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The Athletic’s Taylor Payne has slammed pundit and former Toon midfielder Kieron Dyer following his recent comment about Newcastle United strikers.

The Lowdown: Dyer’s comments

Dyer has spoken about the club on a number of occasions, with the ex-Magpies man saying last month that Sven Botman could ‘go onto bigger and better things’ with another club that has ‘pedigree’ despite Newcastle’s fine season.

And during Sky Sports’ live coverage of the Magpies’ clash against Bournemouth (11/02/2023), Dyer took aim at another of Howe’s summer recruits, calling Sweden striker Alexander Isak a ‘dodgy’ signing, while he also labelled Callum Wilson as someone who is not a natural goalscorer.

The Latest: Payne slams Dyer

Payne took to his Twitter account to convey his dismay with what he had heard from the ex-Newcastle ace.

He wrote: “Kieron Dyer hasn’t got a clue, has he?”

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The Verdict: Payne has a point

We think that Dyer’s recent assessment of the Toon’s forwards are rather unwarranted.

The Magpies are a club who are seemingly on the up since their takeover last season, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they become one of the top forces in England’s top flight for years to come.

Newcastle’s season has been fantastic so far and have hardly put a foot wrong on the results front, the club has also reached the final of the League Cup for the first time since 1976.

Wilson has been integral to that, with 14 goal involvements under Howe at Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Isak is a long-term signing, having joined for a club-record £63m in the summer. While his numbers aren’t exactly incredible – he has just three to his name in Toon colours – he has suffered a number of injuries, all while having to adapt to a new league with a heap of pressure on him, plus he has plenty of time on his side to make his spell on Tyneside a success.

Therefore, we think Dyer ought to cut the Newcastle duo some slack.

TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has slammed Graham Potter and claimed that the Englishman will not survive the increasing pressure as he struggles at Chelsea.

What’s the latest on Potter at Chelsea?

Potter’s struggles continued as his side fell to a home defeat against bottom club Southampton, and Chelsea now have just one victory in their last ten games.

Boos rang around Stamford Bridge, and the heat is turning up on Potter, who has also had to handle a chaotic transfer window with a lot of incoming players during his time in charge so far.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, (5.00) Cascarino claimed that the Chelsea job is too big for him to handle, and that he will not survive much longer in the role given this run of form.

“Graham Potter, under the previous owner, would have been sacked three times already on what’s happened,” he stated.

“Chelsea is a massive job in world football. It has become even bigger in recent years because of the money they spend, how the structure of the club’s been built and the money that’s been paid for this football club by the owners.

“There’s no way on earth that he can survive, even if they keep saying it’s a long-term project. He won’t. Things change really quickly in football. And unfortunately, Graham’s got into a situation with his team where none of it is convincing. Everything that happened is like Groundhog Day again.”

Does he deserve more time?

Although his role is an incredibly tough one given the number of players that have arrived at the club, as well as arriving after the season has started, the current run of results are unacceptable given the quality he has available to him.

Chelsea have scored just one goal in their last five games despite signing four attacking players in David Datro Fofana, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk in January.

Fan dissent towards Potter could push him closer to the exit door, despite the Chelsea board being adamant that he is the long-term man for the job.

Results have to improve immediately, and if they are knocked out of the Champions League against Dortmund, their hopes for silverware this season would be over, and the dissent amongst the fans could increase further.

Journalist Tony Scott has insisted on the All Together Now podcast that Seamus Coleman is finished as a player at Everton.

The Lowdown: Everton need a squad overhaul

It’s not just the sheer number of managers that Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri has seen in and out of the door during his time at the club, but also the raft of players that have been lingering around Goodison Park for so long.

Players such as Coleman, Jordan Pickford, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Tom Davies have all been in and around the first team for a long period of time, and that’s coincided with the Toffees’ steady decline down the league table.

Therefore, it would have made sense last month for Everton to recruit at least one or two new faces to ensure Sean Dyche could phase out some of the old guard and players that have overseen the team’s decline.

The Latest: Coleman’s time is up

Scott ripped into Coleman after his Merseyside derby display and believes that the 34-year-old should no longer be starting for Everton given his age and lack of pace.

He said: “We’ll speak about Seamus Coleman. Lad, brilliant servant to Everton [but] here we go again, rewind these podcasts back from the last three years – he shouldn’t be in the team.

“It’s not his fault, he’s done. He should be playing 10 games a season, he should be cover. But again, he was just getting ripped apart yesterday [Monday] when young lads were flying past him. He couldn’t even foul them on the halfway line, he was that far behind them.”

The Verdict: The squad needs freshening up

The fact that Everton are embroiled in their second successive relegation battle shows how desperate their squad is for investment, and while they splashed out over £50m last summer, that was largely funded by the sale of Richarlison.

Therefore, Moshiri is yet to dip into his own pockets this season, so he can have no complaints if the Toffees end up being relegated and the value of the club drops like a stone, as it’s been under his watch and down to his failings.

Since the start of last season, Coleman has started 41 games in the Premier League alone, which is simply unacceptable for someone of his age, and is a sign of a club that is resting on its laurels and looking to do the bare minimum just to survive.

However, the performances of more recent times shouldn’t detract from how good and reliable Coleman has been for Everton, racking up 400 appearances for the Toffees and just last year was still being tipped to play a role for the Republic of Ireland due to him having an ‘enormous amount to contribute’.

Everton could reportedly make a €44m (£38.7m) bid to try and sign Udinese duo Beto and Rodrigo Becao.

The Lowdown: January interest

Everton reportedly had a late offer for Beto rejected in the January transfer window, with Udinese feeling that they could sell in July instead.

They were also linked with a late move for Becao, under the condition that Michael Keane would leave, but the Englishman ended up staying put at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Summer swoop?

As per local outlet Udinese Blog, the Merseyside club could make a £38.7m offer to sign both players this summer, which could take shape ‘in the coming weeks’.

Sean Dyche has ‘suggested’ Beto’s name in particular, and is preparing to return for him in the next window after receiving a ‘no’ from Udinese in January.

The Verdict: Reinforcements needed

Of course, there are no guarantees that the Toffees will stay up this season, but if they do, reinforcements will be needed in order to make sure that they are not in the same situation next term.

They have struggled for goals all season, being the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League with 17, and Beto would certainly help in that regard, having achieved double figures for goals in each of his last three league campaigns, and seven so far in the Serie A with Udinese this term (Transfermarkt).

Becao would improve the team defensively, with the centre-back ranking in the 97th percentile for touches, 96th for tackles and 89th for non-penalty goals of all his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, among other metrics that makes him a complete defender (FBRef).

Nonetheless, both players have the potential to break into the starting line-up under Dyche, and so this is a double deal that the Blues should be seriously considering.

Arsenal are monitoring their former youth player Yunus Musah ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Did Yunus Musah previously play for Arsenal?

The American did previously play for the Gunners, however, it was at youth level with the 20-year-old not making it past the club’s U18 level before leaving in 2019.

Musah departed north London a few years ago for the Spanish side on a free transfer where he has developed himself into a first-team option for Valencia.

And he has certainly become a regular feature in the Valencia side having already racked up 19 appearances in La Liga this season alone.

Speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the north London club are among the most interested clubs in Musah ahead of the summer window:

(15:30) “I think whatever happens with Valencia’s situation I see him leaving in the summer. In the Premier League, there is strong interest because for example, during the World Cup Chelsea were following the player. Arsenal, of course, they know the player very well he was there and so he’s a player they are monitoring.”

“What I understand is that Chelsea, Arsenal and Inter are the most interested clubs, but it will take time, it will take time to see where he’s really going at the end of the season. But my feeling is that Musah will leave Valencia and will try something new.”

What do Arsenal need in the summer?

There was a clear belief from the north London side in January that midfield was an area where they were looking to improve with Jorginho coming through the doors.

However, he was not necessarily their first-choice option with the likes of Moises Caicedo heavily linked with a potential move to Arsenal.

And there have even been reports suggesting Arsenal could look at the likes of Declan Rice in the summer to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle.

With this in mind, it will be interesting to see if the Gunners are also targeting a younger option in the mould of Musah – hailed the “real deal” – who only turned 20 back in November.

For a player of his age and lack of experience, he has certainly impressed during his time in Spain with 94 appearances for the first team already under his belt.

And his ability to provide his side with progressive receptions and dribbles from the middle of the park having recorded returns in the top eighth percentile for both (via Fbref).

But what role he could potentially player in Arteta’s squad could be a major question in the mind of the young American.

This is a player who played a big role in the USMNT during the 2022 World Cup, however, Arteta does have an established midfield already which could be further added to over the summer with the likes of Rice.

West Ham United’s season is spiralling out of control, with their 4-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion the latest disaster that sees the club languishing just above the Premier League relegation spots, putting manager David Moyes under severe pressure.

Said Benrahma has been one of the many players who have underperformed this term, scoring just three goals in 23 league appearances, averaging a Sofascore average of 6.78/10.

The left winger is looked upon as one of the main goal threats at the club, yet with their struggles, it’s clear that fresh blood will be needed in the near future, and if Moyes is still in charge come to the end of the campaign, he could unearth an ideal heir for the Algerian – Thierry Nevers.

Who is West Ham starlet Thierry Nevers?

The club signed Nevers from Reading in 2021 following his performances in the Premier League 2, where he scored nine goals in two seasons for the Royals, having previously netted ten goals for the U18 side and his future looked extremely bright.

His good form continued upon his arrival at West Ham, grabbing another seven goals and three assists in the Premier League 2, while also scoring in the EFL Trophy, suggesting the club had signed an incredible talent.

He was dubbed “outrageous” during his time at Reading by journalist Amadi Thiam, while the Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has also lavished praise on him, claiming he is “promising”.

That said, Moyes has sent him out on two different loan spells this term for him to gain senior experience.

The 20-year-old was loaned to Newport County, playing 17 matches across all competitions, chipping in with three goal contributions, before being sent to Bradford City where he has featured on a handful of occasions without finding the net.

Although his numbers aren’t too inspiring, his ability to operate in any position across the front three could prove to be a bonus for Moyes, with this adaptability essential. He is most effective from the left wing, however, and this could make him the ideal heir for Benrahma.

Moyes was keen to sell the Algerian forward last summer and if he moves on at the end of the current campaign, the Scot could save millions by unleashing Nevers in the first team, with the young sensation dying to make an impression for the senior side.

It seems that Everton got away with one massive VAR incident after Michael Keane kicked the back of Ivan Toney’s leg.

The Lowdown: Much-needed win for Everton

Once again, it was a 1-0 home victory which was enough for Everton to pick up a hugely important three points, and perhaps unlikely win given the form Brentford had been on as of late.

The toffees huffed and puffed on Saturday afternoon and managed to keep out an in-form Brentford side thanks to some top-class Jordan Pickford saves and also a goal-line clearance from scorer Dwight McNeil.

However, one thing teams certainly can’t afford to do against Brentford is give away penalties because of Toney’s superb record from the spot and Keane will be very thankful VAR didn’t intervene when he made contact with the striker.

The Latest: VAR ignores a potential penalty

It wasn’t much longer after McNeil handed the hosts a rapid first-half lead that Keane lost his man which allowed Toney to head the ball marginally wide of the far post, although he appeared to have been impeded.

While Toney didn’t appeal for a penalty, the footage certainly looks as though Keane rather clumsily kicked the back of Toney’s leg as he tried desperately to stop the striker from getting a shot on target.

The Verdict: Swings and roundabouts from VAR

It’s rather strange that Toney doesn’t really appeal, though he does look more annoyed at himself for missing the opportunity. Though, it does look as if he’s almost knocked over as he goes for the header with Michael Keane tackling with the back of his legs rather clumsily.

While Everton may well have got away with a big decision from VAR in this incident, Evertonians may be furious that the technology ruled out Demarai Gray’s first-half goal that would’ve doubled the hosts’ lead.

Therefore, it looks as though Everton got both sides of VAR on Saturday afternoon and it seems as though the decisions evened themselves out over the course of the 90 minutes, although that’s not exactly how the technology should be working.

Keane has been handed a lifeline at Everton under Sean Dyche – who know each other from their Burnley days – but if he is to maintain his starting spot alongside James Tarkowski, then he must be more aware of his surroundings in and around the box.

When Liverpool gleaned the FA Cup last season, beating Chelsea on penalties for the second time in a matter of months after winning the Carabao Cup final in near identical circumstances, manager Jurgen Klopp eulogised his players as “mentality monsters”, but less than one year on and the club have sunk like a stone.

Just one week ago, the Reds incredibly mauled rivals Manchester United to a historic 7-0 defeat in the Premier League, adding to previous goal-heavy seasonal triumphs against Bournemouth (9-0) and Rangers in the Champions League (7-1).

The Cherries exacted their revenge on Saturday, deservedly defeating meek Liverpool on the south coast, illuminating the issues of fluidity and consistency that plague the Merseyside outfit’s term and threaten to raise the drawbridge on Champions League football next season.

The midfield has been particularly chastised for its loss of intensity and vigour, and with this in mind, summer signings are imperative to cement the longevity of Klopp’s Anfield dynasty.

Jude Bellingham is the salient target, but with reports from 90min that the Reds’ technical director Julian Ward has sent scouts to observe Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, Liverpool might just have the perfect youthful option to bolster the engine and secure a silver-laden future for the prestigious club.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old baller has swiftly emerged onto the Ligue 1 scene with Lille, making 12 appearances in the division already and earning high praise from team-mates, with clinical talisman Jonathan David remarking at how “powerful” the teenager is.

The Cameroonian prospect has indeed made a promising start to life in European football, averaging 0.6 shots and 0.9 tackles per game, also completing 84% of his passes and winning 61% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

His aptitude for assured passing and dribbling skills bodes well for the progressive efficacy of Klopp’s midfield, which has certainly failed to offer the robustness the German manager’s system demands this year.

Hailed by team-mate Remy Cabella as a “monster” and “incredible”, the mounting praise surrounding this blossoming dynamo seems to be telling for the scope of his abilities, with a move to Merseyside perhaps an auspicious route for his career, given the rise of the likes of teenage aces Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic.

With his boss hailing him as “exceptional” for entering a withered midfield and injecting vibrant life at just 18 years old, Spaniard Bajcetic is quickly emerging as one of the Premier League’s premium talents, having now made 19 appearances for the club and scoring one goal, being labelled an “incredible prospect” by journalist Tom Barnes.

With Baleba’s physicality and ‘monstrous’ presence in the centre, Bajcetic could find the perfect partner to grow alongside over the coming years, averaging one tackle and 1.4 dribbles per match, according to WhoScored, evidently combative in a way that belies his teenage years and inexperience.

Dubbed a “future star” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Baleba is on his way to becoming one of the most coveted young midfielders on the globe, already valued at around £30m by his outfit, and with Bajcetic demonstrating that Klopp’s Liverpool is a fantastic club to nurture talents and grow as a force in the centre, Anfield might just be the perfect home to kickstart his exciting career. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in bringing Borussia Dortmund defender Raphael Guerreiro to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcement needed

Julen Lopetegui already has Hugo Bueno and Rayan Ait-Nouri as two respectable options at left-back, but the boss may feel he needs a more senior reinforcement, which is where the 29-year-old comes into play.

The Portuguese international will be out of contract at the end of the season and having not put pen to paper on fresh terms, is facing an uncertain future heading into the summer where he could depart as a free agent.

SportBild report that the Bundesliga outfit could still have Edin Terzic’s star in their squad at the start of next season, but that’s currently looking highly unlikely.

The Latest: Wolves eyeing Guerreiro

According to 90min, Guerreiro is ‘wanted’ by Wolves, Newcastle and Aston Villa, whilst Leeds are also keen on a deal having been linked with him over the past few months.

Clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany have additionally made their ‘interest known’ alongside Championship high-flyers Burnley, though them completing a move could be difficult having recently been put under a transfer embargo.

Dortmund’s left-back ‘looks set to move on’ to new pastures upon the conclusion of this term and it’s obvious that there are several potential suitors queuing up to secure his services.

The Verdict: Potential advantage?

Guerreiro shares the same agent as fellow defender Max Kilman, so this could potentially hand Wolves an advantage over their other competitors when trying to get a deal over the line.

The left-footed ace is an attack-minded full-back who loves to get down the flank, which is highlighted in his numbers having posted 83 goal contributions in 214 BVB appearances, whilst ranking in the 93rd percentile for most progressive passes per game.

The Le Blanc-Mesnil native offers plenty of versatility with his ability to operate higher up either on the left side or in central midfield, which is a useful option to have should both Ait-Nouri and Bueno remain in situ as well.

The Old Gold’s target has also won five trophies throughout his career, some at both club and international level, so would arrive in the Midlands with a winning mentality that a lot of the current squad have been missing.

Guerreiro has been dubbed a player who ‘oozes class’ by journalist Josh Bunting and he would be the perfect candidate to sign on the dotted line and become Lopetegui’s Mr. Versatile at Molineux.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is ‘already looking’ for a new club beyond Spurs, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Kane future uncertain…

The 29-year-old is set to be one of the hottest topics discussed in north London this summer, especially with his contract set to expire in 2024.

Kane could leave Spurs on a Bosman deal next year as things stand with Premier League rivals Man United among the sides showing an interest in the player.

The England international, who become the Three Lions’ all time top goal scorer after his penalty against Italy on Thursday evening, is a key asset for Antonio Conte and whoever replaces him thereafter.

Reports have previously suggested that new deal talks have been opened with Kane, but according to a new report, the forward is now seriously considering his options.

The Latest: Kane ‘already looking’ for new club…

According to Spanish news outlet Libertad Digital, and journalist David Lacruz, Kane is ‘already looking for a destination’ beyond Tottenham.

The Lilywhites are apparently worrying about his ‘no-renewal’ as the attacker himself has now ‘gotten tired’ with the situation at Spurs.

Kane is believed to be ‘fed up’ with chairman Daniel Levy’s ‘broken promises’ and the ‘endless projects’ that have been failing.

He apparently doesn’t plan to extend his deal, coming after he nearly joined league champions Man City in the summer of 2021.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

The homegrown ace has starred for Tottenham yet again, scoring a brilliant 21 goals and two assists in 28 league starts this campaign.

He also become Spurs’ all-time top scorer this season, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves and proving to the world that he is one of England’s best ever centre-forwards.

Gareth Southgate, speaking after Kane also broke Wayne Rooney’s international goalscoring record this week, stated:

“He is a brilliant professional and to do it as quickly as he has with still a lot of his career to come is an incredible achievement.

“Huge credit to him. The players gave him a brilliant reception afterwards and I think that was a response to both the record and what he’s just had to recover from as well.”

Losing such a player would come as a major, major blow to Spurs and supporters will be hoping this report isn’t backed up by more mainstream media outlets.

Spurs return to action against Everton on April 3 and Kane will be set to showcase just how important he is yet again.