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Antonio Conte would need assurances of a ‘big influence on recruitment’ before agreeing to take over at Newcastle United, according to Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

Incumbent manager Steve Bruce is expected to be sacked this week following the completion of the PIF takeover at St James’ Park.

Conte is currently out of work after leaving Inter Milan by mutual consent back in May, a matter of weeks after they were confirmed as Serie A champions.

That was his fifth top-flight title as a manager, following on from his Juventus threepeat and 2016/17 Premier League success with Chelsea. In total, he has won nine trophies during his career in the dugout.

The latest

According to Ryder for Chronicle Live, Conte is ‘open’ to another crack at Premier League management and is keen to learn of the ‘conditions involved at Newcastle United’.

The ‘key element’, though, is the degree of control he would have over incomings at the club. He ‘has not always had full control’ in his previous positions at Chelsea and Inter, so such assurances would be ‘vital’.

‘One possible snag’ for Newcastle, or indeed any club interested in the 52-year-old, would be his preference to take charge at the beginning of a season.

Ryder added that Newcastle ‘may have to persuade him to start work with a chunk of the campaign already gone’.

The verdict

Conte would be an almighty coup for Newcastle given his impressive CV, almost the polar opposite of Steve Bruce in terms of the ambition of the appointment, and Magpies fans would surely be beside themselves with excitement if he is named as Bruce’s successor.

This would be very different to his previous roles, where titles have been a shorter-term target, but very few managers wouldn’t be tempted by a project of this nature given the enormous wealth of the new owners on Tyneside.

In other news, this defender is expected to join the Magpies. 

Leicester City will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they host champions Manchester City this afternoon.

The Foxes pulled off an astonishing 5-2 victory over the Cityzens at the Etihad Stadium last season, as well as defeating them in last month’s Community Shield, and Brendan Rodgers may be able to repeat the trick at the King Power Stadium this time around.

After the likes of Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumare and Jannik Vestergaard arrived in the Midlands over the summer transfer window, Leicester’s recruitment got even better on deadline day when Ademola Lookman signed on a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig.

The 23-year-old impressed with Fulham last season, bagging four goals and providing four assists in 34 top-flight appearances, and Rodgers is looking forward to working with the youngster this time around.

“I’m really excited about working with Ade. He’s a top talent. I wanted to take him to Celtic when he was at Charlton. I was aware of him when he was 15,” he said in Thursday’s press conference.

“He has all the tools; he has a great dribbling ability, how he views the game, he has an eye for a goal. My hope is that this environment will give him a chance to flourish. Hopefully, he can find a home here. I have no doubt the supporters will be excited by him.”

Lookman could get a first chance to impress his new fanbase when Pep Guardiola brings his charges to the King Power Stadium, with Rodgers confirming that the former England under-21 international is available for selection.

“He’s available. He looks fit and strong. If he doesn’t start, he may play some part in the game,” the Northern Irishman revealed.

Although Lookman prefers to be on the left wing, allowing him to cut inside on his stronger right foot and unleash efforts on goal, Harvey Barnes’ presence on that flank could see him fielded in a more unusual role.

“He can play in a number of positions. His preferred position is off the left side. He can play on the inside as well and on the right. He’s very balanced,” Rodgers admitted.

Therefore, the former Liverpool boss must take advantage of his new signing’s versatility and unleash him against Manchester City today.

With Ayoze Perez unavailable through suspension, this could be the ideal game for Lookman to get used to his new surroundings without any great pressure to perform, and he could inspire the Foxes to another memorable victory over Guardiola’s side.

In other news… Get it done: Leicester make contact over £30m wizard, he’s a “great talent” 

A number of Liverpool supporters are happy with the news that Nat Phillips is set to start the Reds’ upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Norwich City.

Jurgen Klopp’s side continued their impressive start to the season on Saturday afternoon, beating Crystal Palace 3-0 at Anfield in the Premier League. It means Liverpool have dropped just two points and conceded only once in their opening five league matches, suggesting that a title challenge is on the cards.

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Attention switches to Carabao Cup commitments on Tuesday evening, however, as the Reds make the trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich, where they won 3-0 at the start of the league season just over a month ago.

Klopp is expected to make a number of changes for the game, and according to The Athletic’s James Pearce [via Anfield Edition on Twitter], Phillips will make his first start of the season against the Canaries.

The 24-year-old had a prolonged spell in the first team in 2020/21, a defensive injury crisis helping to propel him into the side, and he repaid Klopp’s faith with some tremendous performances.

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Liverpool fans react to Phillips claim

These Liverpool fans on Twitter reacted positively to the update from Pearce, with the centre-back something of a cult hero after his efforts last season.

“Nat Phillips szn has started. We move”

Credit: @drivelikejesu

“PHILDINI IS BACK”

Credit: @Twoguaps

“I’m actually excited about it”

Credit: @quarterluke

“Norwich won’t know what hit them”

Credit: @LangatGodwin_LG

“Bolton Maldini”

Credit: @schkuba

“He deserves to play few games at least. He was so good for us last season”

Credit: @ajithf808

In other news, some Liverpool fans are worried after an injury update emerged. Read more here.

Newcastle United have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign Santiago Munoz before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Some story

A lot of members of the Toon Army will be very familiar with the film ‘Goal!’, which starred a young Mexican footballer called Santiago Munez, who went on to play for the St. James’ Park faithful.

Although the name is not quite the same, it appears Tyneside could be about to experience a very real-life Goal! story if the latest transfer developments are to be believed.

The Latest: Munoz agreement

As per ESPN, Munoz is one step away from signing for the Tyneside club, who have now reached an agreement with his team Santos Laguna.

They even claim that a full agreement will be reached ‘within the next few hours’, meaning a deal could be done very soon.

The Verdict: Why not?

Aside from the obvious and charming comparisons to the film, snapping Munoz up could well turn out to be a good bit of business by Steve Bruce’s squad.

The striker has shown that he can score goals for both for club and country despite being just 18 years of age, netting eight times in 16 games for the Mexico U17’s as well as finding three strikes in 19 matches for Santos (Transfermarkt).

He is certainly a player for the future, and by getting him now, the Magpies could really benefit from his continued development, perhaps selling him on for a massive profit in the future.

In other news, find out which £12.6m-rated ‘phenomenon’ NUFC are keen on here!

Manchester City are reportedly still keen on West Ham United’s Declan Rice and the Englishman could be the ideal replacement for Fernandinho in Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad.

What’s the word?

According to The Times, Manchester City are still keen on the England international although West Ham are likely to demand £100m for their talismanic midfielder.

Whilst Fernandinho emphasised just how good he still is towards the end of the season, the 36-year-old only committed to a new one-year deal after the season had ended and it seems likely that he will either leave City or retire at the end of the current campaign.

Even if the veteran Brazilian remains after that he cannot be expected to control City’s midfield for the long-term future and therefore it seems clear that a replacement is needed.

Whilst Rodri was brought in as the natural successor to the former Shakhtar Donetsk man in midfield, he has disappointed at times during his spell at the Etihad and lost his regular spot in the starting eleven in key fixtures last season, with Fernandinho notably dropping a masterclass in both legs against PSG in the Champions League semi-final.

Would Rice be a good signing for City?

Therefore, it is no surprise that they are being linked with Rice, who has established himself as a key player for club and country despite being just 22-years-old.

The midfielder has already made 147 appearances for the senior side at West Ham, in which he has contributed five goals and seven assists, and he was a driving force in David Moyes’ side last season as they qualified for the Europa League.

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The former Chelsea youngster would make 32 appearances in the top-flight, contributing two goals and one assist and averaging a solid 7.02 rating for his performances from WhoScored, whilst he has also started this season in impressive fashion for the Hammers.

Moyes was full of praise for Rice last season, saying: “He is such an improved player. I really think he is doing a great job as a player and we are building up hope that he will be an outstanding captain.

“The role, his responsibility he takes on the pitch because of his young age, his leadership qualities will build. He has learned from Harry Kane and Mark Noble.”

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Therefore, the Englishman clearly has potential as a captain and would therefore be the dream replacement for Fernandinho, as the Brazilian’s impact both on and off the pitch will surely be missed when he eventually leaves Manchester City.

And, in other news… Txiki heading for Man City transfer disaster with “world-class” beast

Former Rangers player Michael Ball believes that whilst Gary Cahill would be a good addition to Rangers, he wouldn’t necessarily walk straight into the side.

Cahill is a free agent after his contract expired at Crystal Palace and, according to The Sun, the veteran defender is being considered by the Scottish Premiership champions.

Rangers were solid defensively last season, conceding just 13 goals on their way to the Scottish Premiership title, and began the new campaign with a 3-0 success against Livingston at the weekend.

With his experience, Cahill could be a good addition to the team, but he wouldn’t necessarily get a starting berth from the off, according to Michael Ball.

“You want guys who are going to be hungry and improve the squad and I think Gary Cahill would.

“He’s got that type of character, he’s a leader and would help Steven Gerrard and the Rangers team like Jermain Defoe did with his experience, but would it be a given he actually walk straight in the side? I’m not so sure, I think centre-half is a strong one for Rangers right now,” Ball exclusively told Football FanCast.

Rangers were beaten by Malmo on Tuesday in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, a trophy which Gary Cahill lifted with Chelsea in the 2011/2012 season, and will be looking to bounce back from that loss and progress in the second leg at Ibrox next week.

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted after Jurgen Klopp confirmed Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are in contention to face Norwich City.

The Reds get their new Premier League season started on Saturday evening, with a trip to Carrow Road awaiting.

There is lots of excitement in the air ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, especially considering how forgettable last season was as a spectacle.

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Like everyone else, the Reds had to suffer through empty stadiums and questionable VAR decisions, but on top of that Van Dijk and Gomez missed the vast majority of the season with serious knee injuries.

Fortunately, the Reds pair have worked their way back to fitness, playing a part in pre-season and looking good in the limited minutes they have had.

Klopp has now confirmed that Van Dijk and Gomez are available for selection at Norwich this weekend – it will be interesting to see either start the game.

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Liverpool fans love Klopp’s update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to reveal their delight at the update.

“Omg!!! What a time to be alive x”

Credit: @lfcleahx

“Oooo yes”

Credit: @markoconnor47

“Omg”

Credit: @origixLFC

“Yerrrsssss the lads!!”

Credit: @LilLoubieLou

“Phwoaaaaar”

Credit: @BMLW98

“Yessssss”

Credit: @CharWebster7

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an injury blow regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United defender Leif Davis has seen his move to Bournemouth break down at the final hour.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that the versatile youngster was in advanced talks with the Cherries over a season-long loan move, but that appears to have fallen dead in the water now.

According to Football Insider, a Leeds source has revealed that the plug has been pulled on Davis’ move to the south coast, and that those involved in the discussions do not expect talks to be reignited.

It’s added that “Marcelo Bielsa had been keen for Davis to get regular senior playing experience rather than be a bit-part figure at Leeds.”

Bielsa will be frustrated

The 21-year-old only had a brief look-in at first-team action in the previous campaign, playing just 31 minutes of football in the top-flight, and predominantly spending his time with the U23s.

But, according to comments previously made by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Davis is someone who the coaching staff rate highly at Thorp Arch, saying: “He’s very well thought of, is Davis, and he has been since he came, and of the Under-23s, he’s really been as involved as most under Bielsa and has quite often been the go-to player when Bielsa’s needed a left-back.

“The bottom line is that at Leeds, they think an awful lot of Davis, and they think that he’s a bit of a steal for what they paid to sign him from Morecambe.”

Able to play at both left-back and at centre-back, Davis has got the versatility to fill in wherever Bielsa needs him, offering him a dynamic presence down the flank or perhaps someone more “aggressive” in the middle of the defence and someone who is able to play out from the back.

But as Football Insider says about Bielsa’s thoughts on the matter, the crucial thing for Davis’ development in the long-term, is for him to be playing first-team football week-in and week-out, something he probably won’t have at Elland Road after the arrival of Junior Firpo.

A loan in the Championship, and with a team like Bournemouth who will surely look to contend for promotion again, would have done the young defender the world of good, and he would have returned to Yorkshire a better player for that experience.

Instead, he faces the prospect of once again sitting on the side-lines, being someone who’s perhaps now outgrown U23s football, but isn’t quite ready for action at Premier League level.

It’s exactly why Bielsa will be frustrated and even livid that this move has now collapsed.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have opened transfer talks over this star…

Lots of Wolves fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Dion Sanderson.

As per The Daily Mirror, Newcastle United have had a £1.5m bid rejected by the Midlands club to sign the central defender in the summer window.

Sunderland have also had their own bid rejected, as they look to sign the player that spent the 2020/21 season on loan at the Stadium of Light on a permanent deal.

The Molineux faithful currently value him at £2m, but should really be demanding more, given that he is English, played well on loan last season and is only 21.

Sanderson played a big part in the Black Cats reaching the EFL League One play-offs, making no fewer than 26 appearances in total in the division (Transfermarkt), and is clearly a prospect for the future.

Wolves fans on Sanderson transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the exit news was shared on Twitter, as some simply do not wish to sell him, while others feel as if they should be demanding more money:

“I read this as £11.5m which would still have been an insult.”

Credit: @dsandford125

“Don’t sell, keep as back up pls. Can defo see him becoming class in a couple years.”Credit: @adenwwfc_”If he’s good enough to play for Newcastle he’s good enough for us. Pre-season under Lage and let’s see”Credit: @Ry_Oakley”Keep him”Credit: @jshwwfc”If so many teams want him we should and need to keep him.. young English talent…one for the near future.”Credit: @Banksy66Paul”Only £1.5m, so undervalued”Credit: @JonWill47124708In other news, find out what transfer update on one Euro 2020 ace has Wanderers taking here!

After missing out on Bright Osayi-Samuel in January, Rangers have been linked with the Fenerbahce man again in recent weeks, but Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson should steer well clear of him after the Turkish side named their asking price for the winger.

What’s the word?

Rangers were heavily linked with a move for the winger during his time at QPR, and would have been able to sign him on a free transfer this summer due to his contract with the Championship side being set to expire.

However, Fenerbahce opted to pay a fee in order to sign him early, although it seems as if they regret that decision, as they are reportedly willing to cash in on him after only a few months with the club, where he has managed just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances.

Rangers were understandably credited with an interest in the 23-year-old but a recent report has claimed that the Ibrox outfit will have to pay as much as £4.3m if they want to sign him this summer.

Wilson should avoid a return for Osayi-Samuel

Given Osayi-Samuel’s poor form in Turkey, there seems little to suggest that he would be worth the price tag for Rangers this summer, especially as they already possess talents such as Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and Fashion Sakala out wide.

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His form at QPR was also indifferent, as he managed just 13 goals and 13 assists in 115 appearances for the Loftus Road outfit, which suggests that he doesn’t possess as much natural goal threat as the likes of Kent and Hagi.

Although he was capable of being unplayable on his day, with QPR manager Mark Warburton dubbing him “outstanding” after his performance in a win against Cardiff, it seems those performances came few and far between and thet have certainly dried up during his time in Turkey.

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Therefore, unless we see Kent leave Rangers for big money this summer, the Gers would be better off avoiding a deal for Osayi-Samuel, as signing him for as much as £4.3m could prove to be a huge mistake when Gerrard arguably has better options already at the club.

And, in other news… Rangers handed boost with “fantastic” beast, Wilson must deliver