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MAN UNITED’S AXEL TUANZEBE SET TO JOIN ASTON VILLA ON SEASON-LONG LOAN DEAL

Axel Tuanzebe is reportedly set to cut short his Manchester United nightmare and secure a season-long loan move to Aston Villa in the coming days.

According to a reliable source, Villa have struck an agreement with United over the 23-year-old’s temporary move to the Midlands.

Tuanzebe has less than a year remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford and is expected to extend it for another year before sealing a move to Villa Park.

United will exercise the extension clause before letting the talented defender join the Lions for the third time.

Indeed, Tuanzebe first linked up with Villa on a six-month loan in January 2018, spending the second part of the season in Birmingham.

Despite his sporadic appearances, Dean Smith decided to give the youngster another shot next term, which turned out to be a massive hit.

Tuanzebe played a significant part in Villa’s promotion-winning 2018/19 Championship campaign, helping the side return to the top-flight after a three-year hiatus.

However, the centre-back’s sparkling displays for the Claret & Blue Army ensured the his return to United, where he failed to hold down a regular starting berth.

Often tormented by physical setbacks, Tuanzebe spent most of his career under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer playing second fiddle to the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

With the arrival of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, his chances of breaking into Solskjaer’s starting XI have suffered another devastating blow.

So a departure was the only reasonable solution for the young prospect, who needs regular playing time to fulfil his potential.

Yet, Tuanzebe will have to fight Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings for the place in Smith’s starting line-up.

Despite Villa’s disappointing defensive record last season, the pair’s game time was never compromised due to a lack of reliable back-up options.

With Tuanzebe likely to become the club’s fourth signing this summer, Smith will have another solid defender to increase competition at the back.

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FERRAN TORRES NETS HAT-TRICK AS MANCITY EDGE NEWCASTLE IN SEVEN GOAL THRILLER

Ferran Torres plundered a hat-trick as Premier League champions Manchester City came from behind twice to edge a seven-goal thriller at Newcastle.

A much-changed City side with a Champions League final to come trailed 1-0 to Emil Krafth’s header and 3-2 from Joe Willock’s rebound following a missed penalty, with Joao Cancelo, Joelinton – from the spot – and Torres scoring in between at St James’ Park.

However, the Spain international leveled after 64 minutes and then won it two minutes later as a rip-roaring encounter finished 4-3 to the visitors.

Pep Guardiola’s men sit 13 points clear at the top of the table as a result, but Newcastle, who secured their top-flight status last weekend – helping head coach Steve Bruce claim the Manager of the Month award for April in the process – made life distinctly uncomfortable for them at times.

Guardiola sprang something of a surprise ahead of kick-off when he handed 35-year-old loan goalkeeper Scott Carson a debut for the club and a first Premier League appearance in almost 10 years, but he saw little action early on as the visitors dominated both possession and territory, although without threatening.

Gabriel Jesus volleyed just wide after Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett got into a muddle under an eighth-minute high ball, and Torres stabbed an attempt past the post after Ilkay Gundogan and Cancelo had linked superbly down the left five minutes later.

With Gundogan, Rodri and Bernardo Silva conducting affair from the middle of the field, the Magpies were penned back deep inside their own half for extended periods, although it was they who took the lead with 25 minutes gone after Kyle Walker had blocked Joelinton’s shot out for a corner.

Jonjo Shelvey sent the set-piece to the far post where Krafth rose to power a header past the helpless Carson.

The keeper needed the help of the crossbar to spare his side further damage 10 minutes later after Shelvey’s free-kick had cleared both the defensive wall and his out-stretched hand, and Newcastle’s fortunes took a significant turn for the worse before the break.

First keeper Martin Dubravka was wrong-footed as Cancelo’s driven 39th-minute shot clipped Jacob Murphy’s heels and flew across him and inside the far post, and he could only look on in horror once again three minutes later when Torres dispatched a Gundogan free-kick with an imperious flick.

But it was Carson who was picking the ball out of his net for a second time deep into first-half stoppage time when – after a lengthy VAR check – referee Kevin Friend awarded a penalty for Nathan Ake’s clumsy challenge on Joelinton and the Brazilian smashed the spot-kick home to level.

The visitors continued to enjoy the great share of the ball after the break but were repeatedly let down by an uncharacteristic imprecision and it was Newcastle who created the more promising openings.

However, in a madcap four minutes, City fell behind and then surged ahead when, after Willock had netted the rebound after his 62nd-minute penalty miss, having been tripped by Walker, Torres leveled from Jesus’ cross and then completed his treble, following up as Cancelo’s shot came back of the post.

The champions appeared to decide the best way to prevent an equaliser was to simply not allow their opponents the ball while attempting to fashion a fifth goal, and in the event, they saw out time comfortably.

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AUBAMEYANG, ELNENY ON TARGET AS ARSENAL PICKS MAXIMUM POINTS AT NEWCASTLE

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang marked his first Premier League appearance for almost a month by scoring in a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United.

Arsenal went ahead on five minutes when the Gabonese striker mishit his shot and the ball fell invitingly for Mohamed Elneny, who fired in his first PL goal.

Grant Xhaka’s 29th-minute shot was tipped over by Martin Dubravka before Elneny’s header was cleared off the line by Miguel Almiron from the resulting corner.

The Gunners’ pressure was rewarded on 66 minutes when Aubameyang acrobatically volleyed in a brilliant left-wing delivery from Gabriel Martinelli, meaning he has scored in five successive league matches versus Newcastle.

Fabian Schar was sent off for a challenge on Martinelli late on as Arsenal moved up to ninth in the table on 49 points, five adrift of the top six.

Newcastle remain 17th, nine points clear of the relegation zone with four matches remaining.

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LIVERPOOL PEGGED BACK BY LATE JOE WILLOCK STRIKE AS NEWCASTLE SNATCH LATE EQUALISER AT ANFIELD

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock snatched a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield with a goal in injury time.

An extra minute was added for a VAR decision which had ruled out a Callum Wilson goal in stoppage time and on-loan Arsenal man Willock took full advantage.

The unconvincing performance did little for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of restoring the club’s battered reputation in the wake of the Super League controversy and even less for their top-four aspirations.

Mohamed Salah’s goal from their first shot on target was a class apart as he succeeded where Robbie Fowler and Luis Suarez came up short by scoring 20 Premier League goals in a season for a third time.

The Egypt international now has 93 in 140 league appearances and moved into the top 12 of the club’s all-time goalscorers with 123 in 198 matches.

Unfortunately none of his previously prolific team-mates came anywhere close to matching him as despite a largely passive Newcastle allowing them plenty of opportunities, this was another laboured and disappointing afternoon in front of an empty Anfield.

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SAINT MAXIMIN INSPIRES NEWCASTLE 2-1 VITORY AT BURNLEY

Substitute Allan Saint-Maximin scored one goal and created another as Newcastle United moved six points clear of the bottom three with a turnaround win at Burnley.

Matej Vydra had put Burnley ahead on 18 minutes, converting Chris Wood’s cutback for his third goal in five matches.

Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka made three great saves before the match turned with the introductions of Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson just before the hour-mark.

Less than two minutes after coming on, Saint-Maximin set up Jacob Murphy to slam a shot past Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who was deputising for the injured Nick Pope.

Five minutes later Saint-Maximin completed the turnaround, running from his own half, tricking past James Tarkowski and scoring from just inside the box.

Newcastle are on 32 points, behind 16th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion on goal difference, and only one point behind Burnley in 15th.

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SUPER SUB WILLOCK STRIKE LATE TO EARN NEWCASTLE A POINT AGAINST TOTTENHAM

An 85th-minute equaliser by Newcastle United substitute Joe Willock earned his side what could be a crucial draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Hugo Lloris made a superb double save to deny Dwight Gayle before Newcastle went in front through Joelinton’s first-time finish on 28 minutes.

The lead only lasted 90 seconds, as Harry Kane tapped in from close range before the striker fired in superbly to score his second and give Spurs a 34th-minute advantage.

Kane, who now leads the Golden Boot race with 19 goals, hit a post moments before Willock, on loan at Newcastle from Arsenal, blasted in off the underside of the crossbar from close range to equalise.

A first draw in 13 matches leaves Spurs fifth, two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, as they missed the chance to move into the top four.

Newcastle stay 17th, three points clear of Fulham, with a match in hand.

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FORMER NEWCASTLE AND WESTHAM BOSS GLENN ROEDER DIES AT 65.

Former West Ham manager Glenn Roeder has died aged 65 after a long battle with a brain tumour.

Roeder played for QPR and Newcastle, worked as a coach under Glenn Hoddle with England and managed the Hammers, the Magpies, Gillingham, Watford and Norwich.

While in charge at West Ham in April 2003 Roeder, who had led the club to a seventh-placed finish the season before, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He had to undergo surgery and a period of recovery before returning to the dugout in July the same year.

His last role in the game was as a managerial advisor at Stevenage in 2016.

League Managers Association chairman Howard Wilkinson said: “A cultured defender as a player, he managed with a studious style and was always generous with his time and ideas.

“Glenn was such an unassuming, kind gentleman who demonstrated lifelong dedication to the game. Not one to court headlines, his commitment and application to his work at all levels warrants special mention.

“Football has lost a great servant today and our sincere condolences go to Glenn’s family and friends.”

As a player Roeder captained QPR in the 1982 FA Cup final against Tottenham, which they lost following a replay, and to the Second Division title in 1983.

At Newcastle he made 219 senior appearances in five years and also led them to promotion from the Second Division in 1984.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: “Glenn achieved so much throughout his lifelong career in the game.

“After retiring as a player, he became one of the country’s most respected coaches, working across all levels of the professional game, in senior and academy football, and acting as a trusted advisor to many coaches and players.

“At every club, he chose to develop new talent and to give opportunities to the younger players in his charge. He will be sorely missed by all of the LMA’s members and his colleagues from across the game.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Glenn’s wife Faith, his daughter Holly, his sons Will and Joe and all of Glenn’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

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DUBRAVKA RETURN BACKFIRES AS GOALEE ERROR SECURE A POINT FOR WOLVES AT NEWCASTLE

Steve Bruce saw his decision to recall Martin Dubravka backfire as the Newcastle goalkeeper’s error denied his side a vital win in their bid to pull away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Dubravka allowed Ruben Neves’ 72nd-minute header to squirm past him as Wolves fought back to earn a point in what was a fifth consecutive 1-1 draw between the sides.

Slovakian international Dubravka looked rusty in his first Premier League start since July coming in for Karl Darlow. His weak attempt to keep out Neves’ first headed goal for the Molineux club left Newcastle boss Bruce facing questions over the selection, although the 32-year-old’s fine stoppage-time save from substitute Fabio Silva went a long way to atoning for his earlier mistake.

The hosts failed to take a succession of chances until a thumping second-half header from skipper Jamaal Lascelles put them in front. Neves ensured they had to settle for a draw and a victory for Fulham at Crystal Palace on Sunday would leave Newcastle just a point above the drop zone.

Their share of the spoils came at a cost as they lost influential forward duo Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron to injury. With top scorer Callum Wilson sidelined for another month, they are further potential absences Bruce can ill-afford.

Newcastle made most of the running before the break, and came close to breaking the deadlock when Almiron sprang an unconvincing Wolves offside trap from Jonjo Shelvey’s pass, only to see his shot hit the outside of the post after sliding the ball past Rui Patricio from a diminishing angle.

They also had the ball in the net, but Saint-Maximin’s close-range follow-up after the busy Patricio had saved from Joe Willock was correctly ruled offside.

The hosts were thankful for the intervention of the frame of the goal as Wolves belatedly showed signs of life towards the end of the first half when Dubravka was forced to unconvincingly shovel Adama Traore’s near-post header to safety with the help of a post.

Traore then left Emil Krafth trailing to provide the perfect cut-back for Pedro Neto to send a low shot tamely wide from a dozen yards when the unmarked midfielder ought to have done much better.

That improvement continued into the second period, but their habit of conceding first in games has become almost an addiction, and they fell behind for the 17th time this season.

After good work on the left by Saint-Maximin, Almiron’s replacement Ryan Fraser sent in an inviting centre from the right which Lascelles headed past Patricio at the keeper’s near post for the defender’s first Premier League goal for 16 months, his previous one coming against these same opponents.

Neves levelled with a 72nd-minute header low to Dubravka’s right which should have been saved, and as chances became more scarce, Joelinton should have won it in the final 10 minutes, only for the Brazilian’s shot to be cleared off the line by Romain Saiss.

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TIMO WERNER ENDS GOAL DROUGHT AS CHELSEA BEAT NEWCASTLE

Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner scored in a nine-minute first-half spell to give Chelsea a 2-0 win over Newcastle United that takes them up to fourth in the table.

Giroud, an early substitute for the injured Tammy Abraham, was on hand to score the opener after a Werner cross was diverted into his path by Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

And then Werner scored his first Premier League goal in exactly 1,000 minutes when Mason Mount’s corner found its way to him at the far post.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, playing his first league match since October, had to save from Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock after the break as Newcastle responded.

But at the other end, Darlow denied Marcos Alonso and Reece James.

Chelsea are now ahead of Liverpool and West Ham on 42 points, four behind Manchester United and Leicester.

Newcastle stay 17th on 25 points, seven ahead of Fulham.

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WILLOCK, MINAMINO GET DEBUT GOAL AS NEWCASTLE EDGE OUT SOUTHAMPTON

Joe Willock marked his debut with a goal as nine-man Newcastle scrapped their way to a 3-2 Premier League victory over Southampton.

The Arsenal loanee opened the scoring on an eventful afternoon at St James’ Park where his side led 2-0 and 3-1 courtesy of Jan Bednarek’s own goal and a third from Miguel Almiron either side of Takumi Minamino’s strike in his first appearance for the Saints.

However, a fine James Ward-Prowse free-kick dragged the visitors, who finished Tuesday’s 9-0 drubbing at Manchester United with only nine men on the pitch, back into it and they dominated following Jeff Hendrick’s dismissal for a second bookable offence and Fabian Schar’s premature departure through injury.

To their credit, battle-scarred Newcastle managed to hang on to claim just their second win in 14 attempts in all competitions against the odds on a filthy Tyneside afternoon.

Newcomer Willock made the breakthrough with 16 minutes gone with a sizeable helping hand from the returning Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Frenchman controlled Schar’s long ball expertly past Bednarek before sliding an inch-perfect pass into the path of the fast-arriving Willock, who fired home with consummate ease.

Danny Ings passed up two chances to level in quick succession and the Saints were made to pay with 26 minutes gone when Saint-Maximin set up Almiron to shoot and the hapless Bednarek deflected the ball into his own net at the near post.

However, the visitors were back in the contest on the half-hour when they broke from Jonjo Shelvey’s wayward free-kick and Minamimo deftly controlled Ryan Bertrand’s pass to put himself in behind makeshift defender Isaac Hayden before lashing a rising shot into the roof of the net.

Wilson’s departure with a hamstring injury – full-back Javier Manquillo had already limped off – saw Joelinton join the fray and Southampton, with Ward-Prowse pulling the strings, pressed for an equaliser.

But they fell further behind in stoppage time when McCarthy’s ill-judged pass to Bertrand was picked off by Almiron, who took full advantage by drilling a low shot past the keeper to make it 3-1.

Shelvey might have netted within seconds of the restart, but miskicked horribly in front of goal from Willock’s pass, and Newcastle were made to pay when, after Hayden had felled Che Adams 25 yards out, Ward-Prowse curled a stunning 48th-minute free-kick beyond Karl Darlow to reduce the deficit.

Hendrick’s dismissal as the home side tried to regroup added a fresh dimension to a topsy-turvy contest which might have been all square with 27 minutes remaining when Ings curled a shot past Darlow, but saw it come back off the post and into the keeper’s arms.

The tiring Saint-Maximin departed to be replaced by defender Paul Dummett, who slotted into a hastily convened back five as the game entered its final quarter with the visitors dominating and Nathan Redmond in particular threatening from wide on the right.

But an astonishing rearguard action somehow got Steve Bruce’s men to the final whistle with their lead intact as they claimed the grittiest of wins.