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Celtic have been heavily linked with Schalke centre-back Malick Thiaw in recent weeks and the German could be the next Cameron Carter-Vickers in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Reports have claimed that the Hoops are in talks with the German giants over a potential move for Thiaw, who impressed last season as Die Konigsblauen earned promotion back to the Bundesliga.

The 20-year-old already has 58 senior appearances for Schalke under his belt, and made 31 league appearances in the last campaign, popping up with two goals for Frank Kramer’s side.

Thiaw’s strengths, according to WhoScored, include his tackling and ball interceptions, while he also offers a big threat from set-pieces at six-foot-three.

He clearly has an eye for goal, as he managed eight goals in just 20 appearances for Schalke’s U19 side in the 2019/20 season, while Carter-Vickers also emphasised his goalscoring ability last season, with four goals in 33 league appearances.

Thiaw has already earned a lot of praise for his performances, with former manager Christian Gross waxing lyrical about the young defender after an impressive performance against Union Berlin in 2021.

He said: “Malick did an excellent job. He was calm and collected. He has great potential”

The youngster was also praised for his ability to win aerial duels in that game, which is incidentally one of Carter-Vickers’s strongest attributes, according to WhoScored, so the similarities between the two are clear to see.

The USA international was a standout performer last season as Postecoglou’s side won the title, with his 7.36 average rating from WhoScored the fourth-best of any Celtic player to make at least ten league outings.

If Thiaw can perform anywhere near that level for Celtic then he would surely prove to be an excellent addition at Celtic Park this summer.

The prospect of having a 20-year-old Thiaw and 24-year-old Carter-Vickers at the heart of Celtic’s defence for years to come is certainly one that will excite fans, so they will be hoping that a deal can be agreed for the Schalke youngster.

And, in other news… Celtic handed green light for “exceptional” new signing, supporters will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Youri Tielemans in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the club have already begun talks over a potential deal for the Belgium international as they now plot a swoop for him.

He Tweeted: “There is a growing feeling Newcastle could enter the Tielemans race, too. Dan Ashworth has already made enquiries. Challenge for NUFC would be convincing Tielemans how he fits into a midfield with Joelinton, Bruno and Shelvey. One to watch…”

This came after he claimed: “Tielemans wants to join Arsenal and Edu still in touch with his agent. Arsenal have agreed terms, and worked on the deal for a year, but have never placed an official bid.”

Leicester have a reported asking price of £25m and it remains to be seen whether or not the Magpies or the Gunnerss are willing to meet it.

Eddie Howe’s own Joshua Kimmich

Ashworth can land the head coach his own version of Bayern Munich star Kimmich by securing a deal for the former Monaco man.

FBRef lists the Germany international as one of the most similar players to Tielemans in Europe’s top five leagues, which may come from the fact that they are both central midfielders who are capable of chipping in with goals and assists.

In the Bundesliga last season, Kimmich scored three goals and assisted nine – ranking in the 99th percentile for expected assists and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last 365 days in his position.

The Leicester man, meanwhile, chipped in with six goals and four assists in the Premier League – ranking in the 85th and 89th percentile respectively of the two aforementioned statistics – showing that he can also make an impact in the final third from a number eight or six role.

Brendan Rodgers previously lauded the gem’s talents, saying: “He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.”

These comments suggest that Howe would love to work with him and that the Belgian gem is keen to fulfil his potential. He could, therefore, develop whilst at St. James’ Park – given that he is currently 25 – and eventually reach Kimmich’s levels of creativity – making him the Magpies’ own version of the German maestro.

AND in other news, NUFC could land their own Vlahovic in Ashworth swoop for “exceptional” £40m predator…

Leeds United had one of the shakiest defences in the Premier League last season as the Whites conceded 79 goals across their 38 games.

This only left Norwich City with a worse defensive record throughout the campaign, which saw the Canaries go down with a whimper and Leeds scrape top-flight safety on the final day.

One reason for this poor defensive record could be down to the absence of captain Liam Cooper in the team for a significant length of time. In fact, Leeds lost 12 of the 17 Premier League games that the Scotsman missed, whereas they were beaten on only six of the 21 matches in which he did feature.

Despite Cooper’s clear importance to the team at the back, the Whites and Jesse March could use the current transfer window to find a suitable long-term replacement for the 30-year-old.

One man with whom the Whites have been linked recently and who could fit this particular bill is Burnley defender Nathan Collins.

After working his way through Stoke City’s youth ranks and making 47 appearances for their first team, the 21-year-old joined Burnley last summer.

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Throughout his debut season at Turf Moor, the Irishman made 19 league appearances for the Clarets, in which he won 23 tackles and made 37 interceptions, 48 blocks and 102 clearances, as per FBRef.

To compare that with the 21 league games in which Cooper featured for Leeds, he won 18 tackles and made 40 interceptions, 32 blocks and 117 clearances, as per FBRef.

Labelled a “brick wall” by Jamie O’Hara, Collins has also made his mark in front of goal, particularly when he scored what was described by his national team boss Stephen Kenny as a “sublime” goal for the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.

With a reported price tag of £25m, this could be an investment worth making for Leeds given how poor their defence was last season.

Also, given the age difference between the Burnley youngster and Cooper, he could be the perfect long-term replacement for the Scotland international whenever the 30-year-old decides to call an end to his time at Elland Road.

If the Clarets are willing to cash in on the young defender this summer, the Whites should definitely be in the mix to bring him back to the Premier League.

In other news: Leeds in the mix to sign £19.8m-rated “pure talent”, Marsch would love him

Newcastle United have reportedly now agreed a transfer fee and personal terms to sign Charlie McArthur.

The Lowdown: McArthur profiled

McArthur is a 17-year-old central defender who plays for Scottish side Kilmarnock.

He made four senior appearances for them last season, and has been a player in-demand, with Manchester City, Liverpool, West Ham United, Wolves and Brighton and Hove Albion all reportedly thought to be interested in his signature at one point.

The Latest: Magpies bound

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic’s George Caulkin revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit have now agreed a fee and personal terms for McArthur:

“One for the future but Newcastle United agree fee and personal terms for Kilmarnock’s Charlie McArthur.”

Expanding in his piece for The Athletic, Caulkin added that McArthur ‘will join’ for a fee of £350,000, and can sign a maximum three-year contract.

The Verdict: For the future

As Caulkin says, McArthur will be a player for the future, as the North East club look to build a talented core of youngsters for PIF’s long-term project.

Given the profile of clubs that were interested in him, notably Man City and Liverpool, for them to fend off that kind of competition is a real high point and shows the progress that the Magpies are making behind the scenes.

Nonetheless, if McArthur impresses enough, the Scotland U17 captain will hope to break into Eddie Howe’s senior squad at some point next season, perhaps furthering his development with some domestic cup outings.

In other news, find out who Keith Downie says NUFC are now ‘keen’ on signing here!

Leeds United are working on a deal to bring a new centre-forward to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by the Yorkshire Evening Post (via Leeds All Over), who claim that, following the recent signings of central midfielder Marc Roca, right-back Rasmus Kristensen and attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Victor Orta has now turned his attention in the market to the addition of a new striker.

The report goes on to state that, while the director of football has a number of candidates on his transfer shortlist for a new centre-forward, there is one player in particular who the Spaniard is targeting to become the Whites’ fourth signing of the summer window.

In the report, it is stated: “Leeds’ search for a striker goes on. They have a number of other targets for the role and director of football Victor Orta is currently working on landing one of them to strengthen Jesse Marsch’s attacking options.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While the identity of Orta’s fourth target in the summer transfer window is not revealed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, the news that the club have identified and are currently working on a deal for a specific player in the position is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, with Patrick Bamford having spent the vast majority of the club’s 2021/22 campaign sidelined due to various injuries, it was clear for all to see just how much Jesse Marsch’s side lacked a backup option to the England international in spearheading the Whites’ attack.

It is true that both Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood – who featured in 20 and seven Premier League fixtures respectively last term, with the former bagging two goals – are exciting options for the future in the position, however, with only right-winger Raphinha reaching double figures in league goals in 21/22, it is obvious that Marsch requires greater depth up top.

As such, the fact that Orta is currently working on a deal for a new striker is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the Whites, not least the club’s American head coach.

AND in other news: Orta can land the next David Silva as Leeds now plot bid for “special” 18-goal talent

There has been an update regarding the future of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, with the Argentine having spent the last six months on loan at Villarreal.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the future of the 26-year-old appears somewhat uncertain, with it looking as if the playmaker is no closer to securing a return to the La Liga side.

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Relaying comments from Villarreal CEO Roig Negueroles, the transfer insider wrote on Twitter that: “Villarreal CEO Roig Negueroles: “Lo Celso is a player who has been happy here and has made us happy, so we would like to continue together”, tells @EsportsVila.

“He’s a Tottenham player and it is a very complicated operation as of now – we’re not even in talks”.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain man had joined the Spanish side back in January after failing to establish himself under manager Antonio Conte, with the deal reportedly including an option to buy.

Supporters annoyed

That news will no doubt come as a source of annoyance to Spurs supporters, with the player having appeared to be an asset that the club could cash in on this summer, in order to generate funds for prospective targets.

Although a £150m injection has provided the Italian with a significant transfer kitty for the current window, gaining additional cash from player sales could also prove vital, with the former Chelsea boss plotting a squad revamp ahead of next season.

Reports have suggested that as many as eight first-team players – including Lo Celso – could be set for the axe this summer, with sporting director Fabio Paratici keen to ensure his compatriot has a squad capable of challenging in the 2022/23 season.

Having been signed from Real Betis three years ago, initially on loan, the 39-cap international has struggled to ever really nail down a regular starting role in north London, making just 26 league starts across the last three seasons combined, including just two in the most campaign season prior to his loan departure.

In total, the 5 foot 10 ace has scored just eight goals and provided a further six assists in 84 games in all competitions for the Lilywhites, failing to really justify the reported £27.2m transfer fee that was paid to make his temporary switch a permanent one in January 2020.

Not only will there be a great deal of frustration that the move has thus far failed to work out, but supporters will also undoubtedly be angered by the club’s current inability to part ways with a player who simply appears surplus to requirements.

In truth, Lo Celso is a reminder of the muddled transfer mess of the last few seasons, with the club needing to move on from him this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs can unearth dream Kane heir in deal for “invaluable” £22m “Ibrahimovic-machine”…

A reliable journalist has provided an exciting transfer update despite Tottenham Hotspur suffering a blow in their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni this week…

What’s the word?

After the defender’s straight-talking agent Tullio Tinti met with the Inter Milan hierarchy on Wednesday, a clear message was relayed that the 23-year-old would not be leaving the San Siro in the summer transfer window.

“Bastoni is definitely staying at Inter,” he said. “He’s an Inter player. He’s happy to play for Inter.” That was then endorsed by the player himself with his reaction of blue and black heart emojis soon after.

However, not all hope is lost, as The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke has revealed that the north London outfit will spend big on a centre-back this off-season.

“They are willing to spend ‘Romero money’ on a new defender and have other options,” he claimed in a recent column for the website, in which he also suggests that a move for Bastoni isn’t completely off the table, with the Serie A club needing to raise funds.

Promising news!

Those 15 words should certainly provide many around N17 with encouragement that the Lilywhites hierarchy is prepared to back manager Antonio Conte to the wall.

The 52-year-old may not get the Italy international but there are plenty of interesting alternatives indeed, including Torino’s Bremer, Bastoni’s team-mate Milan Skriniar, RB Leipzig gem Josko Gvardiol, Crystal Palace colossus Marc Guehi and Villarreal star Pau Torres.

Ideally, this player needs to be a left-footed option, as it’s been full-back Ben Davies playing alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero, who is going to cost sporting director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy around £40m to sign permanently.

That is a sizeable investment in the Argentina international and goes to show just how willing they are to seal another central defensive animal before the start of the 2022/23 campaign, where Spurs will be back in the Champions League.

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Many supporters will be gutted to have potentially missed out on Bastoni but they should be relieved, if not excited by Pitt-Brooke’s latest update, especially as they have many viable alternatives to the Italian, who has never played outside of his home country anyway.

The transfer window has only just reopened for business and there’s a long way to go before a ball is kicked again, so those around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should have faith in the club, given this promising update.

AND in other news, Spurs eyeing £27m-rated “tank” who’s like Van Dijk, he’s way better than Bastoni…

Everton have already been linked with a number of players this summer as Frank Lampard sets out to improve the squad following a disappointing Premier League season, and now a reliable source has revealed a new potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees have joined the race to sign Montpellier winger Stephy Mavididi.

The Italian journalist tweeted: “Stephy Mavididi could leave Montpellier this summer. Many clubs have approached his agents including West Ham, Brighton, Southampton, Everton and OM. Deal still at early stages but there are good chances for Mavididi to make his move in the coming weeks.”

Mavididi would be a huge coup for Everton

Everton are in desperate need of improvement after they narrowly avoided their first-ever Premier League relegation with a win in the penultimate game of the season, so supporters will be excited that the club is working to identify players who can add depth and quality to the squad.

Mavididi has been a consistent attacking threat for Montpellier in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals, delivering three assists and creating four big chances for his team over his 30 league appearances.

For comparison, only Richarlison hit more than five league goals for Everton in 2021/22, so Mavididi could give Lampard’s side much greater potency judging by his goal return in the French top flight.

The former Arsenal loanee has received high praise from his idol Thierry Henry in recent months, with the Gunners legend saying of the 24-year-old on commentary for Amazon (via The Score): “What I’ve always liked about Stephy Mavididi is that he’s a hard-working player who closes (opponents) down.

“He’s always in the right place. What was missing was finishing — whether to give the ball or to score — but now he’s brought that to his game.”

With that in mind, the £20m-valued ace could be a great prospective addition to the squad at Goodison Park. As above, he is renowned as a hard-working forward who is capable of delivering plenty of goalscoring opportunities from centre-forward or out wide.

However, Farhad Moshiri will need to act fast if he does want to secure Mavididi’s signature this summer, as the 24-year-old has a number of clubs interested in making a move for him. If the Everton chief can pull it off, it has the makings of a real coup for the Toffees.

AND in other news – No-brainer: Moshiri must seal bargain Everton swoop for “very strong” £73k-p/w leader

Manchester United are once again being linked with a sensational move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: United linked with Bastoni

A product of the youth system at Serie A club Atalanta, Bastoni is a rising star of Italian football and has already amassed 120 top-flight outings despite his tender years.

Recently, an initial report from FC Inter 1908 claimed that the Red Devils are keen on the 23-year-old Italy international, who is under contract in Milan until 2024 (Transfermarkt).

It now seems as though that interest could be growing, as a reputable Italian newspaper provides a fresh update…

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The latest: Ten Hag’s admiration for Bastoni

As per Gazzetta dello Sport, translated by Sport Witness, United are in the mix to sign Bastoni as Inter try to avoid selling Lautaro Martinez.

It is claimed that Erik ten Hag likes the 11-cap Italy defender ‘a lot’ and that the Red Devils present the ‘most credible’ interest in making the move happen.

The report added that it would take a fee of ‘at least’ €60m (£51.1m) in order to make the deal to bring the youngster a reality.

The verdict: Statement signing

As Ten Hag gets to grips with the task at hand at Old Trafford, signing a player of Bastoni’s calibre would be a remarkable start to his reign in Manchester.

Despite adding Raphael Varane to a defence containing Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, United continued to leak goals at an alarming rate, posting the worst concession rate among the top seven finishers in the Premier League.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the 6 foot 3 giant earned an outstanding 7.10 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.1 duels and making 1.8 clearances and 1.4 tackles on average per game. He has also been hailed as ‘world class’ by journalist Kaustubh Pandey.

That form, combined with the scope in which the 23-year-old has to develop even further, makes the £54m-valued Bastoni a worthy target for bolster United’s defensive ranks.

In other news: Man Utd and Ten Hag launch ‘important offer’ to sign ‘the future’ of football along with De Jong

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili ahead of a potential move.

The Lowdown: Mamardashvili profiled

Mamardashvili stands at 6 foot 4 and only made a permanent move to Valencia back in January. He signed from Georgian side Dinamo Tbilisi in a deal worth just £765,000.

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Since then, the 21-year-old has gone on to make 21 appearances for the Spanish side, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 22 times.

The Georgia international only penned a deal through to 2024 with Valencia and reportedly has a release clause set at €20m (£17m).

The Latest: United phone call

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet AS regarding Mamardashvili on Wednesday.

They claimed that Valencia are already working on extending the goalkeeper’s contract which would raise his release clause from €20m (£17m) to €30m (£25.5m).

The report name-checks United with an interest in Mamardashvili, who has now ‘received a call’ from the Red Devils, presumably chief executive Richard Arnold, over a possible move.

The Verdict: Henderson replacement?

It looks as if Dean Henderson could be on his way out of Old Trafford, with a move to Newcastle thought to be close.

Therefore, should the 25-year-old leave this summer, Erik ten Hag could be left with just Tom Heaton as back up to David de Gea.

On that basis, activating Mamardashvili’s £17m release clause could be an extremely smart move to provide competition to De Gea and in the long run.

The Spaniard will turn 32 in November, so United may soon have to think about his long-term replacement, and that could be Mamardashvili, providing he is willing to play second choice to begin with under Ten Hag.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd & Ten Hag eyeing another Dutch gem along with De Jong and Timber.