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Mark Douglas has dropped an update about what Mike Ashley has told the Newcastle United takeover consortium about his arbitration case against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Arbitration soon

The arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the English top flight is seemingly not far away at all, as Sky Sports and North-East based journalist Keith Downie has reported that it is expected to start at the end of June.

Ashley has also launched a separate anti-competition claim against the Premier League over their decision-making process in the failed deal between himself and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, which he is thought to be keeping in his back pocket in case the results of the arbitration hearing do not go in his favour.

The Latest: Ashley briefs consortium

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Tyneside club journalist, and takeover follower Douglas, has shared that Ashley has briefed the consortium to ‘have their ducks in a row’ in case a quick resolution can be reached as a result of arbitration.

The chief executive of Sports Direct feels as if he has a ‘good chance’ of winning the case, and so he wants the consortium to be ready in case the takeover process can be accelerated if the result goes his way.

The Verdict: Arbitration vital

The result of arbitration is vital if there is any hope of the original takeover bid being revived.

If results go in Ashley’s favour, then his separate anti-competition lawsuit would not be needed, and he can fully concentrate on getting his deal with the consortium back on track.

The timing is certainly not ideal, as the summer transfer window has already opened and the new 2021/22 season is set to begin in August, but in theory, a takeover could still be completed not long after arbitration, which would give the Magpies the best possible preparation going into the new campaign.

Nonetheless, the Toon will ideally not want to go into the new term with uncertainty, and so it is vital for them that the arbitration is completed as quickly as possible, with the results hopefully going their way.

In other news, find out the promising insight an arbitration expert has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Manchester United are reportedly in the running to sign Sporting Lisbon sensation Nuno Mendes after a string of impressive displays from the youngster.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, United have already ‘made contact’ with the Portuguese champions over a move for the 18-year-old full-back ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The report states that a £52m fee is being muted and that Mendes shares the same agent as Bruno Fernandes, who left Sporting for Old Trafford 18 months ago.

Woodward must move

Mendes has taken the Primeira Liga by storm this season, making 29 league appearances for the capital club as Ruben Amorim’s men ended a 19-year wait for the top-flight title.

He could become the latest name to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils revolution after Manchester City cooled their interest after Verde e Brancos named their price for the Portugal international.

While some may argue that the 20-time English champions are well-stocked at left-back with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles, signing a generational talent like Mendes is simply an opportunity United can’t afford to pass up on.

Shaw has been magnificent this season and is undoubtedly the short-term solution to Solskjaer’s left-back needs, but at just 18, Mendes could grow and develop for a couple of years under the Norwegian’s tutelage while getting enough game time in cup competitions to continue his on-pitch development.

Summer-signing Telles has struggled to adapt to life in the English top-flight so far and could still be sold for a relatively high price, given his contract has three years left to run.

It would leave United with the perfect scenario. Their first-choice full-back would be an established Premier League player entering his prime years with over 200 senior appearances to his name, and his understudy would be a teenage prodigy admired by the continent’s top clubs.

Former Portugal international Costinha spoke to Goal after Mendes was named on the 2021 NXGN list of the world’s top teenage talent, and gave a glowing reference of his compatriot.

“Nuno Mendes (is the top talent). I don’t think he will be here next season,” claimed the retired midfielder.

“If I was a scout for the big clubs in Europe, I would look at him. Eighteen years old, a left-back – and there aren’t many left-backs in the world with that quality – then I would definitely go and pick him.

“He is strong physically and in his head. He has an excellent left foot, and he has very good pace.”

Therefore, Ed Woodward must seal a deal for the £22.5m-rated gem before he steps down from his position on the United board this summer, and leave the Premier League giants with at least one positive note.

And, in other news…Major Manchester United transfer update emerges that’ll surely have fans buzzing – opinion

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to training footage shared by the club ahead of their final game of the season against Chelsea.

Dean Smith’s side host Thomas Tuchel’s Blues, knowing they will finish the season in 11th position. However, Chelsea will guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League with three points in the Midlands.

Villa will be playing in front of home support at Villa Park for the first time since a defeat to Tottenham in February 2020, with 10,000 home supporters set to attend.

The club shared training footage on their official Twitter page on Saturday afternoon ahead of the clash, with plenty of fans giving their views on the 25-second video. Goals were scored by Jack Grealish, Anwar El Ghazi and Marvelous Nakamba in the short clip, which is available to view here.

Villa fans react

Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with one admitting he was ‘shocked’ that loanee Ross Barkley – who is ineligible to face his permanent employers – was still around, while others were surprised at Nakamba’s goal, given that he hasn’t scored in 49 appearances for the club. Another joked that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez should be dropped for letting the Zimbabwean score past him.

“Have I just seen Marvelous Nakamba score a goal or am I seeing things”Credit: @lochiewaller”Nakamba score? Emi Martinez out”Credit: @greavfclish”Shocked to see Ross Barkley, when they say season long loan they mean it.”Credit: @1966wall”Barkley training even though he can’t play”Credit: @ColinCahalane”Nakamba scoring an actual physical goal”Credit: @GreaIish_”I know for a fact El Ghazi nets everythinggggg in training”Credit: @Pred_Walters

In other news: 61 y/o thinks Aston Villa may have a ‘problem’ as source shares update, find out more here.

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Gylfi Sigurdsson still has a future at Everton past this summer.

The Icelandic international is in his fourth season on Merseyside following his £45million switch from Swansea City, but hasn’t quite managed to live up to expectations.

Besides Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the former Tottenham man has scored the most goals in the Toffees squad but isn’t a guaranteed starter under Carlo Ancelotti.

Sigurdsson has started each of Everton’s previous five Premier League matches but has been on the bench 13 times this season – with Alex Iwobi and Bernard occasionally preferred in the attacking positions by the Italian.

His Everton deal expires in 2022, but despite reports suggesting that the Toffees are open to selling him this summer, Bent has been reliably informed that Sigurdsson is still seen as a vital part of Ancelotti’s squad.

He told Football FanCast:

“Everton are happy with him and not looking to let him go. I think he’s got a future there; I’ve heard it from many people at Everton.”

Sigurdsson netted twice in the recent draw with Spurs, taking his tally for the campaign to eight in all competitions, but Bent still expects more from the ex-Swansea man.

“He’s got to score more goals and be more consistent,” he added.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign a new left-back, with promising target Matthew Sorinola now agreeing a move elsewhere.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Sorinola signing

The Whites were given an apparent boost regarding the MK Dons defender on Thursday, with a report claiming he had rejected a new deal at the League One club.

Leeds were mentioned as one of a host of clubs interested in snapping up the exciting 20-year-old, who has made 40 appearances this season and been lauded as ‘excellent’ by manager Russell Martin.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040”]

The Latest: Youngster heading elsewhere

There has been a twist in the saga, however, with TEAMtalk claiming that Sorinola has agreed to join Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise instead, news since confirmed by the club.

It means Leeds will have to continue their search for a new left-back, with Ezgjan Alioski looking certain to leave the club this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Disappointing

In truth, it is unlikely that Sorinola was going to be seen as a first-choice option for Marcelo Bielsa, considering his lack of experience at the top level.

That said, the youngster’s quick rise in the lower tiers suggests he could be the next Dele Alli – as suggested by ExWHUemployee when his side, West Ham, were linked – in terms of making the jump from MK Dons to top flight stardom, so he could have certainly been an exciting addition for long-term potential.

With Alioski likely leaving, Leeds will need to sign an experienced player of Nicolas Tagliafico, Alex Moreno or Patrick van Aanholt’s ilk, all of whom have been linked with moves to Elland Road, but it couldn’t have hurt to add more young talent either, so this is a blow.

In other news, a pundit has claimed one Leeds player will be moving on this summer. Find out who it is here.

Fans of West Bromwich Albion have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the potential sale of the Baggies goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, this summer.

According to a report by The Athletic, Johnstone is determined to remain in the Premier League next season, be that with Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side or another interested party, with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United all thought to be keen on the 28-year-old.

It is also reported that, should they indeed drop down to the Championship this summer, West Brom would be open to selling the shot-stopper, with a fee of between £7.5 million and £10 million mentioned by The Athletic as a realistic figure the Baggies would be demanding for a player of Johnstone’s age, profile and contract situation.

However, after WBA Report relayed this news on Twitter, fans of West Brom flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing furious at the prospect of losing the £5.4 million-rated ‘keeper for the amount quoted in the report.

So, what exactly did these West Bromwich Albion fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Sam Johnstone?

“Typical West Brom. Selling a £20m player for £7m.”

@Hayden_K_R

“He’s worth at least £12-15m, especially having just had an England call up! Doesn’t make the stupid mistakes that Pickford makes and has been far better than Pickford and Henderson this season, IMO.”

@Baggieboy75Mike

“Poor contract management. Regardless of what anyone thinks, you shouldn’t let this contract situation arise.”

@JohnPerks58

“Same old story.”

@Jameswalt101

“Didn’t we sign him for £10m? Develop him to the point of and England call up and make a loss of £2.5m. Only Albion could do that.”

@jon_hughes82

“£7.5m for an England goalkeeper. Ha, hilarious.”

@AdKido44

“Albion business this. Pure nonsense. Buy high sell low.”

@HarryWbafc

“Only Albion would settle for £7.5m.”

@ORohomon

In other news: ‘Get him signed’ – Allardyce reveals £31k-p/w priority target outperforming every WBA player – find out more here!

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Jack Grealish would be an “exciting” signing for Liverpool.

A shin injury is currently keeping the midfielder on the sidelines, forcing him to miss the last eight Premier League games, but the Aston Villa ace is enjoying an incredible campaign which has put Aston Villa on course for a top-half finish.

Grealish has scored six times and added 12 assists, bettered only by Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne and Harry Kane, with his excellent form leaving him on course for a place in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man England squad for this summer’s European Championships.

But beyond this summer, Grealish might have a major decision on his hands, with the £100m-rated midfielder already on Manchester City’s radar, but Windass believes he’d be an excellent addition for Jurgen Klopp should the Reds sell one of Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane.

“If Jurgen Klopp went for someone like Jack Grealish, who can play on the left, although his mentality would have to change off the ball. But those are the players that I would like to see Liverpool signing – young, English lads. 

But what are the chances of Grealish moving to Anfield?

Windass told FFC:

“If [Jurgen] Klopp wanted him, he would get him. But depending on Mane and Salah, because if you buy Grealish, who are you going to leave out? If I was Jurgen Klopp, a young English, exciting footballer.

“Jack’s a god at Villa. But does he want to win medals? He might win a League Cup or FA Cup, but that’s as far as it goes. Does he want to stay a Villa for the rest of his career? I don’t think he will.”

Exclusively speaking to Football FanCast, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie admits the Scottish side are resigned to losing star striker Odsonne Edouard this summer.

Since joining on loan from Toulouse back in the summer of 2018 before making his deal permanent the following season, the Frenchman has become the Hoops’ talisman, helping Celtic to domestic trebles in each of his first three years in Glasgow.

But having entered the final 18 months of his contract at Celtic Park, the frontman has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs already this term.

One of those sides is Arsenal, who would have no doubt been impressed with Edouard’s goalscoring exploits in recent seasons – with the former PSG man approaching 100 goals in Celtic colours, 20 of which have come so far this campaign.

But McAvennie has accused the striker of “not breaking sweat” this year despite Edouard being on course to win the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot.

Asked whether he sees the Frenchman leaving in the summer, he told Football FanCast: “I think so. I think the fans have resigned themselves that he’s going to go.

“He’s scored double figures, and he’s not even broke sweat this year. He’s a talent. I said last year that I think he could possibly become better than Dembele, and now clubs like Manchester United are looking at Dembele. I wouldn’t like Edouard to go back to France.”

But does the former Celtic frontman believe that the Frenchman is good enough to play in the Premier League?

He continued: “He’s good enough when he wants to play, but I’ve not see it this year. He hasn’t looked interested.”

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have hit out at Tyrone Mings’ first half display against Fulham on social media.

Dean Smith made one change from the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham prior to the international break, with Anwar El Ghazi coming in for Trezeguet out wide and Jack Grealish still absent through injury.

Mings, who was away with England during the recent break, kept his place in the side, making his 28th Premier League start of the current campaign on Sunday afternoon and his 29th appearance in all competitions.

However, his first half performance didn’t hit the right note with some supporters, who took to Twitter to voice their concerns over the centre-back.

He started alongside Ezri Konsa, coming up against Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in what has already proven to be a very physical battle, with the Serbian getting two shots on target in the first half and proving a handful for the Villa defence.

Villa fans react

Here is what some Villa fans had to say about the Mings’ display in the first 45 minutes, with more than one believing he is ‘getting bullied’ by Mitrovic.

“Mings getting turned inside out, again”

Credit: @dogon22

“Mings is getting bullied by Mitrovic”

Credit: @MrNicoMole

“Mings looks like he’s in one of those moods like when he got sent off against Palace. Seriously concerned.”

Credit: @JohnHadley1984

“Mings is so sloppy”

Credit: @Captain__C00k_

“Mings always seems to come out worse against physical strikers”

Credit: @jackxlynch

“Mings getting bullied again.”

Credit: @AkUzEd

“(Mings) has been the worst player”

Credit: @RlCOCharges

In other news: Many AVFC fans unimpressed as transfer comments emerge, find out more here. 

Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle let Steve Bruce down after delivering an indifferent cameo performance in Sunday’s goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion.

The forward was forced to settle for a seat on the bench at The Hawthorns after Bruce chose to field Ryan Fraser beside Joelinton in the absence of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin after both were ruled out until April through injury.

Gayle was eventually given a chance to prove himself 57 minutes into the relegation six-pointer when introduced in place of Jeff Hendrick, who had returned to the starting line-up for the first time in four Premier League games.

Yet, even then, Gayle was not fielded in the front line of Newcastle’s attack, with Bruce expecting to see the London-born goalscorer operate in the false nine link-up role that Almiron has occupied of late.

Bruce chose to utilise Gayle in this way as he refused to ditch the split-striker formation that he has used since the middle of January following Graeme Jones’ arrival at St. James’ Park.

“I think it was important not to disturb the shape that we’ve been playing in the last six weeks or so,” said Bruce, via quotes by The Shields Gazette. “The players are getting used to the way we want to play, so I thought it was imperative we stuck with that.

“If we had played Andy [Carroll] and Dwight, then we’d have to change the whole set-up, and I don’t think we had time to do that.”

Whether it was through a lack of understanding his role or if he simply didn’t have the ability to succeed on the day, Gayle ultimately let Bruce down having failed to provide any substantial attacking threat during his half an hour on the field.

Gayle failed to register a single shot against West Brom and saw his creativity disappear after the hour mark, per WhoScored, when his pass teed Joe Willock up to shoot but Sam Johnstone was able to make the save at his near post.

It was the sixth time this season that Gayle has now failed to register a single shot during a Premier League fixture, having struck sole efforts against Chelsea, Leeds and Aston Villa after firing three on his campaign debut while scoring the winner at home to the Baggies in December.

The £40,000-per-week frontman rarely got on the ball over the weekend, either, with Gayle taking just 10 touches – only Isaac Hayden (7) registered fewer for the visitors in the same period.

Hendrick may have struggled to get involved in the action during his time on the field, too, yet the £8m-rated dud will not have been expected to grab the game by the scruff of its neck.

The Republic of Ireland international had been benched for the Toon’s last two games after sitting out last month’s defeat to Chelsea through suspension, after being shown a second yellow card against Southampton for a needless shirt pull on Takumi Minamino.

Hendricks’ performance that day also returned an appalling two out of 10 match rating from Chronicle Live, and came after being slammed by an array of fans for his display against Crystal Palace, a horror show at Everton and an anonymous display at Aston Villa.

So, it was hardly a surprise to see the 29-year-old fail to provide a single key pass, shot or successful tackle against West Brom, while completing fewer passes (16) than all Newcastle players but Willock (16) during his time on the field, per WhoScored.

Hendrick and Gayle now likely face a big week in training trying to convince Bruce that they deserve starting roles at home to Aston Villa on Friday, but Gayle’s performance will likely see that he needs to do even more, given the United boss’ backing of the ex-Burnley man on Sunday.

AND in other news, some Newcastle players want a “very good organiser” lauded by those he’s worked with to replace Steve Bruce…