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Steve Howey reckons that Will Hughes wouldn’t turn down the chance to sign for Newcastle.

According to The Sun, Steve Bruce’s side are in talks over a potential £12m deal to sign the midfielder, who only recently celebrated promotion back to the Premier League with Watford.

Hughes scored twice in 30 league outings to help the Hornets finish second and bounce back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

But the 26-year-old already has experience of playing in the Premier League with the Hornets – having been a regular in his first three seasons at Vicarage Road after returning from a long-term hamstring injury prior to their relegation 12 months ago.

Last season, Hughes hardly featured before Xisco was appointed, making just four substitute appearances before Christmas.

However, the Spaniard’s arrival saw Hughes become a key part of the Watford midfield, and he soon worked his way into the side, and played every one of their final 26 matches.

Despite his efforts, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that the midfielder might not be with Watford for too much longer:

“I would imagine Will Hughes would want to join Newcastle because it’s a huge club.

“Watford are back in the Premier League, but it would be a huge move for him, and that’s not being disrespectful towards Watford.”

Fulham could see Tosin Adarabioyo depart Craven Cottage on a cut-price deal this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claimed that the 23-year-old centre-back could leave west London for as little as £10m in the summer transfer window due to a release clause in his contract.

It is reported that this clause is only active until 14 July, meaning that if any of Newcastle United, Arsenal or Norwich City – all of whom have been linked with a move for the former England under-19 international – wish to make a move for Adarabioyo at a reduced price, they will have to do so quickly.

Fans should be concerned

While the news that the £10m release clause in the former Manchester City man’s contract at Craven Cottage is only active for a matter of weeks could be viewed as a good thing, the fact that Adarabioyo has a clause in his contract for such a small fee should be enough reason for Fulham fans to be concerned.

Having impressed for Scott Parker’s side last season, as well as currently being valued by Transfermarkt at £10.8m, should a club go on to activate the 23-year-old’s release clause this summer, it would be something of a disaster for the west Londoners ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign.

Indeed, over his 33 Premier League appearances last term, the £27,000-per-week centre-back helped his side to keep nine clean sheets, as well as averaging 1.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 5.8 clearances per game. These metrics saw Adarabioyo earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Cottagers’ ninth-best performer in the top flight.

With Fulham hoping to secure an immediate return to the top flight next season, losing one of the club’s brightest starlets – whom Tony Mowbray dubbed an “exceptional talent” – for less than his current market valuation would not be a good way to kick off the new season for the Cottagers, nor would it look well on the club’s hierarchy for allowing the clause in his contract in the first place.

In other news: Fresh Fulham managerial development emerges that should leave Khan relieved

Stoke City have offered a number of Championship clubs the services of Sam Vokes this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Bristol Live, who claim that Michael O’Neill has offered the 31-year-old centre-forward to Bristol City, as well as a number of other Championship clubs, ahead of the upcoming transfer window – effectively putting the Wales international up for sale.

It is then reported that, while Bristol City are not currently considering a move for the striker, he remains an option for Nigel Pearson if his pursuit of other targets in the position does not bear fruit.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poor Vokes has been in front of goal for Stoke since his £7.2m move from Burnley back in January of 2019, the fact that O’Neill appears to be trying to actively move the forward onto pastures new this summer could leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his total of 86 appearances for the Potters in all competitions, Vokes has found the back of the net on just 11 occasions, as well as chipping in with a mere three assists.

Last season in particular was a lowlight, with the £1.35m-rated striker scoring no goals, providing no assists and missing three big chances over his 30 Championship appearances for Stoke, in addition to averaging a mere 0.4 shots on target and 0.1 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £33,000-per-week centre-forward earn an unsurprisingly disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.69, ranking him as O’Neill’s 10th-worst performer in the league.

As such, with a lack of goals and a vastly inflated wage, it is no wonder that the Stoke manager is attempting to shift Vokes this summer.

However, both of these factors may just be a reason as to why no other clubs might take up the Northern Irishman on his offer, which would mean that Stoke could be stuck with the man O’Neill once claimed was “massive” for the club until the expiry of his contract at the end of next season.

In other news: Get him gone: O’Neill must ruthlessly axe “top class” £25k-p/w Stoke flop this summer

Sunderland have been handed a boost in their quest to sign Dion Sanderson permanently this summer, following an update regarding his future.

The Lowdown: Sanderson impresses for Sunderland

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Wolves, catching the eye as the Black Cats reached the League One playoffs.

Sanderson made 26 appearances in the league overall, slotting into the defence impressively and being lauded by the fans for the impact he made, with supporters revealing their ‘love’ for the youngster and asking to sign him permanently.

The Latest: Black Cat given boost

Those fans will be delighted now, as Sunderland are thought to be keen on signing Sanderson permanently this summer and a positive update has emerged this weekend.

According to Yorkshire Live, talks over a Sanderson move to Huddersfield Town aren’t as far along as some have claimed, acting as a boost to the Black Cats.

The report names Sunderland as one of many clubs chasing a deal, revealing that the Terriers are now unlikely to be part of that competition, which is a boost for those still hoping to secure his signature.

The Verdict: Sign him permanently

Sanderson did enough during his loan spell to suggest he should be signed permanently ahead of next season, especially considering Wolves appear happy to cash in.

At 21, he is a player with a bright future who should only improve in the coming years, with an average of 2.7 clearances per game in the league last season outlining his defensive ability.

Lee Johnson will be keen for new signings in the summer transfer window, in order for another promotion push to materialise, and signing Sanderson would be ideal – he knows the club, has proven his mettle and his arrival would excite the fans.

In other news, one Sunderland player has reportedly been offered an exit route out of the club. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa are plotting a club-record move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, according to The Mirror.

The report claimed that Villa are ready to spend up to £40m on their former loanee to bolster their attacking ranks for the 2021/22 season.

Abraham, who scored 26 times in 40 Villa appearances during the 2018/19 campaign, is also of interest to Crystal Palace and West Ham. He is not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans at Stamford Bridge and it seems as if Dean Smith wants to reunite with the striker at Villa Park.

A £40m move for the 23-year-old would end up breaking Villa’s club record for a second time this summer following their £34.5m deal for Emiliano Buendia.

Villa fans react

The Mirror shared the news on Twitter on Saturday lunchtime. Here’s what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one describing a possible deal for Abraham as ‘big’ and another insinuating that it may help towards keeping the in-demand Jack Grealish at Villa Park.

“NSWE may wanna pick up the phone, European football’s on the line”Credit: @Avfc_Barry”Personally would be all over this.”Credit: @AVFCTheReligion”Screams project keep Jack ngl”Credit: @VillaVisionBen”If true, this team is truly building, having 2 strikers of Watkins & Abraham quality competing is a big boy move.”Credit: @LordMillman29″Bring him home”Credit: @JackAVFC__”It seems there are two things coming home this summer….”Credit: @Conradreturns_7

In other news: Villa willing to break club-record for one man if Grealish leaves, find out more here. 

Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo is reportedly a target for Fenerbahce ahead of the summer transfer window and this could prove to be a golden opportunity for Ralph Hasenhuttl to axe the Mali international from his squad.

According to Turkish newspaper Posta (via Sport Witness), the Super Lig side are keen on bringing in the 22-year-old this summer, with manager Emre Belozoglu having reportedly asked the board to try and sign Djenepo.

Although the report suggests that a permanent move this summer would be unlikely due to Fenerbahce’s financial situation, an impressive loan spell could see them sign him on a permanent basis in the future, or increase the chances of another club paying a fee to prise him away from St Mary’s.

Southampton signed Djenepo from Standard Liege in the summer of 2019 and he has unfortunately flattered to deceive during his time at St Mary’s, with just four goals and two assists to his name in 51 appearances for Hasenhuttl’s side.

After superb solo goals against Brighton and Sheffield United last season, it was hoped that the young winger would kick on and establish himself as a key player at St Mary’s this term. unfortunately that has not been the case, as he managed just one goal and no assists in 27 Premier League appearances.

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His performances in the top flight earned him a less than impressive average rating of 6.37/10 from WhoScored, which ranked him as the 17th-best player in Hasenhuttl’s squad this season.

Considering he has arguably fallen behind youngster Nathan Tella in the pecking order at Southampton, a loan move might be exactly what he needs to boost his confidence and return to St Mary’s a better player.

However, given his less than impressive performances in his first two seasons with the club, a permanent move away this summer might well be preferable, given that he is valued at £11.7m and reportedly earns £55,000 per week at Southampton, which is more than influential captain James Ward-Prowse.

Chairman Jisheng Gao would surely welcome the sale of Djenepo, as it would raise plenty of funds in terms of both a transfer fee and wages, so Hasenhuttl might be best served by allowing the 22-year-old to depart this summer.

In other news… Hasenhuttl can amend key 2020/21 disaster with summer Southampton swoop for £4.5m-rated beast

A number of Leeds United supporters have hit out at left-back Ezgjan Alioski on social media for his first-half display against Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime, although he did grab an assist late in the opening 45 minutes.

Marcelo Bielsa kept with the same side which lost 2-0 to Brighton last time out, with Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha fit enough for a place on the bench.

Alioski came in for criticism from some Whites fans on the south coast last week and it hasn’t gone any better this time around back in Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old was making his 26th Premier League start of the season and 35th appearance in all competitions during the current campaign.

The North Macedonia international was coming up against Spurs winger Gareth Bale at Elland Road, however, he failed to follow the run of Heung-min Son midway through the opening 45, with the South Korea star cancelling out Stuart Dallas’ opener.

He did bounce back by setting up Patrick Bamford just before the break, but it was of course his defensive lapses which really got fans talking.

Leeds fans react to Alioski’s performance

This is what these Leeds supporters had to say about Alioski, with one describing his display as ‘awful’.

“Alioski and Roberts have had their time at the club I think. We need better players in their positions with better decision making”

Credit: @_RobboParker

“Hurts to watch Alioski and Roberts”

Credit: @JtotheRain

“Alioski out of position. Am I surprised? No”

Credit: @lufcJoe_

“Alioski can go to whatever club he wants just let him leave I beg”

Credit: @LukeMOTv2

“Alioski can’t leave soon enough”

Credit: @Farquha63494694

“Alioski is awful let’s be honest”

Credit: @StyleLufc

In other news: Leeds midfielder set to leave Elland Road this summer, find out who it is here. 

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League striker Marcus Bent has described talk of Raheem Sterling leaving Manchester City as “stupid”.

The England forward has been one of City’s standout performers in recent seasons, but has lost his way recently and has found himself out of Pep Guardiola’s best team.

Sterling marked his return to the side by netting the opener against Chelsea on Saturday, but has been starved of minutes in City’s Champions League run.

Having been an unused substitute in the victory over PSG in France, the 26-year-old played only the final eight minutes of the return leg in Manchester on Tuesday.

£300,000-a-week man Sterling has still managed 14 goals and 11 assists in 46 appearances for the Champions League finalists, but reports believe that City are willing to cash-in on the former Liverpool man in order to provide the funds to afford either Jack Grealish or Erling Haaland.

However, Bent doesn’t see any truth in that story and told The Transfer Tavern that he’d surprised to see Sterling leave:

“It’s stupid, it’s foolish. They’re talking about Atletico Madrid for £100m. You never know, that £100m might be playing on his head.

“He’s still young and hasn’t played as much as he would have liked. He’s a fantastic player, he’s matured, he’s good in and around the club. I don’t think he complains about not playing as much.

“But I can’t see that happening. If it does, it’s going to surprise me.”

Celtic have a number of areas they need to strengthen this summer but none are arguably more important than the Hoops’ defence.

Of course, the Bhoys didn’t enjoy a good season in any shape or form but they can go a long way to winning the league again by addressing their backline.

What’s the word?

With Kristoffer Ajer potentially leaving, it only heightens Celtic’s need to find a defender this summer.

However, even if they do find an adequate replacement, they will not improve sufficiently until they find a new goalkeeper.

Celtic tried their best to lure Fraser Forster back to Paradise last summer but he remained in Southampton and will continue to do so next season.

After the failed signing of Vasilis Barkas, the Hoops have been eyeing a move for Dundee United stopper Benjamin Siegrist. The 29-year-old has been on their radar for a while now but the ‘keeper is thought to be keen on a switch.

In a recent interview with Blick (via Daily Record), he refused to rule out a switch to Parkhead. After being questioned about Celtic, he responded: “If there is interest, I’ll take a close look.”

Bullying Celtic

With Scott Bain and Barkas making a number of high profile errors this season, signing a player like Siegrist certainly makes sense.

After all, the Hoops need a goalkeeper who is going to stand tall between the posts, something they’ve not had since the colossal 6 foot 7 frame of Fraser Forster was in Glasgow.

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Siegrist stands shorter at 6 foot 4 but that’s still a gigantic height for a ‘keeper and he’s someone that’s already embarrassed Celtic.

With the Hoops needing to record a win over Dundee United in order to prevent Rangers from prematurely lifting the Premiership crown, they could only draw 0-0 at Tannadice.

They were diabolical in front of goal with Odsonne Edouard spurning three opportunities to score.

However, much of that was down to the inspired Siegrist. He was a man-mountain between the posts when the two teams met back in March, making no fewer than 12 saves.

It was a mammoth performance from someone who’s had an “extraordinary season” in the words of his agent.

Though, we shouldn’t be surprised by this when you consider the phrasing Micky Mellon used to describe him. Speaking earlier in the campaign he claimed Siegrist “trains like a monster.”

With his long reach and ability to frighten attackers, he’d surely offer more of a presence for Celtic than Bain or Barkas have at any point in the last year.

AND in other news, Forget Soro: Celtic already have their Scott Brown heir in 6 ft 6 “man mountain”…

Luke Edwards has dropped a big update on the future of Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

As per a tweet from the Daily Telegraph journalist, the uncertainty with the proposed takeover at St James’ Park by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, the pending arbitration case between the club and the Premier League, and the talk of investment from the Saudis ‘will almost certainly’ keep the 60-year-old in the job as long as the Magpies avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Newcastle close to Premier League safety

The Magpies are now very close to securing their top-flight status having recorded back-to-back wins against Burnley and West Ham United, which could result in Bruce keeping his job unless there is significant progression in the takeover saga.

The prospective new owners may want a new face at the helm to take Newcastle into a new era if the bid were to eventually go through, and so Bruce could fall victim in that case.

However, until that actually comes into fruition, it is likely that the former Manchester United defender will stay on as manager at the Toon, especially if he manages to secure their safety in the Premier League for another season.

With Edwards adding that Bruce is unlikely to resign after turning the tide recently in the face of enormous pressure, and doing ‘all Ashley wants him to do’ in terms of keeping them in the top flight, the 60-year-old can probably feel safe in his role for now.

In other news, read more about an insight into Boris Johnson’s involvement in the potential takeover!