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Ange Postecoglou’s first few months as Celtic manager have been a whirlwind affair at Parkhead.

It started with frustration as the Hoops boss was unable to land his transfer targets quickly and that resulted in the Bhoys being knocked out of Europe’s premier competition.

They are also behind their fierce rivals in the race for the Premiership crown but there have been a number of positives.

For instance, Celtic are in the League Cup final this weekend and they have achieved that primarily because of the signings Postecoglou did eventually get over the line.

Celtic will be without Jota for the final and his miss will be a devastating blow. After all, the diminutive Portuguese forward has racked up eight goals and six assists in his 18 outings for the club to date.

It’s worrying, therefore, that Celtic have not yet utilised the £6.5m option to buy they have in the terms of the 22-year-old’s loan contract in Scotland.

If they dally any further, it would not be a surprise if one of Europe’s more prestigious clubs snatched him away from Postecoglou’s jaws. He has already been touted to seal a move to one of the continent’s elite so eyes will surely be watching his performances closely.

If he does exit, it will be disastrous for Celtic but it certainly won’t be the end of the world.

They have been linked with a move for a man dubbed the ‘Iranian Neymar’ over the winter and he could move to Paradise in a cut-price deal.

That happens to be another pocket rocket in Mehdi Ghaedi. Reports from his homeland claim that Celtic are interested in a move and he’d certainly be an exciting addition.

Postecoglou has spoken before of targeting lesser-known leagues after the success of Kyogo Furuhashi and this deal could replicate that.

Ghaedi currently plies his trade for Shadab Dubai in the UAE and has registered four goal involvements in nine outings.

The 23-year-old is an incredibly tricky customer and like Jota, possesses an abundance of creativity, dazzling dribbling and potency in the final third.

Journalist, Navid Molaaghaei, once described the £1m-rated talent as a “magician” after a stunning goal back in 2019. Ghaedi appears to be used to popping up in big moments, being dubbed “extraordinary” after a late solo goal for his team back in September.

The forward waltzed past two defenders before burying an opportunity with remarkable confidence. It was a goal that typifies why he’s exactly like Jota and if the Benfica loanee does depart for good, Ghaedi would be a wonderful replacement at Celtic.

AND in other news, Forget Abada: Celtic gem who won 67% duels proved he’s now someone “Ange can’t ignore”…

Everton may team Wayne Rooney up with an interim manager, according to The Mirror’s David Maddock. 

The lowdown

The 36-year-old is currently in charge at Derby County, who have been hit a combined 21-point deduction after entering administration and admitting breaches of accounting rules (via BBC Sport).

The Englishman began his playing career at Goodison Park, scoring 15 Premier League goals as a teenager before joining Manchester United in a £27m deal in 2004. He then returned to the Toffees for a single season in 2017 after his Old Trafford career came to an end.

The latest

According to The Mirror, Rooney is on Everton’s list of managerial options, but his limited experience is a concern given the Toffees’ predicament in terms of sitting just four points above the Premier League relegation zone.

They’ve been looking at potential interim candidates, ‘pursuing a similar idea to Manchester United’, who have given Ralf Rangnick the reins until the end of the season. There is a possibility that Rooney could work ‘alongside an interim with an appropriate CV’.

The verdict

Rooney has done a commendable job in hugely difficult circumstances at Derby, hauling them off the foot of the Championship table earlier this month. Without those points deductions, they’d actually be knocking on the door of the top half.

Everton’s hesitation is understandable – he has never managed in the Premier League before and they’re uncomfortably close to the relegation zone – but he has had to cope with mighty adversity at Pride Park.

With a more experienced hand to offer guidance at first, giving him the job might not be the worst idea, even if it would be a unique arrangement in the English top flight.

In other news, many Everton fans fumed over links to this manager

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now backed some big transfer news out of Tottenham Hotspur involving playmaker and former hero Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Conte in the mix…

In recent weeks, a major Spurs update has come to light as the Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte eye a ‘stunning’ return for Eriksen nearly two and a half years after his exit to Inter Milan.

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The Dane is currently enjoying a fairy-tale Premier League stint at Brentford after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Euro 2020 – with his brilliant form prompting interest from all over England.

90min claim that a host of clubs, including Tottenham, are interested in snapping up the 30-year-old on a Bosman when his Bees contract expires this summer.

The Times also say that transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the club are indeed weighing a move for Eriksen with Sky journalist Bridge now joining in.

The Latest: Bridge backs big Eriksen news…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter now backs that Tottenham will indeed be in the mix, adding that Brentford boss Thomas Frank will find it very hard to keep the midfielder.

He explained: “Spurs will be keeping tabs on him, that’s for sure. I think Brentford will find it very hard to keep him. I know people might say, ‘Well, doesn’t he owe Brentford another year?’ But it doesn’t really work like that.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

Following his phenomenal return to action, an inspirational story in it’s own right, there is little denying Eriksen would inject real creativity into Conte’s midfield – especially on a free deal.

According to WhoScored, only sensational January signing Dejan Kulusevski (1.9) and star forward Son Heung-min (1.7) have averaged the same or more key passes per 90 than the ex-Spurs man (1.7) in the Premier League this season.

Paratici is reportedly eyeing up quality players on dwindling contracts to bolster Conte’s options this summer (The Daily Mail) and we believe Eriksen stands out as one of their most proven options in this bracket.

Conte, as per The Telegraph, also wants two new midfielders with his former Nerazzurri man coming as an extremely shrewd option.

In other news: Big name source: Tottenham in pole position to sign ‘unreal’ 6 ft 3 powerhouse for Conte! Find out more here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt said he had no issue with Hugo Lloris’ post-match comments after Spurs’ Europa League exit last Thursday.

Despite holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg, Jose Mourinho’s side were sent crashing out after losing 3-0 on the night, and 3-2 on aggregate, to Dinamo Zagreb following a wretched performance in the Croatian capital.

Lloris spoke to BT Sport after the game, and the Tottenham skipper pulled no punches, brandishing the result a “disgrace”, whilst also questioning club’s mentality.

The defeat came just three days after Spurs’ top-four hopes suffered a major blow at rivals Arsenal, but Mabbutt admitted that Lloris was well within his rights to question his teammates.

He told Football FanCast:

“I have been asked a couple of times about Hugo’s comments. Hugo is probably one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world – a World Cup winner with France, and of course in the dressing room is a big character.

“So to come out and say what he did, that wouldn’t have been just said to the media but that would have been said in the dressing room – whether after the Arsenal game or Zagreb game. He would have made it clear to the players what he felt, and then made it public.

“I had no problem seeing what came out from Hugo or the manager. It was aimed at getting a response, and clearly from the result on Sunday it got the response that everyone was hoping for.”

It was quite simply a disastrous four days for Spurs, but having put those two awful results behind them by beating Aston Villa, the top-four is suddenly in their sights, especially with a winnable trip to Newcastle on the horizon next month.

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to Mohamed Salah’s comments about his relationship with Jurgen Klopp, fearing that he may leave the club.

The Egyptian has been one of the star players during this wonderful period at Anfield, scoring 119 goals in 192 appearances for the club.

In a season which has seen numerous players struggle, Salah has stood out for Liverpool, not only leading their scoring charts but also topping the pile in the Premier League alongside Harry Kane currently.

There appear to be constant question marks surrounding the 28-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield, however, and in an interview with AS back in December, he flirted with a move to Spain.

Fresh comments have now emerged from Salah, in which he discusses his relationship with Klopp, telling Marca:

“It’s a normal relationship between two professionals. That’s how I’d describe it.”

It isn’t exactly the warmest set of comments from Salah, perhaps suggesting he isn’t as close to the Liverpool manager as some of his teammates.

Liverpool fans react to Salah comments

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the matter, with many concerned about what the future could hold.

“I feel Salah is gonna leave anytime soon, wherever he goes, I wish him all the best”

Credit: @oluwadhamendra1

“Yikes”

Credit: @Haashimlfc

“Wow…such love eh. I know which one I’d rather have at my club. Bye bye Mo”

Credit: @moustache_and

“Not exactly the great affection your hear from other players, is it? Wonder if one day we’ll find out that they were never that close. It happens, like Gerrard/Rafa, Fowler/Houllier”

Credit: @HenryJackson87

“Don’t care. Let him leave, we need the cash”

Credit: @RyShah3

“He can leave”

Credit: @DarkW0LF19

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly interested in snapping up a fellow ‘big six’ star this summer – find out who it is here.

According to The Sun, Glasgow Rangers youngster Ciaran Dickson is set to depart Ibrox this summer after falling out with the club’s hierarchy.

The Lowdown: Bright future expected

It appeared that the 19-year-old had a bright future at Rangers after he made his debut appearance for the first team in the Betfred Cup against Falkirk last season (Transfermarkt).

He was even called “terrific” by Steven Gerrard after that performance (via Rangers News), but it seems that things have turned sour since then.

The Latest: Dickson could now leave

The Sun reported that Dickson could leave the Gers after falling out with the club’s management.

He has duly been told he can move on from Ibrox and is now a target for Premier League side Burnley.

The Verdict: Time to go

Dickson appeared to have a bright future in Glasgow and could well have built on the one first team appearance he made last term. It is unfortunate that his hitherto short career at Ibrox is set to end in a negative fashion.

It is not clear as to why he fell out with the Gers hierarchy, but it is concerning that a 19-year-old would already be arguing with the club. At this point in his career, he should be willing to do whatever possible to reach the top – that includes doing his talking on the training pitch rather than off it.

There may not to be too many supporters disappointed to see the back of him if he does leave amid a fallout with the Ibrox powerbrokers.

In other news, Rangers are set to ramp up their interest in this 27-year-old.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves during his career, has pleaded with Raul Jimenez to not rush his return back to first-team football.

Jimenez fractured his skull last November when Wolves were playing Arsenal and he clashed heads with David Luiz as they both challenged for a header in the box.

The Mexican has been sorely missed at Molineux, especially in the final third because since he joined Wolves the striker has scored 47 goals in the Premier League.

Speaking on why Jimenez must not rush his comeback and why he is unsure what the Mexican will be like when he does return to first-team action, Bull told FFC:

“I wouldn’t rush it because you don’t know if he will come back the same player as before his injury. We don’t know if he will be scared to challenge for a header so I think he’s got to be patient.

“If he can get the odd 20-30 minutes at the end of the season to get his confidence boosted, that will do for me, but just don’t throw him in at the deep end because there’s no need to.”

It has been reported that the £41,000 per week striker is set to make a return to the first team before the end of this season which could give the squad and fans a much-needed boost.

Wolves have suffered several injuries this season, none more so than Jimenez however, with their joint top scorers, Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves, managing just five in the Premier League.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hopes of keeping Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer may have suffered a blow after Manchester United registered an interest in the England international.

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United have made enquiries about the 28-year-old’s situation at St Mary’s as they look to add to their attacking options ahead of next season, despite Edinson Cavani committing to a new one-year contract at Old Trafford earlier this month.

Ings has just one year left on his contract with the Saints but Hasenhuttl has repeatedly suggested that the striker won’t be allowed to leave the club this summer.

This is despite the former Liverpool man seemingly refusing to sign a new deal with the south coast outfit as he eyes a move to a club who can offer him European football in the near future, something which he would have at Old Trafford after their second-placed finish in the Premier League.

Therefore, even if Hasenhuttl is desperate to keep Ings, it seems likely that the striker could be tempted by a switch to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side. The Austrian may be forced to cash in on him while he still can, rather than keeping an unhappy Ings at the club and potentially losing him for nothing next summer.

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Despite some injury problems, the 28-year-old is still Southampton’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with 12 goals, and he emphasised his immense quality on his return to the side recently by scoring a brace in a 3-1 win against Crystal Palace.

Ings is certainly one of the key players in Hasenhuttl’s team, and his partnership with Che Adams has really grown this season, which should give Southampton fans plenty to be hopeful about next season if they can both stay fit.

Unfortunately, Ings may well have his head turned by the interest from Manchester United, and if they submit a substantial bid for the “first-class” forward – as hailed by Clinton Morrison – it is difficult to see Southampton being able to keep him at St Mary’s, regardless of Hasenhuttl’s recent claims. That could leave the manager raging if he is unable to retain the 28-year-old, given his importance to the Saints.

In other news… Semmens can sign Southampton’s next Mane with swoop for 21 y/o wonderkid

Celtic could find life rather difficult in the transfer window this summer.

As well as facing the prospect of losing some of their star players, the Hoops may not have a great deal to spend on bringing in new faces to Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

One area where Celtic should look at strengthening this summer is on the wings.

Mohamed Elyounoussi will be heading back to Southampton after his 17-goal loan spell in Paradise while Ryan Christie hardly set the world alight in a wide area this season. He scored 13 fewer goals than he managed throughout 2019/20, enduring a wretched campaign in the green and white hoops.

With James Forrest missing through injury for the vast majority of the campaign, Celtic lacked genuine width. They played in a narrow fashion and it wasn’t until Karamoko Dembele was unleashed towards the end of the season that John Kennedy was shown what the Bhoys were missing.

The teenager dragged the St Johnstone defence towards him on the flank and was then able to punish them by latching onto David Turnbull’s through ball for his first senior goal.

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Unfortunately, with the likes of Christie and Elyounoussi often coming inside, it hasn’t given Celtic many opportunities to get in behind defences.

The solution

As well as looking towards Dembele for more of an impact next term, the Hoops should consider signing Hibernian winger Martin Boyle.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a bargain switch to Celtic this season, with a fee of £500,000 being touted. Not only would that fall into Celtic’s meagre summer budget, but he’d be an ideal player for what they need.

Boyle was in inspired form for Hibs during the 2020/21 campaign, enjoying a devastating attacking season playing in a mixture of positions.

The Australia international scored 15 goals in 48 outings, taking his tally at Easter Road to 49 altogether for the Edinburgh club. The 28-year-old was also highly creative, providing 12 assists for his teammates.

Capable of playing on either flank, Boyle is someone who’s made an impression on former Celtic boss Neil Lennon. The forward was a key player at Hibs during Lennon’s time in charge at Easter Road as he featured 109 times under the Northern Irishman, scoring 19 goals and claiming 26 assists.

It was a spell which earned praise from Lennon. Speaking after Boyle’s first few caps for Australia, the former Hibs and Celtic manager said: “It’s fantastic and we’re all really pleased for him. He’s made a huge impression. I got a text from Graham Arnold this morning thanking me and saying they were pleased with his performances.”

That came two years after Lennon commented: “He was bright, strong and energetic and his movement was good. His touch was good and his work rate was fantastic and it gave the whole team a lift.”

With that in mind, Boyle could surely fit into this Celtic team. They are in desperate need of finding an energetic winger, someone who’s willing to track back and work for the team, and the Australian may be the perfect candidate.

AND in other news, Howe would have been an instant hit if Celtic signed 45-goal bully who’s “impossible to beat”…

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has said that Liverpool’s squad depth is a major concern. 

Writing in his talkSPORT column, the 34-year-old described the Reds as a ‘top team’ but said that injuries would leave them in ‘big trouble’ because they have the bench of a ’10th-place team’.

Do Liverpool find themselves light on options?

Liverpool made only one signing ahead of the 2021/22 season, bringing in central defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36m. In fact, only six Premier League clubs spent less than the Reds over the course of the summer transfer window (via Football Transfers).

Jurgen Klopp’s side lost Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after the Dutchman reached the end of his contract and also sold Xherdan Shaqiri to Lyon.

Klopp appears to have little faith in his attacking reserves in particular, with neither Takumi Minamino nor Divock Origi seeing a minute of action across the first three games of the season.

Liverpool fans hit back at Agbonlahor comments

Twitter an feed Anfield Edition relayed Agbonlahor’s warning, and here’s what some Liverpool supporters made of his verdict on the Reds’ squad depth.

“Liverpool bench in last game: Konate, Thiago, Keita, Gomez, Ox, Minamino, Jota, Tsimikas and Kelleher. Go back to bed Gabby”

Credit: @CannonChico

“Another ex footballer making a silly statement, they’ll say anything to keep their seat as a pundit”

Credit: @ramzanamin

“We’ve actually let these people disrespect us. Our squad is poor, yes but are there 9 teams that can boast of having better than Konate, Jota, Keita, Chamberlain, Gomez, Tsimikas, and Thiago on their bench? I think not.”

Credit: @Shuaibu_Mk

“Some of that 10th place bench were directly involved in winning Champions League”

Credit: @MICKDARKVOICE

“Well that’s funny because that bench got 3rd last season”

Credit: @Johnb2005

“Someone should show him last season’s league table with our 7th/8th choice centre halves.”

Credit: @lfc_mnm

In other news, fans react to Liverpool’s reported interest in this midfielder.