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Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett could be sold this summer by Eddie Howe if an agreeable offer comes in for his services, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

What's the latest news involving Matt Targett?

In midweek, Targett made his first Premier League start for the Magpies since last September and contributed to a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park, as per Transfermarkt.

Across 2022/23, the Eastleigh-born defender has made just 16 appearances in all competitions, falling down the pecking order due to the performances of Dan Burn in the left-back area.

Newcastle boss Howe took time to praise Targett's performance in the rout of Everton, as per The Northern Echo, stating:

"I thought Matt Targett did really well, and I think that shows the strength of the squad. It’s good to see players coming in and taking their opportunities.”

As per Football Insider, the Magpies are also keen on adding Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney this summer, which could force Targett even further down the ranks in his quest for regular minutes.

Capology understands that Targett earns around £100,000 per week in the North East and has a contract at St James' Park until 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Sky Sports reporter Downie believes that Targett may be moved on if a suitable offer arises in the off-season.

Downie told FFC: "He did really well last season, but he either makes himself content with being a backup left-back, and by the way, looking at Kieran Tierney, his injury record, he might still get quite a lot of action, or he looks to go somewhere else.

"You've also got remember Dan Burn can play there as well, so I think if an offer came in for a Targett that they couldn't refuse in the summer, then he might be one that goes."

Should Newcastle United part ways with Matt Targett this summer?

Targett has been a perfectly serviceable asset to Newcastle in his time at the club; however, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 27-year-old be moved on this summer if Eddie Howe looks to strengthen at left-back.

In his spell at the North East outfit, Targett has featured 32 times all in, as per Transfermarkt, providing handy cover on the left-hand side of defence and even further up the flank when called upon.

Nevertheless, we know that Newcastle will be keen to bolster their squad for the imminent arrival of European football next term, which may see Howe move several players on to raise cash to spend in the transfer window.

After all, this is a player who Alan Shearer has hailed during his time on Tyneside: "Utterly reliable at the back and gave everything for the Newcastle United shirt," he said.

If enough interest in Targett arises, the 45-year-old may be tempted to sanction the sale of Targett to secure himself a little extra room for manoeuvre in the market.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly on the "shortlist" to replace Graham Potter at Chelsea, should he be sacked.

Why did Nagelsmann get sacked?

At just 35 years of age, Nagelsmann remains an extremely young manager who has already been around for a number of years, initially making a name for himself at Hoffenheim. The German's performance as manager there eventually saw him land the RB Leipzig job, which then led to him taking charge of Bayern in 2021.

While he tasted Bundesliga glory with the German giants last season, the 2022/23 campaign has been a more challenging one, with the title race far tighter and performances not as convincing in general. Ultimately, this dip in form combined with a dressing room split cost Nagelsmann dearly and he was sacked last week, in what was still considered a surprise development by many.

He has since been linked with the vacant manager's job at Tottenham, following the exit of Antonio Conte, but an intriguing update has now emerged regarding Chelsea's potential interest in him.

Will Nagelsmann join Spurs or Chelsea?

Taking to Twitter, Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that Nagelsmann is in the frame to replace Potter at Chelsea if the Englishman is moved on at some point in the near future:

"News #Nagelsmann: Understand he’s on the shortlist of #CFC! In case that Potter should be dismissed. But important: Chelsea wants to continue with Potter, the bosses support him. But he has to deliver now! JN is unlikely to take over a new job immediately."

This is certainly an interesting update, with Nagelsmann such a talented manager who still has so many years to improve in his job, given his tender years. He has been lauded for tactical brilliance since his 20s, which is hugely impressive, and he is someone with fresh ideas who would hopefully be considered a long-term success.

That being said, it is important that Chelsea continue to give Potter time to fully get his ideas across, with the Blues' form improving of late and a Champions League quarter-final tie with current holders Real Madrid to look forward to soon. Granted, the 47-year-old must continue on an upwards curve, in order to stave off the threat of losing his job, but for now, Nagelsmann should only be considered a strong target if things go backwards.

Should the time come that Potter is relieved of his duties, the ex-Bayern man should then be looked at as one of the standout contenders to take charge, given his standing in the game, assuming Spurs haven't got him by then.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have seen an upswing in form and performance since the appointment of Julen Lopetegui in November, but still perch just three points above the Premier League drop zone despite occupying 13th place in the division.

The fight to preserve top-flight status has embroiled around a plethora of outfits, and the finest of margins could make a huge difference as the clamber up the table continues.

Wolves have scored a joint-divisional low 22 goals this term, with Daniel Podence and Ruben Neves the Old Gold's top scorers with five strikes each, despite neither ace occupying the centre-forward role.

Raul Jimenez is a shadow of his former vigour, while January signing Matheus Cunha has yet to exhibit the desired cutting edge at Molineux; Diego Costa, an infamous titan of the Premier League, is now 34 years old and has failed to score across his 16 outings for the club.

Considering this, Lopetegui must delve into Wolves' youth ranks and offer a platform for one of the outfit's most promising young forwards: Tyler Roberts.

Who is Tyler Roberts?

The 19-year-old Roberts is a dynamic forward capable of flourishing both in a central talismanic role and on the offensive right flank, occasionally tried at left wing.

Roberts made a resounding start to life on the Old Gold pitch, scoring 16 goals and registering four assists from 37 outings at U18 level before transitioning to the U21 outfit, where he has bagged four strikes from 25 displays.

The one-cap Jamaica international has been hailed as "dangerous" by prominent Athletic reporter Tim Spiers, also praised as "excellent" and for his striking of a "great goal" by Steve Davis while plying his trade for the academy.

Having made two starts in the Football League Trophy this term, Roberts has found the net once and averaged one shot and 0.5 key passes per match, earning valuable experience as he prepares for a shot at senior action.

And with the aforementioned Jimenez failing to replicate his past feats in Wolverhampton, breathing some youthful exuberance into the side could pay dividends at the expense of the £100k-per-week man.

Jimenez, now 31 years of age, has scored 57 goals and provided 24 assists from 164 outings for Wolves, but now struggles for his clinical touch, failing to beat the goalkeeper in the top flight this year and scoring just ten goals across the past three league campaigns.

With a dynamic replacement in Roberts not only bolstering the front line but providing competition across a multitude of roles, Lopetegui could find a glittering new gem in his fold, and with the Mexican indeed seemingly past his free-flowing best, he could find himself ousted for the fresher face.

Leeds United are a side struggling, desperately hoping that they can steer themselves away from yet another narrow escape from the drop.

The squad has seen something of an overhaul in the last year or so, with Jesse Marsch having been overwhelmingly backed following their survival last season.

He was allowed to bring in a host of new faces to Elland Road, yet was dismissed just last month only for Javi Gracia to replace him. The Spaniard now must rally his troops, none of which were brought in on his request, and help return the Whites to previous winning ways. 

It was under Marcelo Bielsa that they last tasted consistent success, as their return campaign in the Premier League merited widespread praise with a squad that was not laden with quality but certainly fought for the badge.

This side was underpinned by the impressive qualities of Stuart Dallas, with his leadership and steely resolve proving instrumental. It is something which they have lacked in his absence but could gain with the promotion of young midfielder Charlie Allen.

Who is Charlie Allen?

The 19-year-old bears plenty of similarities with the northern Irishman, most notably his ability to feature in numerous positions. Across his 267 appearances for the club (and counting, hopefully), the 31-year-old has been known to feature at both full-back positions, on the wing and central midfield. 

With the latter being his favoured role, where his tireless nature is highlighted, Allen could be ready to soon step in as his potential predecessor is yet to recover from his broken leg.

Sharing the same nationality as Dallas, the teenage sensation has starred for the U21s this season in the engine room, boasting two goals and two assists in just 14 league appearances.

Across these games, Transfermarkt suggests that he too has featured on both flanks, in a defensive and offensive central midfield role and even as a right winger.

He even drew praise from Jim Magilton, his international elite performance director, who claimed:

“Charlie is one of those kids you can play anywhere and he’ll probably still be the best player on the pitch. He can play right back, central midfield, on either wing, at no. 10 or at centre forward.”

If this doesn’t liken him to Dallas, then the suggestion made by journalist Patrick Van Dort that he is “a dream to coach” only serves to exacerbate this link.

The ageing talisman’s former boss Stephen Baxter even issued a similar quote about the versatile stalwart, claiming that “he’s every manager’s dream.”

A utility man with an eye for goal, the future is remarkably bright for Allen, who will likely seek to emulate his compatriot in how he has endeared himself to the Leeds fans.

Tottenham Hotspur are the main contenders to sign Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, according to Rai journalist Ciro Venerato.

The Lowdown: Spurs look for Lloris replacement…

Spurs are reliably believed to be on the look out for an heir to long-serving shot-stopper Hugo Lloris with the France international currently injured and suffering a decline in form this season.

Antonio Conte’s side are currently relying on Fraser Forster as their number one in Lloris’ absence, and as the 36-year-old’s contract runs down, Fabio Paratici and co are thinking about the future.

The Premier League top-four hopefuls have been linked with many names heading into the summer window and Meret is said to be one of them.

The Latest: Tottenham main contenders for Meret…

According to Venerato, speaking on live radio to ‘1 Football Club’ (via Calcio Napoli 24), Tottenham have ‘above all’ expressed their interest in signing the 25-year-old.

He explained:

“Napoli would like to continue with Meret, and in this sense we will have to sit down at the negotiating table and await developments.

“There are some Premier League clubs that have however registered an interest in the Frulian, Tottenham above all.”

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Meret’s current deal at Napoli expires in the summer of 2024, and if he doesn’t put pen to paper on fresh terms, he could represent both a quality and financially attainable target for Spurs.

The Italian, capped three times by his national team, has been a mainstay for the Serie A league leaders this season – playing more top flight minutes than anyone in Luciano Spalletti’s squad (WhoScored).

One admirer of the 6 foot 3 keeper in past seasons has been none other than Spurs boss Conte, with agent Federico Pastorello revealing back in 2017 that he was ‘really impressed’ with Meret after scouting him out.

Meret has also been revered by members of the press for his performances in between Napoli’s sticks, with reporter Roberto Rojas calling him a ‘stellar goalkeeper’.

Paratici and co will be watching his contract situation closely as a real candidate to succeed Lloris could soon become available.

Liverpool have struggled to retain their dominance in the Premier League this season and Jurgen Klopp will be desperately searching for solutions to improve the performances on the pitch with the business end of the campaign fast approaching.

The Reds are currently 10th in the league table after a run of inconsistent and poor displays has left them now 12 points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots in top four and even more worrying, they are only 11 points ahead of Everton in the relegation zone.

Indeed, many of the successful players at Anfield are coming to the latter stages of their careers with several of the most important cogs in Klopp’s system well into their 30s at this point.

Who are Liverpool’s oldest players?

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, James Milner, Virgil van Dijk, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip are just some of the players who are well into their 30s at this point and with the way Klopp’s side are performing at present it may be time to start thinking about developing and reinvesting in the next generation of talent at Anfield.

The Merseysiders have been heavily linked with moves for a number of upcoming and young talent over the last six months with Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham the top priority for the club in the summer, despite his hefty £130m price tag.

However, Klopp could look closer to home when identifying the future of his Liverpool side and could save millions by unearthing the incredible talent already developing right under his nose in the youth academy.

With Firmino – as it stands – out of contract in the summer, the German coach could unearth the Brazilian’s natural heir in U21 striker Oakley Cannonier.

Who is Liverpool youngster Oakley Cannonier?

It has been reported that Liverpool are working on a new contract for Firmino to extend his stay at Anfield, however, nothing has materialised as of yet with only a few months left to come to an agreement.

As a result, it may be an opportunity for Klopp to move on and bring through the next goal-scorer that can help him get Liverpool back on track and add quality depth to the attacking threat.

Cannonier has been plying his trade and developing his skills in the youth set-up since he joined the U12s from his hometown club Leeds United and has been a consistent and reliable threat in front of goal as he has risen through the ranks.

The 18-year-old – who was hailed a “goal machine” by GOAL journalist Neil Jones – has scored 44 goals and registered five assists over 57 appearances so far with a goal contribution every 70 minutes, which is an incredibly impressive output and seemingly makes him a perfect successor, should Firmino depart.

In August last year, the talented teenager was rewarded with a brand new long-term professional contract after finishing the 2021/22 season as the academy’s top goal-scorer with 28 goals tallied up in U18 Premier League North.

With that being said, the future is looking bright for Cannonier and if he continues to thrive in the academy it surely won’t be long before he catches the eye of Klopp to get his breakthrough into the first team.

Tottenham Hotspur have the approval of Nicolo Zaniolo over a potential move to north London this month but still need to convince Roma of their proposal.

What’s the latest?

With just days remaining of the January transfer window, the Lilywhites are yet to bring any new faces through the doors at Hotspur Way.

This comes amid growing pressure on whether their manager, Antonio Conte, will see out the remainder of his contract, never mind put pen to paper on a new deal.

However, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the Liywhites have reignited their interest in Zaniolo from the summer and have made an approach to Roma.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist has claimed the two clubs are still apart over the terms of a possible deal despite the player being keen on a move to Spurs:

“Roma are prepared to let him leave in January but Roma, at the moment, want around €35-40m for Zaniolo and a permanent transfer, not a loan. But Tottenham have decided in a very clear way that they will only sign Nicolo Zaniolo on loan, then, of course, this loan could include a buy option.”

“Tottenham are speaking to them about Zaniolo; I’m told the player would be really keen on the move, so the player would be happy to join Premier League in general and Tottenham in this case.”

First signing soon?

It has been a disappointing couple of months for Spurs with the results not going their way and the speculation surrounding the future of their manager not making positive reading.

However, last January saw the Lilywhites handed a new lease of life with the additions of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur on the last day of the window.

The pair both arrived from Juventus and provided Spurs with a huge boost which, ultimately, helped them to land a spot in the top four.

And we do wonder whether this is what they are hoping for with the potential signing of Zaniolo who is a player they have been linked with for a while now.

The Italian has – like Bentancur and Kulusevski – had his difficulties in Serie A making this a potential risk of a signing.

However, he is clearly someone who Spurs have had their eyes on for a period of time now with links going back to last summer’s transfer window.

The 23-year-old has shown some promise in Serie A with the Roma legend, Daniele De Rossi, speaking incredibly highly of him back in 2019:

“He has an incredible natural physique for someone who is only 19 and also has great technical quality. In my opinion, as perhaps with everyone now, he is already a very good player – and can become a great one,” he said.

But there will likely be some concerns among the Spurs fans of his low goals and assists return for Roma over the years with his highest return of six goals and two assists in a league campaign (via Transfermarkt)

However, perhaps the bigger concern should be surrounding his injury record with the Italian carrying an unwanted history already at the age of just 23.

Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to have been denied a penalty after referee Andrew Madley and VAR missed a second-half appeal against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

The Lowdown: Cup classic

A pulsating FA Cup tie between Premier League sides Liverpool and Wolves finished 2-2 at Anfield with Madley and Mike Dean behind VAR not given a quiet night.

The visitors took the lead through Goncalo Guedes who was gifted a chance through Alisson’s mistake before Darwin Nunez’s tidy finish levelled it up before the break.

But the chaos would ensue in the second half as Mo Salah was adjudged onside through a confusing loop in the offside law before a bizarre offside call late on denied Toti Gomes a winning goal after Hwang Hee-chan struck to level the game again between the controversy.

The Latest: Wolves anger

With both pivotal offside decisions going against the Old Gold, they were further aggrieved following Ben Doak’s clumsy challenge on Matheus Cunha in the Liverpool penalty area.

The uproar was heard in the ground from the stands but also on Twitter, with Bailey King tweeting his reaction alongside footage of the incident.

“There wasn’t even a replay of this penalty shout. If it’s Liverpool we are seeing 4 replays all different angles. JOKE #wwfc #LIVWOL”

The Verdict: Bad day to be an official

You’ll struggle to find a game that saw three major incidents all go against one team and all in controversial circumstances.

Although one goal can be explained by a complete farce on the side of technology, with incredibly no angle in the whole ground able to determine whether Matheus Nunes was offside in the build-up to what Wolves thought was a winner.

The penalty shout was certainly a case worth arguing for the Old Gold with Doak’s challenge clumsy and reckless as he bundled Cunha over from behind with the Brazilian heading away from goal.

Some would argue it was the exuberance of youth involved in the tackle but it was definitely an awkward one to make and on a different day you’ve absolutely seen them given.

Journalist Ross Gregory has claimed that Newcastle United do ‘like’ Youri Tielemans, but he’s not heard anything ‘concrete’ despite transfer rumours.

What’s the word?

With the winter market now open, the Magpies will likely be looking to strengthen their squad with a new signing or two at least. Midfield may well be an area to target too.

The Daily Mail certainly seemed to think so as they recently reported that Eddie Howe could be hoping to sign Leicester City star Tielemans.

Despite that claim, Gregory has expressed his doubt over the likelihood of a transfer being completed any time soon. He did, however, mention that the player is appreciated by those at Newcastle.

Speaking on NUFC Matters, he said: “I’ve not heard anything concrete about Tielemans. It’s an obvious kind of link in the sense that he’s available on a free in the summer and he plays in that central midfield area, but I’ve not heard anything concrete about him.

“I think he’s a player that Newcastle like and Eddie Howe kind of rates, but I’m not convinced he’s a priority for the position that they’re looking for – which is that kind of defensive midfield, not enforcer, but someone who will protect that back four.”

Shelvey replacement?

With midfielder Jonjo Shelvey currently out injured and having struggled for fitness all season, it would make sense if the Magpies wanted to bring someone in to add some depth to that position this winter.

Tielemans certainly is a player who possesses plenty of quality – having scored the winner in the 2021 FA Cup final – and is a key part of the Leicester City team, playing in every league game for the Foxes this term.

With that in mind, it might be difficult for Newcastle to sign him this winter, especially when they could pick him up for free at the end of the season when his contract is set to expire.

However, if Howe does want a more defensive-minded midfielder – as Gregory claims – then perhaps the Magpies will feel inclined to look elsewhere.

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Barcelona over a pre-contract agreement, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Kante out of contract soon

The 31-year-old has been a wonderful servant for the Blues, making 262 appearances in total and often standing out as one of the world’s best midfielders.

Injuries have affected Kante badly of late, however, and he has been restricted to just two starts in the Premier League this season.

The Frenchman’s current Chelsea deal expires at the end of this season and there has been little sign of him extending his stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Latest: Barca move close?

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Kante is in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Barca over a summer move, with a pre-contract agreement in January on the cards.

He is thought to be ‘in a hurry’ to find a new club, with Juventus also seen as a possible destination for him.

The Verdict: Right time to leave?

In truth, next summer does feel like the right time for Kante to move on from Chelsea, with his recent fitness issues becoming problematic.

At 31, there is an argument to say that the midfielder’s very best days are now behind him, with injuries arguably causing him to lose half a yard of pace and his sell-on value decreasing regardless of his contract situation.

Kante should be remembered as a truly great servant for Chelsea – Ally McCoist has described him as ‘absolutely magic’ – but a 2023 exit feels like a natural conclusion for all parties.