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Celtic are interested in signing Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to USA journalist Larry Henry Jr.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers profiled

Carter-Vickers has eight caps for the USA and has plied his trade at a number of clubs in England while on the books of Tottenham.

The 23-year-old, primarily a centre-back but can also play as a right-back, has turned out for Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Swansea City, Stoke City, Luton Town and most recently, Bournemouth.

He’s made over 100 appearances in the Championship and has played for Spurs on just four occasions.

It seems as of his stay in north London could come to an end soon, though, with a move to Scotland possibly on the cards.

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The Latest: Late night links

Henry Jr, editor of USA Today-affiliated site SBI Soccer, posted on Twitter on Tuesday evening regarding Carter-Vickers.

He claimed that the Hoops have shown an interest in the £20,000-a-week defender.

“Another Cameron Carter-Vickers update per source close to the player: Scottish club Celtic has shown interest in acquiring him from Tottenham this summer. Fulham/Cardiff City interest has quieted a bit.”

Henry Jr added that any deal for the centre-back, who Jonathan Woodgate described as ‘quick’, would be a permanent one, not a loan.

The Verdict: An ideal match on paper

Celtic have already lost two right-backs in 2021 in Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed, so Carter-Vickers could provide cover in that area.

However, you’d expect him to turn out in his favoured centre-back role, should he link up with Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead.

Kristoffer Ajer has made his intentions to leave the Hoops this summer clear, so should a Celtic exit materialise, Postecoglou would be left with Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien as senior centre-back options.

On paper, a move for Carter-Vickers appears to be a sensible one, so it may well be one to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.

In other news: Ryan Christi linked with Premier League move, find out more here. 

Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick could sign a major upgrade on Harry Maguire with Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.

What’s the story?

According to reports from Sky Deutschland (via Sport Witness), United are one of a number of top European sides who are chasing the Germany international.

It’s claimed that the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign the central defender, and that Rangnick’s side have now emerged as an additional contender for his signature.

Better than Maguire

While Maguire may be established as a cornerstone of this United defence, Rudiger’s arrival would see the club land a genuine upgrade on the England international.

As per Whoscored, the £100k-per-week German has averaged an impressive 7.00 match rating over the course of the Premier League this season, which far betters Maguire’s measly 6.56.

And, when you look at the key underlying numbers, it’s easy to see why.

Rudiger averages almost double the number of interceptions that Maguire does, while he also boasts a far higher average number of passes and key passes per game – the kind of ball-playing centre-back that could thrive under Rangnick.

The Chelsea man also wins more offsides per game too, a pointer of how his pace and reading of the game is slightly superior to that of Maguire.

Rudiger’s performances for the Blues has earned rave reviews from a number of people, not least former United man Rio Ferdinand, who waxed lyrical about just how good he has been in the top-flight.

He said (via the Metro): “Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there (at Chelsea), been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or (Ruben) Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

And, speaking to BILD, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was similarly effusive in his praise, saying: “Toni has established himself exceptionally since the first day we arrived. He is an absolute leader and plays at an incredibly high level.”

The £31.5m-rated star could bring some proven Premier League experience and quality to this United back-line, and a real upgrade on Maguire.

Meanwhile, Man Utd must move for this Serie A midfielder…

Spanish outlet Sport have provided an update regarding Aston Villa loanee Philippe Coutinho.

The Lowdown: Phillips and Saint-Maximin links

Steven Gerrard is gearing up for his first full season in charge at Villa Park, with a summer shake-up seemingly on the cards.

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Reports over recent days have claimed that Villa are set to offload both Morgan Sanson and Anwar El Ghazi in the summer, and there have also been plenty of rumours when it comes to incomings.

Villa are believed to be readying a £60m offer for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and also have their eye on Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin, who is valued at around £50m.

NSWE may well splash the cash over the coming months, including on Coutinho, who joined from Barcelona in January with an option to make the move permanently this summer.

The Latest: Coutinho update

Sport Witness relayed an update from Sport regarding the 29-year-old on Tuesday morning.

They claimed that Villa are ‘very satisfied’ when it comes to the Brazilian, and that financially the Midlands club will have no problems in meeting the €40m (£33.4m) option agreement.

The Verdict: Now for a salary agreement…

There had been talk that Newcastle were looking to land Coutinho, but it’s good to know that Villa chiefs are happy over paying a big-money fee.

All that needs to happen now is for there to be an agreement when it comes to a full-time Villa contract. The playmaker has proven his quality back in the Premier League with seven goal involvements in 11 Villa appearances, but the elephant in the room could be his salary.

Coutinho is currently on 65% of his £300,000-a-week contract, so you’d expect that he may need to take a pay cut in order to sign permanently in the Midlands.

In other news: Newcastle now keen on signing another Villa player as advanced update emerges

He may be a striker but there’s a belief among those close to West Ham that young academy gem Sonny Perkins could well become the club’s next Declan Rice.

That’s certainly one claim from Irons insider ExWHUemployee, who made the exciting declaration on a recent episode of his ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast.

He said: “One thing to also pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins. He was on target for the England U18s on Monday as they beat Russia.

“This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.

“Obviously performing on the international stage as well for his age, and he is one to keep an eye on.

“From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

Aged just 17, the Hammers prospect recently broke into the club’s under-23 squad, despite only being a second year scholar, whilst he made he debut for the England under-18s just last month.

That speaks volumes on not just his potential but his current ability. Clearly he’s performing way above his current age, so that’s exactly why he’s being touted as another Rice, who broke into the first team as a teenager himself.

Perkins has been in fine form for West Ham’s youth teams this season, scoring five times in nine appearances across the Under-18 Premier League, the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy, and that includes an impressive hat-trick against Reading at the start of the new campaign.

Meanwhile, according to The Athletic, there is plenty of optimism over West Ham’s current academy set-up, and it is something in which first-team manager David Moyes has taken a keen interest.

He and his backroom staff regularly attend games, so it’s surely a matter of time before Perkins catches his eye, if he hasn’t already.

Given the Hammers’ need for striking reinforcements, a player of the teenager’s calibre could well help save the club millions in future transfer windows.

If you’ve got the ability, then it doesn’t matter what age you are, and the likes of Rice and Ben Johnson have been testament to that.

AND in other news, Newman can seal West Ham bargain in 6 ft 4 “diamond” who was once “very keen” to join…

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos this summer as David Moyes plans to strengthen his squad during the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Hammers – alongside Premier League rivals Wolves – are keen to bring the 27-year-old to England.

The Argentine has two years left on his contract with the La Liga outfit and played the entire first leg of the two teams’ Europa League round of 16 tie last month, missing the trip to the London Stadium.

Valued by Transfermarkt at £27m, Ocampos has scored nine goals and registered four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season and could be an intriguing addition to the Irons’ squad.

Moyes should sign Ocampos

It’s no secret that, despite another successful season, West Ham need a reshape of their playing personnel this summer. The average age of Moyes’ squad is 28.8 and consists of just 24 players, a low tally considering that they’ve played in four different competitions this term.

Reinforcements in every position are likely to be needed, including in the wide attacking positions.

Although at 27 he wouldn’t bring the average squad age down considerably, Ocampos is at a prime age where he can still improve whilst already having huge experience, something which could potentially shift out the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals or Andriy Yarmolenko.

Most importantly, though, he’s certainly an improvement on some of the Hammers’ current options.

Bowen is arguably an exception, with the Englishman currently West Ham’s top scorer this season with 14 goals. However, the 25-year-old is the only Irons winger who has scored more than Ocampos in 2021/22, with Benrahma scoring nine and Pablo Fornals six, and the ex-Hull City star has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle in recent days.

Moreover, Yarmolenko is expected to depart this summer upon the expiration of his contract, further highlighting the necessity of a winger being on West Ham’s wishlist this summer.

Described as “electric” by journalist Fede Praml, the tricky Sevilla winger currently averages 1.9 shots per game whilst enjoying an 83% passing accuracy and 40% dribbling success. The 27-year-old’s defensive contribution is satisfactory too, with 1.4 tackles and 0.6 clearances per match.

It may take time for the Argentine to adapt to the Premier League and West Ham’s style of play if he moves to east London, but it is crucial that the Hammers finish the next transfer window with a bigger squad than what Moyes current has, especially if they succeed in qualifying for Europe and if Bowen is tempted to Tyneside.

In other news – Imagine him & Zouma: Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Rio Ferdinand in “clever” £12k-p/w gem

Many West Bromwich Albion supporters have flocked to Twitter to discuss an issue at the Hawthorns.

The Athletic’s West Brom correspondent, Steve Madeley, produced a story about the current traffic problem which has occurred at the home of the Baggies this season.

In the report, Madeley states how some fans have missed games due to being stuck in traffic or are even turning around and heading home after being delayed.

According to West Midlands Police, traffic management around the stadium is not within their jurisdiction and the club also have no authority over the road network.

It is said that the issue is Junction 1 of the M5, which is close to the ground, with both sets of fans using the roundabout when travelling to games.

West Brom fans flock to Madeley tweet

These West Brom fans have taken to Twitter to react to Madeley’s tweet and have told their own stories and frustrations about the current problem at the ground.

“I am close to giving up after 4 decades of going and it is all to do with the parking and a bit of Sky fixture lottery”

Credit: @shrew69

“Junction 1 island is horrific. Said it before, and ill say it again, nobody will do NOTHING til someone is killed on that island. Easiest football stadium to get to (from a motorway)… The most unorganised, chaotic nightmare of a stadium to get to!”

Credit: @WBAFC_TOM

“It’s not just about the ‘routes’, there needs to be affordable and accessible parking. The club need to step in. I had a ticket for the Derby game but couldn’t face the challenge of getting there after the Millwall game so I didn’t go.”Credit: @blueandwhite78″Never known it as bad as this season, leaving Sutton 2 hours before kick off just to guarantee making kick off now”Credit: @b_smith82″The problem on the motorway island is everyone’s so selfish and just want to get on to the island that they block the exits. So the other cars can’t leave the island and it all just sits there not moving.”Credit: @JonW1995″Takes me 2 hours, I live 10 mile from ground.”Credit: @8en1990In other news, some West Brom fans have expressed their unhappiness with this player. Find out more here.

Sheffield United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng, according to The Sun (8th August, page 67). 

What’s the story?

Sheffield United have already been faced with considerable interest from Arsenal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has recently returned to the first-team squad having been away from England on international duty over the summer.

Ramsdale has been with the club since 2020, although it’s claimed that he could be heading for the Bramall Lane exit door in the near future, with the transfer window set to close on August 31st.

Therefore, the Blades are seemingly preparing for his departure by targeting a move for Dieng, who has two years remaining on his current contract with Mark Warburton’s QPR side.

He has made 44 appearances in total for the Rs in total, which includes 43 from the 2020/21 season, as QPR finished ninth in the Championship table.

The Sun report that Dieng could be on the move this summer for a fee in the region of £6million, with the Blades eyeing a move for the 26-year-old.

Dieng has been with QPR since 2016, and kept 11 clean sheets with them last season, as they finished last year’s campaign strongly under the watchful eye of Warburton.

The shot-stopper has previously been attracting interest from West Ham United, and you don’t do that by chance, so that speaks volumes about his ability at this moment in time and the exciting potential he has.

Dieng has shown that he’s more than capable of performing to high standard in the Championship, with the shot-stopper adjusting well to the demands of life in the second-tier, which can sometimes be an unforgiving league.

He had an average Whoscored rating of 6.71 from the 2020/21 season for QPR and he could turn out to be a smart signing by Sheffield United this summer.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side will be looking to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, having been relegated from the top-flight last term, in what was a disappointing campaign for the Bramall Lane faithful to witness.

The Blades haven’t been very active in the summer transfer window, but Ramsdale’s potential departure late into this summer could prompt some late movement, which is certainly needed.

Sheffield United were beaten by Birmingham City in their opener this term, and Jokanovic will be keen to see a positive response from his side in midweek when they return to action against Carlisle United in the EFL Cup.

Dieng made an error against Norwich City last term, but Warburton labelled the shot-stopper as ‘outstanding’ for his performances during last year’s campaign.

“He’s human. There’s no-one in the world [who doesn’t make mistakes]. [Lionel] Messi makes mistakes, [Cristiano] Ronaldo makes mistakes, the very, very best people in the world make mistakes.

“Seny’s had an outstanding season, he’s just human. It’s as simple as that.”

Dieng would be a smart signing by the Blades if they can get a deal over the line to secure his signature, as he’s shown that he’s capable of performing to a more than good enough standard at this level, and it’s a deal that the Bramall Lane faithful should be buzzing about.

AND in other news; Sheffield United also want to sign this in-demand star before the window closes…

According to a report by TUTTOmercatoWEB, there has been a crucial update on the future of Marcelo Brozovic at Inter Milan – and it involves Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Brozovic wanted…

According to a variety of reports over this last week, the Croatian is one of many big Serie A names linked with a move to Spurs since Conte’s arrival in north London.

Calciomercato explained that he is one of a flurry of Italian top-flight stars attracting the 52-year-old’s interest as the Spurs boss demands a €280m (£239m) transfer war chest to overhaul the squad.

Meanwhile, TUTTOmercatoWEB also claimed last week that Conte is personally eyeing a move for him after remoulding Brozovic into a playmaker during his time at Inter.

That same outlet has now brought more news on the Croatia international’s future and his contractual uncertainty, namedropping Tottenham again.

The Latest: Conte ready to welcome Brozovic…

According to their sources, Brozovic’s future at the San Siro is set to be decided over crunch talks as both the player’s entourage and Inter arrange to meet at a ‘decisive summit’.

His current deal expires in 2022, which means that he could leave as a free agent at the end of this season, and his renewal is now ‘concretely in the balance’.

While Brozovic’s priority is to renew, despite the disagreements over salary at things stand, TMW also explained that there is ‘no shortage’ of suitors for the 28-year-old, and Conte is ready to ‘welcome him with open arms’.

The Verdict: Get it done?

If Conte can finally strike a long-awaited replacement for Christian Eriksen in Brozovic, especially considering how he was ‘reborn’ as a playmaker at Inter last year, we believe this could be an astute purchase for Tottenham on a free transfer.

Highlighting his creativity at some points, he averaged the same amount of key passes per 90 as Spurs superstar Harry Kane last season (1.4) – more than any Lilywhites player bar the Englishman and Son Heung-min (WhoScored).

The 68-cap ace also managed more league assists over that period (six) than any Tottenham squad member apart from Son and Kane, who both made the PFA Team of the Year.

Brozovic’s 89.6% pass accuracy in midfield over that time also eclipses that of every Spurs player (WhoScored), perhaps indicating that he would instil some class and composure in a more advanced role under Conte.

Lauded as a ‘very precious’ player by former Inter Milan and Udinese boss Andrea Stramaccioni, the Croatian could come as the Eriksen heir nobody predicted.

In other news: Conte also tells Spurs to sign 183-goal star as journalist drops big live TV transfer claim, find out more here.

Newcastle find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League as they head into the last international break of 2021.

The Magpies are 19th in the table and are the only side in the division yet to win a single match, with 20th-placed Norwich on one win below them.

Eddie Howe has been officially unveiled as the new manager of the club following Steve Bruce’s exit last month and faces the unenviable task of attempting to rescue the situation over the coming months.

Dreadful

One player who has contributed to the club’s poor form this season has been Brazilian attacker Joelinton, who has been dreadful in the Premier League when called upon.

Out of all the outfield players who have started a league match this term, only Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey have averaged lower SofaScore ratings than Joelinton – 6.55. He has played ten games, starting just five, in the top-flight and has averaged 52 minutes per match.

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In that time, per SofaScore, he has lost possession of the ball a whopping 110 times. This means that he has lost the ball once every 4.7 minutes for the Magpies, which works out at roughly 19 concessions per 90.

Couple this with his lack of quality in the final third and you have a player who struggles at both sides of the game for Newcastle. He has zero goals and one assist this season, with 0.6 key passes and 0.4 shots on target per game, via SofaScore. This shows that he is not providing the goods at the top end of the pitch to make up for his lapse play in possession.

Magpies legend Alan Shearer once stated that he finds the forward ‘frustrating’ and lamented the Brazilian’s poor first touch. He said: “A lot of money he cost and he finds it really difficult. His touch is really poor and he hasn’t posed a threat.

“It’s been really frustrating watching him. I actually feel sorry for him because when the ball goes to him, it’s bouncing off him and he’s offering nothing going the other way, also.”

These comments may have come midway through last season, but they are still applicable today as his statistics show that he has not come good at St. James’ Park.

Shearer’s reference to his poor touch could be why he loses possession of the ball far too often, whilst his creative and shooting statistics align with his claim that he does not pose a threat to the opposition.

Therefore, Joelinton has been dreadful for the Magpies in the top-flight and replacing him could be one of Howe’s first tasks in the January transfer window, unless there is a sudden upturn in form over the next couple of months.

AND in other news, PIF plotting swoop for “outstanding” £67k-p/w gem, he’d solve Howe’s major NUFC issue…

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths on loan for the 2021/22 campaign, according to The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

Griffiths has been with Celtic since 2014, and has gone on to feature heavily for the Bhoys in recent seasons, with the 30-year-old scoring 123 goals in 262 appearances in total for the club.

But he has found regular minutes hard to come by in recent seasons, with Griffiths making 26 appearances in last year’s campaign, as they lost out to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

He did sign a one-year deal with Celtic, but that doesn’t seem to have stopped Sunderland from offering him a temporary route out of Celtic Park this summer.

The Black Cats are in the market for a suitable replacement for Charlie Wyke, who left the club when his contract expired, before going on to sign for League One rivals Wigan Athletic soon after.

Could be the missing piece

Sunderland have been somewhat of a ‘sleeping giant’ for far too long now, with this year’s campaign set to be their fourth consecutive season in the third tier of English football.

The Black Cats narrowly missed out on promotion into the Championship last term, as they were beaten by Lincoln City in their play-off semi-final, which condemned them to another season in League One.

Charlie Wyke will leave a sizeable void in their team next season though, with the forward netting 30 goals in 53 appearances for Lee Johnson’s side, so you can understand why the Sunderland boss is keen to find a replacement for the 28-year-old at the earliest of opportunities.

Griffiths could be the answer to that problem position for Johnson, with the forward already showing that he can score goals on a consistent basis, when presented with the opportunity.

The Scotsman netted 40 goals in the 2015/16 season, as Celtic won the Scottish Premiership, and Griffiths can feel slightly aggrieved not to have featured as much in recent years for the Bhoys.

In an interview with Football Insider, former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie hoped that Celtic wouldn’t let Griffiths depart back in April, whilst also labelling him as ‘terrific’.

“When he gets those chances, nine out of ten he’ll put away but he’s not been playing that much so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

“It just shows you what a terrific player he is because he’s created chances and got in the danger area but he couldn’t take them.”

Griffiths’ potential wage demands might be a slight concern for Sunderland though, with Salary Sport revealing that the forward is on weekly wages of £15k-per-week, which could be hefty for a club in the third tier of English football.

Sunderland need a player that knows where the back of the net is, and Griffiths certainly fits that description at this moment in time, and it would be somewhat of a coup for the Black Cats to secure a player of his quality, especially given his goalscoring record during his professional career.