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An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster the playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, the Hoops have made an "approach" to sign Gremio winger Ferreira during the summer transfer window.

"Exclusive! Ferreira Celtic transfer approach made as Gremio striker on wishlist for summer move," he tweeted.

The accompanying report claims that Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers wants to sign another winger who can chip in with goals and assists to improve his attack next season, with the Brazilian talent now being pursued as a target to fill that role.

It states that a fee in the region of £6m could be needed for the Scottish giants to clinch this deal and that the player is interested in making the move, which suggests that personal terms would not prove to be a stumbling block.

This comes after Portuguese winger Jota left the treble-winning side to join Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad Club in a deal reportedly worth £25m earlier this month.

How good is Ferreira?

The 25-year-old forward, who can be deployed on the left or right flank, is a player with the potential to be a dream heir to Jota at Parkhead if Rodgers can unearth the best of his talents next season.

Unfortunately, Ferreira would join Celtic off the back of two disappointing seasons with Gremio as injury has seriously disrupted his progress in Brazil.

He has missed 31 competitive matches through injury since the start of August 2022, which has restricted the 5 foot 9 whiz to just 14 appearances in 2023.

During that time, the talented winger still produced three goals, along with three assists – a respectable return in front of goal given his fitness issues. That came after Ferreira scored one goal in 15 outings during the 2022 campaign.

However, the Brazilian magician's form throughout 2021 suggests that the quality is there for him to be an effective outlet on the flank.

He scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists across 52 matches in all competitions, which included 11 strikes and seven assists in 21 cup games.

That is not too dissimilar to the level of production that Jota displayed last season for Celtic.

The Portuguese speedster contributed 15 goals and 12 assists over 43 outings for the Glasgow giants.

Jota was able to prove himself to be a constant threat down the left wing due to his ability to score and create goals at an impressive rate, and Ferreira is a player with the potential to emulate that at Parkhead next term, which may be why the club are now looking into a deal for his services.

The one-time Benfica star was the only Hoops player who managed to hit double figures for goals and assists in the Scottish Premiership during the 2022/23 campaign. His departure has left a gap to fill out wide and the Gremio ace could be the man to take on the responsibility of being a match-winner week-in-week-out.

Whilst it is a gamble for Celtic, as there is no guarantee that he will be able to replicate his form from 2021, Rodgers could back himself to get the best out of the tricky winger in order to unearth a dream Jota heir.

Arsenal have already enjoyed a proactive start to the transfer market, and despite faltering announcements for Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice to supplement their acquisition of Kai Havertz, reports are assuring that no issues have arisen with those deals.

Mikel Arteta will still get his men, and the Gunners will continue their pre-season preparation in the hopes they can go one step further in the Premier League next season.

However, it is unlikely that this will note the end of their summer spending, given just how big the gulf turned out to be between themselves and Manchester City.

The five points that separated them in the league do not even begin to outline the disparity, as Pep Guardiola's side would add an FA Cup and Champions League to become just the second English team to complete this infamous treble.

With a bolstered backline and a meliorated midfield, out wide is arguably the place that has been pushed to the back burner.

That's not to suggest that they have completely neglected the pursuit though, with links to both Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus remaining throughout the window.

The latter in particular came only at the start of this month, and prefaces Paris Saint-Germain's movement into the driving seat to re-sign the former. Therefore, Arteta might have his hand forced to opt for the Ghana international, who still remains a fine alternative to the 20-year-old maestro.

What is the current market value of Mohammed Kudus?

Having both shone in the Eredivisie from the flank, it seems that last campaign marked a true step up for both of these budding young stars.

Featuring for two of the heavyweights within that division, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax were blessed to have such creativity and goalscoring prowess from the left and right wing respectively.

In fact, the differences between the two are hardly lofty enough to outline a significant gulf, suggesting that Simons' edging move back to Paris could make Arteta's transfer selection even easier.

After all, the 22-year-old recorded 18 goals and seven assists last term across all competitions, not to mention his two goals and 7.70 average rating during his country's group stage exit of the World Cup.

This excellence on the biggest stage in football was extended to the Champions League too, where he earned praise from journalist Karl Matchett for one strike against Rangers back in September:

"He is sensational. What a magical player. Channels, one-touch passing, strength in dribble, really smart positions dropping deep, aggressive winning it back and an absolute arrow of a shot."

To compare this with Simons, who has started to work his way into the Netherlands senior squad, there remains a slight lack of experience that has prevented him from lighting up a similar level.

Despite that, his 34 goal contributions across all competitions last term in his homeland suggest he is deservedly close to being handed such an opportunity.

With the Parisian giants exercising their buy-back clause and thus moving way ahead in the race for the youngster, Kudus stands alone as the outstanding alternative that remains.

Although his reported £40m price tag might come across as steep, given it far outweighs his €12.8m (£11m) FootballTransfers market valuation, it would still mark a coup for a player who at such a young age already boasts immense quality and experience on the top stage.

Fulham are interested in signing Fiorentina centre-back Julio Igor this summer, according to Viola News…

Fulham transfer news – Are the Cottagers signing Julio Igor?

Recently, Italian reporter Rudy Galetti revealed that Fulham were ready to open talks for Igor, who would cost in the region of €15m (£13m) this summer, according to Viola News.

The defender's agent is looking for a new club for his client this summer telling the same outlet: "I spoke with Fiorentina about Igor's future and the will is to leave in the summer. Even the purple club agrees. So far we have not yet received any official offer, but we are looking around."

After such a successful first season back in the Premier League, it looks as though Fulham are keen to improve even further and maintain their spot in the top half of England's top flight.

What role would Julio Igor play at Fulham?

Breaking into the current Fulham side would not be easy for Igor, who would likely have to work his way into Marco Silva's plans throughout the season.

One player that Igor should look to for inspiration if he does make the move is Tim Ream, however, with FBref marking the Fiorentina man as a comparable player to the Cottagers titan.

The American has gradually become one of the most important players at Craven Cottage, making 33 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Igor meanwhile, enjoyed a mixed season at Fiorentina, making 42 appearances in all competitions and suffering the heartbreak of defeat in the final of the Europa Conference League against West Ham United in what could be his final appearance for La Viola.

Statistically speaking, Ream and the Brazilian share some clear similarities that Silva will be keen to draw on when outlining the reasons for the defender's potential arrival.

According to FBref, Ream only completed 0.7 more passes per-90 than Igor last season. Meanwhile, the Fiorentina defender maintained a better pass completion rate than the veteran.

Such is the need to progress from the back under Silva at the London club in certain games, possession the skill to play in such a way is crucial for every defender at the club.

Igor is also more aggressive off the ball than Ream, perhaps partly to do with the former being younger than the 34-year-old Fulham man.

Also per FBref, the 25-year-old colossus made more tackles and blocks per 90 when compared to Ream, yet was also more rash than his experienced fellow defender, making 0.9 errors leading to shots, compared to Reams's 0.6 per 90.

Taking to Twitter to praise Igor, journalist Alvaro Canibe said:

"This couple is crazy. The security and reliability that Milenkovic and Igor bring to Fiorentina is incredible. The level they are at has a lot of merit."

With Ream not getting any younger, now could be the time for Silva to welcome his replacement.

Such decisions can make or break a side's season, and letting a player of Igor's potential learn from Ream's experience could be the key to ensuring yet another impressive campaign in the Premier League.

The Brazilian has the ability to make the step to England's top flight, that's for sure, given the evidence above.

انتقد مارك كلاتنبرج الذي يعمل كمحلل لأداء الحكام في الوقت الحالي في نادي نوتينجهام فورست، أداء حكم مباراة ليفربول، بول تيرني، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ونجح ليفربول في الفوز بالنقاط الثلاث للمباراة قبل لحظات من صافرة النهاية بهدف أحرزه، داروين نونيز، بالدقيقة التاسعة من الوقت بدل الضائع.

وتحدث كلاتنبرج الذي عمل لفترة سابقة كرئيس لجنة الحكام في الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم عن قرارات الحكم في نهاية المباراة في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ليفربول إيكو”.

وقبل إحراز نونيز الهدف، كانت هناك إصابة في رأس إبراهيما كوناتي ووقتها الكرة كانت في حوزة كالوم هودسون أودوي، لكن الحكم أوقف اللعب لعلاج اللاعب وبعدها تم استئناف المباراة أصبحت الكرة في حوزة حارس ليفربول، كاويمين كيليهر.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماك أليستر عن تمريرته في فوز ليفربول القاتل: علمت أنها اللحظة الأخيرة

وفي رأي كلاتنبرج أن قرار تيرني كان خاطئًا لأن الكرة لابد أن تعود للفريق المستحوذ على الكرة وكان نوتينجهام فورست.

واختار كيليهير حارس ليفربول عدم إعادة الكرة إلى نوتينجهام فورست، ومررها إلى زميله لشن هجمة لصالحه، ويرى كلاتنبرج أنه مخالف لقواعد المباراة.

وقال الإنجليزي الدولي السابق: “القانون واضح، إذا كانت الكرة خارج منطقة الجزاء (عند توقف المباراة)، فإنك تستعيد الكرة ويتراجع لاعب الخصم لمسافة متر واحد”.

وتابع: “سنتحدث مع لجنة الحكام والدوري الإنجليزي وسنناقش هذا القرار من أجل تصحيحه للحكام في المستقبل القريب”.

وأضاف: “مالك نوتينجهام فورست منزعج للغاية، لأنه استثمر الكثير من المال في الفريق، يريد أن يرى نتائج إيجابية ويشعر أن قرار الحكم كان ضد النادي وهو محق تمامًا”.

وأتم: “الجميع يشعرون بالحزن لخسارة الفريق بهذه الطريقة، آمل أن تتغير نتائجهم في المستقبل”.

Aston Villa are currently in talks with midfielder John McGinn over a new deal at the club, according to a fresh update regarding his future.

When is McGinn out of contract at Villa?

The Scot has been an outstanding servant for the Villans over a sustained period now, maturing by the year and now the captain at the club.

McGinn has racked up 183 appearances for Villa in total, scoring 17 goals and registering 26 assists along the way, and he also has 54 caps to his name for Scotland.

At 28, the midfielder remains at the peak of his powers, so Unai Emery will surely consider him a key man for the foreseeable future. His current deal expires in the summer of 2025, and while that is still two years away, they don't want to reach a point where they could lose him for a cut-price amount.

A new update suggests that an extension looks likely for McGinn, as the Villans try to keep hold of key players this summer, as well as sign exciting additions.

Could McGinn be set to sign new deal?

According to Football Insider, "talks are ongoing between John McGinn and Aston Villa over a new contract at the club", with the 28-year-old still seen as a "key member" of the setup at Villa Park.

It is stated that club chiefs "want to tie McGinn down to a long-term deal to ward off potential summer interest", with the player himself still "happy at Villa Park". There is confidence that an agreement will be reached in the near future.

Tying down McGinn to a new contract is an absolute no-brainer for Villa, with the midfielder such a consistent performer down the years, and someone who brings box-to-box energy in the middle of the park, not to mention provide strong leadership, too.

Last season, the £50,000-a-week Villans ace averaged 1.9 tackles per game across 34 Premier League appearances, as well as 1.3 dribbles per match, showing that he is an effective presence both on and off the ball. He has also been hailed as "universally respected" at the club by Steven Gerrard during his time as manager.

McGinn still has so much to offer, with his best years not likely to go away for another three or four years, and he can continue to be a massive part of the Emery revolution taking place at Villa Park currently.

James Tomlinson, the Hampshire left-arm seamer, has announced his retirement after a 14-year career, saying he feels like the ‘old dog’ at the back of pack and now is the time to ‘head back to the den’

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2016

James Tomlinson, the Hampshire left-arm seamer, has announced his retirement after a 14-year career, saying he feels like the “old dog” at the back of pack and now is the time to “head back to the den”.Tomlinson, 34, played 129 first-class matches taking 382 wickets at 31.92 with a career-best 8 for 46 against Somerset, at Taunton, in 2008. Known for his humorous personality, Tomlinson confirmed his retirement with a colourful statement.”I remember years ago watching a nature documentary that followed a pack of wild dogs on a hunt. At the front of the pack there were the young and keen dogs who couldn’t wait to get stuck in, then in the middle were the experienced, healthy dogs who knew what they were doing and held the pack together.”But I will never forget the image of one old dog at the back of the pack trying to keep up. He had half a leg missing and an ear hanging off from what must have been years of previous battles. When he finally arrived at the scene all that was left were scraps… Although I was once both the young dog at the front and the healthy dog in the middle I feel now is the right time to head back to the den. I now have the opportunity to do just that and look after all the young dogs coming through. A job I already love and cherish.”He went on to thank his brothers, Hugh and Ralph, as well as former Pakistan great Wasim Akram who had a spell with Hampshire in 2003 which was early in Tomlinson’s career. He also praised Hampshire’s slip cordon and the Dukes ball used in county cricket, before signing off in light-hearted style.”However I would most like to thank the opposition batters who somehow for over a decade missed the straight ones and nicked the half volleys… to you all I will be forever grateful!”

Todd Boehly's Chelsea reign has certainly been a tumultuous one, with the Blues now certain to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter were both sacked by the American, who was keen for instant success following an investment of over £550m on new signings.

However, this will not stop Chelsea from spending big again this summer, so long as they can move on some of the deadwood at Stamford Bridge in order to abide by Financial Fair Play rules.

One man who has been linked with a summer move to the Blues is Jules Kounde, in what would be an opportunity for Boehly to avenge his 2022 heartbreak over the Frenchman after he joined Barcelona ahead of Chelsea last summer.

Could Chelsea sign Jules Kounde?

According to Diario Sport, the France international is now keen to leave Camp Nou this summer as Xavi has rarely utilised him in his natural centre-back position, instead playing him as a right-back – or even as a midfielder, as he did in the recent game against Real Sociedad.

The Spanish manager had reportedly promised to play Kounde as a centre-back, and as that has not materialised, he is now considering his future with the La Liga champions, with Barcelona more than willing to sell if he isn't fully committed to the club.

It is suggested that Chelsea would be willing to renew their interest in the 24-year-old and would be willing to pay more than Barcelona paid to Sevilla last summer, with previous reports suggesting that a fee of €75m (£65m) would be enough to see him leave.

Would Kounde be a good signing for Chelsea?

It is easy to understand why Boehly was so keen to sign Kounde last summer given he was rated as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe, and he has only enhanced that reputation with Barcelona and France this season.

In 27 La Liga appearances, the versatile defender has one goal and three assists with a strong 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which is only bettered by Reece James and Thiago Silva in Chelsea's squad.

While Boehly already has young centre-backs such as Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal, Kounde already has experience at the very top level, having won the Europa League with Sevilla and appeared in a World Cup final with France.

Football analyst Marcus Bring dubbed him "sensational" back in 2021, while sports technology manager Alan Feehely labelled him as an "absolute baller" that year, which suggests that he has been highly rated for a number of years now.

While it would be another expensive outlay for Boehly, Kounde has what it takes to be a top defender for the next decade and there will be few opportunities to prise him away from one of Europe's elite clubs, so the chairman must take advantage of his unhappiness at Barcelona and sign him this summer, one year later than originally planned.

Celtic return to action in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they travel away from home to face Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox as confirmed champions.

The Hoops are 13 points clear of their rivals in the table and have the chance to extend the gap to a staggering 16 points with three matches left to play.

Ange Postecoglou's side secured the league title last week with a 2-0 win against Hearts and could use these last four games to rotate his side with a view to making decisions on what he wants to do with the squad in the summer transfer window.

How will Celtic line up against Rangers?

The Australian head coach could make three changes to the XI that started against Hearts last time out, with one in midfield and two in attack.

However, the defence could remain the same with Joe Hart between the sticks and a back four of; Anthony Ralston, Carl Starfelt, Yuki Kobayashi, and Greg Taylor.

Cameron Carter-Vickers has been ruled out for the remainder of this season with a knee injury and this has opened the door for January signing Kobayashi to showcase his quality on a regular basis.

In midfield, Aaron Mooy could be brought in to replace Matt O'Riley next to Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate. The 32-year-old has registered four goals and ten assists in 13 Premiership starts this season and the boss could give him an opportunity to add to his tallies against the Light Blues this afternoon.

On the wing, Daizen Maeda could make way for Liel Abada.

The Japan international has one goal in his last seven appearances and the latter has two goals and one assist in the same time, despite only starting once, which could lead to the £15k-per-week "revelation" – as he was dubbed by Alan Hutton – taking the 25-year-old's place this afternoon.

Finally, Kyogo Furuhashi came off with a knock against Hearts and Postecoglou could rest the club's star striker by offering Oh Hyeon-gyu a rare start after his goal off the bench last time out.

Oh has only started once of his 12 Premiership appearances and managed to plunder three goals for the club since arriving on a permanent deal in January and could be given a huge chance to impress whilst leading the line against Rangers today with Abada and Jota either side of him.

Predicted Celtic XI (4-3-3): Hart; Ralston, Starfelt, Kobayashi, Taylor; Hatate, McGregor, Mooy; Abada, Oh, Jota.

Everton's turbulent season threatens a whole new sense of instability as relegation looms, with the proud Premier League outfit failing to muster a vein of form capable of lifting them away from the danger zone, and with just four matches to play, the Blues languish in 19th place.

Sean Dyche was hired in the managerial role in January in an attempt to instil stoicism and grit – defensive resilience to climb up the table and towards safety.

And while he got off to a flying start, defeating the then-table-toppers Arsenal 1-0 at a roaring Goodison Park, a singular victory against Brentford is all that can complement their early success.

Four fixtures remain, and 34-year-old captain Seamus Coleman has recently picked up a knee injury that will likely rule him out of contention as the term enters his culminating phase.

With this in mind, Dyche would be wise to assess his options and prepare the likes of Mathew Mallon for increasing opportunity, both this season and across future years.

Who is Mathew Mallon?

There were reports from the Liverpool Echo's Adam Jones that a deal had been struck between the Toffees and Blackburn Rovers for the permanent signing of Mallon, who has since quashed the incorrect murmurings by penning a first professional deal with the Goodison Park side last July.

Having made 43 displays across Everton's U18 and U21 outfits, Mallon has scored two goals and supplied three assists, hailed as "impressive" by journalist Sam Carroll.

This season, the dynamo has made six appearances for the Toffees youth side across all competitions, notably registering an assist during a remarkable 4-3 away victory over Crystal Palace.

Describing his pace, strength, defending and crossing as his 'main assets' Mallon is a dynamic defender is an eye for making things happen, which could fall auspiciously into his hands with a gaffer such as Dyche at the helm.

Dyche demands composure and tenacity from all in his team, but with an onus on superlative defensive structure and organisation, a versatile full-back such as Mallon could emulate the past success of the likes of England international Kieran Trippier.

Burnley signed Trippier in January 2012, with Dyche taking the reins later that year, with the current Newcastle United phenom forging 120 games under his wing, scoring two goals and serving a commendable 25 assists – with the gem lauded for his "elite output" by Statman Dave more recently.

Mallon has a long way to go before riding the crest of a wave and announcing himself to the major stage, but with a knack for embracing the dynamism of the full-back role and a coach such as Dyche guiding him, he is in good stead to reach great heights and perhaps even emulate the distinguished Trippier.

Rangers midfielder John Lundstram "has got everything" and could be a "massive" player for the club next season, according to former Gers man Alan Hutton, who recently spoke to Football Insider.

Will Rangers compete for the league title next season?

After Saturday's 3-2 defeat against Old Firm rivals Celtic, the Scottish Premiership title is seemingly all but decided, given that the Hoops are 12 points clear at the top of the table.

As such, it is vital Rangers have a strong summer transfer window, in order to ensure they can compete for the league next season, especially considering the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent could all be set to depart.

The Gers have been much-improved under the helm of Michael Beale, picking up 40 points over the previous 15-game period, and while new recruits will be important, they also have quality players within the squad, who need to step up next season.

That is the view of BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Hutton, who has told Football Insider that Lundstram has what it takes to be a key player for the Light Blues in the 2023/24 campaign.

When asked whether the midfielder will be a regular starter, the pundit said: “Definitely, I think he can be.

“He has got everything that you need to play in that midfield for Rangers. He is obviously strong, he has got good passing ability. He can come up with a goal when need be.

“But there have been certain injuries that have plagued him this season. You want that type of player within the team, he is a fighter, he has got that desire, you see it all the time within his game.

“I think he is definitely someone Beale will look to in the future. I think Lundstram will be a mainstay and a massive part of the team moving forward.“

Should John Lundstram be a regular starter?

The central midfielder has been solid, if not spectacular for the Gers this season, averaging a 7.01 rating from Sofascore, the ninth-highest figure in the squad, however his exploits in previous campaigns have been very impressive.

Ally McCoist lauded the £22k-per-week earner a "cult hero" after his "magnificent" form in the 2021-22 campaign, scoring the third at Ibrox in the semi-final victory against RB Leipzig in the Europa League, which will live long in the memory.

Performing in games of that magnitude indicates Lundstram has what it takes to be a key player for Rangers next season, and he may well need to step up to the plate, given that Scott Arfield's contract is up in the summer.