Wolves target whose value has skyrocketed 1000% receiving bids from rivals

A Wolves transfer target whose value has skyrocketed by 1000% has reportedly received bids from their Premier League rivals, acting as a blow for Gary O'Neil.

Wolves transfer news

Wanderers' season has arguably petered out a little in recent weeks, sitting 11th in the Premier League table and not winning in their last four matches in the competition. It has still been a positive campaign overall, with O'Neil impressing after a tumultuous summer, but further signings will be needed in the next transfer window.

One player who has been linked with a move to Wolves at the end of the season is Mohamed Amoura, with the Union SG attacker scoring twice in the Europa League this season. The Algerian could link up effectively with Matheus Cunha if he completes a move to Molineux, having been hailed for his "superb run of form" and for being "incredibly prolific" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Mohamed Amoura in action.

It looks as though attackers could be high up on O'Neil's list of transfer targets in the summer, with Southampton striker Che Adams also seen as a potential addition. It would be third-time lucky for Wanderers, who have seen him as a strong option for some time, and he could arrive on the cheap because he is out of contract at St Mary's this summer.

Away from possible attacking additions, there could also be new faces who arrive in midfield, and Leicester City ace Wilfred Ndidi is believed to be wanted at Wolves, having impressed for the Foxes in the Championship this season, but no doubt wanting to be back playing Premier League football.

Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati is another example of a talented player being linked with Wolves, even though he has struggled to make an impression on loan at Brighton this season, only starting three league games and scoring twice in 17 appearances in the competition overall.

Gary O'Neil suffers Wolves transfer blow

According to a new update from DZ Foot [via Sport Witness], West Ham have made a concrete bid for Amoura, acting as a setback for O'Neil and Wolves.

The Hammers are thought to be in the "best position" to snap up the 23-year-old, offering €15m (£12.7m) for his signature, which is admittedly €5m (£4.2m) short of their valuation. His club are expected to try and cash in on him this year however, after increasing his valuation "tenfold in one season".

Mohamed Amoura in action for Union SG.

This is an undoubted blow for Wolves, considering West Ham appear to be the front-runners to sign Amoura ahead of next season, and it is now a case of whether Wanderers can respond by offering a similar amount.

A tally of 21 goals in just 37 Union appearances speaks volumes about his productivity in front of goal, and he has also netted six times in 22 caps for Algeria, showing that he can shine at international level.

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Wolves will hope that there is another twist in the saga, but for now, it does look as though Amoura is most likely to be heading to their Premier League rivals, which would be a tough one to take.

‘It’s Leo’s shirt!’ – Paulo Dybala reacts to taking Messi’s No.10 jersey during injury-enforced absence for Argentina & Inter Miami superstar

Paulo Dybala filled Argentina’s No.10 jersey against Chile, but admits that is “Leo’s shirt” as he provides cover for injured superstar Messi.

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  • All-time great recovering from ankle problem
  • Fellow World Cup winner filling his squad spot
  • Roma forward on target in qualifier with Chile
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is still recovering from the ankle problem that he picked up in the 2024 Copa America final. Said ailment has kept him sidelined at MLS side Inter Miami, while also making him unavailable to his country.

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  • WHAT DYBALA SAID

    Messi sat out a 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Chile – which saw an emotional farewell bid to Angel di Maria as he heads into international retirement – and Dybala was asked to take on an iconic jersey. He told afterwards of filling in for a fellow World Cup winner: “Being able to come back, being here with my team-mates, with our spectacular people who support me a lot and the truth is that well, it's special. I know it's not my shirt, we all know it's Leo's shirt but well, I tried to represent it in the best way, to give my best and I think I was able to do it.”

    He added on taking No.10: “It was a decision made by the coaching staff, some of the boys said that it had to be me… I didn’t know whether to accept it or not because, well, it is a responsibility.”

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Dybala embraced that pressure, as he stepped off the bench to score Argentina’s third goal in a 3-0 victory over Chile. He was not called upon by Lionel Scaloni for a Copa America triumph over the summer, but has earned his 39th cap after snubbing interest from the Saudi Pro League and remaining in Italy at Roma.

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    Messi will be absent once again when Argentina return to action against Colombia next Tuesday, with the 37-year-old still in Florida working on his recovery. That means Dybala may get another chance to prove his worth alongside the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.

Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground: Capacity, expansion latest and travel guide

Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground has been their home since the club’s formation in 1864. It is also known by its Welsh name of Y Cae Ras, while it is currently sponsored by beverage company Stok Cold Brew Coffee.

Recently, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney outlined their desire to expand the stadium, which could make it one of largest football stadiums in the UK.

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Racecourse Ground capacity

The Racecourse Ground currently holds 12,600 fans. It is the largest stadium in north Wales, though it is of an average size compared to other teams in League One, where the Red Dragons will play their football next season after successive promotions.

Racecourse ground expansion plans

Earlier this month, Wrexham’s owners revealed they have plans to develop the Racecourse Ground which would turn it into a 55,000-seater stadium.

Images from OLBG (via AI program Midjourney Bot) have recently been released showing what the ground could look like once a development project has been completed.

They are a mixture of traditional and more modern designs, which would hardly look out of place if Wrexham were to become a Premier League side before the end of the decade.

Should these ambitious plans come to pass, the Racecourse Ground would then be on a par with the likes of St James’ Park and the Etihad Stadium with its improved capacity.

How to get to the Racecourse Ground

By car

If travelling to Wrexham’s home by car, the club advises to take the A483 from Chester or Oswestry to Wrexham, then exit at the Mold junction and follow signs for Town Centre.

By train

Wrexham General is the closest train station to the ground, and is a four-minute walk away. It is around an hour from Liverpool Lime Street, two hours from Manchester Piccadilly and around a 3.5-hour journey from London’s King’s Cross.

O’Neil must unleash "promising" Wolves star to stake his claim for 24/25

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be hoping to make it back to back Premier League wins for the first time since February when they face Manchester City.

Gary O’Neil has enjoyed a solid debut season at Molineux, but with two of their final three games of the season coming against City and Liverpool, is a top half finish beyond them?

With injuries coming at the wrong time of the season, it could see O’Neil make a few changes to his starting XI as they take on the champions.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil celebrates a Premier League win.

Rayan Ait Nouri had to be subbed off with an injury against Luton Town last weekend and the manager may have to turn to someone else to fill the void if he isn’t fit.

The players who could replace Rayan Ait Nouri

Unfortunately, Wolves don’t have many options in their squad who could come in to replace the Algerian – with O'Neil not providing any information on the potentially stricken star during his pre-match press conference.

Matt Doherty has been used on the left several times this term, but he will fill in for Nelson Semedo on the right side of midfield as the Portuguese defender drops deeper to play alongside Max Kilman and Toti Gomes at the heart of the defence.

This leaves Hugo Bueno, who could certainly be a like-for-like replacement for Ait Nouri against Pep Guardiola’s men, offering the youngster the chance to stake his claim ahead of next season, amid reports that his teammate has caught the eye of title hopefuls Arsenal – among other 'big six' sides.

Hugo Bueno’s statistics this season for Wolves

Bueno enjoyed a breakthrough season during 2022/23, playing a total of 23 matches in all competitions, which gave him a solid foundation to build on ahead of the current campaign.

Due to the form of Ait-Nouri, the Spaniard has been reliant on appearances from the bench, starting just seven matches throughout the entire season so far, but he could well be brought into the starting XI against City.

Journalist Liam Keen hailed the 21-year-old as a “promising talent” after he signed a new four-year deal at the Old Gold in 2022.

Comparing Bueno to Ait Nouri in the Premier League this season

Metric

Bueno

Ait-Nouri

Goals

0

2

Assists

0

1

Big chances created

2

2

Possession lost per game

6

10.1

Key passes per game

0.3

0.8

Stats via Sofascore

Despite averaging only 36 minutes per game in the Premier League, starting six games, Bueno has still managed to create two big chances, averaging 0.3 key passes and 0.4 successful dribbles per match, showing glimpses of his attacking tendencies.

Defensively, he has made one tackle on average per game while winning 2.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 46% – while losing possession six times per match.

Of course, Wolves could miss the presence Ait-Nouri, who has succeeded with 1.9 dribbles per game along with taking 0.7 shots per game, but Bueno has the chance to stake his claim on a regular place by shining against City.

Hugo Bueno

There is no doubting his talents, but a more consistent run in the first team is required if the youngster is to continue his upward trajectory, otherwise his performances could suffer as a result.

Wolves defeated City 2-1 earlier this season, but Guardiola’s charges look like a different team during the final stages of the campaign, indicating just how tough a match it will be for O’Neil and co.

Wolves struck gold on "incredible" star who's worth as much as Ait-Nouri

They paid just £900k for him

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Joe Nuttall

May 2, 2024

With interest in Ait-Nouri ramping up, now could be the perfect opportunity for Bueno to showcase what he can do against elite opposition.

Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna departs USMNT camp with groin injury, replaced by Chivas star Cade Cowell

Diagnosed with a left groin strain, Reyna has returned to Germany with Dortmund, while Cowell joined the U.S. in training this week.

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  • Gio Reyna leaves USMNT camp with injury
  • Replaced by Cade Cowell
  • What's next for Dortmund midfielder?
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Gio Reyna will miss the September international window for the USMNT, U.S. Soccer confirmed Thursday. He has been diagnosed with a left groin strain, and has been replaced by 20-year-old Cade Cowell.

    The U.S. are set to take on Canada and New Zealand this window, with assistant Mikey Varas on the touchline for the program.

    Reyna will return to Germany with Dortmund to prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Reyna was the subject of transfer rumors all summer across Europe after a failed loan stint in the second half of the 2023-24 season at Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. He, however, opted to stay with Borussia Dortmund – the club he has been with since 2019.

    Under new manager Nuri Sahin, a former BVB player himself, Reyna is hoping for a fresh start. However, the midfielder has only played 10 minutes this season for Dortmund. The severity of the injury he picked up in U.S. camp has yet to be determined.

    Cowell, meanwhile, is a worthwhile replacement who has had an excellent start to the season with Chivas in Liga MX. He has three goals and three assists in six matches in the Apertura. For the USMNT, the 20-year-old winger has eight senior caps, scoring one goal.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Alongside Reyna, U.S. senior players Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie are also missing out on the September camp. Their absences, however, were accounted for by Varas.

    "Jedi [Robinson] has been playing banged up for the last year, and the best thing for him at this moment is to stay back, reset, and get ready for a long, grueling Premier League season," Varas said of the fullback. "At the end of the day, we work with the player because the best thing for them long term is the best thing for the national team.”

    On McKennie, however, the interim manager revealed he believed it to be best he stay in Italy and prepare for the season with Juventus.

    "In the case of Weston McKennie, he wasn't able to do a full preseason, so the best thing for him in collaboration with player, club and country is to leave him at Juventus and let him catch up and get ready for his season," Varas said.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR REYNA, USMNT?

    Reyna will continue recovering and hope to be back to fitness by Dortmund's next match, a Bundesliga clash with FC Heidenheim on Sept. 13.

    The U.S. will clash with Jesse Marsch's Canada on Saturday, meanwhile.

EA Sports FC 25: Full list of stadiums in the game

The game showcases over 120 football stadiums across the world.

It will not be long before the brand-new EA Sports FC 25 is set for a worldwide release on September 27, 2024. The 7-day early access has been thrown open from Friday, September 20.

Shop EA FC 25 on Amazon USPre-order nowShop EA FC 25 on Amazon UKPre-order now

Apart from the latest features and multiple game modes to pick from, EA Sports has included more than 120 authentic football stadiums from across the world in their new video game.

Buenos Aires’ Mas Monumental (River Plate), Rotterdam’s De Kuip (Feyenoord), Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade (Sporting CP), Istanbul’s RAMS Park (Galatasaray) and Ulker Stadyumu (Fenerbahce) are among the TEN new stadiums.

EA Sports further stated that "Other stadiums will see meaningful reconstructions following completion of their real-world renovation works, including Real Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Villarreal CF’s Estadio de la Ceramica, and Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park."

Here, GOAL takes a look at the full list of stadiums in EA Sports FC 25.

  • EA Sports

    10 new stadiums in EA FC 25

    • Mas Monumental (River Plate)
    • De Kuip (Feyenoord)
    • Estadio Jose Alvalade (Sporting CP)
    • RAMS Park (Galatasaray)
    • Ulker Stadyumu (Fenerbahce)
    • Stade Bollaert-Delelis (RC Lens)
    • Coventry Building Society Arena (Coventry City)
    • Ewood Park (Blackburn Rovers)
    • Ashton Gate (Bristol City)
    • Portman Road (Ipswich Town – added at later date)
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  • Premier League

    • American Express Stadium
    • Anfield (New Anfield Road stand will be added via post-launch update)
    • Craven Cottage
    • Emirates Stadium
    • Etihad Stadium
    • Goodison Park
    • Gtech Community Stadium
    • King Power Stadium
    • London Stadium
    • Molineux Stadium
    • Old Trafford
    • Portman Road (via post-launch update)
    • Selhurst Park
    • St. James' Park
    • St. Mary's Stadium
    • Stamford Bridge
    • The City Ground
    • Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
    • Villa Park
    • Vitality Stadium
  • EA Sports

    English Football League

    • Ashton Gate
    • Bramall Lane
    • Cardiff City Stadium
    • Carrow Road
    • Coventry Building Society Arena
    • Elland Road
    • Ewood Park
    • Fratton Park
    • Kenilworth Road
    • MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium
    • MKM Stadium
    • Riverside Stadium
    • Stadium of Light
    • Stoke City FC Stadium
    • Swansea.com Stadium
    • The Hawthorns
    • Turf Moor
    • Vicarage Road
    • Kirklees Stadium
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  • Bundesliga

    • BayArena
    • BORUSSIA-PARK
    • Deutsche Bank Park
    • Europa-Park Stadion
    • MEWA ARENA
    • MHPArena
    • Millerntor-Stadion
    • PreZero Arena
    • Red Bull Arena (Leipzig)
    • Signal Iduna Park
    • Stadion An der Alten Forsterei
    • Volkswagen Arena
    • Vonovia Ruhrstadion
    • Weserstadion
    • WWK Arena

Chelsea eyeing "crazy" 4-2-3-1 boss who’d be a huge upgrade on Poch

The 2023/24 season has been a frustrating campaign for Chelsea, sitting in seventh in the table, on 54 points, having lost 11 games out of the 35 they've contested.

The Blues also remain trophyless this season, having suffered defeat in the Carabao Cup final in February against Liverpool, before falling at the semi-final stage against Manchester City in the FA Cup.

After such a disappointing term, it's understandable that questions are being asked about boss Mauricio Pochettino's future, with the club's league position not reflecting the £400m spent over the course of the last 12 months.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.

It's a difficult position to have to try and gel a bunch of new players and expect immediate success, but owner Todd Boehly expects progress after such hefty spending.

Despite impressive victories against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in the last week, the writing might already be on the wall for the Argentinian, with the club targeting a shock move for one of their former managers this summer.

Chelsea interested in shock move for former boss

After securing the club's second Champions League trophy, Thomas Tuchel cemented himself in Chelsea history – joining Roberto Di Matteo as the only two managers to win the European Cup for the club.

However, he was controversially dismissed back in September 2022, with the Blues rapidly declining after the German's departure – failing to secure any European football since he left Stamford Bridge.

Managers such as Graham Potter and Pochettino have tried to fill the void but failed, with the Blues potentially set for a reunion with their former boss this summer.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that he has two options ahead of next season after his departure from Bayern Munich, with Chelsea and Manchester United two of the potential destinations for the 50-year-old.

The Sky Germany reporter claims that Tuchel's in "loose contact" with the Red Devils ahead of the campaign, but remains fully focused on ending the season on a higher with Bayern, with a move back to Stamford Bridge still a possibility.

With Tuchel departing Munich at the end of the season, Boehly and co should be doing all they can to convince the former boss to return to the club, with the German a clear upgrade on Pochettino.

Why Tuchel would be an upgrade on Pochettino

Whilst the duo both operate with a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, it's clear from stats over the past couple of seasons that Tuchel would be a better fit for the Blues than their current manager.

When comparing the pair's points per game in 2023/24, the Bayern Munich boss clears the Argentinian, averaging 2.16 PPG, in comparison to Poch's measly total of just 1.54.

It's easier to say that the Bundesliga is a lower quality division than the Premier League, but during his time as Blues boss, the "crazy" Tuchel, as dubbed by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, also averaged a higher win percentage than the current boss, with his 63%, 13% higher than Pochettino – who can only muster 50% during his first season at the club.

Poch v Tuchel stats in 23/24 and at Chelsea

Statistics

Poch

Tuchel

PPG (23/24)

1.54

2.16

Win percentage (Chelsea)

50%

63%

Trophies won (Chelsea)

0

3

Stats via Transfermarkt

In his 18-month stint in England, the German also managed to win more trophies, whilst operating on a much smaller budget than his fellow manager, with Tuchel making a huge impact at the club despite his relatively brief spell in London.

Despite firing him over a year ago, the club need to push hard and make a bold call to re-hire Tuchel, with his system suiting the current crop of players, subsequently allowing the club to push for a return to European football and battle for more trophies after a couple of years drought.

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Just like Jude Bellingham: Alisha Lehmann gets custom EA Sports FC 25 cover as Juventus star steps in for Real Madrid & England midfielder

Alisha Lehmann has been given her own custom EA Sports FC 25 cover, with the Juventus forward taking over from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.

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  • Blancos star is face of latest offering
  • Special covers produced for other players
  • Juve forward is a big gaming fan
  • EA Sports

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    England international Bellingham has – following his La Liga and Champions League-winning exploits last season – been chosen as the face of the latest release in the popular gaming franchise. The 21-year-old has spoken of his pride at securing such a standing, and getting the chance to meet David Beckham.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Prominent figures across the men and women’s game are, however, being given the chance to become cover stars themselves. Specially produced versions of EAFC 25 are being sent out to those considered deserving of such recognition.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Switzerland international Lehmann, who boasts a huge following on social media, slots seamlessly into that category. She has taken ownership of her unique copy of EAFC 25, meaning that fans may soon get the chance to compete against her in the virtual realm.

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    Lehmann, who joined Italian giants Juve from WSL side Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, has never tried to hide her love of gaming. She boasts an 81-rated card in EAFC 25, with dribbling ability considered to be her greatest asset.

Derby hit the jackpot signing hero who’d cost just £5.5m in 2024 money

Derby County managed to win promotion back up to the Championship by being wheeler-dealers to a degree, in the market for cheap gems who would then go on to show their immense worth.

The likes of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, James Collins, Sonny Bradley and Curtis Nelson were all purchased for £0, with Paul Warne's side having the last laugh over these deals with their final position in the automatic promotion spots in League One.

That named quartet will now long to be etched into Pride Park folklore even further by starring in the division above and taking Derby to the next level, joining this cult hero in the history books potentially who was a diamond found in the rough all the way back in Derby's Premier League hay-day of the nineties.

Paulo Wanchope's time at Derby

Wanchope would arrive onto the scene at Derby in 1997 as an unknown entity from his native Costa Rica, a bold signing from the then Premier League Rams for a fee in the region of £600k.

The exciting gem would never look back, however, after arriving in England as a flashy new import with 25 goals mustered up from 77 games which included 13 in just one top-flight season during the 1997/98 campaign.

All-time top Premier League goalscorers for Derby – top five

Player

Games played

Goals scored

1. Dean Sturridge

127

35

2. Paulo Wanchope

72

23

3. Malcolm Christie

92

22

4. Deon Burton

118

22

5. Franceso Baiano

64

16

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Wanchope's debut goal for the Rams, even if he didn't go on to become the club's second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, would have been enough for him to become a cult figure alone with a silky solo run going unchallenged by multiple Manchester United shirts before the Costa Rican maverick simply stroked the ball home at Old Trafford.

Going on to play for both West Ham United and Manchester City after the Rams, where the goals didn't dry up with a combined 44 strikes registered for those clubs, Derby reaped the rewards for risking it all by giving Wanchope a chance relocating over from South America.

If this same golden move went through in today's inflated market, Derby would still be thanking their lucky stars that a deal went through when looking at what Wanchope's value would now be via TotallyMoney's Transfer Index.

Going up to the second tier now, Derby will aim to replicate this absolute steal by recruiting even more impressive cheap gems.

Wanchope's value in 2024

According to TotallyMoney, Wanchope's deal would still stand at a reasonable £5.5m with the bank not depleted too much at Pride Park in the process.

That would still be viewed as an unbelievable piece of business on the end of the Rams, who have splashed far more expensive amounts on the likes of Matej Vydra up top, who was signed for £8m in 2016 and only managed to net two more goals than the cheaper and more beloved Wanchope.

The now 47-year-old former Rams great still keeps tabs on how Derby are doing under Warne, stating that he believes the ex-Rotherham United manager can steer the team back to playing Premier League football over time in a recent interview.

Before any talk becomes too over-the-top, Derby will be more than happy with just surviving in the Championship for the time being after nearly going bust not too long ago.

Still, if they do return to the top flight eventually, they would love to have someone as daring as Wanchope in their ranks enthralling supporters with mazey runs and crucial goals.

Celtic could repeat Joe Hart masterclass by signing £150k-p/w star

Scottish champions Celtic appear to be wasting no time in their bid to enhance the squad ahead of next season, with speculation raging regarding who could be signed, sealed and delivered over the coming weeks and months.

A major talking point remains the desire to acquire Scottish Cup final hero, Adam Idah, on a permanent deal following the Irishman's nine-goal loan spell in 2024, while there have also reportedly been talks held regarding a deal to keep Paulo Bernardo on board for the foreseeable future.

Adam Idah

The Benfica loanee – who scored four goals and contributed three assists for the Old Firm giants this term – may not be the only midfield capture of the window, however, with Brendan Rodgers and co also in the running to land another standout recruit.

Celtic in the mix for Premier League star

As journalist Graeme Bailey reported earlier this week, the Hoops are said to be among the clubs to have shown an interest in signing Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City this summer, with Glasgow rivals Rangers also believed to be in the mix.

The report revealed that the 28-year-old has been informed by City that he can leave on loan again in 2024/25, having spent the second half of the most recent campaign at West Ham United.

Kalvin Phillips for West Ham

The former Leeds United man – who moved to the Etihad on a £45m deal in 2022 – is also attracting interest from the likes of Everton, as well as clubs across Europe, with the piece outlining that any suitor would not have to cover a large portion of his salary.

Why Celtic can repeat their Joe Hart masterclass

There's no denying that it has been a wretched last two years or so for Phillips, the Yorkshireman having made just two Premier League starts for his parent club to date, having also endured an error-strewn stint with the Hammers, in which he gave away a penalty against Newcastle United and was sent off against Nottingham Forest.

That grim period has ensured that the £150k-per-week ace is now out of the international fold after missing out on Gareth Southgate's provisional Euro 2024 squad, with that exclusion having come three years on from starting every game in England's run to the Euro 2020 final.

At the time, the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' was flying high, dubbed an "absolute beast" during that tournament by pundit Nigel de Jong, having also been lauded as the "best modern midfielder" by former Three Lions boss, Fabio Capello.

It would seem that Phillips has simply lost his way under Pep Guardiola, although he may well be able to find a road to redemption at Parkhead, with compatriot Joe Hart having enjoyed a resurgence of his own over the last three years – having been similarly written off prior to that.

Kalvin Phillips at Euro 2020

7 games (7 starts)

0 goals

1 assist

1 'big chance' created

0.4 key passes per game

86% pass accuracy

2.3 tackles & interceptions per game

69% aerial duels won

42% total duels won

Stats via Sofascore

It was under Guardiola that the then-England number one lost his place at Man City in 2016, ultimately being cast out to Torino and West Ham on a temporary basis – that latter move going the same way as Phillips as he was met with heavy criticism.

After then playing a bit-part role at Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, making just 34 appearances combined, the chance came to start afresh north of the border – and boy did he take it.

In three full seasons in Glasgow, the retiring 'keeper made 153 appearances in all competitions, conceding just 145 goals and keeping 64 clean sheets in that time – helping the club to romp to seven domestic honours.

As pundit Stephen McGinn noted earlier this year, the 37-year-old "lost his way for a few years", but since moving to Scotland, "Celtic has been perfect for Joe Hart and Joe Hart for Celtic", with the hope that Phillips can follow suit.

It remains to be seen whether Rodgers and co can win the race for the midfielder's signature amid significant rival interest, yet as the case of Hart has shown, a move to Celtic Park could be just the solution to help get his career back on track.

Celtic could land "dangerous" partner for Maeda in swoop for 5 ft 10 star

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the full-back this summer.

By
Dan Emery

May 29, 2024

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