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Newcastle players have been granted a raft of days off despite their dismal defeat at Brighton, with players left stunned that Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley have not dismissed Steve Bruce.

A Daily Mail exclusive from Craig Hope claims that the Toon Army will report to Darsley Park on Tuesday for the first time since that 3-0 loss at the Amex.

That will kick-off a period of three days’ training, but there are then no sessions pencilled in between Friday and Monday.

The report says that players have become ‘increasingly concerned’ at the amount of time off they have been given in the midst of their battle to stay in the Premier League.

Hope also claims that parts of the squad are ‘shocked’ Ashley and Charnley haven’t pulled the trigger on Bruce after the loss to Brighton, with this latest raft of days off only adding to the sense of bemusement.

A club source defended the plan, citing the ‘mental and physical wellbeing’ of the squad. The hope is that it will ease the feeling of the pressure ahead of the run-in.

Six senior players are currently away on international duty – Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser.

Transfer Tavern verdict

If you were a Newcastle fan, you would probably want to see your players on as strict a regime as possible over this break.

After all, there were signs in that Brighton game that certain players’ focus had wavered, and that is unacceptable in these circumstances.

It feels like the last thing this squad needs is more time for their focus to shift away from what really matters, which is likely what these increased days off will do.

In other news, Graeme Souness offered a bleak warning in the wake of Saturday’s game.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is a wanted man…

What’s the word?

Speaking on his ‘Here We Go’ podcast earlier this week, the Italian journalist revealed that “important” La Liga teams were asking about the 24-year-old playmaker ahead of the summer transfer window.

He said:

“Important Spanish clubs are asking about Lo Celso. They are persuading him because he was playing so well with Betis when he was in Spain.

“And they want to bring him back to La Liga, but the player is so happy at Tottenham right now, and there is no reason for him to leave this summer.”

Cash in, Levy

If this interest does transform into any offers this summer, then Daniel Levy and co must absolutely consider cashing in on him as he’s quickly becoming another Erik Lamela in north London.

Since joining the club over 18 months ago for a total of £55m, Lo Celso has been restricted to only 19 starts in the Premier League, which pretty much equates to one start per month, and that’s simply unacceptable.

Persistent injuries have been the major problem with the Argentine, just like his fellow countryman.

Lamela has missed a total of 133 matches over the course of his Spurs career, and as a result, he hasn’t started more than 20 league games in any season since the 2015/16 campaign.

The former Real Betis dynamo is quickly following this trend, having already missed 33 games through a range of injury problems, and it is not as if Lo Celso has made a major impact when playing as he’s only provided seven goals and four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Spurs have long been paying the financial consequences of keeping Lamela, who earns a reported £85k-per-week in N17, and that should be used as a perfect example of why they cannot repeat the same mistakes with Lo Celso, who too is a high-earner on £70k-per-week.

Romano claims that the £45m-rated star is happy in north London. Likewise, his teammates are pleased to have him around, as seen in Harry Winks’ praise last term, having dubbed him “gifted” and “fantastic.”

But considering Spurs could miss out on Europe come to the end of the season, things could quickly change as you can only imagine that those ‘important’ Spanish teams are ones in and around the Champions and Europa League, otherwise why else are they so significant?

Levy is yet to get any bang for his buck, so should anyone come calling for Lo Celso in the summer, then it would be wise for the north Londoners to cash in whilst they still can; otherwise, they’ll be treading a path likely to lead towards him becoming Lamela 2.0.

His wages would be better off spent on a player capable of making a regular impact – perhaps that ‘transformative’ centre-back Mourinho is desperately craving.

AND in other news, Three Spurs stars who must buck up their ideas ahead of summer window…

Diego Laxalt is unlikely to extend his temporary stay with Celtic in the summer.

That’s according to the latest reports from Argentina, cited by Sempre Milan who have linked the 28-year-old with a move to Boca Juniors.

Laxalt a big Celtic earner

Laxalt joined the Hoops from AC Milan back in October and has made 23 appearances in all competitions since then.

The left-back has been battling with Greg Taylor for a starting spot in green and white, with the South American featuring from the off in just two of the club’s last 11 Scottish Premiership fixtures.

Celtic are thought to be paying £22,250 of the Uruguayan’s weekly wage but, despite rumours of a permanent Parkhead move, it now seems as if his days left in Glasgow are numbered.

Transfer Tavern take

The £3.6m-rated ace hasn’t exactly nailed down the left-back spot since the New Year, so, even though a permanent Parkhead switch is unlikely, it may not be a huge transfer blow.

A rebuild both on and off the pitch at Celtic Park looks likely to get the go ahead this summer, so the club could bring in a new left-back to rival Greg Taylor.

Boli Bolingoli could also return to Glasgow from his loan spell with Istanbul Basaksehir, although the Turkish side do have the option to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent basis.

When Jack Hendry departed for a season-long loan deal with Oostende over the summer, there was barely a murmur.

After all, this was a defender who had played just once for Celtic last season, enduring a torrid campaign where he eventually ended up on loan in Australia before suffering knee ligament damage.

Evidently out of Neil Lennon’s plans, a temporary spell to Oostende in Belgium followed at the start of the current season and so far, Hendry is reaping the rewards.

Signed for just £1.5m in 2018, he’s only made 27 appearances in the famous green and white but he could be leaving permanently in the summer.

That’s because his loan club have ambitions of signing him permanently. Unfortunately for Nick Hammond, they have an option to buy the player so staying at Celtic seems unlikely for the time being.

Of course, plenty could change between now and the summer, so for Neil Lennon, he must be hoping and praying that Hendry remains at Parkhead.

But why is that the case? Well, with Kristoffer Ajer’s future in Glasgow also uncertain amid links to Milan, Hendry could save the Hoops millions in the transfer market should they need to find a replacement for the Norwegian colossus.

Celtic’s defence has been nothing short of shambolic this season, shipping ten more than Rangers in the league despite playing three fewer games and conceding 19 in just six Europa League outings.

Improving the backline is of utmost importance, therefore, and Hammond has clearly recognised that. They have been linked with a switch for centre-back Filip Benkovic while Preston’s Ben Davies has also been touted with a move to the Bhoys.

However, with Hendry, they could forget all about signing someone new because they already have their ideal Ajer replacement right under their nose.

The 25-year-old has been a pillar of solidity in Belgium this season and has earned wonderful reviews for his displays. Manager Alexander Blessin said: “He’s a great talker in defence. He makes the people he’s playing with better. You can see them listening to him. He’s been a tower of experience for us.”

Blessin continued: “Jack’s the most important member of the team this season and he’s one of the best defenders in the league. He can defend, he’s fast and he’s also a useful weapon at attacks because of his height.”

Does that remind you of anyone? It sounds a lot like Ajer. The Norwegian is a valuable leader and not only can he defend but he’s also a threat from set plays and can bring the ball out of defence.

Ajer typifies a ball-playing centre-half and in Hendry, Lennon can be assured of keeping that quality at the heart of his defence.

For instance, the Oostende loanee has completed 86.5% of his passes this season. Ajer, meanwhile, has been successful with 88% of his passes. For further comparison, there are just two inches in height between the two centre-backs.

Winning headers is certainly their forte. Hendry has won three aerial duels per game this term compared to Ajer’s 3.1 battles won.

It’s clear there are huge similarities between the two players and if Ajer does indeed leave, Celtic must hope that Hendry stays at Parkhead. If he does, unleashing him next season simply has to happen. The defender has more than proven he’s capable.

AND in other news, Celtic must swoop for 8-goal star, his “running stats are phenomenal”…

Leeds United have been linked to several new defensive options this month. However, an update from Phil Hay clarified that they are not expecting any new signings before the window shuts.

According to French outlet Le10Sport, the Whites were named alongside Southampton in the battle for Romain Perraud’s signature. The report claims that despite the Frenchman still having four years on his current deal, interest is mounting for his services.

Should Leeds have signed Perraud?

Marcelo Bielsa has been faced with several injury concerns this season, with summer signings Robin Koch and Diego Llorente both out of action. Not only has the Argentinian been plagued with fitness issues, but the idea of Ezgjan Alioski leaving the club is looking more and more likely.

Fotomac reports that the left-back has been linked to a move to Galatasaray, with the Turkish outfit are looking to replace Marcelo Saracchi and eyeing Alioski with his contract being up at the end of the season.

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If the North Macedonian leaves Elland Road, Bielsa will be left with only youngster Leif Davis as his option on the left flank. Whilst he can rely on Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas and their versatility, it’s simply not a feasible option to deploy his players out of position for the foreseeable future.

Leeds should have moved for Perraud, as they would have been signing a ready-made replacement for Alioski. According to WhoScored, the Brest defender already has more goalscoring contributions than the Leeds ace, as well as a higher average of interceptions and clearances per match.

Perraud also has similar stats to Alioski when it comes to passing accuracy and aerial duels won as well as tackles. With the former also being younger than the Leeds left-back, he has a lot more in his tank to give to the cause and would have been a very smart option to bring in, in case Alioski’s future lies beyond Elland Road.

With a Transfermarkt value of £7.2million, Perraud likely wouldn’t break the bank if Andrea Radrizzani decided to loosen the purse strings. He could’ve be the ideal addition to the squad ahead of tonight’s deadline.

In other news, Leeds must revisit transfer swoop for Divock Origi…

Crystal Palace look set to repeat their Alexander Sorloth mistake with Danish striker Kasper Junker, who has been heavily linked with a move to Selhurst Park.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Palace are eyeing a move for the 26-year-old centre-forward in January, amid interest from Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion.

It’s claimed that a host of Championship clubs including Swansea, Middlesbrough and Bristol City are also keeping tabs on his situation.

Junker has certainly been in prolific form for FK Bodo/Glimt, providing 27 goals and 11 assists in 28 games across all competitions, via Transfermarkt but this move might just be too good to be true.

Sorloth 2.0

After all, it feels like we’ve been here before, doesn’t it? Palace chairman Steve Parish splashed the cash on the relatively unknown Sorloth, only for the forward to turn out to be a total and utter flop.

Fast forward a few months later and Sorloth is no longer at Selhurst Park, as the 25-year-old is currently plying his trade with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

Whether or not the same can be said for Junker remains to be seen, but he only managed six goals during an injury-interrupted campaign at the Norwegian club last season, which should give Palace fans some cause for concern. In fact, he failed to reach double digits in any of his previous campaigns.

That will hardly give fans the confidence that he can provide cover and competition for the likes of Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke while the last thing Roy Hodgson needs right now is another expensive flop off the back of the humiliating defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

It might seem a little harsh but in all likelihood, his recent heroics are just a glaring anomaly, as none of the other figures across the rest of his career stand out either. Let’s face it, 13 goals in 69 games for Aarhus is hardly the stuff of legend.

The former Denmark U21 international has been in scintillating form since the start of the season but is yet to really prove himself at a decent level of the game on a regular basis, with just one goal in the Europa League qualifying rounds to his name.

Until then, Parish must avoid repeating the same inexcusable mistake he made with Sorloth unless he wants to walk headfirst into an unmitigated disaster.

AND in other news, Forget Sarr: Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish must secure Michael Olise as a Townsend alternative…

Not that they’d like to admit it, but if Glasgow Rangers do intend to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, then Steven Gerrard simply must prioritise his options out wide.

Ianis Hagi has established himself as a regular starter in the Scottish Premiership but both Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones have seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements. Gerrard should count his blessings that the transfer market is still open, for the time being at least.

Reports have emerged over the past week that Rangers are reportedly eyeing up a move for Sheffield Wednesday winger Adam Reach, whose contract will run out in the summer.

The Lancashire Telegraph recently revealed that Reach is free to talk to foreign clubs and thus, Rangers and their Old Firm rivals Celtic are closely monitoring his situation.

It’s been claimed Steven Gerrard’s side ‘may make a move for the 27-year-old who was bought for £5milllion from Middlesbrough in 2016.’

As per the Bosman ruling, he could move to a new club without costing a penny if he agrees a pre-contract deal with either club north of the border.

Wilson masterclass

With Reach nearing the end of his contract, it goes without saying that this could be yet another fine example of a masterclass from Ross Wilson – who played a central role in Southampton’s player trading – if he can snap up the 27-year-old.

There’s no doubt he’d take to Scottish football like a duck to water as he’s arguably one of the most versatile players in the English Championship.

Capable of playing out wide, upfront, in the midfield or even at left-back, his versatility not only means that he is a manager’s dream as he can play in a number of positions at short notice, but he’d also be a significant upgrade on the likes of Barker and Jones in the final third.

Previously described as “fantastic” by former Owls manager Jos Luhukay, he has a host of different qualities that could be game-changing for the Gers.

Perhaps most importantly, he’s better in almost every area than the hapless Rangers duo.

Reach has made 22 Championship appearances so far this season and has two goals and two assists to show for his 18 starts, despite playing in virtually every position besides centre-back, right-back and between the sticks. That’s one more goal contribution than Barker and Jones have managed between them, let alone by themselves, via Transfermarkt.

On top of this, the former Middlesbrough man makes just shy of one tackle and one interception per game, which shows that he isn’t afraid to get stuck in and contribute defensively as well. The same can’t be said for Barker and Jones, who have barely averaged one tackle between them this season, via WhoScored, and typically shy away from tracking back and breaking up attacks.

It’s clear that Reach would be an upgrade on the two Rangers outcasts, who are still yet to feature for the first-team this year.

With Rangers lacking genuine cover on the wings and Gerrard’s playing style revolving around the width on the outside channels, it’s fair to say that signing the experienced Reach could prove to be invaluable as they bid to stop Celtic from winning ten in a row.

The chastening 3-2 defeat to St. Mirren shows Rangers can’t afford to rest on their laurels in the transfer market. Therefore, snapping up Reach for a cut-price deal should be at the top of the list of Wilson’s priorities. He’s already proven he’s one of the best in the English second division and should settle into life in the Scottish Premiership.

Should they stall too long, there’s no doubt there’ll be other clubs waiting in the wings.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson must sanction Rangers swoop for on-loan Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi…

Despite not starting for England in last night’s international fixture, Harry Winks couldn’t help but get in on the action. In a 4-0 Nations League triumph over Finland, the Spurs midfielder came off the bench and bagged himself an assist, his second in three appearances for his country.

It took the midfielder 20 minutes from coming onto the pitch to set up Phil Foden for England’s fourth goal of the evening. His previous assist came against the Republic of Ireland in last week’s friendly. Winks is clearly using his lack of game time at club level to his advantages on the international stage.

Mourinho must change stance on Harry Winks

The £25million-rated midfielder has made just four Premier League appearances for Tottenham Hotspur this season. On two occasions, including their most recent win over West Brom, Winks wasn’t even included in the match day squad. The arrival of summer signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg appears to have knocked Winks down the pecking order and recent reports hint that Mourinho could risk losing the 24-year-old altogether unless he takes action.

Winks is showcasing that he is simply too good to be left on the bench for Spurs. According to Sofascore, his performance against Finland saw him maintain 92% passing accuracy and create two key passes, despite being a defensive midfielder. He also put in one tackle and completed 2/3 of his attempted long balls.

Spurs are gasping for some creativity in their engine room this season. Out of the 19 goals they have scored in the league so far, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane have scored 15 of them (via BBC Sport). Whilst it highlights the talent of the two forwards, it also exposes the team’s lack of action in other parts of the pitch.

Spurs are currently second in the table after clawing their way up thanks to some recent vital wins. They cannot afford to slip back down due to a stagnant midfield. If Mourinho pairs the more defensive Winks up with attacking powerhouse Tanguy Ndombele, he could strike an ideal balance between creating for Son and Kane and helping to protect the back four.

In other news, Mourinho will be furious if Levy cashes in on “improving” Harry Winks…

If the summer transfer window was anything to go by, Premier League newcomers Leeds United are going to be linked to every man and his dog, though there is one name they should genuinely be considering a move for…

What’s the word?

According to Diario Sport (via the Daily Mail), the Yorkshire giants have entered the race to sign Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig this January as he continues to be shunned by Ronald Koeman.

They are likely to face competition from Monaco, RB Leipzig and Real Betis, though it is claimed that the 21-year-old’s agent has directly contacted Victor Orta and co over a potential switch to Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa’s style of football is deemed a perfect fit for the young maestro, so perhaps the Whites boss could have another gem on his hands.

Shades of Saiz

Before the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Jack Harrison and Raphinha, much of Leeds’ hopes were pinned on fan-favourite Samuel Saiz. Indeed, the enigmatic Spaniard brought excitement to United.

During the 2017/18 campaign, the Victor Orta arrival shone under Thomas Christiansen, delivering five goals and seven assists, and also averaged 2.4 dribbles, 1.9 key passes and 1.9 shots per game, via WhoScored.

“Can you applaud the dazzling brilliance of Samuel Saiz and expect Premier League clubs to ignore it?” said Jon Howe in his LeedsLive column that year.

Things then tailed off following a lengthy suspension for allegedly spitting at an opposition manager, though to this day, he’s never truly been replaced.

He often played alongside Pablo Hernandez, so the need for another creative influence may be required in Yorkshire, especially with the veteran coming towards the end of his career at 35.

This is where Puig should come in.

The La Masia sensation has received many plaudits throughout his short career to date – former Barca boss Quique Seitan dubbed him “extraordinary” whilst legendary magician of the game, Xavi, who once said: “The truth is that he is a boy who breathes talent and who plays easy. He has self-confidence, personality, does not hide, and asks for the ball.”

Puig, who is capped at U21 level for Spain, is valued at just £18m by Transfermarkt, so it could be quite the steal by Orta if he manages to pull it off.

Both Bielsa and the Barcelona outcast could be a match made in heaven.

AND in other news, Radrizzani must accept it’s time to sell long-serving Leeds outcast…

Manchester United made a bit of mess of the transfer window with their failure to sign a new centre-back but this could be something that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sorts out in January.

Ed Woodward may well want to reconsider a move for Burnley colossus James Tarkowski after Harry Maguire’s nightmarish start to the season for club and country, while Eric Bailly will have done himself no favours whatsoever with his performance against Spurs.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, United considered a move for the Burnley centre-back in the summer and the Red Devils failed in their attempts to bolster their defence, despite being heavily linked to RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly as well as Tarkowski.

However, United will likely want to sign a new defender either in January or next summer and thet apparently believe that Tarkowski is a cheaper alternative to the aforementioned duo. It’s claimed that Sean Dyche’s side value Tarkowski at £40m and whilst West Ham were also linked with the 27-year-old, they could not reach an agreement with the Clarets.

Bye-bye Bailly?

Tarkowski, who has won two caps for his country so far, missed the start of the season due to injury. Although the England international featured against Manchester City and Newcastle United, he was powerless to prevent Dyche’s side from suffering back-to-back losses.

Whilst Burnley lost the game, Tarkowski still managed to put in an impressive performance against the Magpies – per SofaScore, he made three clearances, completed three tackles, and blocked one shot, which shows he still contributed massively despite the defeat. He also played one key pass, so he’s clearly doing more than just putting in a defensive shift.

Similarly to Burnley, Solskjaer’s side have suffered a stop-start to the season, losing to Crystal Palace then slumping to a humiliating defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur. Selected instead of Victor Lindelof, Bailly was a total liability in hat game as he gifted Spurs their third goal with an errant pass inside the area.

United’s defensive capitulation will have given Solskjaer cause for concern, while Tarkowski managed more tackles than both Bailly and Maguire (1.7) last season, so you can only imagine how solid the Red Devils would be at the back if they deployed a back four involving the Burnley man and Maguire, as well as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and new arrival Alex Telles.

Once lauded as a “very good player” by Dyche, the Burnley boss singled the centre-back out for praise after he burst onto the international stage. One thing is for sure, he will not be short of suitors next summer. Tarkowski is open to leaving Turf Moor to improve his career ambitions, and the Red Devils should renew their efforts in order to sign him in the future.

AND in other news, Man United must secure loan deal for Brandon Williams…