VAR Misses Blatant Handball In 1-1 Newcastle Draw

Referee Jarred Gillett and his VAR team may have made a big mistake when not awarding a penalty against Newcastle United after a potential handball by Dan Burn.

What's the latest on Chelsea vs Newcastle United?

Having already sealed their spot in the Champions League, the Magpies took on Chelsea hoping to finish third in the Premier League.

The Blues, on the other hand, could have finished as high as 11th. But a 1-1 draw – as well as results elsewhere not going their way – meant both teams finished fourth and 12th respectively.

At Stamford Bridge, Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, as well as his account in a Newcastle shirt, as he finished from close range after just nine minutes.

However, Chelsea had levelled the scores before halftime as Kieran Trippier put the ball into his own net after a driven cross was fired low into the box.

Later on in the game, the home side looked as though they would take the lead when Raheem Sterling fired at goal only to see his shot deflect just wide.

However, as shown in the image below from Sunday's Match of the Day, his shot took a deflection off the outstretched arm of Burn as it was diverted off target.

Was it a handball by Dan Burn?

In the moment, referee Gillett either didn't spot it or else didn't feel as though it was a handball and VAR evidently felt as though it wasn't enough of an error for them to get involved.

However, as the image shows, the ball clearly hits Burn's arm which prevents it from hitting the back of the net. With that in mind, had Gillett pointed to the spot live, it feels as though VAR wouldn't have prevented a penalty from being awarded.

Speaking to the press after the game, Chelsea boss Lampard didn't specifically complain about this incident but he did feel as though his team deserved victory.

He told BBC Sport: "We played like a Chelsea team should at home.

"We had more threat, more confident than we've been and we created chances. They did too but they are a good team; nothing to play for gave them freedom.

"You have to be careful not to get into a transitional game with Newcastle because they are a running team."

Howe, on the other hand, was happy to just reflect on what's been a great season, saying:

"The away support we've had this year has been incredible.

"A lot has been made of St James' Park, but the numbers we've taken wherever we've gone and the noise they create is phenomenal. It was great to perform in front of them today."

Leeds In Talks With 43-Year-old Over Manager’s Job

Leeds United are in talks with Steven Gerrard over becoming their next manager this summer, according to a new report regarding the situation.

What's the latest Leeds manager news?

The Whites are working hard on nailing Sam Allardyce's successor at Elland Road, with the veteran's time in charge coming to an end last week. His appointment felt short-term and his primary job was to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but he couldn't work his magic and a younger alternative is now being eyed up.

A host of names have already been mooted as Leeds' potential next boss, with Gerrard thought to be right in the middle of the conversation, despite a disappointing spell at Aston Villa. The 43-year-old is far from the only target, however, as the Whites also eye up the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Carlos Corberan, among others.

As the pursuit continues, a new update has emerged that further suggests Gerrard could among be the front-runners to take the reins moving forward.

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Is Gerrard a front-runner to take charge?

According to Football Transfers, Leeds are having discussions with the Liverpool legend over the vacant manager's post at Elland Road, although they aren't the only club he is talking to:

"In other coaching news, we hear that Steven Gerrard is talking to Leeds and Leicester City over their vacant managerial position."

Gerrard would be an exciting appointment in some ways, given his reputation as a legendary footballing figure, having produced so much magic in a Liverpool shirt, arguably standing out as one of the greatest players England have ever produced.

That being said, the jury is still out with him when it comes to his managerial expertise, even though he won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers back in 2020/21 in his first senior management role – something that has been very rare of late, given Celtic's dominance in the competition.

Gerrard flattered to deceive at Villa, however, and Unai Emery has turned them into a completely different animal since taking charge, which shows that he still has plenty to learn in management. There is a feeling that the likes of him and Frank Lampard are handed jobs because of their playing careers and high-profile statuses, which is why some Leeds fans may be wary of his appointment.

In fairness, though, he is still a title-winning manager who remains young in his field, and he could see the Whites as the perfect opportunity to prove his worth, showing that Villa was a slight blip in a managerial career that will otherwise flourish.

49ers Can Land Roca Upgrade At Leeds With £20k-p/w Star

It is all systems go at Leeds United as they begin a new chapter under the full ownership of 49ers Enterprise, potentially meaning some exciting new players arriving this summer.

In the days before and since confirmation of that takeover was made public, United have been linked with an array of players – some more attainable than others.

With no sporting director nor manager currently in place, there is still a period of uncertainty ahead at Elland Road. However, if recent reports are anything to go by, plans are already firmly in place to bolster their squad ahead of their first Championship season since 2019-20.

According to a report by SampNews24, 5 foot 10 Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks is among those being targeted by Leeds in what would be an audacious move on the face of it.

Where would Harry Winks fit in at Leeds United?

Winks spent the past campaign on loan with Sampdoria, who have ironically just been purchased by Radrizzani, and made 20 Serie A appearances.

With Sampdoria dropping into the second tier after finishing with just 19 points from their 38 matches, they are not expected to take up the option to sign Winks permanently, meaning he could be up for grabs this summer.

Dropping into the Championship would be considered a fall from grace for a player who seemingly had the world at his feet not so long ago. Indeed, Spurs team-mate Danny Rose described Winks as a "little Iniesta" in 2018 and backed him to become a key midfielder for England.

Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca.

That has not quite been the case, with the most recent of his caps coming in 2020, but Winks will be eager to get his career back on track – even if that means taking a cut on the reported £20,000 a week he was earning last season.

Even accounting for his time with a struggling Samp side, Winks still ranks highly for interceptions (1.26 per 90), clearances (1.26) and progressive passes (6.14) over the past year, as per FBref, with that a better record than that of Marc Roca, for instance, who averaged just 0.89, 0.93 and 6.69 for the same two metrics, respectively.

It is fair to say a move to an elite club is unlikely for Winks this summer, assuming new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou does not attempt to retain the midfielder, but their loss could be another team's gain – especially in the case of a Leeds side with ambitions of earning an immediate promotion.

United could do with a ball-playing midfielder, which is an area Winks thrives. The Spurs academy product averaged 45.7 passes per league game last season, as per WhoScored – only Tyler Adams (55.3) and Diego Llorente, who both look set to leave Elland Road, ranked higher among Leeds players.

Roca, the man Winks would likely replace, averaged just 37.8 passes, with the struggling Spaniard – who has been linked with a surprise move to Barcelona of late – having been described as "embarrassing" by content creator Conor McGilligan due to his dismal form.

Winks' ability to keep play ticking over earned him the nickname of "the washing machine" by Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, and it is that calmness on the ball – plus the motivation to prove a point – that could seriously bolster Leeds' promotion hopes if they pull off the coup.

Spurs Could Land Grealish 2.0 With £25m Move At Hotspur Way

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could start life in London with a bang by completing the signing of Bristol City teenager Alex Scott.

What's the latest on Alex Scott to Aston Villa?

According to journalist Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Tottenham have invested time and attention to the development of Scott this year and could now look to make their move to tie up a deal with the transfer window in full swing.

He said: "One of the stories to look out for this summer involves Alex Scott. He has been coveted by loads of Premier League teams previously, including Tottenham and Leeds, but at the moment, no one seems willing to offer the £25m Bristol City want for him.

“He’s a really good player, so I think it's only a matter of time before something happens.”

Tottenham have been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old since March following Bristol City's defeat to eventual champions Manchester City in the FA Cup, earning praise for his "fearless" performance by The Times' Henry Winter.

Bournemouth, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also vying for his signature, but Postecoglou will be determined to sign a prodigious talent who could catalyse the club's desired resurgence.

Should Tottenham sign Alex Scott?

Hailed as the "Guernsey Grealish" for his striking resemblance to the City phenom, Jack Grealish, Scott has exhibited his prowess in dribbling and ball-carrying, with his display against the Sky Blues setting him apart from the swathes of hopefuls, earning a Sofascore match rating of 7.0 after succeeding with four of his five attempted dribbles and winning 11 of his 15 attempted duels,

Given that Manchester City's £100m man also remarked that Scott is a "top talent", he seems to have the approval of a man distinguished and admired as one of the Premier League's most naturally talented players around, capable of petrifying opposition with his gliding gait.

This season, he recorded an average league rating of 6.83, making 40 starting appearances, scoring one goal and supplying four assists, completing 79% of his passes and making 1.8 tackles per game.

As per FBref, given that he ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons per 90, he could well emulate Grealish as he continues his burgeoning rise.

Grealish, comparatively, ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90, which only further illustrates the superlative company Scott finds his name likened to.

While Tottenham have failed in their endeavours this season and concluded the campaign with an eighth-placed finish, thus confirming an absence from European competition to strike a detrimental blow to hopes of brighter fortunes.

Scott's acquisition could be a turning point, unleashing a new wave of prosperity on a proud football club desperate for silverware once more.

Tottenham: Spurs Eyeing £15M Bargain Signing

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Fenerbache attacking midfielder Arda Guler alongside AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, according to journalist Chris Wheatley.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

A creative playmaker is among the positions needed at Spurs with new manager Ange Postecoglou reportedly targeting a number of candidates.

Leicester City star James Maddison, who was a standout with his performances at the King Power Stadium last season, is seen as a top target with reports suggesting they’re set to do battle with Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has also been sporadically linked, as football.london claimed Tottenham emerged as “surprise” contenders for his signature last week.

Other areas of the squad set to be bolstered are in-between the sticks, especially with Hugo Lloris admitting he could leave this summer, and it is widely reported that Spurs are set to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli in a £16.4 million deal.

Tottenham are also chasing a new centre-back to patch their leaky defence which conceded more league goals than any other side above 15th last season.

For the attacking midfield area, Maddison and Gallagher appear on the agenda, but National World journalist Wheatley also claims that Spurs want to sign Fenerbache wonderkid Guler.

Fenerbahce midfielder Arda Guler.

The 18-year-old, who is highly sought-after abroad, is attracting interest from Milan, Barca and Dortmund but Tottenham are well in the mix.

Guler has apparently met with Fenerbache president Ali Koç this week to discuss his future amid this serious interest, with the dazzling teenager also possessing an attractive €17.5 million (£15m) release clause in his contract.

Who is Arda Guler?

Regardless of his young age, Guler has showcased exactly why top clubs are circling for his signature.

Over his 20 league appearances for Fenerbache last season, the Turkey international weighed in with seven goal contributions (four goals, three assists) and bested all of his teammates for certain stats.

Indeed, Guler averaged more key passes per 90 in the final third than any Fenerbache player over 2022/2023, and only Emre Mor completed a higher number of successful take-ons than the starlet (WhoScored).

World Cup winner and former AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo has also tipped him for stardom, branding Guler a player of serious “quality” and potential.

“Arda Guler is a very talented player,” Pirlo said.

“He has the potential to play anywhere in the world. He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.”

Southampton Unwilling To Let £8m January Signing Leave

According to reports, Southampton are making life difficult for Croatian Mislav Orsic to leave the club on a permanent deal.

How many goals has Mislav Orsic scored?

Orsic was signed by the Saints in January in a bid to save their season from resulting in relegation. The ex-Premier League side signed the Croatian international for £8million from Dinamo Zagreb.

The 30-year-old however failed to play, making only one Premier League appearance amounting to six minutes. Orsic did feature in the League Cup and FA Cup making four appearances across the two, but was an incredibly underwhelming signing.

This a far-cry from his 13 goals and eight assists in 27 appearances for Dinamo prior to the move, including two in the Champions League.

Orsic also featured heavily for Croatia at the World Cup, making six appearances with two assists in the process along with the winning goal in his nation's 2-1 win over Morocco in the third place play-off.

The only way to describe Orsic's time on the south coast is disappointing, a player who clearly has ability, but hasn't been given the time to show it or maybe the level is above him.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Third-Place Playoff – Croatia v Morocco – Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar – December 17, 2022 Croatia'sMislavOrsiccelebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Therefore, it is no surprise that talk of a departure has been prominent. Despite this, reports from Sabah via Sport Witness have described Southampton's unwillingness to let the Croatian go.

The report mentions Turkish side Trabzonspor as the keenest party. However, the reluctance to agree a fee by Saints and owners Sport Republic means the suitors are beginning to look elsewhere.

It is explained by the outlet that the Süper Lig side 'want to add' Orsic however talks have 'not yet made any progress' in relation to a potential loan deal.

Orsic is described as a 'priority' for Trabzonspor, but the club are turning their attention to Guinean free agent François Kamano due to the English side playing hard ball and annoying the buyers.

What's the latest with Southampton's transfer news?

Southampton look likely to lose their prized asset. The latest report paints Arsenal as 'close to agreement' on a deal for midfielder Romeo Lavia. It has been said there are several top Premier League sides keen on Lavia, including Manchester United as reported by talkSPORT.

23-year-old winger Nathan Tella is another linked with departing Saint Mary's, with The Sun say the Saints will demand £15m for the winger who scored 17 Championship goals last season for Burnley. The Athletic have suggested a return to Turf Moor could be on the cards, with talks taking place between the two clubs, despite the asking price being a hurdle.

Sky Sports have also previously revealed that numerous Premier League sides and teams across Europe are targeting 21-year-old Armel Bella-Kotchap.

It appears a rebuild at Southampton will happen this summer, with quite a few talents set to depart as James Ward-Prowse also appears to be attracting Premier League interest.

Everton 21 y/o Wants To Leave Goodison Park

Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite wants to leave the club during the summer transfer window, according to an update regarding his future.

When is Branthwaite out of contract at Everton?

The 21-year-old arrived at Goodison Park from Carlisle United back in 2020, and has since gone on to make 13 first-team appearances to date. Chances have been few and far between for him in an Everton shirt, however, and he spent last season on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he played 27 times in the Eredivisie.

Branthwaite's current Blues contract expires in the summer of 2025, meaning that time is slowly ticking by before they risk losing him on the cheap, with the next 12 months possibly becoming the last realistic chance to receive good money for his services.

It could be that the decision is out of the hands of Everton officials anyway, however, with a fresh update suggesting that his time at the club could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Could Branthwaite leave Everton this summer?

According to Football Insider, Branthwaite "has told the club he wants to leave this summer", with Everton wanting to retain his services after being impressed with his performances for PSV, but possibly having to accept that his mind is made up.

Branthwaite sees his future elsewhere moving forward – he is "keen" to find a club where he will be guaranteed more regular first-team football in the coming years – with West Ham one of the clubs who could potentially sign him before the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

Losing Branthwaite this summer would be a blow for Everton, considering former manager Carlo Ancelotti once admitted he was "really impressed" with him during his time at the club, whereas he was called "terrific" by ex-Carlisle boss Steven Pressley, so the ideal outcome would be for him to stay for at least another season.

If Sean Dyche doesn't see the one-time capped England Under-21s international as a key man moving forward, however, it is pointless keeping hold of an unhappy player, instead allowing him to thrive elsewhere, as was the case at PSV.

That being said, there is no guarantee that things could pan out differently for Branthwaite at West Ham, should he move there, with the Hammers also having plenty of competition for places, so the centre-back must think long and hard before making what is a big decision in his career, although it appears as if he is leaning in the direction of an exit at this stage.

Newcastle Hit "Stalemate" In Pursuit Of £8k-A-Week Star

Newcastle United have reportedly hit a "stalemate" in their pursuit of impressive Southampton youngster Valentino Livramento this summer.

Are Newcastle signing Livramento?

The £8,000-a-week right-back has been considered a strong transfer target for the Magpies in the current transfer window, having impressed for Saints since arriving from Chelsea in 2021.

Unfortunately, Livramento's 2022/23 season was ruined by a cruciate ligament injury, limiting him to just 26 minutes of Premier League action, but he was a regular before that point, making 34 appearances for the south coast club.

While it has looked likely that the Southampton starlet will end up at St James' Park this summer, coming in as competition for Kieran Trippier, a negative update has emerged.

valentino-livramento-premier-league-newcastle-transfers

What's the latest on Livramento to Newcastle?

According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, talks have stalled over Newcastle's interest in Livramento because of PIF's tactics of trying to under-sell their budget, throwing doubt over a summer move to St James' Park:

"The situation is complicated by the fact Newcastle have shown they can be deceptive when talking about the size of their budgets, as well as the identity of their targets, but they have more pressing priorities this summer than signing a right back to compete with captain Kieran Trippier.

"Sources at St James’ Park have repeatedly stressed that the asking prices have been “astronomically high” so far this summer and they do not have a huge amount of money to spend."

This is a frustrating update, with Livramento a very exciting young player with a high ceiling, once being hailed as a player with that special "aura" about them by Theo Walcott.

The hope is that this is simply nothing more than a blip in terms of negotiations, and that a compromise can be met, ensuring Newcastle acquire services of a gifted English player – one who has won five caps for England's Under-21s to date.

Granted, there can be reservations over any player who has suffered such a serious knee injury, but given the age and the advancement in how fitness setbacks are overcome nowadays, Livramento should return as good as ever, hopefully coming as Trippier's long-term replacement and successor at right-back.

Everton Could Sign New Deulofeu In £18m ‘Rocket’

Everton are yet to sign any new additions over the summer transfer window which will be a major concern for the Goodison Park faithful considering the situation that the club found themselves in last season.

The Toffees finished just two points clear of being relegated to the Championship after Abdoulaye Doucoure's strike against Bournemouth on the final day saved them from their first-ever relegation since the Premier League began back in 1992.

Indeed, there is no doubt that Sean Dyche and his recruitment team will be working hard to identify players who can improve the performances of the squad and the former Burnley boss will surely be keen to make his own mark on the squad by adding new players who fit his tactical philosophy.

However, Everton have not only had their struggles on the pitch but behind the scenes too with financial troubles, looming FFP investigations and talk of a potential take-over affecting the club hierarchy's ability to focus solely on the football, which could ultimately result in their downfall if the club doesn't act fast.

One avenue that Dyche and Kevin Thelwell have reportedly been exploring is the acquirement of a number of recently relegated Leeds United players, with Jack Harrison, Rodrigo and Wilfried Gnonto all being linked with a move to Goodison Park.

It was reported this week by Italian news outlet Calciomercato that the Merseyside club currently have the upper hand in their negotiations to sign the Italian winger, Gnonto, and are considered front-runners for his signature despite interest from other clubs like Aston Villa and Fiorentina.

Will Everton sign Wilfried Gnonto this summer?

There is no doubt that attacking reinforcements should be the top priority for the Toffees this summer after failing to replace Anthony Gordon and Richarlison's presence in the final third.

Dyche is definitely short of options on the wider flanks of his attacking threat with just Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray to lean on last season, so there is a real opportunity to strengthen those positions ahead of next season to significantly improve the creativity and goal contributions offered.

As a result, the signing of Gnonto would be a no-brainer for Everton this summer as the youthful talent is not only Premier League proven but bears a semblance to Gerard Deulofeu.

Deulofeu quickly became an incredibly well-liked member of the team when he joined from Barcelona back in 2013 and was one of the most exciting young prospects in European football at just 19 years old. Coincidentally, Gnonto happens to be the exact same age.

The talented Spaniard tallied up eight goals and registered 19 assists over his 75 appearances with the Blues, predominantly playing on the right wing and contributing heavily to creating opportunities for his strike partner to convert, before being snatched back by Barcelona when they activated their buy-back clause in 2017.

That eye for goal and creative spark is something Everton could now regain through the signing of Gnonto as the Italian youngster – dubbed a "pocket rocket" and "tremendous by Tam McManus – is a consistent contributor from the channels – with experience on both the right and the left flank.

wilfried-gnonto-leeds-united-premier-league-everton

Over his short career so far, the Leeds prodigy – who has a reported valuation of £18m – has scored 34 goals and registered 21 assists in 150 appearances so far, with a goal contribution every 133 minutes so far, which is an impressive output that would be highly valued for Everton next season.

With that being said, a potential move for Gnonto will definitely be one to watch and should Dyche be able to continue the young player's promising development it could set up Everton's threat in front of goal for years to come.

Everton Make Approach To Sign 21-Year-Old Attacker

Everton have "made an approach" to sign Almeria youngster El Bilal Toure in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Simon Jones.

Who is Everton target El Bilal Toure?

The 21-year-old is an exciting young talent who is already making a name for himself in La Liga, producing some eye-catching showings for Almeria.

Last season, Toure scored seven goals in 21 league appearances, only 15 of which were starts, and he also chipped in with two assists for good measure. He won an average of 2.1 aerial duels per game, too, outlining how effective he can be as a target man.

The youngster is contracted at Almeria until the summer of 2028, but that is unlikely to deter other clubs from making a move for him this summer, and Everton have been linked with a move for him recently. It looks as though the Blues' interest isn't going away, following a fresh update regarding his future in Spain.

Are Everton signing El Bilal Toure?

According to The Daily Mail's Jones, Everton have made their move for Toure after wrapping up Ashley Young, as they look to get some significant transfer business over the line:

"Everton have made an approach for Almeria striker El Bilal Toure but expect competition from Atalanta. The Toffees have turned their attentions to the forward after completing the signing of Ashley Young on a free transfer from Aston Villa on Thursday.

"Sean Dyche is keen to add another forward to his ranks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin proving unreliable in terms of fitness and Ellis Simms now sold. Neal Maupay, meanwhile, is deemed not good enough to play a major role in the side's season, and an injury to Calvert-Lewin would provide significant issues for the Toffees.

"Almeria have expressed surprise that Everton have offered a loan with obligation to buy rather than an outright bid."

Toure could be precisely what Everton are looking for in their attack ahead of the new season, as doubts remain over the long-term fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and the general worth of Neal Maupay, as the above report alludes to.

At 21, the Almeria star is still a raw footballer who is learning his trade, so it would be unfair to expect immediate fireworks at Goodison Park, but he already has a one-in-three-game goal ratio in La Liga, which is proof that he can perform in one of Europe's top five leagues. He has also netted five times in 15 caps for Mali, highlighting his international pedigree.

Toure is very much a traditional centre forward, rather than someone who is capable of thriving out wide or dropping deep, and it could be that Sean Dyche sees him as the long-term leader of his attack, and someone who needs to make his mark from the off, given the rumoured £25m being discussed in a recent report by the Mirror.

It could be argued that another proven striker is also needed, in order to take some of the pressure off Toure's shoulders, but he is a confident player, and he could thrive being tasked with a key role from the off, should the transfer come to fruition.

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