In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast ahead of the London Football Awards, Tony Cottee has outlined that he sees Everton’s failure to replace Romelu Lukaku’s goals and their frailty from set-pieces as their big problems this season.
This conclusion comes with the Toffees still hovering just above the relegation zone, having lost 3-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Cottee has named the two problems he feels have put Marco Silva’s side in their current predicament: “Since Lukaku left, they haven’t replaced the goals. Obviously they’ve been conceding a lot of goals from set-pieces as well. They’re the two reasons why Everton have struggled this season.”
Everton have five separate scorers in the league this season, but are struggling for someone who can get the goals to drag the team forward – Dominic Calvert-Lewin is their top scorer with three goals, as per WhoScored.
Former Everton striker Cottee’s comment about set-pieces is also backed up by the statistics, as Everton have conceded six from this type of situation, which is the most of any team in the Premier League this term.
However, he has indicated that the team can take inspiration from their victory against another of his former clubs: “If they play like they did against West Ham and show the same application and determination, then they’ll be fine and they’ll move up the league and they’ll get back in the top 10, which is obviously the minimum requirement for Everton.”
With Everton’s aspirations in mind, they will need to address these two problem areas if they are to get where they want to be in the table.
Tony Cotteewas speaking as a judge on The London Football Awards, due to take place on 5th March 2020 at Camden’s Roundhouse. Tickets are available from https://
Leeds United have been dealt a number of blows on and off the pitch in recent weeks and months that have made life difficult for Daniel Farke.
Firstly, results on the pitch have not gone their way as the Whites have failed to win any of their first three games, with a 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the League Cup and draws with Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
Meanwhile, off the field, the West Yorkshire outfit have had to contend with a number of players moving on from Elland Road to pursue top-flight opportunities.
Midfielders Archie Gray and Glen Kamara completed transfers to Tottenham Hotspur and Rennes respectively, whilst Charlie Cresswell joined Toulouse on a permanent basis.
Leeds then lost two of their most influential attacking options as Crysencio Summerville signed for West Ham United and Georginio Rutter joined Brighton & Hove Albion.
Appearances
45
43
Goals
6
19
Big chances created
22
17
Assists
15
9
As you can see in the table above, both players made a big impact in the final third in the second tier last season to propel the team into the play-offs.
Leeds must now dip into the market to bolster their attack before the end of the summer transfer window, and they are reportedly eyeing up a star from the EFL.
Leeds keen on Championship winger
According to HITC, the Whites are currently in pole position to seal a deal for Burnley forward Manuel Benson before next Friday's deadline passes.
The report claims that they are one of the teams interested in signing the Angola international, who has not featured for Scott Parker in the Championship so far this season.
It states that Sunderland and Norwich City are also in the race to secure the left-footed star's services but Leeds are ahead of them due to their willingness to snap him up on a permanent basis, whereas the other two sides would prefer an initial loan move.
Manuel Benson
Benson, who joined the Clarets for a fee of £3.4m in 2022, is said to be keen on a move to Elland Road. However, there is no mention of whether or not he would also be interested in signing for Sunderland or Norwich.
HITC also does not reveal how much Burnley are set to demand from Leeds to allow the attacker to leave on a permanent basis before the end of the window.
The Whites are leading the race for his services, though, and he could be a fantastic addition to Farke's squad, whilst being a dream winger for Mateo Joseph to play with.
Why Mateo Joseph needs help
The Spain U21 international has been given a big show of faith by the German head coach at the start of this season, as he has been the starting number nine for Leeds.
Despite Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe both being available for selection, the 20-year-old talent led the line for the team against Portsmouth and West Brom.
All 20 of his league appearances for the West Yorkshire side came as a substitute in the 2023/24 campaign, and he scored two goals in two FA Cup starts.
This suggests that Farke believes the academy graduate now has what it takes to be his starting centre-forward as part of a promotion push in the Championship this term.
However, the young marksman is yet to prove himself on a consistent basis at first-team level and that is why it is important that Leeds ensure that they have goalscoring options across the pitch to help the striker out.
There is no doubt that Joseph, who scored 19 goals in 33 matches for the club's U21 team, has the potential to develop into a lethal scorer, based on his impressive form at youth level.
Appearances
2
Goals
0
Big chances missed
1
Big chances created
1
Assists
0
As you can see in the table above, the Spanish marksman has not enjoyed a sparkling start to his time as the main centre-forward for Leeds.
However, the young talent has created one 'big chance' for his teammates so far and has been in the right place to miss a 'big chance', which – at least – suggests that he is getting into the right positions.
There is still more development to come for Joseph and that is why Leeds must sign a winger who can carry a big goal threat to take the pressure off him.
Why Leeds should sign Manuel Benson
The 27-year-old EFL ace is not in favour with Burnley at the moment but his form for the Clarets under Vincent Kompany in the 2022/23 campaign suggests that the quality is there for him to be a fantastic signing for the Whites.
He had arrived at Turf Moor in the summer of 2022 after a return of five goals and six assists in 21 starts in the Belgian Pro League for Royal Antwerp the previous season.
The Angola international, who was once dubbed "fast" by agent Patrick de Koster, had showcased his ability to provide quality as a scorer and a creator of goals in Belgium and carried that form over to his first time in the second tier with Burnley.
Appearances
33
Starts
14
Goals
11
Key passes per game
1.1
Big chances created
4
Assists
3
As you can see in the table above, Benson was involved in 14 goals in 33 appearances for the Clarets as they won the Championship title, despite only starting 14 of those games.
He ranked within the top 6% of attacking midfielders in the division for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.25) and this suggests that the winger could create high-quality opportunities for Joseph on a regular basis if he plays regular football for Leeds.
Meanwhile, his return of 11 goals in 14 starts equated to 0.66 non-penalty goals per 90 – placing him in the top 1% of his positional peers – and this means that the attacker could be a dream addition as a big goalscoring threat.
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ByDan Emery Aug 21, 2024
His ability to find the back of the net consistently could take some of the pressure off Joseph's shoulders, which is another reason why he would be a dream for the youngster.
Hoping to kickstart their Championship campaign following a disappointing start, Leeds United have turned towards the transfer market, enquiring about the chance to sign a Premier League academy graduate alongside Manuel Benson.
Leeds transfer news
Leeds should, of course, have plenty of funds spare this summer after being decimated by Premier League interest. Daniel Farke has been forced to watch on as Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and, most recently, Georginio Rutter, all completed moves to the top flight in the ultimate consequence of last season's promotion failure.
As a result of the search for attacking reinforcements, the Whites have reportedly turned to Benson, who has struggled to break into Scott Parker's Burnley side. In need of the chance to rediscover his best form, a permanent move to Elland Road may well be the best solution for all parties, with the winger keen on a move to Yorkshire.
Benson, of course, played a pivotal role when the Clarets earned promotion in the 2022/23 campaign, before struggling to adjust to the Premier League. Now, he could turn into the catalyst behind Leeds' climb back into the so-called promised land.
Leeds working to sign left-back with Rutter and Summerville replacements
It is set to be a busy few days at Elland Road.
ByBen Browning Aug 21, 2024
He's seemingly not the only option that those in Yorkshire have turned to, either. According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Leeds have also enquired about signing Carlos Forbs on loan from Ajax this summer, only for the Dutch giants to so far turn their nose up at their attempts.
The Eredivisie side only signed Forbs last summer in a deal worth a reported £12m from Manchester City and may hope to see the 20-year-old take significant steps in Francesco Farioli's starting side. Given that Forbs has also attracted the interest of Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, it looks likely to be a big season for the City academy graduate.
"Exciting" Forbs is one to watch
Whilst a loan deal currently seems unlikely, anything can still happen in the remaining 10 days of the summer transfer window. Leeds could still land the 20-year-old in a deal that could replace Summerville in Farke's frontline.
Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville
The former Manchester City man showed glimpses of his potential output levels last season, scoring four goals and assisting a further five in a struggling Ajax side. With that potential, a return to England may just boost those numbers even further.
Forbs has earned plenty of praise since his Manchester City days, including from Ben Mattinson, who described the forward as "one of the most exciting wingers at youth academy level".
Whether it's Jonathan Rowe, Benson or, indeed, Forbs, there's no doubt that Leeds must welcome attacking additions before the transfer window slams shut, having seen their star-studded squad picked apart in recent months.
West Ham United have had a very busy summer transfer window so far in 2024. The Hammers have made an impressive eight signings as they look to give new manager Julen Lopetegui the perfect platform to launch off ahead of his first season as manager at the London Stadium.
The East London outfit have strengthened all areas of their squad, with the marquee signing arguably being Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman joined the Hammers for a reported fee of £25m. The Hammers also strengthened in attacking areas by purchasing Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for a fee in the region of £27m.
niclas-fullkrug
There has also been a major overhaul of their defence this summer for the Hammers, who have signed three new additions at the back. Two of those have been at centre-back, with Jean-Clair Todibo signing on a loan-to-buy deal from Nice, and Max KIlman swapping Wolverhampton Wanderers for West Ham for £40m. They also added Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to their squad, for a fee of just £15m.
It has certainly been a heavy summer of spending for the Hammers so far, but they are perhaps not done yet, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that contact has been made regarding a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Carlos Soler, who has spent the last two seasons at the Parc des Princes.
The playmaking Spaniard – who chalked up 67 goals and assists in 226 games for former club Valencia – would be yet another statement signing for Tim Steidten and co for the new season, although further activity could well lie in store…
West Ham targeting Championship winger
The player in question here is Sunderland’s exciting young English winger Jack Clarke. The 23-year-old has been very impressive for Sunderland during his time at the Stadium of Light and has constantly been linked with a move away from the club.
According to a report from The Sun's print edition (20 August, page 48), the former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur winger is thought to be of interest to the Hammers, who could make a move for the enterprising talent before the deadline on the 30th of August.
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke
However, Lopeteugui’s side are not thought to be the only side interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services before the window is over. Newly promoted side Southampton are also chasing a deal for Clarke. The Saints have already bought two players from the EFL this summer, young centre-back pair Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood, and there is no reason to suggest they would not make a move to sign Clarke, either.
A recent report from TEAMtalk suggests that the Black Cats want a fee of around £25m for Clarke. Given the fact West Ham have spent so much money this summer, it remains to be seen if they still have enough left to pay their asking price.
How Clarke can replicate Bowen
The 23-year-old former Spurs winger has certainly impressed for the Black Cats over the last few seasons. Last term, Clarke scored 15 goals and grabbed four assists in 40 appearances in the second tier of England, and already has one goal and one assist in two Championship games this season.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
45
9
12
2023/24
40
15
4
2024/25
2
1
1
Total
87
25
17
Should the Hammers bring Clarke to the London Stadium this summer, it could be the second coming of new club captain Jarrod Bowen. Like the Sunderland number 20, the England international received part of his footballing education in the EFL, playing for Hull City before his move to East London.
Bowen was very impressive in the second tier for the Tigers. He played 131 games in all competitions for the Nothern club, including seven in the Premier League without a goal involvement. However, he scored 54 times and grabbed 14 assists in orange and black, leading West Ham to sign him for around £20m.
jarrod-bowen-hull-city
The winger has since gone on to become a modern-day great for the Hammers. He has scored 60 goals and has registered 39 assists in 203 games in all competitions, and is now the club captain. One of those goals is one of the most famous strikes in the Hammers’ history, the winner in the 90th minute against Fiorentina in the 2022/23 Europa Conference League final.
Clarke, who was described as a “diamond” by former manager Tony Mowbray, could certainly have a similar impact as Bowen on the London Stadium, and follow in his footsteps. Like the Hammers skipper, he is a winger who has received vital education in the Championship and has impressed consistently.
For just £25m, this could be a shrewd signing for West Ham as they look to bolster their squad further, amid the parallel interest in the aforementioned Soler.
West Ham could bag dream signing for Fullkrug in "complete" £17m star
Everton are reportedly interested in a newly relegated Premier League ace, as Sean Dyche aims to rebuild his side this summer.
With the transfer window officially open as of last week, the Toffees will look to recruit in the bid to turn their Premier League fortunes around after two seasons that threatened relegation.
Dyche could add significant depth to his squad by signing the latest link, who has already impressed in the English top tier.
What’s the latest on Crysencio Summerville to Everton?
As reported by the Telegraph yesterday, Everton have emerged as a club interested in Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville.
The report states that the Dutchman is on the ‘shortlist of forwards’ that the Blues are looking at, with former club Feyenoord also interested.
It’s said that a deal could be worth ‘upwards of £12m’, with the 21-year-old contracted to Leeds until 2026.
What could Crysencio Summerville offer to Everton?
Hailed as “unplayable” by journalist Beren Cross, the Leeds ace is versatile in his wide play, being deployable on both the left and right flank.
The youngster scored four goals this season, netting in four consecutive games including a thrilling last-minute winner against Liverpool.
In a side that ended the campaign with relegation to the Championship, the Rotterdam-born gem managed to impose himself on the league, warranting a number of clubs monitoring his movements this summer.
For Everton, Dyche must re-install firepower in front of goal, with the Blues closing the term with 34 goals in 38 games with their inconsistencies in the final third attributive to their scrap for survival going to the final day.
One of the standout performers in attack in a dreary season for the Toffees was Dwight McNeil, who ranked in the top five of Everton’s best-performing players this campaign as per Sofascore.
The Englishman ended the year as Goodison’s top scorer with seven Premier League goals in 36 appearances, as well as registering three assists acting as a talisman from the left flank.
Dyche could translate the shine from the left wing to the right side in equipping his side with Summerville, who operates similarly to the former Burnley gem in his playing style.
When comparing the two wide players based on statistics from their respective seasons in the Premier League, the numbers show that Dyche could create a carbon copy of McNeil by giving the Dutchman area to bloom on Merseyside.
As per FBref, both players recorded an average of 0.25 non-penalty goals per 90, as well as scoring similarly in attributes key to being a dynamic winger in the manager’s favoured set-up.
The comparison highlights that McNeil averaged 3.89 shot-creating actions to Summerville’s 3.09 per 90, as well as 1.95 successful take-ons to the 21-year-old’s 1.51 per 90.
The Everton target ranked slightly higher in terms of progressive play, averaging 3.22 progressive carries to the Englishman’s 2.74 per 90, showcasing his ability when moving the ball upfield, via FBref.
Dyche could land himself a significant upgrade to the front line by signing Summerville, who at just 21 could excel in the manager’s system, benefitting both player and club.
Chelsea have identified Mikayil Faye as a potential target this summer, according to the latest reports.
What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?
The Blues have a busy summer on their hands, with Mauricio Pochettino taking the reins at Stamford Bridge, and several mainstays set to leave the club.
Mason Mount's potential move to Manchester United continues to gather steam, Kai Havertz is reportedly on his way out of the club now as well, with Real Madrid interested in the German, but the two-time Champions League winners are just as busy looking at possible incomings as they are dealing with departures.
Chelsea's Mason Mount
Having pursued Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte, the club recently lost out on the Uruguayan after they were outbid by Ligue 1 side, Paris Saint-Germain.
The 22-year-old was far from the only player they're interested in, though, with Poch's side also linked to a number of other midfielders, including Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo and Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.
Midfield isn't the only area the side is looking to transform, with the latest talent linked to Stamford Bridge being NK Kustosija defender, Mikayil Faye but they face competition from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, the Daily Mail reports.
Will Mikayil Faye join Chelsea?
Despite having made just 13 appearances for his club this season, the 18-year-old centre-back has caught the eye of the Blues, and the club have identified him as a potential signing as they look to build to the future.
While they had the sixth-youngest squad in the Premier League this season, with an average age of 25.6 years old, the club's defence could use an injection of youth, with Thiago Silva (38) and Kalidou Koulibaly (31) playing more minutes than any other defender at the club this campaign.
In fact, Silva was the oldest player to appear in the league this season, and only two players at Chelsea played more than he did this year. It's fair to expect that he won't be able to keep up that level of production as his career winds down, so adding a promising prospect like Faye makes a tonne of sense.
Labelled a 'no-nonsense defender' by Daily Mail reporter Simon Jones for his fierce tenacity at the heart of the defence, the Senegalese prospect has also drawn interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, so Chelsea have their work cut out for them if they're to lure the 18-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
Nicknamed 'The Monster' for his intimidating presence at the back, adding Faye would be shrewd business for Chelsea and a huge get as Pochettino gets ready for his debut season at the club.
Inter Miami manager Phil Neville has delivered an extraordinary press conference after his son was booed after coming on as a substitute during the club’s most recent defeat and has since been sacked.
What did Phil Neville say about his son?
Having just won just two of their last 13 games, David Beckham’s MLS franchise team haven’t really been enjoying the best spell of form of late. As a result, they sit last in the division, having tasted defeat in ten of 15 matches so far.
The latest blow came this week when a single goal from Tom Barlow was enough to see New York Red Bulls pick up all three points away from home, despite later having a man sent off.
During the game, with ten minutes to go, Neville opted to bring his son Harvey on but this seemed to enrage the Miami home crowd as they booed loudly and jeered every time he touched the ball.
In reaction to that lack of support for his son, 46-year-old Neville came out swinging in his most recent press conference, telling his own fans to hurl abuse at him but never to waiver in support for the club’s younger players.
Speaking to the press (via Football Daily), he said: “I’ve been at this football club for two and a half years, I’ve been really lucky with the support that I’ve had from everybody, from top to bottom and from in the stands. So [for] that, I feel really fortunate.
“And I would say to the supporters… it sounds a little bit bullish, but please just come for me. You know, support the team, support the young boys, the young boys are going to be there.
“You think about the young boys on the pitch at the end given everything, that’s what this football club is going to be built around. Those young players, this academy is going to be the foundation of this football club.
“Don’t kill one of our own, don’t knock one of our own. Just come for me. You know, if you’re unhappy, hit the manager. Don’t go for one of my boys, don’t go for one of my young kids because that hurts. That’s personal.”
Why does Harvey Neville play for Inter Miami?
Harvey made his debut at the end of the previous season and has now made ten MLS outings so far this term, starting just two games – while he first signed a two-year deal with the club last August.
Perhaps, some fans are unhappy because they think this is a show of nepotism from Miami’s manager. In fairness to that theory, his son has only ever played for any other senior side, while he also played for the Valencia and Manchester United youth teams – where Phil coached in the past too.
It’s hard enough to win over the home crowd if you keep losing home games. If you then go and bring your own unestablished son onto the pitch, it’s hardly going to help the situation.
All in all, it’s no great shock that Beckham got involved as his former teammate was fired. The former England captain released a statement.
He said: “When we appointed Phil we knew he would give Inter Miami his all and I have watched him work incredibly hard and with real commitment towards the ambitions we set out for the club.
“He and his family embraced Miami and he has devoted himself to the drive to bring success to the city and to our fans. Phil has made a real contribution to the culture of our club with his qualities as a leader and knowledge as a coach.
“Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change. I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person.”
Arsenal will hold talks with loanee Nicolas Pepe this summer once he returns from Ligue 1 outfit Nice to discuss his next steps, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news involving Nicolas Pepe?
As per Football London, Pepe could see his contract at Arsenal ripped up this summer if he doesn't attract interest in his services from elsewhere.
Ladbrokes via METRO cite that former Gunners full-back Emmanuel Eboue has pleaded with Arteta to give club-record £73 million signing Pepe a chance next season, stating: "Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have had unbelievable seasons, and you know the manager is going to stick with those two players out wide, so Pepe has to work hard when he comes back. He needs to work harder than Martinelli and Saka. I don’t see Mikel Arteta changing those two wingers, so Pepe needs to force himself into Arteta’s thoughts and plans. I’d be really happy to see him at Arsenal next season, though. And I ask that Arteta gives him a chance."
In 2022/23, the Ivorian has made 28 appearances in all competitions for loan club Nice, registering eight goals and one assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.
Earlier this year, The Sun claimed that Nice had expressed an interest in signing Pepe permanently in the forthcoming transfer window; however, they haven't indicated that they would be willing to pay a transfer fee for his services.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that another loan move may be on the cards for Pepe this summer.
Brown told FFC: "If the best they can get him is another loan move, it's possible they do that instead. A lot of this depends on how desperate the player is to leave really and start afresh. I think they'll have talks in the summer and then decide where to go from there once they've heard what Pepe wants to do."
Should Arsenal cut ties with Nicolas Pepe in the summer?
In all likelihood, it doesn't look as if Pepe has a feasible way back into the Arsenal starting lineup next term and it may make sense for both parties to go in their separate directions.
WhoScored shows that the 27-year-old has been a key threat for Nice in attack this season and has managed an average of 2.6 shots per match in Ligue 1, demonstrating his ability to trouble opposition backlines.
FBRef also indicate that Pepe has been able to provide plenty of chances for his teammates in 2022/23, having successfully carried out 85 shot-creating actions.
In his time as an Arsenal player, Pepe enjoyed decent success in terms of goal contribution numbers despite inconsistencies in his performances in north London, netting 21 times and providing 27 assists in 112 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.
Nevertheless, his career at the Emirates looks to have come to an end and he will likely move on this summer either permanently or on a loan basis.
Manchester United have placed Tyler Adams on their transfer radar, with Football Insider reporting that he could leave Leeds United if they drop down to the Championship.
Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds United?
The midfielder has impressed in the Premier League since his move to England last summer, with the player emerging as one of his current side's standout options. With his WhoScored match rating of 6.73, the player actually ranks as the best player in the current Leeds side based on performances in the top flight this year.
It's an even better rating than Adams managed during his final season in Germany with RB Leipzig, suggesting that at 24 years old, he is continuing to get better and better. But with Leeds struggling at the wrong end of the division – and a potential relegation on the cards – the player could be tempted elsewhere.
Tyler Adams could join Manchester United.
That certainly appears to be the case according to Football Insider, which reports that the midfielder could be one of the names out the door should the Whites drop down to the second tier.
It would be hard to keep such a talented player in the Championship and it appears as though the club are fearing the worst. That has now alerted Man United, who have put him on their transfer radar. The Red Devils have watched him in action and have liked what they have seen, so they are now keeping tabs on the current situation.
Will Man United sign Tyler Adams?
It's no secret that United want to add some more midfield depth to their squad this summer, with Erik ten Hag outlining his need to add in that position. Adams could be a perfect fit for the club there.
The American – valued at €15m (£13m) by the CIES Football Observatory – averages more passes per game than any other Leeds player this season (55.3) and has the best pass success rate of any player in the side to have played ten games or more (82.4%). That shows that the 24-year-old is extremely competent in terms of picking out teammates and dictating the play from the centre of the field, almost like a quarterback in American football.
He was also praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who admired his showings at the World Cup for the United States. He claimed that the midfielder was "excellent" in keeping England quiet and lauded him for his performance. It shows that he is even catching the eye on the world stage and is certainly able to produce the goods, no matter the competition or team he is playing for.
Adams is young and already capable at the top level – so could be a fine addition to United's team.
Newcastle United might boast the affluence of a resplendent fabled monarchy, but maintaining the astute strategy that has kick-started the ongoing ascension might be wise, with Southampton's Mohammed Salisu available and linked this summer.
Boasting the Premier League's second most imperious defence this season, behind only champions Manchester City, United are oiled and basking in the success of qualifying for the 23/24 Champions League, ending a two-decade absence from the pinnacle competition of club football.
But with manager Eddie Howe stating that the forthcoming transfer window is "going to be a big one", St. James' Park could be host to an illustrious influx of fresh talent, capable of replicating this season's feat in securing top-four and challenging for silverware again, with the Toon reaching the Carabao Cup final this term but falling to Manchester United.
According to Sky Sports Germany, the Magpies are in the market for a central defender, though the priority will likely be the offensive right flank and the central midfield.
With this in mind, acting upon their interest in Salisu this year, who has been touted at just £20m this month with Southampton's relegation fate confirmed, might be a prudent move.
Should Newcastle sign Mohammed Salisu?
Howe is said to be a big admirer of the Ghanaian colossus, who has made 80 appearances since signing from Real Valladolid for just £11m in 2020 and has recently been praised as "excellent", as lauded by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell.
Also dubbed "superb" for his defensive tenacity by Tanswell this term, the 24-year-old has recorded an impressive average Premier League rating of 7.04 – as per Sofascore – despite Saints' position at the pit of the league table, having made a stunning 5.4 clearances, 2.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per match, also completing 71% of his attempted dribbles and 61% of his total duels.
The 6 foot 3 titan, who was considered for transfer by the Magpies hierarchy in January 2022, was not clinched, but tabs have been kept with regularity over the latter half of the campaign.
Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
And with Newcastle looking to enrich their options across the park, he could be the perfect left-sided defender to complement the likes of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar in defence, with FBref illustrating the £25k-per-week gem's dynamism and ranking him among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 27% for successful take-ons, the top 9% for tackles, the top 1% for blocks and the top 35 for clearances per 90.
Truly an all-encompassing cog to bolster an already thriving defensive department on Tyneside, and while Schar has been a resurgent figure this term alongside the first-rate Botman, he is now 31-years-old and has only one more year on his current deal.
Praised as "one of the best defenders in the league" by former Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, Salisu could effectively take the reins from his senior peer, who himself ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs for rate of assists and the top 2% for shot-creating actions.
Hailed as a "firefighter" by the Daily Echo's Alfie House for his frenetic presence on the pitch, Salisu would be a shrewd signing to serve as the perfect understudy to Newcastle's established defensive pairing next season.
And with such striking similarities to Schar, there's nothing to suggest he couldn't even eclipse the Swiss veteran's aura and take his place as one of the first names on Howe's team sheet.