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Celtic have been dealt a huge injury blow regarding Karamoko Dembele ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on his Instagram account (via Daily Record), the 18-year-old winger – who has been sidelined since Celtic’s pre-season tour of Wales – revealed that he has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury, having to undergo surgery on an ankle fracture, which will keep him out of action until at least the turn of the year.

Regarding his injury, the England under-18 international said: “Unfortunately I’ve had some problems with the healing process of my ankle fracture, so I’ve had to get surgery done. Back on the field soon!”

Fans will be gutted

Considering the sheer amount of potential Dembele seems to possess, the news that he looks set to remain sidelined until at least 2022 is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful gutted.

Indeed, the £225k-rated teenager had started to feature more regularly for the Bhoys towards the back end of last season, playing in three of the club’s last four fixtures of the 2020/21 Premiership season, in which the winger scored his first senior goal for the club in a 4-0 drubbing of St Johnstone.

Prior to his injury, Dembele was also heavily involved in Celtic’s pre-season fixtures, featuring in both the 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic – a game in which the 18-year-old opened the scoring for the Hoops – and the 0-0 draw with Bristol City.

However, following his recent update, it now looks as if the teenage forward will not only miss Saturday’s visit of St Johnstone but also many more fixtures before he makes his return to first team action. That will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Ange Postecoglou, who had admitted that he was looking forward to working with the youngster upon his arrival at Celtic this summer.

In other news: Ange makes approach for tough-tackling £3.2m sensation, Celtic fans will be buzzing

Newcastle United are reportedly now strongly interested in signing Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer in the summer.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper wanted

As per The Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing as many as four goalkeepers to provide stern competition for Martin Dubravka at St James’ Park.

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Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Bernd Leno and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all been mentioned as possible signings, but the Tyneside outfit may also look abroad for a new man in between the sticks.

The Latest: Strakosha eyed by Newcastle

According to Citta Celeste, Newcastle also hold a ‘strong interest’ in Strakosha, whose contract at Lazio expires this summer.

He is ‘torn’ between staying at the club and playing in the Premier League, and the Toon could certainly offer him a route to the English top flight.

The Verdict: Sign him

Capped 19 times by Albania and playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues in Serie A, it is quite mesmerising to think that Strakosha could leave on a free transfer.

Current Italy under-20 manager Alberto Bollini has claimed that the ‘keeper boasts ‘extraordinary athleticism’, while he was also once dubbed ‘explosive‘ and a ‘phenomenon‘ by former Lazio stopper Silvio Proto.

Keeping no fewer than 10 clean sheets in 25 games across all competitions so far this season, and averaging just one goal conceded per game (Transfermarkt), Strakosha is still only 27 years of age, which is relatively young for a goalkeeper.

Therefore, signing him on a free would represent a great piece of business from the Magpies.

In other news, find out what Keith Downie has now shared on Callum Wilson’s injury

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a claim regarding Celtic’s possible permanent swoop for Tottenham’s Cameron Carter-Vickers, Give Me Sport report.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers under Postecoglou

Carter-Vickers was the club’s final addition over the summer, joining on deadline day in a season-long loan deal that includes an option to buy next summer.

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Since then, the 23-year-old has been an ever-present figure at the back under Ange Postecoglou, making 20 appearances in green and white.

He’s missed just one Scottish Premiership fixture following his move and was hailed as an ‘excellent professional’ by Kenny Dalglish.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim

Give Me Sport shared the latest news on Carter-Vickers making a permanent Parkhead switch, suggesting both Celtic and the player are keen on a full-time move.

Reporter O’Rourke gave his thoughts on a possible permanent swoop to Give Me Sport, admitting he wasn’t sure if the Hoops could reach the £10m asking price, as reported by The Daily Record.

“Cameron Carter-Vickers has made a big impression since his loan move from Tottenham, but I’m not sure if Celtic could reach that £10m valuation that Spurs are looking for a permanent deal, though.”

The Verdict: Club record fee

Should Celtic stump up the fee for Carter-Vickers, they’d reportedly have to pay two separate add-ons which would take the deal over £10m.

That would make him the club’s most expensive signing of all time, eclipsing the £9.27m move that made Odsonne Edouard’s loan permanent from Paris Saint-Germain.

There’s no denying that Carter-Vickers has impressed at Celtic Park, however, £10m is a lot of money, especially with the Hoops already spending over £20m in the summer and seemingly looking at four January permanent additions in Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda and on-loan Jota.

In other news: Devlin shares worrying injury update on Celtic ace after bone ‘break’. 

Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Tom Flanagan in their 3-3 draw away at Wycombe Wanderers in League One at Saturday lunchtime.

It was a great game between two promotion hopefuls, as Ross Stewart inspired the visitors to a point, but it could well have been more had Joe Jacobson not equalised deep into injury time.

Nonetheless, Flanagan would have been disappointed with his own individual performance having conceded three goals, and he also struggled in general, losing out on five of his duels, while he recorded fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Anthony Patterson (SofaScore).

He also gave possession away on no fewer than on 15 separate occasions in the match, the most out of any of his teammates, on a day that he will want to forget quickly.

Sunderland fans slam Flanagan

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he was ‘awful’:

“I’m currently on my knees for Hoffman and Wright back I can’t cope watching Patterson and Flanagan”

Credit: @RyanC2408

“Please can we sack off Tom Flanagan man. He’s woeful.”

Credit: @mbalfour15

“Flanagan was awful!”

Credit: @smallbone66

“Doyle and Flanagan both embarrassing today. Pathetic”

Credit: @redman_aiden

“Tom Flanagan having a nightmare today.”

Credit: @SpeakSAFC

“Flanagan has been poor today, lucky there.”

Credit: @sniff91

In other news, find out why Kevin Phillips thinks Sunderland were robbed here!

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Liverpool are “still pushing” to sign Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho on transfer deadline day.

What’s the story?

After initially looking like the January transfer window would be a quiet one in terms of incomings for Jurgen Klopp’s side, the Reds gazumped Premier League rivals Spurs to the signing of Porto winger Luis Diaz.

Now, Sheth has revealed that the Merseyside club continue to pursue Carvalho amid interest from other clubs.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Liverpool still pushing to sign Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho. A number of other clubs are interested. Fulham remain confident he will be at Craven Cottage until the summer. Carvalho has entered final 6 months of his Fulham contract.”

He’s an exciting talent

Speaking after he watched him score his first goal for the club against Southampton towards the back end of last season, former Fulham boss Scott Parker said: “Fabio was lively, he had great amounts of energy. All round his performance was very good for a young boy that has come into the team for his full debut.

“He showed real courage and bravery, he’s earned the right to get into this team. He’s not in this team because our season’s over, he’s in the team because he deserves it.”

No categories

Able to play anywhere across midfield and further forward too, Carvalho has been at his best for Fulham’s youth sides when playing just behind the striker.

In 42 games in that position for the Cottagers, the England U18 international has smashed in an incredible 20 goals and provided another nine assists too, while he’s also equally effective out wide too (he’s scored seven goals and set up another eight from the right-hand side).

This season has seen him start off with a bang for the senior side, bagging seven goals in 18 Championship games, including providing four assists too.

His recent form has been particularly impressive, netting three goals and setting up another three in just his past four league games – quite the feat considering he will likely be aware of all the transfer speculation surrounding him.

That speaks to the elite mentality and professionalism that he has even at just the age of 19, and it’s exactly why Sheth’s update that Liverpool are “still pushing” to sign him is likely to have fans absolutely buzzing at the prospect of him joining.

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West Ham United came back from an early deficit to secure a 3-1 win over strugglers Fulham at the London Stadium on Friday. Goals from Javier Hernandez, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio were enough to secure all three points for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

The Hammers were certainly the better side and deserving of their victory. There were strong performances all across the pitch for the Irons, with Diop, Antonio and Declan Rice particularly impressing.

Rice has been a revelation for the east London club this season. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has been a regular starter under Pellegrini and seems to be improving with each passing week.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Rice recently declared his international allegiance to England. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate should certainly be paying plenty of attention to the West Ham man’s form. In the meantime, Pellegrini will be hoping that the midfielder can continue to play such a vital role for his team.

After the match, plenty of Hammers fans took to Twitter to congratulate Rice on another fine performance…

Tottenham winger Jack Clarke is attracting interest from a number of Championship sides ahead of the January window, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Clarke impressed Mourinho…

Clarke, described as a player with ‘huge talent’, made the move to north London from Leeds United back in 2019 for £9.9m when Mauricio Pochettino was still in charge.

He’s spent time out on loan at three Championship clubs since signing, most recently Stoke City, and has made just four senior Spurs appearances.

Clarke, who will turn 21 later this month, ‘really’ impressed Jose Mourinho during his time in charge, but it appears as if he could be heading out in the New Year following Antonio Conte’s arrival.

The Latest: Four clubs interested

TEAMtalk shared a story regarding Clarke on Thursday morning, claiming four second-tier sides are interested in his services.

They suggest that Barnsley, Derby County, Luton Town and Millwall are keen on a winter window swoop.

The Verdict: Time running out?

The same site has recently suggested that Spurs are leading the way for Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho, who can also play out wide, so time may well be running out for Clarke in north London with a possible replacement already on the shopping list.

Labelled as a player with very deceptive speed, Clarke has struggled to break into a Spurs side under multiple managers and now has just 18 months remaining on his contract.

On that basis, you’d think Spurs may well make a firm call one way or the other in the summer when Clarke enters the final 12 months of his deal, and at this moment in time, you’d say it’s not looking good for him.

In other news: Ball lost 38 times, 0 crosses, just 3 tackles: 3 Spurs players struggled in Conte’s first game. 

Celtic have seen numerous players make the move to Parkhead over recent years before making returns to their parent clubs.

One figure that had spent some time with the Hoops before becoming a regular squad player for his club is winger Mohamed Elyounoussi.

The Norwegian joined Celtic on loan from Premier League club Southampton in the 2019 summer transfer window.

In 22 appearances across all competitions in the 2019/20 season, the winger scored seven goals and provided six assists.

The 2020/21 season then saw the 27-year-old rack up 17 goals and eight assists in 45 appearances as a much more regular figure in the team.

Since returning to Southampton, things haven’t been as fruitful for the 27-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £59k-per-week according to Salary Sport.

Having played in 24 league games, Elyounoussi has only managed to find the back of the net on four occasions and provide just one assist in the process.

To highlight his lack of impact on the pitch going forward, out of the 40 shots at goal he’s had in the Premier League, only 16 of them have been on target.

As well as being nutmegged on three occasions, the attacker has lost 51 aerial duels compared to the 32 that he’s won, showing how much of a lightweight he can be.

In addition to his lack of regular goal contributions, which is something that Ralph Hasenhuttl would have been hoping to see from the winger after his time with Celtic, his overall performances haven’t been too eye-catching either.

According to WhoScored, the former Hoops loan signing is the tenth highest-rated player in Southampton’s squad with a rather uninspiring overall rating of 6.67.

Labelled as a “disappointment” during his time with the Bhoys by Chris Sutton, this is also what he has arguably been in England this season as well.

Back in June 2019 shortly before he joined Celtic, Transfermarkt rated the Norway international’s market value at £13.5m, whereas it now stands at £9m, highlighting a drop of £4.5m.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that Celtic and Ange Postecoglou hit the jackpot by not looking to secure a permanent move for the Saints dud.

In other news: Ange handed huge boost as early Old Firm team news emerges, it’s great for Celtic

Taking to Twitter, Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis has broken some West Ham United transfer news involving RC Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker hunt…

In perhaps the worst-kept secret of the January transfer window, Irons manager David Moyes and new transfer chief Rob Newman have their eyes firmly placed on bringing in a new striker alongside other additions.

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There have been plenty of names linked with a move to east London, including Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa and Blackburn’s Ben Brereton-Diaz, with Moyes and Newman seemingly looking under every rock.

The latter has been tasked with assisting West Ham in the transfer market after leaving his role of chief scout at Manchester City, coming with a big reputation from his time at Eastlands (The Athletic).

As of yet, the head of recruitment has been unsuccessful in clinching any West Ham deals, but he has now set his sights on a new target.

The Latest: Newman eyeing Ajorque…

According to French journalist Denis, West Ham and by extension Newman have set their sights on Strasbourg’s in-form talisman Ajorque amid their drawn-out search for centre-forward options.

The journalist explained on Twitter: “Looking for a 9 for many months, West Ham is interested in Ludovic Ajorque, the Strasbourg serial scorer, current 2nd top scorer in L1 with 10 goals.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee recently claimed that the Irons were looking for talent in Ligue 1, with the French top flight potentially becoming a solution for Newman (West Ham Way).

It is therefore no surprise to see another name from France linked with a move to West Ham, but going by his numbers, Ajorque could be a shrewd option.

Alongside his impressive strike rate this season, the 27-year-old has notched an impressive total of 79 senior career goals and is an imposing threat going forward.

Compared to West Ham’s current squad, the towering 6 foot 5 striker has averaged a colossal 3.7 aerial duels won per 90 over 17 league starts – far more than any Irons player this season (WhoScored).

An aerial threat and proven in front of goal, it’s little wonder the Hammers and Newman now hold an interest in Ajorque.

In other news: West Ham source: Newman also moves to sign ‘devastating’ forward after price plummets by £32m, find out more here.

Leeds United make their return to Premier League action sitting just one place about the relegation zone as they head to north London for Sunday’s late kick-off.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side finished inside the top ten in their first top-flight campaign in 16 years but are now looking perilous only two points above the drop.

The 2021/22 season has not gone to plan for the Yorkshiremen as they have battled with inconsistencies on the pitch and injuries off it.

Now they face a Tottenham Hotspur side who have a new manager in former Premier League and FA Cup winner Antonio Conte, who is unbeaten in his first two games in charge.

United are amongst the lowest scorers in the division, having scored 11 goals from their opening 11 matches – only two teams have scored fewer, one of which being rock-bottom Norwich City.

Indeed, the Whites have been futile in attack this term and that’s hardly a surprise with several of Bielsa’s wing options underperforming, most notably Jack Harrison, who delivered decent returns of eight goals and eights assists last year.

He now ranks as their worst player (six or more league starts), as per WhoScored ratings, having averaged a 6.33 and he is yet to register a single direct goal contribution from nine appearances either.

It means the bulk of Bielsa’s reliance has been on Raphinha (five goals).

The 25-year-old, signed permanently from Manchester City in the summer, is winning only 32% of his midfield battles and has managed just one shot per game, as per SofaScore.

His form has been so poor that Bielsa struggled to comment on his star man last month.

“You ask me a question where you know that I can’t praise his performances up until now,” he told reporters (via LeedsLive). “But what’s happening to Harrison is happening to all our players in the squad where they have better or worse moments and nobody is able to maintain a regular consistency in their performances especially when they are playing in attack.”

His latest appearance for Leeds saw further poor returns as he struggled against Leicester City before the international break.

The £18m-rated winger was their worst-rated player on the afternoon as he won just 33% of his 18 duels, lost possession 24 times from only 59 touches and contributed just 18 passes – four fewer than goalkeeper Ilian Meslier, via SofaScore.

On the above evidence, Harrison has been shocking all season, so it’s time for Bielsa to stop putting his faith in him. It would be ruthless considering his loyalty to him but it’s a call that has to be made heading into a crucial match against Spurs.

AND in other news, Leeds United handed major injury boost ahead of Spurs clash, Bielsa will be buzzing…