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Reliable reporter Stephen McGowan has claimed that Celtic are close to making a “stylish” off-field appointment, with an interesting figure set to arrive at Parkhead.

Celtic shining domestically but struggling in Europe

Currently, everything is largely going swimmingly for the Hoops, with Brendan Rodgers’ side in their usual spot at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

While Celtic look on course for another league crown, albeit early in the season still, it hasn’t been all positive, with the 7-1 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League earlier this month proving to be an extremely sobering night at the office.

It highlighted the gulf in class between the Scottish Premiership and Europe’s top competition and was a timely reminder that the Hoops have extra levels to find if they are to impress in it.

In order for that to happen, further signings may well need to be added to Rodgers’ squad, while top-quality backroom additions arguably also need to come in. In the case of the latter, it looks as though an important piece of business is now close.

Celtic set to make "stylish" off-field appointment

According to The Daily Mail’s McGowan, Celtic are set to appoint hugely experienced former manager Paul Tisdale in a football operations role, filling the void left by departed head of recruitment Mark Lawwell and chief scout Joe Dudgeon.

The 51-year-old has been working as a self-employed consultant rather than a manager of late and has described the position he could be taking up at Parkhead, saying:

“I work as what I call a football doctor. I go into football clubs and I try to find performance-improvement solutions using data and also my experience as a coach. I can translate very well from the boardroom to the pitch, and from the pitch to the boardroom, and also deliver CPD (continuous professional development) or coach mentoring.

“I’m currently into a period where I am doing a bit of a lot of things, waiting for one thing really to take off. (It’s) keeping me busy and I am self employed with my own business and really enjoying it.”

The report also points out that Tisdale has been described as “the most stylish man in football”, given his fashion sense on the touchline, so this could be an intriguing appointment.

The fact that he has already worked at Premier League clubs Fulham and Crystal Palace in his new role suggests that he is hugely competent, and this may not be at all dissimilar to the position that Gordon Strachan took up back in 2021 when he came in on a three-month basis.

Ange let "gifted" Celtic star leave for £0, now he's outscoring Engels

The former Hoops star is also on par with McGregor…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 11, 2024

With Lawwell and Dudgeon no longer at Celtic, it is important that the gap is filled when it comes to focusing on recruitment, data and player and coach development, and Tisdale is set to ‘be charged with overseeing a review of functions such as recruitment, data and player and coach development.’

Manchester City are looking to flex their muscles in the transfer market against their rivals Manchester United as they plan talks to sign an exciting young duo, it has been reported.

Man City looking to make it five in a row

Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to make it an unprecedented five consecutive Premier League titles this season, and have started in a strong fashion even if the performances are not perhaps of the same quality as in previous years.

Still unbeaten after seven games, the Cityzens are just a point behind current league leaders Liverpool and are level with last season’s runners-up Arsenal, who have an identical record to Guardiola’s side.

The top of the Premier League as it stands

Team

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Goal Difference

Points

Liverpool

7

6

0

1

11

18

Manchester City

7

5

2

0

9

17

Arsenal

7

5

2

0

9

17

It could have been very different, with a late John Stones goal rescuing a point at home against the Gunners deep into injury time, while they flattered to deceive against Fulham, edging to a 3-2 win that could have been very different had Adama Traore been able to match his blistering pace with a suitable finish on any of his chances.

“It was intense, it was tight, chances for them, chances for us. We started well and created many chances and it was tougher when they went to five at the back. It was a risk to manage it but in the end we did”, Guardiola explained after the game.

“It [Fulham] is a really, really good team. Marco is a top manager who has been working there for many, many years already. They have players they bought in the summer, including the ones from Arsenal [Smith-Rowe and Nelson] and they have a lot of quality.”

One of the brighter sparks for the Cityzens so far this season has been academy graduate Rico Lewis, who has become a first-team regular at the Etihad after several years as a rotation option. Now, City want to keep that conveyor belt moving.

Man City plan transfer talks for teenage duo

That comes as The Mirror report that Man City are looking to open talks with Swansea teenage duo Harlan Perry and Brogan Popham, with cross-city rivals Manchester United also aiming to sign the pair.

It is claimed that both the Red Devils and Guardiola’s side “have scheduled meetings with the teenage duo’s representatives after registering an interest in their services.”

Rodri replacement: Man City now eyeing move for brand new £60m midfielder

He has completed 92.2% of his passes this season.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 6, 2024

A 17-year-old central defender, Popham is yet to sign professional terms with the Swans, and “is understood to have made a strong impression upon scouts” at both clubs, while Perry is a 16-year-old central midfielder who is also catching the eye, though he is unable to move until he turns 17 next month.

Both are already age-group internationals for Wales, and are predicted to have bright futures in the sport. With both Manchester sides tussling for their services, Swansea will be owed compensation from any transfers but will be hoping that they can convince the pair to stay with the promise of more regular first-team football.

A well-connected former chief scout has made a January transfer claim involving Arsenal, and he says that sporting director Edu Gaspar is indeed after a new striker.

Arsenal linked with new striker for 2025

The Gunners have been linked with a host of new strikers over the last few weeks, with reports suggesting that a new forward is on their agenda for either January or 2025.

£265k-per-week star could leave Arsenal with Arteta a fan of 25-year-old

The Spaniard is a real admirer.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 8, 2024

Doubts surround Gabriel Jesus right now as the Brazilian struggles to find his best form and give on-fire star Kai Havertz good competition.

It is even believed by some media sources that Jesus could depart for Palmeiras, and while it remains to be seen if the £265,000-per-week attacker could depart, that reportedly hasn’t stopped Edu and co from looking at new options.

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

Chelsea (away)

November 10

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

Indeed, the latest number nine who Arsenal are taking a look at is Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush. The Egypt striker has started this new season in fine form – scoring nine goals and registering six assists over just nine appearances in all competitions – and this form has led to serious interest from the Premier League.

Marmoush apparently fancies a move to Arsenal, alongside Liverpool, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg sharing news this week that he’s also “hesitating” on a new contract.

As well as Marmoush, Arsenal are apparently still keeping tabs on Benjamin Sesko, coming after the north Londoners failed to strike a deal for him in the summer. The likes of Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram have also been sporadically linked, but these are all just rumours.

Now, a well-connected source has shared what he’s “heard” about the prospect of Edu bringing in a new centre forward in January.

Arsenal "want to buy" new striker in January

Speaking to Football Insider, “well-connected” ex-chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at both Man United and Tottenham, says he’s “heard” that Arsenal want to buy a new striker mid-season – if the right option becomes available and despite the form of Havertz.

“Havertz has been brilliant recently,” said Brown.

“You have to give people like that a lot of credit because questions have been asked of him and a lot of people would have shied away. But he’s done a great job for them.

“You have to credit Mikel Arteta because he’s brought this out of him. I’ve heard, though, that if there was the right option out there, Arsenal still want to buy somebody in that position.

“The problem is there’s not a long list of players who are good enough to play that role and are also available to come to the Premier League. Arsenal won’t want to waste any money they have on a player they don’t need.

“They’ll be prudent, but I know they’ll be looking for areas they can improve, and I think that will be one even with Havertz playing as well as he has been.”

Tottenham Hotspur have certainly kickstarted the new reign under Ange Postecoglou, with some choice summer signings that have already elevated their playing squad tenfold.

However, if they are to truly challenge for European places once again, it is expected that there will be more to come.

Is Nicolo Barella going to Tottenham Hotspur?

Although a link that has yet to resurface since its initial emergence back in March, albeit under Antonio Conte but should the Lilywhites rekindle their reported interest in Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella, then they could secure themselves a perfect midfield general to underpin their Australian revolution.

After all, both Liverpool and Newcastle United have recently been credited with interest, suggesting an exit could be on the cards soon.

Whilst his touted £50m fee might seem lofty, the experience, winning mentality and immense quality he would promise would more than make this an agreeable price tag.

Especially if they are to recoup some of that through the sale of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who continues to be linked with a switch to Atletico Madrid, having been deemed surplus to requirements late last month.

The Danish midfielder joined for a £15m fee in 2020 from Southampton.

Is Nicolo Barella similar to Declan Rice?

The acquisition of the Italian general would coincide with Arsenal's recent signing of Declan Rice, who they confirmed late last week had joined in a deal worth up to £105m.

Having been courted throughout the summer, Mikel Arteta finally got the man that he sees as imperative to their push for a Premier League title.

Whilst that kind of goal might seem desperately far away for Postecoglou, Barella could actually emulate and even surpass the levels of the England international, helping bridge the recent gulf that has opened up between these north London rivals.

After all, the 26-year-old machine has proven to be instrumental for the Nerazzurri, having won a Serie A title, two Italian cups and recently reached the Champions League final against all the odds, as well as a European Championship with his nation too.

Last term in the Italian top-flight he even maintained a 7.08 average rating, which was a figure buoyed by his 12 goal contributions, 85% pass accuracy, 1.6 key passes and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Whilst Rice would be regarded as a more defensive-minded player, Barella blends an element of solidity with a creative force that the 24-year-old cannot compete with just yet.

As such, his 7.19 average rating in the Premier League was largely upheld through his 1.7 interceptions and 2.1 tackles per game, with his six goal contributions and one key pass per game less impressive when compared to someone of such quality, via Sofascore.

To further emphasise the steel they would be attaining with a swoop for Inter's midfield maestro, scout Jacek Kulig had branded him a "little warrior" back in 2019 after one display had caught his eye.

If Rice is to underpin Arteta's new-look side seeking to challenge for a title, then Barella is surely more than capable of achieving a similarly revolutionary feat under the guidance of Postecoglou.

He will need numerous all-action players to underpin his similarly high-octane philosophy, and whilst the Italy international is somewhat more attack-minded than the Gunners' new midfielder, both share that defensive quality alongside a willingness to push forward.

It just seems that Barella could be more suited to the new-look Spurs side, and would prove to be that marquee signing akin to Rice's that ushers in a new era.

Tottenham Hotspur seem to finally be honing in on one much-needed signing, to continue Ange Postecoglou's impressive summer rebuild.

Who have Spurs signed?

The latest on their pursuit for Micky van de Ven comes courtesy of Football Insider, who are suggesting that the Lilywhites have cleared a big hurdle towards bringing him in on a permanent deal.

Having now agreed personal terms, there is a confidence around north London that a deal can finally be struck despite a fee having not been agreed with VfL Wolfsburg.

It is noted that Spurs are only willing to pay around £25m for the Dutch U21 international, whilst the German club is holding out for just £30m. This narrow disparity in valuation would prove a minor stumbling block for most clubs, but with Daniel Levy likely leading the negotiations, his patented frugality could stutter a deal that is there to be completed.

This comes following the earlier signings of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Manor Solomon, on top of the permanent acquisitions of Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski following loan spells.

Is Micky van de Ven good?

Despite being so young, Van de Ven already boasts vast top-flight experience that suggests he would be able to make an instant impact for Postecoglou.

With all the physical attributes to dominate English football, and youth on his side with regard to development, under this Australian tactician he could develop into the next big defensive icon to star in the Premier League.

It has only been six years since Liverpool unloaded a mouth-watering £75m to sign his compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who proved to be a revolutionary addition for Jurgen Klopp. The German had been slowly building towards greatness, and in tempting Southampton to sell they added one of the final pieces of the puzzle.

The 32-year-old has since featured 222 times for the Reds, playing vital roles in their Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup victories.

He was famed for his casual approach to defending, and despite standing at 6 foot 5, had a fine turn of pace as well as technical prowess beyond many in his role.

As such, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe he ranks in the top 4% for passes attempted per 90, and even clocked the fastest speed in the Champions League during the 2018/19 season.

Fortunately for Spurs, Van de Ven would arrive already boasting the foundation to emulate these attributes, which Wolfsburg’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schäfer outlined: "Left foot, extreme speed, plays every second. Micky [has performed] consistently very well throughout the season. He’s a player with huge potential and this season in particular has shown incredible development."

This was supplemented by Ruben Jongkind, the former Head of Talent Development of the Academy at Ajax, who noted: "I worked at Ajax with the biggest talents but the speed that this guy has for a defender? It is crazy."

To pair this with his performances in the Bundesliga last term, he would maintain a 6.85 average rating which was supported by his 88% pass accuracy, 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Clearly in possession of defensive steel, but with speed and power to rival that of a prime Van Dijk, perhaps Postecoglou could also build his own dynasty on the back of this Dutch defender with the world at his feet.

Aston Villa are reportedly continuing their pursuit of Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes, who has been a player eyed by the club since May if reports are to be believed.

The Englishman is likely to depart the King Power this summer, following the club’s relegation to the Championship, with plenty of Premier League sides swarming at his availability.

News reported earlier this week by the Daily Mail listed Villa as one of the clubs to have ‘enquired’ about the 25-year-old, named alongside Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham as the sides interested.

A separate report from the Mail added that the Foxes will hope for a price in the region of £35m for the winger, who is contracted to the club until 2025.

Where could Harvey Barnes play at Aston Villa?

Lauded as “unbelievable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the forward has shone on the flank for Leicester in the Premier League.

Despite struggling through a damning 2022/23 campaign with the Foxes, the Englishman maintained his superstar status in guiding the side where possible, as highlighted by his 13 goals.

The winger netted just two goals fewer than Villa’s talisman Ollie Watkins, who scored 15 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season in an inspired feat under Unai Emery.

The Spaniard has transformed the look of the side he inherited from Steven Gerrard, bringing a positive light to the attack at Villa Park in an improvement that fired the Villans to European football.

After a campaign full of highs after starting so discouragingly, it’s difficult to identify areas for improvement, however, Emery’s sights go far beyond a seventh-place finish.

One thing that the side could benefit from is having an additional goalscorer, which is something the former Arsenal boss highlighted to The Athletic in April with his wishes to sign a partner for Watkins made clear.

President of football operations Monchi could hand his compatriot ammunition for his dreams in signing Barnes, who would bolster Villa’s threat in the final third.

Behind Watkins, the Villans’ next top scorer was Danny Ings, who netted nine in all competitions, alarming considering the striker departed the club back in January.

Jacob Ramsey managed to score six as an outlet for goals on the right side, however, his tally could be doubled by Barnes should he tick in Emery’s set-up.

Averaging 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 last season, Barnes provides a real threat on goal, with further attributes that suggest he could be a strong asset for Watkins to play alongside.

As per FBref, the Englishman averaged 3.32 progressive carries per 90 to show his strength in carrying the ball, as well as 1.29 final third passes per 90, displaying two areas of his game that could benefit the Villa hitman. Indeed, he truly is the "live wire" that Alan Hutton described him.

Last season, Barnes registered an impressive ten assists for Leicester, showing his ability to play a strong pass which could be beneficial to both himself and Watkins should he opt to join Villa, with the striker averaging 53.6% shots on target per 90, via FBref.

A direct player with an eye for goal and a creative spark, it well could elevate Emery’s side and indeed Watkins to the next level.

Newcastle United may finally find out what their chances are of landing Kieran Tierney this week, with Football Insider reporting that the defender will decide on his future in talks with Mikel Arteta.

What is the latest Newcastle United transfer news?

There has been plenty in the pipeline for the Toon this summer, with the Premier League outfit clearly realising the need to improve their squad for a campaign spent in both the top flight and European competition. The Magpies will be eager to ensure they can compete on all fronts, and that has led to interest in numerous players already this transfer window.

One of the deals that appears to be advancing is for Harvey Barnes, with Newcastle now in contact with Leicester over a potential deal for the winger. Having impressed for the Foxes during his time in the top tier, he could now find an escape route back to the Premier League with Eddie Howe's side.

There is no official bid on the table for the Englishman yet, and another forward option they are looking at is Federico Chiesa at Juventus, with the Toon set to open fresh discussions with the Italian outfit and the winger's representatives over a potential transfer deal.

Is Kieran Tierney joining Newcastle United?

However, one name that has seemingly been linked with a switch to St James' Park since the beginning of the summer is that of Kieran Tierney at Arsenal. The defender has been on Newcastle's wanted list since the end of the 2022/23 season, and it seems as though the St James' Park outfit are still in pole position to land him, despite competition from Celtic.

Now, according to a report from Football Insider, the 26-year-old is set to hold talks with current boss Arteta and his future "will be decided this week".

The left-back could still decide to stay on at the Emirates – and if he did, Newcastle will have to move on to alternative targets quite quickly, but the report reaffirms that the Magpies are still the front runners to get a deal done.

Tierney has been praised highly in the past by boss Mikel Arteta too, so perhaps the Spaniard won't want him to leave unless he doesn't see a place in the squad for him. He stated that the left-back was "fantastic" during a performance against Crystal Palace and despite affording him limited game time last season, the Scot did impress when given the chance.

Indeed, going by FBRef's metrics, comparing the 26 year-old with others in his position across the top five European leagues, Tierney ranks highly for non penalty goals, assists, progressive passes and progressive carries, suggesting he could bring a lot more attacking impetus to the left flank on Tyneside than Dan Burn, who is of course naturally a centre-back.

That is why there are teams seemingly so keen to snap up the player this summer – and if Newcastle do manage to land the 26-year-old, it could really bolster their backline ahead of a daunting season in four competitions.

Newcastle United are considering a swoop to bring Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos to the Premier League, according to reports.

How many goals did Goncalo Ramos score this season?

Ramos is naturally a striker who has played his football at the Estadio da Luz all of his career having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team back in 2020. He’s since gone on to become a regular feature of Roger Schmidt’s side, making 30 starts from 34 Liga Portugal games last season and finding the back of the net 19 times in those outings.

The Portugal international was heavily linked with a move to the northeast last summer when journalist Pedro Sepulveda reported that the Magpies were “interested” in striking a deal for the 22-year-old, which was followed up by O Jogo who claimed that he was still firmly on their radar in January, though once again, a switch failed to materialise.

Fabrizio Romano has hinted that AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali could finalise his transfer to Eddie Howe’s side within the next “few days”, and the boss will be hoping that his centre-forward target can follow in his footsteps, now eyeing a third attempt to bring Ramos to St. James’ Park.

Are Newcastle signing Ramos?

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle are “looking at” Ramos as a serious option for the summer as a result of Howe wanting to add to his attacking ranks.

Benfica’s striker, who has a staggering €120m (£103m) release clause, is believed to be “admired” by the recruitment team, and whilst it’s unknown whether an approach will be made in the coming weeks, there’s a chance that “groundwork” could be getting laid behind-the-scenes to go for it in the new year.

Is Ramos a good signing for Newcastle?

Newcastle do already have strong centre-forward options in Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, but Ramos, dubbed an “outrageous” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have a higher ceiling than both of them, so it would be a massive coup should Howe be able to secure his services either this window or the next.

The Gestifute client posted 26 total goal contributions (19 goals and seven assists) in 30 Liga Portugal appearances last season which not only made him his club’s best-performing offensive player but he also received the division’s Striker of the Year award for 2022/23.

The World Cup participant additionally recorded 98 shots over the course of the campaign which was more than any of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef, so with the prolific threat that he could bring, Ramos joining would undoubtedly strengthen the squad ahead of next season.

Manchester United are still leading the race for AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, who is set to be on the move this summer, according to reports from France.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

The Daily Mail report Man United are willing to part ways with up to 13 players this summer, including Harry Maguire, meaning Erik ten Hag may be in the market for a new centre-back, and there are several options available.

The Red Devils are one of the clubs interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, with the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race, while 21-year-old Goncalo Inacio has also been named as a target.

Disasi has also been routinely linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with United holding "positive" talks over a move back in April, and they remain very much in the race for his signature.

According to a report from L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), Man United still lead the race for the 25-year-old despite other big European teams trying to convince the defender to move to their club instead.

As Kim Min-jae is seemingly on his way to Bayern Munich, the Red Devils may have to turn their attentions to the Monaco star, but there will be fierce competition for his signature, with a number of big European teams trying to convince him about a move.

At the moment, the player himself seems to have his mind set on a move to Old Trafford, but United appear to be prioritising a move for a goalkeeper, and they could make one last swoop for Kim before pursuing a deal for Disasi.

Who is Axel Disasi?

The Frenchman has played in his home country for his entire career up to this point, across spells with Paris FC, Reims and Monaco, establishing himself as a key player last season by featuring in every single Ligue 1 game.

Last season, the £12k-per-week centre-back averaged 1.5 interceptions per game in Ligue 1, the joint-second highest figure in the squad, and he did enough to impress France manager Didier Deschamps, making his debut for his national side last November.

For the meantime, Kim should remain United's top target at centre-back, considering he has been hailed as "one of the best" defenders in the world by teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but the France international could be a very solid back-up option.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed Disasi as "dominant", while also likening him to Virgil van Dijk, and members of the media have praised him for his "insane strength and power."

Newcastle United enjoyed an incredible season under Eddie Howe's tutelage and returned to Champions League qualification with a top-four finish, and have now identified Chelsea's Marc Cucurella for transfer.

What's the latest on Marc Cucurella to Newcastle?

According to the Mirror, Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth has added the Spanish full-back to the club's list of transfer targets after signing Cucurella while the pair for €18m (£15m) were both at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Having completed a stunning season with the Seagulls, the 24-year-old was signed by Chelsea for a mouth-watering £63m last summer, but after an uninspiring year Newcastle could look to provide him with a fresh start on English soil.

The Magpies have been in fine fettle indeed, but with the introduction of European football, the depth of the club will need to expand, and Cucurella could be the perfect choice to enrich the left flank, especially given that the Blues are considering a cut-price sale of just £30m.

How would Marc Cucurella perform at Newcastle?

Despite failing to produce the desired results at Chelsea, Newcastle could reignite a player who demonstrated he is Premier League quality and then some on the south coast.

Recording an average rating of 7.11 (Sofascore) with Albion over the 21/22 campaign, Cucurella completed 82% of his passes, averaging 1.2 key passes, 2.7 tackles and 1.9 clearances per game, also winning 61% of his ground duels, hailed for his "brilliant" performances by former teammate Leandro Trossard.

The disparity to his time at Stamford Bridge could not be greater, branded a "defensive liability" by journalist Okon Nya and at the core of the west London outfit's woes as they finished 12th.

However, provided a license to flourish at St. James' Park, Cucurella could return to the top of his game and leave observers waxing lyrical in their throngs once again.

Linking back up with his former teammate Dan Burn, who completed a £13m move from Brighton to Tyneside in January 2022, the £175k-per-week Chelsea ace could snatch the defensive left flank from the 31-year-old, cementing a starting berth for the most pivotal of encounters next season.

A centre-half by trade, Burn played 39 times at left-back this year after impressing in the makeshift role, with the 6 foot 5 colossus being heralded as "solid as a rock and immense" by journalist Aaron Stokes, but his stagnancy in transition is undoubtedly a weakness and the variation that Cucurella would bring is an enticing thought, with Burn having been 'dragged all over the place' on occasion, according to journalist Jude Summerfield.

As Newcastle progress and creep closer toward the forefront of European football, Cucurella's progressive presence could lead to him taking the baton and transcending Burn's performances in the team, proving to be the ultimate attacking heir down the left-hand side.

And given that the former Barcelona youngster can also play as a central defender, he could offer the dynamic assurance to win Howe over and play a pivotal role in a thriving Premier League outfit once again.