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Celtic begin their defence of the Scottish Premiership title this weekend as they prepare to host Kilmarnock at Parkhead in their opening match on Sunday.

The Hoops will have a new number one between the sticks for the match after Joe Hart left the club at the end of last season, retiring from professional football.

He spent three seasons as the team's number one and Brendan Rodgers dipped into the transfer market to land Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo to compete for the starting spot.

Central midfielder Paulo Bernardo has also been signed to bolster the club's options in the middle of the park, joining on a permanent basis after his loan stint in Glasgow last season.

The Scottish giants still have a few weeks left to complete any more business that they would like to do before the window officially slams shut.

This means that Hoops supporters could look forward to more players coming through the door to improve the squad in order to help the club compete for trophies throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Celtic's interest in Premier League defender

Fans could be excited by the prospect of a new full-back arriving at Parkhead before the end of August as Celtic are reportedly keen to add a left-back to the group.

According to Mail Sport journalist Lewis Steele, Celtic are in the hunt to sign Liverpool defender Owen Beck to compete with Greg Taylor next season.

The reporter claims that the Hoops are in the market to land the left-back after they failed to sign another, unnamed, player in that position.

However, Steele adds that the Premier League side are hoping to cash in on the former Dundee loanee on a permanent basis this summer, whilst the Bhoys are currently hoping to secure a loan move for the young whiz.

The journalist reveals that this could rule the Premiership champions out of the race at this moment in time, but there is still plenty of time left in the window for either club's stance to change.

Celtic were keen to sign Beck back in January of this year but missed out on him as Liverpool recalled and used him in the Premier League before sending him back to Dundee, who were the only club he could join for the second half of the campaign after playing for the Reds.

If the Hoops can secure a deal for the impressive youngster this summer, though, then they could land an exciting partner for Mikey Johnston down the flank.

Why it is Mikey Johnston's time to shine

The Ireland international only made nine appearances in the Premiership during the first half of last season, three of which came as a starter, and that led to him joining West Bromwich Albion on loan in the winter window.

Johnston could not force his way into the Celtic XI on a regular basis and went down south to play in the Championship to get regular minutes under his belt.

Not only did the 25-year-old star play regularly for the Baggies but he also caught the eye with his fantastic performances at the top end of the pitch.

As you can see in the table above, Johnston produced 11 goals and 'big chances' created combined in just 18 appearances in the Championship for West Brom.

His electric form earned him an opportunity to push for a place in the Hoops team this season and his performances in pre-season suggest that he has a good chance of doing so.

The right-footed ace scored two goals in his last three appearances in pre-season with the Bhoys, including a composed finish in the 4-1 win over Chelsea.

Johnston scored more goals in five months at West Brom (seven) than Daizen Maeda managed (six) in 28 appearances in the Premiership last term.

The Japan international also failed to produce a goal or an assist during pre-season and his faltering form could see the Irish wizard given an opportunity to impress from the start against Kilmarnock on Sunday, as he has showcased his quality as a scorer and a creator this year.

Why Owen Beck would be an exciting signing

Beck, who was hailed as "spectacular" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be an exciting signing for Celtic due to the attacking ability he could provide down the left flank alongside Johnston.

The 21-year-old ace spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Dundee in the Premiership and his performances earned himself a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.

He caught the eye with his contributions in and out of possession in the Scottish top-flight. Firstly, the £2.8k-per-week dynamo made 2.3 key passes per game in the division.

Only Matt O'Riley (2.5) and Luis Palma (2.4) made more key passes per match in the Premiership for Celtic last season, which speaks to how impressive that return was from Beck – given his defensive position.

As you can see in the table above, Beck is also a strong defender who can win the majority of his duels whilst almost making four defensive interventions per game.

The Welsh full-back has the potential to come in as an upgrade on Taylor at the back for Celtic, as he outperformed him in and out of possession last season, which is backed up by those statistics and his inclusion in the Team of the Year.

Those statistics also illustrate why Beck would be an exciting player to partner Johnston down the left flank, as they could both provide plenty of attacking quality for the Hoops.

Celtic turn attention to £3m star who'd be a better signing than Idah

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a swoop for the Premiership star this summer.

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By
Dan Emery

Aug 1, 2024

The Liverpool youngster's ability to drive forward with dribbles and key passes could put the winger in dangerous positions on a regular basis, which would then give him the best possible chance of showing off his quality as a scorer and a creator of goals.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made a worrying admission about his lifestyle amid the team's woeful run, but has insisted that he is "fine".

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• Guardiola makes worrying lifestyle admission
• Man City suffering an abysmal start to the season
• Manager insists he is 'fine' despite the issues

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City are in a horrible slump, having lost seven and won only one of their last 10 games in all competitions. This is the worst run the defending Premier League winners have had since Guardiola took control in 2016. It is also the worst spell the Catalan manager has endured in his 16-year managerial tenure.

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  Earlier this week, Guardiola told former team-mate Luca Toni that he has been suffering with his lifestyle amid his team's poor form. The Catalan manager described his mental state as "ugly," his sleep as "worse," and his reduced appetite due to digestive issues. However, the former Barcelona boss has since claimed that he is 'fine'.

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  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: "I'm fine. In our jobs we always want to do our best or the best as possible. When that doesn't happen you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well, always that happened.

  "In good moments I am happier but when I get to the next game I am still concerned about what I have to do. There is no human being that makes an activity and it doesn't matter how they do."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA?

  City will be in action next when they take on local rivals Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, December 15. Guardiola will be hopeful that his men will be able to beat Ruben Amorim's side.

After confirming the arrival of Dominic Solanke, Tottenham Hotspur could be about to lose one of Ange Postecoglou's defenders amid reported interest from Barcelona.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites finally have their replacement for Harry Kane in Solanke. The former Liverpool forward has arrived for a reported £65m in one of the most expensive deals of the summer, and should add what Ange Postecoglou's side were missing in the absence of an out-and-out No 9 last season.

Expressing his delight over the move, Solanke told Spurs' official website: "It means so much – to sign for a club like Tottenham is everything I’ve wanted, really. It’s a magnificent club, a huge club with ambitions that match mine, so I’m delighted to start and meet all the boys.

"What excites me most about the club is how ambitious it is. It has a great manager, great players and I feel like it suits my style of play as well, so I can’t wait to get started and do my stuff on the pitch."

Lange considers Tottenham bid for £30m ex-player with 25-year-old leaving

It could be one in, one out at N17.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 10, 2024

However, as Solanke enters, a defender could be heading for the exit door. According to Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, Barcelona have enquired about signing Sergio Reguilon this summer, with the defender into the final year of his contract at Spurs. The left-back spent last season on loan at Manchester United and Brentford, and is unlikely to start under Postecoglou, given his preference for Destiny Udogie in his role.

A player who came through the ranks at Real Madrid, a summer switch to Barcelona would certainly be a controversial one for Reguilon.

"Superb" Reguilon needs Spurs exit

Unlikely to start in the forthcoming campaign, Reguilon should set aside his Real Madrid past and jump at the chance to join Barcelona if the opportunity comes his way this summer. Following his loan spells last term, he found himself at a crossroads that didn't look very likely to end in such a move, but the La Liga giants may yet offer the left-back a way out of north London.

He did show glimpses of his class, with praise coming his way during both of his stints away last season – including following United's Champions League outing against Bayern Munich where he was labelled "excellent" and their "best player".

At 27 years old, Reguilon may not have realised the potential that once saw his loan spell at Sevilla prior to his Spurs move described as "superb" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, yet Barcelona's enquiry suggests that he still has plenty of fans at the top of La Liga.

With just one year left on his contract too, Spurs may have no choice but to lose their defender at a cut price this summer.

Pep Guardiola has defended Erling Haaland's sudden dip in form as Manchester City's nightmare season continues in the Premier League.

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• Guardiola defends Haaland over drought
• Has scored three league goals in his last 12 matches
• Man City down to seventh

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Haaland made a flying start in the 2024-25 campaign as he scored 10 goals in his first five Premier League outings, which included two hat-tricks. However, his form has taken a hit since the end of September and has scored only three goals in his last 12 league appearances.

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  The Norwegian goal machine's sudden dip in form has coincided with City's downfall, as they have won just one game in their 12 matches across all competitions and dropped to seventh place in the league table, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. Despite the star forward's poor showings, manager Guardiola came to his defence as labelled the situation as a collective failure of the team.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said: "It's about us, it's not just about one playing. When Erling was so prolific, it was about us, the team. Erling is so important for us and will be so important for us. We need to use him better.

  "The reason why is this one and this one and this one. It is about us, about everyone. The guys are running more than ever. Many little details and big details make us not as good as we were."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  The defending champions will be back in action in the Premier League on Boxing Day as they take on Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Leeds United and owners the 49ers Enterprises are now already in talks to sign another forward after their deal for Manor Solomon.

Solomon becomes sixth Leeds signing

The Whites could be one of the busiest sides in the final days of the window, looking to add to Daniel Farke’s squad further and they completed their sixth signing of the summer with Solomon joining on a season-long loan from Tottenham. There is no buy option for the Israel international, who admitted he is fit and ready to go after moving to Elland Road. Solomon, talking to LUTV, said:

“I am really happy to be here. I've heard a lot about the club, about its fans, about the heritage, the history. I know it's a massive club in England and I'm looking forward to seeing the fans and to meet them all.

“I'm ready to go back to the biggest levels again and hopefully we'll have a great season here at Leeds. We have one goal and everyone knows our goal, hopefully we'll do it together."

Leeds make £13m offer to sign "unbelievable" star; 49ers have had a reply

It is set to be a busy end to the window.

By
Charlie Smith

Aug 27, 2024

The winger looks set to rival the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James, Brenden Aaronson and Largie Ramazani for a starting spot, but he could soon be joined by another attacker in Yorkshire.

Leeds in talks for Roland Sallai

According to Sky Sports reporters Dennis Bayer and Philipp Hinze on Tuesday, Leeds are in talks to sign Roland Sallai from Freiburg, with the player open to a deal.

Bayer said: “Sky Info: Leeds United is interested in Freiburg's Roland Sallai. There are talks. The Athletic also reports. In addition to Leeds, a club from Ligue 1 is also interested in the Hungarian international. Sallai is open to a transfer.”

Hinze reported: “Sky Info: LUFC expresses interest in Freiburg's Roland Sallai. There is already contact between the player and the club. The exchange is concrete. A French first division club is also interested in Sallai. The Athletic also reports on Leeds' interest. Sallai is open to a new challenge.”

The 27-year-old, a Hungary international, is valued at €9m (£7.5m) by Freiburg, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri and can play as a right-winger, left-winger or second striker, as per Transfermarkt.

A midfielder and full-back are also wanted at Elland Road before the deadline, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, so the 49ers could be working right up until 11pm on Friday.

There is a real belief that Chelsea could sign a £179,000-per-week star before deadline day, with his club seemingly agreeing to a drop in the asking price.

Chelsea seal Joao Felix deal as Boehly makes tenth summer signing

Under Todd Boehly and BlueCo, the west Londoners have showcased their spending power yet again this summer transfer window, making a total of 10 new signings – including their latest deal for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

Chelsea interested in late move to sign "top-class" £34m Liverpool player

The Blues could weaken a Premier League rival…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 18, 2024

The Portugal international, who has returned to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth up to £46.3 million, completed his medical yesterday (Lyall Thomas) – putting pen to paper on a six-year contract with the option of a further year.

Chelsea were in negotiations to sign Felix since the beginning of last week, but a deal has now been agreed as the 24-year-old links up with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

The addition of Felix takes Chelsea's spending beyond the £200 million mark. However, Boehly and co have at least balanced the books with key player sales, which have in turn brought around £88 million into their coffers (Transfermarkt).

Reports suggest that Boehly, helped by his co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, may not be done there either. A lot of noise is currently surrounding Chelsea and a late move for star Serie A striker Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea have been holding talks with Napoli over Osimhen since late last month, and the Nigerian's possible switch to London is closely tied with Romelu Lukaku's future, as Antonio Conte pushes to reunite with the Belgian in Italy.

There won't be any straight swap deal, though, as both moves are seen as separate entities.

"Understand Romelu Lukaku and Napoli are getting closer. Official bid on the table," said reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano earlier this week.

"Club to club talks now into key stages as Chelsea decision is clear: Lukaku and Osimhen, SEPARATE topics. Full focus on selling Lukaku, then Osimhen story eventually for final days."

Real belief Chelsea could sign Osimhen as Napoli lower asking price

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, there is a real belief Chelsea could sign Osimhen before deadline day, as Napoli lower the 25-year-old's asking price and Lukaku's move looks very likely to go through.

"The situation between the two clubs is slow but ongoing," said Bailey.

“Napoli have seemingly agreed to lower their asking price for him but so too have Chelsea for Lukaku. Expectation is that once the Lukaku deal is done – which should be soon – that does make the Osimhen deal much more likely.”

Two potential roadblocks that Chelsea will need to overcome are his salary and stance over joining on loan. According to Romano, Osimhen will not take a cut on his net £179,000-per-week wage, and only wants to leave Napoli on a permanent deal.

Christopher Nkunku has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for Barcelona amid his lack of Premier League minutes at Chelsea.

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• Nkunku has been offered to Barcelona
• Forward willing to reduce salary to join Barca
• Pini Zahavi playing a key role in the operation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the French forward's struggles for consistent minutes in the Premier League have sparked speculation about his future, with the Catalan giants among the clubs closely monitoring his situation. Nkunku, 27, has made a solid impact at Stamford Bridge with 12 goals in 25 appearances this season. However, the forward is seeking a more prominent role, having played second fiddle in attack to Nicolas Jackson, which has led to suggestions that he could be open to a move away from the London club.

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  Nkunku's agent, Pini Zahavi, who enjoys a strong working relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, has presented Nkunku as a viable option. While no formal negotiations have taken place, the player's willingness to take a pay cut to secure the move has added to the appeal. Zahavi has a history of facilitating high-profile moves and is currently involved in managing the professional affairs of key Barcelona figures, including Robert Lewandowski and coach Hansi Flick. He has also alerted Barcelona to other players on the market, such as Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to become a free agent next summer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Barcelona are not the only club interested in Nkunku. Italian champions Napoli and Manchester United have also been linked to the versatile forward, making the race for his signature more competitive. Despite the growing interest, Barcelona are taking a cautious approach. With their financial situation still under review, any move for Nkunku – or other targets – would likely depend on whether the deal can be structured affordably, potentially in the form of a loan.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amid ongoing links to high-profile players like Nico Williams, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Rafael Leao, Nkunku could offer a more economical alternative for Barcelona. If the opportunity arises to bring the French forward on board without significant investment, it could align with the club's current strategy of balancing ambition with fiscal prudence. Nkunku’s next chapter could redefine his career trajectory, and all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds in the coming months.

West Ham have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui, with an agreement in place for Graham Potter to take over at the London Stadium.

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• West Ham sack Lopetegui
• Set to appoint Potter as new boss
• Hammers conceded nine goals in last two games

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  West Ham have relieved Lopetegui of his duties following a pair of heavy Premier League defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool, in which they conceded nine goals while only scoring one in reply. The Hammers have had a disastrous start to the 2024-25 campaign despite spending nearly £130 million ($162.5m) on transfers in the summer. They have won just six matches out of 20 and find themselves seven points above the relegation zone.

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  According to ,West Ham have already found Lopetegui's replacement as they are all set to appoint former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter as their new head coach. Potter's last assignment at Chelsea lasted just seven months and he has not managed a club since leaving the Blues in April 2023.

• WHAT WEST HAM SAID

  A club statement read: "West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club. The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.

  "The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future. The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will be making no further comment at this time."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Lopetegui, who arrived at the London Stadium with a big reputation having previously managed Spain and Real Madrid, won just seven of his 22 games in charge at West Ham, drawing five and losing the other 10. That makes for a win percentage of 31.82 – the second worst in his managerial career.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to unleash an "exciting" teenager this season, especially in the Europa League, with the north Londoners looking ahead to a long and congested fixture calendar.

Transfer window closes as Spurs prepare for Newcastle trip

The summer transfer window is now officially closed, and no more new arrivals will come through the door until January, so Postecoglou will have to make do with his current crop of players as he aims to compete on a quartet of fronts.

Pundit slams "disappointing" £35m Tottenham regular who Levy should've sold

He’s apparently been “underwhelming”.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 31, 2024

Tottenham will be aiming to secure a place in the top four and subsequent qualification for the Champions League, and Postecoglou will also have his eyes on clinching the club's first piece of major silverware since 2008.

To boost the north Londoners' chances of a successful 2024/25 campaign, chairman Daniel Levy managed to get a quartet of summer deals over the line before transfer window deadline at 11pm on Friday night.

Tottenham signed Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for around £60 million, while Timo Werner extended his loan at the club to run through to the end of this season. Alongside Werner and Solanke, both English sensation Archie Gray and young winger Wilson Odobert completed moves to N17, with both men carrying stellar reputations.

Solanke unfortunately injured his ankle away to Leicester City on the opening weekend, so he won't be available for Spurs' trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.

"Dom is close but we're going to be a bit cautious with him, we've got a big programme post the international break, so he'll miss out on Sunday," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's team news for Newcastle.

"The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he'll probably miss the next few weeks.

"Rodrigo is all good, he's passed all the protocols we need to, and more importantly he feels really good and the medical team are really comfortable with him being available for Sunday."

Tottenham tipped to unleash Wilson Odobert with "a lot" of minutes

While Solanke recovers, it is unclear as of yet if Postecoglou will unleash fellow summer signing Odobert at St. James' Park.

Pundit John Wenham, speaking to Tottenham News, has tipped Odobert to get "a lot" of minutes at Tottenham this season, particularly in Europe, calling the Frenchman's acquisition an "exciting" signing, albeit a pricey one.

“He was at the Olympics with France, which shows that they’re aware of his potential,” Wenham said.

“Last season he played 33 times in the Premier League, so he has got that experience behind him. I think he will get a lot of opportunities at Tottenham, especially in the UEFA Europa League.

“It is an exciting signing. However, I think his fee was expensive, it was perhaps a little much. I consider myself a bit of a football fanatic and I don’t remember him from his time with Burnley last season.

“However, I trust the scouting team at Tottenham. Our signings over the last 18 months have been good, so I expect this to be more of the same.”

Manchester City and Arsenal face-off in the biggest Premier League game of the season so far this weekend, in a result that could be pivotal come the end of the campaign.

Last season, Pep Guardiola just got the better of his former assistant, Mikel Arteta, clinching title glory with his City side on the final day. They were pushed all the way by the Gunners, who just ran out of steam a little towards the end, proving costly up against their relentless rivals. It does look as though they will again be fighting it out for the trophy this time around, although Liverpool could again provide stiff competition, too.

On Sunday 22nd September, Arsenal make the trip to the Etihad, looking to at least seal a repeat of last season’s goalless draw there, which felt like an excellent result at the time, even if it didn’t prove to be enough in the grand scheme of things. Arteta will be desperate to go one better this time around, though, knowing how huge a victory there would feel.

It promises to be a thrilling afternoon in Manchester, as the two Premier League title favourites lock horns in the latest battle between Guardiola and Arteta.

Man City v Arsenal kick-off time & UK TV info

Manchester City v Arsenal is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm BST on Sunday 22nd September.

Kick-off at the Etihad is at 4.30pm, with the match following on from Brighton v Nottingham Forest (2pm) earlier in the afternoon, understandably acting as the showcase game of the day.

Man City v Arsenal team news

The most notable absentee from either side could be Martin Odegaard, with the 25-year-old suffering an ankle injury on international duty with Norway and missing the game against Tottenham. Summer signing Mikel Merino is also unavailable, as is Takehiro Tomiyasu.

For City, Nathan Ake is also out after tearing his hamstring for the Netherlands earlier in the month, while Oscar Bobb is a long-term absentee after suffering a serious leg injury last month. Rodri and Phil Foden are available again after being out in the opening weeks.

Man City & Arsenal's head-to-head form

City have, perhaps unsurprisingly, been the more dominant of the two sides in recent meetings, although that wasn’t the case last season. Arsenal’s aforementioned 0-0 draw at the Etihad was a hard-fought result, and they won 1-0 at the Emirates last October, thanks to a late winner from Gabriel Martinelli.

Barring the Gunners’ Community Shield triumph in 2023, City were completely dominant in the fixture before that, winning eight matches in a row, in all competitions. That included a 5-0 win at the Etihad back in 2021.

Arsenal haven’t won away to City since January 2015, when a Santi Cazorla penalty was added to by an Olivier Giroud strike. A repeat of that scoreline for the north Londoners could feel like a significant moment in the Premier League title race, even though it is still only early days.