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Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make ‘contact’ to sign Girondins de Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara, according to journalist Loïc Tanzi.

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Previously a member of the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain, the France youth international arrived at Bordeaux in 2017 on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old has flourished since, directly contributing to 11 goals in 36 senior outings for Les Girondins, and he has already attracted the attention of fellow French clubs AS Monaco and Lyon.

After Newcastle’s lengthy pursuit of compatriot Hugo Ekitike came to an end, a claim has emerged suggesting that the Magpies could be about to begin negotiations for Mara…

The latest: ‘Contact…’

Taking to Twitter, Tanzi – a journalist for reputable French outlet L’Equipe – has suggested that Newcastle are set to make their move to sign the France under-20 sensation.

He stated: “After the failure of the Ekitike track, Newcastle will embark on Sekou Mara. The Magpies will contact Bordeaux, which is asking for 15 million euros excluding bonuses and % on resale. Atletico, who need to sell first, are there too.”

The verdict: Minimal risk attached

Signing Mara at the suggested €15m (£12.7m) fee would represent a relatively risk-free investment from the St James’ Park hierarchy given the forward’s age, potential and ever-rising stock, along with the Newcastle owners’ vast riches.

While still vastly inexperienced at an elite level, the exciting teenager – who was described as an ‘all-round finisher’ by reputable analysis site Breaking The Lines – netted six times in 26 Ligue 1 outings last term, highlighting an ability to make an impact despite his tender years and his team’s relegation.

Boasting similar stylistic traits to such renowned target men as Olivier Giroud, Gianluca Scamacca and Jonathan David (FBRef), the talented teenager should be regarded as a top target for Dan Ashworth and the Tynesiders for the remainder of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United have a plan in place to complete the exciting double signing of both Armando Broja and Moussa Diaby, reports The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson.

The Lowdown: Diaby and Broja links

The chase for Diaby has been fairly well documented in recent weeks, with the Magpies identifying the Bayer Leverkusen winger as their number one target to reinforce the wide attacking position in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Broja has popped up as a target more recently after the Albania starlet was left out of Chelsea’s pre-season squad, with reports in recent days detailing interest from Tyneside, Everton and West Ham.

According to Wilson, Dan Ashworth and Co. have now set up a clever plan to secure both signings.

The Latest: Ashworth’s masterplan

The reporter writes on Twitter that ‘Newcastle want’ to secure a loan-to-buy deal for Broja, thus saving funds to put towards a deal for Diaby.

The France international is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt, has three years left on his contract at the BayArena and has Champions League football on offer with his current employers, so it’s fair to say Ashworth will need every penny he can get from the Magpies hierarchy in order to get a deal done.

According to Wilson, Newcastle are prepared to pay Chelsea’s loan demands in order to ‘divert more financial resources’ and lock up Diaby on a permanent deal.

The Verdict: Perfection

While there was plenty of excitement surrounding the arrival of Sven Botman, it’s fair to say this would be Ashworth’s finest work yet. Diaby ranked in the 91st percentile for non-penalty goals amongst attacking midfielders/wingers in Europe’s top five leagues last season, also hitting the 94th percentile for assists (FBRef).

Dubbed an ‘amazing player’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman would add the end product that his compatriot Allan Saint-Maximin has often lacked from the wing.

Broja meanwhile managed nine goals on loan at Southampton last term, a smart return for a player in his first full Premier League campaign, drawing praise for his ‘incredible pace and strength’ from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Valued at nearly £20m by Transfermarkt, signing the Blues starlet permanently now would take a massive chunk out of the transfer kitty, so a loan-to-buy deal, delaying the big payments until 2023, could be seen as a true master-class from Ashworth and the owners.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has tipped Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make the move to Aston Villa this summer.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider suggested that both Villa – as well as West Ham United – could be a good fit for the Englishman, amid reports that he is set to leave Anfield this summer.

Following speculation linking the 28-year-old to Villa Park, Jones admitted that he can see the former Arsenal man thriving for the Midlands outfit: “I think they’d [Villa and West Ham] be two good landing spots for Oxlade-Chamberlain if he does end up leaving this summer, two ambitious clubs. I think Oxlade-Chamberlain could add a lot to both sides as an attacking midfielder.”

The 35-cap international is likely to depart the Reds in the coming months with just a year remaining on his existing deal, with rumours suggesting that he could be available for as little as £10m.

Gerrard’s own De Bruyne

That could prove to be a bargain fee for a player who was signed by Jurgen Klopp from the Gunners for £35m back in 2017, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard able to welcome in a player with vast experience and undoubted talent.

Dubbed a “rough diamond” by one journalist following his move to Merseyside, Oxlade-Chamberlain remains something of an enigma at times and has been hampered by injury in recent years, although when fit and available he remains one of the most effective midfielders in the division.

That point is rubberstamped by his impressive statistical record from the past year, as he compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 4% for progressive carries and progressive passes received, the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area, as well as in the top 8% for dribbles completed.

That would illustrate a player who thrives upon driving his side up the pitch and attempting to make the difference in the final third, with such abilities having also seen him compared to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, as per FBref, with regards to their stylistic and statistical similarities.

While Oxlade-Chamberlain’s three goal contributions in the league last term were dwarfed by the Belgian’s 15 goals and eight assists, that in part has to do with the Liverpool man’s lack of game time, with linking up with Gerrard and co likely to bolster his chances of regular football.

Like De Bruyne, ‘The Ox’ is at his best when handed the chance to start in that inside right channel as part of a midfield three, with his ability to break the lines and surge forward from deep making him a real menace for any side.

The City man remains the talisman in a team full of stars under Pep Guardiola and there’s no reason why the Englishman can’t be an equally as vital figure at Villa next term if he is to make the move, with his displays only set to improve under the guidance of Gerrard – a man the £125k-per-week gem has admitted to idolizing.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Celtic have been linked with a transfer move for Shamrock Rovers winger Aidomo Emakhu ahead of the upcoming summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Irish Sun, the Parkhead club have been “keeping tabs” on the youngster after he “burst onto the scene by scoring a last-minute winner against Teuta in the Europa Conference League last August.”

The report also adds that clubs such as Roma, Wolves, Southampton and Lecce are also eyeing up the winger.

The next EdouardThe 18-year-old joined Rovers on a free transfer from fellow Irish club Shelbourne back in February 2020.Since then, the teenager has gone on to make 38 appearances for his current club across their youth and senior sides, scoring two goals in the process.After his dramatic winner against FK Teuta in their Europa Conference League first-leg tie clash back in August, Rovers manager Stephen Bradley had this to say about the youngster.He said: “I’m always conscious of when you put young boys in because you can hurt them as well, so you have to mind them. But he’s a really exciting prospect and I felt this was the right occasion for him. You can get that feeling.”He has been knocking on the door. He came on in Waterford a while back and was really good. I watched him here on Sunday for the Under-19s and I knew he was ready. I’m delighted for him as he’s a really good kid and works extremely hard.”With the Hoops saying goodbye to Odsonne Edouard during the previous summer transfer window, Postecoglou could see Emakhu as the next version of the Frenchman, using Celtic’s track record of signing young attacking players from clubs in other countries to get him.Having signed Edouard as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth prospects, who then went on to become a pivotal figure for the Bhoys by racking up 86 goals in 179 appearances, the Rovers starlet could well go on to follow in his footsteps and become a household name at Parkhead.Shamrock Rovers note how the youngster’s “speed, strength and skill have made him one to watch”, with the second attribute there very much putting him in the same category as their former Frenchman.Taking into account how the young player has shown his versatility by playing in numerous positions across the midfield and attack, this could make him an ideal long-term replacement for Edouard as he was occasionally deployed in other attacking areas beyond his usual centre-forward role whilst at Celtic.In other news: Imagine him & Turnbull: Ange can form scary Celtic duo by signing £1.08m-rated machine

West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, with the Hammers currently engaged in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit.

What’s the word?

As per 90min, the east Londoners are ‘continuing to hold talks’ with the French club in the hope of coming to an agreement for the Morocco international, with David Moyes ‘close to agreeing a fee’ for the 26-year-old.

The report suggests that the centre-back has emerged as West Ham’s ‘primary target’ to solve their defensive woes, having been caught short this season due to a lack of depth in the centre of defence.

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Nonetheless, it is believed that one of the club’s current options will still be moved on in order to accommodate the arrival of the 19-cap colossus, with previous reports suggesting that a fee of around £20m could be enough for the Irons to get their man.

West Ham’s own Pique

The arrival of the former Dijon player would no doubt be a major coup for GSB, with the £8.1m-rated defender having been dubbed a “real boss” by the French media earlier this season for his impressive form, having helped his current side secure an impressive fourth-place finish in the league.

The £8.9k-per-week gem netted twice and registered two assists in 31 league outings in the most recent campaign, while also averaging four clearances per game and winning 62% of his total duels.

His ability in possession could also prove hugely beneficial to Moyes’ side, as he ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted and in the top 16% for pass completion among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

That ball-playing ability could mean that the east Londoners may well have their own Gerard Pique on their hands, with the pair noted as similar players by FBRef due to their closely mirrored statistical profiles.

While at 34 the Barcelona icon may no longer be quite at his peak, it is Aguerd (30) who made more tackles than the Spaniard (22) in the league in 2021/22, while the Rennes defender has also come out on top for interceptions made (54 to 35).

If the West Ham target can enjoy even a fraction of the success that the Spanish legend has had, then the Premier League side will be in for a treat with Aguerd, with it rare that such a commodity comes available for what is seemingly a relative bargain price.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

Rangers were busy throughout the January transfer window as they brought in a host of new players to bolster the squad at Ibrox.

Gio van Bronckhorst was given a fresh batch of players as Mateusz Zukowski, Amad Diallo, Aaron Ramsey and James Sands all came through the door, whilst a deal was also agreed for John Souttar to join the club in the summer.

Ross Wilson worked hard to improve the Glasgow giants’ squad but, with the benefit of hindsight, he did not enjoy a perfect month.

The signing of Diallo on loan from Manchester United has been a disaster so far, as he has struggled to make a positive impact in a Rangers shirt. In six Premiership outings for the club, the Ivorian has averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.32 and lost a whopping 74% of his duels in the top flight as he has been far from good enough out on the wing.

He has not provided the additional firepower out wide that Rangers needed, with right-wingers Ianis Hagi and Scott Wright managing five goals and one assist combined in the league. Meanwhile, Ryan Kent has 20 goal contributions playing on the left as he has carried the attacking burden.

What could Wilson have done differently?

Regret for Ross Wilson

During the January transfer window, it was reported that the Gers were eyeing up a number of attacking options, and Rijeka winger Robert Muric was one of the names mentioned.

The Croatian attacker was one of their targets but the club seemingly opted against a deal for him in order to sign Diallo, given that they play in the same position.

Wilson fumbled a deal for the 26-year-old as he would have been the Kent 2.0 that Van Bronckhorst needed on the right wing.

Muric has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 22 league starts for Rijeka this season whilst averaging a fantastic SofaScore rating of 7.32. He has been chipping in with goal contributions on a regular basis whilst maintaining a high standard in his general play.

In his most recent outing for the Croatian club, he produced a goal and an assist as he recorded a SofaScore rating of 8.4 against Osijek. He ended the game with an eye-catching four key passes, completed two out of three dribbles and won two out of three ground duels, highlighting his impressive all-round display.

Muric’s sublime form for Rijeka suggests that he would have been an excellent signing for the Gers, as he has been able to score and set up goals consistently this season, which Amad has been unable to do. Therefore, Wilson must now regret his decision to opt for the Ivorian youngster instead of the in-form Croatian in January.

One that got away…

AND in other news, Fewer touches than McGregor: Rangers dud who lost possession 15 times let GvB down badly v Leipzig…

Pakistan’s troubles with the ball down under go back a long time, and it was no different in 2019

Osman Samiuddin and S Rajesh03-Dec-2019It used to be simple. It used to be that Pakistan would go to Australia and it was the batting that would lose them the series, mainly because the top order couldn’t cope with the extra bounce and pace.For the first half of this 20-year run of 14 consecutive Test defeats in Australia, this theory held firm. There were regular sub-300 scores, and a phase across the 1999-00 and 2004-05 tours where Pakistan made 155, 179, 72 and 163 in the span of six innings. There was also Sydney in 2010.In reality, what that body of batting work has done is mask the real problem: it’s the bowling, it’s (almost) always been the bowling. Gradually, over the course of the last three tours, that has become crystal clear. Pakistan’s bowling on the 2016-17 trip was their worst performance collectively. This trip cannot rank far behind and, in some ways, it’s felt even worse.Five numbers from Pakistan’s last 20 years in Australia illustrate, and to a degree explain, just how bad Pakistan’s bowlers have been in Australia and how tough they have found it.