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TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Jack Harrison is too good for Leeds United but not good enough for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Steady progress

Having been shipped about between Liverpool’s and Manchester United’s respective youth ranks, Harrison ventured across to America in the hopes of forging a professional career. 

He was picked up by Chicago Fire, and did just that, making the switch to City Group owned New York City in a move that fuelled his rise to the top.

He never got a chance at Manchester City, despite signing on a permanent deal back in 2018, but impressed enough for Leeds United, with Agbonlahor feeling that his level now lies somewhere just above the Yorkshire side.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor fuels the fire

With Harrison set to enter the final 18 months of his contract with Leeds, Agbonlahor has chipped in as to where he believes his future lies. 

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to recent news of talks for a brand new deal, the pundit said: “First of all, I don’t think he’ll want to sign a new deal because I don’t think Leeds will pay him what he wants.

“But then I look at Newcastle and can they be looking at better players than him?

“I do like him but with where Newcastle want to go, I don’t think they should be looking at Harrison anymore.

“They should be looking at better players in Europe, to be honest. They are so close to the top four and staying in there, I don’t think Harrison is the answer.

“I think he’s better than Leeds but I just feel Newcastle are onto bigger things.

“Is Everton the right sort of move for Harrison? That sort of level where you get an extra £20,000-a-week or £30,000-a-week.

“I just don’t think Newcastle is the right place for him.”

The Verdict: A great option

Having delivered a consistent haul of eight goals in each of his two Premier League seasons with Leeds United, Harrison has fully asserted himself as a reliable Premier League asset.

You would think that if the 26-year-old is to switch sides, it would be for a club who are challenging within the top half of the table, rather than fighting with the sole purpose of renewing the club’s Premier League status. 

Newcastle therefore fit that description, and quite frankly, as an inverted left winger, he would offer the side a bout of dependable quality where Allan Saint-Maximin is too often injured. 

At this point, the Magpies should be looking to sign a couple of marquee signings, particularly in the attacking areas, so you can certainly see where Agbonlahor is coming from. 

But, Harrison would represent a solid and dependable option who is yet to enter his prime years.  The £40million man would be a great option for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle United have experienced a phenomenal start to their Premier League season and there is no doubt they will want to continue their form in the second half the season, with the potential of strengthening their team even further in January as a new transfer target is revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to West Ham United insiders Claret & Hugh, Declan Rice could emerge as a potential target for the Magpies.

As per the report, the northeast giants believe Rice could be a cornerstone in their project at the club and Hammers officials believe that they could take their chances to sign the player if their form continues in the Premier League.

Imagine him & Bruno G

There is no doubt that Rice is one of the hottest English prospects at the moment and the attention surrounding the talented midfielder will surely only grow as he is set to play a starring role in the centre of the pitch for England in the World Cup this month.

Indeed, Newcastle will be in a great position to compete for the players signature should he become available to sign over the coming months despite Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City all reportedly interested in acquiring Rice’s services too, thanks to their ambitious project at St James’ Park and league position.

The Magpies have only suffered one defeat in their Premier League campaign and are currently 3rd in the table matching Man City for the best defensive record in the league so far after 15 outings and Eddie Howe will be desperate for his team to continue their dominance to guarantee a Champions League spot ahead of schedule.

As a result, the signing of Rice would be amazing for the club and when you consider his attributes in the central third it is clear he would make a fantastic partner for stand-out performer Bruno Guimaraes.

Over 15 league appearances, the £150m ace – who was once hailed “phenomenal” by Marlon Harewood – has scored one goal, registered two assists and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.6 interceptions, 2.4 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Rice also ranks second for dribbles, second in pass interceptions in the opponent’s half and 10th in passes completed into the final third in the entirety of the Premier League.

The England international’s clear defensive talents and work ethic in the centre of the pitch can perfectly complement Bruno Guimaraes’ playmaking and attacking skills that the Brazilian has displayed since joining Newcastle in January.

With that being said, the signing of Rice would be the perfect move for the Magpies as he could become an incredibly valuable asset offering quality and longevity on Tyneside for years to come.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Villarreal star Yeremi Pino in the January transfer window and he could prove to be Unai Emery’s next Juan Mata.

The Daily Star, via Birmingham Live, suggested recently that the new Villa boss is keen on a reunion with his former Villarreal star as he looks to bolster his attacking options in January.

Emery joined Villarreal at the start of the 2020/21 campaign and was the manager to give Pino his first-team debut for the club, with the exciting young talent a regular with the Yellow Submarine ever since.

Pino has played 96 matches in all competitions for the Spanish side, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists, so it is easy to see why Villa are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

The versatile attacking midfielder, who was dubbed “incredible” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, may only have one goal and no assists to his name in La Liga this season, but he has clearly still impressed with his performances, as it was confirmed on Friday that he would travel to Qatar with Spain’s World Cup squad.

Villa fans, and Emery, will no doubt keep an eye on the electric talent in Qatar in the hope that he could arrive at Villa Park in the not-too-distant future.

Should he be reunited with Emery in the Premier League, he could have a similar impact to the one Mata did under the Spanish manager at Valencia.

Emery managed at the Mestalla Stadium between 2008 and 2012 and helped to develop the former Chelsea and Manchester United star into the player that was so successful in the Premier League.

He would make 141 appearances under the 51-year-old (the most of any manager in his career), contributing a superb 37 goals and 50 assists, which led to his 2011 move to Stamford Bridge.

Mata would remain in the Premier League until earlier this year when he was released by Manchester United, with the creative midfielder no doubt recognised as one of the best attacking midfielders of the Premier League era.

Pino’s scouting report on FBref scores him above the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals, touches in the attacking penalty area, non-penalty expected goals and assists, and progressive passes received, which emphasises that like Mata, he loves to get forward and be an influence in the final third.

If the 20-year-old could follow a similar career path to Mata and enjoy some of his best football under Emery at Villa Park having already starred under him at Villarreal, he would surely prove to be a superb addition to the squad.

Journalist Dan Woffenden has slammed the ‘blatant decision’ ignored by referee Peter Bankes which went against West Ham United as they faced Southampton this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Disappointing result

The Hammers held out for a disappointing draw as Declan Rice equalised with a dazzling shot from 20 yards out after playing a quick one-two with Said Benrahma.

Despite the equaliser, the result was made all the more galling for David Moyes and co as the Saints’ goal, which came from Romain Perraud after 20 minutes, was laced with controversy.

The Irons argued that Kyle Walker-Peters’ foot appeared to be over the line for when he took the throw-in which led to their goal, with further shouts claiming that the referee impeded Jarrod Bowen from getting the ball moments prior.

The Latest: Woffenden’s claim

Woffenden slammed the referee’s decision to allow the goal, with the alleged impediment coming from Walker-Peters’ throw-in.

Taking to Twitter, the Irons-supporting journalist fumed: “Absolutely no surprise to see that West Ham have had a blatant decision go against them once again. The standard of officiating in the Premier League declines every week. Shambles.”

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The Verdict: Needed three points

With the chance to climb several places in the Premier League table, a point will come as a huge disappointment for David Moyes’ side, ending a run of four successive victories in all competitions.

With the Saints in the relegation zone and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl reportedly close to getting the sack, this felt like a must-win game for the Hammers, who now sit 11th in the league table.

After such a poor start to the season, three points at St Mary’s would have solidified West Ham’s form going into the final month of the campaign before the start of the World Cup.

Therefore, an apparent mistake by the refereeing team will come as a painful wound for the Irons, who were on the wrong end of a controversial call not for the first time in the season.

Leeds United’s winless run extended to a fifth game after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Makeshift left-back Pascal Struijk netted a tenth-minute opener for the visitors after he fired home a rebounded strike from Brenden Aaronson but it all went downhill from there.

Just 14 minutes later, Odsonne Edouard rose highest to meet Michael Olise’s free-kick before Eberechi wrapped things up in the second half with a stunning solo effort.

It means the Yorkshire giants have not won in the English top-flight since August 21st when they stunned Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, despite all of the negatives from the trip to south-east London, there was perhaps one shining light in the form of Tyler Adams.

The American midfielder continued his fine form in Leeds’ engine room as he was graded as SofaScore’s highest-rated player outside of the three goalscorers.

LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross was equally impressed by the 23-year-old, writing in his post-match column: ‘Another excellent performance in the centre from the combative American. Tackles, key passes and some forward-thinking carries from deep too.’

Indeed, this was certainly the case as Adams registered the joint-most tackles of any player on the pitch with five, whilst he also put in one clearance and one interception to help out his side defensively but he also got forward in this sort of box-to-box role that he’s made his own in west Yorkshire.

The midfielder, who cost the club around £20m from RB Leipzig, made 39 accurate passes, of which two were key chances created. That was more than some of Marsch’s usual creative options in Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison, who combined for just one between them.

Also leading the side for touches (69), highlighting his influence in the possession game, Adams even won nine duels and won two free-kicks during the 90 minutes he was on the pitch, via SofaScore.

It’s no wonder the American has been lauded as an “engine” by Statman Dave and a “monster” by journalist Tomi Oladipo as without him, Marsch may well have witnessed an even more dominant scoreline from the Eagles.

Adams was the Whites’ one shining light from the defeat at Selhurst Park, as clear by the evidence above.

AND in other news, Phil Hay: Leeds leader “out for a month” before Palace, it’s another worry for Marsch…

Leeds United have been to watch Aberdeen youngster Lewis Pirie on at least two occasions, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Academy additions

The Whites have been extremely busy in recent months when it comes to youth additions, with a number of players brought into the Thorp Arch academy.

Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins were the two high-profile academy arrivals from Manchester City and West Ham, whereas Max McFadden and Charlie Crew also joined from Colchester United and Cardiff City.

The club also recently secured the services of goalkeeper Rory Mahady from Celtic, and it appears as if another Scottish youngster is now on their radar.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said that Leeds officials have been to see Pirie in action for both Scotland and Aberdeen, labelling him as a ‘very talented young player’.

“Pirie is a very talented young player. I think Leeds scouts have watched him in action for Scotland U16s as well as Aberdeen’s youth teams.”

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The Verdict: Next to arrive?

Pirie could well be the next youngster to make the move to Elland Road, a destination that seems to appeal to teenagers following changes in recent years.

Leeds have put in a lot of work to attract a number of future stars to the club, offering them a clear pathway through to first-team football.

The likes of Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville have gone from strength to strength after initially joining the club’s academy, so Pirie, still just 15 years of age, may well look to follow suit.

West Ham United have seen their opening offer in an attempt to bring Ola Aina to the London Stadium rejected.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Dharmesh Sheth, with the Sky Sports reporter revealing on Twitter that David Moyes has seen a bid totalling €8m (£7m) for the Torino full-back rejected by the Serie A club, with Gianluca Di Marzio claiming in his own post on Twitter that Il Toro are holding out for an offer closer to the €10m (£8.5m) mark.

In his tweet, Sheth said: “West Ham United have had a bid rejected for Torino right-back/wing-back Ola Aina. Offer was €4m + €4m in add-ons. West Ham deciding whether to go back in. The former Chelsea player has had loan spells at Hull City and Fulham in the past.”

“Unreal” prospective signing

With it being reported that Moyes is hoping to add a new right-back to his West Ham squad prior to the closure of the summer transfer window, coupled with just how impressive Aina was for Torino last season, the argument that the former Chelsea academy prospect would be an unreal signing for the Hammers is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 21 Serie A outings – £6m-rated talent highly impressed going forwards, creating five big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 0.5 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

The £31k-per-week wing-back – who Michael Oti Adjei dubbed “unreal” – also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 1.2 clearances and winning 4.3 duels (at a success rate of 53%) per outing.

The defender has continued this form over his three Serie A outings so far this term, having already created one big chance for his team-mates, along with making one key pass, 1.3 tackles and 0.7 interceptions and winning six duels (at a success rate of 58%) per game.

These returns have seen the Nigeria international average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Torino’s joint fifth-best performer in the Italian top flight.

As such, it is clear to see just how talented a wing-back Aina undoubtedly is, leading us to believe that Moyes simply must return with a second bid for the 25-year-old prior to tonight’s transfer deadline.

The Torino sensation’s attacking output, versatility and strength in one-on-one duels would all make very welcome additions to West Ham’s current options at full-back.

West Ham United target Maxwel Cornet is the perfect man to replace Arthur Masuaku’s role in the squad, says former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell.

The lowdown: Hammers deal lined up

The Hammers have been extensively linked with Cornet in recent weeks, albeit there was fierce competition from Everton and Newcastle for the recently relegated Burnley man.

However, West Ham are now believed to have agreed on a fee with the Lancashire club, moving the transfer swoop for the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international one step closer.

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Following the loan departure of Masuaku to Besiktas this week, one pundit has suggested that Cornet could be the ideal man to replace the versatile ace in the Irons’ ranks…

The latest: ‘Like for like’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Arsenal frontman and Sky Sports pundit Campbell stated that the 29-cap winger is the perfect man to succeed Masuaku.

He said: “It would be a like for like. Masuaku has done a job every time he has come in. He has done ok.

“He has not been a regular starter though. It gets to the point where you want to play. At Besiktas, he will play.

“I’m sure he would go with West Ham fans blessing. David Moyes is clearly in the market for a left-sided player. If a [Filip] Kostic or Cornet comes in you have cover. That would be a like for like replacement.

“West Ham have been so consistent. Players on the periphery don’t get much game time. The first XI have been so consistent.”

The verdict: Attacking intent

Albeit Cornet is capable of operating as a left-back having done so 39 times in his career to date, a majority of the Ivorian’s skill-set lies in the attacking areas and David Moyes would therefore likely be reticent to turn to him for a prolonged period in place of Aaron Cresswell.

Capable of playing on either wing and as a centre-forward, last season, the former Lyon man scored nine times and provided two assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for what was a struggling Burnley outfit.

Hailed as an ‘exciting’ player by pundit Noel Whelan, Cornet would offer supreme versatility to Moyes’ squad at the London Stadium, so perhaps we could see Campbell’s call come to fruition if the boss ever opts to play a back five, offering Cornet more freedom as a wing-back.

West Ham United could be about to miss out on another top target if reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Taking to Twitter, Fabrizio Romano issued the following update on Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Filip Kostic: “Juventus will be in direct contact with Eintracht during the weekend to complete Filip Kostic deal.

“West Ham are aware of player’s priority to join Juventus as soon as possible. Kostic has reached full agreement on personal terms with Juve – clubs are in contact.”

Moyes needs him

The news that West Ham seem set to miss out on a target who they could have wrapped up by now will be a gut punch for David Moyes, who hoped to enhance his team’s left-hand side with the man who terrorised the Hammers in their Europa League semi-final tie last season.

It was this competition which saw the Serbian impress on a continental platform, with his performances broadcast onto a much bigger stage than Bundesliga matches.

However, Kostic excelled in whatever competition he played in last season, with his eye for a goal, speed down the wing and wicked delivery making him a “dangerous” prospect for all who faced him, in the words of RB Leipzig manager Domenico Tedesco.

Seven goals and 15 assists across 42 European and Bundesliga appearances from what is technically a defensive position makes for astounding reading and dwarfs the figures accrued by Aaron Cresswell.

With just two assists and three goals for the 32-year-old in the Premier League last term, including two red cards in key moments of their Europa League run, it could be argued that the time had come to replace the Englishman.

With Kostic seemingly available, to miss out on him will be sorely disappointing for Moyes.

The £43k-per-week wing-back also created a mouth-watering 16 big chances last season in the Bundesliga, which suggests that the likes of Michail Antonio (13 goals in 2021/22) and Gianluca Scamacca (16 goals) would have had a feast with his deliveries from out wide.

With Cresswell’s powers waning and no obvious positional alternative, Moyes is in desperate need of someone to either step up or come in and take the 32-year-old’s place at left-back.

Kostic could have been the perfect replacement, but this latest update suggests that it may not come to fruition for the Hammers.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for former Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from AS (via Sport Witness), the Spaniard is of interest to the Toon, along with Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.

The report added that the Tyneside club are willing to give the player a better financial package than what the Giallorossi have reportedly already offered him.

After spending nine years with the Spanish giants, during which he scored 53 goals, provided 56 assists and won numerous trophies across 352 appearances for Los Blancos, the 30-year-old is now a free agent following the expiry of his contract at the Bernabeu.

“One of the best”

Since the 2017/18 La Liga campaign, the attacking midfielder racked up 258 shot-creating actions and 150 successful dribbles in the Spanish top flight.

This highlights the clear creative talent that he has and shows what he would be able to offer Eddie Howe’s side should he decide to start a new chapter of his career in the Premier League.

The former Real Madrid star has caught the attention of Premier League clubs in the past, with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino previously hailing the player as “one of the best” and someone who has “a capacity and creativity above average”.

While Newcastle have already brought in the likes of Nick Pope and Sven Botman this summer, it could be said that securing a deal for Isco could be the most exciting move made by PIF so far given the clear talent and pedigree that the Spaniard has.

Despite having a substantial wage of £211k-per-week at his former club, the opportunity to play in the Premier League for a progressive side like Newcastle could be a tempting one for the Spaniard.

However, with this latest report suggesting that the Magpies would be willing to offer more money than Roma apparently have, perhaps a significant wage wouldn’t be a problem for the Tyneside club.

If Newcastle are serious about securing a deal for Isco this summer, they should do all that they can to get him to St James’ Park and give Howe the chance to integrate him in the squad as soon as possible before the new season starts.

AND in other news – Imagine him & Botman: Ashworth can land “astute” deal with £17m Newcastle swoop for “rock”