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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

What’s the talk?

According to American journalist Larry Henry Jr, via The Celtic Star, the Magpies are ahead of Celtic in the race to sign the USA centre-back.

The report claims that he also has interest from abroad but would like to stay in the UK, with Celtic and Newcastle both interested in signing him.

Fernandez replacement

Newcastle have an ageing group of centre-back options, so bringing in a younger alternative like Carter-Vickers could be a shrewd move by the club. Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett are all 29 or older, with the youngest centre-back in the squad being 27-year-old Jamaal Lascelles.

The oldest of the set is Fernandez at 32, so he could be the ideal player for Steve Bruce to replace this summer. Carter-Vickers could come in and take the Argentine’s place in the squad and provide a longer-term solution at centre-back, allowing Bruce to then focus on other areas instead of constantly wondering when the age of the defence will need to be addressed.

Former Luton boss Graeme Jones once lauded the Spurs defender as “incredible” after landing him on loan previously, admitting that he spoke to Graham Potter – who managed him at Swansea – about the USA international.

Jones told Luton’s official website: “Graham Potter is one of my best friends and I spoke to him about Cameron, having had him on loan at Swansea last season. He said the character he’s got is incredible, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Carter-Vickers enjoyed a solid loan spell with Bournemouth in the Championship last term, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.79, while Fernandez managed a score of 6.64 in the Premier League. This is not to say that the Spurs man would immediately be an upgrade on Fernandez, but he has shown promising signs in the second tier.

The £20k-per-week defender also has plenty of time to develop and grow as a defender at the age of 23. Bruce, a centre-back in his day, could be the perfect manager to progress his career and help him take the step up to the Premier League. This is why a deal for Carter-Vickers could be ideal for Newcastle at this moment in time, as they would be replacing an ageing player with someone who has already impressed in England and has the potential to get even better.

AND in other news, Report drops promising update on “tremendous” beast which will leave NUFC fans buzzing…

Ange Postecoglou will be presented will plenty of dilemmas as he heads into his fourth competitive outing as Celtic manager.

The Australian has found life tough since being handed the keys to Parkhead but he’s got an excellent chance on Thursday evening to start moving proceedings in a positive direction.

The Hoops travel to Czech Republic to face Jablonec in Europa League qualifying where they will be hoping for much better luck than they had on their brief Champions League adventure.

Celtic will be able to call on the services of Joe Hart following his move from Tottenham this week but they will be without James McCarthy who arrived following a spell as a free agent.

Will Hart actually start on Thursday? Here’s the XI we’re predicting to take to the field today…

We’re tipping Postecoglou to make four changes to the side that lost to Hearts last weekend.

Two replacements are required in defence where the error-prone Nir Bitton is axed from Postecoglou’s plans with Stephen Welsh coming into the fray.

Carl Starfelt initially looked as though he’d be a doubt for this match after not being included in the UEFA squad list but he was pictured training in the run-up to the game after travelling to Czech Republic.

A second change is in goal where the £15k-per-week Hart replaces Scott Bain who made a mistake against Hearts last weekend.

A third change is made in the middle of the park where Liam Shaw earns his first start in place of Ismaila Soro. The Ivorian has struggled in the opening weeks of the campaign and therefore, is dropped to the bench.

The final alteration to the starting XI is in attack where James Forrest misses out in favour of Ryan Christie on the left wing.

Forrest was poor in that position last weekend, completing one of four dribbles and failing to provide an accurate cross in the entire game. He also lost 80% of his duels and surrendered possession 11 times; the highest number by any attacking player for the Bhoys.

Christie, on the other hand, put in a productive performance from that side of the pitch in the first leg against Midtjylland.

AND in other news, Ange must ruthlessly axe Celtic’s £14k-p/w “walking joke” tonight, he’s been shocking…

Danny Cowley has explained Michael Jacobs’ current situation, following a failed transfer this month.

What’s the talk?

Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley has explained why Michael Jacobs’ proposed move to Ipswich ultimately fell through. The Pompey boss has claimed that another player became available to the Tractor Boys at the last minute and that caused them to ditch Jacobs and leave him in limbo.

He told the Portsmouth News:

“We got into a good place on Thursday, which allowed us to accept the bid for Michael.

“They agreed personal terms and they did a medical. Michael passed that medical, so I am told. For whatever reason, the deal didn’t happen.

“I found out yesterday afternoon. I told Michael, he didn’t know. I was ringing Ipswich all day Sunday, trying to find out, for everyone’s benefit.

“What happened – and this does happen in football – is that Ipswich agreed the deal and then another player became available and they decided to go with the other player.

“Michael appreciated my honesty. He needed clarity himself and once I found out, I told him. He is one of my players, I care a lot for him. You think ‘How would I want to be treated in that position?’.

‘I always try to walk in their shoes and would want to know and, even if it’s not my place to tell him, I think I have a responsibility to tell him.

‘He’s a really good kid and he has been mucked around, messed around. Football never ceases to amaze you, doesn’t it?”

Fans will be frustrated

This update from Cowley will leave fans frustrated. It is difficult to blame Ipswich for their actions as they were acting in the best interests of their own club. If a better player, in their view, was available and a deal for Jacob was not signed, sealed and delivered then it is their prerogative to make that call, which they ultimately did.

That does not change how it impacts Portsmouth, though, and that is why this is a frustrating situation for the supporters, the club, Cowley and Jacobs. The midfielder was seemingly happy to move on and join the Blues, with Portsmouth also willing to sanction it and Cowley moved on with his plans to shape his own squad for the League One campaign.

Jacobs has now returned to Fratton Park with a huge question mark over his head for the rest of the window. Do Portsmouth now keep hold of him? Do they sell him to another side?

The £7.9k-per-week dud did not enjoy the best of debut seasons for Portsmouth. He played 20 games in League One, 12 starts, and averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.67. That placed him 14th in the Pompey squad for ratings, which suggests that he is a bench option for Cowley on the evidence of his career at the club so far.

Therefore, it could be a shrewd call to find him a new club before the end of the month as his exit may not impact the squad in terms of quality and he has already had his head set on a move.

He may not be able to fully concentrate on playing for Pompey, as he was in the mindset for a transfer to Ipswich – which could mean that he needs to seal an exit to settle down and start grinding out performances again. Pompey fans will be frustrated, as their club are now left with a player who was ready to move on.

AND in other news, 9 duels lost: Portsmouth flop endured nightmare display that’ll leave Cowley fuming…

Steve Bruce still wants to tick two more boxes in the summer transfer window after signing Joe Willock, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh. 

The lowdown

Just two days before their first game of the season against West Ham United, Newcastle completed their first signing of the summer.

Willock arrived from Arsenal for a fee in excess of £20million and signed a six-year contract with the Magpies (via BBC Sport).

The 21-year-old scored eight goals over the course of his loan spell in the second half of last season, establishing himself as the club’s ‘number one target’.

The latest

Newcastle may just be getting started, with a left-sided centre-back and a defensive midfielder still on the agenda.

FC Midtjylland’s Jens Cajuste would fit the no. 6 bill, and he’s said to be ‘highly rated by Newcastle’s scouting team’.

But the Magpies could also target someone who can cover both positions, and Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara may well be that man.

Recruitment sources have maintained, though, that Newcastle are only in a position to agree one permanent deal and two loans this summer.

The verdict

On paper, Kamara looks to be the answer to Newcastle’s problems. He addresses both areas Bruce wants to strengthen and is still only 21 years old, meaning his performance levels and his value should both climb.

However, it’s hard to see Marseille sanctioning a loan move when the player is into the final 12 months of his contract. If he is to leave, they’ll surely want to ensure they bank a decent fee.

Perhaps Newcastle could use sales as a means of a generating the funds for an additional permanent transfer.

In other news, Newcastle have made an offer for this Serie A star.

According to Eurosport, the representatives of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard are trying to find him a new club this summer and West Ham are in the fray to sign him.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker chase…

West Ham boss David Moyes has been trying to bolster his striking options over the last two months but still isn’t any closer to providing an alternative option to Michail Antonio.

Antonio suffered his fair share of injury problems last season and missed a combined total of 13 games, something which could prove to be a problem this season given West Ham’s involvement in the Europa League.

Now, Eurosport has some striker news for the Hammers.

The Latest: Agents trying to find Edouard new club as West Ham enter fray…

Writing for Eurosport, journalist Dean Jones has shared the latest on Edouard and how his agents are trying to find the player a new club.

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It is claimed that the 23-year-old’s representatives have been actively searching for a way out of Celtic but his options for a Premier League move are running low.

He had his sights set on joining Leicester City but that switch failed to materialise, with Jones saying that his options now could be ‘down to Crystal Palace and West Ham’.

The Hammers are also said to be looking at Slavia Prague’s Abdallah Sima and PSV Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong.

The Verdict: Get it done…

If West Ham receive a suitable offer from Edouard’s entourage, we believe it would be foolish for Moyes and co not to grasp it with both hands.

The striker bagged a prolific 22 goals in all competitions north of the border last season, branded ‘magnificent’ by former Hoops boss Neil Lennon for his efforts (Glasgow Live).

Much will depend on the price tag amid a difficult transfer climate for all teams but he will be allowed to leave Parkhead if a ‘suitable’ formal offer arrives (Eurosport).

Edouard is arguably worth a significant investment given his goal return, plaudits and potential for great sell-on value.

In other news: West Ham re-join race to sign 83-goal forward after rejected January offer, find out more here.

West Ham United have held talks with CSKA Moscow attacker Nikola Vlasic, amid growing suspicion that fellow target Jesse Lingard will stay put at Manchester United this summer [Hammers News].

Enjoying a commendable 2020/21 campaign, the Croatia international registered 18 goal contributions in 34 appearances for his current Russian employers; 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could well be set for a move to East London following recent reports.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show yesterday evening, Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth remarked that the Hammers have held talks with Vlasic over a move, whilst also adding that there is “a growing feeling that Jesse Lingard may remain at Manchester United” [Hammers News].

West Ham have allegedly put forward an offer of a season-long loan stint with a £28 million purchase clause at the end of the season inserted for Vlasic’s services [Hammers News].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United supporters flocked to social media to share their opinion on the latest news.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some Hammers had to say about the update, with one admitting they are ‘excited’:

“Sign Vlasic on Loan then get Lingard for cheaper in January when Benrahma goes to AFCON”

Credit: @OC02_

“Excited about this one if we can get it over the line”

Credit: @davewinsley

“Jesse seems impossible and seems to be talking to CSKA Moscow over Vlasic now”

Credit: @WHUFCJPNFans

“Vlasic PLEASE”

Credit: @ben_personal

“Please”

Credit: @WesthamDeku_

“Okay for real west ham can you just do me this one solid and get Vlašić? You’re gonna make so much money off me alone if you bring him in”

Credit: @NStampar

In other news, West Ham United fans react to a Declan Rice update. Find out more here.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Raheem Sterling could leave Manchester City before the transfer window closes if a big bid comes in.

Sterling, who was not always a starter for City last season, faces tough competition for a spot from the likes of new signing Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.

Various outlets, including the MailOnline, have also claimed that the 26-year-old is one player the Premier League champions have been open to selling this summer.

On top of all of that, City are, of course, still chasing Tottenham’s Harry Kane, who is going to cost a lot of money if he is eventually sold and will take up another attacking spot in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.

Ultimately, considering everything, Palmer is refusing to rule out the possibility of Sterling still leaving before the end of the month in a potential £70-80m deal. The ex-Leeds United player told TT:

“It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Sterling. I can’t get my head around Pep letting Sterling go after the way he played in the Euros, but you never know.

“He’s signed Grealish. If he believes that Harry Kane’s the final piece in the jigsaw, then he might decide to let Sterling go. Sterling, you would think, would be valued at about 70 to 80 million.”

Sterling managed to score over the weekend in the 5-0 thrashing of Norwich City, showing that he still has a lot to offer at City.

Leeds United could still sign Manchester United winger Daniel James before the summer transfer window closes, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on James

The Whites have been linked with a move for the Welshman throughout this summer, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add to his wide options.

Although James started Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Sunday, he is going increasingly down the attacking pecking order, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo joining from Juventus.

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The Latest: Hay gives update

The reliable Hay has now provided an update on Leeds’ pursuit of the winger, admitting in a Q&A for The Athletic that a move could still happen before deadline day is over. He said:

“It goes without saying that Leeds and Bielsa have a long, long interest in him.

“Our understanding is that he will be made available by Man Utd (although whether he’ll want to go is another matter). It’s not a secret that Bielsa likes him.”

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The Verdict: Ideal wide competition

James may be a somewhat one-dimensional footballer, relying hugely on his electric pace – he has scored just nine goals in 74 appearances for United – but he could be an ideal squad player for Leeds.

At 23, he should still have plenty of time to mature, and he could provide an alternative option to the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, proving to be a key counter-attacking threat.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will make a late bid for James, but it would certainly be better than not bringing in any wide players at all.

In other news, Leeds could reportedly make a late swoop for one European youngster. Find out who it is here.

Wolves endured a torrid time in the summer transfer window as the Old Gold struggled to bring in the players they wanted.

Bruno Lage’s first few months at the club were also marred by a lack of finances after spending £76.32m 12 months ago.

That being said, they did make some eye-catching additions. Wolves brought Trincao and Hwang-hee Chan to the club on loan; two players who will undoubtedly improve their forward ranks.

Yet, there were also near misses. Lage tried to sign Sven Botman from Lille and the player reportedly wanted the move but they ended up being priced out.

They also made a last-ditch attempt to land Renato Sanches from the same club. However, with the Portuguese injured for a period of time and the Molineux outfit unable to agree on a future fee to buy him, the deal collapsed.

Another player they tried to lure to English football was Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Athletic (via GIVEMESPORT) revealed the rather surprising news last week in a review surrounding the club’s transfer business.

What was least surprising, though, was that a move wasn’t agreed.

However, if they are serious about spending money going forward and lifting themselves towards European football again, then signing players like Milinkovic-Savic could take them to the next level.

After all, he’d be an immense upgrade on some of the options they already have in the middle of the park.

Previous reviews about the £104k-per-week dynamo tell you all you need to know. He’s been compared to Zinedine Zidane and Paul Pogba and has been hailed greatly by ex-Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman.

He once said: “He has remarkable attributes and you’ll not find another player in the world with that power, muscular structure and height combined with technique and tactical awareness.”

It’s evident to see just how many attributes the Serbian has at his disposal. Last season, Milinkovic-Savic scored eight goals and registered nine assists for Lazio in Serie A. Both of those numbers were better than anyone at Molineux.

Furthermore, he won 1.8 tackles and managed 1.3 key passes per game. In terms of the first statistic, only Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho had better numbers at Wolves from a midfielder’s perspective.

Only Moutinho, Pedro Neto and Adama Traore, meanwhile, registered better stats for creativity.

However, if you combine those numbers with the Serbia international’s goal involvements, it’s clear to see just how big a presence he could be.

Signing him would be a major coup but they must revisit their interest in a few months time.

AND in other news, Wolves set for big boost after key weekend development, Lage surely buzzing…

Atletico Madrid could target Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez if Jan Oblak is sold, according to Spanish outlet La Razon. 

The lowdown

Villa paid £17million to sign Martinez from Arsenal ahead of the 2020/21 season and committed him to a four-year contract. Transfermarkt now value the 29-year-old at £31.5m.

Martinez kept 15 clean sheets in his debut season at Villa Park – a tally bettered only by Ederson (19) and Edouard Mendy (16), ‘keepers for the Premier League and European champions respectively (via Premier League).

The latest

The report from Spain states that Atletico find themselves ‘on the brink of the salary limit’ after bringing Antoine Griezmann back to the Wanda Metropolitano from FC Barcelona. As a result, they could be forced to offload one of their ‘stars’ next summer.

Oblak, whose contract runs until 2023, could be the one to go if he doesn’t pen an extension. Atletico are aware that he may be open to the possibility of a ‘change of scenery’.

Martinez is already being considered as a potential replacement, with his performances having caught the eye of Diego Simeone.

The reigning La Liga champions recognise that it would take ‘a significant financial outlay’ to prise him away from Villa, but are confident Oblak’s sale would more than cover the cost.

The verdict

It’s no surprise that Martinez has caught the eye. His displays for Villa, and during his final season at Arsenal, have put him amongst the elite bracket of goalkeepers in the English top flight – some pundits even had him in their team of the season last term.

The prospect of competing for titles and playing Champions League football will surely tempt Martinez, but expect Villa to present Atletico with an almighty price-tag as they look to keep hold one of their best assets.

In other news, fans react to this award nomination.