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Breaking news has emerged from Newcastle United’s takeover, after Saudi Arabia formally appealed against a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that it helped the piracy of Premier League games, according to The Guardian.

This contrasts last months ruling by WTO who had been in the Saudi government’s favour. This fresh news has delayed the £300m takeover of Newcastle, and the Premier League are currently investigating the links between the Saudi government and its Public Investment Fund.

According to a letter to the WTO’s body, it is stated that the Saudi government rejected WTO’s conclusion that the Premier League was blocked from taking action in the Saudi courts, against BeoutQ – a pirate broadcaster.

The Saudi government is also appealing against the WTO’s decision that beIN (Qatari broadcaster), was unable to obtain legal counsel to enforce its intellectual property rights in Saudi Arabia – beIN currently own Premier League rights for the Middle East.

The significance of the appeal was downplayed by a spokesperson for beIN: “Having spent the past six weeks telling the world how the WTO ruling was a ‘complete vindication of the kingdom’, curiously Saudi Arabia is now appealing a case they say they have emphatically won”.

Verdict

So what does all of this mean for Newcastle fans? Well, this is not the best of news as the appeal will not be heard any time soon because the US has blocked appointments to the appellate body.

Saudi Arabia is trying its best to comply with the Premier League’s rules, and in order to do this they must gain the trust of the international sports community.

This could delay the takeover of Newcastle by one or two seasons depending on how things pan out with the appeal, though it does not look promising for the Magpies.

Just days after a momentous victory in the north London derby against Arsenal, Tottenham headed to St James’ Park and got the job done in their clash against Newcastle.

With only a couple of games left in the season, Jose Mourinho’s side have appeared to hit form at just the right time, and know that a 100% record from here on out could see them clinch European football for the next campaign.

One man who certainly showed signs of stepping his game up in the game against Newcastle on Wednesday night, was Giovani Lo Celso.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

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And following Mourinho’s worrying update on Tanguy Ndombele, it’s perhaps become even more imperative that the Argentine really kicks on.

Speaking after his side’s 3-1 victory over the Magpies, the Spurs boss said: “I know that Ndombele will not help us because his injury will keep him out for the next two matches”.

It means the Lilywhites will be without a midfielder, who for all his troubles, has shown himself to be one of the more creative and crafty players in the squad, particularly for a player in his position – as per Whoscored, he has averaged 1.8 dribbles per game in the top-flight, scoring twice and setting up two more as well.

On the other hand, Lo Celso, whilst a first-team regular under both Mauricio Pochettino and Mourinho, hasn’t had the kind of same impact in terms of goal contributions.

Barring his assist for Heung-min Son against Newcastle, the Argentina international had only provided one other Premier League assist, and is still yet to score in the division too.

The £36m-rated star must take on more of the creative workload at Spurs now that Mourinho doesn’t have Ndombele to call upon even if he wanted to, and there were signs of him doing just that against Steve Bruce’s side.

As per Sofascore, he completed both of his attempted dribbles, had 61 touches of the ball, made 37 successful passes out of 39, and provided two key passes too.

With Leicester and Crystal Palace to come, Spurs will need Lo Celso’s creativity more than ever. Otherwise, they face risk undoing all the hard work they have put in, especially in these last two games.

Everton’s summer plans have seemingly been put in motion whilst the Premier League has endured a downtime without any match action, and fans at Goodison Park have been reacting to the latest transfer news emerging this week.

According to Le 10 Sport, Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti has asked the club to look at Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as a potential signing.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

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And the speculation has divided Everton fans completely with some believing he’d be a fantastic arrival whilst others were worried that he would be another Davy Klaassen.

The 23-year-old maestro has been a key figure for Ajax over the last few seasons – he was part of the squad to make the Champions League semi-final, and has scored ten goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions this term.

Newcastle United are said to hold interest in him whilst Mundo Deportivo suggest he could be available for €50m (£44m) before listing Juventus and Manchester United as other plausible destinations.

Here’s what those in Merseyside have been saying…

AND in other news, Everton backed to make a sensational move for ex-Liverpool STAR…

Some Newcastle United fans hate the latest takeover update coming from Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope after he shared his article on his official Twitter page.

As per the report, the writer claims that the Premier League are set to revamp the owners’ and directors’ test in light of the moral, political and legal difficulties presented to the top flight by the proposed £300 million takeover backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The deal is awaiting approval from England’s highest division as the process is understood to have been held up given the complexity of broadcast piracy allegations against the Saudi state.

The outlet has been told that the likelihood remains that the deal will be approved, in part because the Premier League tests are badly drafted and do not take issues like piracy specifically into account.

However, judging by some of the comments, members of the Toon faithful are becoming increasingly frustrated with added delays and this is yet another obstacle that the Tyneside club may have to face in order for the deal to go through.

These Magpies in particular hated the update:

Geordies, what do you make of the update? Comment below!

West Bromwich Albion continue to make significant changes off the pitch as they look to reshuffle their academy coaching setup.

The latest move sees former captain Darren Fletcher return to the Hawthorns so that he can pursue further steps in his quest to achieve the relevant coaching badges.

He joins Boaz Myhill and James Morrison as former players involved in the youth system.

Fletcher played 341 times in the Premier League, going onto win the title five times at Manchester United while he also has a Champions League winners medal in his cabinet.

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His experience and knowledge in the game will undoubtedly prove fruitful for the young emerging talents at the club.

Several members of the Baggies faithful have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the news, with the vast majority being absolutely thrilled with the appointment.

One supporter believed it was a sign of great the environment currently is at the club while another labelled it a ‘great piece of business.’

A further fan claims Fletcher will make a fantastic coach and manager when his time comes as one more member of the Hawthorns crowd praised sporting and technical director Luke Dowling for making such a decision.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

In other news, fans have been raving about one of WBA’s current stars…

Mikel Merino was signed by Rafa Benitez upon Newcastle’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017, but his departure a year later has led one fan to question why he was let go.

Supporters have responded with a variety of reasons, but the majority point to the fact that his release clause was activated by Real Sociedad and there was little that could be done to stop him from leaving once his mind was made up.

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It is understandable why he left considering he was offered a return to his native Spain, particuarly as he never really nailed down a first-team place for the Magpies, often being left out in favour of Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame.

Despite that, many fans enjoyed what they saw from the 23-year-old and are disappointed his stint in the north-east was cut short, though with youngsters like the Longstaff brothers coming through currently they may not ponder his departure for too long as it looks to be one of their strongest areas on the pitch under Steve Bruce right now.

Here are some of the reactions discussing the reasons behind Merino’s exit from the club.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

It didn’t take long, did it?

West Bromwich Albion returned to their top spot in the Championship table with an untroubling 2-0 victory over Stoke City on Monday night.

The west Midlanders were only knocked off their perch because the teams below them had played on Saturday afternoon, but now they have regained a two-point cushion over second-placed Preston North End.

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Either a sign of how competitive the league is or just how good West Brom are this season – or both.

After 15 matches in the second-tier of English football, the Baggies have earned 30 points, meaning they are averaging two points per game, which is almost like the proverbial barometer for promotion.

Though, that sort of chatter may have some substance after all.

If Albion can keep this up under manager Slaven Bilic, at the exact same rate for the rest of the season, then they will pick up a total of 92 points.

Last season, that figure would have beaten Sheffield United to the runner-up spot behind Norwich City so therefore they would have gained automatic promotion.

How does that compare to other seasons in recent history? Well, it’s majorly positive, so look away now if you can’t handle it West Brom fans.

In both the 2017/18 and 2015/16 campaign, the same number was enough to secure a return to the promised land of the Premier League by virtue of finishing as the second-best team in the division.

A total of 92 points was even enough to clinch the title in 2015 as Bournemouth won it with two fewer points – that year, the Championship was quite fiercely competitive too as Watford, Norwich, and Middlesbrough were separated by just five points.

Just once in the last five seasons has that figure not been enough to secure top-flight status as both Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion managed more points in 2017.

In short, West Brom just need to keep doing what they are doing, and come May, they’ll be popping the champagne open at the Hawthorns following the full-time whistle against Queens Park Rangers.

It also just goes to show how good they’ve got it under Bilic – a phenomenal turn around in such a short period of time.

Newcastle United’s transfer policy was made loud and clear this summer.The Magpies want to sign young players with a lot of promise that they can then flip for a profit in the future.We hate to say it, but this policy is clearly in place so that Mike Ashley has to invest as little as possible into the club from his own pocket.Watch Newcastle United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, the Magpies largely stuck to that policy this summer as they signed the likes of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin for large fees.

Steve Bruce believes that the system is more flexible than the press have been making out, and he’s said that he would make his case for signing any older players if he believes could offer something to the club.

Unfortunately, the fanbase don’t think that Bruce’s plan is viable as they’ve branded him naive and ignorant for thinking that he could sway the higher-ups at the club to change their ways.

Here’s what the St James’ Park faithful have been saying on Twitter…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Valencia winger Ferran Torres, per SportBild via Sport Witness.

What’s the word?

The 19-year-old, who has won four caps for Spain U21s, has made a total of 63 appearances for the La Liga club.

He has scored three goals and registered just five assists for Valencia during his time at the Mestalla Stadium, but both Spurs and Borussia Dortmund are said to be interested in securing his signature.

Torres’ current contract expires in 2021 and the report claims that Valencia would like to receive €20m (£17.2m) for the teenager.

A slap in the face

Lucas Moura signed a new contract in August.

That’s the same Lucas Moura who scored a hat-trick in the Champions League semi-final victory over Ajax in Amsterdam, who netted 15 goals in all competitions in 2018/19, and who cannot get into the team under Mauricio Pochettino.

He has made just three starts in the league thus far in 2019/20.

Targeting a 19-year-old kid who, with the best will in the world, has been incredibly underwhelming during his time at Valencia, would be a slap in the face to the Brazil international.

Torres’ statistics, per WhoScored, leave plenty to be desired. He averages 0.2 key passes per La Liga game, 0.9 shots and just 0.7 dribbles. The only offensive stat that goes over the number one is unsuccessful touches at 1.2.

Spurs ought to think about perhaps playing the right winger that they have, the one who took them into the Champions League final, instead of considering a move for a player who is going to have next to no impact in north London.

Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott is set to be included in the Reds’ squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup match against Arsenal.

Sky Sports reported that the 16-year-old forward is likely to at least be in the matchday squad for the game at Anfield, having recently returned from a two-week suspension over a video he posted on social media in which he used offensive language in mocking Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

According to Sky Sports, the teenager trains with the first team virtually full-time, and Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders praised him as “a very educated boy” and “really passionate for the game”.

In Liverpool’s previous Carabao Cup game against MK Dons last month, Elliott became the youngest-ever player to start a senior competitive match for the Reds at 16 years and 174 days, as noted by Sky Sports.

The ex-Fulham youngster made an impression against the League One outfit that night, twice hitting the woodwork and recording four shots and four successful dribbles (more than anyone else in the match), as well as making three key passes and completing 48 of his 55 passes (87.3% success rate). [via WhoScored]

Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock told Sky Sports that the winger showed “a maturity way beyond his years” on his Reds debut, adding: “This guy is full of confidence and you could see it in his performance, how well he did. Very unfortunate not to score late on, he can be delighted with his performance.”

Sky Sports reporter Ben Grounds also alluded to the self-belief that Elliott showed against MK Dons, saying that “his head never dropped and he showcased his confidence in stoppage time as he cut onto his weaker foot only to see his effort again come back off the bar”.

The 16-year-old has been turning in some effective performances for the Reds’ underage teams, providing an assist in all three UEFA Youth League games so far this season and scoring in the EFL Trophy against Oldham, in addition to two further assists in Premier League 2. [via TransferMarkt]

Tonight’s match offers Elliott an ideal chance to put the indiscretions of his Kane-themed social media video behind him by turning in another impressive performance, if he is selected by Jurgen Klopp.

His frequent goal involvements at youth level and his confident display against MK Dons suggest that the teenage winger would not be fazed by starting against Arsenal.

Plus, with the Reds’ senior right wingers Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri both experiencing recent injury problems, this seems the perfect opportunity to let Elliott express himself and further add to his confidence and experience.

Liverpool fans, do you think Elliott should start against Arsenal tonight? Give us your views in the comments section below!