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Steve Howey has warned Newcastle United to be cautious when looking to seal a fan favourite’s return to the club.

Jetro Willems is a free agent after turning down a new deal with German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The left-back previously enjoyed a season-long loan on Tyneside and quickly became a firm favourite among the Toon Army.

Willems, 27, made 20 appearances during his time with the Magpies and scored three goals.

However, he has opted to move on from Frankfurt after failing to make a single appearance last season.

The former Netherlands international is believed to be holding out for a move back to St James’ Park, where he struck up a good relationship with team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin both on and off the pitch.

Steve Bruce is looking to improve his options ahead of a third season at the helm but Howey, who was on Newcastle’s books for more than a decade during his playing days, has warned Willems may not be the perfect financial option.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Howey said: “It could be seen as a no-brainer but sometimes players and their agents think because you’re not paying a transfer fee, the wages should go up. I think parties involved have got to be sensible about it.

“Newcastle can’t be a club trying to get a player for nothing and therefore giving him nothing weekly wage-wise. By the same token, you don’t want a player saying you’re getting me for nothing so I want astronomical wages.”

Speaking to the Sun, one club insider has made a Jesse Lingard claim amid the enticing development that West Ham United are ready to step up their bid.

The Lowdown: West Ham and Lingard…

West Ham have been heavily linked with a permanent deal for Lingard since his blistering spell on loan at the London Stadium over the second half of 2020/2021.

The Englishman racked up a brilliant nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League outings last season for West Ham and left his mark as the Hammers clinched Europa League qualification.

As such, the club want to sign him this summer, with the Sun sharing an enticing development.

The Latest: West Ham insider drops claim

Now, speaking to the outlet, a club insider has explained: “Jesse knows we want him, so hopefully the club will pursue him in the next month or so.”

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This comes as the Irons are now ready to step up their bid to sign Lingard following his omission from England’s 26-man Euros squad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was withdrawn through injury but manager Gareth Southgate opted to call upon Ben White instead.

This may be a boost for West Ham fans, though, with the club set to step up their pursuit of the 28-year-old as a result.

Indeed, manager David Moyes is apparently now hopeful a move ‘can soon be concluded’.

The Verdict: Good news…

The Hammers have other priorities this window alongside a move for Lingard, with the striking position and a fresh centre-back among the top issues which need addressing (Claret & Hugh).

West Ham fans will be hoping that the club can seal a move as quickly as possible for Lingard though, especially given his exceptional form over 2020/2021.

Adrian Durham was one of his many admirers, with the talkSPORT pundit calling him ‘phenomenal’ – the type of praise which highlights why the club are so eager to get him over the line.

In other news: ExWHUemployee’s ‘huge news’ had some West Ham fans ecstatic, find out more here.

Queens Park Rangers have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Stefan Johansen to the Kiyan Price Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by West London Sport, who claim that, despite Mark Warburton’s side remaining in negotiations with Fulham, talks regarding the 30-year-old’s transfer to QPR have been held up due to the uncertainty surrounding Scott Parker’s future at Craven Cottage.

It is then reported that, should the 40-year-old indeed go on to leave the recently relegated side this summer, his replacement will want to assess the Fulham squad, something that could curtail the Rs’ proposed move for Johansen altogether.

Warburton will be gutted

With it being thought that a deal for Johansen is one of Warburton’s main priorities in the summer transfer window, the possibility of a move for the midfielder being called off is likely to leave the 58-year-old manager gutted.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the QPR boss is so eager to bring the £1.8m-rated man back to the club ahead of next season, as he highly impressed during a loan spell at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium last term.

Over his 21 Championship appearances for the Rs last time out, the Norway international scored four goals, provided two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £8k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Warburton’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with QPR undoubtedly hoping to build off the back of a remarkable second half of the season last term – with the club ranking third in the Championship table since the turn of the year – in their upcoming campaign, the return of the midfielder whom Ronny Deila dubbed an “unbelievable” player would certainly appear to increase the Rs’ chances of continuing their assault on the top six in 2021/22.

However, whether or not Johansen will be making a return to the club this summer very much appears up in the air at present, with both Warburton and fans of the club facing an anxious wait regarding Fulham’s eventual decision regarding the 30-year-old.

In other news: Massive QPR transfer news is confirmed, it should have the fans buzzing

For all of the world, it looked as though Eddie Howe was going to walk through the door at Parkhead this summer and become the new manager of Celtic.

However, in a remarkable turn of events, the deal fell through on Friday, with the Hoops now turning their attention elsewhere.

What’s the word?

The Celtic hierarchy are now in advanced talks with Australian manager Ange Postecoglou. He currently manages in Japan but took control of his homeland’s national team between 2013 and 2017, leading them to Asian Cup glory in 2015 and managing them at the previous year’s World Cup.

That said, he’s not the only one who is now interested in the vacancy, as a certain Roy Keane has re-emerged in the conversation.

That’s according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, who took to Twitter on Saturday to reveal: “Keane wants it badly. But people in power there don’t want him. Shame. Would have been fun.”

Should Keane get the job?

The short answer to that question is no. Consequently, Celtic fans should be elated that those in the boardroom aren’t keen on luring him to Paradise.

A few months ago, Keane’s name came up before Eddie Howe was even in the frame, with the Irishman meeting with Dermot Desmond and undergoing an interview.

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However, shortly after that process took place, it came to light that he was no longer in a position to be hired by the board.

The Manchester United legend has a bond with the club from when he played in Glasgow, but he wouldn’t be suited for Celtic and what they require from a coach.

Keane’s hot-headed nature has transferred into his punditry and he does appear to be a good man manager. After all, Michael Chopra described the 49-year-old as an “unbelievable guy” following his spell at Ipswich.

The former midfielder earned promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland but his overall numbers don’t make for particularly pretty reading. That’s without considering his ten-year absence from the managerial game, either.

During his tenure with the Black Cats, Keane won 42% of his matches but that tumbled when he took charge of Ipswich. He prevailed in a measly 34.6% of his matches at the helm at Portman Road.

His irascible nature has also led to messy fallouts with players, with former Ireland international Jon Walters slamming the 49-year-old over some highly criticial comments.

With that in mind, it’s rather amazing that he was able to secure an interview in the first place.

Some Hoops supporters were left bemused by the idea of Keane arriving when interest first came to light, so they should be pleased that those at the top of the Celtic food chain don’t want him as their next manager.

AND in other news, Celtic could find their new Shaun Maloney with move for “complete” 20-goal wizard…

Celtic have reportedly spoken with Rui Faria as an alternative option to Ange Postecoglou, the Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Hoops seek Postecoglou exemption

Postecoglou has been the man heavily linked with the Celtic Park vacancy for the past six days after talks with Eddie Howe collapsed.

Recent reports have suggested that the Hoops have applied for an exemption with UEFA for the 55-year-old to manage in Europe.

The Hoops are thought to be confident Postecoglou will be granted an exemption to take over in Glasgow, but it seems as if the Celtic hierarchy are taking no chances.

The Latest: Faria discussions

According to the Daily Record, Celtic have spoken with Faria’s representatives.

The report claims that ‘Parkhead chiefs have held tentative talks’ – quite the shock six-word claim considering the strength of the links with Postecoglou in recent days – Football Insider even claimed he could be announced soon.

Faria, a former assistant of Jose Mourinho’s, held his first job as a manager with Qatar side Al-Duhail SC back in 2019 and uses a 4-2-3-1 system.

The Verdict: Keeping all bases covered?

With Faria working in the United Kingdom alongside Mourinho at Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, Celtic may well have spoken with the 45-year-old as a backup option to Postecoglou.

They will know all too well that a deal for a new manager isn’t straightforward after the Howe debacle, so talking with the Portuguese coach could be a viable contingency plan.

It seems as if their first choice is still Postecoglou, though, with the Hoops reportedly reaching compensation terms with Yokohama F. Marinos on Thursday, but it’s certainly a shock to learn of their talks with Faira on the side.

In other news: Hoops facing Kyle Joseph battle, find out more here. 

According to a report by 90min, sharing news on the Tottenham Hotspur manager search, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy remains ‘infatuated’ by Leicester City’s Brendan Rodgers.

The Lowdown: Rodgers heavily linked to Spurs…

The 48-year-old has attracted major interest from Tottenham since Jose Mourinho was starting to feel the pressure, with reports from as far back as February detailing Levy’s interest in Rodgers (Football Insider).

He was quick to play down the reports linking him with Spurs recently whilst openly committing his future to Leicester, but that still didn’t stop speculation in the media. The Daily Mail recently claimed, despite Rodgers’ stance on the Tottenham job, that Levy has no intention of giving up in pursuit of the Northern Irishman.

The Latest: Levy still ‘infatuated’ by Rodgers…

90min disclosed that Levy and Spurs very much remain interested in the former Celtic boss as a top target to replace Mourinho in north London. The report went as far as to say the Lilywhites chairman is ‘infatuated’ by Rodgers and sees him as the ‘perfect’ managerial candidate for Spurs.

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He is also prepared to hand the Foxes boss a huge salary and make him the second-highest earner of any manager in the Premier League bar Pep Guardiola.

However, regardless of his intent, Levy is fully aware that he faces a fight to appoint Rodgers at Tottenham given his public admission over the role.

The Verdict: Rodgers should be number one…

We’re inclined to agree with the Tottenham head honcho on this one, especially given Rodgers’ record of superb man management (Leicestershire Live). The former Liverpool boss apparently has an ‘open door’ policy, with his players free to chat one-to-one at any time.

Rodgers has also been revered by sections of the press for making fringe players feel like they’re more involved, as opposed to a Dele Alli-style shun from the likes of Mourinho.

Five Leicester youngsters have made their debuts under the current manager, with Tottenham said to want someone who has proven experience in developing talent from the academy (The Athletic).

With Rodgers described as one of the Premier League’s ‘outstanding’ manager (Sky Sports), if Levy can pull off this appointment, it could be a real no-brainer.

In other news: many Tottenham fans flocked to this development, find out more here.

Leeds United have been boosted in their efforts to sign Hertha Berlin star Matheus Cunha this summer, according to reports in Germany.

The Lowdown: Attacking signing needed

The Whites have been superb in their first season back in the Premier League, looking every bit a mid-table side and playing some of the best football in the division.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have been too reliant on the goals of Patrick Bamford, however, with the 27-year-old the only player to reach double figures in the league.

For that reason, Bielsa could be eyeing up attacking reinforcements in the summer transfer window and Cunha has been linked with a move in the past.

The Latest: Leeds given Cunha boost

According to Kicker [via MOT Leeds News], the fact that the £27million-rated Brazilian has signed a new deal at Hertha makes no difference to the current situation.

It is believed that Leeds have upped their efforts to bring in Cunha at the end of the season, having scored seven goals and registered four assists in the Bundesliga in 2020/21.

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Marcelo

Cunha looks a player of enormous promise, already shining in a top league at the age of just 21, so Leeds should do all they can to bring him in, despite Hertha wanting around £30million for his services.

It would ease the burden on Bamford, especially if Rodrigo moves on this summer, and an average of 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game suggests he would suit Bielsa’s pressing from the front style, too.

Cunha’s versatility could also stand him in good stead, allowing him to thrive across the front-line and dovetail with those around him, and who could forget the outrageously skilful wonder-goal he scored back in 2019, winning the Bundesliga’s goal of the month with a sublime spin past a defender and audacious chip over the goalkeeper.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sign an exciting attacking player this summer – find out who it is here.

Graham Roberts has exclusively told Football FanCast that Tottenham should have kept Kyle Walker-Peters instead of signing Matt Doherty.

Following a number of problems since the departure of Kyle Walker to Manchester City almost three years ago, the arrival of Doherty from Wolves was meant to solve Spurs’ ongoing right-back issues.

However, the Republic of Ireland defender hasn’t managed to become Jose Mourinho’s first-choice on the right, with Doherty mainly playing second-fiddle to Serge Aurier throughout the campaign after 24-year-old Walker-Peters joined Southampton.

Doherty has made just 12 Premier League starts this term, and has made a further 12 appearances in European and domestic cup competitions.

Part of his struggles have been down to the fact he was mainly deployed as a wing-back at Molineux, whilst he’s played almost the entire season at Tottenham at full-back.

And Roberts told Football FanCast that it was a strange addition:

“Doherty is not a right-back, he’s a right wing-back, so why would you buy a right wing-back? You might as well have kept Walker-Peters, that’s what I don’t understand.”

There was a great deal of excitement following Doherty’s arrival, but it simply hasn’t worked for either party, so much so that he’s already been linked back to Wolves less than 12 months after his departure.

Writing on Twitter, reliable West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee has explained that Declan Rice’s return to the side is ‘unlikely’ to come against Everton this weekend and he could miss the encounter.

The Lowdown: Moyes missing Rice

Irons boss David Moyes has been without star man Rice since he picked up a knee injury on international duty at the start of last month, with the Scotsman implementing various changes to cope.

The likes of Mark Noble have been used in the 22-year-old’s stead to partner fellow midfield colossus Tomas Soucek while traditional attacker Manuel Lanzini was even placed in that role against Burnley.

Moyes, providing his latest Rice update on Friday, remained cryptic in regards to a timeframe for Rice’s return to the side – merely stating he hopes to have the Englishman available as soon as possible (football.london).

The Latest: ExWHUemployee shares information

Writing on social media, reliable insider ExWHUemployee has said Rice could miss the Everton clash this weekend and is more likely to be back for the Brighton game.

When asked by a supporter if there is any chance Rice could be fit for the Toffees encounter, Ex explained in a five-word message (via Twitter): “Unlikely, more likely Brighton game”.

According to reports, the Hammers are also set to be without Noble and Andriy Yarmolenko while Angelo Ogbonna and Arthur Masuaku have been given just ’50/50′ chances (Claret & Hugh).

The Verdict: Big blow for Hammers?

The colossal midfield star has been, arguably, Moyes’ most important player all season-long – making the most interceptions per 90 out of any West Ham player (WhoScored), being a key component of their defensive record.

England manager Gareth Southgate backed the ‘outstanding’ star earlier this season when waxing lyrical over his ball recovery in midfield (whufc.com), and as the Irons continue chasing their European dream, supporters will be praying for his return as soon as possible.

If Manchester City can do them a favour by beating top four rivals Chelsea this afternoon, depending on West Ham’s result against Everton tomorrow, the race for a Champions League spot could be blown wide open.

Rice’s return will come as a welcome boost for the final two games, but judging by this ExWHUemployee update, he is unlikely to feature at the London Stadium on Sunday.

In other news: Pundit drops Arnautovic to West Ham verdict, find out more here.

Numerous fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a claim revealing Pep Guardiola’s conversation with outbound City star Sergio Aguero.

On Monday evening, Aguero posted an emotional statement on Twitter, in which the 32-year-old confirmed that, after 10 years at Manchester City, he will be leaving the club at the end of the current campaign.

However, Mike Minay then claimed that, rather than Aguero deciding his future at City alongside the club, as had been suggested previously, Guardiola “told” the Argentine that the latter would be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer “in a private meeting” between the two of them.

After City Xtra relayed Minay’s claim on Twitter, many fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with several venting their fury with the 50-year-old City manager as they seemed to believe that the Spaniard has treated the club legend in a “disrespectful” manner.

So, what did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to the news of Guardiola’s Aguero conversation?

“This is really disappointing from Pep. Aguero deserves more this season, especially with Jesus lacking goals. He could have proved himself then and would have earned an extension.”

@L_Sane_19

“Pep treating Aguero like this is really disrespectful. I have to hate Pep.”

@H_RICHARD5

“It may be better for Sergio to go before Pep ruins his career like he did Joe Hart’s.”

@kateylangridge

“What happened to it being Kun’s choice??”

@FloatedQuickley

“They fed us lies and we believed them.”

@brod_riguez

“Josep Guardiola better have a solid replacement otherwise Khaldoon Al Mubarak will be making another phone call real quick.”

@SheikhManCity08

“Big mistake and sad for those who think we will get Haaland, we will end up with Danny Ings or Lukaku.”

@Revanchist20

“Pep nooooooooo, not in front of no fans.”

@MoNasereldin

“So Pep is the reason?”

@iD7Mi1

In other news: These Man City fans were ecstatic as this transfer news emerged – find out more here!