Connect with us

Sports

Howe confident Newcastle will find ‘X factor’ | The Express Tribune

Published

on

Howe confident Newcastle will find ‘X factor’ | The Express Tribune



LONDON:

Eddie Howe is confident that goal-shy Newcastle will discover their “X factor” as they adapt to life without star striker Alexander Isak.

The 26-year-old Sweden international joined Premier League champions Liverpool for a British-record fee of £125 million ($169 million) on transfer deadline day, ending a protracted saga.

Howe plugged the huge gap in his front line with a club-record £69 million swoop for Germany international Nick Woltemade late in the transfer window while Yoane Wissa arrived from Brentford in a deal worth £55 million.

Woltemade, 23, is still finding his feet in the Premier League while a knee injury has prevented 29-year-old DR Congo forward Wissa from making his debut.

“In an ideal world you have a full pre-season to iron out any issues you have,” Newcastle manager Howe said on Tuesday. “You’re forming your partnerships and team relationships so they’re formed for the start of the season.

“We’re in the position where we’re going to have to do it as we play. I have no issue with doing that, I’ve done it before.”

Newcastle, who launch the defence of their League Cup crown on Wednesday, have won just one of their six games in all competitions, keeping four clean sheets but managing just four goals.

The Magpies are 13th in the Premier League table with just one win in five matches.

Former Stuttgart forward Woltemade scored on his debut in a 1-0 victory over Wolves on September 13 but drew a blank in Sunday’s tepid 0-0 draw at Bournemouth, when genuine chances were at a premium.

“I don’t think any comparison to Alex is favourable to any player,” said Howe. “I wouldn’t do that in other positions. Every player is unique and Nick is certainly that.

“The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team is playing with strength, it’s just missing that X factor that I think will come.”

Howe, who made seven changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League last week at Bournemouth, is likely to shuffle his pack once again for Wednesday’s League Cup third-round clash with third-tier Bradford.

Newcastle beat Liverpool in the League Cup final last year to end their 56-year wait for a major trophy.



Source link

Sports

Tracking the NFL playoff picture: Updated chances to clinch open spots, win division titles

Published

on

Tracking the NFL playoff picture: Updated chances to clinch open spots, win division titles



We are following the 2025 NFL season’s playoff picture. Here’s how things look right now for wild-card spots, division races and even the draft order.



Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Transfer rumors, news: Man United consider re-signing former midfielder Garner

Published

on

Transfer rumors, news: Man United consider re-signing former midfielder Garner


Former Manchester United midfielder James Garner is being targeted for a return to Old Trafford, while Chelsea are one of several top European clubs monitoring Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men’s summer grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

Amorim: United ‘cannot make same mistakes’ with transfers
Real Madrid’s Endrick completes loan move to Lyon
Sources: City making progress on Semenyo move

TRENDING RUMORS

– Manchester United are keen on bringing Everton midfielder James Garner back to the club next month, the Daily Mail reports. United’s proposed plans to sign a midfielder are expected to accelerate if either Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo leave the club in January. While Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson remains United coach Ruben Amorim’s top midfield target, Garner may prove to be a more realistic transfer in the short term. The 24-year-old started his professional career at Old Trafford, where he made just two Premier League appearances. However, he has established himself as a first-team regular at Everton since joining them for £9 million in 2022. With just six months remaining on his contract, Garner could be available for a low transfer fee in the upcoming window.

– Chelsea are monitoring highly-rated Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, according to The Athletic. The 20-year-old is one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football, having been linked with a host of major clubs in recent months. The Blues are keeping an eye on another Ligue 1 standout in Saint-Etienne forward Djylian N’Guessan, who has been prolific for France at youth level.

– Juventus have shortlisted Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali in their search for a new playmaker, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italy international remains a top target for Juve, who are expected to be active next month. Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023, and has another two-and-a-half years left on his contract at the club. Juventus, meanwhile, are also expected to be in the market for a new goalkeeper and a winger in January.

– Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a winter swoop for MLS goal-machine Sam Surridge, according to talkSPORT. The Nashville striker scored 31 goals in 40 matches last season, catching the eye of Wolves scouts in the process. The West Midlands club are in desperate need of goals, as first-choice forward Jørgen Strand Larsen has scored just once in his last 15 Premier League matches. Surridge’s Nashville deal is set to expire at the end of next year.

– Several Premier League and Championship clubs have enquired to Liverpool over the possibility of signing Trey Nyoni on loan, TEAMtalk reports. While the Reds are undecided whether they want to let him leave the club next month, interest from elsewhere in the promising 18-year-old continues to increase. Ideally, Liverpool would like to find the “perfect move” for Nyoni, but concerns over squad depth could see him stay at Anfield until the end of the season.

EXPERT TAKE

play

1:49

Why Man United players should step up to fill Fernandes’ absence

Don Hutchison explains why he thinks Bruno Fernandes being out with an injury is an opportunity for players to step up for Manchester United.

OTHER RUMORS

– Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United “admire” Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. (Ekrem Konur)

– Fulham have joined the race to sign Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb in January. Earlier this week, it was reported that the Norway international was also attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace. (talkSPORT)

David Alaba is expected to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2026. While there have been no formal discussions over his exit, all indications point to the two parties going their separate ways next year. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Tottenham Hotspur want to extend defender Micky van de Ven‘s contract and will offer him improved terms to try and secure a deal. (The Athletic)

– Flamengo are “pushing” to sign Lazio striker Taty Castellanos. A €25m offer has been submitted by the Brazilian club. (Nicolo Schira)

– Roma full-back Zeki Çelik has been offered to Juventus as a free agent for next season by an intermediary. (Nicolo Schira)

– CF Monterrey have agreed a deal to sign FC Cincinnati winger Luca Orellano. (Tom Bogert)

– Porto are targeting a move for West Ham United forward Luís Guilherme in January. (Ekrem Konur)



Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Premier League Boxing Day recap: Man United hold off Newcastle

Published

on

Premier League Boxing Day recap: Man United hold off Newcastle


Happy Boxing Day!

The traditional British holiday featured a huge matchup, with Manchester United hosting Newcastle United as the only Premier League game of the day. In the end, a phenomenal strike from Patrick Dorgu was the difference, as Ruben Amorim’s squad hung on for a 1-0 victory and a valuable three points.

Take a look back at all the day’s action.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending