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Celtic are plotting a move to sign a "world-class" talent who is earning £10,000-a-week with his current club.

Celtic eye new goalkeeper

Earlier this year, Celtic no.1 Joe Hart announced that he would be retiring at the end of the Scottish Premiership season, ending his career on a high after the Hoops clinched yet another title.

"I wanted to get the message out, as of June I am going to stop playing football", Hart explained in February. "This is something that I have thought about for a while, there's no right or wrong time is there?

"There is obviously a conversation around the goalkeeping position for next season and I think it's really important that with the blessing of the club we get the message out and it takes one thing out of what people are going to speculate over.

"I have gone down every avenue to keep myself in the best possible shape to give my all on game day and I do really think I am at that peak, but I am aware time waits for no man and I don't want my body to be retiring me. That was one of the key factors, thinking I can smash through the finish line."

Following news of Hart's impending exit, the Scottish champions have been linked with a number of new keepers heading into the summer. Celtic have reportedly made an offer of around £6.4m for the services of Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, who has been a long-term target for the Scottish outfit. Southampton shot-stopper Alex McCarthy is also being monitored ahead of him becoming a free agent this summer.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough shot-stopper Tom Glover appears to be of interest, while Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly is said to be on Celtic’s list of summer targets, although rivals Rangers are also keen.

Report: Celtic ahead of Rangers in bid to sign 24 y/o who "does everything"

What an addition this could be at Parkhead.

By
Henry Jackson

May 24, 2024

Now, however, another name, arguably of a much higher quality, has seemingly caught the eye of those at Celtic Park.

Celtic plot move to sign £10,000-a-week player

According to Football Insider, Celtic are long-term admirers of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and are plotting their move. Crucially, it is added that the goalkeeper views this summer as the ideal time to move if he is to become the first choice at another club and also the first choice for the Republic of Ireland.

Kelleher, who earns £10,000-a-week on his current deal, which runs until 2026, was handed a more regular starting berth for Liverpool across the 2023/24 season following injury issues with Alisson. He made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, keeping five clean sheets in the process and there have been claims recently that he is pushing to leave Merseyside.

Said displays earned the 25-year-old high praise from Liverpool and Netherlands stopper Virgil van Dijk. Speaking alongside Kelleher after being named man of the match in the League Cup final versus Chelsea, the Dutchman said:

“He should have got it. I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think. I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again. It’s good to see. He’s a good boy, good goalkeeper and that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.”

Lionel Messi could be in line for a return to the Club World Cup, with Inter Miami open to gracing that event in 2025.

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• Expanded event heading to the United States
• Herons may be asked to join the party
• Argentine has won trophy on three occasions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  An expanded version of the FIFA-hosted tournament will be heading to the United States next summer. Some 32 teams will now be taking part in the competition, which is set to be held on a quadrennial basis rather than an annual one.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Seattle Sounders, as winners of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, will be providing MLS representation on U.S. soil. The United States will also be allowed to send another team on an invitation basis – with it suggested that Inter Miami may get that nod.

• WHAT MARTINO SAID

  The Herons are an obvious choice as they have eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi on their books, and are in the hunt for MLS Cup glory in 2024. Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has said of accepting an invite if one were to be sent to Florida: “Obviously we would like to. Who wouldn't like to participate in a Club World Cup? We have the objectives for this year, what lies ahead, but the other part and the way of qualifying will be determined by those who have to decide.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Messi has graced the Club World Cup on several occasions in the past, but not since capturing that particular crown in 2015. He claimed said title on three occasions while on the books at Barcelona – with global glory complementing three of his four Champions League triumphs during a record-setting spell at Camp Nou.

Over the past couple of seasons, Newcastle United have been blessed with a return to European football, following the fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, which secured the club automatic qualification for the Champions League.

Before last season's success, the Magpies had gone 20 years without Champions League football at St James' Park, with a whole generation missing out on the club's glory days.

Since the club's last European adventure, they have dropped into the Championship on multiple occasions, led by the likes of Steve Bruce in what was a dark period under former owner Mike Ashley.

Some of the Magpies' older supporters will remember the impact of players such as Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand on Tyneside in a period where the club narrowly missed out on claiming the league title.

However, the club also employed another fantastic striker, who enjoyed a successful run in front of goal during his stint at the club throughout the 1990s.

Andy Cole's stats at Newcastle United

After forking out a then club-record fee for his signature in 1993, striker Andy Cole was brought into the club to help the Magpies get out of the old first division and secure promotion to the Premier League.

No one would have envisaged the immediate impact he would have at St James' Park, scoring 12 goals in as many games towards the tail end of the 1992/93 campaign – a run of form that included two hat-tricks.

However, that would only be the start of a phenomenal goalscoring period for the striker on Tyneside, with the Nottingham-born forward bagging 34 goals and 13 assists in just 40 Premier League matches the season prior – an average of 1.2 goal contributions per game during that campaign.

Cole's staggering record would propel the Magpies to a third-placed finish that year, qualifying for the UEFA Cup just one season after securing promotion from the second tier.

Whilst he slowed down his goalscoring form during the 1994/95, he would still post a tally of 15 goals in his first 26 matches – taking his goals scored to 64 in just 86 matches, an obscene record.

However, he would fail to add to his Newcastle tally after he completed a shock £7m move to rivals Manchester United in February 1995 – an English record transfer that would cause outrage amongst the Magpies fanbase.

Everyone knows goalscorers don't come cheap and, whilst it was a record transfer then, how much would he be worth in a modern transfer market? We have the answer.

How much Andy Cole would be worth in 2024

In 1993, when Newcastle signed Cole from Bristol City, it was an expensive one that broke their own record, but it was one deal that proved to be a successful investment.

Whilst his departure set the British transfer record over 30 years ago, if the club had sold him in 2024, that transfer would have been roughly worth an extraordinary £122m, according to a conversion tool from The Totally Money Transfer Index.

That is a deal that would have eclipsed the current British record £115m that Chelsea paid Brighton last summer to acquire the services of midfielder Moises Caicedo and also the £105m Arsenal paid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United.

Whilst Newcastle selling Cole at the time was seen as an awful move by the club, the fee raised allowed the Magpies to invest the money in Shearer, with the Newcastle-born striker enjoying a successful stint at his boyhood club which saw him become the Premier League's all-time leading scorer and a English icon.

New England manager Lee Carsley has already caused controversy by admitting he won't sing the national anthem.

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• Carsley preparing for first England game
• Ex-Ireland midfielder replaced Southgate
• Won't sing God Save the King before match

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Carsley is set to lead the Three Lions for the first time against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday evening. The former Everton midfielder is the newest England coach after Gareth Southgate called an end to his eight year-reign as after Euro 2024, and Carsley has already said he won't be partaking in the national anthem ahead of kick-off.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  The decision has riled some fans and people in the media, but this isn't a new thing for Carsley. Speaking to the press ahead of the Ireland encounter, the 50-year-old, who represented Ireland 40 times, admitted he's often so in the zone before games that his focus isn't on the national anthem. When the Birmingham-born coach managed England's Under-21, he was also tight-lipped when 'God Save the King' was playing.

• WHAT CARSLEY SAID

  Carsley said: “This is something that I always struggled with when I was playing for Ireland. The gap between your warm-up, your coming on to the pitch and the delay with the anthems. So it’s something that I have never done. I was always really focused on the game and my first actions of the game. I really found that in that period I was wary about my mind wandering off. I was really focused on the football and I have taken that in to coaching.

  “We had the national anthem with the Under-21s also and I am in a zone at that point. I am thinking about how the opposition are going to set up and our first actions within the game. I fully respect both anthems and understand how much they mean to both countries. It’s something I am really respectful of.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CARSLEY AND ENGLAND?

  Carsley will be hoping for a winning start to life as England's 19th manager. After the opener, the Three Lions face Finland in their second Nations League game on Tuesday. Carsley also hopes to implement his style and philosophy on the squad as the full-time vacancy for the role is still available.

Sporting director Edu and the Arsenal board are ready to green-light three senior players' exits this summer in an effort to fund the major signing of a £100 million star.

Arsenal draw up plans to sign striker, midfielder and winger

The north Londoners are preparing for what will be another crucial summer window, regardless of whether or not they pip Man City to the Premier League title.

Clubs fear £51m striker is certain to join Arteta with Arsenal impressed

The Gunners also think he’s affordable.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 2, 2024

Arsenal have scored more goals and conceded the fewest of any other side in the top flight, but City are usually near-unstoppable at this point of the season and currently hold all the cards with a game in hand on Mikel Arteta's side – who currently top the league by one point.

Following what has been an excellent campaign in terms of form, it will be a real disappointment if Arsenal miss out on the title again after also coming close last season. However, if that is to be the case, Edu and co will soon have an opportunity to shore up the squad and come back stronger next campaign.

The Brazilian and Arsenal chiefs are thought to be eyeing a new striker, midfielder and potentially another winger – according to reliable journalist Charles Watts.

"It's no great secret that Arsenal want to sign a striker this summer. When the window opens it will be the priority, along with a midfielder and potentially another wide attacker," Watts said to CaughtOffside recently.

"It will be interesting to see whether they move for Victor Osimhen. He, like Toney, is a player they like and I know that his representatives have visited Arsenal's training ground for talks with Edu. Those talks took place in the summer when Arsenal eventually signed Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was always the priority that year, but Osimhen was definitely a player they viewed as a serious alternative.

"That interest will remain, but the Nigerian could prove to be too costly an option in a summer given Arsenal want to spread their budget around as they look to take the squad to the next level."

In terms of the midfield players attracting Arsenal interest, one big name who's been repeatedly linked is Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.

The Magpies midfielder has continued to star under Eddie Howe this season, leading to big clubs targeting a summer move for him, but sides will have a limited time to pay the £100 million release clause in his contract – which is only valid from the last week of May to the beginning of the last week of June (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal are considering a summer bid for Guimaraes alongside Man City, and a new report has shed light on how they plan to move for him.

Edu ready to sanction triple Arsenal exit to afford Guimaraes deal

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are ready to offload Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah to fund a move for Guimaraes this summer – as all three don't feature in Arteta's long-term plans.

All three are also homegrown and will count as pure profit, as Arsenal look to try and afford a move for Guimaraes without sailing too close to the wind in terms of potentially breaching Profit and Sustainability rules.

It's added that the Gunners face a race against time to raise the funds needed to sign the £160,000-per-week Guimaraes, due to his release clause only being valid until the end of next month.

Nikita Parris called time on her Manchester United career by moving to Brighton on deadline day.

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• Parris joins Brighton on deadline day
• Man Utd send heartfelt farewell
• Links up with England's Fran Kirby

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 30-year-old was United's top scorer last season as they won their first Women's FA Cup trophy. It is a big coup for Brighton, who are keen to break into the top four ranks in the Women's Super League and showed another statement of intent by signing Fran Kirby.

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• WHAT MAN UTD SAID

  Manchester United said farewell to Parris on Instagram, writing: "Lil Keets, big impact. You'll be missed, @NikitaParris17."

• WHAT BRIGHTON'S MANAGER SAID

  Dario Vidosic said: "We're delighted to bring a player of Nikita's ability and experience to the club. It signals our ambition as a club. Nikita's record as a goalscorer speaks for itself and she will help us a lot in that regard. She is vastly experienced and will be an excellent role model, particularly for our young players. She is looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge and we can't wait to start working with her ahead of our first WSL game next Saturday against Everton."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PARRIS?

  Parris was not the only big departure from United this season with Mary Earps moving to PSG, but the English winger opted to stay in the WSL. At only 30, she has plenty of years ahead of her and will now be looking to create history with Brighton. The Seagulls host Everton in their WSL opener next Saturday.

Liverpool still have several fixtures to play to close the current Premier League campaign but there is little question that fans are eagerly awaiting the summer transfer market and a new era under Arne Slot.

Slot is closing a trophy-laden spell with Feyenoord to take the reins at Anfield and succeed the esteemed Jurgen Klopp, who has lifted Liverpool to illustrious heights and has cemented legendary status on Merseyside.

But after months and matches and thrillfests throughout the course of the season, Liverpool have found themselves a day late and a dollar short at the final stretch, suffering a dismal drop in form that has pulled the squad away from the Premier League title race after falling in the FA Cup and Europa League.

Michael Edwards – joined by pal Richard Hughes – has woven his elite business savvy into FSG's model and has moved incisively to bring Slot to the club. Player signings will soon follow.

Slot could deal huge blow to Amorim

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Liverpool have been handed a big boost in their bid to sign Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with the Liga Portugal table-toppers already starting to assess the market for replacements.

Diomande, aged 20, has a £70m release clause in his contract and Liverpool have been named as one of the suitors, even sending scouts to observe the Ivorian in action.

Led by former Reds managerial target Ruben Amorim, Sporting could be dealt an ironic blow by Liverpool in bolstering their ranks with one of its most prodigious talents in Diomande, scoring an instant success for Slot as he sculpts his squad.

Why Liverpool should sign Ousmane Diomande

Diomande is only young but he has already established himself as one of the most exciting rising defenders in Europe, attracting a swarm of interest from top clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea.

Last season, Diomande started 11 times in the Portuguese top flight and played 120 minutes as Amorim's outfit defeated Arsenal on penalties in the Europa League, but he has really come into his own this term and risen to a position of prominence in Sporting's soon-to-be league champions, five points clear of second-place Benfica with three fixtures remaining.

As per Sofascore, the defensive titan has started 23 matches in Liga Portugal this season, scoring two goals, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.5 tackles and clearances and 5.3 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 75% of his dribbles, winning 65% of his contested duels, and making just one error leading to shot.

When comparing these statistics to his efforts last year, it's clear that Diomande has already developed his skills, been more robust in his athletic ability and sharper in defensive moments.

This is a lot to unpack but, effectively, such metrics showcase a high-quality technical ability that allows Diomande to maintain a crisp passing game while carrying the ball forward himself to stretch lines from deep and pull opponents toward him, creating space.

This is something that Ibrahima Konate does very well, with the France international ranking among the top 9% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Diomande doesn't quite boast the same snap and forward drive as Liverpool's tough-tackling defender but he is arguably nurturing an even more complete skill set, having scarcely emerged from his teenage years too.

Indeed, Diomande ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for goals, the top 20% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

Hailed as "incredibly complete" by Jacek Kulig, Diomande could prove to be a laboratory-grown heir to Virgil van Dijk's position in the Liverpool rearguard, with the 32-year-old Dutchman approaching the latter phase of his Merseyside career.

Handed the captaincy last summer, Van Dijk has long been regarded as "the best defender" – according to those such as Manchester City's Erling Haaland – and while Liverpool have been out of sorts lately, he has been a steely pillar of strength and leadership.

Indeed, the £220k-per-week sensation has started 33 fixtures in the English top flight for his resurgent side this season, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 4.8 ball recoveries per game and winning an incredible 77% of his duels.

He also ranks among the top 12% of centre-backs for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for pass completion and progressive passes per 90, with similarities that Diomande could latch onto and absorb as he sharpens his own game to a fine point.

But he's nearly 33 years old and out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and while Liverpool will prioritise renewing terms for the stalwart, Diomande is of the perfect profile that would add a layer of protection as the Reds return to the Champions League next year.

Liverpool pushing for "great" new striker who's more clinical than Nunez

This would leave Nunez’s place in question.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 2, 2024

With Joel Matip currently recuperating from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and likely to leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer, landing a rising star of Diomande's calibre would only serve to cement Liverpool's chances of restoring their backline to its finest, steeliest strength.

Jarell Quansah is a talented young defender but Konate and Van Dijk will need to vary the workload and moves must be made to secure Diomande's services.

Nottingham Forest will be looking to strengthen their team this summer as they take on their first season back in the Premier League for 23 years, and now a new potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to Nottinghamshire Live, Steve Cooper and his recruitment team are interested in signing Neco Williams this summer.

As per the report, Brennan Johnson’s Wales teammate is someone the club is looking at signing as an alternative to their former loan player Djed Spence.

It comes as The Express journalist Ryan Taylor claims Tottenham Hotspur “will offer £20m” to Middlesbrough for Spence.

Williams can replace Spence

Cooper will surely be disappointed that it is now looking unlikely that he will be able to complete a deal for the Middlesbrough right-back to remain at The City Ground upon promotion to the Premier League, however, the manager is clearly not waiting around to find the right replacement.

Spence who was hailed “swashbuckling” by Ian Wright had teased Forest supporters following their win in the play-off finals saying he would “hopefully” make a permanent move, however, Spurs are now looking close to hijacking that opportunity.

However, not all is lost as there is a great opportunity to permanently sign a right-back that can be the perfect replacement for Spence, as Neco Williams has been phenomenal during his short spell in the Championship with fellow Premier League promoted side Fulham.

The £15m dynamo who was hailed “majestic” by Wales Online journalist Paul Abbandonato, joined the West London outfit on loan from Liverpool for six months in January, and made 14 impressive performances for the side.

Williams scored two goals, delivered two assists and created two big chances showing that like Spence, he can be a swashbuckling presence on the right. He also made 2.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.6 clearances on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (53%) and was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles too (51%).

The attacking-minded Welsh youngster has proved he has a lot to offer in both defensive and offensive play which could be really valuable to Cooper next season as he takes on the challenge to maintain Forest’s top-flight status further from their initial return.

With that being said, if Forest can reach a deal to sign Williams this summer it would be a coup in their efforts to build their Premier League competing squad and move away from relying on loan deals by permanently signing players who can become part of the new chapter for the club.

AND in other news: Forest now “leading the race” to sign “remarkable” 6ft2 monster, he’s a Davis upgrade

Manchester City have acted on their reported interest of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the word?

That is according to Football Insider, who claim that the Citizens have submitted a bid for the England international.

It is said that Phillips is Pep Guardiola’s top target for the remainder of the summer window with an offer already on the table for the 26-year-old.

As per the same report, Guardiola is said to be a “huge” admirer of Phillips, and has reportedly made his admiration clear at City, with the Spaniard looking to include him in what looked to be a revamped team next season.

It is said that a sum of £60m could be enough to prise the Leeds United asset away from Elland Road.

Pep will be buzzing

Having already wrapped up a sensational deal for Erling Haaland, Guardiola is further adding to the narrative that his side will change tactics next season by tabling a bid for Phillips.

With the 21-year-old Norwegian up top, City will no doubt look to become more direct, which will cause a domino effect throughout certain positions in the attacking phase of the game.

The three positions that will be impacted most are at left-back, right-back and defensive-midfield, with the Spanish tactician no doubt looking for both full-backs to push up when in possession.

Whilst Joao Cancelo at right-back will most likely keep his inverted role in the side, a left-sided full-back will be expected to make overlapping runs in order to keep width and aid in chance creation out wide.

As such, the defensive midfielder could be left isolated if both central midfielders push up into the final third, like they do currently.

Rodri, especially this season, has not been as prominent out of possession, with an average of just 2.20 tackles and 1.57 interceptions achieved per game.

For comparison, Phillips, who has been dubbed “superb” by presenter and pundit Jules Breach, registered an average of 3.67 tackles and 1.92 interceptions per game. He is an option who is willing to stay back and dictate play from deep and represents a perfect option for Manchester City.

We could either see Rodri as a central midfielder next season and Phillips as a lone holding midfielder, or both the Spaniard and Englishman in a double-pivot in what would be a system change, if the deal can be agreed.

Either way, the fact he’s more prominent in defensive positions than his ever-reliable Rodri, will no doubt leave Guardiola purring with excitement. This would be another landmark deal for City.

In other news: Pep can seal dream Sterling heir as Man City eye “extraordinary” £86m “pure talent” 

West Ham United could also now sell winger Said Benrahma as manager David Moyes and club owners GSB make big decisions on a number of first teamers.

The Lowdown: West Ham exodus?

The Hammers, having just missed out on a Europa League qualification place to Man United on the 2021/2022 Premier League final day, have been tipped to strengthen for next year.

West Ham reportedly have the likes of Jesse Lingard in their sight to bolster their attacking areas among other targets, but as per reports, just as many players could be heading out the other way.

The likes of Nikola Vlasic and Tomas Soucek have been linked with east London departures, and as per The Guardian, it appears GSB could now sell another player.

The Latest: Moyes makes Benrahma decision…

According to their information, West Ham ‘will consider offers’ for Algeria international Benrahma as manager Moyes looks to ‘increase his budget’.

The report adds that the 26-year-old’s inconsistent form has personally ‘frustrated’ the Irons boss who could now look to cash-in.

The Verdict: Right decision?

While Benrahma has arguably failed to turn it on more consistently, when at his very best, we believe he really is a terrific asset to have.

According to WhoScored, the former Brentford star ranks in among West Ham’s top five best-performing players by average match rating – all while attempting more shots at goal than any Hammers player bar star men Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.

As well as this, only Antonio, Bowen and Declan Rice completed more successful take-ons per 90 than Benrahma over 21/22 – leaving little wonder he has been called ‘unplayable’ at times by former midfielder Joe Cole.

Former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie has also raved over the ‘exciting’ player and we believe offloading him could be a hasty decision – even if Benrahma needs to add consistency to his game.

In other news: ‘I believe’…ExWHUemployee has some ‘great news’ for West Ham supporters, find out more here.