Newcastle United dealt brutal £47m transfer blow amid fresh update on key Spurs target

Real Madrid are said to have a Premier League manager on their radar as speculation over Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues.

The former AC Milan and Everton manager is in the final year of his current deal with the La Liga giants and is widely expected to be taking charge of the Brazilian national team in the near future. His departure would bring an end to a successful second stint at the Bernebau after Ancelotti led Real to a La Liga title win and lifted the Copa del Rey, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup during his two-year reign.

But thoughts are now turning towards his successor and Real are said to have ‘opened talks’ with Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto Di Zerbi - according to Spanish out Sport. Discussions are said to be ‘in the initial phase’ but Real have been impressed with the Italian’s ability to work with a young squad.

The 3AM Verdict: This would be something of a shock if it was Di Zerbi that took charge of Real next summer. The Brighton boss has worked wonders on the south coast but would surely be tempted to accept any offer from what many believe to be the biggest club in the world.

Newcastle and Arsenal target set to stay

News broke yesterday afternoon that a motion to block Premier League clubs signing players from related-party clubs on loan had failed - meaning Newcastle United are free to sign players from PIF-owned clubs on a temporary basis in January.

Talk of a Newcastle United move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves will surely have played some role in the vote coming to fruition after the Portuguese international was linked with a move back to the Premier League after he joined Saudi side Al-Hilal.

However, despite the vote failing to ban the loan of players between affiliated clubs, there are reports from The Athletic suggesting £47m Neves is ‘expected’ to remain with the Pro League club and is happy and enjoying life in the Gulf state.

The 3AM Verdict: Neves has bags of Premier League experience and wouldn’t need too much time to adapt to the demands of division. Although Eddie Howe has previously mentioned his admiration for Neves during his time at Wolves, there is a feeling the Portuguese star was not necessarily at the top of the Magpies wish list.

Cherries boss makes admission over in-demand defender

The future of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has been the subject of intense speculation in recent days after the former England Under-21 star was linked with a move to Serie A.

Kelly has become a key player at the Vitality Stadium since joining the Cherries in a £13m move from Bristol City during the summer of 2019. His form has captured the attention of several clubs and both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old as he enters the final months of his current deal on the south coast.

Interest has come from Italy in the form of Juventus and AC Milan - but Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has insisted he wants to retain the services of the versatile defender.

He told the Daily Echo: “I don’t know what will happen. “I don’t want to lose him. For me, he is a very, very good player. I would say he is one of our best players and he has been playing really well for me, the games he has been available. He started with a small injury, but whenever he has been fit, he has been doing really well for us. I value him very highly. It’s normal that he is associated with other big clubs, because I think he has a good level. Of course I don’t want to lose him.”

The 3AM Verdict: It feels almost inevitable Kelly will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season and given the calibre of clubs showing an interest in his services, you would not blame the defender for eyeing pastures new. It now feels it would be something of a coup if Bournemouth were able to extend his stay with the club.