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Thousands of Newcastle fans have been voting in a survey by Chronicle Live as to who they next want to see in the dugout at St James’ Park.

A mammoth 95% of the 14,000 supporters who took the survey called for the club to part ways with Steve Bruce. Newcastle are two points above the Premier League drop zone and have a game in hand, but 92% fear relegation under the incumbent manager.

Who do Newcastle fans want instead?

There were 10,000 responses submitted as to the preferred candidate for Bruce’s replacement.

Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe led the way with the backing of 25%, although he is presently the frontrunner for the vacant role at Celtic.

Around 1,600 respondents favour a return for Rafael Benitez, who led the Magpies to 10th in 2017/18 and 13th the following season before departing the club at the end of his contract.

In third place was Chris Wilder, who left Sheffield United by mutual consent earlier this month. He ‘narrowly’ placed ahead of another intriguing candidate in the form of Frank Lampard, who was sacked by Chelsea at the end of January.

Transfer Tavern verdict

All four of these candidates would likely be welcomed with open arms on Tyneside.

Howe would look to implement an expansive, ambitious brand of football, almost the polar opposite of the conservative tactics often employed by Bruce.

Benitez has proven that he is a world-class coach, as illustrated by his CV, Wilder remarkably led Sheffield United from League One to the top half of the Premier League and Lampard commendably secured a top four finish for Chelsea following Eden Hazard’s departure in the summer of 2019.

In other news, Lee Ryder dropped an inside claim on this promising Newcastle youngster.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic recently but Daniel Levy should avoid signing the Serbian, as he wouldn’t be an improvement on anything Spurs already have.

According to reports from Italy, Spurs are interested in signing the 24-year-old midfielder this summer, although a host of Italian clubs, along with Crystal Palace, are also said to be keeping a close eye on him.

So far this season, Lukic has made 21 appearances in Serie A, contributing three goals and no assists, which has seen him average a less than impressive 6.52 WhoScored rating.

Whilst he is playing in a poor Torino side who are in serious danger of relegation to Serie B, these stats suggest that he would struggle to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans, especially considering the quality options the Portuguese manager has in midfield.

Lukic can play as both a central and attacking midfielder, but averages just one tackle and 0.6 interceptions per game in Serie A, whereas Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele – arguably Spurs’ best midfield duo – both score higher for those metrics.

The Serbian’s attacking returns are also poor, as he averages just 0.6 shots and 0.8 key passes per game in the Italian top flight, whereas someone like Dele Alli has averaged 1.7 shots and 1.7 key passes per game in the Europa League, and looks set for a run in Mourinho’s side after impressing in recent European performances.

With Spurs also boasting options such as Giovani Lo Celso, Moussa Sissoko and Lucas Moura in midfield, a potential move for Lukic seems like a strange option for Spurs, as it is difficult to see what he offers Mourinho.

Lukic’s three goals this term is his best goalscoring season to date, whereas Alli has hit double figures on a regular basis during his time in north London.

Therefore, Levy should steer well clear of the £4.5m-rated Lukic in the summer transfer window, as based on their respective performances throughout their careers so far, it would definitely be fair to suggest that Alli is a far better player than the Serbian.

And, in other news… Dele Alli’s return to form could be bad news for £31.5m-rated Spurs outsider

Speaking to football.london, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed the latest team update surrounding Giovani Lo Celso and his comeback from injury – with the Portuguese boss stating he will miss Dinamo Zagreb this evening due to ‘some back pain’.

While his absence, by Jose Mourinho’s own admission, is nothing too serious and not related to his previous injury, the Lilywhites manager has confirmed he will miss Thursday’s clash as his comeback is delayed.

Mourinho confirms Tottenham update on Lo Celso

The Tottenham boss seemed fairly optimistic last weekend of a potential return to action for Lo Celso tonight in the Europa League, with the club website relaying it was the probable return date, but Mourinho has now confirmed his comeback will be delayed further.

“Gio is not ready but it’s nothing to do with his previous important injury, from which he’s totally recovered,” explained the Lilywhites boss.

“But with his accumulation of work his feelings are not the best at the moment, a little bit of some back pain so he’s had to stop working the way he was doing. So not for this match.”

Transfer Tavern take

His return to training recently was lauded as ‘good news’ by Mourinho, with the Tottenham boss branding him ‘magnificent’, but it appears he will not be featuring tonight.

Time will tell when he does return, but Spurs fans will be hoping this minor setback won’t delay him too long given that his creativity could provide even more threat to the ferocious attacking stars.

In other news: Tottenham gifted this electric youngster an opportunity, find out more here.

Leeds United have a lot of exciting prospects, one being Olly Casey, and Phil Hay has reported that the player could head out on a temporary move to build up some first-team experience.

Hay’s update on Casey

The journalist was asked if there was any transfer news around the club and he revealed that incomings are not expected this month, but Casey is “likely to leave on loan”.

This is a good idea for all parties

Former Whites star Noel Whelan spoke highly of the player when he told Football Insider: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and when you have that at a football club, it’s important because it’s an investment for the future.”

The 20 year-old centre-back is one that manager Marcelo Bielsa clearly wants to keep an eye on as he has given the player three appearances for the senior side (Transfermarkt).

Casey is reportedly attracting interest from many sides in the English Football League and if he could get consistent game time at such a level it would be great for his growth.

Not only would it be good for the defender, but also for Bielsa as he can see how he gets on at such a level and if he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League in the future.

In other news, find out whose return from injury has been deemed ‘massive’ here!

The winter window has only just closed but after landing just one acquisition in January, Wolves are already being linked with some new faces ahead of the summer.

On the chalkboard

One player linked with Wolves in recent days has been Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

According to TuttoJuve, the Welshman’s future in Italy is now in doubt and thus, the Serie A giants may choose to cash in.

It’s reported that both the Old Gold and Tottenham are interested in signing Ramsey who could cost €10m-€15m (£9m-£13m).

Ramsey is currently on a wage of £300k-per-week in Turin so it seems far-fetched that Wolves would pursue a deal like this. After all, one of the main reasons they didn’t end up targeting Christian Eriksen and Diego Costa in January was because of their wages.

Claims from Tim Spiers suggest that Joao Moutinho could be in his final season of regular football at the club so Wolves will need to find alternative midfielders from somewhere.

The solution

Wolves signed 20-year-old Vitinha on loan from Porto in the summer but after his arrival, he’s started just two Premier League outings.

It’s been a difficult campaign for the Portuguese but he’s progressed well and demonstrated that he has the potential to thrive in Nuno Santo’s system.

Hailed as “special” by Jeff Shi when he first penned terms, he scored an absolute peach against Chorley in the FA Cup. Arguably, his best performance of the season came against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

As the Old Gold tasted defeat late on against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, Vitinha won 100% of his duels and also completed all of the dribbles he attempted. It was a high-class performance on what his very first start in the top-flight of English football.

The youngster may not have had many chances to prove his worth this term but the small glimpses we’ve seen should be enough to convince Wolves to lure him to the Midlands permanently next summer.

Just like they do with Willian Jose, the Old Gold have an option to buy Vitinha next summer. As good as a player like Ramsey is, this would be a smart way for Wolves to save some cash.

Ramsey’s wage demands would be astronomical but in Vitinha, they’d be assured of not only having a player they can develop for the future – a mantra that fits the club’s policies – but also of having a high-class performer on low wages.

Nuno must continue to nurture him this season before unleashing him properly in 2021/22.

AND in other news, 67% duels lost: Nuno must axe £73k-p/w “liability”, he’s been costing Wolves for weeks…

Speaking exclusively to Transfer Tavern, former Premier League referee Mark Halsey discussed Lewis Dunk’s controversial goal during his side’s draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.

In the fixture itself, Brighton dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead against the Hammers thanks to Neal Maupay’s scrambled finish just before the break.

However, after David Moyes withdrew Mark Noble and Jarrod Bowen for Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko at the interval, West Ham appeared much more energised in the second half and went on to equalise via Ben Johnson’s 60th-minute strike.

Brighton then thought they had won the fixture with Dunk’s 70th-minute goal, but Tomas Soucek headed powerfully home 12 minutes later to share the spoils at the London Stadium, with the game finishing 2-2.

However, there was a significant amount of controversy surrounding Dunk’s finish, as it appeared as if the ball stuck the Brighton defender on the arm before he slotted past Lukasz Fabianski.

“As football fans, we’d have all agreed that it would have been very harsh to disallow that goal,” Halsey told Transfer Tavern. “However, the new law, ‘Law 12 – Handling the Ball’ says that if an attacking player benefits from an accidental handball and it falls for them and they put it into the back of the net, then the goal should be disallowed.”

He continued: “Now, I think you can clearly say [the ball] hit Dunk in the midriff and then hit him underneath the arm. So, under the new law, it should have been disallowed for accidental handball because it did look like it brushed the underneath his arm.”

Following the game, Moyes called for clarity on the handball rule, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “It definitely hits his arm. Unless you tell me the rules have changed, I think anything hitting the arm and leading to a goal should be chopped off.”

It would appear that the 57-year-old was correct in stating that the goal, which was reviewed by the VAR official, should have been chalked off, as Halsey claims that, under the current rules, even an accidental handball which leads to a goal should not be allowed to stand, and instead, a free-kick should be given to the opposing team.

As such, it would appear that Moyes is right to feel aggrieved with the decision made by the VAR official on Sunday, and perhaps he should have seen his side leave the game with all three points.

West Brom will be looking to make it back-to-back victories on the road when they head to east London to face West Ham United this evening.

Sam Allardyce recorded his first win as Baggies boss on Saturday afternoon as Albion defeated arch-rivals Wolves 3-2 at Molineux, and now he heads to a former stomping ground with the aim of steering his side to safety in the Premier League.

The Irons are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, so will pose a tricky test for the 66-year-old and his squad at the London Stadium.

But what sort of lineup could we see tonight? Will Big Sam stick or twist with a winning XI?

Here’s what we are predicting, along with the latest team and injury news…

There could be as many as three changes to the side that conquered the Old Gold at the weekend.

First-choice shot-stopper Sam Johnstone is likely to still be out after testing positive for the virus and while he’s now back in training, this game could be too early for an instant return, so David Button continues between the sticks.

The first alteration could be to the backline as Darnell Furlong comes in for Dara O’Shea at right-back.

He’s the natural option in the role. The young Irishman may have been deployed to counter the threat posed by Pedro Neto but the former QPR man offers more of an attacking option, having contributed to three goals this term.

He’ll join Kieran Gibbs, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi in a traditional back four.

In midfield, Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher is available after serving a one-match suspension and we think he’ll come straight back in, meaning Romaine Sawyers faces the chop.

The arguable Player of the Season so far will surely partner skipper Jake Livermore with Saturday’s goalscoring hero Matheus Pereira continuing in the no.10 role.

Callum Robinson was deployed as a striker up at Molineux, but we may see him revert back to a natural left-wing position with Robert Snodgrass starting his second-ever Albion game.

It’ll be his first return to the Hammers since leaving them at the start of the month.

As the 25-year-old goes back to the flank, we could see Hal Robson-Kanu in the forward position to start his first match since September. The £30k-per-week ace had been out with a fractured arm until his 21-minute cameo on Saturday.

He’s surely in line to start tonight.

Allardyce will still be without Conor Townsend and Karlan Grant, who are more long-term absentees, whilst Grady Diangana and Matty Phillips have been ruled out too, as per BirminghamLive.

AND in other news, prolific 11-goal marksman could bring shades of Salomon Rondon back to the Hawthorns

Aston Villa have seemingly been given the green light to revisit one of their reported summer targets in the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

Speaking to Sport Bild, Werder Bremen president Hubertus Hess-Grunwald claimed the Bundesliga outfit could sell Milot Rashica in order to raise funds this winter.

He said:

“We are in the process of tapping all sources of money, exhausting all possible savings. And of course, we will see what potential transfer proceeds we can achieve.”

Sky Germany (via Bulinews) claimed that the Midlands outfit were in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 24-year-old back in October, but evidently that didn’t come to fruition.

Grealish heir?

Villa sporting director Johan Lange would be wise to revisit this deal in two months time as he could land Dean Smith an ideal heir to Jack Grealish’s throne.

Yes, the England star signed a new long-term contract extension recently but reports still linger over a potential move to Manchester United. If he continues to impress for his boyhood club, then such claims will only increase tenfold.

He even claimed that is was 50/50 over whether or not he’d agree to fresh terms (Sky Sports via talkSPORT).

Therefore, Lange must strike sooner rather than later and there can surely be no one better and more attainable than Rashica right now.

The €30m-rated (£27m) left-winger scored 11 goals and provided eight assists last season for Bremen, and averaged 2.6 shots, two dribbles and 1.4 key passes per appearance in the league, via WhoScored.

Bundesliga.com have likened his playing style to that of Alexis Sanchez in his Arsenal prime, an ice-cold demon with pace to burn that can cut in off the left to contribute with goals and assists – just like Grealish, really.

Rashica’s head coach Florian Kohfeldt has claimed that he “makes scoring look easy,” all the more reason for Villa to revisit him as their attack would be an awfully frightening prospect.

Even if they keep hold of Grealish, just imagine him behind Rashica, Watkins and one Trezeguet or Bertrand Traore.

€20m (£18m) was reported to be enough back in the summer, according to Sport Bild, so it’s a move that Villa should absolutely look to do in January.

AND in other news, Dean Smith must rue failed Aston Villa swoop for Maupay 2.0…

This season has been a brutal affair for Celtic. They are currently 13 points off the pace in the SPFL and were knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League in the same season.

If that wasn’t enough, they were also knocked out of the Scottish League Cup too.

Fortunately, their campaign could embark on a period of rejuvenation very soon.

On the chalkboard

This Sunday Celtic have an ideal opportunity to wipe away the negativity that has intoxicated their term so far.

2020/21 was supposed to be all about their quest for ten league crowns in a row. However, while that now looks unlikely, silverware is within their sight.

This weekend they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final and fortunately, they have found form at just the right time.

They beat Lille in the Europa League and then Neil Lennon laid down another marker when the Hoops defeated Kilmarnock last weekend.

The Bhoys might be some way behind in the league but this offers a timely distraction, one that if they win, may spark a revival in the league.

So, how can Celtic improve their chances of winning the final?

The solution

Celtic’s defence has been absolutely horrific this season and that’s putting it kinder than we could have.

They conceded eight in two matches against Sparta Prague and have shipped ten more goals than rivals Rangers in the league.

Clearly, Lennon’s backline needs to improve but it’s no coincidence that since Ismaila Soro’s energetic legs were brought into the side for the first time, Celtic have enhanced their play.

They conceded twice against a fierce Lille team but kept a clean sheet against Killie. Soro has been a huge part of their recent solidity and he simply has to start against Hearts in a few days time.

This is someone who brings boundless vigour to the midfield and can dominate the play, taking the ball from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.

His former coach, Ori Guttman said in January: “When I saw Soro I was immediately excited. From the first second I noticed his explosive power. His tackling and dribbling skills were incredible. He looked like he had good potential.”

And indeed, we’re now seeing that potential emerge at Celtic. It’s remarkable to think he’s started just twice in 2020 for the Hoops given his impressive displays.

In the Europa League this term, he’s made a phenomenal amount of tackles – 3.7 per game – while he’s also completed over 90% of his passes.

This is someone who keeps things calm and composed in the middle of the park, being described as a “wonderful player” by Frankie McAvennie.

Considering how non-existent Celtic’s midfield has been for the best part of this season, Soro has been a game-changer.

He could well determine whether the Scottish Cup goes back to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

In other news, Lawwell must sign ex-PL gem who once performed “a miracle”…

Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos spared Steven Gerrard’s blushes as he came off the bench to score the winner against Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Light Blues initially struggled to break down a disciplined Polish side before Morelos ended his six-game goal drought in emphatic style.

The 6-cap Colombia international headed in a cross from Rangers left-back Borna Barisic to secure the victory, which means Gerrard’s side have now won their last five games in the Europa League (including the qualifying rounds).

Gerrrard singled out Morelos for praise after his winning header took him to 21 goals for the Gers in Europe, tying him with Ally McCoist’s all-time club record.

Speaking after the game, the Rangers boss said: “It’s fantastic for him from a personal point of view. Alfredo’s a top class player, a top class goalscorer, and it’s fantastic that he’s still here.”

SofaScore gave the 24-year-old a decent grade of 7.2 for his performance – he took two shots on target, had another attempt blocked, whilst he took 16 touches of the ball and completed nine out of ten passes at a pass accuracy rating of 90%. If you look at his heatmap, you can see that he popped up all over the place, which suggests that he caused the Polish side all sorts of problems. Solid effort, that’s for sure.

Sky Sports gave Morelos a 8/10 rating, whilst The Daily Record went one step below, claiming he “got just over half an hour for Roofe and made his presence felt with a record-equalling goal.”

Much has been made of Morelos’ attitude in recent weeks, with former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan labelling the centre-forward as “petulant and childish” for clashing with Celtic midfielder Scott Brown in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

Petulant, maybe? Brash, almost certainly. But there’s no denying the fact that he’s still the best striker in the squad, as he has now scored more Uefa Cup/Europa League goals than any other player in the squad. If anything, it just goes to show that Gerrard cannot afford to lose him, if recent reports are to be believed…

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey could soon usurp Borna Barisic at Ibrox…