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Ben Jacobs has dropped a worrying claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United after news emerged on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The Lowdown: Saudis fail in UEFA bid

As per Jacobs (via Twitter), a broadcaster based in the KSA have bid for UEFA club competition rights for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but they were unsuccessful.

That is despite offering as much as $600m (£422.9m), which was easily the highest bid, as the sports journalist also added that there are concerns within UEFA over the KSA broadcaster beoutQ and the Gulf country remaining on the 2021 Priority Watch List.

The Latest: Potential affect on takeover

Jacobs has claimed that this will not affect the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA group, if the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) can prove that they are a separate entity to the Saudi state.

However, if a link between them is found, then their piracy issues do come into consideration, and so the Premier League can cite other organisations who have used the same evidence to connect piracy to the KSA’s governing body and in turn refuse to work with them.

In addition, the sports journalist has claimed that ‘PIF will just walk’ if separation cannot be proved, as they would not want to be involved in a piracy row that they know they could not win if they were found to be connected to the Saudi state.

The Verdict: Piracy issue worrying

The issue with regards to piracy in the KSA is certainly a worrying one in terms of trying to get the top flight to accept the takeover bid.

It is understandable that the division do not want to see their games being streamed illegally, and given the Saudi connection to the Magpies if the takeover was to be completed, it is hard to see how that relationship would be formed.

It is therefore vital that PIF can show that they are of a separate entity to the Saudi state, as per the league’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT), to have any hope of the original deal being revived.

If they cannot, then the piracy issues do come into play, and it is unlikely the PL would overlook them when making their final decision even if PIF elected not to walk away, as Jacobs suggests they will.

In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on the potential takeover here!

Leicester City’s top four chances took a setback on Friday night with a humiliating 4-2 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.

The Magpies surged into a four-goal lead at the King Power Stadium as Joe Willock and Paul Dummett found the net before Callum Wilson bagged a second-half brace.

Goals from Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho in the closing stages gave a somewhat better complexion to the scoreline but it was too little too late for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who fell to an embarrassing reverse.

One man who struggled specifically throughout the game was the usually inspirational midfielder Youri Tielemans. Deployed alongside Wilfred Ndidi, the Belgian appeared to be overwhelmed by a ravenous Newcastle midfield who were aiming to seal their Premier League survival.

According to SofaScore, the former Monaco man lost possession on 16 occasions throughout the game as the hosts wasted so many opportunities to probe the visitors. Only Marc Albrighton was more careless in possession for the Foxes.

Whilst the £120,000-per-week midfielder contributed three key passes throughout the game according to WhoScored– the joint-most in the Leicester team – he was continually frustrating in an attacking sense.

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Of the ten crosses he attempted throughout the 90 minutes, he only completed three. He also attempted three shots but failed to trouble Martin Dubravka in the Newcastle goal, with none of his efforts finding the target.

Having been one of Leicester’s most pivotal players in an attacking sense this season, it was certainly a dramatic drop-off for Tielemans.

Elsewhere, whilst not his primary assignment, the Belgian barely contributed in a defensive sense, either. He did not complete a single tackle, interception, clearance or block throughout the game. The 24-year-old also did not win an aerial duel.

Whilst Leicester’s defence must shoulder much of the responsibility for a woeful performance against Newcastle, Tielemans was also marked largely absent as Leicester’s Champions League hopes took what could potentially be a devastating hit.

AND in more news, find out which other Leicester star was woeful against the Magpies…

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on their pursuit of Neto.As per Sport, the Goodison Park faithful are interested in signing the goalkeeper from FC Barcelona once the summer transfer window opens.The Catalan giants are looking for a fee in the region of €16m (£13.8m) to prize him away from the Nou Camp.Given that the Merseyside club already have Jordan Pickford and the upcoming Joao Virginia on their books, as well as Robin Olsen, who is currently on loan from AS Roma but may seek a permanent move to the Toffees, it would be a strange idea to spend that amount of money on what could be a back-up ‘keeper, when there are other positions that Carlo Ancelotti should look to be strengthening.At 31 years of age as well, Neto is on the decline, and so it would surely be better to invest elsewhere. Everton fans on Neto transfer update

These Blues fumed as the update was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘weird’:

“Waste of money get a centre forward who can control and bring other’s players into the game”Credit: @abbot551″Why? + we should sign another player with the name Neto instead”Credit: @jonesyefc”Goalkeeper is the last of our worries a new winger, midfielder and RB should be the priority”Credit: @jay_smith1″£16 mill for a back up keeper haha”Credit: @Grantos888″Weird one that, not needing any keepers.”Credit: @IamFidgell”Should just have the best no 1 you can afford and have a young understudy as a no 2. Why have 2 expensive keepers when you can only play 1 just doesn’t make sense”Credit: @chefmainiaIn other news, find out who was blasted for his display versus Wolves here!

Newcastle must look to sign Joe Willock on a permanent basis after Steve Bruce’s update on his situation.

What’s the story?

The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation since joining the Magpies on loan until the end of the season, popping up with some vital match-saving goals for the Tyneside club in recent weeks against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against the Gunners on Sunday, Bruce once again confirmed his intentions to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

He said: “He doesn’t like being called super sub by the way, and – if we can get him for next year, he won’t be a super sub, he’ll be playing. I’m pleased for Joe, he has the football world talking about him. We’d love to keep him if we can.”

Bruce’s priority

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton earlier in the season, Bruce admitted that Willock has a the style of play from which the Magpies could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

When you look at the rest of the Magpies’ midfield, Willock really does solve a major Bruce nightmare. The 21-year-old’s four goals from midfield is already more than what the rest of Newcastle’s midfield options have scored this season, with Jeff Hendrick the next closest with two in the league.

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Arsenal legend Martin Keown has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier this season.

The ex-Gunners defender said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The £26m-rated Willock is the man Newcastle need to sign this summer.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could finally wave goodbye to this Newcastle liability…

When Barry Douglas comes back to Leeds United this summer, Marcelo Bielsa must finally make a ruthless call and offload him.

The Scotland international is currently out on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and has been a permanent fixture at Ewood Park, making 30 appearances in the league alone.

But, former Leeds man David Norris has insisted that while Douglas may be playing week-in and week-out at Blackburn, he expects Bielsa to move him on when the summer transfer window opens.

He said: “Bielsa never trusted him in the back four so I don’t see how him going out on loan will have changed anything. If I’m being honest, I expect him to move on.

“He looked pretty sharp when he came back from injury and looked like he might start playing regularly, but I think after being out on loan this season I would expect to see Douglas moved on.”

Given how Douglas has only made 44 appearances for Leeds since joining from Wolves in the summer of 2018, the time has surely come for Bielsa to wave goodbye to the left-back this summer.

Speaking earlier this campaign, The Athletic’s Phil Hay seemed to hint that the writing seemed to be on the wall for the £40k-a-week earning forgotten man at Elland Road, saying: “It tells its own story that Stuart Dallas is currently the best left-back at the club. There is interest, Watford are very keen, Blackburn have spoken about him.

“On the basis that he didn’t make the 18 against City, when Jack Harrison was unavailable, if, in those circumstances, Douglas isn’t in the 18 you know he’s on his way.”

And while Gjanni Alioski also looks set to depart, the Whites would simply be better off investing in a new first-choice left-back, and then potentially even promoting young Niall Huggins into the first-team set-up too – that’s not to mention the versatile Dallas being able to play there too as Hay notes.

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Whatever the case, Douglas’ time at Leeds has run its course, and Bielsa must offload him this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds must reignite their interest in this Premier League star…

According to a report by the Daily Express, via West Ham Central, GSB and the Irons are interested in signing Stoke City defender Harry Souttar this summer – prompting reactions from plenty of West Ham United fans.

Souttar, who has been a mainstay for the Potters for this season, making 32 Championship appearances over 2020/2021, has attracted attention from the Hammers due to his performances and seemingly sky high potential.

The 22-year-old, standing at a colossal 6 foot 7, has been lavished with praise for his performances this season by Stoke boss Michael O’Neill – with the former Northern Ireland manager dubbing Souttar as a ‘quality player’ (Stoke Sentinel).

Flocking to this news that West Ham are interested, these supporters had plenty to say – with the vast majority appearing keen on the move.

Given his plaudits at such a young age, it’s clear to see why this transfer may hold potential if it bears fruit for West Ham.

Find all of the best West Ham verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Souttar link

“Yes yes yes yes yes”

Credit: @NotJoeBryson

“Yes please”

Credit: @JBsOpinions

“pls @davidgold”

Credit: @WHUOmar

“He is massive”

Credit: @VollePodNick

“Interesting”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“ogbonna x souttar”

Credit: @whumako

In other news: Fabrizio Romano dropped a big Jesse Lingard update, find out more here.

Plenty of Leicester City fans have been reacting to a transfer update regarding Cengiz Under on social media.

According to the reliable John Percy of The Telegraph, the Foxes won’t exercise their option of making the 23-year-old’s deal at the King Power sTADIUM permanent in the summer.

Under, who arrived on loan from Roma last year, could have joined on a full-time basis for a fee in excess of £20m. However, his performances haven’t justified that price tag, and it seems as if the Turkish forward will return to Italy in the summer.

He has made 19 appearances under Brendan Rodgers this season, scoring twice and registering three assists. Under has been out through injury since March and has started just one Premier League game all season.

Leicester fans react to news about Under

Percy shared the news on Wednesday evening on Twitter, with the post receiving plenty of interaction. Here is what some Foxes fans had to say in reply to the update.

“Can’t believe it”

Credit: @_JoBeanCash_

“Devastated”

Credit: @liamlcfc88

“We used all our right winger luck on Mahrez. 20 years of pain from now on”

Credit: @DT1884

“The Replacing Mahrez show lives on”

Credit: @hm_Ixfc

“A cursed position for us.”

Credit: @lcfcsanny

“Bye Chunder, another right winger that couldn’t get anywhere near the level of replacing Mahrez. Hopefully the next one will.”

Credit: @SamLCFC98

In other news, Leicester are keeping tabs on this Premier League-winning midfielder.

Nottingham Forest’s poor form continued on Wednesday evening as they were well beaten by Championship leaders Norwich City at the City Ground.

The Reds are now winless in five league outings but can be thankful they are nine points clear of the relegation zone with only nine matches left to play in the 2020/21 season.

Chris Hughton’s side were simply outclassed on the night, though the performances of some players simply cannot be forgiven. None more so than of seasoned professional Sammy Ameobi.

As per SofaScore, the 28-year-old’s paltry 5.8 rating was by far the worst of anyone on the pitch – perhaps a surprise given he’s been one of Forest’s consistent performers throughout the season, ranking fourth in the current squad for average WhoScored rating at 6.80.

Somehow, Ameobi remained on the pitch for the entire duration of the match, where he managed only 46 touches – the same number as visiting goalkeeper Tim Krul, whilst eight other Canaries players saw more of the ball too.

What made it worse was the £2m-rated winger losing possession 21 times, more than any other player. That’s almost 50% of his touches going straight back to the opposition – it’s no wonder they were outdone massively.

The former Newcastle ace was also wasteful in his passing, making just 66% of 29 attempts. Only Forest’s man between the sticks, Jordan Smith, failed to make more passes and that’s easily excused as he’s often kicking the ball out from the back.

Ameobi is one of Forest’s biggest goal providers, having scored three and assisted one this season, yet he created very little and didn’t ever look like scoring. None of his passing attempts were key chances, nor could he accurately find Lewis Grabban or Lyle Taylor with his two crosses.

Similarly, the 6 foot 4 wide man successfully pulled off just one dribble from five attempts (20%) and failed to register a shot. Ameobi averages two shots and 1.5 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, so once again, he was well under par.

Hughton clearly likes to rely on the £10k-per-week titan, having started him 20 times in the Championship since his appointment in early October, so he will certainly feel let down and betrayed by his performance.

Even more so when you realise that was Ameobi’s 188th appearance in the second division – he should be doing far better.

AND in other news, “One that will be leaving the club” – Exclusive: Pundit expects Nottingham Forest to lose star…

According to a report by Il Milanista, West Ham United are interested in signing Marseille defender Jordan Amavi this summer as a potential free agent to sure up the left-back position – prompting some excitement from these Hammers as links emerge.

Amavi, who has been on the treatment table for most of 2020/2021, enjoyed a fine 2019/2020 season before his recent injury problems – averaging an impressive 2.1 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per 90 for the Ligue 1 side (WhoScored).

The Frenchman, however, still hasn’t put pen to paper on a contract extension with Marseille and could leave for free in the next transfer window – something that has clearly enticed GSB and co as they are now reportedly interested in signing him.

In response to the links, these West Ham fans buzzed and all seem to be in agreement that Amavi would be a good capture for the Irons.

One Hammers fan even dubbed him a would-be ‘superb signing’, and judging by what he’s capable of when fully fit and firing, it’s hard to argue.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Amavi links

“He’d be perfect”

Credit: @alanrzepa

“Decent and can play LWB”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Baller”

Credit: @WhuNoel

“Would absolutely love him at West Ham. Great signing”

Credit: @LJWren79

“Superb signing this would be”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Always liked Amavi since his Nice days.

injuries more likely at our place tho like you said.

Still talent wise I’d love him”

Credit: @RockyWhu

In other news: Fans blasted this West Ham ace, find out more here.

West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Sunday looking to claim a first win at home to their rivals since 2017.

And in a boost for David Moyes, could have Michail Antonio leading the line again.

The Hammers boss is hopeful that the striker will be passed fit to feature in the London derby after sitting out his side’s last two fixtures across all competitions with fatigue, having appeared exhausted against Fulham in his 16th and most recent appearance of the season so far.

The Irons will still be without Angelo Ogbonna against Spurs as he continues to recover from the high ankle sprain sustained against Manchester United in the FA Cup, which ruled the Italian out of Monday night’s 3-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United.

But, with Antonio possibly back to lead the attack, here’s a potential line-up Moyes could name against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham on Sunday…

Lukasz Fabianski recorded his ninth clean sheet of the season across all competitions when he kept the Blades at bay earlier this week, marking his fourth back-to-back top-flight shut out this term.

The Poland international is yet to register three on-the-bounce and will hope to do so against a Spurs side that has only scored twice in their last four league games with an unchanged back five from Monday night.

Ben Johnson returned to left-back against Chris Wilder’s relegation-threatened Sheffield United, as Aaron Cresswell joined Issa Diop and Craig Dawson at centre-half in Ogbonna’s absence. Vladimir Coufal featured at right-back for his 20th Premier League outing since joining the Hammers from SK Slavia Prague last summer for what now appears a modest £5.5m.

Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice, the only other West Ham players than Cresswell to have featured for all 2,160 minutes of Premier League football on offer this term, will expect to again anchor the engine room on Sunday.

The pair operated behind a front-three of Jesse Lingard, Manuel Lanzini and makeshift striker Jarrod Bowen against the Blades, yet would see the line rotated with Antonio making his return to the sole centre-forward position.

Lingard will expect to continue his run of starting all top-flight matches in claret and blue since joining West Ham on loan from Manchester United, after taking a game-high five shots and making a team-high three successful dribbles from a game-high six runs on Monday, per WhoScored.

No West Ham player has now taken a higher average number of shots per game in the league than Lingard (3.7), who further ranks first for dribbles attempted (4.3) and is second for successful efforts (1.7).

Bowen and £70k-per-week playmaker Lanzini may both find their positions at risk on Sunday to free a space for Antonio to return, while also being at risk for Ryan Fredericks to earn only his seventh start of the season across all competitions.

Moyes enjoyed great success from the full-back operating a wide right position against Aston Villa, and may look to replicate that at home to Tottenham.

Fredericks offered two successful tackles – a personal best for the season – at Villa Park, along with two key passes and three accurate crosses. Bowen, the only West Ham player to have made more than one appearance at right-midfield in a Premier League game this term, has averaged 0.8 successful tackles, 0.9 key balls and 1.2 accurate crosses a game thus far.

So, Bowen could find that he not only makes way for Antonio but also Fredericks, as Moyes looks to orchestrate West Ham’s first home victory over Spurs since 2017.

AND in other news, West Ham face a Premier League tug-of-war to retain a £60k-p/w David Moyes favourite this summer…