Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that Jamaal Lascelles is in danger of missing the team’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, reports The Shields Gazette.

What’s wrong?

The club captain suffered an ankle injury during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

The problem forced Lascelles off the pitch in the 55th minute when the Magpies were on level terms with the Cherries at 0-0.

Even though Newcastle do not take on United at Old Trafford until November 18, Benitez is unsure whether his skipper will return to fitness in time.

The Shields Gazette quotes the manager as saying:

“It’s still a bit painful. He’s been working with the physios and getting a little bit better, but it’s slow. We have to wait a couple of days, and then without inflammation we’ll see how it is.”

Could this spell trouble for Newcastle?

There is no doubt that Lascelles has been one of the team’s best performers this season.

The 23-year-old has led from the back by marshalling the defence and helping the Magpies stay in touch of he top 10.

Losing the Englishman’s quality will only hurt Newcastle, particularly against a United team with world-class talent.

Not only is Lascelles a doubt, but Mikel Merino is on the sidelines, and there are reports that the Spaniard could miss out of action until December.

Newcastle need to be wary, because if injuries start to pile up, the club could find themselves lingering around the relegation zone.

With new West Ham United manager David Moyes having time to work with some of his players during the international break and plenty of positive comments on his training methods, Irons supporters may have been hopeful of a strong performance and fancied their chances of picking up at least a point against Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The Hornets came into the clash on the back of three successive Premier League defeats after an impressive start to the campaign, while the east London outfit had the individuals that can make a difference at this level – even if the likes of Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew and Javier Hernandez missed out at the weekend – despite their own poor form.

It was a new start under the Scot, but it was the same old story. It perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise as it is difficult to get an instant turnaround in fortunes and confidence in what has been a largely disastrous campaign for the Hammers.

In truth, Will Hughes’ strike for Marco Silva’s men in the 11th minute put the hosts on their way to a comfortable victory, and even though Moyes had set his team up to be strong at the back and narrow when defending, they simply didn’t do enough to prevent either of the goals they conceded on the day.

Some notable absentees from the 18-man squad meant that the youngsters like Declan Rice, Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina took their place on the substitutes’ bench, but none of them entered the field despite the fact that the former has made five Premier League appearances this season, while the latter two have been handed opportunities in the Carabao Cup.

Instead it was the same old story for West Ham, with experienced players like Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna, Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Andy Carroll producing performances that simply were not good enough on Sunday, and the travelling support certainly let them – and the unpopular board – know their feelings throughout the match and at the final whistle.

With those so-called experienced performers either drained of confidence or simply not good enough or up for the relegation fight that the east London outfit currently find themselves in, perhaps it is time for Moyes to not only include some of the promising youngsters the club has in the squad, but start to introduce some of them into the starting line-up.

Things certainly don’t look as though they can get much worse on the pitch right now, and the animosity of the supporters towards the former Sunderland and Manchester United boss and the David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady will certainly not help matters on the pitch.

Those frustrated and angry fans will certainly have more patience, support and affinity with the players that have come through the club’s youth system, and their inclusion in the team could help to improve the atmosphere around the London Stadium and provide a boost within the crowd.

Mixing the likes of the prolific Martinez – who can’t stop scoring for the U23s – and exciting young midfielders Quina – a reported target for Manchester United – and Martin Samuelsen with Hernandez, Lanzini and Kouyate could prove to be a tactic that is particularly effective.

They would certainly add some much-needed energy and determination to a West Ham first team that has often looked laboured and lethargic this term.

David Moyes certainly now knows what a big job he has on his hands to keep the Irons away from the relegation zone this term, but a blend of experience and youth could be the key to getting the fans on side and turning the club’s season around.

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has been declared fit for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at St James’s Park.

Lascelles, who is valued at £4.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has been on the sidelines for more than one month with an ankle problem, and the Magpies have not won in his absence.

On Friday, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez revealed that the centre-back was fit for the clash with Leicester in what is a major boost for the Championship winners.

Lascelles scored twice in 11 appearances for Newcastle before picking up the problem during the 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on November 4.

The Magpies have since lost to Manchester United, Watford and Chelsea, with their only point in their last six matches coming away to West Bromwich Albion towards the end of last month.

Benitez also confirmed that Christian Atsu would return for the Leicester match, with the winger back from the thigh injury that he suffered against Bournemouth.

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As reported by Turkish outlet Fotospor, Celtic are interested in signing Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic as the club prepares to do business in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Celtic’s defence has been a key weakness in Brendan Rodgers’ side for a while now, especially in European competition where they conceded more goals than any other side in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The Hoops are likely on the hunt for a centre-back next month and there’s a new name being linked with a move to Glasgow.

Fotosport report that Celtic are interested in Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic, with the Turkish side preparing to introduce Domagoj Vida into the heart of their defence.

The outlet reckons he could be available for a fee of around £2.6m.

Who is he?

A 32-year-old Serbian international with experience across the continent, having played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Red Star Belgrade and now Besiktas, Tosic certainly has a decent playing history behind him that demonstrates he likely has the ability to perform well in the Scottish Premiership.

With plenty of European experience too, including six appearances in this season’s UEFA Champions League, the defender could help out what is a pretty young defensive line at Celtic Park.

The Hoops badly need defensive reinforcements and although he is in the latter stages of his playing career, Tosic would appear to be a player ready to come in and do a vital job in the short-term.

England’s man on the ground at the World Cup in Russia has shared scenes live from the Spartak Stadium after England beat Colombia in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Despite England fans being vastly outnumbered at the game, the supporters were certainly making themselves heard as you can see from Thogden’s video.

On a tense night in Moscow, England went 1-0 up thanks to a Harry Kane penalty, but Colombia struck back in the final minute to take things to extra time.

Who do you think will win the World Cup. Tell us here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Penalties loomed and with England’s history from the spot, things weren’t looking great for Gareth Southgate’s men, but the Three Lions triumphed 4-3 to win their first ever World Cup shoot-out.

Check out the wild reaction of the England fans in Thogden’s video above and subscribe for more World Cup content.

West Brom fans in the Transfer Tavern are optimistic for next season after a late charge in their final Premier League season.

Despite their efforts in the run in, the Baggies were unable to avoid the drop. Their poor form under Alan Pardew ultimately cost them in the race for safety. Interim manager, Darren Moore, impressed enough as temporary boss to be given the reins on a permanent basis.

He is tasked with returning the club to the Premier League as soon as possible. He lost Ben Foster to Watford but replaced him with the impressive Sam Johnstone from Manchester United in a £5m deal. Jonny Evans left the club which is a huge blow, and he needs to be replaced.

The Baggies have lined up Swansea defender, Kyle Bartley, as his replacement which will prove to be an excellent piece of business. Valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old impressed during his time with Leeds United in the Championship and the Whites had been interested in bringing the Englishman back to the club. It appears the Baggies have overtaken them in the race for his services if reports are to be believed.

For just £3.5m, Bartley is one of the best defenders in the division and is the perfect replacement for Evans. He is a strong physical defender who will have no problems with the physicality of the Championship. The former Arsenal man can be the one to lead Albion back into the big time.

West Brom fans, thoughts?

West Ham fans were discussing a move for Chelsea’s Tiemoue Bakayoko last week, but if the Hammers want a powerful midfielder alongside Jack Wilshere then look no further than Steven N’Zonzi.

What’s the story?

According to GFFN, World Cup winner N’Zonzi has a £35m release clause in his Sevilla contract.

The tough tackling midfielder has been heavily linked with Arsenal, with Sky Sports even reporting recently that the Gunners were “in talks” with Sevilla to sign him.

Unai Emery may see the towering defensive midfielder as a replacement for Granit Xhaka in his new look Arsenal team; the Swiss midfielder tends to split opinion amongst fans.

However, the Gunners have already signed Lucas Torreira, and the presence of both Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey means N’Zonzi would risk regular playing time by moving to North London.

The Hammers have done some excellent summer business already, but swooping in and stealing N’Zonzi would be worth every penny of that release clause, and could just be the final piece of Manuel Pellegrini’s puzzle.

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What’s all the fuss about?

If Pellegrini’s plan is to play 4-2-3-1 this season, then he absolute must get a powerful and smart defensive midfielder to sit alongside Wilshere. Cheikhou Kouyate is probably the best equipped for this role out of the current squad, but N’Zonzi would be an upgrade on the Senegalese international in every department.

The Frenchman is incredibly calm on the ball, using his control along with sheer strength and power to weave his way out of difficult areas in midfield before picking a pass. Passing is one of his biggest strengths, boasting an 88 per cent pass success rate in La Liga this season.

Above all else though, the 6 ft 5 N’Zonzi just knows how to control a game with his intelligence and reading of the game. He averaged over one tackle and over one interception per game last season, and these numbers would be an awful lot higher if he didn’t play for a team that likes to dominate the ball.

N’Zonzi is strong, smart and composed, and he would bring an extra element of steel and toughness to the midfield as well as having the technical skill to link up with Wilshere and the more attack-minded players. £35m for a player in the form of his life who would make the entire team more composed and solid is an absolute no brainer.

So, West Ham fans what do you think? Would N’Zonzi be a snip at £35m? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

West Ham are one of two teams chasing a deal for Miguel Almiron, but the Hammers would be a lot safer opting for Premier League proven Adam Lallana, who could find himself forced out of Liverpool.

What’s the story?

According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, both Newcastle and West Ham are interest in Atlanta United’s Almiron, who has eight goals and 11 assists this season in the MLS.

The American side value the playmaker at £20m, which is an awful lot of money for a 24 year-old who has never played in a top league.

The Hammers have done some excellent business this summer, and the right player in the number ten role could bring the best out of Marko Arnautovic, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko.

Liverpool have also been very busy, which could be bad news for Lallana. While the England playmaker has struggled with injuries in the last year or so, he still has the industriousness, vision and technical quality to be the missing piece of the puzzle in Pellegrini’s attack.

With two years left on his contract and unlikely to see much playing time at Anfield this season, the Hammers would be much better served testing the Reds’ resolve for the 30 year-old than splashing out big bucks on an MLS player.

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The missing link?

Lallana’s injury problems and struggles to nail down a first team place at Anfield have taken the gloss of his Premier League career, but the Englishman still has all the traits to be a success for several more years.

His end product is perhaps his biggest weakness, but it’s far better than he gets credit for. Since earning promotion with Southampton, he averages nearly a goal or assist every 180 minutes. When you consider he’ll be playing alongside Anderson, Yarmolenko and Arnautovic, chipping in once every two games would be more than enough.

His Transfermarkt profile lists a remarkable seven positions that he can play, which shows the sheer freedom of options he would give Pellegrini if he came to East London. His best football has undoubtedly come as a number ten though, where his constant hassling of opposition defenders and quality on the ball makes everyone around him better.

The 5 ft 8 Liverpool ace is creative, hard working, two-footed, and will chip in with the odd goal or two. He also offers far more defensively than Almiron would, which would allow the new attacking signings to shine along with Arnautovic.

The Atlanta forward of course has more pace, but the Hammers have plenty of that on their wings now, and are in desperate need of a player with Lallana’s nous to link it all together.

So, West Ham fans, youth or experience? Which playmaker would you rather sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, but they should forget about him and join the race to bring Rennes attacker Ismaila Sarr to the Premier League instead.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Times reported on July 20 that Spurs are interested in the Eagles star and that the 25-year-old has rejected a new contract offered to him by the south London club as he is hoping to secure a move to link up with Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

The Times says that Tottenham have baulked at Palace’s £70m asking price for their prized possession however, and despite his impressive form and how influential he was in Roy Hodgson’s men’s relegation escape last term, they appear unlikely to smash their transfer record for him.

Meanwhile, reports in The Sun suggest that Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all considering making a move to bring £50m-rated Senegal international Sarr to the English top flight.

Why should Spurs forget Zaha and join Sarr race?

Well, the 20-year-old made a huge impression for his country at the 2018 World Cup following a number of sparkling displays, and he looks to have huge potential for the future.

Being five years younger than Zaha could certainly be a benefit for Tottenham, who should sign a Premier League attacker to make them even more lethal on the counter-attack, in the long-term, while he appears to have similar attributes to the Ivory Coast international anyway and would be on a far lower wage than the 25-year-old’s current £100,000-a-week pay packet.

Beating a number of their rivals to the signing of Sarr would have to be seen as a coup, especially with his agent describing him as having the “same qualities as Dembele of Barcelona”, according to The Sun.

Unlike Zaha, Sarr also wouldn’t expect to be a regular starter right away, which is unlikely to be the case given Pochettino has Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min – when he returns from the Asian Games – ready to line up behind Harry Kane, but he would bring some much-needed pace and skill in wide areas.

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Tottenham fans are not happy with the latest transfer update, as it looks like young starlet Reo Griffiths could be on his way out of the club.

According to reports, both Real Madrid and PSG are interested in Griffiths, who scored a whopping 42 goals for the U18 side last season.

The 18 year-old drew major attention after Spurs’ 9-0 mauling of Arsenal, when he contributed to seven of the nine goals.

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If the youngster decides his future is not in North London, then he will leave for a cut-price fee due to his scholarship deal.

These reports add to the claims earlier on Friday that Lyon are chasing the youngster, with French outlets even claiming the Tottenham wonderkid is “on the verge” of signing for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Fans have obviously been getting frustrated with the lack of transfer activity this summer, so losing a rising star to one of Europe’s elite certainly won’t ease tensions, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…