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Celtic may have their first win of the Ange Postecoglou reign under their belts but they cannot neglect the need to bring more new faces to Paradise.

Joe Hart and James McCarthy became members of the Hoops family last week but there is still plenty of work to be done.

On the chalkboard

Anthony Ralston has performed admirably this season after coming in for scrutiny that he wasn’t good enough for Celtic.

Those claims made sense considering he played just once for the Bhoys last term. However, he’s been ever-present since Ange Postecoglou took charge and even scored a wonderful goal against Hearts last weekend.

Ralston collected the ball from Odsonne Edouard before dancing beyond several defenders and then planting the ball past Craig Gordon from inside the area.

He also scored against Dundee on Sunday afternoon in their 6-0 thrashing to continue his mightily impressive campaign.

Though, if Celtic are serious about advancing in Europe and contending for the title again, they will need to sign an improvement.

That’s why supporters should be delighted that they are in discussions to sign Royal Antwerp defender Aurelio Buta.

He’s been on Celtic’s radar for a number of weeks now but Sky Sports reported last Friday that a bid of £4.5m was now being prepared.

If they can lure him to Paradise, it would be an almighty upgrade on Ralston.

The Glaswegian side haven’t replaced Jeremie Frimpong since he left for Bayer Leverkusen last January but Buta would help them significantly.

He is a tackling machine and is equally adept in forward phases of play. Dubbed “very gifted” by journalist, Aster Nzeyimana, the 24-year-old completed 1.2 tackles per match in 2020/21.

That’s a tally that would have equalled Frimpong’s success rate in a Celtic shirt from the same season.

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Hailed as one of the best full-backs in the Belgian top-flight, Buta would be an exceptional piece of business by Postecoglou and co.

They have needed a permanent full-back for the best part of eight months now and thus, fans should be excited at the idea of signing him.

Ralston has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign but he is still relatively unproven in the Premiership over a prolonged period of time.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Edouard: Celtic can boost title hopes by signing “wonderful” 19-goal beast…

A number of Manchester City fans are delighted after it was revealed that Ilkay Gundogan will not be missing from the Champions League final on Saturday night.

The Citizens are preparing for the biggest match in the club’s history in Porto. They have been in Portugal for most of the week as Pep Guardiola and his squad put together the final preparations for the match against fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

However, they were hit with a scare during training in the build-up. Gundogan, who has enjoyed a fantastic campaign as the team’s leading scorer with 17 goals, had to leave the field with an injury, and there were worries he would be unavailable for the big game (Manchester Evening News).

Fortunately, it has now been revealed by journalist Fred Caldiera that it was a minor issue and that the German will be ready to feature tonight.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the update.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Gundogan news

“Get innnn”

Credit: @KinehanMichael

“Some good news”

Credit: @Gundogan_08

“Yessssss”

Credit: @m7x_9

“Phew”

Credit: @ohzai17

“Lessgooo”

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Credit: @KavinDeBruyne17

“Good news, hopefully he starts”

Credit: @obmeri1

In other news, these Man City fans want one man signed this summer.

A journalist has claimed that Chris Wilder could end up going to Newcastle United to replace Steve Bruce after recent reports linking him with the job.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Alan Biggs, who has been a football reporter for Sky, the Sheffield Star and the Daily Telegraph, claimed when asked about the former Sheffield United boss: “I do see either West Brom or Newcastle”, adding that the St. James’ Park faithful “investigated the possibility” of hiring him back in 2019.

Newcastle should not overlook Wilder

The North East club should certainly not overlook the possibility of hiring Wilder as their new coach if Bruce were to leave.

Even though the Blades have struggled at the foot of the table in the Premier League so far in the 2020/21 term, which subsequently led to the Yorkshireman leaving, his success in the previous season should still be greatly admired, having guided them to a pretty impressive ninth-placed finish having just been promoted up from the EFL Championship.

Nonetheless, Wilder is experienced in the top flight as well as in the lower divisions, so it could well be an inspired appointment even if the Tyneside club were to find themselves relegated at the end of the campaign.

With tensions certainly rising at the Magpies, there are few better candidates to choose from.

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In other news, find out what inside claim Liam Kennedy has dropped on takeover talk at NUFC here!

Leeds United were unable to continue their encouraging run of form as they were stopped in their tracks by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa and Frank Lampard went head-to-head for the fifth time and it didn’t disappoint with both Premier League teams firing over 30 shots between them in west London.

But it was the home side that ran out victors, defeating the Yorkshiremen 3-1, though it was no more than what they deserved.

Former Blues striker Patrick Bamford gave United an early lead, but goals from Olivier Giroud, Kurt Zouma and Christian Pulisic mounted heaps of misery on the Argentine by the full-time whistle.

There were several disappointing individual displays across the pitch for the top-flight newcomers but Chelsea’s shut-down of Jack Harrison may have proven to be the major difference.

The 24-year-old, who briefly played with Lampard at New York City in 2016, was lightweight and wasteful, so perhaps it was hardly a surprise to see him hooked by the hour mark.

In the end, even goalkeeper Illan Meslier managed more touches and passes than Harrison.

The Man City loan star also won just 44% of his nine duels, both aerially and on the ground, and failed to deliver a cross from three attempts. From his 39 touches, Harrison even lost possession 11 times and failed to get a shot on target, via SofaScore.

It was a shocking performance all round and undoubtedly, he let Bielsa down as his first-choice and usually dependant winger.

LeedsLive’s chief reporter Beren Cross graded the £45k-per-week star’s performance a five out of ten, and claimed: “Quiet all evening. Much of United’s best stuff came down the right flank and Harrison looked away from the main thrust of the game.”

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That merely reinforces the fact that it was an off-night for the anonymous Harrison.

The €15m-rated (£13.5m) dynamo will have to do a lot better with fixtures against the three United’s, West Ham, Newcastle and Manchester, before Christmas.

AND in other news, Leeds may have unearthed their next Harte in “very good” Thorp Arch sensation…

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness has written in The Sunday Times (via Football 365) that Wolverhampton Wanderers duo Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez ‘would walk into anybody’s team’.

Speaking in his column about the Wolves team, the former Liverpool man also claimed that Neves and Jimenez are ‘too good to be sitting on the bench anywhere in the Premier League’, although he added that the one player at the club who intrigues him the most is Adama Traore.

Nevertheless, both Neves and Jimenez have shown their merits in this season so far. The Portugal midfielder averages 60.5 touches per top flight game, exemplifying his influence in getting on the ball, and he also wins 3.3 duels per match, showing the work that he does off the ball as well, according to Sofascore.

Meanwhile, Jimenez has been deadly in front of goal, scoring 13 times and making six assists, as per Sofascore. It is also worth mentioning that they have both featured in every league game so far, highlighting their importance to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

However, Souness’ claim is arguably a bit far-fetched. Take Jimenez, who is behind strikers like Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero in terms of goals scored this season, as well as Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Southampton’s Danny Ings, whose teams sit below Wolves in England’s highest division at the moment, as per the BBC.

Despite Neves’ work in the midfield, he has still only managed two goals and one assist in 29 Premier League appearances so far this campaign (via Sofascore). He may not walk into other sides with more productive midfielders in this sense.

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However, Souness is right to laud them for what they have contributed to the Molineux outfit thus far.

Wolves fans, do you agree with Souness’ claims about Neves and Jimenez? Comment below with your thoughts!

Leeds urgently need to get back to winning ways in order to rebuild confidence and maintain the four-point gap to third-place Fulham, and in order to do so they have brought in Jean-Kevin Augustin.

A number of strikers have been linked to the club this month including Che Adams and Andre Gray, but instead the club has turned to Jean-Kevin Augustin, who arrives on loan from RB Leipzig.

The forward was previously on loan at Monaco this term but he struggled in France, scoring once in 13 games, have led his parent club to turn to Leeds as a place where he can get more game time.

Augustin is now one of two senior strikers in the squad alongside Patrick Bamford, and given his strike partner can often be guilty of missing good chances, such as a penalty and one-on-one against QPR, there may be pressure on Augustin to produce the goods.

Supporters certainly feel there is an added pressure playing for Leeds anyway due to fan expectation, which is greater than ever this year due to promotion hanging in the balance once again.

If he can handle such expectation and play his natural game then he could be an astute signing, as the majority of his professional appearances have come in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1.

Some fans believe he has the characteristics to handle any pressure, and suggest he will thrive at Elland Road because of that, though given his lack of goals this season it will be interesting to see how his confidence is.

One fan is a little more ruthless in his view of the 22-year-old, suggesting that he should be able to handle pressure because of the money he is on, and that shows there is a big expectation on the player before he has even played a game.

Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…

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In other transfer news, Leeds have added another player to their radar who may be able to improve another area of the squad.

A study by bettingexpert [via Express & Star] revealed that Wolves have lost more points because of decisions overturned by VAR than any other club in the Premier League this season.

The study showed that Nuno Espirito Santo’s team would have an additional four points so far this term if every decision originally made by on-field referees had stood, a four-point swing that would have them in sixth place instead of their current position of 12th.

Joe Edwards, Wolves correspondent for the Express & Star, shared the intriguing statistic on Twitter via his profile @JoeEdwards_Star.

Wolves have twice been denied victories in the Premier League this season by VAR-disallowed goals. On the opening weekend, Leander Dendoncker’s goal in the 0-0 draw at Leicester was ruled out by VAR official Jon Moss, who deemed the ball to have struck Willy Boly’s arm in the build-up. [via Sky Sports]

Last month, Raul Jimenez had two first-half goals against Southampton disallowed after VAR reviews in a match that ended 1-1, with one chalked off for handball and the other ruled out due to Patrick Cutrone being a fraction offside in the build-up. [via Sky Sports]

These Wolves fans on Twitter were left seething after Edwards’ tweet about the impact of VAR on their season so far:

Do you think Wolves have had legitimate gripes about VAR so far this season or do they just need to accept the decisions that have been made? Join in the discussion by commenting below!

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West Brom have continued to strengthen the club, even outside of the transfer window.

And it’s another addition to their goalkeeping ranks – a return of someone they know well.

Last week, Ali Al-Habsi joined the club on a contract until the end of the season to provide backup to both Sam Johnstone and Jonathan Bond.

Now their former shot-stopper Boaz Myhill has returned to the Hawthorns as he makes the first transition into a potential coaching career.

The 36-year-old has been appointed as Albion’s new Professional Phase Development Goalkeeping Coach just a few months after being released by the club for a second time.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Myhill’s affiliation with the West Brom stretches back nearly ten years after he signed from Hull City back in 2010 just as the Baggies were promoted to the Premier League.

Though, he was primarily a backup option throughout his spell in the west Midlands, having made just a total of 85 appearances for the club.

Several fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the appointment.

One supporter lauded the decision by calling it an ‘excellent appointment,’ which was echoed by a range of other superlatives including ‘brilliant’ and ‘great.’

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Another member of the Baggies faithful claimed the goalkeepers at the club were in good hands whilst one more said Myhill was ‘the GOAT.’

Here’s the best of the reaction:

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Middlesbrough have made a manager with “an impressive CV” a top target to replace Rob Edwards, and it would be a “significant coup” if they can get a deal done.

Edwards confirmed as Wolves boss as Middlesbrough receive £3m

Wolves confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half year deal on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old left the Riverside and agreed a contract until 2029 with Wanderers after they sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this month. It is reported Boro will receive around £3million in compensation after Edwards only joined them in June on a three-year contract.

Edwards, who managed Luton in the Premier League, begins a fourth spell at Wolves after making 111 appearances as a player as well as enjoying time as a coach and interim boss. He will be joined by assistant head coach Harry Watling after the pair worked together at Middlesbrough, with the rest of his backroom staff to be confirmed in the near future.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “I know Rob very well and I have seen his growth in different jobs. He’s a very good person, he knows the club very well, he knows the city, the fans and he is very talented.

“When he was a youth coach here, he showed his tactical awareness, but after he took first-team jobs he started to grow his own identity, character and leadership.

“We need to refresh the whole club with a new coach’s philosophy, bringing his own identity and ideas, and we can build on that. We are at a new chapter for the club and Rob will be a key piece of that.”

For Boro, it is now about finding a swift replacement as they aim to continue their Championship promotion push without Edwards.

Middlesbrough make Steven Gerrard a top manager target

As reported by Rousing the Kop and journalist Graeme Bailey, Steven Gerrard is among the top targets for Middlesbrough to replace Edwards.

Steve Gibson is a long-term admirer of the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss, who is out of work after leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.

Gerrard almost returned to Ibrox last month and is open to a return to the dugout, with a move to the Riverside something that could appeal to him.

Gerrard has never managed in the Championship, with his most successful period as a manager coming in Scotland, winning the league title with Rangers.

Steven Gerrard’s managerial career

Club

Games

Points per game

Rangers

192

2.15

Aston Villa

40

1.18

Al-Ettifaq

55

1.33

The 45-year-old primarily plays an attacking 4-3-3 system and is closing in on 300 games as a manager. Could that benchmark come at the Riverside?

Arsenal have emerged as the dream destination for one player this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to carry out his extensive transfer window shopping ahead of 2025/2026.

Related £70m star wants to join Arsenal after Norgaard and Mosquera, talks ongoing

The north Londoners mean business this summer.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga are both poised to be announced as new Arsenal players shortly.

Kepa completed his Arsenal medical in the last few days as he closes in on a £5 million switch from Stamford Bridge (Sky Sports), while Zubimendi touched down in London last week to finalise his near-£56 million transfer to the Premier League.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The Spaniards will be joined by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, too, with Arsenal widely reported to have agreed a £15 million deal for the Denmark international, including add-ons.

The 31-year-old has been permitted to travel for his Arsenal medical (Fabrizio Romano), and ex-Tottenham director Frank Arnesen says Mikel Arteta may have just snapped up a bargain.

“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude,” said Arnsen to Tipsbladet earlier this week.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

Berta has wasted no time in moving on to Arsenal’s next target after Norgaard, either.

The Gunners have opened talks with Valencia over signing versatile young defender Cristhian Mosquera, and there is real optimism that they’ll reach an agreement for their fourth signing of the summer, even if their opening bid of £16 million was rejected (The Guardian).

Cristhian Mosquera wants "perfect" move to Arsenal

While there’s still some way to go in club-to-club talks, Berta will not run into any trouble on the player’s side.

As per Romano, speaking on the ‘Here We Go’ YouTube channel, Mosquera thinks Arsenal are the “perfect” move for him, and the 21-year-old wants to challenge Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing.

“My understanding is that the player wants to go to Arsenal. He sees Arsenal as the perfect opportunity for his career,” said Romano.

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“Of course, you have to compete with Gabriel, with William Saliba, but what I’m hearing is that Mosquera is not scared. Obviously, he knows that these two defenders are probably the best in the world, but he wants to be there. He knows that Arsenal will have many games; with Mikel Arteta, young players develop very well. So Mosquera said yes to Arsenal.”

Able to play at both right-back and centre-back, the “magnificent” Mosquera could plug multiple gaps for Arteta, but his arrival surely spells the end of Jakub Kiwior – who’s been tipped to leave if they do sign the Spain Under-21 international.