, the club have dropped a celebratory four-word message which has many supporters talking.

David Moyes’ men began their Europa League in brilliant fashion as they comfortably swept aside the Croatian champions.

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Michail Antonio opened the scoring for West Ham when he pounced on a wayward back pass and slotted into an empty net for 1-0, putting his side in total control of the encounter.

The Hammers never looked like giving up their lead and midfield star Declan Rice soon gave supporters more to celebrate, bursting through the middle and scoring a fantastic solo goal.

Following West Ham’s memorable night at the Stadion Maksimir, the club dropped a four-word message for fans on Twitter, simply reading: “What a night, Hammers!”.

In response, Irons supporters relived the excitement of their first Europa League victory of the group stage as they put their stamp on the competition already.

Find all of their best reactions from social media down below.

West Ham fans erupt as club drop post-Zagreb message

“Beautiful”

Credit: @nph73

“We’re actually massive”

Credit: @banham23

“Coyi!”

Credit: @WHUFC592

“Biggest club in London”

Credit: @CNSG35

“Need Moyes content to be on overdrive tonight. How on Earth he’s turned us into a force from utter ruins still blows my mind.”

Credit: @okeefe_92

“Love it”

Credit: @DanWheelerSport

“Europe, we have arrived!”

Credit: @becky_cox1994

In other news: ‘Gonna get the Benrahma treatment’…West Ham fans slam ‘worst player’ vs Zagreb, find out more here.

Following the news that Fulham captain Tom Cairney’s spell on the sidelines at Craven Cottage is not likely to end anytime soon, it would be wise for Marco Silva to start developing a plan for life without the 30-year-old attacking midfielder this season.

The west Londoners have hardly struggled without the Scotland international so far this term, currently topping the Championship table ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Blackpool; and 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho has been thriving in attacking midfield, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.30 over his five league fixtures. Whether or not the teenager can maintain his current level of form over the remainder of the campaign remains to be seen, though.

As such, it would appear wise for Silva to field one of his summer signings in a game which – with the greatest of respect to 22nd-placed Blackpool – the Cottagers should be comfortably winning, in order to both provide support to Carvalho and to make his attacking midfield three much more fluid.

He’d terrify Blackpool

While Silva has claimed that Domingos Quina was not signed as a replacement for Cairney, it would nevertheless appear as if the ex-Watford forward is a talent who boasts a considerable amount of potential – with both Barcelona and Real Madrid enquiring about his services while at West Ham United – and perhaps a player with a much higher ceiling than the Scottish ace.

However, considering Carvalho’s remarkable run of form, it would be naive to suggest dropping the Portuguese starlet in order to field Quina, which is where the 21-year-old’s impressive positional versatility comes into play.

Indeed, having featured on the left, middle and right of Watford’s attacking midfield last season, he is a player who can operate from almost anywhere going forwards, so he should quite easily fit in a Fulham starting XI alongside both Carvalho and Harry Wilson.

With the £2.7m-rated man possessing the ability to score from just about anywhere around the opposition penalty area, something for which both Carvalho and Wilson also have a knack, the prospect of lining up against the trio on Saturday could leave the Blackpool defenders and goalkeeper terrified.

Furthermore, with Quina being 21, Carvalho 19 and Wilson 24, should the trio indeed get the chance to mould with each other this season, Silva may have found an attacking lineup which could serve Fulham for many years into the future.

As such, in order to start this bonding process as quickly as possible, it would seem advisable for the 44-year-old to unleash Quina against Blackpool today, as the man who Slaven Billic dubbed a “talented” player could be the final piece of the Fulham puzzle for Silva.

In other news: Silva drops worrying Fulham injury update ahead of Blackpool game, fans will be gutted

West Ham United are ‘one of the best positioned’ clubs in the race to sign Barcelona full-back Junior Firpo, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The lowdown

Firpo’s future is said to lie away from the Nou Camp, two years on from his £27.5million arrival from Real Betis.

He’s made 41 appearances for the club, but only featured in seven La Liga matches during the 2020/21 season.

The 24-year-old is predominantly a left-back but can also play on the right side of the defence or as a winger.

Firpo, a Spain Under-21 international, has three years left on his contract and is valued at £7.2million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Barcelona are apparently intent on negotiating a Premier League move for Firpo.

Southampton and West Ham are the ‘two open fronts on which the Catalan club is advancing’.

Crucially, the report notes, the Hammers can offer the player European football at the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ men are set to feature in the Europa League in 2021/22 after finishing sixth in the table, while Southampton wound up down in 15th.

AC Milan are also said to be interested, but they’re proposing a loan deal with an option to buy and Barcelona would prefer a permanent sale as they have an immediate need to raise funds for recruitment.

The verdict

West Ham already have a number of strong full-back options on their books, so it is a little surprising to see them targeting another.

Firpo, though, is impressively versatile as he can play in a number of postions, and furthermore, he could be available for a relatively low fee.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this report, though, is that the Hammers already appear to be reaping the rewards of qualifying for Europe.

They’re setting themselves apart from mid-table transfer rivals.

In other news, West Ham fans were buzzing as this transfer claim emerged. 

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will look to bring in some wide attacking players in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: A summer of change?

Villa have enjoyed a productive season overall, with the new manager slotting in nicely after replacing Dean Smith, even though results haven’t always been impressive.

Gerrard may well be seeking to continuously evolve his squad in terms of quality and depth, and it would be a surprise if some new faces didn’t arrive in the summer.

Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet have already been sent out on loan and the 41-year-old may feel that both need to be sold permanently at the end of the season if they have no future under him.

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The Latest: Gerrard eyeing up summer signings

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that signing at least one winger would be a key area of focus for Gerrard in the summer market, especially if they decide to offload El Ghazi and Trezeguet for good. The journalist said:

“Villa are probably going to lose a couple of wingers in the summer with El Ghazi out on loan at Everton and Trezeguet out on loan in Turkey.

“So, that’s two wingers who the club will most likely look to move on. So, it’s going to be an area that Steven Gerrard will be looking to strengthen as well.”

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The Verdict: Key area to target

The wide attacking positions certainly appear to be among Villa’s weakest areas of the pitch currently, with Gerrard lacking truly top-class options there who can consistently producing match-winning moments.

Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia have only scored three goals between them in 46 Premier League appearances combined this term, which simply isn’t a good enough return.

Liverpool and Manchester City are poster boys for having hugely productive wide players (think Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez), and while Gerrard clearly wouldn’t expect signings of that calibre, it would be ideal for Villa to bring in wide options who could be more prolific than the current crop.

In other news, a source has shared a key Villa transfer update. Read more here.