In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, former Newcastle United midfielder Chris Waddle says that while he ‘feels some sympathy’ for Magpies owner Mike Ashley after he put the club for sale, he believes the Sports Direct supremo only has himself to blame when it comes to his strained relationship with the supporters.

The Tyneside outfit released an official statement on Monday to announce that the club was up for sale, and the news will largely be met with happiness by the St James’ Park faithful following an eventful 10 years under the ownership of Ashley, which has included two relegations to the Championship and two instant promotions back to the Premier League.

The 53-year-old is also said to have upset current boss Rafa Benitez over his summer budget, and the fact that the statement says that they want any prospective new owner to lead the club “to a bright and successful future” suggests they want a deal with someone who can back the Spaniard in the transfer market.

While Waddle does feel a little sorry for Ashley considering he could never compete financially with the top clubs in the Premier League, he also believes he was at fault in others ways for his poor relationship with the supporters.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He has been there for 10 years and the fans have never taken to him, so I feel some sympathy.

“But he has not communicated enough with them or the media to actually explain in what direction the club was going.”

Newcastle currently lie ninth in the top flight standings after taking 11 points from their opening eight Premier League matches this season.

We’ve been here before.

Everton v Arsenal at Goodison Park should be one of the Premier League’s top fixtures, especially this season. After a stabilising campaign last year, Everton should have been looking to prove that they can attack the Premier League’s top six and perhaps even compete for a Champions League place. Whilst a summer in which they eventually spent the money required to sign a big-name striker gave some people hope that Arsenal could build on their FA Cup victory in late May.

But to think either of those things was probably foolish: in recent years, both clubs have shown us that optimism is not just inappropriate but downright damaging: don’t aim for the stars because the fall is harder if you shoot so high.

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A Europa League won’t wash away the disappointment of the Premier League season so far for Arsenal, who are already nine points back and have won only half of their games so far. Everton are two points above the relegation zone and have one of the worst goal differences in the league so far. Things are even more farcical in Europe.

The Toffees, you’d imagine, won’t finish quite as far down the table as they are at the moment, and for Arsenal, who currently occupy sixth place, the form of their opponents is perhaps the saving grace of the season so far: Everton were the most likely to break into that top six before the season began, and the Gunners the most likely to drop out.

But everything in this weekend’s game points to at least one of the clubs suffering yet another crisis. And we’ve been here before.

Just before Christmas last season, in fact. At the time, Arsenal looked like they might have turned a corner and Everton were at a distinct low point.

A 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day was beginning to look like a distant memory for Arsenal, and it was still their only defeat of the season. But a difficult double-header just before the festive period was where the wheels came off the title challenge.

A midweek game at Goodison was followed by a trip to the Etihad. Both ended in defeat, and from three points behind Chelsea before the trip to Everton, Arsenal found themselves nine points off the pace on Christmas day.

That, effectively, ruined their season. The Gunners had scored more goals than any other side in the league going into that double-header. They had beaten Chelsea 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, and although Antonio Conte’s side had come back strongly, if Arsene Wenger had managed to mastermind even four points from a tough two games in the North West, they may well have had the confidence to mount a serious challenge.

Instead, two defeats showed just how soft the Gunners’ underbelly was. It showed they hadn’t changed in a decade, and that they crumbled at the first sign of pressure. They were, as always, Arsenal.

For Everton, meanwhile, it was only their second win in two months. A 5-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge had precipitated a collapse as Ronald Koeman suffered his first difficult spell in charge. At the time, though, Everton’s double header looked just as difficult as Arsenal’s, and there was no confidence in them to turn their form around.

After receiving Arsenal at home, next up was Liverpool in the derby. There may not have been the same vultures calling for Koeman’s head as there are right now, and things probably worse right now after a lamentable start to the season, but having failed to win in two months until beating Arsenal last December, that was probably the moment things started to look up.

Victory over Arsenal was followed by a very late defeat at home to Liverpool, but things had changed for Koeman. After the Liverpool game, his side didn’t lose again until March as they launched an assault on the Champions League places that wasn’t ended until another defeat to Liverpool. After that, the game was up and sixth place was inevitable. But victory over Arsenal seemed to relaunch their season.

It’s hard to see history repeating itself to the same for Everton. Victory over Arsenal wouldn’t be the scalp it was last December when the Gunners looked like real title challengers and would have gone top with a win. As such, it doesn’t look likely to kick-start a floundering season. This year, Arsenal have already lost two more games than they had done by the time they travelled to Goodison last season, and things look like they’ve crumbling down around Arsene Wenger much earlier than usual.

We’ve been here before numerous times with both clubs, and this time it feels like a must-win for both teams already. But it’s hard to see either side igniting their season this weekend.

Everton have not yet decided who will be Ronald Koeman’s permanent successor, but as it stands, David Unsworth is in charge.

The 44-year-old was promoted from his role as Under-23s coach to oversee the first team on a temporary basis following Koeman’s dismissal last Monday.

The former defender has had two games in charge, both of which have ended in disappointment – a 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Leicester City.

After the cup match, fans were pleased with the performance from the players, but doubt could creep in if the losses continue.

Phil Neville, who played for Everton for eight years, was thought to have thrown his hat into the ring, but now the ex-Manchester United player has endorsed Unsworth.

The now-TV pundit told BBC Sport:

“I would love to see David Unsworth get the Everton job on a permanent basis and it riles me when I see him described as not having enough experience. Unsworth has done the hard yards as a coach and has done a fantastic job with the Everton Under-23 side, where he has done everything that was asked of him.

“He won the Premier League 2 title with them last season and has also produced a lot of the young players that are now playing for the Everton first team. The next step now is for him to go and do that at first-team level in the Premier League and hopefully that is at Everton, because it seems the perfect match.”

Unsworth is very familiar with Everton given that he came through the academy and started his career at the Merseyside club.

After five years in the senior team, the ex-defender moved on but later returned 1998 for a six-year spell.

Unsworth was taken on as U23s boss in 2014.

Newcastle United and West Ham United are keeping tabs on Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu, according to Marca.

What’s the story?

It is not the first time that the Hammers have been linked to the Congo international, but they reportedly fell short of the club’s asking price.

So far this season, Bakambu has scored nine goals in 14 outings in all competitions, and eight of those were netted in La Liga.

Marca claims that Newcastle and West Ham have taken notice of the forward’s goalscoring form, while West Bromwich Albion have also been registered with an interest.

It is believed that Bakambu has a release clause worth around £27m, while transfermarkt.com value the striker at £14.4m.

Could Newcastle or West Ham win the race?

The striker would be a great addition to either team, particularly as both are in need of a reliable goalscorer.

Javier Hernandez was meant to be the solution for the Hammers, but in 13 appearances in all competitions, the Mexico international has scored four times.

It is worth noting, though, that the 29-year-old was played out of position numerous times by former manager Slaven Bilic, who was replaced by David Moyes.

For both West Ham and Newcastle, the biggest stumbling block is the £27m price tag.

The East London outfit could not meet the valuation before, while the Magpies’ takeover situation brings uncertainty with regards to transfer budget.

As reported by The Sun, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will not allow left-back Andrew Robertson leave the club on loan in January, as he searches for regular first team football.

What’s the story?

Robertson has made just two English Premier League appearances for the Reds so far this term with Alberto Moreno proving hard to replace in Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven.

The Sun report that the young Scottish international, who joined from Hull City for £8m in the summer, is hoping for regular football and would be happy to move on loan in January.

However, the paper say Jurgen Klopp won’t allow that to happen, unhappy at the progression of other young players out on loan such as Ryan Kent at Bundesliga side Freiburg.

Robertson’s potential

Andy Robertson is one of the best young British full-backs around, emerging on the professional scene first at Dundee United before winning a move to Hull City in 2014.

Since then his progression has been rapid, gaining experience both at Championship and Premier League level, showing attacking instincts that could in time make him a massive hit at Anfield.

Still just 23 though, he needs regular action to allow that potential to flourish and if he isn’t getting it at Liverpool, the right loan move could be the making for him.

Moving abroad, like Ryan Kent, might not be ideal but a short-term deal to another top-flight side could allow him to prove he is the right option to succeed Moreno on the left hand side of defence. He simply isn’t getting his chance under Klopp as it stands.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Joel Matip will miss Wednesday’s Champions League match against Spartak Moscow.

The defender was left out of the squad that claimed a 5-1 rout over Brighton on Saturday due to a muscular injury that he suffered in the previous game against Stoke City.

Matip will not recover in time to play at Anfield in midweek, but Klopp has denied reports that the 26-year-old is expected to be out of action for as long as a month.

Partly due to the defender’s injury, the manager made a bold move at the weekend by playing a back three consisting of Dejan Lovren and midfield duo Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum.

The surprise team selection coped as they earned a thumping victory at the Amex Stadium.

It remains unclear if Klopp will take another risk, but given that the Reds must avoid defeat against Spartak to qualify for the last 16 of the competition, the manager may play it safe.

Liverpool fans tweeted their thoughts on the news that Matip will miss the game.

Andre Green played in five of Aston Villa’s first six Championship matches of the 2017-18 campaign, and there is no question that the attacker impressed.

Green looked capable of playing a key role for the Championship club last term, but he picked up a hamstring problem against Brentford in September, and did not play again in the league for the remainder of the season.

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The 19-year-old has since recovered from the injury, however, and is currently training with Villa ahead of the new campaign.

It would be fair to say that it is a testing time for Villa, with the former Premier League outfit struggling with a number of problems off the field.

The Villa fans have not had too much to smile about in recent weeks, and it could get worse with the likes of James Chester expected to leave the club.

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The club’s supporters are feeling pretty good about Green’s chances of success next term, however, with many taking to social media to tip the teenager to enjoy a strong campaign when Villa need it the most.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

West Ham United have already been busy in the summer transfer market having signed Lukasz Fabianski, Ryan Fredericks and Issa Diop, but manager Manuel Pellegrini is unlikely to be finished there.

While he has already bolstered a defence that had the joint-worst record in the Premier League last season, he is likely to want to add at least another centre-back to his squad given the departures of Jose Fonte and James Collins over the course of the last couple of months.

Further up the pitch change is needed too – particularly in central midfield and attacking midfield areas with Cheikhou Kouyate struggling during the 2017/18 campaign, and Manuel Lanzini picking up a serious injury that could keep on the sidelines for the entire upcoming season.

Pellegrini, who has been urged to sign a 2018 World Cup ace instead of Felipe Anderson, and the club have already shown plenty of ambition in this window if rumours are to be believed, and they look to have the budget to make those marquee signings happens, in conjunction with letting individuals leave.

Here are two huge signings West Ham must make this summer, as well as one major sale…

The former Arsenal midfielder is yet to find a new club having left the Gunners when his contract expired at the end of last month, and it has been suggested before that he would like to join West Ham having supported them as a kid.

The 26-year-old showed his qualities last term by being something of a regular for the north London outfit despite his previous injury issues, and he would bring real tenacity, commitment and skill in the middle of the park for the Irons – something that is much needed based on their performance last term.

With a deal for Felipe Anderson proving to be problematic, it will soon get to a stage where Pellegrini has to turn his attentions elsewhere if he wants to bring in a marquee signing on the wing.

Reliable insider @ExWHUemployee has suggested on Episode 94 of The West Ham Way Radio show that former Manchester United attacker Depay is a target, and he would certainly be a major signing for the Irons given how good he was for Lyon last term.

The Netherlands international may have generally disappointed with the Red Devils, but 22 goals and 17 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions during the 2017/18 campaign suggest the 24-year-old has improved and matured.

It seems almost certain that when Pellegrini brings a new winger to the London Stadium, that one will be on the way out and it would be no surprise if it is Antonio.

The West Ham winger has already been linked with a move to Crystal Palace this summer and he would surely be unhappy if he isn’t a guaranteed starter this season – something that is likely to happen if Depay, Anderson or anyone else signs.

While selling him may not be a totally popular decision with the fans, it could be a good one in the long-term given the injury issues he suffered last term.

Do you agree, West Ham fans? Let us know below.

Southampton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with Mark Hughes remaining as the club’s manager after expertly leading them to safety last term.

The 54-year-old took over at St Mary’s back in March of this year to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino, what with the Saints very much in relegation trouble after a hopeless campaign up until that point. Yet the ex-Stoke City chief did exactly what was asked by leading the South Coast outfit to key victories over Bournemouth and Swansea City late on in the season to secure their Premier League status, eventually finishing 17th in the division and three points clear of danger.

Thus, there are many delighted Southampton fans up and down the country, although several are well aware that the squad needs seriously improvement this summer if they are to climb the table this time round.

And with the hugely talented Mohamed Elyounoussi through the door, Hughes should seek to further bolster his blunt attacking ranks with the addition of £9 million-rated Nacer Chadli (as per Transfermarkt).

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here

The 28-year-old may well have been part of a West Brom side relegated from the top-flight last season, but injury restricted the Belgium international to just five Premier League appearances for the Baggies, thus he was unable to have a genuine say in their survival chances.

And that will be of particular frustration to West Brom fans given how impressive Chadli has looked at this summer’s World Cup, with the winger appearing in four of Belgium's five matches en route to the semi-finals, netting in their thrilling comeback win over Japan in the last-16.

And the 28-year-old’s efforts should be of interest to Hughes and the Southampton hierarchy, as the Saints seriously struggled in the attacking department last term.

The likes of Sofiane Boufal and Nathan Redmond failed to deliver the goods over the course of the campaign while Dusan Tadic has since joined Ajax, leaving Hughes somewhat short of genuine quality despite the arrival of the exciting Elyounoussi.

Yet were Chadli to translate his Belgium form when in a Saints shirt, he could be the ideal addition to Hughes’ ranks this season, as the South Coast outfit seek to return to the top half of the Premier League, where they finished in each of the four seasons prior to the last one.

Not only did the 28-year-old do reasonably well in his first campaign at West Brom, netting five goals and five assists for the Baggies, but he also proved his worth during a stint at Tottenham, scoring 25 goals and laying on 16 assists in a three-year spell in North London – thus, he’s clearly got what it takes to succeed in the top-flight.

And given West Brom’s relegation to the Championship, alongside Chadli’s fine efforts at this summer’s World Cup, Southampton must seek to make the ideal summer addition in luring the 28-year-old to St Mary’s.

Southampton fans… what do you think? Let us know

Some Everton fans are turning against Ademola Lookman, as the speedy young winger did not feature in the Toffees’ pre-season draw against Bury.One of the most infuriating aspects of Sam Allardyce’s reign at Everton was his decision to loan Lookman to Red Bull Leipzig in January.The Toffees were lacking pace and directness in attack, so the decision to loan out a young, pacey and direct winger was quite simply bizarre. The worst of that decision may be yet to come though, as it seems to have convinced Leipzig to try and sign him permanently.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255857″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Everton’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]The 20 year-old’s stay in Germany was a huge success, scoring five and assisting three in 11 Bundesliga appearances.Leipzig are making no secret about their pursuit of the winger, and there were rumours of a scout from the German club attending the match against Bury.Lookman did not play, and while some fans are laughing at the thought of a scout showing up to watch a player only for them not to feature, others are starting to get fed up of this saga.You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where more than a couple of fans are ready to let Lookman go…