It’s around this time of year that Arsenal really start to show their quality and push for the coveted fourth spot that they have occupied for the past two seasons. After a tricky start to the season, Arsenal are now 5th in the Premier League, level on points with Southampton.

The Gunners were very impressive against a poor Aston Villa last Sunday, beating them 5-0 in a ruthless affair. The result meant that it was Arsenal’s third win in a row and Arsene Wenger will be desperate to increase that run when they visit White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Arsenal have a number of players returning to the squad that will aid their push for Champions League football. Wenger has a host of attacking options to choose from in the next few months but here are the FOUR Arsenal players that FFC believe will be pivotal to a the Gunners ending the season as they should:

David Ospina

Since Ospina replaced the faltering Wojciech Szczesny in goal for Arsenal, the Colombian World Cup ace has been hugely impressive. He produced solid performances against Stoke City, Manchester City and Aston Villa; including a brilliant save to deny Ashley Westwood las time out.

If he stays fit, the goalkeeper could be the answer to what has become a problem position for the club in recent seasons due to the often erratic form of Szczesny. Since he has replaced the Pole, Arsenal haven’t conceded a single goal in the Premier League, with Ospina making seven saves in the process. Arsenal have undisputed attacking talent and balancing that with a reliable, solid goalkeeper will be vital to ensuring that they finish as high in the table as they can this season.

Mesut Ozil

The full return of Mesut Ozil against Aston Villa sent out a subtle reminder to any doubters that the German international is a class act. There will be a lot of anticipation surrounding how both Sanchez and Ozil will link-up in Arsenal’s attacking midfield, but with all that talent, Arsenal should find it easy to unlock the most stubborn of defences.

In eight league games this season, Ozil has scored two and assisted two. There is no doubt that he will want to improve those figures and a return to full fitness will result in him performing at the highest level for Arsenal once again. Hopefully Wenger plays the German in a central position so that his vision and skill can be used to its full effect. Whatever happens, his presence in the team will lift the players and Ozil himself.

Theo Walcott

Another player returning from injury that will also be incredibly important to Arsenal’s form in the latter half of the season, Theo Walcott is as dangerous as anyone in the Premier League on his day. His unrivalled pace will be absolutely vital to a midfield that often boasts creativity but lacks in speed. However, with the likes of Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott all options for Wenger in midfield; there is no doubt that there is an abundance of pace now available to the manager.

Due to the fact that Walcott and Ozil are returning from injury, they will really start to hit top form when other players may be tiring. This is a huge bonus for Arsene Wenger as his team has struggled with injuries so far this season. Hopefully Walcott can produce a number of impressive performances like the one against Aston Villa for the remainder of the season, allowing him to return to the international stage.

Olivier Giroud

Again, Giroud is another player that has struggled with injuries this season. However, since his return, the Frenchman has been very impressive once again, popping up with important, classy goals that have gained Arsenal vital points in their push for the Champions League places. He has seven league goals in 12 games this season.

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Giroud’s goals will be vital to Arsenal for the rest of the season. With the likes of Walcott and Ozil now back in the side, creating chances for the Frenchman shouldn’t be an issue for the Gunners. Arsenal do not boast a host of options up front so keeping Giroud fit must be a priority for Wenger in the coming months.

Alexis Sanchez

Although he may be the obvious choice, there is a reason as to why that’s the case. The Chilean has been in unstoppable form this season, scoring 12 goals and recording seven assists in 21 Premier League games this season. He has been an absolute revelation for Wenger’s side and will continue to thrive from now until the end of the season. His pace, skill and creativity makes him an excellent outlet in the Arsenal team; and the thought of Walcott, Ozil and Sanchez playing in the same midfield is a very exciting one.

Despite the return of some star names, Arsenal players should still look to give Sanchez the ball at every opportunity due to the fact that he is capable of producing the sublime. His signing represents a massive step in the right direction for the Gunners and he is sure to play a huge part in the rest of Arsenal’s season.

Last season Everton’s Ross Barkley enjoyed a golden year which brought his talent to the attention of England’s biggest teams. But this time around, the midfielder hasn’t been able to match that success. Everton have suffered from their extra Europa League fixtures and a summer exodus seems likely for their top players. If Barkley wants to regain his previous form then it might be time to leave Everton behind.

Barkley joined the Toffees as an 11-year-old playing in their youth teams before making his senior debut in 2011 against Queens Park Rangers. Loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United followed before manager David Moyes brought him back into the fold and into the limelight.

His breakthrough season came in 2013-14 where the young midfielder gained the attention of the Premier League for his pace and power and subsequently finished the year with seven important goals and three assists. As with most young talents from mid-table clubs Barkley became the focus of a bidding war. And though many expected him to join a big club like Arsenal or Chelsea, Barkley stayed loyal and was back with the squad for their 2014-15 campaign.

Finishing an impressive fifth the previous season meant that Everton had booked their placed in this year’s Europa League starting with a fixture against German side Wolfsburg. Everton won 4-1 but despite playing well in the competition it appeared that the extra Thursday fixture and travelling around Europe was affecting their weekend Premier League matches.

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Even the promising Barkley didn’t appear to be coping, having a much slower and less productive season than expected.

Although Barkley signed a new contract with Everton last year that could see him at Goodison Park until 2018 I think a move would be right for him.

This season Everton have proved that they are not the ideal team to develop his talent. Last season the player had the world at his feet and now less than 12 months later Barkley has underwhelmed and looks to have taken a huge backward step.

Barkley would suit a relatively big team like Arsenal. The Gunners have a good reputation when it comes to developing young talents plus providing consistent access to Champions League football. Every season Arsenal have a busy fixture list which means a decent amount of squad rotation and therefore opportunities for all.

Ultimately Everton crashed out of the Europa League after suffering a humbling 6-4 aggregate defeat to Dynamo Kiev and considering that with only eight matches remaining they sit in 13th they will definitely not be playing in Europe at all next season. That’s bad news for Barkley who though still young is not getting the exposure to foreign leagues and potentially a higher quality of opposition than some of the other young players out there like Eden Hazard and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

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It is true that Barkley is an England international and will play the Premier League’s giants as part of the normal seasonal campaign but the more he plays at the highest levels surely the quicker he’ll improve.

If loyalty to his current club is his main concern right now then there is no reason why he shouldn’t stay at Everton for another season. But Barkley has been described by many as having the potential to be one of England’s best and a talent like that should be playing in the Champion’s League and challenging for the title not sitting in the bottom half of the table.

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After two consecutive defeats against top four rivals, Liverpool look set to miss out on Champions League qualification for next season and will need to regroup in the summer.

The Reds’ slow start to the campaign has played a significant role in the team falling behind in the race for the top four, with it fair to say that the Merseysiders were in a state of transition following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and a host of new signings.

With Steven Gerrard leaving Anfield this summer and new faces expected to join the contingent, Brendan Rodgers will hope for a more positive start in 2015-16.

Although the Northern Irish manager will have a number of positions that he will want reinforcements in, one stands out above the rest.

Liverpool have been in great form since switching to Rodgers’ bespoke 3-4-3 formation, but right wing-back has been an area of concern and constant questions.

A lot of different players have filled the position, with no consensus on just who should be the first choice.

The role seems idea for attacking full-back Glen Johnson, but the veteran has seemingly fallen out of favour and will leave Merseyside this summer after his contract expires.

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Jordon Ibe was recalled from a loan stint at Derby mid-way through the campaign and operated with aplomb in the fairly new surrounds of right wing-back.

Injuries have robbed the Reds of their young star in recent weeks but there is every chance that the teenager will be first choice upon his return.

However, in the long-term it remains to be seen just where the best position for Ibe to play is, with an argument that he could follow in the footsteps of Raheem Sterling and operate in a more attacking, central role.

Sterling started the defeat to Manchester United at right wing-back but was largely ineffective and uninterested. Any chance the Anfield side have of convincing the 20-year-old that his future is at Liverpool surely depends on playing him in his preferable position.

Jordan Henderson, always willing to fill in where needed, started the game against Arsenal in the problem position but this again robbed the Reds of their best central midfielder in the core of the team.

As a result the Gunners won the midfield battle, with the game over as a contest by the time Rodgers could switch his tactics to remedy the issue at half-time.

Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic have also fit in at right wing-back, but their natural instincts to create and get involved in the final third are inhibited as a result.

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Ibe seems like the closest fit to a consistent option at right wing-back, but whether Rodgers envisages the youngster’s future in this position or not, Liverpool need an extra option in the role ahead of next term.

Alberto Moreno has had an inconsistent campaign on the other flank but will improve as he acclimatises further to English football.

In the meantime the Reds need another comprehensive option on the right-hand side if Rodgers’ preferred formation is to lead the club back amongst European football’s elite.

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Yesterday’s Bank Holiday Premier League action saw Arsenal take on Hull City at the KC Stadium. It was an enthralling watch from start to finish – unless you’re a Hull City fan, in which case, you’re probably a bit hung over this morning after drowning some relegation-fearing sorrows.

Although the Tigers gave a good account of themselves, the Gunners were absolutely relentless going forward, bagging three goals before half time and sustaining the pressure in the second half. Hull found some solace in a Stephen Quinn header just after the interval, but the damage was already done in what was undoubtedly one of the best Arsenal displays of the season.

If you were unfortunate enough to miss the attacking masterclass, then have no fear. Football Fancast have outlined the three biggest talking points from the 3-1 affair, so your mates don’t have to find out you were curled up in bed with the missus, watching re-runs of Downton Abbey on ITV4.

STEVE BRUCE NEEDS TO STOCK UP ON RABBITS’ FEET AND FOUR-LEAF CLOVERS

When you’re down on your luck in the Premier League, everything seems to conspire against you.

That’s certainly how Steve Bruce will be feeling this evening; although Arsenal produced an attacking display of the highest order and their winning margin felt somewhat inevitable, two goals of great fortune gave the Gunners an unassailable foothold in the match.

The first was an Alexis Sanchez free kick, which took a telling knick off Hull City’s wall to loop past a helpless Steve Harper.

The second was an Aaron Ramsey strike, after latching onto an incredible, pin-point driven Santi Cazorla pass from Arsenal’s own half, that cannoned into the feet of a blocking James Chester to arrow into the top corner of the net.

So ahead of a vital relegation decider against Burnley next weekend, Brucey might want to stock up on his lucky charms. The Tigers do have four Irishmen in their squad already – so that’s at least a decent start.

MESUT OZIL IS FINALLY LOOKING LIKE A £42.2million PLAYER

Mesut Ozil is yet to live up to his £42.2million price-tag in the Premier League, largely due to the fact he’s spent much of his Arsenal career floundering aimlessly on the wing.

But he took up the No.10 role tonight against Hull City and as if by magic, he put in a performance worthy of such a monolithic transfer fee.

That may seem rather unchallenging against a down-and-out Hull City side and the German World Cup winner didn’t finish the match with a goal or an assist. But he was classy throughout and made a telling contribution to the Gunners’ third goal, with a swerving pass to eventual assister Aaron Ramsey.

That was soon followed by a flick-on the phrase ‘tekkers’ was created for. Taking just a half-glance at the lofted pass towards him, the 26 year-old spun to backheel the ball on the volley perfectly into the path of Alexis Sanchez. Arsenal fans on Twitter were very impressed:

Boring, Boring Chelsea

Many have leapt to the defence of Premier League title winners Chelsea, including us at Football Fancast, following accusations that they’ve claimed the English crown with a negative and attritional style of football.

Winning is winning, as would argue Jose Mourinho, whilst sipping a glass of celebratory champagne.

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But after watching Arsenal yesterday evening, the recent criticisms become somewhat more understandable. In complete contrast to a 1-0 win, through a penalty rebound, that saw the Blues claim the title against Crystal Palace on Sunday, the runner-up hopeful Gunners produced nothing short of an attacking masterclass at the KC Stadium.

It was enthralling to watch from start to finish and some of the stats are rather phenomenal; including 19 attempts at goal, nine on target, 62.8% possession, 589 accurate passes, and 16 successful dribbles.

Needless to say, Arsenal fans were pretty chuffed on Twitter:

Despite a terrific second-half to the season, Arsenal have once again fallen short in their bid to win the Premier League.

Monday’s defeat to Swansea can certainly be considered as a minor blip after a great run of form saw them emerge, for a moment at least, as outside contenders for this season’s crown, and there’s plenty of positives to take from the campaign.

Having settled for fourth for the past few seasons, a second-placed finish will go down as a great improvement and big step in the right direction as they look to challenge for the main prize over the next few seasons.

And after putting together a strong looking squad, it might just take the arrival of two or three big names to ensure Arsenal can be considered genuine title challengers next season.

With the transfer rumours in full swing, here are five stars who could soon be on their way to the Emirates as they look to dethrone Chelsea next season…

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Petr Cech

Despite the efforts of David Ospina, it’s no secret Arsenal are looking to bring in a world class goalkeeper to help lead a title charge next season, and Chelsea’s Petr Cech could be their man.

Having fallen behind Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge, the 32-year-old has been given permission to talk to other clubs in search for first team football, and the Gunners are firm favourites to a complete a £10m deal for the Czech international.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will allow a move to one of their title rivals, but if Arsenal can pull it off it would prove a significant statement of intent heading into the next campaign.

Mats Hummels

Arsene Wenger could also be in the market for another central defender this summer, and Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels is certainly one individual he will have his eye on.

It’s widely expected that the German star will leave Dortmund at the end of the campaign after a successful spell at the Bundesliga outfit, and the 26-year-old has a host of clubs chasing his signature.

Manchester United look to be in pole position to secure the services of the world cup winner, however it won’t stop Arsenal trying to snap up one of the world’s best centre-backs.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Another area Wenger will be looking to strengthen is in central midfield, and a name heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.

Following another impressive season at St Mary’s, there’s plenty of interest in the 25-year-old Frenchman from a variety of Premier League clubs, but Arsenal are thought to be leading the way with reports suggesting that a deal is already in place to bring him to North London.

Tottenham look set to rival the Gunners for his signature, but the lure of Champions League football mean it’s unlikely he will seek a reunion with former boss Mauricio Pochettino and instead will opt for a move to the Emirates when the transfer window opens.

Paul Pogba

It’s certainly an unlikely one, but a possible move to Arsenal for Juventus star Paul Pogba is one that has certainly gathered pace this week with reports linking the French prodigy with a shock transfer to the Gunners.

Having helped his side land another Serie A title before booking their place in the Champions League final, it’s thought this could be Pogba’s last season in Italy.

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As one of Europe’s most wanted stars, the battle for 22-year-old will be an almighty one with all the big clubs interested in the midfielder.

It would be a surprise were Arsenal willing to pay the rumoured £70m price tag, but were they to somehow pull off a deal for the Juve man, it would certainly boost their chances of a Premier League title next season.

Karim Benzema

Olivier Giroud has certainly not disappointed this season, but going forward it could take the arrival of another world class centre-forward to take Arsenal to the next level.

And one man who would do just that is Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema who is another that has been linked with a switch to the Gunners this week.

Reports in Spain suggest Madrid could be prepared to cash in on the Frenchman as they look to bring in a more prolific replacement, who could better his 22 goals in all competitions this season.

At £40m, he won’t come cheap, but there’s no way Arsenal would turn their nose up at that kind of return, and as a proven goalscorer at the highest level he’s a player that would significantly improve the team were he to sign this summer.

Manchester United may have already signed four players this summer in the form of Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, but there is still plenty of work to be done on the transfer front.

Indeed, those more philosophical among you might even dare to claim no Premier League squad is ever truly complete. So ahead of a season in which the Red Devils will hope to bag their first domestic title since the resignation of Sir Alex Ferguson in summer 2013, the Old Trafford outfit are certainly still a few top quality signings away from possessing the perfect squad.

Being the ever-helpful bunch we are at Football FanCast, we’ve decided to make Louis van Gaal’s job a little easier by outlining the SIX additions we think could well complete his new-look Man United side.

Would you like to see some of these six turn up at Carrington in time for United’s first fixture of the 2015/16 campaign on August 8th?

PEDRO

Manchester United appear to be pretty much the only major Premier League club not linked with Barcelona’s wantaway winger-forward Pedro at the minute, but with a release clause of £22million he could be a fantastic addition to Louis van Gaal’s squad.

The 5 foot 6 attacker has done it and one it all throughout his spells with the Catalans and the Spanish national team – namely lifting five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship – and at 27 years is still firmly within his prime.

Former team-mate Alexis Sanchez has changed the face of the Premier League since moving to the Emirates last summer and Pedro, blessed with a similar mix of pace, industry, trickery and netting prowess, has the potential to do the same.

The Red Devils lacked penetration going forward at times last season and despite the presence of Ashley Young, Memphis Depay and Angel Di Maria, another option on the flanks certainly wouldn’t go amiss – especially one with the versatility to play on either side or as a striker should the situation require.

As previously stated, Pedro’s recently penned new contract includes a £22million buy-out fee, but Chelsea are currently the front-runners for his signature.

SERGIO RAMOS

He may cost an arm, a leg and anything up to €90million according to the tabloids, but Manchester United need a star-studded centre-back and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos is pretty much the best man for the job.

Louis van Gaal was so desperate to sign Mats Hummels not only for his international experience and leadership, but more importantly for his world-class distribution from the heart of defence and ability to bring the ball into midfield.

The Spain international is of a similar mould, as a former Champions League and World Cup winner famed for his speed, technical flair and knack of popping up in the opposition penalty box.

The only real obstacle is Ramos’ age. At 29, United can’t really justify coming anywhere near Real Madrid’s asking price, so they may be forced to consider some alternatives.

Which brings us onto…

NICOLAS OTAMENDI

Nicolas Otamendi may be a little more orthodox in style than Ramos or Hummels, lacking their front-footed nature and ability to bring the ball out of the back.

But he is a phenomenal athlete and a fantastic defender, last season averaging a near incredible 2.9 tackles, 3.1 interceptions, 7.3 clearances and 3.5 successful aerial duels per match whilst netting six times in 31 La Liga outings. That equates to almost 17 defensive actions per match.

It adds to the 26 year-old’s preceding reputation from his spell at FC Porto, where he helped the Dragons claim three consecutive Primeira Liga titles and the 2011 Europa League title.

If there’s one criticism, however, it’s that the Argentina international doesn’t truly address the current deficiencies of experience and leadership at the heart of United’s defence, which is why United have been reluctant to meet his £35million release clause.

SERGIO ROMERO

Sergio Romero has emerged as a surprise addition to Louis van Gaal’s summer wishlist over the last few days but he does represent a cheap solution to David De Gea’s seemingly inevitable move to Real Madrid.

Rather than spending outrageous sums on a Hugo Lloris or Jasper Cillessen, the Red Devils can simply promote Victor Valdes to No.1 whilst bringing in a 62-cap international as his understudy.

Indeed, Romero is best famed for his exploits with the Argentine national team, featuring prominently at last summer’s World Cup as Albiceleste reached the tournament’s final.

The 28 year-old has struggled for such luck at club level, with only one major trophy to show from his spells with Racing Club, AZ, Monaco and Sampdoria, and now finds himself out of contract after being released by the latter club at the end of last season.

But as a back-up option, United could do a lot worse than a regular international on a free transfer. He’s a smart, experienced and proven shot-stopper more than capable of keeping Valdes on his toes.

Karim Benzema

Manchester United’s strike force struggled to produce a strong goal tally even last season so following the departure of Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce, they definitely need to find another source of firepower this summer.

Coincidentally, rumour has it Real Madrid might be about to scrap Karim Benzema as former Liverpool and Chelsea gaffer Rafa Benitez attempts to implement a new formation at the Bernabeu that will include Cristano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward.

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Blessed with a powerful, aerially combatant and stocky 6 foot 2 frame, alongside the ability to finish immaculately with both feet, the France international is almost tailor made for the Premier League, which is why Sir Alex Ferguson was so desperate to sign him from Lyon in 2009.

He’s since gone on to bag 133 goals in 281 appearances for Los Blancos, which is by no means an almighty sum. But that’s exactly why the 27 year-old could prove to be such a fantastic addition for United; after six years in Ronaldo’s shadow, he’s still got a point to prove.

The tabloids rate him at around £35million, but Arsenal are also interested.

THOMAS MULLER

The word ‘complete’ was brought into existence almost purely to describe Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller.

He’s a consistent goalscorer with 121 goals in 304 outings for the Bundesliga outfit alongside ten strikes from the last two World Cups – earning him the Golden Boot in 2010 and the Silver Boot as Germany lifted the title last summer.

But that only alludes to a fraction of what the 25 year-old truly offers. In addition to the immeasurable experience of winning a World Cup and a Champions League title at an incredibly early age, he’s perhaps the most complete and versatile attacker in the game today, equally adept at virtually any role in midfield or attack and blessed with an incredible mix of physicality, work-rate, creativity and netting prowess.

Louis van Gaal loves his multifunctional footballers and the 6 foot 1 forward is certainly one of them – in fact, he’s the best multifunctional footballer in the business.

United have already been linked with a series of bids this summer but Bayern are understandably reluctant to sell.

Tottenham Hotspur are among a number of clubs interested in Lyon forward Willem Geubbels, according to Salzburger Nachrichten.

What’s the story?

The 16-year-old is believed to have attracted interest from big-name clubs across Europe for his performances on the pitch.

Geubbels broke into the first team at Lyon this season and has gone on to make four appearances.

The Frenchman also became the youngest player to feature in the Europa League.

According to  Salzburger Nachrichten, Tottenham are keeping a close eye on the teenager, while Chelsea and Liverpool also have an interest.

The report claims that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have now entered the race, but it is bad news for Red Bull Salzburg, who have been rejected by the player’s agent due to the interest from Champions League clubs.

Do Spurs have a chance?

Given the calibre of clubs that are understood to be keen on signing Geubbels, Tottenham have a task on their hands trying to convince the youngster to pick them.

The likes of Bayern, Chelsea and Liverpool will be appealing to any player, but at Spurs they have a very promising academy.

The rise of Harry Kane is a testament to that, while Dele Alli’s surge since his arrival from MK Dons in 2015 has been remarkable.

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Manager Mauricio Pochettino has put a lot of faith in youth, so Geubbels can be encouraged by the fact that there is a pathway to the first team.

As reported by The Mirror, Liverpool are ready to make a move for Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar this January.

What’s the story?

After classy Brazilian Philippe Coutinho finally made his move to Barcelona this weekend, Liverpool need to ensure they invest the cash received for the player wisely either this month or in the summer.

With important ambitions in the second half of the season, supporters would love to see a replacement for Coutinho arrive in January and it appears the club are thinking along the same lines.

The Mirror report that the Reds are set to test Monaco with a January bid for midfielder Thomas Lemar.

The French international, who The Mirror report almost moved to Arsenal for £90m in the summer, is said to be Jurgen Klopp’s number one target to replace Coutinho, even if the Ligue 1 outfit aren’t keen on selling him this month.

Big boots to fill

The loss of Philippe Coutinho is a bitter blow to Liverpool’s ambitions this season given the form he has shown over the last couple of months.

The Brazilian scored 12 and assisted nine more in just 21 appearances for the Reds before making the switch to La Liga, leaving any prospective replacement with big boots to fill.

Thomas Lemar is certainly a contender to do that, despite not hitting the heights of last season in 2017/18. So far this term he’s scored twice and assisted four more in in 18 appearances, well below his contributions of last term.

However, he was part of a golden generation of Monaco players in 2016/17 and surrounded by elite players again at Liverpool could produce the kind of form that helped Monaco to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

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His 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions last season demonstrate a player that can find the consistency required to be a hit at Anfield and help supporters forget all about Coutinho.

According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is ready to reignite his interest in Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina before the transfer window slams shut, with his contract that is due to run out at the end of the season unlikely to be extended as the Italian club refuse to offer him the new €2.5m-a-year (approximately £43,000-a-week) deal that he wants.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun on Sunday says that Benitez has wanted his former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper since the summer, and has been frustrated that he hasn’t been able to bring him to St James’ Park to be their new number one.

The Sun on Sunday says that the Spanish boss is banking on Magpies owner Mike Ashley being forced into the deal in order to stop him walking away as the Tyneside outfit’s manager, with £10m available to spend on a new stopper.

The report adds that Benitez wants more as he believes the Serie A outfit will hold out for a bigger fee even though his deal is running out, while the 35-year-old is also on a big salary.

How has Reina done this season?

He has done well.

The Spaniard continues to be Napoli’s number one goalkeeper, and he has made 27 appearances in all competitions for them this term, keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding 24 goals.

The latest of those shut-outs came in a 2-0 victory against Chievo Verona last weekend, which kept them top of Serie A and one point clear of Juventus.

Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?

He certainly would be.

The 35-year-old has bundles of experience at the very highest level, and he can certainly be relied upon having in the Premier League having played for Liverpool previously.

Benitez is obviously still unsure about Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow given they have rotated at points this season, and it seems as though he would like to replace them with a more trustworthy goalkeeper like Reina.

Will they get him?

Considering he is the first-choice stopper for a club that is competing for the Serie A title you wouldn’t think so, unless Newcastle offer them a fee that they are unable to turn down for a player of his age who only has six months left on his contract.

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Given that he could win a trophy with Napoli, it may also be difficult to convince the Spaniard to come to St James’ Park to join a relegation battle, and a move may well be more likely in the summer if the Magpies stay up.

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On Thurdsay afternoon, Sky Sports reported that Lucas Moura is keen on a move to Tottenham this January.

Following a month of rumours linking the Brazilian to a host of clubs around the world, it seems that Lucas may have made up his mind regarding his next destination.

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £25.2million by Transfermarkt, has had an indifferent season with Paris Saint Germain.

The arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe mean that Lucas has been forced down the pecking order in the French capital.

The creative forward has made just 5 league appearances for PSG this season, all of which have come from the bench.

With the risk of his career stagnating, Lucas is in desperate need of a new club and it seems that if Tottenham are willing to pay the money, they could very well land the talented Brazilian.

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Following the news that Lucas Moura may be interested in a move to their club, Spurs fans took to Twitter with much excitement…