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Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin has shared a promising update on his injury problems on social media, with the Frenchman seemingly close to a return to action.

What’s the word?

The Frenchman picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Wolves last month and missed the games against Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

He was a big miss for Eddie Howe’s side in those fixtures, as the Toon picked up just one point, so to have him back in action soon would be a big boost for the northeast side.

The former Nice man shared an update on Instagram on Sunday, insisting that he would be back soon, which suggests that he could be in contention to face West Ham at the weekend.

Howe had previously suggested that the 25-year-old could feature against Crystal Palace before he was left out of the squad, which suggests that the hamstring injury wasn’t serious and that he should return to full fitness imminently.

A boost for Howe

If the winger returns this weekend, it come as a huge boost to the entire club considering his early exploits in 2022/23.

Saint-Maximin has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign, contributing one goal and two assists in four Premier League appearances, which has seen him average a superb 7.67 rating from WhoScored, the best of any Newcastle player so far this season.

This emphasises just how important he is to Howe’s side, and with no wins since the opening game in the league, it is vital that Saint-Maximin returns as soon as possible.

The former Bournemouth boss sang Saint-Maximin’s praises after he starred in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City earlier in the season.

He said: “He got every aspect of his game in a very good place, his pace was there. You could see he was electric. His decision-making with the ball was very good, he defended well.”

The prospect of Saint-Maximin lining up with new record signing Alexander Isak is also a very exciting one, with the Swede having opened his account for the club against Liverpool on his debut.

Indeed, after the Frenchman’s update on social media, it could be something that Newcastle fans get to witness for the first time away at West Ham on Sunday.

Harry Kane was left a mere passenger as Tottenham Hotspur held out for a draw against title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday evening.

Perhaps it was a by-product of the way Antonio Conte set up his side but the England skipper struggled to have any sort of influence on the game as a late, deflected Luiz Diaz strike salvaged a point for the home side.

Heung-min Son had opened the scoring in typical fashion, slotting home from six yards out after Ryan Sessegnon squared the ball across the box for his 20th Premier League goal of the season.

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But in lasting the whole 90 minutes, Kane was pretty anonymous barring one or two flashes at goal. He registered the fewest touches of any Spurs starter (35), three less than goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (38), who was also much better in possession.

Indeed, the £90m-rated talisman made only 50% of his passes, attempting just 18 all match. By comparison, Lloris made 20 successful passes, which includes goal kicks and was more than Kane’s overall attempts, via SofaScore.

Kane also struggled to make much of an impact inside the box, failing to register a single shot on or off target, with his only effort being blocked.

Meanwhile, from his 35 touches, he lost possession 16 times, meaning he gifted the ball back to Jurgen Klopp’s Reds once every two times he had the ball, which was also once every 5.6 minutes.

The 28-year-old striker is in a rough patch right now, scoring just once in his last seven league outings but he’s always going to struggle to find the net if he’s only seeing the ball every five or six minutes – he certainly won’t get on the scoresheet without a shot on target either.

As The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick wrote in his post-match ratings column, the Lilywhites forward was ‘a yard off the pace, which hampered Spurs’ ability to play on the counter,’ whilst he was among Alasdair Gold’s worst-rated starters, too.

Kane may have had a big part to play in Son’s opener, providing a sublime pass to Sessegnon out wide but aside from that, he was left a shadow of his goalscoring best.

The Englishman was once dubbed a “monster” by his South Korean teammate for his efforts in a 4-1 win over this very team back in 2017, so to deliver this sort of performance is a big contrast.

Fewer touches than the goalkeeper, no shots on target – Kane certainly suffered as a striker at Anfield but that’s not his fault, given the way Conte set up his side this weekend.

AND in other news, Forget Son: “Sensational” Spurs titan who had 11 clearances stole the show at Anfield…

Wolves failed to sign off from Molineux with a victory today as they were held to a 1-1 draw by already-relegated Norwich City in the Premier League.

The visitors took the lead through Teemu Pukki after 37 minutes before Rayan Ait-Nouri equalised early in the second half.

However, the West Midlands outfit were unable to find a winner and are now six games without a victory in the top flight.

To not be able to win in front of their own fans against a side whose fate has already been confirmed was incredibly poor with numerous passengers in the side.

Forward Hwang-hee Chan was certainly one of them after a quiet display against Dean Smith’s side.

The South Korean returned to the starting lineup having been on the bench against both Chelsea and Manchester City but struggled to make an impact.

With just one shot off target and another blocked, the forward made little impact in the final third whilst also giving the ball away on eight occasions, having made just 37 touches, meaning he lost possession once every 4.6 touches.

Moreover, there was little defensive contribution from Hwang as well with zero clearances, blocks and tackles whilst making just one interception.

As well as that, the South Korea international lost most of his duels at 64% having won four from an attempted 11.

Lage’s biggest area to improve on over the summer will be his attack, with the lack of goals scored being an issue all campaign.

Only three sides have scored fewer goals than Wolves’ 37 in 37 matches with two of them already relegated.

With the likes of Raul Jimenez, Fabio Silva and Pedro Neto, as well as Hwang, able to play up front, the Portuguese manager will have to find a solution to unlock the talents of his best possible partnership.

It seems as though a dip into the transfer market will also be needed, which could spell trouble for the 26-year-old having only recently joined Wolves permanently from RB Leipzig after initially joining on loan from the Bundesliga outfit.

What is for sure is that Hwang will have to work hard over the summer and through pre-season to ensure he earns regular playing time at Molineux next campaign.

AND in other news: Wolves can get summer off to a blinder with “unplayable” £46k-p/w brute who Lage wants

Everton have secured safety in the Premier League ahead of their final game of the season after a difficult relegation battle and this afternoon the Toffees will travel to North London to play Arsenal.

Frank Lampard will be going into his first comfortable game since arriving at Goodison Park in January and can go into the clash against top four chasing Arsenal knowing that he has successfully completed the great escape from relegation to the Championship this season.

In terms of injury updates, Fabian Delph and Yerry Mina have both been confirmed as unavailable for the final game, and with Delph out of contract this summer it means that his outing against Watford may have been his last performance in an Everton shirt.

Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson remain sidelined with long term injury issues, whilst Salomon Rondon will continue to see out his three-match suspension making him unavailable for selection for today’s game.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up this afternoon…

We expect that Lampard will make just two changes to the team that beat Crystal Palace earlier this week, changing to a 4-3-3 formation.

The first change we predict is the introduction of Anwar El Ghazi who hasn’t been given the opportunity to show what he can offer to the Toffees since he joined on loan from Aston Villa in January, playing just 11 minutes over the last five months.

El Ghazi who was hailed “remarkable” by pundit Adrian Clarke, will unlikely feature on the wing as Anthony Gordon and Richarlison are likely to keep their spots, but could appear in an advanced midfield role if the Everton boss decides to give the player a chance to make his mark, replacing Andre Gomes.

We expect 28-year-old Gomes who was dubbed a “walking red card” by Greg O’Keeffe to lose his spot in the selection to make way for Donny van de Beek’s return to the side after being out with injury issues since the beginning of March, and will play alongside Alex Iwobi to complete the midfield three.

With safety secured it would be the perfect opportunity for Lampard to give opportunities to players that have been rarely seen but he will also want to end the season on a high by causing an upset at the Emirates against Arsenal who will be desperate to take all three points from the clash to keep their Champions League dreams alive for next season.

AND in other news: Lampard plotting Everton bid for £158k-p/w dynamo, he’d be a “joy to watch” 

Journalist Rahman Osman of London World has now shared a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Spurs in mix…

The Lilywhites, as per recent reports, are in the mix to sign Eriksen following his phenomenal and fairy-tale return to the grass.

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After suffering a cardiac-arrest at Euro 2020, few could’ve predicted the Dane would be thriving back in the Premier League under Thomas Frank and sparking interest from Spurs.

Eriksen is allegedly keen on a sensational reunion with the north-Londoners and manager Antonio Conte as the club eye a Bosman deal for their ex-hero.

The Latest: Osman shares update…

According to Osman of LW, an update has emerged, with Conte personally ‘pressing on for a deal’ to re-sign the 30-year-old.

However, if they cannot convince the midfielder to return, it is believed Brighton star Yves Bissouma has been earmarked as an alternative target.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Potentially signing Eriksen for free is an arguable no-brainer given chairman Daniel Levy once put a seismic £130m tag on his head (The Mirror), highlighting the player’s obvious value and quality.

He’s been a standout for Brentford, making the most key passes per 90 for them in the top flight last year whilst also averaging the highest match rating out of anyone in the Bees squad (WhoScored).

Sealing a return for the ‘big name’ creator may well be one of Fabio Paratici’s more shrewd moves of the summer if he can get it done.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

West Ham United are believed to be closing on the permanent signing of Alphonse Areola, following the goalkeeper’s successful loan stint at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are edging ever closer towards extending the Frenchman’s stay at the London Stadium, with the Premier League side set to activate the buy option included in his temporary switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

Writing on Twitter about the 29-year-old’s situation, the respected insider revealed that a deal is in the works: “West Ham are prepared to pay €9m fee for Alphonse Areola. Buy option clause is expected to be triggered as West Ham are planning with Areola as goalkeeper.  New direct contact with his agents will take place this week.”

There had been suggestions that the World Cup winner – who made the move to east London on loan last summer – could prove too expensive to re-sign due to his wage demands, although it appears an agreement may well be able to reach.

Supporters will love it

It may seem bizarre that supporters would get excited over the signing of a player that made just one league appearance during the 2021/22 campaign, although it is hard to argue with his undeniable quality in between the sticks – something he more than proved in the club’s run to the Europa League semi-finals.

The one-time Fulham loanee featured in 11 of the Irons’ 12 games in the competition – only missing the group stage opener against Dinamo Zagreb – playing a crucial role in helping to continue the remarkable European adventure under David Moyes.

He conceded just eight goals in that continental voyage – a rate of just 0.7 goals per game – keeping five clean sheets and averaging an impressive 2.8 saves per 90, with only six members of the West Ham squad having enjoyed a better average match rating than his 7.08.

Such form had seemingly warranted increased involvement domestically, although that chance will likely – and deservedly – come should his permanent deal be confirmed, particularly with current number one Lukasz Fabianski having only recently turned 37, heightening the need for a longer-term replacement.

Pundit Alan Hutton has suggested that the three-cap international can battle his veteran teammate for a starting berth next term, with supporters inclined to agree, particularly if the experienced Pole endures a tricky run of form in the early stages of the campaign, or suffers injury.

Even if the former Arsenal man retains his place as the first-choice stopper, it is vital to have an able understudy such as Areola in reserve, while the 6 foot 5 colossus is also likely to enjoy another extended run out in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Whether supporters think he should start or be a strong back up, it will simply be good news all around if the deal can be struck.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Manchester City have seen numerous players move in and out of the club since Pep Guardiola was appointed as manager back in 2016.

The Citizens have also created a track record when it comes to signing players from other Premier League clubs.

One player that was brought in from another top-flight side that has gone on to be very successful at the Etihad Stadium is Kyle Walker.

Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth a reported fee of £50m in total, the right-back has gone on to make a total of 215 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored six goals and delivered 17 assists along the way, winning four Premier League trophies, four Carabao Cup trophies and one FA Cup.

Once Fernandinho’s current contract officially runs out at the end of June, Walker will then be City’s oldest outfield player at the age of 32.

With that in mind, it could be worth Guardiola and the City hierarchy making plans to sign a potential long-term replacement for the England international.

One figure that could fit the bill that has been mentioned with a move to the Manchester club is Chelsea full-back Reece James.

In 123 senior appearances for the west London club, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals and delivered 18 assists in the process.

Back in September 2020, one of the youngster’s goals for his side was described as “sensational” by Gary Lineker on Twitter.

In terms of his goal contributions in the Premier League this season, James found the net five times and supplied nine assists in 26 appearances, which is significantly more than the two assists Walker contributed to his side.

From a defensive point of view, the £49.5m-rated Chelsea star made more tackles, blocks and pressures than the former Spurs defender.

This shows how impressive James is up and down the pitch and why he’d be a solid replacement for Walker in the future.

While the Chelsea youth academy graduate may even be a ready-made replacement for the City star now, it may be difficult for the Manchester club to sign him this summer as his current deal at Stamford Bridge isn’t set to expire until 2025, in addition to the fact that Thomas Tuchel may be reluctant to see one of his assets make a move to a league rival.

In other news: Pep can seal dream Sterling heir as MCFC eye “outrageously talented” £102m-rated star

Manchester City have scored a lot of goals throughout their previous Premier League campaigns under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Since the Spaniard took charge of the club ahead of the 2016/17 season, the Citizens have scored a total of 565 top-flight goals. Their latest title-winning campaign saw Guardiola’s side score 99 goals, more than any other team in the top flight.

One man in their squad who played a big part in the team’s goal haul this season is Riyad Mahrez.

In 47 appearances across all competitions, the Algeria winger found the net 24 times and delivered nine assists in the process.

Now that Guardiola has ended his sixth season in charge of the Citizens with a fourth Premier League title, his focus can now switch to the upcoming summer transfer window and getting his squad in the best shape for the next campaign.

In terms of potential incoming transfers, one player with whom City have been linked and who could give the 51-year-old the chance to form a deadly duo with Mahrez on the right-hand side of the pitch is Chelsea full-back Reece James.

Having played in 26 league games with the west London club this season, the defender netted five goals and delivered nine assists in the process.

To further highlight the Englishman’s attacking talent, no other Chelsea player could equal the number of crosses (82) that James made throughout the season.

Labelled an “outstanding” player by Roy Keane, the 22-year-old is reportedly valued at around £50m.

His overall performances in the league earned the England international a season rating of 7.24/10, making him the highest-rated player in Thomas Tuchel’s squad to start more than six league games according to WhoScored.

Taking all this into account, the prospect of having both Mahrez and James on the right-hand side of the pitch, both of whom are most capable of providing a constant attacking threat, is a mouth-watering one.

Should the Premier League champions end up bringing the Chelsea star to the Etihad Stadium this summer, it would be hard to see this move doing anything other than making what already is a formidable attacking side even deadlier, which wouldn’t be good news for any other team in the league.

In other news: Sam Lee drops behind-the-scenes Man City transfer claim, it’s worrying news for Pep

Journalist Dean Jones has shared his view on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ potential interest in Benfica striker, Haris Seferovic…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the trusted insider has raised the hopes of the Molineux faithful after suggesting that they should “get excited” about a possible move, following a viral image that showed manager Bruno Lage meeting with the Switzerland international.

Although it is unclear if that was related to a possible move, Jones has suggested that it would do no harm for supporters to be optimistic: “I see it both ways. I can see why they would defend it and say there’s nothing in it, but if you’re a Wolves fan, then you might as well get excited about it because there hasn’t been much to get excited about over the course of the last six months.”

The 30-year-old had previously been linked with a switch to the Midlands last summer, having played under the Wolves boss during their time together in Portugal.

Time to get excited

That connection has been the centre of the speculation regarding the forward’s potential move to England, with the pair having won the league title together during the 2018/19 season for the Lisbon outfit, after Lage had taken charge midway through the campaign.

That season would see Seferovic net 27 times in all competitions – including 23 goals in the league – notably netting twice in a remarkable 10-0 thrashing of Nacional, as Benfica ended the campaign with a joint-club record of 103 league goals.

That is a far cry from Lage’s current side who scored just 38 top-flight goals last term – the fourth-worst record in the division – with the Old Gold seemingly crying out for a prolific presence to lead the line.

Although the former Eintracht Frankfurt man did enjoy a poor campaign of his own last time out – with just five goals in 15 games in all competitions – that was largely due to frustrating spells out with injury, having previously netted 22 league goals the year prior.

Equally, at international level he also boasts a solid record with 24 goals in 85 caps, notably netting a hat-trick in a 5-2 thrashing of Belgium in 2018, while he also bagged a double in the thrilling 3-3 draw with France at last summer’s European Championships.

Such talent has seen him dubbed a “monster” by one journalist, while former coach Ottmar Hitzfield also previously labelled him a “full-blooded centre-forward”, as he can also add a physical quality to his finishing prowess.

With doubts over the future of Raul Jimenez, Seferovic could be the ideal man to come into the side to fill the void, with Lage needing to reunite with the £7.2m-rated gem this summer to help solve Wolves’ attacking woes.

As Jones suggested, it could well be time for supporters to start getting excited, even if it is all just speculation at present.

IN other news, Lage plots Wolves bid for £34.1m gem who’s “one of the best”, imagine him and Palhinha

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been in contact with Villarreal over a potential deal to sign defender Pau Torres.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor had his to say on the matter.

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He stated: “Torres has been the subject of initial swap-deal discussions with Villarreal because obviously, they want to sign [Giovani] Lo Celso on a permanent basis. Torres is left-footed and can play in a back-three as well.”

A product of Villarreal’s youth system, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 201 appearances for the club across their senior and youth teams, chipping in with 13 goals and five assists along the way.

Conte will be buzzing

His latest La Liga campaign saw the centre-back rack up more minutes than any other outfield player at Villarreal, showing just how highly he is rated at the club. In his 33 league appearances last term, Torres ended up winning 14 tackles in addition to making 44 interceptions and 43 blocks, also racking up the second-highest number of clearances (120) in the squad.

Alongside his clear defensive talent, the Spaniard has shown how impressive he is on the ball by completing a total of 1,715 passes last season, the second-highest at the club.

Indeed, during his younger years, Torres was described as having an “extraordinary talent to construct the play”, according to former Villarreal midfielder and coach Javi Calleja.

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see how the centre-back could be a great asset for Antonio Conte at the north London club, especially considering Taylor’s point about the player’s versatility in defence.

With a reported release clause of £55m, if the Lilywhites can work out a deal with Villarreal this summer which would see them sign Torres and get rid of Lo Celso for good, this could be a perfect deal for all parties, and it would surely have the Spurs boss buzzing.

Having already secured deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma, if the north London club can seal Torres’ signature and offload the underperforming Lo Celso at the same time, this would definitely add to what has already been a productive summer transfer window at N17.

In other news: Sky Sports drop big behind-the-scenes transfer claim, it’s terrible news for Spurs