All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Building for the long-term future, rather than just this season.

That appears to be the way that Brendan Rodgers is going to be handling the January transfer window according to journalist Jordan Blackwell.

What’s he said?

Speaking during a Q&A on Leicestershire Live, Blackwell gave an interesting insight into how the Foxes are going to be attacking the defence during the January window, and how it will affect those who are already part of the setup at the King Power Stadium:

“City will be looking for someone young with potential to improve, but who already has a decent level of experience. They will then compete with Benkovic to be City’s third-choice centre-half, behind Evans and Soyuncu, with Morgan likely to leave in the summer at the end of his contract.”

Watch Leicester City Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Standing by the old guard, for now

It’s a pretty good indication that this Leicester project that Rodgers is currently overseeing at the King Power isn’t going to be coming to an end any time soon.

With all the talk in the media about whether or not he should be considered for a ‘bigger job’, it looks as if he’s set to try and make the job he already has a ‘big’ one.

It shows that rather than just focusing on this season, and bringing someone in who can usurp someone like Jonny Evans from the starting line-up as they make a push for Champions League football, that he’s looking long term.

It would be so easy to just simply gamble everything on this season and trying to achieve everything in one go. However, by the looks of it, Rodgers is looking to use this campaign as a platform to make sure that this sort of thing isn’t simply down to the ‘blip’ the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are having right now.

If they do fall short this season, then they are in a perfect position to try it all again next season. Although ideally, they’ll be able to do well across both of them rather than prioritising one over the other.

Unai Emery has plentiful options to call upon in the attacking positions at Aston Villa currently, with many stars even waiting in the wings patiently outside of the first-team mix.

Jhon Duran has six goals in all competitions this campaign, with four of those strikes coming in the Premier League, even with the Colombian attacker not having started a game yet in the division this season.

Of course, the main leading man in the spotlight remains as Ollie Watkins, who will be eager to kick on and score more goals for the West Midlands outfit when the international break is over and done with.

Watkins' form this season

Away from firing some frustrating blanks last time out against Erik ten Hag’s determined Manchester United, Watkins has been a potent striker for his team again this campaign, having found the back of the net four times from nine clashes in all competitions.

He would play a major role in Emery’s men not falling to a surprise defeat to Ipswich Town before their Champions League heroics versus Bayern Munich, with a goal and an assist at Portman Road from the former Exeter City attacker steering Villa to a 2-2 draw.

Also connecting with this Lucas Digne cross to kickstart a comeback against Everton on home soil back in September, Watkins is now onto 74 goals from 178 games in total strutting his stuff at Villa Park, as the goals continue to keep flowing.

Yet, that doesn’t mean Emery and Co haven’t got their eyes on other deadly forwards to further improve the side, with this Bundesliga sharpshooter reportedly on their shopping list.

Aston Villa's search for a striker

As reported by Sky Sports Germany, Villa set their sights on attempting to secure the services of Eintracht Frankfurt ace Omar Marmoush this summer, with Nottingham Forest also keen on securing his signature – with a fee of £28m having been touted.

The Midlands sides now face competition from the likes of Liverpool and other Premier League rivals for his coveted signature, as per the report, after an explosive season to date in the German top flight.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Marmoush

Games played

6

Goals scored

8

Assists

4

Expected goals (xG)

4.05

Shots*

4.9

Goal conversion %

29%

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

6

Marmoush has a staggering 12 goal contributions next to his name this season from only six Bundesliga appearances, which included a last-gasp equaliser last time out versus Bayern, as the Egyptian ace helped his team draw the dramatic contest 3-3.

As a result, the in-demand attacker blows Duran’s own impressive numbers out of the water, with his electric form for Frankfurt alerting the likes of Liverpool consequently to his services, who could view Marmoush as a natural successor to Salah’s throne at Anfield.

Also capable of slotting into the Frankfurt side down the left wing, the terrifying number seven could link up with Watkins in attack and wreak havoc onto Premier League defences if snapped up, with Marmoush equally content with teeing up teammates for chances of their own away from basking in the goalscoring limelight himself.

Labelled as an “outstanding” talent by current boss Dino Toppmoller – who also noted his “blistering pace” – this season off the back of such impressive form, Villa will know a steep offer will have to put on the table for Marmoush’s services.

TEAMtalk now believe a figure in the ballpark of £40m would be tempting enough for Frankfurt to part ways with their star man, as a bidding war looms potentially on the horizon when the transfer window reopens.

Emery will obviously be happy with what he already has at his disposal, but adding in an attacker of Marmoush’s quality would make his side even more of a troubling prospect to come up against, away from Watkins and Duran ripping it up.

After Duran: Aston Villa must hand a massive wage increase to amazing star

Aston Villa have various players who are now deserving of a better contract.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 9, 2024

It bears testament to Eddie Howe’s tactical nous and management skills that Newcastle United have made headway throughout the first few chapters of the 2024/25 campaign without ever really rising from second gear.

The next few months will serve as a proper yardstick of where Newcastle’s direction is headed this term, however, but one thing’s for certain, Howe might come to rue the failure to bolster up front this summer.

William Osula was signed from Sheffield United in a £15m package, but the 21-year-old striker lacks polish and fluency and falls under the bracket of ‘work in progress’.

Newcastle's attack in 2024/25

Newcastle needed to strengthen their frontline with some meat, but didn’t. That said, he avoided the loss of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, with both hotly pursued after the 2023/24 campaign.

Isak is one of the Premier League’s best strikers, praised as “world-class” and a “nightmare” by well-known pundit Harry Redknapp. It’s a measure of his ability that the Swede scored 21 goals from just 30 Premier League matches last season, missing just 21 big chances too.

Gordon was crowned the Magpies’ Player of the Season after a resounding campaign, and though he was linked with a return to Liverpool, who he played for as a youth, it looks like the dynamic winger is going to sign a new contract at St. James’ Park.

Neither have started the current campaign on the firmest footing, it must be said. Isak’s old injury issues have crept back in and he is sidelined for this weekend’s game against Everton after missing the past two. He has scored one goal across six games this term.

Gordon hasn’t been brilliant either, bagging from close range against Bournemouth and converting a penalty in last week’s impressive draw against Manchester City, but not hitting full stride just yet.

It would have been nice to have landed Michael Olise on the right flank this summer, with the France international the missing piece of Howe’s attacking puzzle.

Newcastle fumbled the bag with Michael Olise

Olise is tearing it up with Bayern Munich, having left the Premier League with a storming end to the 2023/24 season, wreaking havoc at Crystal Palace.

He was a coveted prospect alright. Chelsea and Manchester United wanted to snap him up but he felt his talents would sparkle in the Bundesliga, and so he transferred to Bayern in a deal worth £50m, which comes across as something of a bargain for one so talented, so jaw-dropping in their performances.

Chelsea had been joined by Newcastle in contacting Palace chairman Steve Parish to ask about signing the dynamo, with it believed, as per Sky Sports, that Newcastle would have accelerated their interest if Miguel Almiron was sold – but, of course, he wasn’t.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

With eight goals and three assists across his first eight appearances for the German giants, Olise, aged 22, is proving himself to be one of the finest talents in Europe, though rubber-stamping would be a better term to use, given he was clearly of the first standard while plying his art on English shores.

Goals scored

0.64

0.31

Assists

0.42

0.31

Shots taken

3.95

2.49

Shot-creating actions

5.79

4.45

Pass completion

75%

76%

Progressive passes

5.51

3.15

Progressive carries

4.80

4.30

Successful take-ons

2.82

1.68

Ball recoveries

4.79

3.89

Tackles

1.34

1.71

Interceptions

0.78

0.22

It’s not just his displays this term that point toward his level stretching above that of Isak and Gordon, impressive though they are, for Olise outplayed Gordon, Newcastle’s 2023/24 MVP, quite handsomely.

He was regarded as “one of the Premier League’s best players” last season by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and Newcastle must wish things had turned out differently.

Forget Gordon & Isak: Howe must unleash surprise Newcastle ace instead

Eddie Howe must make a few changes to his starting XI against AFC Wimbledon

ByRoss Kilvington Oct 1, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally dreams of signing a “very creative” midfielder, with the Gunners set to be front of the queue for his services next year.

Players linked with moves to Arsenal in 2025

The north Londoners and sporting director Edu Gaspar are already making transfer plans for next year, despite being fresh out of the summer transfer window with £100 million spent on five new additions.

£136 million Brazil international could now be offered to Arsenal

The South American superstar would be quite a capture.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 25, 2024

While the likes of Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling arrived to contribute further forward, the bulk of Arsenal’s new signings were brought in to bolster Arteta’s defence, so the club could look to add more attacking flair in 2025.

After missing out on a deal for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal made an offer for alongside both Chelsea and Man United, Arteta chose to keep faith in makeshift option Kai Havertz to lead the line – as he attempts to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title.

However, that isn’t to say they aren’t monitoring new centre-forward options for next year, with Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, Sesko and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres among the strikers linked with moves to Arsenal in 2025.

Arsenal also couldn’t agree a deal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, despite agreeing terms with the Spaniard (Fabrizio Romano), but it is believed that Edu could go back in for Garcia – regardless of Neto’s arrival on summer deadline day.

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

There have even been rumours that Arsenal could be offered Real Madrid star Rodrygo in a swap deal for defender William Saliba, although the Gunners are highly unlikely to accept this as he is a crucial player for Arteta.

Mikel Arteta dreams of signing Florian Wirtz for Arsenal

According to The Boot Room, Arsenal’s manager has a real preference in mind when it comes to transfer targets – Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

Germany’s sensation played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s run to the Bundesliga title last season, and is attracting interest from elite European sides as a result.

Arteta is obsessed with the idea of signing Wirtz for Arsenal, as per TBR, and it is believed they will be right at the very front of the queue for his signature next year with the 21-year-old expected to leave.

The £73,000-per-week attacking midfielder won’t come cheap, though, as he will command a price tag of around £125 million.

“Florian is just a huge asset for this team through his carefree nature,” said former Germany boss Hansi Flick. “He’s simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He’s got a good total package.”

The door could well be open for Tottenham Hotspur to strike a deal for Japanese international, Daichi Kamada, following the midfielder's recent exit from Eintracht Frankfurt.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

According to 90min, the Lilywhites have reportedly been offered the chance to land the free agent this summer following the collapse of his proposed move to AC Milan, with the north Londoners – as well as Newcastle United – having been 'informed' about the 26-year-old's situation.

As per the piece, the 6 foot sensation – who has been without a club since coming to the end of his contract at Frankfurt last month – had reached an agreement regarding a move to San Siro, albeit with subsequent changes to the hierarchy at the Serie A outfit leading to the club pulling out of a deal.

This follows reports in Germany that revealed Tottenham's interest in the former Sagan Tosu man heading into the January transfer window, following the playmaker's impact at the World Cup in the winter.

Who is Daichi Kamada?

The 29-cap dynamo notably started all four games for his country during their run to the last-16 in Qatar, having also impressed in the Bundesliga last term after scoring nine goals and chipping in with six assists from his 32 league outings.

Prior to that, Kamada had been part of the Frankfurt side that claimed Europa League glory during the 2021/22 campaign, notably scoring five goals in 13 appearances in the competition that season, including in the first-leg, semi-final victory over West Ham United.

As journalist Josh Bunting stated back in August, the exciting gem is not only an "incredible talent" but is also simply a "joy to watch", hence why the likes of Spurs and Newcastle have been paying such close attention to him of late.

If Ange Postecoglou is to seal a deal for Kamada ahead of those rival suitors over the coming weeks, the 57-year-old could seemingly find a perfect partner for recent addition, James Maddison in the centre of the park, with the latter man having joined on a £40m deal from Leicester City.

With the ex-Celtic boss likely to utilise his preferred 4-3-3 formation next season which includes two advanced midfielders – or number eight's – then the Greek-Aussie could be able to slot Kamada in alongside Maddison in that system.

Like the Englishman – who notably averaged 1.7 tackles per game in the Premier League in 2022/23 – the Frankfurt machine can also muck in defensively having averaged 1.6 tackles per game last term.

Also lauded as a player with "intelligent movement in and around the box", according to Bunting, Kamada showcased a real desire to get forward and impact proceedings in the final third as he ranks in the top 10% among midfielders for touches in the attacking penalty area, with Maddison sharing that front-foot approach as he ranks in the top 1% in that regard.

The duo are also alike due to their ability to net themselves or tee up others with quality service, with the former Foxes ace – who registered 19 goal involvements in the top-flight last season – ranking in the top 1% for both non-penalty goals and assists, while Kamada is not too far behind as he ranks in the top 5% and the top 15% for those same two metrics, respectively.

To potentially have two players who possess that same attacking and creative intent is a truly exciting prospect as far as Spurs are concerned, with it no doubt set to be a real bargain if Postecoglou can snap up the in-demand asset on a free.

The situation around Chelsea's transfer target Moises Caicedo is "absolutely concrete" at the moment, and the club is working on the deal "behind the scenes", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea transfer news – What's the latest on Moises Caicedo?

Stamford Bridge has been a hive of activity this transfer window, and whilst their cross-city rivals Arsenal might be the talk of the town so far for their additions, Chelsea have been one of the busiest club in England thus far.

That busyness stems from their player sales, however, with the club confirming the departure of eight senior players thus far, with the likely exit of at least a few more, with American superstar Christian Pulisic and Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech looking destined to leave west London.

The Pensioners have the free-spending Saudi Pro League to thank for a lot of their success in offloading players so far, with N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly all making their way to the Middle East's burgeoning super league.

All that new money that has hit Chelsea's pockets has also given the club more room to manoeuvre in the transfer market, so the Blues have turned their attention towards Brighton & Hove Albion's star man, Moises Caicedo.

The midfield dynamo has become the club's priority target this summer, with Ecuadorian journalist Diego Acros telling the Evening Standard that the Blues' opening offer will be £75m plus £10m in add-ons but that the Seagulls want £100m.

Fans of the west London club shouldn't worry, however, as the clubs are in constant discussions, and this isn't a traditional deal where one side bids and the other rejects it until they finally agree. Instead, the sides are in dialogue over how to make this work, per Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"I am told that the situation is absolutely concrete and on between Chelsea and Brighton. I already explained to you many times that Chelsea and Brighton decided to go with different kind of negotiation, not the normal making an official bid and official answer.

"In this case, they are speaking club to club. It's going to take some days let's see how long it will take this negotiation. But, It's ongoing, Chelsea [and] Brighton are speaking discussing, so Chelsea are working on this Caicedo deal behind the scenes."

How good is Moises Caicedo?

There is very little doubt about Caicedo's quality; likewise, there is little doubt that should Chelsea go out and get their man, he would be able to make an instant impact in west London.

Despite it being his first full season in the Premier League, 'El Nino Moi', as he is known back home, managed to average a very impressive rating of 6.92 across his 37 appearances in the league, per WhoScored.

His performances drew praise from some of the biggest names in the game as well, with Barcelona superstar Pedri saying:

"The one I've seen who has most surprised me was the one from Ecuador, Moises Caicedo. He's very good, he's top, I like him a lot."

Unsurprisingly, his own boss, Roberto De Zerbi has waxed lyrical about the midfield maestro, saying:

"Caicedo is one of the best players for us."

His underlying numbers are brilliant as well, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 6% for pass completion, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 13% for tackles and the top 15% for attempted passes, all per 90.

If Chelsea can add Caicedo's steely determination to the centre of their midfield, they could do more than just challenge for the top four again next year.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is urging chairman Daniel Levy to make a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to a report.

Is Joao Palhinha leaving Fulham this summer?

Back in June, Palhinha appeared to indicate that a move is off the table this summer, stating that he is "very happy" at Fulham and wants to stay, however, that has not stopped a number of top clubs from making their interest clear.

The Daily Mail report that the Cottagers would be willing to let the Portugal international leave during this window, but only if their £90m asking price is paid in full, amid interest from Barcelona, who have identified him as a target to replace Sergio Busquets.

In recent weeks, the likes of West Ham United and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, and Postecoglou is now eager for Spurs to make their first move, in light of the growing interest from elsewhere.

According to a report from The Sun (via TEAMtalk), the Tottenham boss is urging Levy to make a concrete move for the Fulham star, however, any deal is likely to set Tottenham back a new club-record fee.

Despite paying just £20m for the midfielder a year ago, Fulham now value him at £90m, and Spurs are mulling over a deal which is well in excess of their club-record of the £60m paid for Richarlison.

Postecoglou hopes to convince Levy to launch a bid, and the Lilywhites could look to finance the deal by selling the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

Is Palhinha signing for Tottenham?

Tottenham are yet to make any firm moves for the Portuguese maestro, so a deal is still some way off, but he could be an excellent addition to Postecoglou's squad, should the interest become more concrete.

The former Sporting CP man made a whopping 147 tackles in the Premier League last season, 47 more than any other player in the top flight, showcasing his phenomenal defensive ability, and he also ranks in the 92nd percentile for aerials won per 90 in the past year.

Hailed as a "beast" by members of the media, there is every indication the central midfielder is entering his prime with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, however, there are still question marks about whether he should be targeted by Spurs.

Palhinha turns 28 later this month, so it may not be financially prudent to spend £90m on a player who is approaching the latter stages of his career, especially considering he has only proven himself in the Premier League over the course of one season.

Rangers are attempting to seal the signing of Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers as manager Michael Beale personally works behind the scenes, according to reports.

Who will join Rangers this summer?

The Gers resume action mid-way through July when they take on Premier League side Newcastle United in a friendly, the first of three next month, with Beale also preparing for games against Hamburg and Hoffenheim.

Scottish Premiership action resumes on 5th August, giving Rangers over a month to strengthen in key areas and keep adding quality to Beale's roster.

The Teddy Bears had to watch on as Old Firm rivals Celtic clinched a domestic treble, and with their previously successful manager Brendan Rodgers returning to Parkhead, Rangers need to be fully prepared.

Beale, despite the lack of a sporting director, has already seen Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Sam Lammers come arrive in that order.

Spending just £3 million in the process, with all of it going on Lammers from Atalanta, Rangers have tackled this transfer market with gusto thus far.

However, they're not finished there, as a report from The Herald details the latest on their activities behind-the-scenes at Ibrox.

According to the outlet, and senior Gers reporter Christopher Jack, Beale personally been driving their window so far – identifying targets himself and personally building the relationships necessary to get them over the line.

Following the confirmed arrivals, it is believed Rangers work is "ongoing" to "secure" striker Dessers from Cremonese – and discussions have been held for other players in recent days.

The Glasgow giants are attempting to keep up their market momentum and certainly won't rest on their laurels, with Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes still on their radar.

Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo is being targeted as well, though a move is not thought to be imminent at this stage.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The 28-year-old was one of Cremonese's most potent threats over the 2022/23 Serie B season, averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Dessers scored six goals and added a further two assists overall, with former Heracles technical director Tim Gilissen heaping praise on the forward after he left them back in 2020.

"Cyriel has shown that being a professional footballer means more than just football," said Giliseen.

"He is an exemplary professional and enjoyed participating in many social projects. He has shown what impact this has in the area and was an ambassador for Heracles Almelo."

Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has reportedly agreed terms with 50-year-old manager Brendan Rodgers to take on the vacant post at Parkhead this week.

The Northern Irish tactician is set to be officially announced as the successor to Ange Postecoglou, who joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, at some point today.

Sky Sports recently claimed that the former Leicester City boss will be backed by the board in the summer transfer window with a view to making the team competitive on the European stage.

Who is Kwadwo Opoku?

It was recently reported that Celtic are one of the clubs interested in signing promising Los Angeles FC winger Kwadwo Opoku, who could be available for a fee of up to €4.8m (£4.1m) this summer.

He is a left-footed attacker who mainly operates down the right flank and that could make the talented youngster Rodgers' next version of former Hoops forward Patrick Roberts.

During the ex-Liverpool manager's first spell in Scotland, the Englishman spent two seasons on loan from Manchester City and racked up 12 goals and 24 assists in 65 outings for the club across all competitions under his management.

The now-Sunderland ace was a creative outlet who started on the right and used his preferred left foot to cut inside in order to make things happen in the final third.

Opoku could follow in his footsteps based on his impressive form in the MLS for LAFC throughout 2022.

The 21-year-old dynamo, whose performances last year were hailed as "magnificent" by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, scored eight goals and provided three assists in 20 starts for his side, with all eight strikes coming on his favoured foot.

However, his assist total did not tell the full story as the Ghanaian maestro created an eye-catching 11 'big chances' for his teammates and this suggests, given that Celtic's Jota registered 11 assists from 13 'big chances' created, that his fellow attackers let him down.

The MLS Cup winner, who has produced two goals and two assists across 11 MLS starts this year, has been compared to Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also listed the gem's "flair" as one of his strengths.

Opoku is an exciting young talent who could be an excellent long-term addition to Celtic's squad, whilst also being able to provide quality in the final third as immediately as next season if he can replicate his MLS form from 2022.

Therefore, Rodgers could land his next version of the left-footed wizard that was Roberts at Parkhead by working with Desmond to secure a deal for the £4.1m wide man this summer.

Newcastle United will likely be in the transfer market this summer to bolster their impressive squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, after qualifying for the first time in two decades.

Whilst Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the rapid progress and success the players have displayed over the last campaign, there will be no room for sentiment when it comes to competing at the highest level on the European stage with some of the biggest and most successful clubs in football.

In terms of quality squad depth, the Tynesiders have been riding their luck over the last 12 months with the attacking threat the only area of the pitch that boasts a number of players who have maintained the high standards that Howe has needed to successfully compete.

However, there is definitely room for improvement at every opportunity and Dan Ashworth will be tasked with the responsibility of bringing in new additions who can help Newcastle make the step-up to compete at the highest level consistently on both the European stage and in domestic competition.

One player who has been linked this week with a potential £70m move to the North East is RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai, a versatile attacker who can adopt a number of roles in the advanced positions on the pitch to offer Howe another modern multi-dimensional threat.

Who is Dominik Szoboszlai?

The 22-year-old has been attracting attention from not only Newcastle but league rivals Liverpool this summer, and it's not hard to see why both Howe and Jurgen Klopp – who share a similar attacking-minded philosophy – are taking an interest in the young talent.

Szoboszlai has taken on a number of positions successfully over his short career so far, most commonly featuring in central midfield, attacking midfield, left midfield, right wing and left wing with 26 appearances or more in each, demonstrating his unique versatility on the pitch.

However, considering the Hungary international is incredibly prolific in providing goal contributions – with 64 goals and 73 assists tallied up over 226 career appearances to date – it is clear that his best attributes are found in front of goal.

As a result, Howe could form an unstoppable partnership between Szoboszlai and Newcastle's popular striker Alexander Isak with the pair combining their incredible skill sets to cause nightmares for opponents in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Isak has taken the top flight by storm since arriving last summer and despite a slow start has shown glimpses of his explosive talent that prompted the Magpies to splash £63m on the Swedish striker, with a goal contribution tallied up every 141 minutes so far which has helped Newcastle achieve their European dreams.

On top of that, the 23-year-old plays a unique role using his pace and stamina to offer something completely different to his position competitor Callum Wilson, with the England star adopting a more classic number nine role as a target man whilst Isak gets up and down the pitch to drive the ball into dangerous positions.

The Swede ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries, progressive passes, tackles and successful take-ons, further demonstrating his unorthodox approach to the striker role which could see him become an ideal partner for Szoboszlai.

The RB Leipzig ace – dubbed a "generational talent" by journalist Marcel Moeller – ranks in the top 20% for his progressive passes like Isak, but ranks much higher in the top 9% for shot-creating actions proving that he could provide some much-needed creativity to really get the best from the Toon striker next season.

With that being said, it would be a big coup if Ashworth could complete the signing of Szoboszlai this summer as he could not only boost goal contributions next season but bring attributes that could improve the play of those around him too.