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Newcastle United are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to Foot Mercato (via Get French Football News).

The lowdown

The young marksman has spent the last two seasons away from the Parc des Princes on loan at RC Lens.

The 20-year-old has scored 10 goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances this season, putting him three clear of Seko Fofana at the top of the team’s goalscoring charts. Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, he is under contract at PSG until the summer of 2024.

Newcastle have also been linked with another Ligue 1 striker in the form of Reims’ Hugo Ekitike.

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The latest

According to Foot Mercato (via Get French Football News), Kalimuendo’s agent is due to meet with figures at PSG ‘in the coming weeks’ for talks about his future.

He is apparently ready to commit to the newly-crowned Ligue 1 champions by signing a new deal, but that hasn’t stopped Newcastle or fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City from ‘looking at him’.

The verdict

Kalimuendo is certainly an impressive talent. He has already played nine matches for France’s under-21 side, scoring on just his second start against Ukraine and adding three more to his tally since.

Furthermore, in 2020, he won the Titi D’Or, a prize awarded to the most promising young talent at PSG.

Franck Haise, his manager at Lens, believes that Kalimuendo possesses every attribute that a modern forward needs, describing him as the ‘prototype striker of the present’.

If the 20-year-old’s parent club can’t offer him the opportunities that he craves, then perhaps a move to Tyneside could be on the cards.

In other news, Newcastle are also targeting this left-back

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some news from the club’s youth ranks.

As shared by the official Twitter page of Rangers B & Academy, the B team defeated Berwick Rangers 6-1 away from home with six different scorers in what was described as a ‘great performance’ with ‘brilliant team play’.

Robbie Fraser, Leon King, Alex Lowry, Ross McCausland, Kyle McClelland and Tony Weston all managed to get themselves on the scoresheet as Rangers B followed up their 3-0 win at home to Hammarby on Tuesday night.

The young Bears are in a very good place at this moment in time, and some of their performances should certainly catch the eye of Steven Gerrard, who may now think about giving one or two of them a chance in the first team.

Rangers fans on B-team’s result

These Ibrox supporters were delighted as the result was shared on Twitter, with one Gers fan saying that it was ‘excellent’ from the youngsters:

“Brilliant result”

Credit: @Tracey49876558

“FT: Berwick Rangers – 1 Rangers B – 6. Great win lads”

Credit: @BobSteele55

“Fantastic result”

Credit: @Papa_291

“What a future for a club if handled correctly”

Credit: @RFCGW

“Excellent again by the youngsters”

Credit: @4ladshadadream

“Nice one young Gers”

Credit: @Rabg1872

In other news, some fans criticised this first-teamer’s performance against Hibernian

Many Liverpool fans have flocked to a tweet from Jude Bellingham following England’s 4-0 win over Andorra on Sunday. 

The 18-year-old started the game alongside two Reds players in midfield, with Jordan Henderson in the middle of a three and Trent Alexander-Arnold trialled on the right.

How did Bellingham perform on Sunday?

As per Squawka, the teenager recorded a pass accuracy of 96%, won seven duels and created three chances over the course of his 62 minutes on the pitch. Andorra ought to be considered minnows given their world ranking of 156, but Bellingham’s performance attracted rave reviews nonetheless.

“Only Andorra but Bellingham’s class is clear,” The Times’ Chief Football Writer Henry Winter tweeted, while fellow sports journalist Harry Roy gushed: “The more I watch Jude Bellingham play, the more I understand why Birmingham retired his shirt number when he left. The kid is generational.”

Could Liverpool lure him to Anfield?

The 18-year-old still has the best part of four years to run on his Borussia Dortmund contract and has seen his Transfermarkt value rise to £49.5m.

Bellingham has previously revealed that Anfield icon Steven Gerrard is one of his footballing ‘heroes’, and that ‘all I wanted’ was one of his number 8 shirts (via Bundesliga.com), while the Reds were tentatively linked with the teenager during the summer.

Liverpool fans flock to Bellingham’s tweet

In response to Bellingham’s post-match tweet, a number of Liverpool fans implored the 18-year-old to follow Jurgen Klopp in swapping Dortmund for Merseyside.

“Come to Liverpool and rescue Gerrard’s #8 kit bro”

Credit: @The_Gerrard_Era

“Come join Liverpool lad and be like your idol”

Credit: @lfcnjck

“Come to Liverpool pal”

Credit: @theKloppEnd_

“Well played, now to come Liverpool Jude”

Credit: @AshLFC_

“See you at Liverpool soon”

Credit: @Lfcqueen29

“Anfield waiting for you”

Credit: @afqsfdn

In other news, Kieran Maguire issues his verdict on a potential Michael Edwards replacement.

Crystal Palace were held to a disappointing draw by fierce rivals Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday evening thanks to a last-minute strike from Neal Maupay.

The Eagles were seemingly heading to a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park after an entertaining encounter, but Vicente Guaita’s poor goal kick fell straight to Joel Veltman on the halfway line. The Brighton defender then hit an instant long pass into the path of Maupay, who lobbed Guaita from the edge of the box.

It sparked a fiery ending to proceedings in south London, with emotions boiling over both on and off the pitch, but it could have been a very different story had Palace taken their chances earlier in the game.

Wilfried Zaha had looked set to be the match-winner when he scored a penalty in stoppage time at the end of the first half following a Leandro Trossard foul on Conor Gallagher.

However, Palace were ultimately punished for not increasing their advantage, and one player was perhaps more guilty than most for letting inviting openings go to waste.

Versatile forward Jordan Ayew missed a glorious opportunity to put the home side 2-0 in the second half, slotting to ball wide of Robert Sanchez’s post following a swift breakaway involving Gallagher and Christian Benteke.

It means the 30-year-old still hasn’t bagged in the Premier League since November, extending an increasingly worrying run in front of goal.

As per SofaScore, Ayew received a match rating of just 6.3 out of 10 for his exploits on Monday, the second-lowest total of anyone on the pitch, and when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The Ghana international failed to have a single shot on target before he was substituted in the 86th minute; he was also unable to complete a dribble and won just three of his 10 duels, highlighting his ineffective display for the capital club.

Ayew also only had 52 touches and lost possession eight times as he struggled to make his mark on the game while also struggling to cope defensively as Brighton’s impressive wing-back Marc Cucurella constantly bombed past him on the flanks.

It was another disappointing display for the former Marseille academy graduate, and manager Patrick Vieira should be running out of patience with his below-par attacker.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Edouard: Parish must seal Palace move for “quality” £25.2m-rated gem 

Everton slumped to tenth in the Premier League table after goals from Max Kilman and Raul Jimenez secured a 2-1 victory for Wolves at Molineux.

A consolation effort from Alex Iwobi couldn’t prevent the Toffees from slipping to their third consecutive defeat on Monday night, and the visitors could have little complaints after their dreadful first-half showing.

Rafa Benitez’s charges were missing several key players through injury once again, but that was no excuse for their underwhelming opening 45 minutes.

Kilman was allowed a free header at the far post following a Wolves corner after 28 minutes before a horrendous Ben Godfrey back pass was punished by Jimenez just four minutes later.

No Everton player covered themselves in glory bar goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, although some were more disappointing than others.

Godfrey was one of the main culprits but experienced midfielder Allan was one of those who particularly struggled to cope with the home side’s intensity, and he once again looked lost and exposed without the protection of Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Admittedly, his engine room partner Jean-Philippe Gbamin was well off the pace after making his first Premier League start of 2021/22, but the 30-year-old Allan was the one expected to drag his teammate through the evening, not the other way around.

As per SofaScore, the Brazil international received a match rating of 6.4 out of 10, the third-lowest total awarded to any player on the pitch. And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

During the 90 minutes, Allan achieved a measly passing accuracy of just 71%, failed to pick out a colleague with any of his three attempted long balls and lost possession a whopping 17 times.

And the South American was equally as frustrating when trying to stop the opposition’s attacks, an aspect of his game in which he usually excels.

Allan won just five of his 12 duels, was dribbled past on three occasions, and failed to make a single clearance or block a shot.

His improved second-half display will have been some comfort for Benitez and co. but the damage was already done by then, and his poor showing didn’t go unnoticed.

“It was not a great game by the Brazilian’s standards, as it was riddled with plenty of sloppy moments. However, Allan’s hard work and consistent shift throughout the game cannot be faulted,” wrote The Hard Tackle after awarding him a five out of 10.

With Tottenham coming up next for the Blues, Benitez will be hoping his influential midfielder can get back to his best and help put an end to their lengthy losing run.

And, in other news…7 duels lost: Everton lightweight who’s “really struggling” let Rafa down again v WWFC

Aston Villa were interested in Weston McKennie last summer, according to Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Italian giants Juventus signed McKennie on a one-year loan deal last August with an option to buy. A report in the Independent states that Tottenham Hotspur have spoken to Juventus about signing the highly-rated American and that sources believe a move for under £40m may be possible.

McKennie featured 46 times for Juventus last season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in all competitions in his first year in Turin. Luke Hatfield says that Aston Villa were interested in the 22-year-old last summer, telling Football FanCast: “It’s a weird one because, you know, last summer if he was available the same way he was and I think he ended up going to Juve last summer, then yeah Villa would have been all over it. I mean, they were interested.”

Calciomercato.com reported earlier this week that Villa are again interested in McKennie this summer and with interest from Spurs also, there is a battle for his signature during this transfer window.

Villa have done some really good business this summer bringing in Leon Bailey, Axel Tuanzebe, Danny Ings, Ashley Young and Emi Buendia. Dean Smith’s side managed to respond to an opening day Premier League defeat at the hands of Watford with a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United last weekend.

Wolves are looking to sign a new striker before the end of the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist Sami Mokbel.

The Lowdown: Wolves continue impressive form

Wanderers picked up yet another impressive Premier League win on Saturday afternoon, battling their way to a 2-1 victory away to Brentford. Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves were the goalscoring heroes for Wolves, who have now won four games in a row in all competitions.

Despite Bruno Lage’s side excelling at the moment, there could still be a need to bring in new players, ensuring that they keep improving the squad and move in the right direction.

The Latest: Journalist talks up striker move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Mokbel claimed Wolves are after a striker this month in order to add more firepower in the final third.

He said: “A striker for them, I’m sure, would be at the forefront of Bruno Lage’s mind. Jimenez is back, but they certainly want more goals and more of a different kind of threat than he would offer, as good as a player he is.”

The Verdict: Makes complete sense

While Wolves have been increasingly strong as the season has progressed, they certainly haven’t been renowned for their goalscoring prowess.

They have only scored 19 times in 21 league games – 19th-placed Watford have four more – and both Hwang Hee-chan and Raul Jimenez lead the way with just four goals apiece, highlighting the need for more ammunition in attack.

With Adama Traore seeming likely to join Tottenham, the money should hopefully be there to spend on a striker in January if that deal goes through during the week, hopefully making Wolves even more potent in the process.

In other news, some Wolves fans love footage that has emerged from the win over Brentford. Read more here.

As per Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, some transfer news has come out of West Ham United, and it involves Borussia Monchengladbach star Matthias Ginter.

The Lowdown: Newman and Moyes face big summer…

Hammers officials, according to club insider Claret & Hugh, are soon set for a crunch meeting to determine the amount of money which will be allocated to both David Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman’s transfer kitty.

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Depending on the outcome of these financial discussions, Moyes and Newman could be set for a big window, but a lot could also come down to West Ham’s run in the Europa League or if they qualify for Europe next season.

The free agent market, as a result, could be a fruitful source for talent to bolster West Ham’s squad at zero cost.

Sharing news, Sky journalist Thomas has now lifted the lid on a potential Bosman transfer for the club this summer.

The Latest: West Ham eye Ginter…

As per his sources, the Irons are now eyeing Bundesliga defender and Germany international Ginter – joining ‘a lot of top clubs’ who have been keeping tabs on the in-demand star.

The 28-year-old, as he’s already confirmed, is set to move on this summer after his contract expires – prompting West Ham to now take note as they eye him for Moyes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Ginter, a mainstay for his club, has played the second-most top flight minutes for Gladbach behind goalkeeper Yann Sommer – all while ranking in as their fourth-best performer by average match rating (WhoScored).

He’s also made the second-most clearances per 90 (3) out of their squad, standing out as a solid and reliable defender who could seemingly strengthen Moyes’ options at centre-half.

Valued at around £21.6 million by Transfermarkt, bypassing this fee entirely and signing Ginter for free comes as a potential bargain for West Ham.

In other news: West Ham insider: Irons officials set for crunch talks as Moyes personally plots ‘special’ player bid, find out more here.

After racking up nine wins, five draws and three defeats with 17 games played in the Championship, Valerien Ismael’s West Brom are currently sitting third in the table as they aim to win promotion back to the Premier League.

One man who has played a very small part in West Brom’s league campaign so far this season that the club should consider dispensing with is Kenneth Zohore.

The centre-forward has played just 22 minutes of league action for Ismael’s side, which came during their first two league games of the season off the substitutes’ bench. Since then, the 27-year-old has not featured in the senior squad for the Baggies and has instead been with the under-23s since October, fogr whom he has managed to score four goals in five games.

Despite Ismael recently refusing to rule out the possibility of Zohore playing in the Baggies’ first team again in the future, it could be best for all parties involved if West Brom moved him on to a club where he would be getting regular senior minutes rather than stealing a living in the under-23 side at this stage in his career.

Since joining West Brom back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee, the £1.8m striker (according to Transfermarkt) has made just 23 senior appearances for the Baggies across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing one assist along the way.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, West Brom should be looking at moving him on then if he isn’t likely to play a big part in the second half of their Championship campaign, even though his current contract at The Hawthorns isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2023.

Also, given how Zohore is currently earning a wage of £26k-per-week according to Salary Sport, taking these wages off the club’s accounts would also be another benefit of potentially ending his rather uninspiring time in the Midlands.

If he doesn’t end up leaving in January and then spends the rest season playing with the under-23s rather than the senior squad, then he should definitely look to leave The Hawthorns in the summer – especially if Ismael’s side get promoted, which could make Zohore’s chances of playing regularly for the first team even slimmer.

In other news: Ismael must unleash “confident” £4.4k-p/w West Brom machine after big boost emerges – opinion

A big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has emerged on central defender Joe Rodon… 

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, sources close to the club have revealed that they are willing to move the Welsh international on this summer.

The report claims that they are open to allowing him to leave on a permanent or temporary basis, although they are unlikely to recoup the £11m fee – rising to £15m with add-ons – they paid Swansea City for him in 2020.

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Supporters will be gutted

This update will surely leave supporters gutted as it shows that Spurs have given up on his development and do not see a future for him at the club.

He has not played a single game in the Premier League under Antonio Conte as he has not been able to convince the Italian head coach that he deserves regular minutes in the side. From this viewpoint, it is understandable as to why Tottenham are looking at Rodon and trying to work out where he will be next season.

However, they must not sell him on a permanent basis. The fans will be fuming with the willingness to cash in on the Welshman as he still has the potential to come good and showed signs of quality in the top-flight last term. He is not a lost cause and, therefore, should not be treated as such this summer.

In the top-flight last term, he averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.97 across 12 appearances. He made an average of three tackles and interceptions per game and won a whopping 73% of his individual duels, which shows that he was dominant from a physical standpoint – with journalist Ian Mitchelmore also dubbing him as “flawless” for Wales.

At the age of 24, he is still young for a centre-back and has plenty of time left on his side to develop and improve his game. This means that the best course of action for Spurs would be to send him out on loan for a season to see how he fares with regular game time in the Premier League, or another top European division.

If he plays 30+ games out on loan next term and is not able to show enough to convince Conte that he has a future in north London, then perhaps that will be the time to think about cashing in on him.

For now, though, Spurs must loan him out or hand him a chance to impress in the first-team as it is too early to consider selling him on a permanent basis – as his form in 2020/21 very much indicates that he still has something to offer.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “truly hilarious” £42k-p/w flop as Spurs eye £33m “difference maker”