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Celtic have a handful of games left before they could potentially get their hands on the SPFL trophy.

And, after the significant overhaul that took place at Celtic Park during the summer transfer window, it seems as though a clue has emerged over one potential deal that could be completed this time around.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report by SBI, a Celtic source has revealed that the Bhoys are in advanced talks with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur regarding the permanent transfer of Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The Hoops signed the centre-back on a loan deal from the north London outfit in August of last year.

Since then, the 24-year-old has been a key cog for Ange Postecoglou and his side this season, playing 41 games across all competitions for the Bhoys.

In the SPFL, only Joe Hart and Carl Starfelt have played more minutes than Carter-Vickers, showing just how highly Postecoglou rates him.

The £22k-per-week American has also shown on the pitch why he’s been picked so many times, particularly with his defensive capabilities.

For example, no other Celtic player has been able to rack up a higher average of clearances per league game (4.2) than the Spurs loanee.

Also, with a combined total of 55 tackles and interceptions, the centre-back has undoubtedly contributed a lot to the fact that Celtic have the best defensive record in the league, with just 19 goals conceded.

Postecoglou will be buzzing

His overall performances in the league have earned the defender a rating of 7.36, making him the fourth-highest rated player in Postecoglou’s squad.

Labelled as an “immense” talent by Chris Sutton, it’s easy to see why the Parkhead club would be keen to secure the player down to a permanent deal in the summer.

Moving forward, if the Bhoys were able to seal a deal with Tottenham that would see Carter-Vickers become a permanent Celtic player, this would undoubtedly get their summer business off to a great start – not to mention being something that would leave the manager buzzing.

Indeed, if the Hoops are able to secure the league title and then sign the defender permanently, this would surely delight a lot of fans and give the team a great chance of being successful in their next campaign.

AND in other news: Postecoglou must now unleash £10.5k-p/w Celtic “solider,” he could be a game-changer

Sheffield Wednesday confirmed on Tuesday lunchtime that tickets for the upcoming trip to AFC Wimbledon have sold out.

And a number of Owls supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Darren Moore’s side will travel to the capital on Saturday 16 October to take on The Dons, who currently sit just below Wednesday in the League One table.

Wednesday were handed just over 1,000 tickets for the trip to The Cherry Red Records Stadium, with season ticket holders with 800 or more ticket priority points the first who were able to secure their seat.

It then filtered down the ticket priority points system throughout Monday, with The Owls confirming they are now all gone.

Owls fans react

Wednesday shared details of the sold-out allocation on their official Twitter page on Tuesday.

This is what these Owls supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it ‘mad’ and some ‘gutted’ to miss out, while others feel the team doesn’t deserve the support after just one league win in six.

“Gutted missed out by 10 points, any spares let me know”

Credit: @RodgersSwfc

“Booooooo”

Credit: @orhunt

“Wow must’ve needed 750 points to guarantee ya self a ticket? Mad”

Credit: @Ryan_Chadburn

“Joke allocation that”

Credit: @ROldfieldDesign

“Don’t deserve the support we get tbh”

Credit: @tomrobson11

“They really don’t deserve the support they get week in week out”

Credit: @corimilton

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming as some news emerged on Niels Nkounkou.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the Frenchman has signed for Standard Liege on loan for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

Nkounkou has played in seven senior games in total over all competitions for the Merseyside club, including an appearance in the 2-1 away win at Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup this campaign (Transfermarkt).

His departure means that Rafa Benitez now only has one senior left-back in his current squad at the moment in Lucas Digne, leaving them awfully short in that area if he were to get injured for a sustained period of time.

Thus, it seems a strange idea to let Nkounkou go without bringing in any cover.

Everton fans on Nkounkou exit

These Toffees fumed as the exit news was confirmed on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that it is ‘disgraceful’:

“No cover at left-back now… this makes no sense”

Credit: @bighfizzle

“As it stands, we are one injury away from disaster at the back. Gross negligence”

Credit: @LeeFMc83

“Announce Brands contract termination”

Credit: @Adam_1878

“Who’s Digne’s replacement? What disgraceful planning!”

Credit: @ymedeiros13

“BRANDS OUT”

Credit: @efcmidd13

“Complete shambles club is run by amateurs”

Credit: @piers_waters

In other news, find out what confirmed news has Evertonians buzzing here!

A number of Leeds United supporters have been critical of Stuart Dallas’ first half performance at home to West Ham.

The Whites play host the Hammers in the Premier League this afternoon, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side still looking for their first league win of the season, having drawn three and lost two of their opening five matches.

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Meanwhile, West Ham have started well, sitting eighth in the table and looking a strong outfit with David Moyes at the helm.

However, it was Leeds who broke the deadlock, with Raphinha opening the scoring in the 19th minute at Elland Road.

One player who struggled in the opening 45 minutes was Dallas, however. The 30-year-old had a quiet first half, his main contributing being a wayward shot just after the half-hour mark.

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Leeds fans react to Dallas’ performance against West Ham

These Leeds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on Dallas’ showing.

“There’s something up with Stuart Dallas”

Credit: @allan_howe

“Dallas needs to massively wake his ideas up. A ghost of himself at the moment”

Credit: @C1919W

“What’s happened to Dallas? He’s just not the same guy as last season?”

Credit: @Varneyshairline

“I wonder if the personal issue he suffered a few weeks ago is ongoing?”

Credit: @wasreallynowt

“Does Dallas need a break?”

Credit: @MichaeLukeMusic

“31 – A really nice Leeds move goes right to left then back into the middle for Dallas to shoot. We’ll never mention the shot again. 1-0”

Credit: @GrahamSmyth

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to make a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace put in a magnificent performance to secure a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday evening.

The Eagles fought back from 1-0 down to take the lead through two thunderous strikes from Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard after dispossessing the home side deep in their own half on both occasions.

However, an injury-time effort from substitute Alexandre Lacazette snatch an undeserved point for the Gunners, meaning Palace have now drawn three consecutive games.

It was a frustrating end to an evening full of promise for Patrick Vieira’s charges, and the French tactician will certainly have taken a lot of positives away from his trip to the Emirates Stadium.

One main encouraging aspect was Benteke bagging his first goal of the season, but it was arguably summer signing Edouard who shone the brightest in north London.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old was awarded a match rating of 7.1 out of ten for his eye-catching efforts, the joint second-highest total received by any Palace player.

During his 82 minutes on the pitch, Edouard made a whopping three key passes to his teammates as he continued to cause Arsenal’s defence all kinds of problems, won seven duels and achieved a passing accuracy of 88%.

The former Celtic ace was asked to play out of position by Vieira due to Wilfried Zaha’s enforced absence through injury, but that didn’t stop him from having a huge impact upon proceedings.

His powerful strike in the 73rd-minute was his third Premier League goal of the campaign, and it seemed as though it was going to secure a memorable victory for the capital club until the dying embers of the game.

Edouard will be hoping he can put in another eye-catching performance against Newcastle United next time out and help Palace secure just their second win of the season.

And, in other news…100% dribble success: Palace monster who won 80% duels stole the show v Arsenal 

Newcastle United ace Isaac Hayden is now reportedly keen on a move away to a rival in the Premier League before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Hayden out?

There have been a number of reports throughout the window so far linking Hayden with a move away from St. James’ Park.

The North East club have not started the 2021/22 season off well, losing both of their opening games in the top flight and thus leaving themselves in the relegation zone, which may persuade the central midfield player to want to seek a new challenge before the window shuts.

The Latest: Head turned

As per Football Insider, Watford have now ‘set their sights’ on signing Hayden, and it is understood that he is ‘keen’ on a move to Vicarage Road.

A source from the Hornets has told the news outlet that they are interested in signing Hayden before the window closes, and a move to them has reportedly appeared to have turned his head.

The Verdict: Keep

The Tyneside club must avoid selling Hayden in this window, especially to a rival in the Premier League.

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Dubbed ‘outstanding’ by Magpies legend Alan Shearer after a very impressive performance in their 3-2 home win against Southampton in the division back in February, the Englishman was such a key player for them last term, winning no fewer than 5.5 of his duels per game in the top flight, as well as averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.9 clearances and 1.8 interceptions per match (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, with less than a week to go, it would be difficult for Steve Bruce’s team to find a suitable replacement for him.

In other news, find out which ‘amazing talent’ Fabrizio Romano says NUFC are now eyeing here!

The January transfer window is well underway and Newcastle United are being linked with players left, right and centre at the moment.

Eddie Howe’s squad is in desperate need of strengthening, and deals done this month could go a long way to helping them to remain in the Premier League for at least another season.

They are currently 19th in the table and have only won one league game with half of the campaign gone, highlighting the need for reinforcements.

Time to brutally axe Gayle

CBS Sports recently reported that Leicester, Newcastle and Everton are all interested in signing Morelos from Rangers this month.

By bringing the Colombian to St James’ Park, Howe could brutally axe Dwight Gayle from the club and sell him in the coming weeks. The former Crystal Palace man is reportedly one of the players the Magpies are willing to offload, and the prospective arrival of Morelos could allow them to cash in.

He is under contract until 2024 but has only played 27 minutes of Premier League football this season. This suggests that the £40k-per-week dud is not in Howe’s plans, so signing a replacement in the form of Morelos would mean that they can sell him without worrying about their attacking squad depth.

The Rangers marksman could come in and add plenty of goals to the Magpies. He has proven his quality for the Scottish champions over the years, with 107 goals in 211 games north of the border.

Speaking anonymously to The Athletic previously, an ex-Scottish Premiership defender lauded the striker’s strength, saying: “When he goes to shield the ball it’s so difficult. His body strength and ball control are very good, so he makes it very difficult for you. He is deceptive with his physical attributes, but what I’d say he’s best at is when the ball is played up to him. He lets you think that you can nip in front of him and then his timing to put his body in and spin you is excellent.”

Another player added: “He’s kind of dropping deep now and going out wide. That’s a nightmare for defenders because he’s your player that you’re meant to be man-marking but then you’re dragged out of position and you’ve got midfield runners taking his space.”

These testimonies highlight what Morelos could bring to Newcastle aside from his goalscoring. He has the physical strength and positional intelligence to cause constant problems for opposition defenders, which means that he could open up space for his teammates even when he is not scoring himself. Coupled with his scoring record, that is why he could be an excellent signing.

The Colombian could therefore be the perfect replacement for Gayle and improve the Magpies’ options at the top end of the pitch. It would then be down to the club to find a new employer for the 32-year-old, whether that comes this month or in the summer.

AND in other news, Craig Hope issues 10-word NUFC transfer update which will leave fans buzzing…

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was officially unveiled at Ibrox earlier this week and will now be getting stuck into the job instantly.

Whilst the upcoming fixtures will be an immediate focus for the Dutchman, he may also start to think about his plans for the January and summer transfer windows to shape the squad to his will.

The Athletic have reported that replacing soon-to-be 37-year-old Steven Davis will be high on the manager’s priority list in the coming weeks and months, with the veteran midfielder out of contract at the end of the season.

Solution

Van Bronckhorst could find a solution to this Davis problem by landing Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell in January or next summer. It was reported last month that Rangers are closing in on a pre-contract deal for the English Championship player and he could be exactly what the ex-Feyenoord boss is looking for.

Davis, who is on £13k-per-week, cannot be expected to play forever and there must come a time when he is naturally moved on, which could come next summer, according to The Athletic. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.79 and 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premiership this season, whilst also making 1.1 key passes per match.

Rothwell has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.92 and 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game in the Championship for Blackburn, whilst also making 1.2 key passes per match. These statistics suggest that they are similar in play styles, although the 26-year-old has been able to perform consistently to a higher level, albeit in a different league.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray once heaped praise on the midfielder’s speed as he urged him to get closer to goal, saying: “He’s an exciting talent, he’s exceedingly fast, he keeps the ball really tight. We want him running towards the opposition goal rather than across the pitch.”

This suggests that he has the potential to make an impact in the final third, along with his similar defensive statistics to Davis. Rothwell has one goal and four assists in the second tier of English football this season, whilst the 36-year-old has zero goals and one assist in Scotland.

Therefore, the Rovers beast, who is 10 years younger than the Northern Ireland international, could be a long-term successor to Davis. Van Bronckhorst must ensure that a deal gets over the line for him in January to bolster his squad and replace the veteran midfielder, who is out of contract next summer.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can find his next Van Persie at Rangers in £33k-p/w gem who’s “like a jungle cat”…

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brighton as they take on Brentford today.

Spurs take on the Bees in the evening kick-off in the Premier League as they continue their march towards sealing a top-four finish in the division.

They are currently above their rivals Arsenal on goal difference and three points clear of sixth-placed Manchester United, as Conte has his team sitting in fourth in the table as it stands.

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The Italian head coach may look to freshen his side up after their loss to Graham Potter’s men and one player he must finally unleash from the start is Ryan Sessegnon at wing-back.

Sergio Reguilon endured a rough afternoon against Brighton and could do with a match on the sidelines. As per SofaScore, he only completed 63% of his attempted passes, failed with 100% of his dribbles and only made one tackle throughout the match – failing to make a single interception or clearance.

This suggests that it could be time for Conte to switch it up at the back and unleash Sessegnon after over a month out through injury.

Prior to his setback against Everton, the 21-year-old was starting to shine on the left. Against Burnley, he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.9 as he completed 100% of his dribbles, 91% of his passes and created one chance. He also made two tackles, two clearances and one interception as he showed that he can impress at both ends of the pitch.

Sessegnon carried that form over into his next game as he started against Leeds. As per SofaScore, he completed 81% of his passes and created two chances, with one resulting in him recording an assist, whilst he also made two interceptions and one tackle.

The dynamo was once dubbed a “big talent” by former Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen and Jose Mourinho previously called him “absolutely fantastic” as he compared him with Ashley Cole. This shows how highly he has been rated in the past and that is why Spurs must throw him another bone in the Premier League this week.

Therefore, he must be unleashed from the start at wing-back in order to give him the chance to show that he can be an important player for the team, as he did against Burnley and Leeds. It will allow Conte to rest Reguilon and avoid overplaying the Spaniard, whilst also keeping Sessegnon fresh and match fit.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Spurs handed “fresh” injury lift ahead of Bees, supporters will be buzzing

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that West Brom striker Andy Carroll could have a future at The Hawthorns beyond the end of the season. 

The lowdown: Short-term solution

Signed during the January transfer window on a deal until the end of the current campaign, then-Albion manager Valerien Ismael was hoping to soften the blow of losing fellow mid-season arrival Daryl Dike to a hamstring injury.

Since then, Ismael has been replaced by Steve Bruce and powerful frontman Dike is still yet to return to fitness, leaving a 33-year-old Carroll leading the line for the most part.

As the end of the season comes into view, Palmer has suggested that there is room for both strikers to remain part of the Baggies’ squad…

The latest: Money the only issue

Speaking to Football League World, the 56-year-old suggested that the major stumbling block for Carroll’s future is likely to be financial.

The ex-England defender stated: “Well, it depends how much he’s costing you.

“You know, at the end of the day he’s 33 now, he’s played 20 games in total this season, 12 games for West Brom and he’s played eight games for Reading previously. So he’s played 20 games in total, and the goal tally of four.

“Now, he does present a different option for you, in terms of, you know, he is superb in the air, and his hold up and link up play is very, very good when he is fit and whatever.

“So, in answer to the question, it just depends on how much he’s costing you to stay in the building.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Despite his advancing years and previous injury concerns, the towering ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United marksman has enjoyed a new lease of life in the Championship this season.

Carroll – who was once hailed as ‘unplayabale’ by Alan Pardew – has completed 90 minutes on eight occasions for Bruce’s current side.

The nine-cap England international recently won an astonishing 19 aerial duels against Stoke City (Sofascore), evidence of an unrivalled ability as a target man and proof that the experienced striker can provide a worthwhile understudy to a hopefully fit-again Dike next season.

In other news, West Brom set for talks to sign defender. Read more here