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Former Newcastle United midfielder Steve Howey has exclusively told Football FanCast that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Manchester City sign Danny Ings this summer.

Pep Guardiola is going to need a replacement for Sergio Aguero after the Argentine striker recently revealed that he’ll be leaving the Etihad at the end of the campaign.

The City manager has opted for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden in a false nine role at times this season, with Gabriel Jesus his only other senior recognised frontman.

Guardiola recently went on record and by saying that signing an Aguero replacement is going to be “impossible” – although City have already been strongly linked with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

But with those two likely to cost in the region of £100m, Southampton’s Ings, who might be available at a cut-price, with his contract running out next summer, has also been touted as a potential addition to Guardiola’s side.

Ings has endured an injury-hit campaign, scoring just 10 Premier League goals, but Howey believes that he would be a good addition for City.

He told Football FanCast:

“I’ve always liked Danny Ings. I remember Newcastle were interested in Danny Ings and the fee was £10m then £12m then £15m and I know he’s had his injury problems, but he’s a goalscorer. Last season he had a fabulous season.

“That wouldn’t surprise me, he’s a good footballer, he’d have good link-up play. But Pep sometimes doesn’t really play with an out and out number nine. Look where Jesus was the other week against Manchester United, tackling on the edge of his box badly, but he was there.

“Sometimes they’re strange ones, but they seem to work out. If it’s paper talk it’s paper talk, but if Guardiola has looked at it then he feels like he can do something.”

Leeds United star Raphinha is still injured ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester United, if boxer Ebanie Bridges is to be believed.

The 24-year-old Raphinha has been an exceptional signing for the Whites, shining in the Premier League this season, bagging six goals and assists apiece.

He has been one of the standout players for Leeds in 2020/21, playing a key role in them playing such attractive, high-energy football under Marcelo Bielsa.

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Unfortunately, Raphinha hasn’t played since limping off late on the win away to Manchester City, missing Monday’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool.

Boxer claims Raphinha is still injured

According to Bridges on Twitter, who took a trip to the club on Thursday, the Brazilian wasn’t able to meet her, due to his current absence:

Should Bridges’ comments be true – there is no reason why she shouldn’t be believed – it means Raphinha is surely a doubt for Sunday’s visit of United, and Phil Hay has since confirmedÂfrom Marcelo Bielsa’s press conference that the winger is not yet in full training.

Transfer Tavern take

The forward is a hugely influential player – he has been described as ‘amazing’ by Andy Hinchcliffe and his 12 goal involvements as a young player on his first go at the Premier League back that up. So, potentially not having his services to call upon against Manchester United acts as a major blow.

A tussle with Luke Shaw has the potential to be fascinating viewing, but if Raphinha is out, it makes the left-back’s job easier, with all due respect to whoever takes the Leeds star’s place.

That being said, the Whites still held their own against Liverpool without their brilliant winger, so they should still be confident heading into Sunday’s game.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa’s worries about one Leeds player have been revealed – find out who the individual in question is here.

A reliable journalist has dropped some significant claims on Rafa Benitez and the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

Rob Draper, who is the Chief Football Writer for the Mail on Sunday, recently conducted an interview with Benitez for the Daily Mail and claimed that, while the Spaniard hopes that he will work soon in English football, it is ‘unlikely’ to be at St James’ Park, adding that there is ‘no prospect’ of a return at this particular moment in time with Mike Ashley still the owner of the club.

The journalist also claimed that there is ‘no likelihood’ of an imminent takeover in the northeast, which would surely become more unlikely if the Tyneside club were to find themselves relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.

More misery for Newcastle

Having just been beaten 3-0 at their relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, this is most likely news that Magpies fans – many of whom adore Benitez and despise Ashley – will not want to hear.

Benitez guided Newcastle to promotion back to the top flight and then managed to keep them in the division for two consecutive seasons, boasting 62 wins from 146 matches in total across all competitions (Transfermarkt), a 42.5% win ratio.

With the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) currently off the table in terms of a potential takeover, many Magpies supporters will no doubt be desperate for them to come back as soon as possible, but the situation at the end of the season could well be a lot more complicated than that.

In other news, find out whose display against Brighton was slammed by Lee Ryder.

According to recent reports, Victor Orta and Leeds United have targeted Ruben Amorim as the club’s next manager – should Marcelo Bielsa walk away from the Whites this summer.

Reports from Portugal, as cited by Leeds Live, claim that the Sporting CP manager is viewed by Leeds as a potential replacement for Bielsa, whose contract expires at Elland Road this summer.

While the 65-year-old Leeds manager has confirmed he will inform the club of whether or not he plans to stay on longer than his current deal before the summer – as yet, there are no reports that a deal has been discussed between the Argentine and Orta.

As a result, Portuguese journalist, Bruno Andrade, has claimed that Amorim is one of the candidates Orta has lined up as a potential replacement for Bielsa, should he indeed depart Leeds at the end of their current campaign.

Transfer Tavern Take

While it still feels as if Bielsa’s job is unfinished at Leeds, as the newly-promoted side currently occupy 11th place in the Premier League standings despite the lingering feeling that they have not yet hit their ceiling, the previous unpredictability of the 65-year-old very much leaves the possibility of his departure this summer as entirely plausible.

And, considering the 37-year-old Amorim has impressed during his short time in charge of Sporting, losing just four of his 40 matches at the helm of the Portuguese side, he would very much appear to be an enticing prospect in the event that Bielsa does walk away.

In other news, Phil Hay shed light on this Leeds star’s contract details – find out more here!

Many Liverpool fans were in awe of footage of star defender Virgil van Dijk back on the pitches of the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

The 29-year-old posted the video on his official Twitter account where he was seen completing some light jogging up and down the field as he recovers from his serious knee injury.

Van Dijk has not featured for Jurgen Klopp’s side since October after rupturing his cruciate ligament during their 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, where Jordan Pickford flew over the ball and caught the Dutchman on his standing leg.

In his absence, Liverpool’s title defence and actual defence has crumbled in the space of two months and the Reds have now lost their last five-straight games at Anfield in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, supporters were overjoyed to see Van Dijk on the mend and flooded his social media with an array of supportive messages.

Van Dijk sends these fans crazy

“Oh my god! We might actually be back soon”

Credit: @LfcRyannnn

“I LOVE YOU MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN”

Credit: @Bigsamm

“Getting ready for number 7”

Credit: @freddy_kofi

“The time has come”

Credit: @almaskeen19

“KINGGGGGGG”

Credit: @lfcaxchie

“Beautiful”

Credit: @lfckillian

In other news, Some Liverpool urge club to ‘fire the whole medical staff’ after Fulham team news reveal.

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.

A goal from Alfredo Morelos was enough to give Glasgow Rangers a well-deserved victory over Hibernian.

On paper at least, it looked like a potential banana skin, but the 54-time Scottish champions hardly put a foot wrong as they maintained their 23-point lead over Celtic.

The Colombian finished off a fine team move to score the only goal of the game at East Road.

Of course, the result could’ve been very different indeed had Morelos been sent off for an alleged stamp on Ryan Porteous in an otherwise dull first half.

Rangers captain James Tavernier has been an integral part of Gerrard’s side as they seek to end Celtic’s quest for an unprecedented ten in a row.

Since Gerrard’s arrival, Tavernier has transformed his fortunes, proving to be a force to be reckoned with on the right-hand side of the defence, bombing up and down the flanks with bundles of energy.

While he has received many plaudits for his performances in front of goal this season, his defensive contributions must not go under the radar.

During the full 90 minutes, the right-back put in a tremendous defensive shift to deny Hibs any clear-cut chances, as he made two tackles, three clearances and three interceptions, per SofaScore, which is more tackles than his teammate Filip Helander, who picked up an 8/10 rating from Glasgow Live for his display.

But it’s fair to say that one of his best traits is his willingness to bring the ball out from the back, as evidenced by his sole successful dribble from four attempts, as he tried to set his side on the front foot. For context, he took more touches (112) than any other player in the entire game. Tavernier had close to double the highest haul from a Hibs player and managed 23 more touches than Glen Kamara himself.

He also made more key passes (2) than anyone else besides Joe Aribo, Borna Barisic and Ryan Kent for Rangers as he set up several chances.

This was yet another step towards the title and Tavernier had another big part to play as he delivered the goods once again .

AND in other news, Rangers missed the boat with Stoke City left-back Alfie Doughty…

Southampton moved up into third place after a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday night, but they will perhaps consider themselves unlucky not to pick up all three points.

One man who arguably disappointed for the Saints was captain James Ward-Prowse. The England midfielder was unable to make the most of his numerous corners during the game, whilst his passing was not as reliable as usual.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old lost possession on 20 times during the 90 minutes, which was the worst of any Southampton player who started the game.

Whilst the midfielder was heavily involved, having 116 touches of the ball, he failed to make a single key pass, when Ralph Hasenhuttl was perhaps relying on him to be a creative spark for the South Coast club, as they struggled to break down the ten-man Arsenal team in the second half.

Ward-Prowse was able to complete 83 of his 91 passes during the game, resulting in an accuracy rate of 91%. He was wasteful when he had the ball in promising positions.

The Southampton man, who earns £45k per week with the club, is usually reliable with his crossing, but of the 12 he attempted at the Emirates, only two were accurate.

He also won just three out of eight of his duels during the game, suggesting that he was second best to the Arsenal players on several occasions during the game.

Teammate Jan Bednarek suggested earlier this month that Ward-Prowse has “the best delivery in the league”, but he was unable to showcase that on Wednesday night, which will be frustrating for the South Coast club who arguably deserved to win the game.

Therefore, it can definitely be argued that Hasenhuttl won’t be too happy with his captain’s performance against the Gunners, and he will need him to be much better when his side take on Manchester City at St Mary’s on Saturday if the Saints are going to take all three points from that game.

And, in other news… Southampton handed huge transfer boost in pursuit of winger likened to Lionel Messi

Spurs captain Hugo Lloris has been linked with a move to PSG recently, following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino at the Ligue 1 club, and Daniel Levy must offer the Frenchman a new contract to ensure that he stays with the North London club.

According to The Sun, the French champions will target Lloris in the summer, as Pochettino looks to sign some of his old Spurs players with his new club.

The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in Spurs’ side for nearly a decade, with the Lilywhites having signed the shot-stopper from Olympique Lyon in 2012.

He has gone on to make 346 appearances for the club, conceding 376 goals and keeping 119 clean sheets in that time.

However, Lloris has admitted in the past that he is unlikely to finish his career with Spurs and PSG could offer the experienced goalkeeper a final payday before he retires, and with his Spurs contract only set to run until 2022, Levy could hardly demand an excessive fee for the £10.8 million rated ‘keeper.

After a game against Crystal Palace earlier this season in which he made an error, Jose Mourinho spoke highly of the former Lyon man, calling him ‘the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.’

With Spurs having Joe Hart and Paulo Gazzaniga as the current back-ups to Lloris, both of whom are error-prone, Levy must offer the captain a new deal with the club in an attempt to quash the interest from PSG.

Recent reports have suggested that Spurs are keen to offer new deals to both Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane but considering Lloris has just a year and a half left on his deal and is now attracting interest, he arguably should be Levy’s priority.

The 34-year-old currently earns £100k per week with the North London club and considering he is club captain, he is obviously a leader on and off the pitch, something which will be invaluable to Mourinho as he seeks to end Spurs’ barren trophy run this season.

Therefore, Levy must work quickly to get Lloris tied down to a new deal before it is too late.

And, in other news… Levy must perform transfer U-turn on £31.5m-rated magician Poch dubbed “fantastic”

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…