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Metro
3 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Newcastle and West Ham chase Aston Villa star who has clear preference
Newcastle and West Ham are both interested in Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey, with the midfielder open to one move in particular. The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract at Villa Park, but the Athletic report that the club have made numerous offers of a new deal that have been rebuffed. Villa are open to cashing in on Ramsey while they can and his transfer value is still high, especially with the club in a precarious situation when it comes to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). A substantial sale was always likely and even necessary this summer as they work to remain on the right side of the regulations and Ramsey may well be it. Newcastle and West Ham are not the only interested parties, with Nottingham Forest also keen, but they appear to be leading the race and Ramsey is reportedly keen on the idea of a move to St James' Park. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it's an open goal. The Magpies tried to sign Ramsey in 2024 but were unsuccessful, so he is well aware of how keen Eddie Howe is on him. The chance to work with the Newcastle boss and to play in the Champions League are thought to be attractive propositions for the midfielder. Ramsey was born in Birmingham and came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa, with his only other professional club being Doncaster Rovers on a brief loan spell in 2020. He has made 167 appearances for his boyhood club in all competitions, scoring 17 goals. Under Unai Emery he has been used regularly, but has not been a guaranteed starter, making 29 Premier League appearances last season, but just 19 of those coming in the starting XI. How much Ramsey will cost is not yet clear, with valuations as low as £30m and as high as reported. Somewhere in between those figures seems likely for a player who only turned 24 in May and has a lot of Premier League experience, while he also made 10 appearances in the Champions League last season. More Trending It has been a quiet transfer window for Aston Villa so far, with just Evann Guessand arriving from Nice in a £26m as a major signing. Teenagers Yasin Ozcan and Zepiqueno Redmond have also been signed, as has veteran goalkeeper Marco Bizot. There have not been any significant departures as yet, with Kaine Kesler-Hayden moving to Coventry City for £3.5m the biggest exit. Villa and Newcastle meet in their Premier League openers this weekend, clashing at Villa Park in the 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday. MORE: Rasmus Hojlund criticised for delaying Manchester United exit by AC Milan legend MORE: Fabian Hurzeler speaks out after Brighton respond to Man Utd transfer bid for Carlos Baleba MORE: Chelsea join Man Utd and Man City in transfer race for £26m PSG outcast
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
How Alexander Isak reached boiling point at Newcastle as Liverpool target goes nuclear
Alexander Isak's potential blockbuster move to Liverpool is set to dominate the rest of the summer transfer window - but how did his relationship with Newcastle unravel to bring us here? It hasn't taken Alexander Isak long to fall from hero to zero in Newcastle circles. The Swedish striker is at the epicentre of an increasingly bitter tug-of-war between the Magpies and Liverpool, with a seismic £150million transfer hanging in the balance. Once adored as the crown jewel of St James' Park, Isak's bond with the Geordie faithful has been shattered into a million jagged pieces amid reports he's refusing to play for the club again - even if a transfer away fails to materialise. But how exactly did it come to this? Just weeks ago, Isak was king of the North East - a Swedish sorcerer who combined grace with power, effortlessly gliding past defenders before unleashing with his thunderbolt of a right boot. Interest from elsewhere was inevitable, but with three years remaining on his contract and a daunting £150m price tag designed to deter all but the boldest of suitors, keeping Isak at Newcastle this summer looked a formality - initially, at least. READ MORE: Alexander Isak torn apart after bombshell Newcastle claim – 'Who do you think you are?!' Liverpool's relentless pursuit changed everything. Despite Newcastle's repeated refusals, the Reds have remained unwavering in their mission, even after spending big on Hugo Ekitike. They want Isak - and are refusing to retreat despite Newcastle's position and swift rejection of their £110m bid earlier this summer. Isak wants Liverpool, but with Newcastle holding significant negotiating leverage, he's been pushed to drastic measures. With the transfer window slamming shut on September 1, the standoff has plunged the Magpies into total chaos, their pre-season preparations in tatters and fans reeling from the betrayal of a player they once worshipped. Isak's refusal to reintegrate could signal the beginning of the end of an explosive saga bubbling with broken promises, bruised egos, and big-money bids. Here, Mirror Football takes a look back at how this ugly, volatile drama all started and has unfolded... The broken promise: Summer 2024 It all began with a spark of ambition in the corridors of St James' Park. In March 2024, Newcastle's then-co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi sat down with Isak and his representatives, painting a picture of a glittering future. After establishing himself as one of the most potent strikers on the planet, Isak was assured that improved contract terms were on the horizon - a reward for his early promise and a sign of the club's intent to build around him. But that dream soon soured. By July, Staveley and Ghodoussi had been ousted, ushering in a new regime under sporting director Paul Mitchell. Mitchell, eyeing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) with a hawk's gaze, slammed the brakes on any new deal. Isak's existing contract, running until 2028 and already making him one of the club's top earners at around £150,000-a-week, was deemed sufficient - no need for upgrades, no room for negotiation. The Swede was left seething, feeling underappreciated in a squad where loyalty seemed negotiable. Whispers of unrest began to echo, as Isak pondered whether Newcastle's ambitions truly matched his own. Betrayal in black and white: October 2024 Isak began the 2024/2025 campaign in disappointing form, scoring just once in seven matches. More concerning than the stats was his body language - at times tense and withdrawn - hinting at frustrations beyond mere goal droughts. He felt undervalued by the club, a simmering discontent that turned to resentment when Newcastle handed someone else what he'd long been promised. In October, Anthony Gordon signed a lucrative long-term extension, bumping up his wages and tying him to the Toon until 2030. For Isak, it felt like a slap in the face. Liverpool had been circling Gordon for months, and Newcastle's desire to lock him down was no secret. Even so, the announcement landed with a thud in Isak's camp - an unmistakable signal, at least in their eyes, about where the club's priorities lay. Glory and grievances: Spring 2025 Isak eventually channelled his frustration into firepower. He ended the 2024/25 season with 27 goals in all competitions, including a decisive strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool - a 2-1 win that ended Newcastle's 70-year domestic trophy drought and etched his name in Magpies folklore. But underneath the surface, the cracks were widening. As the season wore on, Newcastle's resolve thawed. A bumper contract - one that would have made Isak one of the Premier League's top earners - was prepared. But by this point, the Swede was already weighing up his options amid whispers of Liverpool interest. Later on in early summer, it emerged that Isak wanted £300,000 a week to entertain signing a new deal, but Newcastle could only afford to offer him £200,000 - an increase of at least £50,000 on his current deal. However, at this stage, Liverpool's interest in him had ramped up, and Isak started to seriously question his future at the club. The new contract was never tabled, and negotiations have been stalled ever since. Pre-season powder keg: July 2025 Fast-forward to the summer of 2025, and the simmering tension finally caught fire. Last month, Isak was conspicuously absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour squad to Asia, officially sidelined by a "minor thigh injury". The real reason, however, soon emerged as Isak made his stance clear by 'refusing' to join the tour. Liverpool had identified Isak as their top striker target of the summer. When told he wasn't for sale, they turned their attention to Ekitike - who, at the time, was in advanced talks to join Newcastle. That's when Liverpool delivered an ultimatum: sell us Isak, or we'll hijack your move for Ekitike. Newcastle stood firm, unwilling to be strong-armed. But days later, the tables turned. Ekitike signed for Liverpool, and almost immediately, Isak informed Newcastle he wanted to "explore his options" - the polite way of saying: let me join Liverpool. Newcastle were left in disarray. Losing out on Ekitike stung, especially after missing out on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro earlier in the window, leaving them without a clear replacement for Isak. With their star striker sidelined, the squad jetted off to Asia. Meanwhile, Isak's bold new stance lit a fire under Liverpool. Exile and escalation: August 2025 On August 1, Liverpool made their opening move with a £110m bid for Isak, rising to £120m with add-ons. Despite mounting pressure, Newcastle held firm: £150m or nothing. Liverpool then signalled they wouldn't return with an improved offer unless the Magpies softened their stance - putting the ball squarely in Isak's court. Meanwhile, the striker trained alone, frozen out of the senior squad amid whispers that his attempts to force a move had alienated several team-mates. Pictures of the Swede have also been taken down from the club shop, while Adidas staff told Chronicle Live that during the club's trip to South Korea, jersey sales with Isak's name and number dropped dramatically. Toon boss Eddie Howe even barred Isak from attending a family barbecue at the club's training ground last week, fully aware of the volatile atmosphere swirling around the striker. He also admitted that Isak was unlikely to feature in Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa, though he insisted the door remained open for a return. With Newcastle unwilling to lower their valuation and Liverpool unwilling to raise theirs, the saga seemed destined to stall. Then came reports that Isak was ready to reintegrate and even commit to a new contract if a transfer fell through - only for a fresh bombshell to emerge, seemingly dashing any hope of a truce. Nuclear fallout: August 2025 On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that Isak is resolute: he has no intention of returning to Newcastle and is "adamant" he has played his final game for the club. The striker is so firm in his stance that he's prepared to refuse to play even if Newcastle decide not to to sell him. From Isak's perspective, the trust broke down when Newcastle reneged on their promise of a lucrative new contract. He made it clear that the 2024/25 season would be his last at St James' Park - though some at Newcastle dispute this. According to The Times, Isak has already moved out of his Northumberland home, which has since been put back on the rental market - an unmistakable signal of his determination to force a departure. As the transfer deadline hurtles toward its inexorable close like a freight train through the fog, Isak's insurrection stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of footballing love affairs, where yesterday's idol can become tomorrow's exile in the blink of an eye. Whether Newcastle capitulate or Liverpool walk away, this saga's radioactive fallout promises to haunt St James' Park for seasons to come, a cautionary tale of promises broken and ambitions unbound. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. 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India Today
7 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Theatre of dreams, stage for stars: Manchester United's allure explained
It does not take much to see that Manchester United are far from where they want themselves to be. The 20-time English champions endured their worst top-flight finish in history, ending a dismal 15th. To make matters worse, they fell short in the Europa League final against Tottenham, another blow to a club still trading on the memory of its European north, Newcastle United have been charting the opposite course — Champions League football secured, a squad packed with talent like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak, and the financial muscle of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund behind them. On paper, the sensible choice for any ambitious player would be the Geordies, not a stumbling Manchester United's new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been blunt about the club's plight. Speaking to The Times, he admitted, 'In super-simple terms, the club has been spending more money than it's been earning now for the last seven years, and it ends in a very difficult place. And for Manchester United, that place ended with the club running out of cash.' And yet — this summer — Manchester United have beaten Newcastle to some of the most coveted signings on the market. By simple logic, Newcastle should be the club that players want to join, but that has not been the ONE THAT BRINGS BACK UNITED TO THE TOPManchester United remain one of the most followed football clubs on the planet. For today's generation of players, their formative football memories often include images of United lifting trophies and dominating headlines. That cultural weight — the sense that United is more than just a club — still shapes decisions in transfer the present is far from glorious, but for many, the lure lies in becoming the player who sparks the return to glory. To be remembered as the one who helped restore United to the summit is a legacy few other clubs can by contrast, are still building its modern identity. While they have had moments of silverware in the past, most contemporary fans remember them as a side battling relegation rather than challenging for titles. Their rise is impressive, but they have yet to cement themselves alongside the established draws of Manchester City or also influence appeal. Eddie Howe has earned respect in England and delivered some eye-catching Champions League performances, but he is yet to command the global stature of proven winners like Unai Emery or Arne FINANCIAL CHESS GAMEManchester United have had to be as strategic in the boardroom as on the pitch. One of their smartest moves came with the confirmation of Matheus Cunha's transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers on June 30 — just before the club's financial year-end. According to The Athletic, that meant the 71.3 million deal went into the 2024–25 books, helping United manage their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) departures have also eased the strain. The so-called 'bomb squad' — Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony — are all expected to leave, taking a significant chunk out of the wage bill. While transfer fees may be reduced given their exile, the salary savings are revenue has arrived via sell-on clauses. Deals involving lvaro Carreras, Anthony Elanga and Maxi Oyedele have brought in over 20 million, with a further 5 million from Chelsea after they declined to make Jadon Sancho's loan Newcastle, the summer has been far less productive. Star striker Alexander Isak has reportedly told the club he wants to explore his options, with Liverpool strongly linked. Efforts to sign a successor — including RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko — ended in disappointment, with United now expected to unveil the Slovenian in the coming days. The Magpies also chased Dean Huijsen, Liam Delap, Joo Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike, only to see each target slip away to bigger clubs. It has been a bruising transfer window for a side aiming to cement its place amongst the WEIGHT OF THE BADGEIn the end, the gap between Manchester United and Newcastle United isn't measured in trophies or balance sheets — it's in identity. Newcastle may have the money, but United has the badge. Wearing that shirt means stepping into a story that spans generations, a legacy few clubs on earth can is where Newcastle have stumbled. Their general approach has often felt transactional, while United have framed theirs around belonging. The message from Old Trafford has been clear: they want players who choose the club for what it represents, not just for wages or short-term the right player, that's an irresistible proposition. United are in the midst of a major overhaul, and for those who sign on, the reward is more than a contract — it's the chance to write the next great chapter in the history of the Theatre of Dreams.- Ends
Metro
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Newcastle identify four striker targets as Benjamin Sesko nears Man Utd move
Eddie Howe faces serious uncertainty as the Premier League season approaches (Picture: Getty Images) Newcastle United are looking at other strikers as they look increasingly likely to miss out on key target Benjamin Sesko. The Magpies made a substantial bid of €80m (£69.5m), plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons for the RB Leipzig forward but Manchester United are now favourites to win the race for his signature. A deal is not done and Newcastle have not given up hope that Sesko will still choose St James' Park over Old Trafford, but Manchester is now his more likely destination after the Red Devils' offer of €85m (£73.8m).. It has been a very difficult summer so far for Newcastle, with Anthony Elanga the only major signing so far, arriving from Nottingham Forest for £55m. They are also dealing with uncertainty over the future of star striker Alexander Isak, who missed the pre-season tour of Asia and then went to train with former club Real Sociedad as he pushes for an exit. Your ultimate guide to the football season In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – click here and sign up before Friday to make sure you don't miss the first edition. The Swedish striker is keen on a move to Liverpool, while the Magpies have rejected a bid from the Premier League champions, not wanting to sell their most valuable asset. With Isak angling for a move, the departure of Callum Wilson at the end of his contract and now Sesko leaning towards Manchester United, manager Eddie Howe is in a very precarious position when it comes to strikers. Newcastle look set to miss out on Benjamin Sesko (Picture: Getty Images) TalkSPORT report that four names are now being considered by Newcastle as they look to bolster their forward ranks before the Premier League season starts in less than two weeks. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa are the Premier League options the Magpies are looking at. Newcastle are also considering another RB Leipzig star in Lois Openda, the Belgium international who scored nine Bundesliga goals last season. Lois Openda has emerged as a Magpies target (Picture: Getty Images) The 25-year-old has spent two seasons with Leipzig after signing from Lens in 2023. His first campaign was brilliant, scoring 24 league goals in 34 appearances, but he could not replicate those numbers last time round. Whether RB Leipzig would be willing to let Openda go is yet to be seen as they are set to lose Sesko and Xavi Simons appears on the verge of joining Chelsea. Watkins has also been a target for Manchester United this summer but will no longer be if the Red Devils complete the signing of Sesko. Aston Villa may feel forced to sell Ollie Watkins (Picture: Getty Images) The Sun report that the England international is open to leaving Aston Villa and the club may feel the need to cash in as they are in danger of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules. More Trending Wissa is certainly keen on a move to Newcastle from Brentford, but the Bees do not want to let him go after already selling Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United this summer. It has been a seriously disruptive time for Brentford, losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham and captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal as well, so a Wissa departure would be a blow. Chelsea are open to offers for Jackson after signing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer, but want a substantial fee for the Senegal international. TalkSPORT report that the Blues want £80m for the 24-year-old, who has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club in all competitions.\ Arrow MORE: Paul Scholes says England star would be 'absolutely perfect' signing for Liverpool Arrow MORE: Liverpool agree transfer fee to sell Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal
Metro
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Metro
'I like playing No.9' - Newcastle star suggests he can replace Alexander Isak
Anthony Gordon says he is 'happy to play as a No.9' if needed amid speculation Alexander Isak will leave Newcastle United. Isak's future is up in the air after he informed Newcastle that he wants to leave the club this summer, and did not gone on their pre-season tour of Asia, though the official line is a thigh injury ruled him out. On Friday, Liverpool submitted a £110million offer for the Sweden international, who is considered to be one of the best strikers in world football right now. The Magpies instantly rejected the bid as they value their talisman at £150m and some reports claim that the Reds are not planning on making another offer any time soon. Nevertheless, Eddie Howe has admitted he does not know whether the 25-year-old will be at St. James' Park next season, with Newcastle now looking at signing a replacement striker. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. With the exception of young William Osula, Newcastle do not have another centre-forward in their squad and have already missed out on signing Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro this summer. Thankfully for Howe, a solution may already exist within his squad, with winger Gordon suggesting he is ready to fill Isak's void if necessary, telling the Daily Mail: 'I've said before, I like playing No 9.' 'I'd have to practise and get the reps in to get the patterns that we do. If that's a challenge the manager wants to throw at me, I'm happy.' But Gordon says he has no intention of taking the famous Newcastle No.9 shirt that was recently vacated by Callum Wilson, adding: 'There's a lot of pressure with that number! I'll stick to 10, thank you!' The England international found himself in a very similar predicament to Isak last summer, coming very close to switching St. James' Park for Anfield in a big money move. Gordon says the transfer speculation, combined with his experience at Euro 2024, affected his form going into the 2024/25 season, eventually recording just 12 goal contributions in the Premier League, compared to 26 the season prior. 'I understand what Alex is going through,' the 24-year-old added. 'It was difficult for me because one, I had the Euros, which was horrendous for me mentally. I was there, I wasn't playing. 'Then I had the transfer stuff. With PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules], I thought I was going to leave at some point in the window. It didn't happen. I had to get my head around that to begin with, and then to get my head around it again was hard. More Trending 'I'm a human being. It's really difficult. That is why I understand what Alex is going through. I feel for him. 'He will be going through a lot. The club is going through a lot. I hope everyone gets what they want in the end. 'What I can say, for me, is that it's been an absolute pleasure to be out of the transfer speculation for a summer! It's the first time in about three years! It's been so easy, so mentally refreshing. 'Keep me out of it! I'm not linked to any clubs and I'm very happy where I am. I'm enjoying my football again.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Premier League rival make £7m offer for Man Utd target MORE: Tottenham agree deal for Bayern Munich star after Arsenal transfer approach MORE: Borussia Dortmund have reservations over re-signing Jadon Sancho from Man Utd
