Newcastle United battle West Ham, Celtic, and Rangers for winger, Toon target set for January sale
Newcastle United take on Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend, in a game that could see Cristiano Ronaldo feature on his return to the club he starred for in the '00s.
The Magpies went into the international break in reasonable spirits, after their 1-1 draw with Southampton saw them pick up their first points of the 2021/22 campaign.
Writing his weekly predictions piece for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson gave his verdict on Newcastle's trip to take on the Red Devils, and tipped the hosts to pick up a comfortable 3-0 win.
Expanding on his choice, the 64-year-old wrote: “Newcastle badly need a win, but Old Trafford, on the day Ronaldo makes his return, is not the time or place for them to get it.
“There is no doubt Ronaldo's arrival has improved Manchester United. In terms of what he brings to the team, well, he won't be chasing full-backs down, will he?
It will be a case of 'you stay up there, we will get the ball to you'. It is pretty basic, but why wouldn't you do that with Ronaldo in your side, when he is so good in the air?
He concluded: “If he gets the service you'd expect him to from the players behind him, he is going to score plenty - and he'll probably be taking every penalty, free-kick and even the throw-ins and goal-kicks too.”
Meanwhile, Lawro's prediction opponent for the week, The Vaccines frontman and Man Utd fan Justin Young, backed his team to win 3-0.
We’ve gathered the best of today's Premier League speculation below…
1. Levy eyes up Rudiger
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is ready to explore the possibility of bringing Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger to the club. (Express) (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
2. Everton plan to rekindle Maitland-Niles interest
Everton are planning to revive their attempts to sign Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles in January. (ESPN) (Photo by Lynne Cameron - Pool/Getty Images)
Photo: Pool
3. Liverpool in Coman hunt
Liverpool are in the hunt to sign Bayern Munich ace Kingsley Coman, with the winger thought to be closing in on an exit from the Bavarian giants. (Le 10 Sport) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: FRANCK FIFE
4. Liverpool long-term suitors for Raphinha
Liverpool have been following Leeds United winger Raphinha since as far back as 2016. (Independent) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images,)
Photo: Catherine Ivill