Newcastle United and Spurs linked with £22m ex-Monaco star, ex-Magpies ace seals surprise new move
Newcastle United's new-look side face their first test following the winter break next Tuesday, when they take on Everton and St James' Park.
The Magpies could hand debuts a number of their new stars, including midfielder Bruno Guimarães and centre-back Dan Burn.
One deal Newcastle failed to get over the line was a loan move for Man Utd midfielder Jesse Lingard, who ended up staying at Old Trafford.
Ex-Magpies man Alan Smith gave his verdict on the failed move, and contended: “I’m sure that Jesse would want to stay at [Manchester] United and force his way into the team, or at least into the squad every week.
“For any player, and I’ve been there myself, leaving Man United is tough because of the stature of the club, wherever you go you will always feel like you’re dropping down.
“I think he surprised a lot of people when he went to West Ham, just how good he was. He surprised people with his performances, and I think that tells you how difficult and exactly what the demands at Manchester United are.
"He went there and he set the world alight at West Ham and came back to Man United hoping to bridge that gap and get into the team, but it’s not quite happened for him.
“We don’t know the conversation that has happened with the coach, but only Jesse himself will himself know whether he really wanted to leave, because there’s a big difference between someone saying you can leave and the player actually wanting to leave.”
Take a look at all the latest stories from the Premier League, as the reaction to the transfer window and build-up to the top tier's return continue:
1. Lampard key to Alli decision
The opportunity to play under Frank Lampard is said to have been the decisive factor in persuading Dele Alli to leave Spurs for Everton. The England international had the opportunity to head to France on loan, but opted for a permanent exit instead. (Mirror)
Photo: DANIEL LEAL
2. Hammers knocked back in Nunez pursuit
West Ham United are believed to have made an offer in the region of £40m for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez on deadline day, but saw their approach knocked back. He's been in lethal form for his side so far this season, scoring 20 goals in 25 games. (Fabrizio Romano)
Photo: CARLOS COSTA
3. Duo made Morata move
Both Spurs and Arsenal are said to have made last-ditch attempts to sign Spain international Alvaro Morata on deadline day. The ex-Chelsea man is currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid, and has scored just five league goals in 22 outing so far this season. (Sport Witness)
Photo: MARCO BERTORELLO
4. Barca set to keep Traore
Barcelona look likely to make their loan move for Wolves' Adama Traore permanent in the summer, with a fee over around £16.5m likely to be enough to seal the deal. He's been joined by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Camp Nou, following his exit from Arsenal. (Mundo Deportivo)
Photo: LLUIS GENE