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While West Bromwich Albion have started life under Valerien Ismael well, with the Baggies having lost just one of their 11 Championship fixtures under the Frenchman, there have nevertheless been questions raised regarding Albion’s lack of an out and out goalscorer.

Indeed, while Ismael did secure the services of Norwich City centre-forward Jordan Hugill on a season-long loan deal this summer, the 29-year-old is yet to find the back of the net over his seven second-tier appearances for the club.

That’s something that has caused West Brom problems at times, none more so than when the Baggies failed to win three consecutive fixtures against Millwall, Derby County and Preston North End – with Albion scoring just two goals in these games.

As such, it would appear likely that Ismael is already starting to consider entering the January market for further additions up top, however, perhaps the 46-year-old could find a solution to his problem much closer to home.

Lukaku 2.0

West Brom have developed something of a reputation for developing promising young players in recent years, with the likes of Aston Villa’s Louie Barry and Crystal Palace’s Nathan Ferguson both being graduates of the Baggies academy.

However, unfortunately for the Championship side, they have often been unable to keep hold of their most exciting prospects, with many leaving The Hawthorns on free transfers, while others have been picked up by Premier League teams for a relative snip.

And, it would now appear as if West Brom have yet another diamond on their hands, this time in the shape of 17-year-old Reyes Cleary – who is already reported to be attracting the interest of Borussia Dortmund as well as many others.

Indeed, it is not difficult to see why there is significant interest in the teenager, as, over his four U18 Premier League appearances for Albion this season, Cleary has scored a brace in each fixture – which just so happen to have been against Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

The teenager has also bagged two goals over two appearances for the Baggies’ U23 side, taking his total haul so far this season to ten goals – in addition to one assist – in just six games.

Furthermore, it is not only transfer interest that Cleary is attracting, but also extremely high praise, with West Brom’s U18 coach Peter Gilbert dubbing the striker a “powerful” player who is an “excellent” finisher – while the youngster has also been compared to former Baggies loanee and current Chelsea star, Romelu Lukaku.

Considering Ismael’s reputation for involving up and coming talents in his first-team squad, in addition to Hugill’s distinct lack of goals, it would seem a wise move for the Frenchman to begin exposing Cleary to senior football before potentially dipping into the transfer market this winter – as the teenager could well go on to save Albion millions in transfer fees.

In other news: “In talks” – Journo drops fresh West Brom claim on £30k-p/w beast, Ismael must act

When Celtic enter the League Cup on Sunday afternoon, they will take plenty of confidence into the clash.

The Hoops have now recorded three victories on the trot and have totted up back-to-back clean sheets. Both of those were rarities last season, so Ange Postecoglou’s men should savour that.

On the chalkboard

That being said, Celtic will have to be wary this weekend because their opposition are Hearts, a team who caused them grief on the opening day of the Premiership campaign.

The Bhoys were miles from their best as a late goal from John Souttar ensured a losing start to Postecoglou’s league reign two weeks ago. However, they are now in a very different place after scoring 13 goals in their last three outings across all competitions.

Their new signings have hit the ground running too, but one player who is yet to be seen at Parkhead or in Celtic colours is James McCarthy. The Irishman signed on the same day as Joe Hart, but with no pre-season minutes under his belt having been a free agent, he is some way behind in terms of his fitness.

Postecoglou has claimed that it could be a while before we see the midfielder in full action, but with the League Cup right around the corner, now feels like the perfect time to hand him his Hoops debut.

Celtic didn’t win a single trophy last season, so the cup competitions will hold a little more significance than normal. However, with weary legs setting in against Jablonec last Thursday, the manager may favour rotation.

Tom Rogic stood out in that match but tired significantly. With an important clash with AZ Alkmaar coming up, the Australian should be given time to recover with McCarthy coming in.

The former Crystal Palace man won’t be completely fresh himself but he’s an experienced campaigner who should be able to replace him and perform reliably at the base of midfield. Dubbed “top-class” by Postecoglou, the 30-year-old could be the heir to Scott Brown in the middle of the park.

Callum McGregor has performed admirably in a deeper role but McCarthy is more accustomed to playing there. During his last full season with Palace, he won 2.5 tackles per game, proving that he can stick his boot in and win the ball when it matters.

On that evidence, the 30-year-old might be the perfect player to combat Hearts, so Postecoglou needs to hand him some sort of role on Sunday.

AND in other news, Celtic close to signing £2.5m “creative monster”, he’s perfect for Postecoglou…

Crystal Palace are reportedly one of several Premier League clubs tracking Rangers forward Joe Aribo ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles are joined by newly-promoted duo Brentford and Watford in the hunt for the 25-year-old’s signature.

Aribo has entered the final 18 months of his current contract with the Glasgow giants, and as a result, new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst may be tempted to offload the creative talent during the winter window.

The report states that: “Rangers will be reluctant to lose key man Aribo who has started all but one of their games this season.

“But his contract situation, with his deal expiring in 2023, has left them vulnerable and given hope to his admirers that they may be able to prise him away in either the January window or next summer.”

Crystal Palace could seal a dream deal

After joining the Gers on a free transfer following his departure from Charlton Athletic back in 2019, Aribo has established himself as one of the Scottish Premiership’s most exciting attacking talents.

In 116 appearances for the Ibrox outfit, the Nigeria international has scored 21 goals and provided a further 18 assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part in the club’s top-flight title victory in ten years last season.

Speaking after a particularly impressive performance against East Fife, former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard lauded Aribo’s talents.

 “I am not sure how many good players have been at this stadium, but I don’t think you will see many better than Joe,” said the now Aston Villa manager.

“Top players turn up anywhere, it doesn’t matter if it is in front of 50,000, or 1500, your standards are always the same, and from day one, Joe has done that. He was outstanding from start to finish.

“He can go as far as he wants. I hope he stays alongside me for many years, but he’s got the world at his feet.”

With loanee Conor Gallagher expected to return to his parent club Chelsea at the end of the season, Patrick Vieira will need some engine room reinforcements over the coming months, and Aribo could be the dream replacement.

He’s cultivated an enviable reputation for his dribbling skills and ability to pick out a pass, as well as being comfortable sticking a foot in and dispossessing opponents during his time north of the border, all traits that would allow him to adapt to the Premier League with ease.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Eze: Palace could form deadly duo with “ruthless” £9m-rated “powerhouse”

Reliable Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has had his say on the Hoops’ reported move for Kawakasi Frontale left-back Reo Hatate.

The Lowdown: More Japanese talent?

Celtic have reaped the rewards this season after signing Kyogo Furuhashi for £4.86m over the summer, with the forward comfortably into double figures in front of goal in his first campaign in Glasgow.

Reports last month suggested that the Hoops are confident of bringing forward Daizen Maeda to the club in the New Year, and it seems as if Hatate could also now be moving to Scotland during the winter window.

According to Stephen McGowan of The Scottish Daily Mail (via 67 Hail Hail), Celtic are closing in on a move for Hatate, who can play in midfield or at left-back.

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The Latest: Devlin’s reaction

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic ahead of Celtic’s game with Aberdeen on Sunday.

Here at The Transfer Tavern, we asked Devlin if he has heard anything regarding the Hatate rumours. This is what he had to say in reply:

“Not heard anything myself, but the reports in Japan and here are both from credible people so I imagine they’re true. Will put something together on him either this upcoming week or week after depending on how work on features go.”

The Verdict: Shrewd move…

It appears as if the links are solid, and from the outside looking in, a swoop for Hatate appears to be an extremely clever one.

He is out of contract at the end of January, so if Celtic pay a fee for the versatile 24-year-old, you’d expect that it would be a minimal one. Hatate is also used to winning trophies with his current employers, picking up four honours over the last two years.

Celtic could do with another left-back with Greg Taylor out injured, and Hatate also be able to provide competition in midfield, with Ange Postecoglou relying on Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic when fit.

In other news: Celtic handed transfer message as ‘quick’ £20k-p/w beast admits he’s ‘open’ to Parkhead move

Former Rangers defender Michael Ball hopes that Ryan Kent stays at the club for one more season.

The winger has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer with the Daily Mirror claiming Leeds United are interested and the Rangers man is somebody that manager Marcelo Bielsa has liked for a long time.

Kent featured in Rangers’ Scottish Premiership opening day 3-0 victory against Livingston over the weekend.

The left-winger scored 13 goals and provided a further 15 for his teammates in all competitions and helped Rangers to their first league title in a decade.

After continuing to impress for Rangers, former Ger Michael Ball is hoping that Kent stays at Ibrox for one more season, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I think they’ll be disappointed if Ryan moves on this summer, hopefully, fingers crossed for Steven and the Rangers fans that Ryan can entertain the Ibrox fans for one more season.”

Steven Gerrard will no doubt be hoping to keep hold of one of his prized assets this summer and build on last season’s success.

After opening up with a victory on Saturday in the SPL, attention will now turn to the UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Malmo on Tuesday night.

Porto are reportedly interested in signing Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos and if he were to leave Ibrox this summer it would be a huge blow to Steven Gerrard and his hopes of retaining the Scottish Premiership title next season.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, the Liga NOS side are keen on signing the Colombia international this summer as he would be a dream addition for manager Sergio Conceição, however Rangers’ asking price is likely to be a problem for the Portuguese giants.

The report suggests that Rangers would likely demand €20m (£17.2m) for Morelos this summer, which is no surprise after another impressive season at Ibrox helped Gerrard’s side win the league title unbeaten.

A huge potential blow for Rangers?

If Morelos were to leave Ibrox this summer it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the Gers’ hopes of winning their 56th league title next season, as he has proven himself to be one of the best players in the league since joining from HJK Helsinki in 2017.

In 182 appearances for the Teddy Bears, El Bufalo has contributed an extremely impressive 94 goals and 43 assists in all competitions, and he also broke Ally McCoist’s record to become their record goalscorer in Europe, so to lose him ahead of their return to the Champions League next season would be far from ideal.

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After he broke the record, Gerrard was full of praise for Morelos, saying:

“It’s fantastic for him from a personal point of view. Alfredo’s a top-class player, a top-class goalscorer, and it’s fantastic that he’s still here.”

Last season saw the 24-year-old forward contribute 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Gers and his performances in the Premiership before the season split saw him average an impressive 7.20 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which ranked him as the sixth-best performer in Gerrard’s side.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, it is certainly a blow that a side such as Porto who impressed in the Champions League last season are interested in Morelos ahead of the summer, and it would be a huge shame for Rangers to lose him.

And, in other news… Rangers facing major blow with 25 y/o “Rolls Royce”, Gerrard would be gutted

A number of Liverpool supporters believe Jurgen Klopp has hinted at staying at Anfield beyond 2024, following an interview regarding his future.

The German has done an incredible job in charge of the Reds, overseeing one of the greatest periods in the club’s history.

Having arrived in October 2015, the 54-year-old has guided Liverpool to both Premier League and Champions League glory, playing some breathtaking football along the way.

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Klopp is undoubtedly one of the best managers in world football, so the hope is that he remains at Anfield for as long as possible.

His current contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, and while he could choose to leave at that point, he has hinted in an interview with RTL [via Anfield Edition on Twitter] that he will take a break “whenever it will be”:

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Liverpool fans react positively to Klopp remark

These Liverpool fans reacted to Klopp’s comments on Twitter, claiming it means he could stay on longer than 2024.

“‘Whenever it will be’ seems to suggest he’s not ruling out another extension”

Credit: @LoungeActJack

“‘Whenever it will be’ he might sign a new contract”

Credit: @Georgelfc196

“‘Whenever it will be’…extension till 2030 let’s gooooo”

Credit: @Karunagaraa

“‘whenever it will be’, extension incoming song with Mo”

Credit: @MR_LFCRN

“Four word love story: ‘whenever it will be'”

Credit: @officialgy_

“Sorry la you’re not allowed to leave”

Credit: @Lallanatelli

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing an England international. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa duo Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez are planning to travel to Argentina against the club’s wishes for the upcoming international break.

That’s according to broadcaster Christian Martin, cited by @AVFCFaithful_, and, as to be excepted, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts on social media.

Villa confirmed on Monday that both Buendia and Martinez have been called up by Argentina for three World Cup qualifiers next month.

The Premier League then released a statement in regards to clubs not releasing their players to represent their nations in red-list countries.

Argentina is currently on the UK Government’s red-list regarding travel to England, meaning a 10-day period of hotel isolation would be required if Buendia and Martinez turned out for their country.

And it seems as if the pair are willing to defy Villa and play for Argentina against Venezuela, Brazil and Bolivia.

Villa fans react

@AVFCFaithful_ shared the news on the duo on social media on Saturday lunchtime. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling the pair’s decision as ‘disgraceful’.

“The pain never stops”

Credit: @MasonUTFV

“we r finished”

Credit: @joegodwin_

“Fine them the same wages for the weeks as they’re gone. Outright disgraceful and disrespectful if true”

Credit: @AndreVillaGamer

“We can’t catch a break at the minute”

Credit: @avfcjamess

“Don’t pay them the 10 days they have to self isolate then. Embarrassing”

Credit: @ConnorWoolf1995

“Don’t pay them then”

Credit: @AVFCTranstweet

In other news: ‘The deal we’ve been waiting for’, ‘Exactly what we need’ – Many Villa fans buzz as news emerges. 

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is eyeing a surprise move for Burnley striker Chris Wood this summer.

What’s the story?

Villa were heavily reliant on last summer’s signing Ollie Watkins to lead the line during the Premier League campaign, and to his credit, the former Brentford man rose to the occasion, scoring 16 goals in all competitions for his new club.

Football Insider claimed that the Clarets forward is being targeted as someone to add more firepower to Smith’s side, adding that Villa “are one of three top-12 Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Wood.”

Premier League proven

The 29-year-old has been described as a “natural goalscorer” in the past by former Leeds manager Garry Monk, whilst former Millwall teammate Scott Malone believes “he’s frightening” to play against.

Since making the step up to the Premier League, the New Zealand international has been a very effective presence for the Clarets, with 47 goals in 136 top-flight games, leading Alan Shearer to rave about him.

The former Newcastle striker said: “I like him, I like what he does for the team and he is the focal point for them. He is very good at occupying two centre halves. He is a get out for Burnley if they want because they are not afraid to knock it long.

“He can keep hold of it and bring other players into the game. He is horrible to play against and he won’t give defenders a moment’s peace.”

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The £7.2m-rated ace is the kind of Premier League-proven option who would offer Smith the chance to rotate with Watkins or even partner him next season.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith could sign Villa’s new Dion Dublin in this star…

Aston Villa are thought to be in advanced talks over a permanent move for goalkeeper Robin Olsen, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Olsen’s loan move

Olsen was one of four senior signings made by Steven Gerrard in his first transfer window in charge at Villa Park.

The 32-year-old arrived on loan from AS Roma and has been on the bench for every Premier League game since moving to the Midlands.

Olsen has served as back up to Emiliano Martinez, and it looks as if the pair will continue to work closely together at Bodymoor Heath beyond the summer.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI shared a story regarding Villa and Olsen on Thursday afternoon after being informed by a recruitment source.

They revealed that Olsen has impressed Gerrard since joining and talks over a permanent move are now at an advanced stage.

The Verdict: Good news

Although Olsen is yet to turn out in a Villa shirt, it is good news that he looks set to make his Villa stay a full-time one.

Labelled as ‘monstrous’ by the Spanish press following a performance for Sweden, Olsen has plenty of experience across Europe and on the international stage, winning seven trophies during his career.

He appears to be happy as second choice to Martinez, so it looks as if Villa will now have two high-quality shot-stoppers on the books heading into Gerrard’s first full season.

In other news: ‘What a signing he would be’ – Journalist buzzing at ‘fantastic’ Aston Villa transfer ‘reveal’.