

Newcastle United transfer news: Toon to battle Crystal Palace for striker, Arsenal step up midfielder pursuit
While Newcastle United were able to edge out a 1-0 win over bottom club Sheffield United thanks to yet another goal from loanee Joe Willock, the home support still saw fit to voice their frustrations against manager Steve Bruce.
Now, however, former Toon boss Sam Allardyce has jumped to the defence of the 60-year-old, arguing that he was always going to face an uphill battle on Tyneside.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "I think you're fighting against the situation at Newcastle - the expectation.
"When I was there, I was living with the expectation of Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer, and if you didn't quite live up to that past expectation of what they were then…
"I would have loved an Alan Shearer who scored 22/24 goals every year – I would have bet us to finish in Europe at least if we still had him but we didn't.”
Indeed, Allardyce claims fans want to see “millions and millions and millions” spent every year in the transfer market.
The West Brom boss continued: "I had to rebuild Newcastle in my time and Steve has to do the best he possibly can for Newcastle with the players that he’s got and the squad they are trying to develop with what money is available – it makes life extremely difficult.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below...

1. Spurs want Potter
Tottenham Hotspur have narrowed down their list of managerial candidates to a four-man shortlist. The club are eyeing up Erik Ten Hag still features on a four-man shortlist for Spurs' new manager, with Roberto Martinez, Ralf Rangnick and Brighton boss Graham Potter also under consideration. (The Athletic) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt

2. Spurs reignite Henderson interest
Tottenham are back in the mix for Dean Henderson after the goalkeeper lost his place in the Manchester United side. (Sky Sports) (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool

3. Leeds set to battle Hammers for Nandez
Leeds United are set to battle West Ham for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez. The player could cost £30 million this summer. (Corriere Dello Sport) (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images) Photo: Enrico Locci

4. Gauld in demand
Brentford, Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers-linked Ryan Gauld has over 30 offers on the table. (STV - Chris Harvey) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA