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Celtic may finally be about to complete a permanent deal for Benfica forward Jota, according to a report from Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Loan sensation

Signed from the Lisbon-based Primeira Liga side on a season-long loan deal for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, Jota was a revelation in Glasgow under Ange Postecoglou.

As part of the temporary deal, the two clubs agreed on a purchase clause worth €7.5million (£6.5million) that would see the 23-year-old join the Hoops on a permanent basis should the Parkhead hierarchy trigger such a move.

Having played a key role in the Scottish top-flight title-winning campaign, Postecoglou has unsurprisingly sanctioned the return and the Portuguese winger could finally be set to become a Bhoy long-term…

The latest: ‘Official soon’

As per Record, translated by SW, the deal to bring Jota to Celtic ‘should be made official soon’ as all parties agree on terms.

It’s claimed that the 18-cap Portugal Under 21 starlet will sign a four-year deal with the Scottish champions and become the fourth summer capture following the arrival of goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist from Dundee United and the permanent arrivals of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda.

Another Iberian outlet, O Jogo, also translated in the update from SW, say it will all be wrapped up ‘in the next few hours’ as this seemingly endless saga finally reaches a conclusion.

The verdict: First class signing

Carter-Vickers and Jota, hailed for his ‘incredible pace’ by football writer Sacha Pisani, were the two most pivotal pieces of business for the Celtic board this summer and it appears that they have been completed with minimal fuss.

Last season, the versatile attacker was nothing short of sensational for the Hoops, scoring 13 times and providing 14 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, earning a phenomenal 7.56 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.0 key passes, taking 2.6 shots and winning 4.4 duels per league outing in the process.

Able to dovetail with his fellow attackers with apparent ease and with the work ethic to match the wealth of unbridled attacking talents, Jota slotted into Postecoglou’s style of play seamlessly and will no doubt remain an integral part of the plans moving forward.

Wolves are interested in making a move for Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Downes impresses for Swansea

The 23-year-old was a regular for the Swans throughout last season, making 37 appearances in the Championship and excelling in front of the defence.

Flynn averaged an incredible 92.6% pass completion rate in the league, highlighting his class on the ball, with Russell Martin describing the workaholic as ‘incredible’.

A move to the Premier League could now be on the cards this summer, with a fresh report suggesting there is lots of interest from the top tier.

The Latest: Wolves eye up move

According to Wales Online, Wolves are one of several top-flight sides eyeing up a move for Downes, with Southampton and Crystal Palace also mentioned.

The six-time capped England Under-20 international’s current Swansea deal doesn’t expire until 2025, however, so a sizeable bid may be required.

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The Verdict: Perfect for midfield depth

While Downes is completely unproven in the Premier League, his aforementioned passing statistics suggest he could make the step up from the Championship.

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Wolves are clearly looking at midfield reinforcements this summer, with Ruben Neves expected to move on, and the Swansea man could add depth in that position.

A more marquee midfield signing would also be required, such as Matheus Nunes, but Downes has the ability to thrive for Wanderers in the long term, having also averaged 1.3 tackles per game last season to accompany his wondrous ability on the ball.

Jim White has revealed that Glasgow Rangers are now working hard ‘behind the scenes’ to bring Tom Lawrence to Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Won the race?

According to The Glasgow Times, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team have now ‘won the race’ to sign the Wales international on a free transfer, after he left Derby County on 30 June at the end of his contract.

He would become their second signing of the summer, joining former PAOK striker Antonio Colak as a new face at Ibrox.

The Latest: Working hard

Taking to Twitter on Friday, White has revealed that the Gers are now ‘working hard behind the scenes’ to bring Lawrence to the club, suggesting that a deal could be in place very soon.

The talkSPORT broadcaster tweeted: “Being told @RangersFC working hard behind the scenes to bring @dcfcofficial forward Tom Lawrence to the club.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for Rangers fans to see the club bringing in a player of Lawrence’s quality, especially considering that he would not cost a penny in transfer fees.

The winger managed an impressive 11 goals and five assists in 38 games in the Championship last season (Transfermarkt) for a Derby team which was relegated to League One.

Lawrence also Premiership title back from their bitter rivals Celtic.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has delivered his verdict on the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ transfer plans after the injury suffered by Chiquinho.

The lowdown: Cruel loss

This comes after Chiquinho picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a 3-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Burnley last Saturday at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.

The 22-year-old winger scored in the match before being involved in a collision that caused the Portugal youth international to require surgery and face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Having completed the first summer signing in the shape of Nathan Collins from Burnley, one well-informed onlooker has suggested that Chiquinho’s injury could force Bruno Lage to enter the market once again…

The latest: ‘Huge blow’

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery – who runs the Premier Injuries site and contributes for Sky Sports – has claimed that Wolves may need a replacement for the one-cap Portugal Under 21 starlet for the entire upcoming season.

He said: “This will really smart for them. He is a player with a big reputation and they expect big things from him in the upcoming season. Potentially, this may alter any transfer plans that they had.

“As we know with ACL injuries, we’re looking at a minimum of six or seven months, but that can extend to nine or ten months. That’s if things go really, really well in that rehab and recovery process.

“So, they are losing a player in July who may not play again for the whole of the season. That’s a huge blow for them.”

The verdict: Signing needed

Signed from Portuguese top-flight outfit Estoril in January, Chiquinho provided three assists in eight Premier League outings for the Old Gold to add to the four goals and six assists yielded prior to making the switch to Molineux.

The impact made by the dynamic wide-man was clear for all to see and his lengthy absence leaves Lage with only Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence and an out-of-favour Adama Traore to call upon in the wide areas heading into the 2022/23 campaign after Francisco Trincao returned to Barcelona before signing for Sporting CP.

Not replacing Chiquinho is therefore a non-starter as at least one addition is required for a depleted squad, and Fosun should have no issues sanctioning any moves given the lack of activity in terms of incomings so far and the potential financial windfall from the sales of Morgan Gibbs-White and Ruben Neves on the horizon.

Journalist Ashley Preece has provided a worrying update regarding Aston Villa’s search for a new midfielder…

What’s the word?

In a Q and A for Birmingham Mail, the Villa correspondent has suggested that the Midlands side are unlikely to make moves for West Ham United giant Tomas Soucek or Chelsea youngster, Conor Gallagher, despite having previously been linked with the pair.

Asked about potential deals for the two men, Preece stated: “Soucek/Gallagher not on Villa’s radar as far as I’m aware, both important players for West Ham and Chelsea.”

Previous reports had suggested that manager Steven Gerrard is a ‘massive fan’ of Gallagher, while the belief had been that the Villa Park outfit could look to exploit the doubts regarding Soucek’s future in east London.

Gerrard gutted

The former Rangers boss will no doubt be gutted that the club are not set to pursue two players of ready-made, Premier League quality, with sporting director Johan Lange seemingly set to turn his attention elsewhere to land a new midfield recruit.

The club have already brought in highly-rated Marseille man Boubacar Kamara – whom Preece tipped to be the “signing of the summer” following his recent pre-season debut against Leeds United – although the belief is that Gerrard is keen on further reinforcements in the centre of the park.

The former European champions have also seemingly lost out on another reported midfield target in the current window in the form of Yves Bissouma, with the 25-year-old having opted to join Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur in a £25m deal.

With the aforementioned Kamara potentially set to take time to adjust to life in England, the club could well have benefitted from bringing in a player already in the division, with seemingly few better targets than that of Soucek and Gallagher.

The latter man made a name for himself on loan at Crystal Palace last season, netting eight goals and providing three assists in the top-flight in what was a real breakthrough campaign, with his relentless, energetic style also earning comparisons to current Blues teammate, N’Golo Kante.

As for the Czech Republic international, the 27-year-old is a simply colossal figure in David Moyes’ side owing to his 6 foot 4 stature, proving himself a menace in both boxes for the east London outfit as he ranks in the top 1% for clearances made and the top 2% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

While he and Gallagher may undoubtedly possess different traits, the two men both offer a real dynamic, box-to-box presence, something the Villans would undoubtedly have been keen to utilise.

Alas, it looks as if neither figure will be lining up for the club next term – a fact that will leave Gerrard simply devastated.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Manchester United could sign a striker this summer despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit links ‘slowing down’, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: One out?

The Portugal veteran caused a stir earlier in the transfer window as he reportedly angles for a move away from the club. with Atletico Madrid among the potential suitors.

While the Red Devils have welcomed back a seemingly fit and firing Anthony Martial to the fold following a loan stint at Sevilla, regardless of where the 37-year-old’s future may lie. Having lost Edinson Cavani, there is space for at least one more centre-forward in the Old Trafford ranks.

The transfer deadline of September 1 remains some time away, but with the start of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign just around the corner, United are seemingly no nearer to landing a new striker, a situation on which one well-informed onlooker has now shed some further light…

The latest: One in?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has claimed that Erik ten Hag and John Murtough could be preparing to enter the market for an attacking addition to the Old Trafford ranks.

The Italian said: “I think they will explore the possibility of signing a striker.

“Of course, the Ronaldo situation is slowing down because they need to understand what kind of striker they need, a striker to play with Cristiano or if he leaves as he wants to leave, a different kind of striker if they need a starter in that position.”

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The verdict: Room for improvement

Having made a hero’s return just 11 months ago, losing the talismanic Ronaldo at this juncture would be a damning indictment of where United are at in terms of on-field stature. It would also cause a problem for Ten Hag as replacing such a prolific goalscorer would prove nigh-on impossible. with reasonably attainable options of similar quality few and far between.

Should Ronaldo stay in Manchester, as has been hinted by the knowledgeable Romano, Ten Hag will likely be reticent to rely on a misfiring Marcus Rashford and Martial to act as the only recognised centre-forward understudies to the Portuguese veteran.

Last season, United were the lowest scorers inside the Premier League’s top eight, ending the campaign with 57 goals, some 42 shy of eventual champions Manchester City.

Linked by Romano himself with a move for Red Bell Salzburg hitman Benjamin Sesko, along with a reported interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney, there are seemingly centre-forward candidates out there for the Old Trafford hierarchy to consider, and they should be pushing hard to get the right deal over the line for Ten Hag.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left thrilled as Tottenham Hotspur eye a move for AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs in race for Zaniolo…

As per reports over this last week, it is believed that Spurs hold a serious interest in signing the Italy international, with some claims even emerging of offers being submitted.

While some sources differ in how just how advanced Tottenham are in their links with Zaniolo, the overwhelming consensus is that the Lilywhites are certainly in the mix to sign him.

Antonio Conte is gearing up for his first full Premier League season in charge at N17 and is reportedly in the market for a creator, with The Guardian even backing that he is eyeing a move for the Serie A starlet.

The Latest: Robinson thrilled…

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that signing Zaniolo would be an ‘exciting’ move for Spurs, going on to state that he has been left ‘surprised’ by Tottenham’s efficiency in the transfer market thus far.

The club’s former goalkeeper explained: “Tottenham have surprised me in this window, in all honesty.

“They have done fantastic business and they have done it early. You can see that Antonio Conte is having an influence. He wants his players together for pre-season. He wants them together early.

“If they sign a Zaniolo as well it would be exciting. The squad is important because there will be so many games next season.”

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The Verdict: Get it done…

Signing the 23-year-old could definitely be the cherry on top of a brilliant summer for Spurs.

As per WhoScored, the ‘prominent’ star (as hailed by ex-Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko) finished 2021/22 as one of Roma’s most threatening players, completing more successful take-ons and attracting more fouls per game than any other player in Jose Mourinho’s squad.

There is little doubting Zaniolo’s quality, and Conte’s need for creativity in the final third could make Spurs a very good match for the player.

Everton have been linked with an attempt to reunite with Ross Barkley this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the speculated move.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Everton reporter Greg O’Keeffe, a move for the former Everton and current Chelsea midfielder is not on the agenda.

As per a report written by O’Keeffe, the Toffees are not interested in a reunion with the player this summer and despite Barkley sparking speculation with old pictures posted on social media from his Everton days the move is not something that is in the plans of the club at this time.

Supporters will be relieved

There is no doubt that supporters will be relieved that Barkley won’t be making a return this summer after he left the club on bad terms with the Goodison Park faithful back in 2018 in a move to Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old is a boyhood Evertonian coming through the youth system, making 176 appearances, scoring 27 goals and delivering 28 assists over his time in the first team, but the midfielder fell out of favour and the relationship between himself and the club turned sour when Ronald Koeman arrived.

Koeman signed Gylfi Sigurdsson to play in Barkley’s position which led to the England international refusing to sign a new contract with the club, and when he wasn’t sold on a move away the summer before signing for Chelsea, Everton supporters believed that he waited for a better deal because he was set to be injured for six months at the time.

Fast forward to January 2018, and Barkley finally secured his move away and has been with Chelsea ever since, but it wasn’t surprising that the midfielder was linked with a move back to Merseyside.

The reunion would not have just been with the club but also with his former manager Frank Lampard, who has always been a big admirer of Barkley, after working with him when he was managing Chelsea.

Nevertheless, the signing of Barkley doesn’t look like it will happen now and despite Everton being in desperate need to add reinforcements to their team this summer, they are clearly not desperate enough to push for the controversial move.

AND in other news: Bid rejected: talkSPORT drop frustrating Everton transfer update, Thelwell must act

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that Newcastle United ‘watched’ striker Ludovic Ajorque over the weekend ahead of a potential move.

The Lowdown: Impressed

Ajorque impressed against an albeit weakened Liverpool team on Sunday night, assisting the second goal in a 3-0 away win for Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg.

The striker recorded eight assists in Ligue 1 last season on top of his 12 goals (Alessandro Schiavone is shocked teams haven’t been shopping for the striker sooner.

The Latest: Newcastle watch

Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday night, Solhekol revealed that the Magpies were among as many as eight clubs from the Premier League who ‘watched’ Ajorque ahead of a potential move:

“A player who we could be hearing a lot more from in the next couple of weeks played against Liverpool for Strasbourg at the weekend. 

“He’s a striker called Ludovic Ajorque, 6ft 6in striker with a very good scoring record for them, is available for £18m.

“I’m told the clubs that watched him yesterday were Wolves, Everton, Leicester, West Ham, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle. He’s someone we might be hearing a lot more from.”

The Verdict: Different option

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by Schiavone, the six-foot-six Ajorque would offer a different option to Callum Wilson up top.

He has shown that he can perform consistently in a major league, racking up double figures in total goals and assists in each of the last four campaigns (Transfermarkt), and at 28 years of age, is a player in his prime.

Nonetheless, £18m could turn out to be a steal if he hits the ground running at St. James’ Park straight away, and with the level of competition for his signature, this is a deal that the Toon need to get done as soon as possible.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached a full agreement with Udinese over the transfer of left-back Destiny Udogie, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Udogie’s short Udinese career

The 19-year-old came through the Hellas Verona academy before the Serie A outfit signed him last summer on loan with an obligation to buy for just under £4m.

Mainly operating as a left-sided midfielder last season, Udogie made 35 appearances in the Italian top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, producing an impressive five goals and three assists.

The defender has also amassed four appearances for Italy’s U21 national side, having been tipped for a senior call-up at the next international break.

The Latest: Romano’s news

Romano has shared an update on Spurs’ pursuit of the youngster, revealing the Premier League club have now come to an agreement with Udinese.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist confirmed:

“Destiny Udogie to Tottenham, here we go. Full agreement reached with Udinese for more than €20m – after personal terms in place. Talented Italian fullback will be Spurs player in 2023, wanted by Paratici.

“Udogie will stay at Udinese for one more year on loan.”

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The Verdict: Promising long-term signing

Looking at the 19-year-old’s underlying stats, it is clear to see why Fabio Paratici was so keen on securing the player’s signature for Antonio Conte’s side.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past-year, he ranked in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and in the 88th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (FBRef). This is a player who loves bombing forward and playing on the front foot, also registering in the 84th percentile for pressures.

Hailed as an ‘incredible talent’ with the ‘perfect physical attributes for the Premier League’ by journalist Josh Bunting, this could be a fantastic long-term signing for the Lilywhites, given he has over a decade left to grow and perform playing at the top level.

Paratici may have pulled a master-stroke getting this deal across the line.