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Newcastle United are following Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for a summer transfer swoop, but he could cost more than €150m (£130m), according to journalist Ciro Venerato.

Do Newcastle need a new striker?

Club-record signing Alexander Isak has had a difficult first season at St. James' Park on the injury front, having been ruled out of 13 games due to hamstring issues. However, he has recently started to prove his worth.

The Sweden international has scored five goals in his last five Premier League games, beginning to display his quality at a crucial stage in the season, but Eddie Howe may have some concerns about his injury problems returning.

During his time with Real Sociedad, the 23-year-old suffered from hamstring and knee problems, also having the latter during a spell with Borussia Dortmund, meaning Howe may want to bring in some more competition at striker.

According to Venerato, Osimhen is being followed by Newcastle for a summer transfer swoop, although they are not the only side interested, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich also being named as potential suitors.

The journalist does not expect Napoli to sell their star striker for anything less than €150m (£130m), meaning the Magpies would likely have to break the Premier League transfer record if they were to win the race for his signature.

Venerato describes the Nigerian as the "most promising" young striker on the international stage, alongside Erling Haaland, so it is no real surprise Napoli will look to hold out for an astronomical fee.

Should Newcastle sign Victor Osimhen?

Purely based on ability, the Lagos-born marksman would be an excellent signing for Newcastle, given that he has scored an incredible 25 goals, as well as registering five assists, in just 29 games so far this season.

The "world class" forward is way out in front at the top of the Serie A goal-scoring charts, having averaged a goal every 91 minutes, ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

That said, because the Nigeria international is contracted until 2025, Napoli are able to hold potential suitors to ransom this summer, and £130m would be far too much to shell out on one player.

The Magpies already have Isak to lead the line, and they should instead look to invest in multiple areas of the squad, rather than spending a sizeable chunk of the budget on one player.

Newcastle United have emphatically stormed into European contention this season, and with just two points separating the Magpies from fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur, who have played two games extra, Champions League football gracing St. James's Park next term is a very real possibility.

The defence is oiled and imperious, the midfield cohesive and robust, up top, £63m summer signing Alexander Isak is offering glimpses of world-class dominance despite his season being heavily hampered by injury.

Isak has scored six goals from just seven starts in the Premier League, including three strikes from his past two matches, and the Swede looks to be a real force at the tip of manager Eddie Howe's system, prolific and hailed as "a unicorn for his mixture of size & technical ability" by radio presenter Kev Lawson.

His injury record is concerning, however, with the 23-year-old missing 13 competitive matches for the Toon thus far, and while 31-year-old forward Callum Wilson has been a steady presence up front in his absence, scoring seven goals from 19 league outings this term, Howe will be looking to unearth a strike partner for his record signing to solidify the frontline for years to come.

Newcastle's affluence could prompt technical director Dan Ashworth to delve into the transfer market yet again, but with such a potent forward already adopting the talismanic role, turning to youth prospect Michael Ndiweni could be the route to head down.

Who is Michael Ndiweni?

Ndiweni took U18 football by storm last season, scoring a laudable 13 goals from 17 appearances, including from 13 outings in the U18 Premier League and three from three in the FA Youth Cup.

This season, fortunes have been less fruitful as the 19-year-old has stepped up to U21 level, with just two strikes and one assist from 12 matches in the Premier League 2, though with just five starts to his name he is making steady progress and will hope to harness his "lethal" quality soon – as hailed by Ciaran Kelly.

With his "impressive" start to life with the Magpies, as remarked by journalist Matty Hewitt, only set to expand as he continues to acclimatise to life with the U21s, he will indeed be pushing on Howe's door for a senior debut, having already trained with the first-team on several occasions.

Hailed as a "real threat" by Mark Carruthers, Ndiweni might not find a place in Howe's plans this term but if he is to continue his development and notch up his goal threat with the U21s he could well find a place in the reckoning for contention at one of the Premier League's most exciting forces.

Indeed, with the injury records of both Isak and Wilson, there is every chance his first-team dreams become a reality in short time.

Liverpool target Jude Bellingham’s representatives hold ‘confidence’ that he will complete a move to Anfield this summer, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: The story so far

Premier League rivals Manchester City and Real Madrid, alongside the Reds, are currently the main contenders in the race to sign the 19-year-old at the end of the season after becoming one of the hottest prospects in football.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, so it’s been reported that Edin Terzic’s side would demand a club-record fee to even consider sanctioning his sale.

TalkSPORT claim that the England star is expected to make a decision on his future after the upcoming international break, but it sounds like Jurgen Klopp may already have an idea of where his next destination will be.

The Latest: Bellingham to join LFC?

Taking to Twitter, Talbot revealed that both Liverpool and Bellingham’s camp believe that Anfield is likely to be his new home when he departs Dortmund. He wrote:

“Exc – Confidence among Liverpool personnel Bellingham gets [done]. Those close to him saying the same, even that it’s about ‘formalities’. Caveat is that a lot of clubs – like Man City – echo a similar sentiment, but Reds appear first in line.”

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The Verdict: Empty the pockets

Liverpool reportedly have a budget of £200m for the summer window and a significant portion of that has to be spent on Bellingham given the positive impact he would make on the side.

The Adidas-sponsored ace currently ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and the 98th for touches in the attacking penalty area (FBRef), not to mention that he’s posted 16 goal contributions in all competitions this season.

The Stourbridge-born talent also has the ability to operate in all five positions across the midfield and would bring leadership qualities along with that end product, having already captained Dortmund.

Following the 7-0 victory over Manchester United, Bellingham liked Trent Alexander-Arnold’s celebratory social media post, so this could have been a potential hint that the England teammates could soon be Liverpool teammates.

Arsenal fans have been left wowed by some footage of Gabriel Jesus in training ahead of their UEFA Europa League first leg clash away at Sporting.

The Lowdown: In team training

Jesus has been spotted getting fully stuck in to team training after months out injured, ahead of Arsenal’s game against Sporting in the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-game press conference that although the club will try not to rush him back, he has travelled with the squad to Lisbon, and could play a part this evening.

The Latest: Arsenal fans wowed

Taking to Twitter after footage of Jesus was shared, Arsenal fans were wowed by how sharp Jesus looks as he continues to step up his recovery:

“Ooooooooo MY 9 LOOKS HUNGRY. Can’t wait for his return.” – @Ajp08Three

“I can’t wait man, we’ve only just started.” – @Jahvon_CEO

“Tears in my eyes man.” – @JayAndreas___

“Huge news for us!” – @MGC3065

“I’m alive” – @SbuTheGooner_

“Beautiful scenes PL isn’t ready.” – @OnyangoOnyach

The Verdict: Big boost

The return of Jesus to the squad this evening, even if he does not feature, is a big boost for the Gunners for the rest of the season.

He ranks as their second-best average performer in the Premier League with five goals and five assists before his injury (WhoScored), and with both Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah out injured as well, options in the forward line are light at the moment.

Nonetheless, Arteta will not want to rush Jesus back, and instead wait for him to be fully fit before introducing him into the staring line-up again.

Man City among the clubs ‘lining up’ to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and the Premier League champions have been told his price tag.

The Lowdown: City linked…

Pep Guardiola’s team are one of the many elite sides to have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old in recent months, alongside the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that City are in contention for the England international’s signature, coming as club captain Ilkay Gundogan’s future remains up in the air.

The German’s contract at Eastlands expires at the end of this season, potentially making sporting director Txiki Begiristain contemplate his successor.

The Latest: City given Bellingham price tag…

As shared by reliable journalist David Ornstein on Twitter, City are indeed ‘lining up’ for Bellingham as well as a queue of other suitors.

The Blues have also been told what it will take to land him with Dortmund setting a marquee price tag of around £132 million.

Writing in a piece for The Athletic, Ornstein and colleagues hint that City could see Bellingham as a replacement for Gundogan given the latter player may leave for free this year.

The Verdict: Perfect player…

Gundogan was Guardiola’s first ever signing at the Etihad and he has gone on to become a faithful servant, endearing himself to supporters with a real on-pitch leadership and crucial moments in big games.

However, if City are to say goodbye to him in 2023, Bellingham could be viewed as the perfect like-for-like successor.

The midfield ‘monster’, as dubbed by members of the press, has been a shining light for Dortmund yet again this season – standing out as their best player by some distance.

Bellingham ranks as their best-performer overall by average match rating, as per WhoScored, all while completing more successful take-ons and attempting a higher number of shots per 90 than any Dortmund player.

The all-round gem also has more tackles per game to his name than any other member of Dortmund’s squad (WhoScored) – further exemplifying his sheer quality.

West Brom won’t be completing the signing of Fulham midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah in the January transfer window, according to journalist Lewis Cox.

The Lowdown: Chalobah linked with Baggies move

The 28-year-old barely played a part in the Cottagers’ Premier League campaign since their return to the top flight, starting just one match in the competition this season.

Chalobah has been strongly linked with a move to West Brom recently, with Carlos Corberan seemingly seeing him as someone who could aid their Championship promotion push.

With the January window closing next Tuesday, though, an emphatic update has emerged regarding the player’s future.

The Latest: Transfer won’t be happening

Taking to Twitter, The Express & Star‘s Cox claimed contrary to the rumours that Chalobah would be going nowhere this month:

“Nathaniel Chalobah has been of interest to #wba this month but I’m told this morning he is unavailable and reports he is set for The Hawthorns are wide of (the) mark.”

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The Verdict: Would’ve great a strong signing

This is a blow for West Brom, considering Chalobah could have been someone who added experience and class to the midfield, averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in his last full season with Watford, also scoring three goals.

The now Fulham outcast also has a senior England cap to his name, not to mention winning a whopping 40 caps for the Under-21s and being called ‘incredible’ by journalist Paul Taylor during his younger days.

Instead, it could be wise for the Baggies to turn to an alternative in the coming days, with that extra injection of quality of midfield something that could make or break their hopes of returning to the Premier League.

Southampton have made an offer to sign Genk striker Paul Onuachu this January as the Belgian side swiftly reply, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Saints making moves…

The Saints, guided by manager Nathan Jones, are making moves this transfer window as they bid to avoid a drop to the Championship.

The Premier League strugglers, currently sitting at the foot of the table, are fighting for survival but appear determined to get some deals over the line.

The Athletic report they’re in talks to sign Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson and are edging closer to an agreement – something which will come as music to the ears of some supporters.

As Jones and co attempt to add much-needed firepower, Jackson reportedly isn’t the only player of serious interest at St. Mary’s.

The Latest: Southampton table Onuachu offer…

Southampton, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, have made a bid to sign Genk striker Onuachu.

The Nigeria international has been linked with a move to England before, most notably with West Ham, and now Jones’ side have displayed their fondness in Onuachu.

However, Genk are reluctant to sell mid-season and want him to remain in Belgium to support their title challenge.

Tavolieri explained (via Twitter):

“Very interested in the profile of Paul #Onuachu , #Southampton offered 12M € this winter for the Nigerian striker. Offer refused. The management of #KRCGenk wants to keep its striker until the end of the season and fight for the title until the end in #JPL .”

The Verdict: Shame…

The 28-year-old has been a pivotal player for Genk in recent years and one of the Jupiler Pro League’s star forwards.

A clinical striker, Onuachu has netted 83 goals and a further ten assists in all competitions since arriving at the club with 14 in his last 18 league appearances this season (Transfermarkt).

The towering 6 foot 6 attacker is quite a physical presence going forward and holds no shortage of admiration for his performances in the last two years.

Website soccernet describe him as ‘one of the best players in the Jupiler League’ and Belgian defender Rasmus Carstensen goes even further.

Carstensen lavished Onuachu with praise in an interview, claiming he is a ‘class guy’ and ‘crazy good at football’.

Missing out on the African, based off his numbers and reputation, will be a sore one to take for Jones.

Chelsea have distinguished the prospect of swooping for Juventus and USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie as an avenue to delve down when considering the best approach to bolster the midfield this month…

What’s the latest?

Blues boss Graham Potter is eyeing a lunge for McKennie, who has been a central figure in a resurgent Juventus team this season that currently perches in third place in the Italian Serie A with four wins from their past five matches.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Aston Villa, who have been heavily interested in the 24-year-old, have been dealt a blow as the player wishes to hold out until Chelsea act on their intrigue, with Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund also reported to view a deal feasible this month.

And with Calciomercato previously stating the Old Lady value their dynamic midfield presence at €30m (£26m), Stamford Bridge’s affluent owner might be required to dig deeper into his pockets in order to craft a squad capable of matching his ambitious schemes.

Ramires 2.0

Having already signed Mykhaylo Mudryk for £88.5m from Shakhtar Donetsk and Joao Felix on a £9.7m loan deal until the end of the term from Atletico Madrid, Chelsea are now interested in providing fortification to the central ranks to steer the club back in the right direction after a woeful campaign thus far.

Chelsea have been knocked out of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup to the hand of Manchester City, and currently languish in tenth place in the Premier League after 19 matches despite clinching victory against Crystal Palace last time out. 

In order to stabilise the ship, the club must return to their roots and re-establish stability, grit and tenacity in their endeavours, both offensively and defensively, and the robust presence that is McKennie fits the bill.

His versatility and physicality should allow him to take to English football like a duck to water, with his exploits in Italy and the Champions League a telling indication of his calibre. 

Over the entirety of his career, the “monster” – as lauded by CBS Sports reporter Wes Rucker – has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.1 clearances, illustrating his defensive prowess and a consistency in his efforts to repel attacks and recycle possession, as per Whoscored.

And over the past year, he ranks among the top 14% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 11% for touches in the offensive box and the top 14% for progressive passes received, which demonstrates his capability of an offensive outlet from the centre.

His dynamic skills could make him a good fit to emulate Ramires’ success at Stamford Bridge, with the Brazilian midfielder making 251 appearances for the west London outfit during his illustrious stay, winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

Since Whoscored started recording statistics with consistency in 2010, Ramires chalked up an impressive average of 2.5 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.9 clearances, numbers similar to that of the American. Indeed, McKennie could well bask in similar success by following this particular blueprint.

As such, Chelsea must move for the ace swiftly, beating rivals to his signature and strengthening the foundation of their new system; the club’s fortunes this season have been full of woe, but with the “extraordinary” McKennie’s introduction – as once hailed by Schalke head coach Domenico Tedesco – a new dawn could finally offer some sense of light.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now lodged a second bid for OGC Nice midfielder Mario Lemina, according to journalist Tom Collomosse.

The Lowdown: W0lves’ Lemina interest

Journalist Saber Desfarges reported that Wolves had made an offer totalling around £4.4m for Lemina at the end of December, but it was rejected by the French club, although Desfarges claimed that the Old Gold could return with another bid.

That is what has now transpired, and given that the Daily Mail claim that the 29-year-old is keen on a move to Molineux, there could be a decent chance that the Old Gold get their man.

The Latest: Second bid

Collomosse reports that a second bid, in the region of £4.9m has now been made for the former Gabon international, with Wolves clearly determined to get the deal wrapped up.

However, the journalist claims that this offer may still not satisfy Nice, who could hold out for a little more before they are tempted into a sale.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Lemina has previous experience playing in England, with journalist Josh Bunting lauding him as ‘superb’ during his time with Fulham, and he made 74 Premier League appearances across stints with the Cottagers and Southampton.

As such, the defensive-midfielder would take little time to adapt, which is important for Julen Lopetegui, as he needs proven players who can come straight into the team, helping to steer them clear of the relegation zone.

Over the past year, the former Southampton man has exhibited his defensive acumen by averaging 3.42 tackles per 90, in the 96th percentile compared to his positional peers, while 2.10 clearances places him in the 95th, and 1.74 blocks ranks him in the 91st.

Wolves already have the likes of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, who flourish in the more technical side of the game, but Lemina would offer something new to the midfield, and hopefully the second bid will now be deemed enough by Nice.

Newcastle United’s untold riches are no secret to the rest of the world, with their takeover arguably one of the news stories of last year.

However, as is often the way with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, when the world knows how rich you are, you are forced to pay a premium price.

This seemed to be the case in the summer, where the Magpies had two bids for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison knocked back before the Whites slapped a £35m price tag on him.

They have now been backed to finalise this move using the promise this project brings, with Alan Hutton speaking to Football Insider just last week: “I think if Newcastle come calling, somewhere that you can see what they are doing they are trying to build something, you would definitely want to be a part of that”.

Should this move become a reality, the Toon Army could be treated to two industrious and electric wingers by placing the 26-year-old on the opposite flank to Miguel Almiron.

A man reborn this season, the Paraguayan has already surpassed any of his previous three-goal tallies in the Premier League, and has nearly scored more league goals in one season than in his whole career at St James’ Park.

Having always been workmanlike, as noted by Noel Whelan, it seems the added proficiency has taken his game to new heights.

He claimed: “We always knew he was a hard-working player, but it was just the end product which always let him down.

“But looking at the goals he’s scored this season – and the goal he scored on Saturday, latching on and taking advantage of poor defending – it seems he’s finally added that.”

His sum of eight goals has equalled Harrison’s tally from last season’s relegation dogfight, who too has been praised for his relentlessness in the tackle.

Former footballer David Prutton claimed back in September that “he is good going forward but he works his socks off going back too.”

This is further outlined in his four goal contributions this season, whilst also ranking in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for tackles per 90 over the last 365 days.

Eddie Howe could craft himself a perfect scenario of wide men, blending proficiency with a tireless attitude that truly could see Newcastle maintain their sensational form this season.