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Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a bargain deal to sign Kristoffer Ajer, according to the Daily Mail.

As per the news outlet, the Magpies are preparing to launch a bid of £8m for the Celtic defender, who only has one year left on his current deal with the Hoops and has been urged to leave Parkhead by Stale Solbakken, his international manager with Norway.

The Celts believe that Ajer is worth closer to £35m, but the 22-year-old will be able to talk to foreign clubs over a permanent transfer in the January window of 2022, meaning that the Bhoys face losing him for a mere fraction of what they had originally hoped to recoup.

Ajer has reportedly set his sights on a move to the Premier League, which will no doubt have alerted the Magpies, although there is also interest in signing him from Italy.

Newcastle have admired Ajer for a long time but must avoid being relegated from the top flight at the end of the current campaign to stand a realistic chance of securing his signature.

Newcastle must sign Ajer

If they do end up staying in the Premier League come the end of the season, the Tyneside club must try and sign Ajer at all costs. With a mammoth 6 foot 6 frame, the centre-back should have no problems at all coping with the physical and aerial demands of the English top flight.

He has received very high praise in the past, with former Toon ace Lee Clark claiming that he is an ‘outstanding’ player when asked about him earlier this month, while former Scottish Premiership winger Neil McCann likened him to footballing legend Cafu back in 2019, despite him primarily being a centre-back by trade.

Nonetheless, Newcastle should do all they can to sign Ajer in the summer, providing that they can preserve their Premier League status, of course.

In other news, find out takeover claim Lee Ryder has dropped on Mike Ashley here!

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa will not renew Ahmed Elmohamady’s contract this summer.

What's the story?

The versatile wide player’s contract with Dean Smith’s side is nearly at its end, and it’s now being reported that Villa do not plan to offer an extension on his current deal. Football Insider claim that Smith is ready to let the defender go amid plans to use Frederic Guilbert – who is on loan in France – as Matty Cash’s back-up and competition moving forwards.

Sawiris may be relieved

The Egypt international has simply not forced his way in as a key player in the last couple of seasons, making just five appearances in the top flight until mid-February, which suggests he is nowhere near the top of the pecking order in a fully fit Villa squad.

With Cash currently injured, the 33-year-old has come back into the fold, playing 90 minutes in each of the past three games, but he has also come in for some criticism from his own manager, with Smith not impressed by his defending in the 2-1 defeat against Leicester.

Then, against Sheffield United on Wednesday night, he produced a shocking display, and one that surely would have left his manager worried. It’s no surprise then that the boss is happy to let him go, and considering he earns a decent £45k-a-week salary, owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens (NSWE) may well breathe a sigh of relief to get an unwanted player off the wage bill, allowing the pair to reinvest elsewhere in the squad.

It would be a ruthless call to get rid of a player who has played 124 times since moving to Villa Park, especially given his impact when they earned promotion, but it seems to be a wise call that simply must be made.

Meanwhile, this Villa man let Dean Smith down against Sheffield United…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to the club’s official Twitter post regarding two fixture amendments for April.

Roy Hodgson’s side aren’t in action until after the international break, and their next fixture has now been pushed back a further two days.

Everton and Chelsea fixtures impacted

The Eagles will now make the trip to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton on Monday 5th April, with the game set to be broadcast on Sky Sports.

Palace’s following fixture, a home clash against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, will also be on Sky Sports and will now kick off at 5:30pm on Saturday 10th April.

Following last weekend’s win over West Brom, Palace seem to be all but safe. Fulham, in 18th, are 11 points behind the Eagles, with six sides in between the two London sides. That said, fans didn’t seem overly optimistic as they reacted to the news of the new fixture arrangements.

This is what these Palace fans had to say to the update following the club’s official Twitter post on Monday, with many addressing the extra two days until the next game and one sarcastically labelling it as ‘great’.

Palace fans react

“Oh great another day added to Palace’s break”

Credit: @SELDjw

“Yesss I’ve got to wait 2 extra days to be disappointed by Palace”

Credit: @CPFCknighty

“Our break just got a couple of days longer….”

Credit: @TCPalacePod

“2 day extra break from having to watch us play again”

Credit: @s_cpfc

“Great! Two games on sky where they’ll spend the hour before covering other games rather than pre-match analysis on our game. Aren’t we lucky!”

Credit: @SomePalaceGuy

“These last 9 fixtures give me the 7 losses in a row vibe”

Credit: @foursixzeroszn

In other news: Palace fans have been reacting to Matt Woosnam’s recent post on Roy Hodgson, find out more here.

Liverpool must bring in a centre-back this month, regardless of whether it’s a long-term signing or not to give the players confidence.

Centre-back required

Those were the words of former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer, who reacted to the Reds’ recent poor run in all competitions.

In 2021, Liverpool have won just once from five attempts and have scored six goals, with key defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez ruled out with season-ending knee injuries.

On top of this, Joel Matip continues to struggle with his own personal fitness issues – leaving manager Jurgen Klopp with no established centre-halves at his disposal.

Speaking exclusively to Football Transfer Tavern, Palmer believes that Liverpool must prioritise bringing in a centre-back this month, regardless of the financial implications.

“Liverpool are not keeping clean sheets. They’re not out of the Premier League title race so they need to get a centre-back in until Van Dijk gets back. They need to do that because that gives (the team a) basis,” he said.

“People are looking at the front three and saying, ‘Oh, they’re not performing anymore’ but you see, if you remember last year when they won the league, they played at Southampton, I remember that game specifically because that was typical of their performances in the league that season where it was a strong first half defensive display by Liverpool to keep them in the game. Mane scores a goal out of nothing, just before half time, and then they go on to win the game comfortably.

“But it’s that basis that you need to keep clean sheets and Liverpool are not keeping clean sheets. So they need to do that now. They’ve either got to go for a loan or a short term signing and get somebody in so they can get a platform, then the rest of the players now can start believing that ‘yes, we’re going to keep clean sheets. Now. We’ve got the front three, we’re going to score goals.’”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Palmer is spot on. While Klopp has dropped subtle hints to the club’s owners FSG about the possibility of signing a defender, it is something that the Reds desperately need.

Liverpool are making the same mistake as Manchester City last season, with Aymeric Laporte’s injury, no Vincent Kompany replacement and Fernandinho having to step in. It seems all too familiar and it looks like lessons that haven’t been learned from that.

With the transfer deadline on Monday, Liverpool do not have long to make a move but Palmer thinks they need to if they want a chance at retaining their title.

In other news, James Pearce provides silver lining regarding Jordan Henderson’s latest setback.

Noel Whelan has dropped a claim on the potential takeover of West Ham United after a previous reveal by Football Insider involving the owners.

A source from the East London club have told the news outlet that David Gold and David Sullivan are open to selling it and a number of talks have already been held with various parties.

They have set their own price of £600m to buy the London Stadium faithful which they feel is a reasonable sum despite the financial impact as a result of the global pandemic.

Now, speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that there will be plenty of interest from various investors if the club were too be put up for sale:

“There will be no shortage of takers if and when West Ham goes up for sale.

“That is a very desirable club to own. A London based club will always be an attractive option to investors.

“They’ve got the London Stadium as well. That wouldn’t put anyone off a potential purchase it has to be said. 

“I’m sure there would be a lot of investors queueing up and being very curious about that one if the opportunity to buy the club was ever there.”

West Ham are in a good position

The Hammers are currently in a very good position at the moment on the pitch, as they sit in fifth spot in the Premier League table on 42 points from 24 games, only outside of the automatic UEFA Champions League qualification places on goal difference (BBC Sport).

The fact that they are also based in the capital would certainly be an attraction for investors, added to their relatively new and shiny stadium.

As Whelan claims, there will likely be a lot of interest in buying the Irons should they be put on sale.

In other news, find out which WHU ace could be sold here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass has delivered his verdict on a potential return to Leeds United for James Milner.

The midfielder started his career at Elland Road but hasn’t played for the Whites since 2004. After leaving Yorkshire behind, Milner has gone onto play for Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.

He is now a multiple Premier League winner and he’s also earned a Champions League winners medal for his troubles.

Milner has previously been asked whether he would return to the club he rose through the ranks of as a trainee and he didn’t rule it out in 2019, saying: “I’m a fan. I always follow the team and the results. So you can never say no or even yes because just so much changes in football, you never know what happens.”

Football FanCast questioned Windass about a potential return this week and he admitted that although it would be a good fit for the player, he’d probably struggle to get into the side.

He said: “I think that’d be a good fit for him. But I think with James, he’d still want to play. And if he went to Leeds he won’t play, he will be just like he is now at Liverpool – a squad player. James will want to go on and play for an extra two or three seasons.

“I played until I was 39/40 in the Premier League and I wasn’t as fit as James Milner. So I’m sure that he won’t be looking at 35 – when I was younger, at 35 you retire. You get your pension and that’s it, you’re done. You play now until you’re 36, 37 or 38 and I’m sure that James will look that way.”

The £140k-per-week Liverpool midfielder played 50 times for Leeds between 2002 and 2004, scoring five goals in the process.

He was part of the side that were relegated from the top-flight 17 years ago so a return to Elland Road would be a fairytale ending to his career.

Certainly, as far as heading back to somewhere he loves, it would be a positive move for the 35-year-old. However, given his age, it’s unlikely he’d have what it takes to thrive in Marcelo Bielsa’s system.

You only need to look at the minimal impact Pablo Hernandez has had at the age of 35 this term. He’s started just two Premier League games all season.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano hints at possible “opportunity” for Leeds, it would usurp Rodrigo deal…

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon and after some recent poor displays, Jurgen Klopp should axe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Reds continued their shocking start to the new year by losing 1-0 at home to Burnley on Thursday evening –  a result which ended their unbeaten Anfield run.

Klopp started Oxlade-Chamberlain against Sean Dyche’s side, in the hope that he could help to unlock the Lancashire side’s defence but in truth, the former Arsenal man was up there with the worst players on the pitch.

As per SofaScore, the 27-year-old midfielder would pick up a 6.4 rating for his display, which was the joint-worst of any player who featured at Anfield.

During his time on the pitch the Englishman would contribute just 22 passes, the second-lowest of any Liverpool player.

He would also win just one of his six duels during the game, which suggests that the Burnley midfielders and defenders regularly had the better of him throughout the game, so it was no surprise that Klopp decided to bring him off shortly before the hour mark.

Following the game, the Athletic writer James Pearce had this to say about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performance:

“Oxlade-Chamberlain’s form is a real concern. He was a passenger and struggled badly once again.”

The midfielder, who earns £120k per week at Anfield, has worked extremely hard to get back to full fitness after the knee injury that kept him out earlier in the season, so it would perhaps be something of a ruthless decision to axe the former Southampton youngster after what was just his second Premier League start of the season.

However, he has struggled to impress in all of his recent performances, and if the Reds want to progress past their old rivals in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, then Klopp will surely be better served by selecting another midfielder in his place, considering only Divock Origi and Adrian have averaged lower ratings in the top-flight so far this season.

And, in other news… Liverpool can sign their dream Henderson heir in £50m beast tipped to become a real leader

Despite Southampton picking up a 2-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday night, the performance of Theo Walcott may leave Ralph Hasenhuttl concerned.

Danny Ings’ late penalty earned the Saints all three points, as they came from behind to earn victory against Graham Potter’s side, getting a result that leaves them fifth in the Premier League.

However, Walcott, who joined on loan from Everton during the summer, never really got into the game on Monday evening and struggled to have make any real impact during his time on the pitch.

As per SofaScore, the 31-year-old had just 23 touches of the ball during his 69 minutes on the pitch, which was fewer than goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who had 36 touches.

The former Arsenal man also earned a 6.4 rating for his display. which was the joint-worst of any Southampton player who started the game.

Walcott also managed to complete 11 of 14 attempted passes during the game on Monday, resulting in a pass accuracy rate of 79%, suggesting that he was never really able to get involved in Southampton’s attacking play.

Despite being involved so little, the winger still managed to lose possession on eight occasions, whilst he also failed to win any of his six duels during the game, showing that even when he had the ball, he was very disappointing.

There is a lot of relief, therefore, that Ings, who returned from injury as a half-time substitute, was able to win the game for Southampton, and based on Walcott’s disappointing display, it would not be a surprise to see the former Liverpool striker start ahead of him in the Saints’ next Premier League fixture, which sees them take on Sheffield United at St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Semmens must avoid Southampton Hojbjerg repeat by breaking the bank with 28 y/o

Celtic have a golden opportunity to resurrect their turbulent season as they face Hearts this afternoon on the road. The Championship side will host the struggling Hoops in what could turn out to be another historic achievement for Neil Lennon and his men.

The two will lock horns in the Scottish Cup final and a win for Celtic will see them secure the ‘quadruple treble’. But they mustn’t underestimate Hearts. The Bhoys have had a wretched time trying to keep up with Rangers in the league this season, currently trailing by a hefty 13 points.

Lennon may have to make peace with the fact he will not finish top of the Premiership this term, but he can rectify his mistakes by guiding his team to some silverware this afternoon.

Football FanCast has predicted how he will set up to face Hearts later today…

After stepping up the plate in Celtic’s hour of need, Conor Hazard has more than earned the opportunity to start against Hearts today. Whilst Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas have both disappointed this boss this season, the reserve ‘keeper has come to his team’s aid. Hazard should be one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Lennon’s usual back three should start in order to give the 22-year-old shot-stopper some confidence. Just in front of them, Scott Brown could return to the lineup in order to rally his troops and provide that sense of authority in the middle of the park.

But alongside him we could see Ismaila Soro return after impressing in his last two games. This means that the £20,000 per week Callum McGregor will take a rare seat on the bench. He has started every single game for the Bhoys this season, but Lennon could be looking to seriously shake things up.

Diego Laxalt missed out on a starting spot against Kilmarnock, but he should return today. On the opposite flank however, Ryan Christie may feature whilst the fruitful attacker in David Turnbull could start just ahead of him.

Football FanCast recently fought the corner of Leigh Griffiths, who could be looking at his final season of seeing much of the Celtic action. The least he deserves for all his hard work is to help the Hoops win a trophy, and for that reason, Lennon should start the Scot over Odsonne Edouard, who has hit a slump recently.

In other news, Lawwell making smart decision by offering Conor Hazard new deal…

Glasgow Rangers moved six points clear of their arch-rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable 2-0 win over Livingston on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Joe Aribo and Jermain Defoe secured the victory, with Defoe scoring his 300th club career goal to add to Aribo’s opener.

Rangers are now enjoying a 16-game unbeaten run, stretching back to a 1-0 win away at Aberdeen at the start of the season, which means that Steven Gerrard’s side are early favourites to claim the title.

It seems Gerrard still isn’t satisfied, if recent reports are to be believed, as the Rangers boss still wants to sign an attacking midfielder sooner rather than later. However, he may not have to look very far at all, if Ianis Hagi’s impressive performance against Livingston is anything to go by.

Rangers have already scored 41 goals in 16 games this season, with the 14-cap Romania international contributing a tally of one goal and eight assists in all competitions so far, via Transfermarkt.

Per SofaScore, the 22-year-old won four out of seven ground duels (57%), made 4 key passes, completed 36 out of 47 passes overall, with a pass accuracy rating of 77%, and created one big chance, whilst he successfully completed one dribble attempt as well. A look at his heatmap shows a hub of activity in the opposition half, which suggests that he caused Livingston all sorts of problems.

SofaScore gave Hagi a high grade of 7.5 for his efforts, whilst GlasgowLive went one step further and rated his performance at 8/10, claiming he provided a “clever assist for Aribo’s opener and was popping up all over the place. Used the ball really well, and was one of Rangers’ best performers on the afternoon.”

Once hailed as an “outstanding” match-winner by the Rangers boss, Hagi sent Gerrard a timely reminder with his heroics at the weekend.

Let’s face it, Gerrard is hardly short of options on the right wing, as Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones have both started in recent weeks.

But Hagi once again showed that he should never be written off as the playmaker controlled the ebb and flow of the offensive play for much of the afternoon with a series of sublime passes.

AND in other news, Rangers’ Jermain Defoe gives Gerrard plenty to consider after Livingston masterclass…