Not only will Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou be praying that his raft of first-team stars return injury-free following the current international break, but the 58-year-old will also likely be paying close attention to how those figures perform while representing their respective countries.

Although this halt to club action is not yet at an end, there have already been some standout performances from members of the Spurs squad in recent days, with that coming off the back of what has been a fine, unbeaten start to the new Premier League season back at N17.

Which Tottenham players are on international duty?

There are currently as many as 16 first-team players who are turning out for their respective nations, with the Welsh trio of Ben Davies, Joe Rodon and Brennan Johnson notably coming up against South Korean hero, Heung-min Son last week in what was a goalless draw in Cardiff.

Among those also earning a national team call-up was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with the 27-year-old – who had been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid – perhaps catching the eye of Postecoglou after scoring against both San Marino and Finland for his native Denmark.

That latter strike saw the former Southampton man score with just minutes remaining to clinch a vital 1-0 win in European Championship qualifying, with the experienced asset having been heavily involved in proceedings after racking up 128 touches in total, while enjoying a stellar 96% pass accuracy rate.

Having been a mere bit-part player in the early weeks of the season in north London, the one-time Bayern Munich ace could well have provided Postecoglou with a reminder of his qualities following those two standout showings, with it perhaps something of a blessing in disguise that the Dane did not seal a move away last month.

Hojbjerg was not alone in having impressed over the weekend, however, with teammate Cristian Romero also proving a real shining light amid his sensational display in Argentina's narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador at the start of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

How did Cristian Romero perform for Argentina?

While it was talisman Lionel Messi who unsurprisingly stole the headlines with his curling, late free-kick in Friday's triumph, the Inter Miami maestro himself admitted that it was the Spurs warrior who had been "man of the match" following what was an "amazing performance" from the 25-year-old.

Also described as the "best defender in the world right now" by his legendary compatriot, Romero was an immense presence in the backline for Lionel Scaloni's side, with his 8.0 match rating, as per Sofascore, only bettered by Rodrigo De Paul for either side.

The ex-Atalanta man – who has been described as an "animal" in the past by former Tottenham 'keeper Pierluigi Gollini – was his typically tenacious self after winning seven of his eight ground duels as well as four of his seven aerial duels, putting his body on the line repeatedly for the World Champions.

Not only a man mountain at the back, with seven tackles to his name in total, the £165k-per-week asset was also able to showcase his composure in possession after enjoying a 99% pass accuracy rate in total from his 87 touches, proving that he is not always something of "a reckless teenager" – as described by journalist Sam Dean earlier this year.

Reports in Argentina even quipped following that immense performance that Romero would return to England 'overweight' as he has Ecuador's Enner Valencia in his back pocket, while the aforementioned Scaloni hailed that "very complete" display from his defensive star.

It is no doubt a positive for Postecoglou to see the all-action defender – and Hojbjerg – shining so brightly, with that likely to help maintain the strong momentum that the Lilywhites have built-up in the early weeks of the season.

Arsenal have seen some glorious talent grace north London over the years, with Mikel Arteta’s current crop proving to be the real deal.

The Spaniard’s young side put up a fight last season to register themselves as challengers for the Premier League title, finishing second in the league and registering their first finish in the top four in six years.

With Champions League football in the bag, the Gunners will have more difficult challenges ahead, but will go to battle with a squad filled with talent as expected for a club of their stature.

The high level of performance on the pitch was merited by a strong summer of business by Arteta and Edu, who welcomed four new faces to north London, spending over £200m on their acquisitions.

After missing out on former targets Mykhaylo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea this year, it was imperative that Edu landed the club’s number one summer target in Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain arrived at the Emirates in a record £105m deal, telling of the turning tides at the club after years of notoriously missing out on targets due to reluctance to spend.

From the failed £40m + £1 bid for Luis Suarez to the January rejected bids for Caicedo, Arsenal have missed out on some top talent as much as they’ve obtained it, with not many names being a miss as agonising as one in particular.

Did Arsenal nearly sign Kylian Mbappe?

Rewind to 2017, French starlet Kylian Mbappe was the talk of the summer, as the widely renowned winger decided to join Paris Saint Germain on an initial loan spell from Monaco.

It was later revealed that Arsenal could have signed the forward for free, prior to him extending his contract with Monaco.

When speaking to beIN Sports, relayed by the Independent, former manager Arsene Wenger told of how he underwent talks with the young talent over a potential move to north London.

“I was at his home when he was undecided whether to extend his contract with Monaco. He could have come to Arsenal for free.”

It’s an admirable, but painful admission by Wenger, with hindsight being a powerful thing when considering the phenomenon that Mbappe has become since that year.

Fast-forward to this summer, and there was some talk that the World Cup winner could be in for a move to England as his contract at PSG nears expiration, with the Mirror listing Arsenal as one of the clubs interested – while the Independent noted that the Gunners would be his preferred Premier League destination.

Such talk was partially dismissed when revising the financial demands that would come with signing one of the best players in the world, however the link between the Gunners and the French sensation resurfaced from the days of Wenger.

What is Mbappe’s market value?

Valued by CIES Football Observatory at €200m (£171m), Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the poster boys for world football.

At just 24 years old, the former Monaco whiz is a World Champion and six-time Ligue 1 winner, alongside his extensive list of personal accolades picked up in his formidable career so far.

To think that a talent as bright and significant as Mbappe could have joined Arsenal for £0 is astounding, with the club living to tell the tale of what could have been had Wenger convinced him years ago.

At the time of the Invincibles manager’s discussions, the Paris-born maestro was in far greater reach, earning around £18.5k-per-week, which quickly rose to £292k-per-week at the point of his improved contract with Monaco.

Now, the Frenchman earns a staggering £1.1m-per-week for PSG, equating to £61.5m a year in salary alone, figures far beyond the means of Arsenal today.

Why is he worth so much?

There’s a reason for the prizes Mbappe has won so far in his career, with that reason being the contribution that his presence alone brings to his side.

In 328 recorded domestic appearances, the 24-year-old has had a hand in 365 goals, figures expected by the likes of former European machines Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kylian Mbappe Ligue 1 record

Season

Club

Apps

Goals

Assists

2015/16

Monaco

11

1

1

2016/17

Monaco

29

15

11

2017/18

PSG

27

13

7

2018/19

PSG

29

33

9

2019/20

PSG

20

18

7

2020/21

PSG

31

27

7

2021/22

PSG

35

28

19

2022/23

PSG

34

29

6

2023/24 TBC

PSG

3

5

0

Figures via Transfermarkt

Once lauded as “unstoppable” by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, the praise fits his on-field persona, terrorising defenders every time he’s on the ball.

The winger’s talents translate to being on a different level to his peers, with Messi branding his former teammate as “incredible” after his hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final.

In the 2016/17 Ligue 1 season, the generational talent burst onto the scene on the back of his debut in the competition, where he marked his first 11 appearances for Monaco in 2015/16.

At 17, the winger netted 15 goals and provided 11 assists in just 29 Ligue 1 appearances in his breakthrough season, signalling to the world that he would become the next big thing in world football.

Since that year, the phenomenon has scored a further 153 league goals representing PSG, including a career high of 33 goals in the 2018/19 term in Ligue 1, making him one of the most frightening forwards in the world.

What could he have offered to Arsenal?

The numbers and excitement that Mbappe brings to the stage is attractive to every club in the world.

Like Messi in his prime, he would walk into any side in Europe with ease at just 24, telling of what Arsenal could have had if things went differently during Wenger’s conversation.

What Mbappe could have brought to north London is what players in the calibre of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp handed to Wenger, with both placing themselves in Arsenal folklore for their contributions over the years.

Such quality wins titles and brings the fear factor – it’s evident through Pep Guardiola’s capture of Erling Haaland, who scored 52 goals in 53 appearances during his debut season last term.

The striker fired Manchester City to becoming treble winners, in a way that showcased just how far the signing of an unquestionable, generational talent can get you.

Arsenal could have had such success if Mbappe had joined before hitting his prime, however it’s a near miss that the Gunners will have to live with, as the World Champion continues to dominate the scene in style.

The Argentine superstar is almost certain to be the best player in American domestic soccer this year… but what if he isn't?!

We all know who the world will be watching in MLS this season. His name is Lionel Messi, and his resume speaks for itself. Few, if any, have ever done it better, and as he prepares for his first full season in MLS, expectations are high as can be.

Messi has conquered it all, for club and country, and everyone expects him to conquer MLS this season. He's simply too good not to, right? If Messi stays healthy, he'll undoubtedly put up numbers as he begins this first full season with Inter Miami.

The question is, though, if Messi can be the best. He's the MLS MVP favorite, for sure, but he's far from the only superstar in this league. None have his resume, fame or expectations, but there are plenty of players that could rival the Argentinian icon for the title of MLS' best in 2024.

With that said, GOAL takes a look at the other contenders for MLS MVP that will look to prevent Messi from claiming the throne…

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  10The newcomers

  More likely than not, there will be a first-year player in the mix. The question is which one?

  The Seattle Sounders are very good, and Pedro de la Vega could light it up in that team. Luis Muriel and Emil Forsberg are Europe-proven and are joining teams that are built for them to thrive in the New York Red Bulls and Orlando City, respectively. FC Dallas spent big money on Petar Musa, while the Chicago Fire did the same on Hugo Cuypers.

  Any of the above could be in the race, as all of the players mentioned could theoretically put up monster numbers. If there's one newcomer to bet on, though, it's likely a familiar face that's now in pink…

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  9Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)

  This is a longshot for several reasons, but it is worth discussing.

  First of all, we have no clue what to make of Suarez this season. He looked great in Brazil for Gremio, but we all know that his knees could go at any point. His fitness will need to be managed, which means he probably won't play or score enough to really be in the MVP conversation.

  Secondly, if anyone on Miami is going to win this award, it's probably Messi. If Suarez does score, more likely than not, it'll be from a Messi assist. As a result, it feels almost impossible for Suarez to beat his long-time friend to the prize.

  Still, there's a scenario where Suarez puts up a record-breaking amount of goals against MLS defenses that have no idea how to cope with him. Because of that, even if it's a longshot, he should be considered a contender.

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  8Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo)

  You won't see too many central midfielders in the mix for MVP, but Herrera is more than good enough to break the mold.

  The Mexico international helped lift the Houston Dynamo to a U.S. Open Cup trophy last season, and it can be argued that no midfielder is more influential for their team. The Dynamo aren't the sexiest team and Herrera wouldn't be the sexiest MVP candidate, but there are few players in MLS more important to their team than Herrera.

  A recent injury could impact his candidacy, but if its not as bad as the Dynamo fear, he'll be key.

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  7Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)

  No player contributes to a higher percentage of his team's goals than Nashville SC star Mukhtar. We'll have to see what type of numbers he can run up this season, though.

  The 2022 MLS MVP has 58 goals and 38 assists in just 113 appearances, a ridiculous number all things considered. He has some help arriving (finally) in former Premier League striker Sam Surridge, but it remains to be seen how that impacts Mukhtar's contributions in the long-term.

  Will Surridge eat away at some of Mukhtar's goal contributions, easing the pressure on him? Or will he be just another weapon in the attack for another massive season?

Newcastle United have made a poor start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, and a reliable journalist has delivered an update on the future of Eddie Howe.

What's happening at Newcastle right now?

St. James’ Park chiefs first appointed Howe back in November 2021 having taken a bit of time out of work following his departure from Bournemouth, as per Transfermarkt, and during his almost two years in the northeast, the positive impact that he’s made both on and off the pitch is clear to see.

The Magpies, however, have only won one and lost three of their opening four games of the new top-flight campaign, via Sky Sports, which sees them sitting 14th in the table on just three points, and these underwhelming results compared to last term could potentially raise questions surrounding the 45-year-old at the helm.

The Amersham-born manager will also be aware that the level of competition won’t be getting any easier having been drawn in a group with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in the Champions League, so the boss will be aware that he’s got a big job on his hands to maintain the high standard that was set last season.

Are Newcastle sacking Eddie Howe?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano shared what he’s heard on Howe’s future at Newcastle. He said:

“It’s not been the best start to the season for Newcastle United, who have lost three in a row since their opening day win over Aston Villa. Of course this is a disappointment after the superb achievements of last season, but I think fans can be calm.

"My understanding is that Eddie Howe is absolutely not under pressure, it’s all quiet. The Newcastle owners love the manager and there are no issues at the moment. Of course Howe will have time to play Champions League football as Newcastle coach, there are no messages in a different direction at this moment in time.”

What is Eddie Howe's record at Newcastle?

During his time at Newcastle, Howe has taken charge of 78 matches, winning 39, drawing 19 and losing 20, meaning that he’s picked up 136 points from a possible 234 whilst averaging 1.74 points per match, via Transfermarkt, which is an impressive record in the grand scheme of things.

The Wasserman client, who has a preferred formation of 4-3-3, has also been individually recognised for his impact from the dugout since putting pen to paper with the black and white stripes having twice won the Premier League Manager of the Month award, with his positive impact resulting in him receiving plenty of plaudits and accolades.

Despite Howe's struggles this season, PIF will be aware of the fantastic relationship that he's built with supporters, not only himself but the whole of the squad, and there's no doubt that it would be difficult to find a replacement that could come in and work the same magic as he has, so it's completely the right decision to stick with him and give him the opportunity to turn things back around.

Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich wonderkid Mathys Tel in the next transfer window.

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Man Utd interested in signing Bayern's TelTel frustrated with limited opportunities at BayernJoined Bayern from Rennes in 2022WHAT HAPPENED?

Tel, who joined Bayern Munich in 2022 from Rennes, has appeared in 27 games across all competitions this season but has managed to clock just 731 minutes on the pitch. Frustrated with his limited role at the club, the 18-year-old could make a move away next summer, according to .

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The report further adds that Premier League giants Manchester United have enquired about the player and have internally discussed the possibility of bringing him in when the transfer window opens in the summer. Tel is aware of the Red Devils' interest and could consider joining them if the right offer comes his way. For now, leaving the Bundesliga champions on loan is not an option.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Bavarians are looking to add a new striker to their roster next season as they are unlikely to extend Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's contract.

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Thomas Tuchel's side, who are five points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, will aim to get back to winning ways on Sunday as they take on VFL Bochum in a crucial Bundesliga encounter.

Despite getting their hands on exciting Dane, Rasmus Hojlund, there will likely be Manchester United supporters asking the question as to why the club did not pursue a move for fellow striker Harry Kane instead, prior to his move to Bayern Munich.

Why didn't Man United sign Kane?

Reports back in March had claimed that the England captain was Erik ten Hag's first-choice centre-forward target heading into the summer window, with the experienced marksman facing an uncertain future at N17 at the time with his contract set to expire in 2024.

Despite that interest, United were said to be wary of dealing with Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy and getting themselves embroiled in a transfer saga, with the stubborn businessman also seemingly unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival.

That mix of factors ensured that the Red Devils have instead placed their hopes in young Hojlund to lead the line for the foreseeable future, with Kane having made the move to Germany on a £100m deal.

Despite that blow of missing out on the former Tottenham talisman – who netted 278 goals for the Lilywhites – the 30-year-old would likely not have been a long-term solution for Ten Hag and co due to his age, with it potentially having been an even bigger setback not to have signed another of the Dutchman's leading targets, Frenkie de Jong.

Were Man United close to signing De Jong?

Amid a tricky start to the new season for United with two defeats from their opening four league games, a particular issue has been with the midfield ranks, with club legend Gary Neville stating that that area of the pitch was "non-existent" in the narrow, opening game win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While Sofyan Amrabat – who worked under Ten Hag at FC Utrecht – has been signed to aid those woes, alongside fellow new arrival Mason Mount, it is arguable that the club have yet to acquire a player in the mould of long-term target, De Jong.

The Barcelona maestro was suggested as a leading option for his former Ajax boss back in May 2022, while the Red Devils even reached an agreement with the Calatan giants for a fee of €85m (£73m) later that summer.

Although no move came to fruition as the Netherlands international opted to stay put, The Athletic revealed midway through last season that Ten Hag was still keen on a reunion with his former asset ahead of the most recent summer window.

What are Frenkie de Jong's strengths?

Unlike Kane, De Jong would have been a high-profile talent that United could have built around for years to come, with the 26-year-old perhaps still yet to enter into his prime despite shining in La Liga of late.

Hailed for his "unique quality" which would "make any time stronger" – in the words of Ten Hag – the Dutchman is a truly classy operator from his deep-lying midfield berth, helping to dictate the tempo of a game and impact proceedings in the final third.

That is evidenced by the fact that the 54-cap international ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for pass completion and the top 2% for progressive passes, indicating that he rarely squanders possession while also typically looking to play forward.

While Amrabat does share those gifts – ranking in the top 7% and the top 15%, respectively, for those two metrics – it is De Jong who is a far more gifted ball-carrier as he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive carries, in contrast to the former Fiorentina titan (top 41%).

As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher alluded to, United currently have "big problems in midfield", hence why the signing of the Dutchman – either this summer or last – could well have been a huge bonus.

Of course, the club are crying out for a prolific striker like Kane too, but with last season's 30-goal hero Marcus Rashford still in the picture – and with Alejandro Garnacho already showing flashes of his quality – it looks as if the priority issue still lies in the midfield ranks.

Liverpool are currently nurturing the most exciting crop of youth talent that the club has boasted for a very long time, and manager Jurgen Klopp will be eager to bring some more to the first team over the next few years.

Of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are important members of Klopp's system and both made their debuts under the German's leadership, but genuine prospects were few and far between before the recent improvements.

The Premier League giants currently have the likes of Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic and Jarell Quansah wedging their way into Klopp's plans, but there are a wealth of options awaiting a chance just below the surface, with perhaps none more gifted than Mateusz Musialowski.

Mateusz Musialowski's style of play

Take one glance at Musialowski's highlight reel, and you might shake your head incredulously as you try to understand why Klopp has yet to hand this mercurial star his first-team debut.

Alas, for all Musialowski's innate ability, questions have been raised regarding his off-the-ball activity, and after plundering 26 goals contributions across his first two campaigns in England, he scored just twice last season, falling out of favour in the penultimate year of his contract.

Liverpool signed the Pole from SMS Lodz in 2020 and he has since gone on to captivate onlookers with his tricks and skills, though inconsistency and his purported attitude have alienated him from contention for a senior call-up.

There is a chance that the player of "ridiculous" quality – as he has been praised by reporter Lewis Bower – might be salvaging his chances of a breakthrough, with the 20-year-old currently enjoying the most fruitful form of his budding career.

Indeed, this season Musialowski has posted six goals and two assists from just eight appearances, having scored across all three of Liverpool's ventures in the EFL Trophy against senior opposition.

Appearances

3

Goals

3

Assists

1

Pass completion

76%

Shots per game

3.7

Key passes per game

1.7

Ball recoveries per game

4.7

Dribbles per game

2.7

*Sourced via Sofascore

While Musialowski's future is very much up in the air right now – it seemed he was certain to leave Merseyside this summer – his recent form has been the best way to prove his worth, and he might even be the most naturally talented player within the academy ranks.

How Mateusz Musialowski compares to Ben Doak

Hailed as "excellent" by Andy Kelly, Musialowski might even be more gifted than Doak, though the flourishing Scotsman's dynamism, athleticism and work-rate have won him a position in Klopp's senior set-up.

Indeed, Doak has made nine senior appearances for Liverpool and has earned shots from the outset in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup.

Dubbed a "prodigy” by reporter Keifer MacDonald, the 18-year-old is a swashbuckling, breakneck winger with a low centre of gravity to allow him to swivel and weave through the lines, and there is a chance that he will emerge as one of the Premier League's forwards in the years to come.

Doak has scored 11 goals and supplied eight assists from just 27 matches for Liverpool's youth sides, though given the prolificness of Musialowski right now, there must be a feeling that he could transport his qualities to the senior stage with careful management over the coming months.

Doak's application and determination have won him a place in Klopp's plans, and if his Polish counterpart can ramp up the gas in that department a bit, he may well lead a successful career down the line.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has opened the door to the possibility of Mason Greenwood returning to Manchester United after completing his minority takeover.

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Greenwood return possibleStriker last played for Man Utd in January 2022'Understand the facts, not the hype'WHAT HAPPENED?

Ratcliffe has finally completed the purchase of a 25 percent stake in United for £1.25 billion ($1.57bn) in exchange for taking control of the club's footballing operations. He gave his first round of interviews since completing the deal and said the club would make a fresh decision on Greenwood, who is currently on loan at Getafe and has not played for United since being arrested in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape among other alleged offences. All charges against him were later dropped.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT RATCLIFFE SAID

"He’s a Manchester United footballer so we are in charge of football,” Ratcliffe told outlets including . "So the answer is yes, we have to make decisions. There is no decision that’s been made. The process will be: understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to fair decision on the basis of values which is basically is he a good guy or not, and answer could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and would the fans be comfortable with it."

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United's former chief executive Richard Arnold ultimately decided against reintegrating Greenwood into the United squad last summer following a furious backlash from fans when their plans to bring him back were leaked. After that decision, it was expected that Greenwood would never play for United again. The striker has since been getting his career back on track with Getafe.

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Getty WHAT NEXT?

United would risk another backlash from supporters and the public if they brought Greenwood back into the squad. The club have four months to make a decision on his future as his loan agreement with Getafe expires at the end of June. The Spanish side are hoping to sign him permanently although they are not likely to be able to afford him. Atletico Madrid have reportedly declared an interest in signing Greenwood, while Barcelona are also reportedly keen on the striker, who has scored five La Liga goals in 21 appearances.

Newcastle United might be on the up under the tutelage of Eddie Howe, but littered across St. James' Park are the remnants of a less prosperous past.

True, it's still early into the new dynasty at the Premier League club, with the affluent PIF takeover transforming the hopes and dreams of a proud and prestigious outfit, but already the difference from the pitch to the boardroom is clear.

Newcastle has been restored, with the footballing marriage of technical director Dan Ashworth and manager Howe paying off to a tee, having navigated away from relegation peril in the ex-Bournemouth manager's first season on Tyneside before eclipsing expectations with a sensational top-four finish last term, resulting in Champions League qualification.

The early results of the present season have not gone in Newcastle's favour, with a 5-1 victory over Aston Villa on the opening day followed up with three successive league defeats, but it's inevitable that this talented squad will click soon and start to climb the table in search of European qualification once again.

As stated, there are, however, certain utility members of the squad who could do with discarding and upgrading, with the likes of Javier Manquillo among those on the periphery under Howe's stewardship, something that doesn't look likely to change any time soon.

How much did Newcastle sign Javier Manquillo for?

Having previously featured on loan with Liverpool and for Newcastle's bitter rivals Sunderland, Manquillo made the £4.5m move to St. James' Park in 2017, penning a permanent transfer from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

His acquisition was made with the view that he would aid the club in cementing a position in the English top-flight, having achieved an instantaneous return to the big time with a first-place finish in the Championship, relegated the year prior for the second time in eight years.

That maiden year on Tyneside, he did earn 20 league starts, however, with just four coming during the second half of the campaign, when Newcastle's form picked up; in fact, seven of United's 12 Premier League victories came with Manquillo as an unused substitute, hardly evoking high levels of confidence.

He has now made 110 displays for the Magpies across all competitions since first penning a contract, though given how fleeting his action has been over the past few years, he is effectively just steadily draining the club's cash, earning a wage to sit on the fringe.

What is Javier Manquillo's salary at Newcastle?

Given that Manquillo is not a regular name on the teamsheet, it's somewhat surprising that he is on a salary of £35k-per-week, putting him on a similar wage to first-teamer Fabian Schar (£40k-per-week) and the same deal at Jacob Murphy (also £35k-per-week), who has been described as "so important" by his manager.

Indeed, despite not holding a particularly alarming injury record under Howe, he has only made 19 appearances since the 45-year-old's appointment in October 2021, playing just 33 minutes of league action last term – sidelined as an unused substitute on 24 occasions.

When combining the transfer fee paid with the dripping outlay of Manquillo's salary, it's gathered that Newcastle have consigned £16m to oblivion for an ace to have barely made a mark.

While such does not appear a particularly large amount in the modern game, it's a reminder that he has cost over £10m in wages across his six years at St. James' Park.

And indeed, even when he does earn time under the lights, his performances have left the likes of pundit Jamie Carragher criticising his "Championship" level defending, also branding him "really poor".

How good is Javier Manquillo?

While Manquillo was once deemed a prospect exciting enough to earn a loan move to Liverpool, even though they were at their nadir in the term preceding Klopp's arrival, he failed to impact a struggling Reds team and only chalked up 19 appearances, seeing his two-year loan spell cut short after not featuring in the Premier League beyond December.

Playing just 22 times for the Black Cats the year before his move to Newcastle, Manquillo did score on his final outing against Chelsea, albeit in a chastening 5-1 defeat.

The versatile defender was allegedly "told he's allowed to leave" this summer, according to one report, but no move materialised and it now looks likely that he will sit the 2023/24 season on the periphery before departing on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.

The report continued to claim that Newcastle had even offered a gentleman's proposal to allow him to depart on a free transfer, cutting his stay short by one year amid interest from LaLiga outfit's Girona and Getafe, with Manquillo said to be pushing himself for a return to his homeland.

For whatever reason, it didn't happen, and with journalist Luke Edwards rebuking him for his “awful” defending just months after Howe's arrival, it's evident that he lost his manager's backing right from the get-go.

Having yet to feature in any capacity within the matchday squad thus far this campaign, the prospects of pitch time for the 29-year-old Spaniard grow slimmer by the week.

This summer, Howe bolstered his full-back ranks with exciting young talents Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, both previous Player of the Year holders with Chelsea's academy, and given that the likes of club captain Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and even Paul Dummett still reside on Tyneside, Manquillo might be moored in the shadows for a while longer.

Perhaps Manquillo might feel that his decision to reside on Tyneside is justified following the club's qualification to the Champions League, which is now but a stone's throw away.

However, the dynamo can only watch from the sidelines having not been included in Howe's final continental squad, set to miss out on the most exciting phase of the club's new direction; surplus to requirements.

It would be a prudent move for the full-back to depart the club as soon as he can, salvaging his career and forging a new chapter that might warrant some more time on the pitch.

At Newcastle, under Howe, he has barely made a mark, and the chances of a Toon resurgence for his ill-fortuned full-back are indeed infinitesimal.

Everton were linked with numerous players in the summer transfer window, and they are still keen on signing one of those targets, according to a fresh update.

Did Everton have a good transfer window?

The Blues were in need of having a positive summer in the transfer market, having only just managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League to the Championship last season.

It was clear that Everton's squad could do with strengthening in various areas of the pitch, particularly in attacking areas, which the club addressed fairly well come the end of last month.

Beto looks like an exciting signing from Udinese, coming in as a big-money signing, while Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison could be shrewd loan acquisitions from Villarreal and Leeds United respectively. Meanwhile, Chermiti is another who could provide quality after arriving from Sporting CP.

There were also a host of players who were backed to move to Goodison Park that didn't end up coming in, and one such individual is still reportedly being looked at as an option in the future.

Will Everton sign Wilfried Gnonto?

According to Football Insider, Everton are still keen on signing Leeds youngster Wilfried Gnonto, having missed out on him during the summer:

"Everton have an active interest in Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto despite failing to sign him in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider. The Toffees had a number of bids rejected for the 19-year-old in the main window, which resulted in Gnonto expressing his desire to leave the club and subsequently being excluded from the main group by Daniel Farke.

"It is believed several Premier League and European outfits continue to monitor the youngster’s situation at Leeds following the club’s relegation to the Championship. The Yorkshire outfit are keen to resolve the forward’s long-term future at Elland Road after he was reintegrated into the squad late in August."

It is encouraging to see that Gnonto is still wanted by Everton, with the Italian someone who would have been such an exciting addition in the summer. The 19-year-old is stuck in the Championship with Leeds currently, only featuring three times in the competition this season, and it seems fairly clear that he isn't exactly delighted to still be at Elland Road.

The Blues should do all they can to sign him once the January transfer window rolls around, at which point the hope is that the Whites will decide to sanction a move, realising that having an unhappy player around is pointless. There is clear competition for his signature, however, so it won't be easy.

Granted, Everton have stocked their attack well in recent months, but with Danjuma and Harrison only on loan, Gnonto could be a superb long-term signing, given both the quality he possesses and the fact that he doesn't even turn 20 until November.

Gary Neville has described the Italy international as "absolutely fantastic", and he has already made such an impact in his career for someone so young, and he could light up Goodison with his dribbling ability, skill and end product, steadily maturing into a superstar over time.