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Rodgers Must Reignite Celtic Swoop For £4k-p/w Ace

Celtic confirmed the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as their replacement for Australian Ange Postecoglou earlier this month, and the new coach has already secured his first signing.

The club officially unveiled central midfielder Odin Thiago Holm on a five-year deal from Valerenga for an undisclosed fee with the 50-year-old manager saying:

“We are delighted to bring Odin to the club and to secure his signing so early in the window. He is a player who has been in the club’s scouting and recruitment system for some time. I have looked at him closely and believe he is someone who can make a big impact at the club."

The former Leicester City boss still has over two months left to make further additions to his side, and the Northern Irishman must now reignite the club's previous interest in Denis Huseinbasic.

Who is Denis Huseinbasic?

In April, the Hoops were touted with interest in the FC Koln prospect, who is a central midfielder by trade and he could be the future of Celtic's midfield alongside Holm.

The £4k-per-week prodigy only started seven matches in the Bundesliga during the 2022/23 campaign, but managed to showcase his potential at both ends of the pitch in limited minutes.

FC Koln midfielder Denis Huseinbasic.

Huseinbasic ranks in the top 1% of players in his position in the men's top five leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for tackles (2.62) and blocks (1.82) per 90, which shows that the 21-year-old has excelled defensively when given an opportunity to play.

The talented youngster also scored five goals in all competitions, which also places him in the top 5% of players in his position for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.45) over the past year.

These statistics suggest that the Germany U21 international has the potential to be an impactful player at both ends of the pitch, and playing regular football in Scotland, as opposed to rarely starting in the Bundesliga, could allow him to flourish and showcase his talents week-in, week-out.

At the age of 21, Huseinbasic could be an excellent long-term addition, which is also the case with Holm, who caught the eye in his home country of Norway last year.

The 20-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 22 Eliteserien matches in 2022 and completed 88% of his passes to go alongside a duel success rate of 60%, which shows that the new Hoops signing has the potential to be a reliable passer and a midfielder who can dominate games from a physical perspective.

Therefore, Huseinbasic – who manager Steffen Baumgart hailed as "very ambitious" – and Holm could both be future stars of Celtic's midfield as they, hopefully, progress and develop with more experience.

Leeds Accept Offer For "Talented" 24 y/o

Leeds United have accepted an offer from Birmingham City for striker Tyler Roberts, according to reports.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites look set for a frantic summer after the 49ers agreed on a full takeover from Andrea Radrizzani last week. Alongside a new manager, there looks set to be plenty of incomings and outgoings, with Phil Hay expecting the likes of Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and Rodrigo to complete Leeds exits.

Leeds also sent 10 players out on loan last season, plenty of which look set to return, including Roberts. The forward spent the previous campaign in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers, and it looks as if another second-tier move is lined up, this time though on a permanent deal.

According to Football Insider, a full agreement has been reached that will see Roberts join Birmingham City this summer.

The report states that Leeds have accepted a seven-figure offer for the Welshman that includes add-ons, with Roberts set for a medical in the Midlands next week.

Elland Road

How many goals did Tyler Roberts score for Leeds?

Roberts arrived in Yorkshire back in 2018 from West Brom but has endured a frustrating spell at Elland Road which now looks set to come to an end.

The 24-year-old attacker now has just 12 months left on his Leeds deal and is poised to leave after making 108 appearances for the club, scoring just nine goals during that time.

He did show his quality last season, though, netting four times in 20 games for QPR, with Neil Critchley labelling one of Roberts’ goals against Reading as “terrific”. Meanwhile, former Baggies manager Tony Pulis has also praised Roberts in recent years, saying:

“I had Tyler at West Brom and gave him his league debut. He’s a very very talented boy. And I mean a very talented boy. He has got everything.

“I was always concerned whether he had the mental toughness to really push on. At Leeds, if you haven’t got that Bielsa isn’t going to play you.

“The kid has pushed on. It’s great to see all the young players you’ve worked with, especially the ones you had a little bit of doubt with, come through and he’s one of them.”

However, averaging a goal every 12 games as a striker isn’t exactly prolific, and with Leeds seemingly looking for a rebuild this summer, moving on a player like Roberts for a seven-figure fee could prove to be a smart decision.

Tottenham Make £19m Bid For 24 y/o "Lion"

Tottenham Hotspur have made a €22m (£19m) bid for Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, according to recent reports from Turkey.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham have a number of defenders on their transfer shortlist this summer, with reports from Italy detailing they are admirers of AS Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez, who could be available for a fee of around €32m (£27m).

Spurs are working on a low-cost deal for Barcelona Clement Lenglet, who spent last season on loan in north London, and an agreement is now said to be close, with the La Liga champions keen to try and lower their wage bill as soon as possible.

Aymeric Laporte has also been linked with a move to the capital, owing to his lack of game time with Manchester City last season, and 90min report the Spaniard could be available for a sum of £40m.

The Man City defender is a very well-known name, however Tottenham fans may not be as familiar with Nelsson, who they have reportedly submitted an official bid for, totalling €22m (£19m).

However, Galatasaray are said to be holding out for a fee of €25m (£21m), which indicates they may reject the Lilywhites' bid, although Daniel Levy is already very close to matching the Turkish side's asking price.

The Galatasaray defender is also on the radar of Arsenal, as well as clubs from Italy, so Spurs may face some late competition in the race for his signature.

Who is Victor Nelsson?

Hailed as a "Danish lion" by Galatasaray board member Resit Omer Kukner, the centre-back made his breakthrough with FC Nordsjaelland, recording 98 appearances for the Superliga side, before moving to FC Copenhagen.

After earning himself a move to Galatasaray in August 2021, the 24-year-old has gone from strength to strength, cementing himself as a key player in the starting XI by making 33 league appearances this season.

An average of 3.3 clearances per game in the Super Lig ranked the Denmark international second in the squad, while 0.7 blocks places him first, displaying his defensive acumen.

Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson.

That said, there are doubts about whether the 6 foot 1 defender is ready to make the step up to a club that will be aiming to push for the Champions League places, as he was ranked as just the 11th-best performing Galatasaray player in the league by Sofascore.

Nelsson could prove to be a really astute signing, however Spurs may be better off focussing on targets who are already proven at the top level, such as Laporte.

Arsenal Could Improve Saka With £22m Signing

Arsenal have been linked to a number of players ahead of the transfer window, with a potential option at right-back emerging as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The Gunners will be keen to make improvements in the window, after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City this season.

Adding depth in quality to the squad is key for the Spaniard over the summer, something that he could begin by signing the latest player in question.

What’s the latest on Sacha Boey to Arsenal?

As reported by the Telegraph late last month, Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey has gained interest from north London after a strong season in Turkey.

Since the initial news broke regarding Arsenal’s interest, GIVEMESPORT have revealed via Fabrizio Romano that the club are ‘informed’ on the conditions surrounding the €25m (£22m) price tag placed on the defender by the Turkish champions.

Despite multiple news sources linking the player and club, Romano noted that the situation remains ‘quiet’, with no direct contact made between the Gunners and the players’ agent yet.

What could Sacha Boey bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as “tireless” by journalist Cetin Cem Yilmaz, the 22-year-old has been a revelation for the Turkish giants since signing from Rennes in the summer of 2021.

The young defender could be a revelation for Arsenal and could not only challenge the likes of Ben White defensively but could take Bukayo Saka to the next level in forming a partnership on the right flank.

At just 21 years old, the English forward has been one of the Premier League’s best players this season, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 in 38 appearances, via FBref.

There are many elements to the wingers’ game that see him thrive in Arteta’s set-up, however, his partnership with White has played a significant factor in his growth this campaign.

Lauded as providing “top class” runs to support Saka out wide in attack, the English duo have unlocked a new side to Arsenal, making them one of the most threatening duos in the league from the wide areas.

Bukayo-Saka-Ben-White-Arsenal

However, as claimed by Football Insider, Arteta could hand White a new role centrally next season, which could open doors for Boey who in theory could take Saka to a new level if he takes the reins from White.

The Frenchman is a danger from the back when getting forward, which benefits the Arsenal forward, who ranks in the top 2% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to receiving progressive passes, with an average of 14.61 per 90 – as per FBref.

While White has been direct in Saka’s progression, Boey ranks better in creative scenarios than the Englishman, averaging one key pass per game to the former Brighton man’s 0.7, and creating eight big chances to his six – as per Sofascore.

There is still room for progression for the formidable youngster, who could reach the heights of Mohamed Salah who was integral to Liverpool’s title win in 2020, who averaged a monstrous 0.50 goals per 90, with Saka averaging 0.33 this season – as per FBref.

His improvement could be the difference in Arsenal’s ability to win the title next campaign.

Having a style of play that identifies his favour to play short passes, as per WhoScored, the Galatasaray gem could form a deadly partnership with Saka, who could become even more unplayable in his presence as a significantly strong attacking full-back.

Rangers Must Seal Swoop For £1.5m Star

Glasgow Rangers continued their summer rebuild by announcing their third signing of the summer on Tuesday, welcoming Jack Butland to the club.

The experienced English goalkeeper is set to arrive at Ibrox on a free transfer from Crystal Palace at the start of next month and will join Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who agreed moves to Scotland before him.

Michael Beale's work in the market is far from done as the Light Blues boss is reportedly keen on a number of other deals to improve his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Daily Record recently claimed that the Gers are pursuing a deal to sign Cremonese centre-forward Cyriel Dessers, Nottingham Forest's Jonathan Panzo and Swansea winger Morgan Whittaker.

Who is Jonathan Panzo?

He is a 22-year-old central defender who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Coventry City in the English Championship.

Beale must seal a swoop for the young left-footed enforcer as the ex-Monaco ace could be the future of the club's defence alongside academy graduate Leon King.

He happens to be the only first-team centre-back under the age of 26 as the likes of Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and John Souttar are in the prime years of their respective careers.

Therefore, the club could benefit from bringing a younger defender through the door as they could already have their future replacements for the current first-choice options in the building by the time they move on.

King and Panzo could complement each other tremendously well as the Rangers ace is a right-sided defender who plays on the other side, which means that they suit each other in terms of what they do in possession.

Glasgow Rangers defenders Leon King and Connor Goldson.

Both of them would be able to open up onto their stronger foot to play the ball out from the back, rather than playing next to a player who forces them onto their weaker foot, which could lead to lesser-quality passing if they are not as proficient on their other side.

Panzo has also proven himself to be a strong and capable defender at Championship level in England. The 22-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99 across 29 appearances and won 58% of his individual duels.

King, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.89 across 15 outings in the Scottish Premiership and also won an excellent 58% of his physical contests, which shows that both players are able to get the better of their opponents more often than not in matches.

Therefore, Rangers must swoop for the £1.5m Forest ace, who was once praised as being "outstanding" by his former coach Mark Robins as he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club who is able to strike a connection with King in the years to come.

Aston Villa Could Sign Perfect Kamara Partner In £26m Machine

Aston Villa have been linked to a La Liga ace, in a signing that could bolster Unai Emery’s midfield this summer.

The Spaniard has enjoyed an emphatic first season at Villa Park, however, is on the path to exceed further expectations, having secured the club European football next campaign.

From Marco Asensio to Pau Torres, the Midlands outfit has been rumoured to be a potential new home for an array of stars in the Spanish top division, with the latest rumoured target following suit.

What’s the latest on Andre Almeida to Aston Villa?

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that the Valencia midfielder, Andre Almeida, has 'caught the attention' of Aston Villa.

The Portuguese midfielder is also rated by Brighton, with the struggling Spanish giants aiming to free up finances this summer to reinforce other areas of the squad.

The report claims the 23-year-old could be sold for a figure around €30m (£26m) after shining in what has been an abysmal season for Los Che.

What could Andre Almeida bring to Aston Villa?

Despite being part of a Valencia side still mildly threatened by relegation from the Spanish top tier, Almeida has settled into his surroundings impressively since signing from Vitoria Guimaraes last summer.

Likened to Newcastle United ace Bruno Guimaraes by FBref, the defensive midfielder enjoys a battle in the engine room, as well as being a strong distributor of the ball and competent in transitioning play.

Such strengths are supported by his numbers, with the 23-year-old “talented” gem – as per scout Antonio Mango – averaging 2.42 tackles per 90 minutes, as well as flexing his ability in moving the ball in averaging 7.11 progressive passes and 2.64 progressive carries per 90.

In La Liga this season, the Portuguese ace has maintained an accurate passing rate of 85%, and has secured four assists, showcasing his competency as a ball-playing midfielder – as per Sofascore.

The youngster could be a strong addition for Emery to introduce to his midfield, and could prove to be a perfect pairing for Boubacar Kamara, who has had his game time limited since arriving due to injury.

The Frenchman, like Almeida is a strong asset to have in deep midfield, branded as a “monster” by Villa pundit Ty Bracey, the 2022 signing showcases a more combative side to the art of the defensive role, which could balance the attacking expertise of the Portuguese.

While the Valencia star’s numbers are more influential in progressive play, Kamara is better defensively, averaging 2.94 tackles per 90 to his 2.42, as well as ranking in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for blocks per 90, with 1.92 – as per FBref.

boubacar-kamara-aston-villa-transfer-injury

Having a midfield pivot of two defensively competent players with one ball player is a combination for the ages, and one that has been successful throughout the history of the Premier League.

Take Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri for Manchester City this season, and Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for Arsenal, both duos are powerhouses in retrieving the ball, with one individual in each partnership excelling in playing the ball.

While Douglas Luiz’s position in Emery’s midfield is paramount, competition could allow the Spaniard to exercise what his best formation and combination in the middle of the park may be, making Almeida a strong contender this summer.

Rangers Make Enquiry For "Complete" Striker

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to add to their forward options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Matija Frigan to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have enquired to Croatian side HNK Rijeka as they plot a potential deal to sign striker Matija Frigan ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the young centre-forward is one of a number of players on the club's shortlist as they attempt to replace Alfredo Morelos, who is leaving on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

It is stated that Dinamo Zagreb have offered £3m for the number nine and it remains to be seen whether that is enough to tempt Rijeka into cashing in on their starlet.

What is Matija Frigan's style of play?

The 20-year-old is a centre-forward who is capable of scoring a variety of goals and he could develop into Michael Beale's own version of Lazio and Italy star Ciro Immobile, who stands at 6 foot 1.

Lazio centre-forward Ciro Immobile

In the top tier of Croatian football, Frigan has plundered 14 goals and three assists in 26 appearances and, despite turning 20 in February, is proving himself to be a lethal marksman at first-team level.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig, earlier this year, compared the youngster to Immobile and dubbed him as a similar player. He also hailed the Rijeka star as a "complete" striker.

Kulig also listed "finishing, instinct, movement, heading, ambidexterity" as Frigan's main strengths and this is backed up by his performances.

During his short senior career to date, the 6-foot marksman has scored five goals with his right foot, eight with his left foot, and four with his head.

This shows that the Croatian U21 international is a multifaceted no.9, who is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, which makes him a threat in any position in the box as the ace can find the back of the net with both feet and his head.

Immobile is a similar type of player as the Italian international has scored at least 32 goals with his left foot, head, and right foot throughout his career, which means that he can score in a variety of ways, rather than being restricted to one foot – for example.

Frigan may not end up scoring over 300 career goals in just 548 appearances, like the Lazio star, but his form for Rijeka and his complete style of play indicates that the ace has the potential to be Beale's own version of Immobile – scoring goals on a regular basis from a multitude of positions in the box – for Rangers in the years to come.

There is no guarantee that the prospect will be able to adapt to Scottish football, but it is a gamble worth taking for the Light Blues when you consider the huge impact the dynamo could make for the club if he hits the ground running.

Tottenham Hotspur’s New Manager Will Face "Big Problem"

Tottenham Hotspur's new manager will face an immediate "big problem", due to the uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane's future, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

After parting ways with Antonio Conte near the end of March, Tottenham finally appear to be making some progress towards appointing a new manager, with a report from De Telegraaf detailing that Arne Slot has agreed to take over.

Talks are currently ongoing regarding the appointment of the Dutchman, with Spurs needing to pay the £6m release clause included in his contract with Feyenoord, and it appears as though a deal could now be close.

However, in an interview with Football Insider, Agbonlahor has recently queried why any top manager would want to take over at N17 at the moment, given that they will face immediate issues.

The pundit said: “It is very odd to go into that club at the moment it seems as though you would be setting yourself up for failure.

I think the big problem at Spurs for potential managers is that they do not know the future of Harry Kane, they do not know the amount of money they have got to spend in the summer.

They can’t choose their own sporting director because that is what Nagelsmann wanted and maybe Daniel Levy said no.

“As much as managers want to manage, they want to right job and that is why Spurs will struggle to get a top manager.

Will Kane leave Tottenham?

Any new manager will undoubtedly be keen to keep hold of Kane, given that he has been a shining light for the Lilywhites in a very poor season, scoring a remarkable 28 Premier League goals, while he has also picked up seven assists.

That said, it would not be a surprise if the England captain does want to seek pastures new this summer, given that Spurs are now unlikely to qualify for European competition of any description, currently sitting in eighth place.

harry-kane-transfer-luciano-spalletti-victor-osimhen-levy-manager

Manchester United have identified the 29-year-old as a top target, while Paris Saint-Germain have also met with his representatives, and the allure of Champions League football could mean the striker is keen to join either club.

Given Tottenham's very poor 2022-23 campaign, it is likely the best thing any new manager can hope for is that Kane is willing to run down his contract, and The Telegraph have previously reported he may be willing to do so.

Bruno Lage to miss Chelsea clash

Wolves manager Bruno Lage will miss his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea after testing positing for Covid-19, journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Wolves host Chelsea

Wanderers are back in league action on Saturday afternoon, as they welcome Thomas Tuchel’s reigning European Champions to Molineux.

Last weekend was a hugely disappointing one for Wolves, who lost 3-0 at home to Brighton, and a response is needed in their quest to qualify for Europe.

Lage’s side are eighth in the table currently and sit three points behind West Ham with a game in hand, highlighting what a tight end to the season it could be.

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The Latest: Lage not involved

Taking to Twitter, Spiers has confirmed that Lage will play no part in proceedings, however, having tested positive for Covid:

“Bruno Lage sidelined with covid and missing the Chelsea game. Keepers coach Tony Roberts sitting in the chair.”

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The Verdict: Must-win game

It will be a good chance for Tony Roberts to test himself in the Wolves hot seat, for what is undoubtedly an important game for Wanderers.

It would be a huge shame if their season ended up tailing off in the final weeks of the season, having worked so hard to get into the European picture.

Chelsea are not firing on all cylinders and lost at Everton last weekend, so Wolves must believe that they can pick up a precious three points at Molineux.

In other news, one Wolves player could leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham: Journalist makes Torres swap deal transfer claim

Cadena SER journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez has now shared an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs confident?

The Premier League top-four chasers have allegedly ramped up their serious interest in Unai Emery’s mainstay centre-half recently as he allegedly sets his sights on leaving the Estadio de la Cerámica.

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As reported by The Daily Mail recently, transfer chief Fabio Paratici is firmly in the mix for Torres and there is belief that the north Londoners have been ‘given encouragement’ they can ‘strike a deal’ this summer.

The Spain international has apparently been on their wanted list for two years with manager Antonio Conte also eager to sign a central defender when the transfer window opens for business.

The Latest: Marquez makes swap deal claim…

Now, according to what Marquez has learned, a swap deal to sign Torres could be on the cards amid Villarreal’s interest in making midfielder Giovani Lo Celso’s loan a permanent one.

Speaking to South American outlet ‘All about Argentina’, the reporter claims Paratici and Spurs could offer the Argentine plus cash to seal a deal for their defensive target.

The Verdict: Go ahead?

Lo Celso has been in sublime form since joining the La Liga side, even hailed as a ‘giant’ by Spanish media, and his performances in the Champions League have really highlighted his quality.

As per WhoScored, over his six European starts before the end of Villarreal’s run, Spurs’ loanee ace averaged the second-most key passes and completed take-ons per 90 whilst also attracting the highest number of fouls – proving a real nightmare to play against.

Goalkeeper and compatriot Geronimo Rulli called Lo Celso a ‘top player in the world’ just after he signed for them in January and it appears the shot-stopper’s verdict has been vindicated judging by recent displays.

However, with Conte allegedly desperate for a world class defender, we believe letting Lo Celso leave permanently in a swap for Torres could be the way forward given he just hasn’t turned it on consistently enough back in England.

A mainstay and crucial player under Emery, Torres’ number of successful aerial duels and clearances per 90 domestically eclipse most in the Villarreal squad and back why Spurs are so keen to sign him.

Lauded as a ‘sensational’ defender, any way to whittle down the player’s asking price should definitely be considered as the club aim to back Conte.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’! Find out more here.

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