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Olivier Ntcham is set to stay at Celtic for the foreseeable future after a last-ditch attempt from AEK Athens to take him to Greece did not materialise, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for busy 2021/22 season

Moving towards 2021/22, many onlookers within Scottish football will be intrigued to see how Ange Postecoglou gets the best out of his newly-inherited squad of players this season.

While adding quality to the squad over time will be important, maximising the output of those already at the club will also take precedence for the Australian.

One man who looks as if he may get another opportunity at Parkhead looking ahead is Ntcham, following recent developments regarding his future.

The Latest: Ntcham set to stay at Celtic following AEK Athens U-turn

The Frenchman is said to have turned down further advances from AEK Athens in the last few days, and Greek publication sportime.gr have indicated that ‘negotiations did not go well’ with his associates, signifying that he is set to stay with Celtic [Daily Record].

Interestingly, the 25-year-old made a surprise appearance for the Hoops last Saturday in a 2-1 friendly win against Charlton [Glasgow Times].

The Verdict: Ntcham staying would be a huge boost to Celtic

On evaluation, this news could come as a significant boost to the Parkhead hierarchy. Capable of producing heroics on his day, the former Manchester City man has the ability to once again become a key players for the Bhoys moving forward.

He endured a frustrating 2020/21 season, making just 29 appearances between Celtic and Marseille, who he joined on loan for the second half of the campaign [Transfermarkt]. Nonetheless, he impressed with his ability to progress the ball, recording a passing accuracy of 85.1% across the season [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘unbelievable’ by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon [The Scottish Sun], the midfielder possesses the talent to make a noticeable difference at Parkhead if he can settle back down.

Having won eight trophies during his time with Celtic [Transfermarkt], Ntcham may be someone to the Hoops will look for inspiration as they aim to rediscover domestic success under Postecoglou.

In other news, a former Premiership striker has been raving about this Celtic prodigy.

Celtic have initiated talks regarding a deal to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

According to recent reports (via The Celtic Bhoys), Ange Postecoglou’s side have started talks with Tottenham Hotspur about making the centre-back’s season-long loan switch a permanent move ahead of the January transfer window.

A previous report by the Daily Record revealed that Celtic have an option-to-buy clause in the 23-year-old’s temporary contract at Parkhead, with £10m reported as the figure that the Bhoys would need to shell out in order to sign the USA international permanently.

However, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph then claimed in a post on Twitter that the Hoops’ clause to purchase Carter-Vickers is actually £6m.

“Great move”

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers has been since his arrival in Glasgow earlier this year, reports that Celtic have initiated talks to sign the defender on a permanent basis are sure to have left Hoops fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £1.8m-rated centre-back has helped his side to keep seven clean sheets, scored two goals and provided his teammates with one assist. He has also averaged 1.4 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 85.2 passes per match – the second-most of any player in the league for the latter – and won 71% of his duels.

These returns have seen the £20k-per-week loanee, who former Spurs team-mate Jan Vertonghen dubbed an “absolute beast”, average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.45, ranking him as the fourth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

As such, it would very much seem as if Postecoglou’s claim that Celtic’s signing of the defender was a “great move” by the club is bang on the money, while the addition of the 23-year-old on a permanent basis in January would undoubtedly be a very positive one for the future of the Bhoys based on how his loan spell has gone so far.

In other news: Postecoglou drops four-word injury update which will delight Celtic fans

West Ham didn’t add any new signings to their side in January but David Moyes will surely be hoping to make up for it this summer as the Hammers push on again for a place in European football as news of a potential transfer target emerges.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, West Ham are plotting a bid for Mainz captain Moussa Niakhate and could snap up the centre-back for just £8m in the summer.

Mainz reportedly do not want to lose the 26-year-old on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2023, so would be interested in accepting a lower fee this summer to cash in on him.

The East London club joins two other Premier League clubs in the pursuit for the Frenchman’s signature, as Newcastle United and Everton are also linked in the report.

Diop replacement

West Ham supporters will surely be delighted that the club is linked with a new player to freshen up the defensive line after an abject season from Issa Diop, and they will be even more thrilled about replacing their current defender with Niakhate when you compare their output this season.

According to Squawka, the 26-year-old defender, who was hailed “ambitious” by Mainz manager Bo Svensson, has also been highly effective in offensive play with three more goals and ten more chances created than the current West Ham centre-back who was labelled “poor” by Ian Wright this season.

It’s also evident that he is well-oiled machine in defence, registering numbers that eclipse far and away what Diop can produce.

With the Europa League trophy and an outside chance of stealing the fourth spot in the Premier League table to qualify for Champions League still in sight, it was thought Moyes might have added some depth to his squad in the winter transfer window, but clearly the club felt that they could progress without new additions.

The recent success for West Ham in finishing higher in the league, and their continued efforts to become a force in the Europa League will surely mean that adding to and upgrading on their current options will be a priority this summer, and Niakhate could be a great place to start for the side.

In other news: WHU may end up signing “electric” £50m gem this summer, he can finally replace Haller

According to The Athletic, West Ham United manager David Moyes may have been handed a boost in his pursuit of Burnley defender James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: West Ham re-join Tarkowski race…

Since Angelo Ogbonna sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 3-2 win over Liverpool last weekend, West Ham have been tipped to add a new centre-half to their ranks in January.

Indeed, a reliable report from The Evening Standard claimed that Moyes will be backed to sign a central defender as cover for Ogbonna alongside the possible additions of a striker and Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.

Rob Dickie and Dael Fry, two standout performers in the Championship, have been linked with the Irons, while West Ham have also reignited their interest in Tarkowski. The 28-year-old was subject to two failed Hammers bids in the last few seasons but The Evening Standard reported that he is back on the Londoners’ radar.

Football Insider also believe that Moyes is personally eyeing the Burnley defender, with Tarkowski himself ‘very keen’ to join him.

The Latest: The Athletic share update…

As per The Athletic reporter Andy Jones, Burnley’s mainstay has ‘made his position clear’ in regards to leaving and ‘wants a new challenge’. Tarkowski is also set for an ‘imminent departure’ and only ‘extreme circumstances’ would change this, despite remaining ‘committed to the club’ this season.

The 28-year-old’s current deal expires in 2022, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of this season, and he is currently one of many Burnley players with their long-term futures in question.

The Verdict: Boost for Moyes?

As West Ham eye defensive reinforcements, news that Tarkowski is almost certain to leave Turf Moor could come as a boost for Moyes and co. Depending on developments, the Irons and transfer chief Rob Newman could theoretically put pressure on Burnley to sell at a cheaper rate in January so as not to lose him for nothing next summer.

He would certainly be an astute addition too when looking at Tarkowski’s defensive statistics when compared with West Ham’s current crop.

According to WhoScored, he has averaged more clearances per 90 in the Premier League this season (5.1) than any Hammers player bar summer signing Kurt Zouma (5.3). Furthermore, Tarkowski beats everyone in Moyes’ squad in terms of aerial duels won in that time – dominating his opponents a colossal four times per match (WhoScored).

If West Ham can take advantage of the defender’s desire to leave Lancashire, he would come as a brilliant coup.

In other news: Italian source leaks transfer news out of West Ham involving ‘extraordinary’ £22.5 million-valued beast, find out more here.

James Milner could still be playing for Liverpool in 2024, Frank McAvennie has told Football Insider.

The lowdown: Klopp confirms talks

Milner, 36, joined Liverpool in 2015 on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City – his £140,000-per-week contract is due to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season

But manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed in February that ‘the club is in talks’ with the midfielder over a potential renewal.

He’s played 283 matches for the club, scoring 26 goals and providing 44 assists, and helped them win the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League and the 2019/20 Premier League.

Milner ranks fourth on the all-time PL appearance list (584), 69 short of leader Gareth Barry.

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The latest: McAvennie reacts

McAvennie hailed the attitude of the ‘remarkable’ veteran and believes Klopp will appreciate him both on and off the pitch. He thinks Milner could remain part of the squad until he’s 38.

“It’s great to see Milner playing, oh my god he’s older than me,” the 62-year-old joked to FI.

“He still has it as well. Long may it continue because you are so long retired.

“I don’t blame him for keeping going but to be his age and getting games for this Liverpool side is remarkable.

“He puts such a shift in every time he plays even if he isn’t starting every week.

“That’s the personality Klopp really likes. I imagine Milner is a big influence behind the scenes.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was still there in a couple of years. Maybe he has one more contract in him.”

The verdict: Good decision?

McAvennie certainly has a point about Milner’s work-rate. Data from FBRef shows that the Englishman ranks in the 90th percentile or better among midfielders in the top five leagues when it comes to tackles, blocks and clearances.

However, while he was selected in the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal against Benfica in midweek, he hasn’t started a PL match since the 2-2 draw with Chelsea back on 2 January.

Klopp appears more inclined to bring him off the substitutes’ bench late on in a bid to close out matches.

So the question is not only whether Liverpool offer him a deal, it’s also whether Milner will accept limited involvement, when he could theoretically have the chance to play more regularly elsewhere.

In other news, Liverpool have another Primeira Liga target after Diaz.

Everton’s record in the transfer window has left a lot to be desired in recent years and one club has benefitted more than most from their haphazard spending.

The Toffees signed Alex Ixobi from Arsenal for £34m in the summer of 2019, but not before they splashed out £20m to secure the services of a 28-year-old Theo Walcott just six months prior.

At first glance, it appeared to be a sensible transfer for the Goodison Park outfit. Director of football Marcel Brands had secured an England international who had scored over 100 goals for the Gunners and was still in his prime years.

However, Walcott’s three-and-a-half-year stay on Merseyside proved to be somewhat of a nightmare for Everton and the player.

The flying winger made a fast start to in a Blue shirt, scoring three goals and providing a further three assists in his first 14 Premier League games for the club, but his promising form failed to carry over into 2018/19.

During his second campaign as an Everton player, Walcott only added a further eight goal contributions despite making 40 appearances in all competitions.

And things got even worse for the now 32-year-old in 2019/20. The Southampton academy graduate scored just two goals and laid on four assists, condemning the forward to one of his least productive campaigns in many years.

It led to Walcott re-joining his boyhood club on a season-long loan last term before making the move permanent following the expiration of his contract over the summer, ending an underwhelming with the Toffees.

He exited Everton with 20 goal contributions in 85 outings for the club and will go down as another expensive dud who promised so much.

And, in other news…Everton increasingly likely to sign £187k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing 

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has made a claim after hearing Tanguy Ndombele has told Tottenham Hotspur chiefs he wants leave.

The Lowdown: Ndombele out the door?

Daily Star reporter Paul Brown first reported that Ndombele’s future is up in the air with the player now considering his options this summer.

Following this development, Football Insider went one step further and claimed that the Frenchman has now told club chiefs that he wants to leave Spurs before August 31.

Indeed, it appears another Lilywhites star is now seeking the exit door amid all the unrest surrounding Harry Kane.

Reacting to this FI claim on Ndombele, Campbell has now made his feelings known to the same outlet.

The Latest: Campbell makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to this update that Ndombele is now looking to leave north London, Campbell believes that the exit could ‘100%’ happen and the ‘writing is on the wall’.

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“It could happen, 100%,” the pundit explained.

“Ndombele had problems with Mourinho, didn’t he? Maybe he isn’t the player Nuno wants.

“The fact of the matter is when he’s not even involved, the writing is on the wall.

“He wants to play football, he’s a talented boy and the record signing. He’s not going to hang around and sit in the stands watching everyone else.

“He’ll ask to leave if he doesn’t play. A move will probably do him good. It’s never good when you aren’t even making the squad.”

The Verdict: Blow for Nuno?

Lauded as an ‘incredible’ player by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho and ‘unplayable’ on his day by Joe Hart, losing Tottenham’s club record signing would come as somewhat of a blow.

On his day, the 24-year-old can really turn it on and his ability is there for all to see.

According to WhoScored, no Spurs player completed more successful dribbles per 90 last season than Ndombele (2.2) and he can often prove difficult to dispossess.

That being said, question marks remain surrounding his application and it may be best for both parties to entertain considerable offers before deadline day.

In other news: Offer pending: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

David Moyes is sweating on the fitness of star left-back Aaron Cresswell ahead of West Ham United’s clash with Burnley in the Premier League this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

The 31-year-old has been absent since picking up a back problem during the defeat to Manchester City several weeks ago and has recently resumed ‘light’ training but according to the manager, it’ll be “touch and go” if he features today.

“Cress is doing much better, it will be touch and go if he makes it or not,” said the Scot (via the Evening Standard).

“We’ve seen him out and about a little bit and he’s doing a bit more, feeling a bit more mobile than he has been. It would be important if we could get him back, it would help us a lot. We’ll give him every opportunity to try and make it.”

Big setback

Cresswell’s continued absence would be a major blow to the Irons, especially as the injuries are mounting up in defence.

Kurt Zouma was withdrawn in last weekend’s victory over Chelsea and is expected to join fellow centre-back Angelo Ogbonna on the long-term injury list, whilst young full-back Ben Johnson also picked up a problem in the game, and he could miss several games over the festive period.

If the Englishman is also out, then it leaves Moyes very short on options right across the backline. Vladimir Coufal, you’d imagine, would be set to claim his place back at right-back but on the left, it’s a little tricky.

It’s becoming increasingly evident that the Hammers boss does not trust Arthur Masuaku that much defensively but in a back five, where he can bomb up and down the wing, he’s more likely to start.

That is something Moyes also alluded to during his pre-game press conference.

“We certainly lose something in midfield but maybe we might have more midfield players than we do defenders at the moment so Declan is certainly a consideration for that and he can play there as well,” he claimed (via the Evening Standard). “He would give us a lot of pluses if we play at the back, we’d build better.”Rice would only drop back into defence if Moyes opted for a back-three, which would then allow the inclusion of Masuaku, but ideally, you’d think that many around the team would want their trusty and reliable left-back involved.Last season, Cresswell led the squad for creativity, managing a whopping eight assists and 1.6 key passes made per game, via WhoScored. That shows his influence to the side, particularly in the final third, where he is a much better option than the Congolese defender.Therefore, it would be a bitter and crushing blow to not have the 31-year-old back involved after returning to training this week.

AND in other news, Moyes must start West Ham’s “creative spark” over Said Benrahma this afternoon… 

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost regarding the injury picked up by Sergio Reguilon on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

In a post on the left-back’s Twitter account, Reguilon revealed that the knock he picked up in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Norwich City this weekend – which saw the defender substituted in the 22nd minute of the clash – is nothing serious, before claiming he would be back to full fitness in a matter of days.

In his post, the 24-year-old said: “I’ll be back in a few days. Don’t sell me in @OfficialFPL.”

This would appear to be an assessment that is supported by Antonio Conte, with the Tottenham manager stating of the Spain international’s injury after the game: “Reguilon is a generous player, because he started the game, and he wasn’t 100 per cent.

“I spoke with him at the end of the game, and we stopped him at the right time. I hope to have him very soon. It’s not an injury, only fatigue in his muscle.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Tottenham side Reguilon has become since his £27m move to north London last summer, the news that the defender’s injury is not serious and will be back in a few days time is sure to have left Spurs fans buzzing.

Indeed, the £22.5m-rated left-back has featured in all but one of Tottenham’s 14 Premier League fixtures so far this season, over which he has helped his side keep four clean sheets, scored one goal, registered three assists and created two big chances for his teammates.

The £68k-per-week man has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of one key pass, 1.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and winning 4.1 duels per match, with these returns seeing the 24-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.79.

As such, the news that the former Real Madrid defender could well feature in Spurs’ UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against Rennes on Thursday evening is sure to delight fans and Conte alike, as the Spaniard’s inclusion will undoubtedly provide the club’s chances of picking up all three points from the game with a major boost.

In other news: Paratici makes THFC move for £30m gem who Conte could “achieve incredible things” with

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as an exit rumour emerges on James Rodriguez.

As per football journalist and transfer expert Pedro Almeida, the Colombia international is heading for a move to Italy before the summer window shuts at the end of this month.

Rodriguez was a key player for the Goodison Park club in the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals and supplying a further nine assists in 26 games across all competitions (Transfermarkt), and he would be deeply missed should he make the move away from Merseyside.

He adds that extra bit of creativity and spark in midfield, and with only Gylfi Sigurdsson supplying more assists for Everton in 2020/21, the Colombian would not be easy to replace as the end of the transfer window draws nearer.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer update

These Toffees supporters fumed as the exit rumour on Rodriguez was shared by The Everton End on their Twitter page, with one Blue claiming that the 30-year-old is a ‘quality’ player and another deriding manager Rafael Benitez as a ‘clown’ if he were to sanction the playmaker’s exit:

“Played 20+ for us which isn’t to bad. And he’s still comfortably our best player. Take his creativity out and we don’t replace him. We will struggle a lot more to score.”

Credit: @PatrickDrohan

“LET JAMES PLAY IN FRONT OF THE FANS”

Credit: @dylanlaughlin18

“CRIME: ..definition: “To have James Rodriguez play for Everton an entire year and not once had him played in front of a packed Goodison Park, score and bathe in the roar of ecstasy only celebrating in front of Everton fans will ever bring him””

Credit: @CeejayNightwing

“As if I’m not going to witness James in blue live, Everton that”

Credit: @BurnsA1997

“Why lose such a quality player?”

Credit: @gerrardsteve64

“Can’t believe all the deadwood we have and the clown of a manager wants to get rid of our most creative midfielder.”

Credit: @stedickson4

In other news, find out what swap deal involving Rodriguez could be on the cards