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Newcastle United strengthened their top-four bid with victory over relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest on Friday evening, with a clinical brace from club-record signing Alexander Isak ultimately proving the difference in that 2-1 win.

The composed manner in which the Sweden international dispatched his stoppage-time penalty, in particular, showcased the growing confidence that the striker is enjoying of late, with the 23-year-old now benefitting from a consistent run in the side following his previous injury woes,

As a result of that double at the City Ground, the £63m marksman now boasts a haul of six goals in only ten Premier League games so far this season, with that tally just one shy of what teammate Callum Wilson has achieved despite the Englishman featuring in more than double the number of games.

The former Real Sociedad man's recent hot streak has illustrated just how crucial he can be to manager Eddie Howe over the coming months, albeit with the towering asset not the only Magpies man to have rubberstamped his importance to the side of late, amid Jacob Murphy's impressive, surprise impact.

How did Murphy perform against Forest?

As The Athletic's Chris Waugh noted, the 28-year-old has illustrated just why he is "so important" to the Newcastle boss despite rarely appearing from the start, having featured more than any player at the club since the Englishman's appointment, with 57 appearances in all competitions.

While largely restricted to cameo outings over the last 18 months or so, Murphy has shone in his starting role of late, having notably caught the eye in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, as he 'ran himself into the ground', in the words of the Chronicle's Lee Ryder.

With teammate Miguel Almiron ruled out for an extended period of time through injury, the former Norwich City speedster was again given the nod in attack against Steve Cooper's men last time out, ultimately making the most of that opportunity after registering a remarkable haul of five key passes in his wide berth.

The 5 foot 10 dynamo also attempted seven crosses as a marker of his desire to make things happen for his side, while putting in a typically relentless shift defensively as he won four of his eight ground duels, before making way in the closing stages.

That all-action performance saw the £35k-per-week man prove a 'real thorn in the side of Forest' – as per Ryder – having ultimately proved integral to Howe's men claiming a vital three points in their bid for Champions League qualification.

It is no surprise that Murphy has been on the receiving end of glowing praise from his manager in recent times, with the former Bournemouth boss stating following the win over Wolves:

“He’s brilliant behind the scenes. A real positive energy every day in training. He works and hones his skills meticulously. He’s a real player that wants to invest time and try and elevate his game to another level. I’m really pleased to see him come in and do well on the back of that work. I thought he was excellent last week.”

With January arrival and fellow winger Anthony Gordon also currently sidelined – and with Ryan Fraser having been banished from the first-team squad – there will likely be ample chance for Murphy to show his worth from the start following the international break.

On current form, it does appear that the Wembley-born machine could be something of a secret weapon for Howe moving forward.

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.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has a ‘chance’ to be available for tonight’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The Lowdown: Nunez injury concern

The Uruguayan had to be substituted during the 2-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle last weekend after sustaining a shoulder injury, causing concern over the extent of the problem.

The Reds manager confirmed after the game that the 23-year-old was in ‘pain’ and would need to be further assessed, but he was spotted in training on Monday, and another positive update has since emerged.

The Latest: Nunez fitness update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Klopp hinted that Nunez could be available to face Carlo Ancelotti’s side at Anfield.

Quoted by Liverpool’s official website, the German said: “There’s a chance. From all the possible scenarios, apart from being absolutely nothing; that’s not the case.

“We have to see how he can deal with the pain [and] when we know that, we make a decision.”

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The Verdict: Boost for Klopp

Nunez has been dubbed a ‘predator’ by journalist James Dodd, and it’ll be a huge boost for Klopp should he have the forward back at his disposal for tonight’s showdown.

The Uruguayan has posted 15 goal contributions in 28 appearances on Merseyside and is currently averaging four shots per top-flight game, highlighting his threat in the final third.

The 23-year-old also ranks in the 99th percentile among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals, shots taken, and non-penalty expected goals plus assisted goals, an indication of his unrelenting nature at the apex of the Reds’ attack.

Liverpool will need him on form if they want to pick up a positive result against the team who vanquished them in last year’s Champions League final, and Klopp’s comments offer hope that Nunez will get the chance to test himself against Ancelotti’s team tonight.

Manchester City intend to ‘robustly’ defend themselves against the Premier League charges for breaking financial fair play rules, according to reliable reporter Mike Keegan.

The Lowdown: Man City charged

The Premier League has charged Manchester City with numerous breaches of its financial rules after a four-year investigation into alleged wrongdoings, which are said to have taken place between 2009 and 2018.

City have been accused of not co-operating with the investigation, and the Premier League have now referred the club to an independent commission, which can impose punishments ranging from fines to points deductions and even expulsion from the top flight.

The Latest: Man City to defend charges

Taking to Twitter in the wake of the news, Keegan provided an update on what the club’s next course of action could be following this morning’s bombshell.

The Daily Mail reporter said: “Will not come as a surprise but I’m told that City intend to ‘robustly’ defend themselves against PL charges which dropped this morning.”

The Verdict: Serious concern

Considering the severity of the potential punishments, the charges will be a serious concern for the Sky Blues, who will be hoping that this huge off-field news does not affect performances on the pitch, with the club still competing for the Champions League and Premier League.

Man City have previously encountered problems with UEFA in relation to alleged financial wrongdoings, but they managed to avoid the most major punishments after the Court of Arbitration for Sport lifted a two-year Champions League ban and reduced a €30m (£26.8m) fine to just €10m (£8.9m).

The club will no doubt be hoping for a similar outcome this time around, but BBC Sport’s Simon Stone has detailed that it will be an expensive case which will drag on for a long time, with all manner of punishments possible if City lose the legal battle.

Chelsea are in need of a new right-back to rival Reece James for competition, and Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro is one ace to have been distinguished…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Blues boss Graham Potter is enamoured with the Spanish full-back’s ability, and could be poised to make a swoop in 2023, with Porro holding a €45m (£40m) release clause.

Porro joined the Portuguese outfit in 2021 on an initial loan deal from Premier League champions Manchester City, since making the move permanent in a £7m deal and rising to prominence as one of the globe’s most exciting prospects. 

However, another report from the same publication puts London rivals Tottenham Hotspur firmly in the mix, with the outfit reportedly having already made contact with the Lions for his signature.

More recently, esteemed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano detailed his thoughts on the situation to GIVEMESPORT, stating that Spurs indeed hold the lead in the pursuit of the ace. 

Romano said:

“For Pedro Porro, Tottenham are the club leading the race. For Chelsea, we have many links, but at the moment I’m told that the club who are actively working to sign Pedro Porro is Tottenham.”

“Special” signing

Chelsea’s James is unequivocally one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, if not the world, but there is a discernible lack of depth down the right flank, with stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta now 33, and James indeed plagued by injury this year. 

By clinching Porro, Chelsea could kill two birds with one stone by landing an exciting 23-year-old with bundles of potential, and concurrently landing a hammer blow to rivals Tottenham – in their own desperate pursuit to fortify the right-back position.

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An expeditious defender, Porro will never shirk away from bolstering offensive moves and often look to provide auxiliary support and direct firepower when the opportunity arises. 

This season alone, the £29k-per-week star has recorded two goals and ten assists from 22 appearances, a vital component to the success of Ruben Amorin’s team.

In total, the one-cap Spaniard has snatched 11 goals and 19 assists from just 94 outings, integral for his side and a regular presence when Sporting monumentally won the Liga Portugal in 20/21, also winning the League Cup on two occasions.

And as per Whoscored, his career average 1.7 tackles and 1.1 interceptions are indications that he possesses the robust defensive acumen to get stuck in and rebuff advances on the Blues’ goal when required.

Described as a “special talent” by journalist Zach Lowry, Porro is a phenomenon that cannot be allowed to fall into enemy territory, and Chelsea boss Potter would only enhance his prospects of victory with his inclusion.

Leeds United are hoping to bring in a new forward in the coming days, according to The Mail+ reporter Simon Jones.

The Lowdown: Wober done

Max Wober has become the club’s first signing of the year, with the Whites officially announcing a transfer on Tuesday.

Capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, the 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal and could make his debut on the weekend against Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

Leeds appear to be swiftly moving on to their next target, though, seemingly looking to finalise their winter window business relatively early.

The Latest: Forward next?

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from The Mail+, with Jones covering the club’s move for Wober, who turned down AS Roma in favour of a move to Elland Road.

He added that the Whites’ top priority now is to sign a new forward and that they actually hope to make an addition in the coming days.

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The Verdict: Orta not messing around

Securing a left-back and a forward in the first seven days of the January window would be brilliant business by Victor Orta, who doesn’t seem to be messing around in 2023.

You can see why a new forward is now wanted in Yorkshire, with Patrick Bamford missing a large percentage of games since the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign.

Bamford has started just four times in the Premier League this season, so securing a new striker will give Jesse Marsch another much-needed senior option in the final third, something that could prove pivotal come May.

Newcastle United have identified two Premier League players as potential transfer targets for the upcoming January window – Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo. 

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s transfer record

The Tyneside club have shown in recent years how savvy they are at signing players from their fellow English clubs.

For example, names such as Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Joe Willock have all made moves to St. James’ Park from a variety of clubs across the Premier League and all made larger impacts than at their previous homes.

Now that the next January transfer window is close to opening, the Toon have set their sights on adding another couple of top-flights figures to their squad.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Tielemans and Caicedo

According to a recent report from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, the Magpies have identified Tielemans and Caicedo as potential January transfer targets.

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The report adds that these two players are on Newcastle’s radar as Eddie Howe “has asked for players who are first team ready, preferably with Premier League experience.”

Sharing the news on Twitter, Edwards revealed: “Interestingly, loan now, pay later is something Newcastle are extensively exploring.”

The Verdict: Tielemans time?

Both players have racked up a very similar amount of shots at goal (14 vs 12), progressive passes (70 vs 68) and successful tackles (21 vs 20), with Tielemans ever so slightly edging Caicedo for each statistic.

And with the Belgian’s current contract at Leicester set to expire in the summer, January would be the ideal time for the Foxes to cash in on their midfield star rather than risk losing him as a free agent at the end of the season.

This could make a move for him easier for Newcastle to complete, whereas Caicedo still has until 2025 before his deal with Brighton runs out.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring N’Golo Kante to north London next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider revealing in a recent video posted on his YouTube channel that, unless Chelsea manager Graham Potter suddenly decides he wants to keep the midfielder beyond the end of the current campaign, the 31-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the season.

This is sure to come as a huge boost to Antonio Conte, with reports earlier this year suggesting that Spurs are a possible destination for the player – something that would appear much more likely following Romano’s latest update on the France international’s contract situation.

Regarding the future of Kante, the journalist said: “The only way for Kante to stay at Chelsea is if Graham Potter will decide to keep him. But, as of now, the financial agreement is not in place between Chelsea and Kante.

“An important point to mention is N’Golo Kante would love to stay at Chelsea. He loves London, he loves the club and he loves the fans. He has a great relationship with all his teammates. So Kante would love to stay at the club.

“But the reality is that, at the moment, there is still no agreement between the two parties. And this is why the expectation of those close to the player’s side and the club’s side is for N’Golo Kante to leave on a free. Big opportunity for many clubs.”

“One of the best”

While it is true that a spate of injuries over the last two seasons have seen Kante’s game time at Chelsea severely limited, it is undeniable that, when fully fit and firing, there are few midfielders in world football who can perform to the level of the 31-year-old in the middle of the park.

This is evident from Kante’s 35 Premier League outings in Conte’s title-winning Chelsea side back in 2016/17, when the £32m signing made an average of 3.6 tackles – the third-most in the division – 2.3 interceptions – the 14th-most in the league – 1.2 clearances and won 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

The £290k-per-week talent also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.8 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing one dribble – at a success rate of 73% – per match.

These returns saw the player who Abbie McCarthy dubbed “unreal” average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.19, not only ranking him as Conte’s sixth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 32nd-best player in the top flight of English football as a whole that year.

It was performances such as this that saw the Tottenham manager label the midfielder “one of the best” players he has ever coached in an interview with Sky Sports back in May 2020, with the 53-year-old stating of the Frenchman:

“In my opinion, he can play in every position in midfield. We are talking about an amazing player, a top player. He is amazing with and without the ball. When you have N’Golo in your team, you can think you are playing with one player more. He is one of the best players I have had in my career as a coach.”

As such, should Fabio Paratici manage to convince Kante of a move across London to Tottenham at the end of the current campaign, not only would the midfielder’s signing represent an unreal coup on a free transfer, but it would also see Conte reunited with one of his favourite players in the game – something that would only be a positive for the club.

Everton have been dealt an almighty hammer blow as they look to tie down two of their key players…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who thinks that the scrutiny aimed at some of the stars at Goodison Park could actually drive them away from the club.

The names mentioned in the report are Alex Iwobi and Jordan Pickford, who both have contracts that expire in 2024. 

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones claimed: “For these two players, you would have to think twice about committing at the moment.

“They’ve both had pretty good campaigns, but they also both seem to get picked apart when things don’t go especially well.”

Worrying news

Of all the players that Frank Lampard boasts at the moment, Iwobi and Pickford are likely the two he would hold dearest.

Both played instrumental roles in his side’s narrow escape from the drop last season, with the English shot-stopper in particular shining in crucial wins over Chelsea and Leicester City.

Then, since the restart of the Premier League for the 2022/23 campaign, the Nigerian trickster, reborn in his attacking midfield role, has been a creative leader for the Merseyside outfit.

He already boasts six goal contributions this campaign which is more than he has made in any other season since moving from Arsenal.

The brevity of their respective contracts will worry the club not only due to their incredible talents, but the simple fact that they are arguably their most prized assets; especially since the summer sale of Richarlison.

Both of them are ranked in the top five for the highest market value at Everton by Transfermarkt, outlining their importance to the team.

Lampard will rightly be worried, as without them it would spell incredible danger once again for his outfit.

Already sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone, this World Cup-enforced break will likely allow him some time to assess where the issues lie at the club.

Whilst Farhad Moshiri must put his hand in his pocket, the role the fans can play will also likely be a factor in deciding their future.

The England international himself even stated last season that Evertonians “are very passionate”, and that “to get that buzz on the bus is a great feeling, it touches you.”.

Although the form is poor, perhaps galvanising once more to support the players will not only give them another much-needed boost but incentivise their biggest stars to stick around.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura has attracted criticism from BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton after images emerged of an incident involving a ball boy.

The Lowdown: Spurs bounce back…

Spurs have sealed two mightily impressive comeback wins in the space of a few days with crucial victories away to Bournemouth (3-2) in the Premier League and Marseille in Europe (2-1).

The former result appears to have built up real spirit in Antonio Conte’s squad with the Lilywhites now making it two wins from two after finding themselves behind.

Against the Cherries, Spurs fought back from a two-goal deficit to ultimately clinch a crucial league victory in the race for a top four spot.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies and a neat last minute finish from Rodrigo Bentancur sealed all three points for Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium – yet one incident involving Lucas has attracted some attention.

The Latest: Hutton slams Lucas…

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Lilywhites defender Hutton has slammed the Brazilian for his altercation with a ball boy when Spurs were chasing the game.

As shown by images courtesy of the BBC, Lucas was seen wresting the ball off a Bournemouth ball boy who was pictured visibly upset after the incident.

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Hutton claims, despite Spurs’ desperation to get on with the game, that situations like that must not happen.

He explained:

“You can’t react that way. But you need to understand that the ball boys are there to do a job and it is to get the ball and give it back as soon as possible. That is why they are there, they are not there to hold up play and stop time.

“It does come up now and then. All it takes is a briefing with the ball boys before a game, which I am sure they have, to tell them to get the ball back in play as soon as possible. That stops this situation.

“I can see both sides of the coin but at the end of the day they are there for a job and that is what they have to do. But, as a professional footballer you can’t react to that. I mean they are kids, come on.

“If they are not going to give you the ball back instantly just walk away and let the referee deal with it.“

The Verdict: Correct…

Lucas’ eagerness to get the ball back in play is obviously understandable in the scenario, yet tussling with a ball boy has to be deemed unacceptable.

Spurs will be overjoyed with their successive comeback victories but moments like this must be avoided in future, not least for both the player and club’s reputations.