^ ^ Alexander Isak speaks out on £150m price tag amid Arsenal transfer speculation

Newcastle star Alexander Isak is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Alexander Isak has brushed off rumours linking him with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool and insists talk of a supposed £150million price tag ‘doesn’t really faze him too much’.

The 25-year-old forward has enjoyed an outstanding start to the Premier League season, racking up 12 goals and four assists in his opening 17 appearances for Newcastle.

The latest of Isak’s goals came in Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Monday night, with the unmarked Swede heading home after only four minutes to break the deadlock at Old Trafford.

Isak may be disappointed not to have added to his tally after chipping the ball straight into Andre Onana’s arms just moments later. The striker also had a goal disallowed for offside on the half-hour mark.

It was only the second time since 1972 that Newcastle have come away from the Theatre of Dreams with a win and a beaming Isak said it was ‘the perfect way’ to cap off 2024 for the Magpies.

‘It feels great. We haven’t won in a long time here and I think it was a great performance for us,’ he told Sky Sports shortly after the final whistle.

‘It was a perfect way to end the year.

The Swede broke the deadlock after four minutes at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Isak has scored 12 goals in 17 league games this season (Picture: Getty)

‘Our intensity was really, really good. We started off the game really well, we pressed high, regains and counter-attacks.

‘I think that was the challenge, to have the same intensity here as we do when we play at home.

‘I think, especially in the first half, it was really good and it paid off as well with two goals and we could have scored more.’

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Asked whether Newcastle were confident heading into the game, Isak replied: ‘I think [so], yeah.

‘We’ve been much better lately, even playing away from home. The challenge the whole season has always been to play with the same intensity both home and away.

I think we’ve done that in the last few weeks and we’ve been consistent in our performance both home and away which is great to see.’

Newcastle are reportedly demanding £150m for the striker (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs thought to be keeping tabs on Isak, with the striker’s future the subject of intense speculation in recent months.

And while Isak could be forgiven for being distracted by reports surrounding his supposed £150m valuation at St James’ Park, it appears the attacker remains fully ‘focused’ on the task at hand with Newcastle.

‘No, it doesn’t really faze me too much. I think that’s more for you guys and for fans to talk about,’ he replied when quizzed on reports surrounding his price tag.

‘I’m in the middle of the season and I think it’s going really well for me and the team, so, you know, all my focus is here.

‘I’m really happy with how things are going. My focus is on the pitch.’

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^ ^ Wayne Rooney sacked by Plymouth Argyle after miserable winless run

Plymouth Argyle have sacked Wayne Rooney as manager (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has been dismissed as manager of Championship club Plymouth Argyle.

Rooney succeeded Ian Foster at Plymouth back in May to begin his fourth job in management following previous spells with Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City.

But after just seven months at the helm, Rooney departs Home Park by ‘mutual’ consent, with Plymouth sitting rock-bottom of the division.

It follows a wretched run of results for Plymouth under Rooney’s rule. The Pilgrims are without a win in their last 14 matches in the English second tier, four points adrift of safety.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with,’ Rooney told Plymouth’s official website.

‘Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.

‘To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.

‘I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.

‘Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.’

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^ ^ Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim explains why he replaced Joshua Zirkzee after 33 minutes in Newcastle defeat

Joshua Zirkzee was hauled off after only 33 minutes of Manchester United’s loss to Newcastle (Picture: Getty)

Ruben Amorim says he decided to replace Joshua Zirkzee in the first half of Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle as the forward was ‘suffering’ and he needed another midfielder on the pitch.

United’s woeful form under Amorim continued as a pair of headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton gave Newcastle a two-goal buffer inside 20 minutes.

It could have been three had Isak not chipped the ball straight into Andre Onana’s arms from close range shortly after his opener. The Swede also had a goal disallowed for offside on the half-hour mark at a deathly silent Old Trafford.

The Red Devils simply had no answer despite Amorim ringing the changes, with Zirkzee substituted for Kobbie Mainoo after only 33 minutes and Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt also brought off in the second half.

The loss – United’s fourth on the spin and only their second to Newcastle at the stadium since as far back as 1972 – leaves Amorim’s men stuck down in 14 place, just seven points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle, meanwhile, rose to fifth with the win and could move up into the top four with victory away to Tottenham this weekend, depending on other results.

On his decision to haul Zirkzee off so early, United head coach Amorim told Sky Sports: ‘Josh is a player of Manchester United that we want more power sometimes in front.

Zirkzee was ‘suffering’ against the Magpies, says Amorim (Picture: Getty)

The Dutchman went straight down the tunnel before returning to United’s bench (Picture: Getty)

‘We are suffering always the first goal at set-pieces so today we had more guys towards set-pieces.

‘We are trying to cope with every problem in the team but sometimes we have a lot of problems. Sometimes you push one side and the other side is open.

‘It’s really clear that Newcastle was the better team.’

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Amorim stressed that is was a ‘really, really tough’ call having to hook Zirkzee at such an early stage of the match, though felt it was ‘important for the team’ as a whole.

‘You have to think about the team and also sometimes about the player because the player is suffering,’ the Portuguese added.

‘I was there a few years ago and I know that he wants it because I saw it during the week. That is the more important thing and he’s suffering during the game.

Isak headed the visitors in front after only four minutes (Picture: Getty)

‘I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder to have more and then we started to have more ball with Kobbie Mainoo.

‘But it was really, really tough on me to do that and I talked with Josh about that because it’s important to express the message.

‘But I’m always thinking about the team and, in that moment, it was important for the team [for] Josh [to] go out.’

Amorim’s side have lost four on the bounce in all competitions (Picture: Getty)

A visibly agitated Zirkzee was pictured making his way straight down the tunnel – as jeers echoed around Old Trafford – before later returning to United’s bench.

Asked whether he could understand Zirkzee’s frustration, Amorim replied: ‘Yeah, it’s important to know the players and I know that Josh is a really, really good guy.

‘When he went to the tunnel, sometimes there is some guys – and I can say that – that are in a bad way. He’s in a good way because he’s a really good lad.

Amorim encouraged Zirkzee to look to Maguire as an example to follow (Picture: Getty)

‘He will have the support and we will prepare for the next game.

‘There is some moments and you have some examples like Harry Maguire that had some tough moments but that is life in every profession.

‘We will support Josh and continue because like I said, Newcastle was the better team. Not better than Josh, better than Manchester United.’

Manchester United legend Neville ‘feels sorry’ for Zirkzee (Picture: Getty)

Giving his reaction on Sky Sports’ commentary, ex-United defender Gary Neville said he ‘felt sorry’ for the Netherlands international.

‘I actually feel sorry for him, I really do,’ said Neville.

‘I know he’s earning a lot of money here, but there is a human being in there that’s basically been cheered off by his own fans and that is brutal.

‘I’ve not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here, if at all, actually.’

As Zirkzee made his way down the tunnel, Neville added: ‘He’s had enough and I actually don’t blame him. It’s massive embarrassment.

‘He’s not played well, let’s be clear. But they’ve all been absolutely awful.’

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^ ^ James Maddison hits back after appearing at World Darts Championship hours after Spurs draw

James Maddison was spotted at the World Darts Championship (Picture: Getty)

James Maddison has clapped back at a fan who criticised him for attending the World Darts Championship just hours after Tottenham’s frustrating draw with Wolves.

Maddison was a second-half substitute in north London on Sunday as Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late equaliser saw Wolves hold Spurs to a 2-2 draw.

The result stretches Tottenham’s winless run to three games and piles further pressure on Ange Postecoglou who are bereft of confidence and fit players.

Spurs fans booed their team off at full-time, and Maddison caught the ire of some again later that evening when he and teammate Brennan Johnson were spotted at Ally Pally watching the darts.

The English midfielder is known for his love of the sport, often performing a darts-themed celebration when he scores, but some fans were clearly not pleased at seeing their players out and smiling after a disappointing result.

Replying under a post of the England midfielder on the PDC’s Instagram account, one fan wrote: ‘U taking the p***? The form were(sic) in and U go to the darts?? Unacceptable.’

But Maddison was not a fan of the criticism and hit back at the fan, responding: ‘Shut up u wally’, along with a laughing emoji.

James Maddison performing his trademark Darts celebration (Picture: Getty)

After a hectic Christmas period, Maddison and his Spurs teammates are set to be given a few days off to reset ahead of more key fixtures.

‘This is the first week where we don’t have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover,’ Postecoglou confirmed after Sunday’s draw.

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‘It’ll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves with their families and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically.

Tottenham host Newcastle first up in the New Year before their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.

Spurs continue to struggle with plenty of injuries as the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Gugliemo Vicario, Ben Davies and Richarlison all missed the clash with Wolves.

And their issues worsened on Sunday when Destiny Udogie appeared to pick up a hamstring injury and was forced out of the game early in the second half.

‘Yeah, I think it was a hamstring,’ said the manager. ‘Again like I said, we’ve been relying on a core group of players because we just haven’t had the ability to rotate so at some point it was going to catch up with us. Unfortunately it caught up with Destiny.’

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^ ^ Arsenal told Premier League star is ‘perfect replacement’ for Bukayo Saka

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka could be out until March (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have been told that a Premier League star would be the ‘perfect replacement’ for injured Bukayo Saka.

Saka was forced off during Arsenal’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace on December 21 and missed the victory over Ipswich Town on Friday night.

Mikel Arteta initially said Saka would be out for ‘many weeks’ but then revealed his player had undergone surgery, meaning he might not be back until March.

Saka posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed on Saturday evening after his operation and vowed to come back stronger from the setback.

The 23-year-old has been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent years, starring for an Arsenal side that have repeatedly challenged for the title.

Saka had scored five goals and made 10 assists in 16 league games before tearing his hamstring during the victory at Selhurst Park.

Arteta has suggested Arsenal will not look to sign a direct replacement for Saka during the January transfer window and will instead look within as they look to cope without the England international.

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But ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke believes his former club should consider an audacious move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, claiming he is the ‘perfect replacement’ for Saka and could also do a job up front.

Striker has been a problem position for Arsenal this season despite Kai Havertz’s solid all-round play and a much-needed revival from Gabriel Jesus.

‘Mohammed Kudus is a player that Arsenal have had a long-term interest in,’ Clarke told talkSPORT. ‘He is a perfect Bukayo Saka replacement who can also do a job up front.

‘Wonderful traveller with the ball at his feet. Could Arsenal test West Ham United’s resolve with a with an offer this month?’

Mohammed Kudus in action for West Ham (Picture: Getty)

Kudus has been one of West Ham’s most influential players since his £38m move from Ajax in the summer of 2023, scoring 17 goals over the past two seasons.

The Ghana international may be questioning his future at the London Stadium following West Ham’s poor first-half of the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham have just 23 points after 19 games and were thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool on Sunday night. Arsenal also put five past the Hammers last month.

Arsenal have generally impressed this season – only losing twice in 18 league games – but have still slipped nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Saka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

Giving his take on the title race, Clarke added: ‘The nature of it, the last two seasons where Arsenal have led the way and then been caught, to finish second, it’s pretty heart-breaking, even though there are loads of positives.

‘This time around, it feels very different because Arsenal are the chasers and that might suit us in the second half of the season.

‘It’s a different sort of pressure having to win, but also knowing that Liverpool have got the pressure of sort of looking over their shoulders. It’s exciting.

‘Arsenal’s defence is pretty phenomenal at the moment. They’re not really giving opponents a sniff.

‘It’s going forward. Do Arsenal have enough goals in them against teams that are really defensive?

‘It’s what Ipswich did last night that’s proving a little bit problematic, and Arsenal will have to get better at it.’

Arsenal return to Premier League action on New Year’s Day against London rivals Brentford.

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^ ^ Man Utd show ‘serious interest’ in signing former Chelsea star from Barcelona

Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his Manchester United squad (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have shown ‘serious interest’ in signing former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen from Barcelona in January, according to reports in Spain.

Christensen has made 75 appearances for Barca since joining the Spanish giants on a free transfer in 2022.

He made more than 30 appearances during his first season at the Nou Camp to help Barcelona clinch the La Liga title, and over 40 last term.

The 28-year-old has barely featured during the current campaign due to fitness problems but returned to training over the weekend as he looks to get his career back on track.

Whether that happens at Barca remains to be seen, however, with Christensen linked with an exit despite still having 18 months on a contract that includes a staggering buyout clause worth €500 million.

No club would be willing to meet that but there is a chance Barcelona are prepared to sell him for a more suitable price amid interest from Manchester United and Juventus.

Mundo Deportivo say the Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing ‘serious interest’ in a January deal and are not concerned by Christensen’s recent injury lay-off.

Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona after leaving Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has endured a disappointing season so far and Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all past their best.

£52m summer signing Leny Yoro is expected to develop into one of the best defenders in Europe but at 19 cannot yet be relied upon on a consistent basis.

Christensen was a mainstay in the Chelsea team for around five years, making 161 appearances for the Blues and lifting a host of trophies – including the Champions League – during his spell at Stamford Bridge.

While United have expressed interest in bringing the 28-year-old Denmark international to Old Trafford, Juventus are said to be leading the race as they look to sign him on loan when the January transfer window opens.

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Speaking to Danish network TV 2 Sport recently, Christensen laughed off speculation he could be set to leave Barcelona.

‘You can’t do anything but smile when you don’t hear anything,’ the FA Cup and Europa League winner said.

‘I can only speak about the conversations I’ve had with the club and so far they’ve only told me that I’ll recover well and that they’re looking forward to my return.’

Amorim, who took over at Old Trafford last month, is keen to bolster his Manchester United squad following an underwhelming start to his time in charge.

The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League – the same position they were in when Erik ten Hag was sacked – after taking just seven points from Amorim’s first six games at the helm.

Manchester United were beaten by Wolves and Bournemouth in their last two games and face in-form Newcastle United on Monday night.

Christensen’s former club Chelsea, meanwhile, remain fourth despite only taking one point from their last two games and losing to west London rivals Fulham on Boxing Day.

Barcelona have enjoyed a promising first-half to the 2024-25 campaign and sit third in La Liga – three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid – and second in the revamped Champions League group phase.

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^ ^ ‘I’m a Man Utd legend – Ruben Amorim should sell these five players’

Ruben Amorim took over at Manchester United last month (Pictures: Getty)

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has urged Ruben Amorim to sell five players, including former Chelsea star Mason Mount.

There was widespread optimism among the United faithful when Amorim arrived at Old Trafford last month following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.

Despite winning a couple of cups under Ten Hag, Manchester United largely underwhelmed under the Dutchman and were just 14th in the Premier League when he departed.

United showed signs of progress in Amorim’s second game in charge, putting four past Everton, but the Red Devils then lost to title-chasing Arsenal and surprise top-four contenders Nottingham Forest.

Amorim was able to lift the mood with a late comeback victory over Manchester City in the derby but United have lost three games in a row since that win at the Etihad.

They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham before suffering humbling defeats to Bournemouth and Wolves without scoring a goal.

As a result Manchester United are still 14th in the Premier League, some 20 points behind leaders Liverpool – who also have a game in hand – and just eight points above the relegation zone.

Old Trafford legend Nicky Butt (Picture: Getty)

Amorim has reiterated it will take time to implement his ideas on the squad and the Portuguese boss is expected to bring in some of his own signings, both during the January transfer window and next summer.

That will inevitably lead to some departures from the Theatre of Dreams and Butt, speaking to talkSPORT, has named five players he believes should be offloaded.

The six-time Premier League winner was asked whether he would ‘keep or sell’ several first-team players and admitted he would be looking to get rid of a number of stars, including Chelsea and England midfielder Mount.

Ex-Chelsea star Mason Mount has struggled at United (Picture: Getty)

United spent £60m to sign Mount from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 but the 25-year-old has so far been a flop, struggling with both form and fitness.

He made just 14 league appearances last season and started just four Premier League games of the current campaign before suffering yet another injury setback.

Butt has also given up hope on fellow Manchester United midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who have been widely tipped to struggle under Amorim.

Casemiro won five Champions Leagues before joining Man Utd (Picture: Getty)

Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro suffered a worrying slump in the second-half of last season and was urged to quit top-level football by the likes of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

Eriksen, meanwhile, has popped up with a few goals this season but does not appear to be of the calibre needed for United – one of the most successful teams in English football history – to get back to the top.

Butt also wants Manchester United to move on from Andre Onana, their £47m goalkeeper who has been prone to errors since his move from Inter Milan.

Onana helped Inter reach the Champions League final in his last season in Serie A but has looked vulnerable in the United goal and made another mistake in the recent defeat to Wolves.

Butt says his former club must also replace Jonny Evans, who has produced some impressive performances but at 36 is clearly past his best.

Manchester United endured a miserable December but there is no reason to presume results will pick up any time soon ahead of a testing run of fixtures.

Amorim’s side return to Premier League action on Monday night against in-form Newcastle United, who have scored 14 goals across their last four games.

The Red Devils then travel to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool before a FA Cup third-round meeting with Arsenal.

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^ ^ ‘I can’t believe it’ – Mikel Arteta blamed for huge Arsenal blow

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta during a Premier League game (Picture: Getty)

Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara says Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta must take some responsibility for Bukayo Saka’s huge injury blow.

Saka was forced off during Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on December 21 and missed the win over Ipswich Town on Friday night.

Arteta initially said Saka would be out for ‘many weeks’ but then revealed his player had undergone surgery, meaning he might not be back until March.

Saka posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed on Saturday evening after his operation and vowed to come back stronger from the setback.

The 23-year-old has been one of the most influential players in the Premier League in recent years, starring for an Arsenal side that have challenged for the title over the last three seasons.

Saka had scored five goals and made 10 assists in 16 league games before tearing his hamstring during the victory over London rivals Palace.

O’Hara believes it was inevitable that Saka would suffer a serious injury at some stage given the amount of football he has played and says ‘both Mikel Arteta and the fixture list are to blame’.

England star Bukayo Saka suffered a serious hamstring injury (Picture: Getty)

‘It was always going to happen, Arsenal have got themselves to blame,’ he told Grosvenor Sport.

‘Mikel Arteta has played him every single week, including games where you don’t need to play him, like Carabao Cup games.

‘The earlier rounds of those competitions should be used to rotate players, I can’t believe he’s played in all their Carabao Cup games!

‘I know Arsenal are hugely reliant on Bukayo Saka with what he can produce on the pitch, but this was always going to happen.

Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara (Picture: Getty)

‘I think both the manager and the fixture list are to blame for his injury. The fixture list is outrageous.

‘Saka hasn’t had any time off. There’s no rest for the top players. The league demands these players to perform at the highest-level week in, week out, but they’re knackered!

‘It’s no coincidence that all the top players are getting injured. They’re not machines; they’re going to break down.

‘People argue that this is what football is all about, and having a big squad is key.

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‘But people also forget that the protection of the players should be the top priority, and the level of protection is an absolute disgrace.’

Asked for the latest on Saka’s injury setback last week, Arteta said: ‘I think it will be more than two months.

‘I don’t know exactly how much longer, it depends on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, mobility of that, let’s see, very difficult to say.’

Pressed on whether Arsenal would look to sign a replacement for Saka during the January transfer window, the Gunners boss added: ‘We have to rely on the team.

‘That’s the biggest strength of us, we never rely on individuals scoring 25, 30 goals and we’ve managed to be very, very competitive still and we’re going to manage to do that.

‘As I said, I think the replacement of B [Saka] is going to be the team.

‘That unit in particular, having minutes together and asking different things, there were moments that flowed really well, there were moments where we can still have some work to do there and improve it and adapt to the qualities of the individuals. I’m certain we’re going to do that.’

Arsenal, sitting second in the Premier League, continue their Premier League campaign on New Year’s Day against London rivals Brentford.

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