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Newcastle United are in a fantastic position to cement their stature as one of Europe's elite after forging a remarkable campaign under Eddie Howe's stewardship, qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the Carabao Cup final.

It's a drastic improvement on the club's efforts in recent history, having failed to reach the top half of the Premier League across the past four seasons and last qualifying for Europe over a decade ago.

The PIF takeover in October 2021 has injected affluence unseen by all but a select few top footballing outfits, and the forthcoming summer transfer window will be imperative to bolster the ranks with first-rate additions, with Howe stating that 'elite' arrivals are imminent.

While the return of European competition will ostensibly provide greater opportunity for peripheral figures at St. James' Park, there are certain figures that will find their bit-part role in the squad only diminished with the expanding calibre of the Tyneside team, one of which being Jamal Lewis.

Should Newcastle sell Jamal Lewis?

Lewis is one ace who will likely be at the epicentre of the summer transition; with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Raphael Guerreiro targetted, it is clear that Newcastle are seeking fresh faces to fortify the defensive left flank.

Signing from Norwich City for £15m in 2020, Lewis has only made 36 appearances and clinched one assist, with 26 of those displays coming in his first term.

Described as "rusty" by Craig Hope during one of his scant opportunities to impress this season, during Newcastle's FA Cup defeat against League One Sheffield Wednesday, it is increasingly hard to believe that Howe will provide a player who has made just eight appearances under his wing.

As per Sofascore, the £38k-per-week defender recorded a dismal average rating of 6.46 in the top-flight last term, making just four starts, and 6.48 the previous campaign, where he enjoyed more frequency on the pitch and started 20 matches.

The 25-year-old was once a highly-rated prospect, emerging as an exciting, marauding full-back with the Canaries and forging 100 outings – scoring two goals and registering four assists – after rising through the club's youth academy.

He was integral in guiding his team to the Premier League and playing a central role in their 19/20 top-flight season, where he made an average of two clearances and 1.8 tackles per match and completed 79% of his passes, impressive despite suffering relegation back to the second tier.

And with Dan Burn, who is naturally a centre-back, entrusted with deployment in Lewis' position in an unorthodox role, the chances of the 30-cap Northern Ireland international flourishing at the club are indeed slight.

It simply hasn't worked out, and Lewis must be ditched this summer to end his misery on Tyneside and open up space for technical director Dan Ashworth to sign a first-rate new defender to enrich the Toon's burgeoning squad.

Manchester United could secure a transfer deal for Christian Eriksen during the current summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Twitter post from Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, he had this to say on the matter.

He said: “Manchester United feel deal with Christian Eriksen is possible after initial contact. Ultimate decision rests with player – he has other offers.”

Between 2013 and 2020, the midfielder scored 69 goals and delivered 90 assists in 305 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur.

After a spell with Inter Milan, the Denmark international joined Brentford having left Italy as a result of Serie A rules not allowing him to play with an ICD that he was fitted with after his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

In his 11 Premier League appearances with the Bees, the 30-year-old scored one goal and delivered four assists.

Great news for United fans

The news that United are positive about concluding a deal for the Dane is likely to serve as great news for supporters who will undoubtedly be keen to see him pen terms at Old Trafford.

After all, this is one of the most graceful players currently in the Premier League and his underlying stats tell the story of a marvellous player, one who could light up Erik ten Hag’s new side.

He ended the season with a higher rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.08) than any other player in the Brentford squad to make more than one appearance in the league while delivering 30 crosses as his magical creativity stood out.

In fact, despite only joining the squad in the winter transfer window, the former Spurs man ended the campaign with a higher performance rating (7.37/10) than any other player at the club according to WhoScored.

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Eriksen clearly still has what it takes to be a dangerous figure in the league and play at a high level, which is why United will be after him.

With Sheth claiming that the decision of where he’ll be playing next season will ultimately be down to Eriksen, the United hierarchy and the fans will have to hope that they have done enough to convince the midfield maestro to sign a deal with them.

In other news: Deal close: MUFC now on the verge of “unreal” £40m signing, Ten Hag will be buzzing

Sunderland are reportedly now keen on signing Nathan Broadhead again for next season.

The Lowdown: ‘Sensational’ season

Broadhead enjoyed a ‘sensational’ season at the Stadium of Light, according to journalist and Black Cats supporter Josh Bunting.

The striker, who was on loan from Everton, scored 13 goals in 27 matches in total over all competitions for Alex Neil’s side, helping them win promotion to the Championship and subsequently earning him a call-up to the Wales national team.

The Latest: Sunderland return for Broadhead?

As per Liverpool World, Sunderland are now ‘keen’ on bringing Broadhead back next term, but they will face competition from Wigan Athletic, who were also promoted to the Championship this year.

However, the Latics are thought to be concerned about his injury record, which saw him miss 18 matches for the Wearside club in the most recent campaign.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Taking Broadhead back to the Stadium of Light, even if it is only on loan again, is surely a no-brainer for Sunderland given his performances and goal record in 2021/22.

Ross Stewart is currently the only recognised senior striker in Neil’s squad at the moment, and given the step up from League One, he will need some extra support up top.

Everton manager Frank Lampard already has a plethora of forward options at his disposal, so Broadhead may be allowed to go out on loan again in order to further his development.

In other news, find out what latest transfer link has left this Sunderland journalist buzzing!

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Gonzalo Plata to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Bolavip, who claim that Leeds have now joined the race for the Sporting Lisbon winger, who is also a €10m (£8.5m) target of Real Valladolid – the team with whom the 21-year-old spent the season on loan.

The report goes on to state that the Ecuador international’s representatives contacted a number of Premier League clubs regarding the availability of their client in the summer transfer window, with Victor Orta looking to have been convinced by the forward’s impressive campaign in Spain.

Raphinha 2.0

Considering just how much potential Plata evidently possesses, in addition to the fact that Raphinha looks almost certain to leave Elland Road in a €55m (£47m) deal in the coming months, it is easy to see why Orta would be interested in a move for the Sporting starlet this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga 2 appearances this season, the £4.5m-rated talent played a pivotal role in Valladolid’s promotion back to the top flight of Spanish football, scoring six goals, registering five assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 2.3 dribbles per game.

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The 21-year-old forward also highly impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 1.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and winning 6.0 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Sam Tighe claimed has a “huge amount of talent” – as well as “lovely dribbling” ability and an “extremely hard” work rate – average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.96.

For comparison, over Raphinha’s 35 Premier League appearances this season, the £40.5m-rated winger scored 11 goals, provided three assists and created ten big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per game – with these returns seeing the Brazil international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, while it is undeniable that the step up from LaLiga 2 to the Premier League will be a difficult one to make, it is abundantly clear that Plata boasts the ability to do so.

And, considering the youngster’s extremely similar profile to Leeds’ current 25-year-old wing wizard, should the Spaniard manage to get a deal over the line for the Ecuadorian this summer, the Sporting starlet could well prove to become Orta’s next Raphinha-style discovery at Elland Road.

AND in other news: “Talks ongoing…”: Romano reveals big Leeds transfer update that supporters will love

Tottenham Hotspur are in the frame to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, according to Spanish publication Sport. 

The lowdown

Barcelona forked out €35m (£29.8m) to sign the Frenchman from Sevilla in 2018, and he has since gone on to play 160 matches for the Blaugrana. However, he started only seven of their 38 La Liga games this season, and none of their six Europa League knockout fixtures.

The 26-year-old’s estimated Transfermarkt value has plummeted from an all-time high of £54m in December 2019 to just £12.6m now, an alarming decline.

Nonetheless, he is under contract for another four years and is thought to earn more than €10m per year (in excess of £160,000 per week).

Barcelona have already lined up the free agent signing of Andreas Christensen from Chelsea and would also like to bring Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, pushing Lenglet further down the pecking order.

The latest

The report from Sport claimed that Lenglet has no place in Xavi’s plans heading into next season.

For a time, he refused to countenance the idea of a summer move, but ‘in recent days’ his stance have softened and he is open to leaving the Nou Camp on loan so that he can retain his full salary.

There are ‘several clubs’ in the Premier League and Serie A who have ‘asked about’ the prospective signing of the defender. Among his English-based suitors are Spurs, who face competition from local rivals Arsenal, as well as Everton and Newcastle United.

The hope is that a ‘solution’ is now ‘close’ for the out-of-favour Frenchman.

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The verdict

Spurs would be investing in Lenglet in the hope that he could rediscover his top form under Antonio Conte. He has 15 caps for the reigning world champions France and featured at last summer’s European Championshi[.

Indeed, when he first appeared on the international scene in 2019, Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps heralded the Barcelona defender as a ‘world-class’ addition to the squad.

Lenglet is a player with very strong distribution, even if he can lack concentration at times. It may be viewed as a gamble worth taking at Spurs, given that the 26-year-old would not command a transfer fee.

In other news, Antonio Conte greenlights this midfielder’s exit.

Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit of Burnley’s James Tarkowski, according to reports.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Villa have offered the Englishman a bumper wage deal in a bid to tempt him into a move to Villa Park this summer, with the 29-year-old set to be available on a free transfer once his existing contract expires at the end of June.

The report suggests that the Midlands outfit have made a ‘double-your-money’ offer of around £120k-per-week in an attempt to ward off interest from the likes of Everton and Fulham.

This update follows a report from Sky Sports earlier this week that suggested that Steven Gerrard’s side were ‘in talks’ with the two-cap international, having already confirmed the signing of Marseille youngster, Boubacar Kamara on a five-year deal.

The next Southgate?

Moving for a player who has just suffered relegation from the Premier League may not appear a wise move to some, although the £19.8m-rated warrior has seemingly shown enough in his 194 top-flight appearances to warrant a high profile move to an ambitious club.

While not a particularly glamorous addition – amid rumours regarding the likes of Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij – Tarkowski could well be the solid presence that is needed for the Villans, with the club having actually conceded more goals than the Turf Moor outfit in the 2021/22 campaign.

In a side scrapping for their lives for much of the season under both Sean Dyche and Mike Jackson, the former Brentford man still managed to record a string of impressive statistics, averaging 5.2 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, as well as winning 68% of his total duels.

Compared to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the Manchester-born brute – who has been dubbed “outstanding” by Dyche – has also performed remarkably, ranking in the top 1% for both blocks and aerials won, as well as in the top 3% for clearances.

A sturdy and reliable defensive asset, the one-time Oldham man seemingly has similar characteristics to that of former Villa captain Gareth Southgate, the current England boss having spent six years of his playing career at the club.

Never flash nor a standout name, much like Tarkowski, the mild-mannered centre-back also had the toughness required in his game to be a success, with former Crystal Palace teammate Bobby Bowry insisting that “he [Southgate] would smash you” when needed.

The one-time Middlesborough man helped Villa to League Cup glory in 1996 and to an FA Cup final in 2000, with the hope being that Tarkowski can enjoy similar glory to that of his national team boss.

Gerrard and co will also be hoping, however, that it doesn’t end for the potential new signing as it did for Southgate, with the former England international departing the club in 2000 after relinquishing the captaincy and handing in a transfer request.

IN other news, Gerrard can now axe £20m “mistake” by signing £15m ace who’s “capable of leading” AVFC

According to reports in the Spanish media, some interesting transfer news has now come to light involving Manchester City and Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Txiki eyes 2021 move…

The Spain international, a name potentially familiar to Sky Blues, was heavily courted by City sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

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Marca, sharing some news in 2021, claimed the Premier League champions were very much in the running for Torres after Tottenham’s failed bid to sign him for ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Begiristain was allegedly ‘very well positioned’ to sign the 25-year-old with the Eastlands official even having an ‘excellent relationship’ to ‘those closest’ in Torres’ inner circle.

While a midfield heir to club legend Fernandinho and left-back is thought to be a priority at City (The Guardian), some links have also emerged to possible central defensive additions with Sport now sharing the latest.

The Latest: City re-join Torres race…

Following on from their interest before 2022, Sport now claim Pep Guardiola’s side have again ‘entered the bid’ for Torres alongside Spurs, Chelsea and arch rivals Man United.

They add that Villarreal are ‘increasingly aware’ their ‘prodigal son’ could depart in the next transfer market as Unai Emery prepares for life without a pivotal player.

The Verdict: Make a bid?

The least of Guardiola’s concerns is at centre-half given he has Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake to choose from as a world class defensive quartet.

However, if one of the latter pair were to depart City given their lack of game time over 2021/2022, we believe Torres should be viewed as a top potential incoming.

The Etihad Stadium has been described as a ‘perfect’ move for Torres in recent seasons, especially taking into account his ability as a ball-playing central defender (La Liga expert Euen McTear).

Also described as ‘extraordinary’, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse has a release clause of £55 million which could well be value for money going by Torres’ reputation.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here.

West Ham United blew a two-goal lead against Premier League title-chasing Manchester City at the London Stadium this afternoon to draw 2-2 with Pep Guardiola’s side.

A Jarrod Bowen brace gave the Hammers a two goal advantage going into halftime before a Jack Grealish strike and a Vladimir Coufal own goal saw the visitors equalise.

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However, the Citizens blew a golden opportunity to complete the comeback and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points as Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty.

For West Ham, a top-six finish is still very much possible, however, the day was about Mark Noble who played in front of his home fans for the final time after an 18-year-long career with the east London outfit.

Although a victory would have been the icing on the cake, a poor defensive performance from left-back Aaron Cresswell contributed to the Irons’ collapse.

The Englishman recorded just 32 touches all match, fewer than the 48 of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Moreover, Cresswell managed to complete just 12 passes out of an attempted 17 at a 71% accuracy whilst providing zero key passes or crosses and just one successful long ball.

With the 32-year-old busy dealing with the attacking threat of City, the left-back made an impressive seven clearances. However, he only managed to make one interception, tackle and block respectively.

Furthermore, with just two duels won out of an attempted seven, Cresswell ended the match having lost 71.4%.

The 32-year-old has been a loyal servant for West Ham since joining from Ipswich Town in 2014 and, without Noble departing, is one of the Hammers’ longest-serving players.

Moreover, with 40 appearances in claret and blue this term, the defender has been a kingpin.

Therefore, this afternoon’s performance was particularly disappointing given his usual reliability as well as the fact that the Hammers were in an excellent position to secure a famous victory.

Manager David Moyes will certainly have a decision to make over the Englishman’s future though with his contract set to expire next summer.

At 32, the Scotsman may be tempted to look elsewhere for a new first-choice left-back, or at least one that will provide Cresswell with more competition next season, especially if the Hammers are to compete in Europe again after being let down today.

AND in other news: 11 games, 0 goals: Bilic made “huge mistake” on WHU dud who cost £2.5m per yellow card

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira must unleash winger Michael Olise for the Eagles’ Premier League home match against Watford today.

The south London outfit recorded a deserved 2-1 win at Southampton last weekend as Wilfried Zaha’s added time strike saw Vieira’s men come from behind to secure victory on the south coast.

The Ivory Coast international didn’t start the match and neither did Olise, whilst fellow wide man Eberechi Eze scored his first goal since returning from injury.

However, on the right flank was Jordan Ayew, who has scored just twice all season and ought to be dropped. Therefore, the Palace boss has a big decision to make as to who he deploys out wide.

Olise had a 16-minute cameo last weekend at St Mary’s but, at just 20 years of age, is already a hugely exciting asset for the Eagles.

On the chalkboard

In his debut top-flight campaign, the Frenchman has scored four goals and provided a whopping eight assists across all competitions, making him the club’s joint-fifth top scorer for the season so far.

Whilst at Reading last season, Olise’s team-mate Sam Baldock described the youngster as “fearless” whilst also claiming that he is a “real talent”.

With Palace’s Premier League safety all but confirmed, Vieira can afford to tinker with his side to give him a better idea of who should remain in his plans for next season. Therefore, involving his fellow countryman from the start today offers virtually no risk whatsoever.

There’s no doubt that the £19.8m-rated playmaker will be in the 45-year-old’s mind regarding how to deploy him next season but, with so much potential, the young Frenchman deserves to see an improvement on this campaign’s 11 Premier League starts for 2022/23.

Moreover, against a Watford side hanging onto their top-flight status by a thread, the winger could certainly gain confidence from running riot against the league’s third-worst defence, which has conceded a whopping 69 goals in 34 matches.

Of course, there are other exciting talents knocking on the door to start today, but the sensation that is Olise certainly deserves to get the nod to start against the Hornets.

AND in other news: Vieira may finally axe “inevitable” 142-goal Palace dynamo as twist emerges

Liverpool have ‘registered an interest’ in signing “complete” defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider sources, the AS Monaco player is thought to be one of Liverpool’s top targets over the next few months as they look to bring him to Anfield as a long term replacement for captain Jordan Henderson and veteran James Milner.

A recruitment source told the outlet that the Reds have registered an interest in the Frenchman fter learning that Monaco are prepared to sell the player. It’s likely it will take a fee of no less than £50m to secure his services.

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However they are not the only ones interested, Football Insider also revealed last month that the Reds’ rivals for the Premier League title Manchester City also want him.

Klopp needs him

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp needs to sign a top-class midfield player this summer as he can’t keep relying on Jordan Henderson and James Milner. They are not only ageing but also aren’t up to the level of teammates Thiago and Fabinho.

The Reds have been competing on all levels this season and find themselves in a third Champions League final in five years. If they are to keep competing amongst Europe’s elite then they need to make improvements to their midfield.

Signing Tchouameni would represent that upgrade. Although he might not possess the experience or leadership of Milner or Henderson, he is better technically.

He has made 33 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco this season and has been directly involved in four goals.

If you look at his defensive actions this season he has tackled a higher percentage of dribblers than both Liverpool players with 44.3% compared to Milner’s 41.2% and Henderson’s 30.2%.

He also has a higher pass completion percentage than both of them with 86.9% compared to Milner’s 81.8% and Henderson’s 83.2%.

Overall there is not much to separate the trio but the big difference is that he has much more room for improvement, and working under a manager as good as Klopp would allow him to reach his potential and be a key player at Anfield for years.

Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of midfielder but Tchouameni should very high on the list and would be considerably cheaper than some other options.

IN other news: Liverpool could finally replace Wijnaldum by signing £23.4m-rated “elite presser”…