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Tottenham Hotspur could finally fill the void left behind by Christian Eriksen after they were handed a timely January transfer boost this week.

The north Londoners have recently been linked with a move for Juventus outcast Dejan Kulusevski, who Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici originally signed during his time at the Serie A giants.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder is now likely to be allowed to leave the Turin club, with them currently valuing him at €35m (£30m).

A temporary exit in January isn’t out of the question either, as the report claims that the Sweden international is unhappy at the club and would like a ‘change of scenery.’

The most likely destination appears to be the Premier League, with arch-rivals Arsenal also keen to secure him, as the Old Lady do not want him to thrive at a league rival.

Newly-appointed Spurs boss Antonio Conte needs to find a creative fix as quickly as possible because it has been their main Achilles heel this season – no side is averaging fewer shots per game (10.1), not even the three teams in the relegation zone, and their last shot on target was nearly four hours ago, against West Ham.

There is an argument to be made that Eriksen has never been properly replaced, with neither of their club-record signings, Tanguy Ndombele nor Giovani Lo Celso, stepping up to the mark. In two-and-a-half seasons, neither has recorded more than eight assists altogether.

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By comparison, the Dane hit double figures for assists in each of his last four full Premier League seasons at the club.

Kulusevski, who has been branded as “explosive” and compared to Mohamed Salah, could be the solution. His career average of 1.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes makes for encouraging reading as it suggests that he’s a real thorn in the final third, and evidently one who can create chances.

In 2020/21, when he was entrusted to feature regularly, the young £31.5m-rated gem registered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions and did so playing no fewer than seven different roles, as per Transfermarkt.

By comparison, Lo Celso has managed only 13 direct contributions since summer 2019, while Ndombele is just four contributions ahead in a longer time frame, too.

Meanwhile, football scout Jacek Kulig has previously lauded Kulusevski as an “athletic phenomenon”, an “advanced playmaker” and a “complete player”, which only bolsters the claims to sign him all that more.

Paratici knows exactly what Spurs would be getting, so he must do all he can to seal the 21-year-old’s signature in January, regardless of whether it’s on loan or on a permanent basis.

AND in other news, “Understand”: Alasdair Gold reveals major behind-scenes Spurs development…

With Ange Postecoglou now sitting proudly as Celtic manager, their plans for the new campaign are beginning to build up a head of steam.

A number of Postecoglou’s countrymen have been linked with a move, while a plethora of J-League players are also said to be taking his fancy.

On the chalkboard

We’ve seen Australia regulars Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan touted with a reunion at Parkhead but despite their pedigree in the game, it’s a Japanese forward we’d like to focus on.

Reports from Japan (via The Sun) suggest that Celtic are interested in signing Kaoru Mitoma from Kawasaki Frontale.

Described as the most “creative” player in the entire Japanese top-flight by Juco James from the Huddle podcast, he is a rampant force in the final third.

He attempts ten dribbles per 90 minutes and has been compared to former Celtic star Jeremie Frimpong for his progressive running.

Mitoma has ten goals this term, taking his overall tally for Kawasaki Frontale to 28 strikes throughout his time at the club.

What stands out about his game are the positions he shoots and subsequently scores from. With help from Bhoys Analytics, we can see that the 24-year-old has only taken five attempts towards goal outside the box in his last 75 attempts.

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All of his 15 goals are from inside the box while 18 efforts from inside the area that didn’t find the net are all on target.

This is considerably different from a number of other options already at the club. Celtic engineered a horrendous habit last season of taking shots towards goal from long-range.

As of December, Ryan Christie had taken more shots than any other Celtic player but 64% of them had been from outside the box. By the end of April, Christie had taken 51 shots from long range, resulting in just a solitary goal.

That’s an extremely poor tally but it didn’t get much better for David Turnbull and Callum McGregor either.

As of April 30th, Christie, McGregor and Turnbull had taken more attempts from distance than eight other teams in the Premiership. They’d had 145 shots outside the area with a conversion rate of just 4.1%.

Therefore, the idea of signing Mitoma this summer could completely eradicate those bad habits.

If he dislodges Christie in the XI then it certainly irons out that part of Celtic’s game. The evidence shows that Mitoma takes fewer attempts from range, leading to a better output inside the box.

Postecoglou has plenty of issues to address at Paradise but the Hoops may noy score more goals until this one is sorted out.

AND in other news, Postecoglou must unleash “exceptionally good” 18 y/o after opening day Celtic promise…

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast that interim head coach Ryan Mason should pick both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

Mason took charge of his first game on Wednesday night and Spurs came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 in north London.

Bale was central in the game, scoring an excellent goal to equalise, before being substituted prior to Son Heung-Min’s winning penalty late on.

£29m-rated Alli was on the bench, perhaps due to a lack of match fitness as he has played just a single minute in the last five games.

And Roberts hopes that both players are in the team this Sunday, as Spurs look to win their first trophy since 2008.

Indeed, there remain doubts over the fitness of Harry Kane, who limped out of Friday’s clash with Everton after scoring a brace, and playing the pair could offer a real goal threat.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Roberts, who won the UEFA Cup as a player, said: “I think Gareth Bale, Dele Alli, have got a chance. We don’t know if Harry’s going to be fit. I would hope so for Sunday.

“But I think, me personally, if you’re going to go into a cup final, play your best team.

“Gareth Bale’s played six games lately and scored six goals, Ndombele’s played, I don’t know, 20-odd games and got two goals.

“For me, you have to play the right players in their right positions, not in different positions. Dele Alli was brought on, played left side, played right side, Dele Alli’s a number 10.

“And I think if you play him as a number 10, he will score a lot of goals. That’s the way we have to go.”

Liverpool are interested in staging a summer transfer swoop for Getafe striker Enes Unal.

What’s the word?

That’s according to reports from Turkish outlet Fanatik that suggests Liverpool are on the lookout for a replacement striker, with Divock Origi set to leave.

Origi’s contract expires at the end of the season with the Belgian strongly linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan.

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The 27-year-old has not made a single start in the Premier League, yet boasts three goals this season in six appearances, the epitome of his time with the Reds.

The report reads that Unal could well be a suitable player for Jurgen Klopp’s system.

Origi for Unal

Quite frankly, if Liverpool allow Origi to leave at the end of the season, they could not find a better replacement in former Manchester City forward Unal.

The pair are inseparable when it comes to their overall style, with both identifying as poachers who rely on chances created, rather than creating chances themselves. Unal’s style in particular can be evidenced through the 24-year-old Turk’s 0.13 goal-creating actions total, placing him in just the 9th percentile for positionally similar players, as per FBref.

The past few seasons have demonstrated the importance of the impact substitute role in Klopp’s side, with the 27-year-old Belgian playing his part in the side at the drop of a hat and always delivering in big moments. Think back to that emphatic Barcelona comeback.

As such, although he is not a starter for Klopp, the absence of Origi will leave a gaping hole in the German manager’s squad.

Since the mid-way point of last season, Unal has established himself as a starter at Getafe and boasts a record of 15 goals and one assist in 32 La Liga appearances this season for the Spanish outfit.

His record looks even better when you consider that Getafe have scored just 31 goals this campaign, meaning Unal has been a major source.

Unal, who has been dubbed as a “great talent” by Tomasz Cwiakala has scored 77 goals across his professional career, and by 2015, he had scored a rather remarkable 181 times in 108 youth outings, so he certainly knows where the net is.

He would also offer a greater defensive service to Klopp too, with the £16.2m-rated Turkey international boasting an average of 25 pressures per 90, placing him in an elite category in the 98th percentile as per FBref.

Unal could not only replace Origi, but even serve as a cheaper alternative to Liverpool-linked Darwin Nunez.

In other news:  Liverpool “will end up” signing £83m “diamond” this summer, just imagine him & Diaz

Kevin Campbell has backed Chris Wilder to be the next manager at Celtic as Examiner Live report he has become a favourite for the Parkhead job.

The 53-year-old has recently left his post as boss at Sheffield United and is thus available for any club to bring in.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Everton striker has claimed that hiring Wilder would be a good appointment at Parkhead:

“I do think he’d be a good appointment.

“If they were to pull the trigger then they’d have a manager who knows how to work to a budget and get the players onside.

“He plays an expansive brand of football with the centre-halves joining in with attacks etc.

“I think that’s something Celtic fans could get behind.”

Celtic should hire Wilder

Given that he plays an expansive brand of football as Campbell points out, Wilder is certainly a coach that would play a style that would surely excite the Hoops faithful.

Even though the Blades have struggled a lot in the Premier League in the 2020/21 term and look almost certainly as if they will be relegated down to the EFL Championship, the Englishman has still adopted the same style of play throughout and his heroics of guiding them to a very impressive ninth-placed last season should not be overlooked.

While he might not be the most glamourous name to Hoops fans, Wilder is certainly a man that should not be overlooked, as he could help steady the sinking ship for the Bhoys as they look to battle it out with Rangers once more for the Scottish Premiership title.

In other news, find out what managerial candidate has been ruled out for the Celtic job here!

Ryan Christie has been linked with a move to English FA Cup winners Leicester City, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Celtic face an exodus ahead of 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, Celtic could lose multiple first team regulars as they look to mount a Premiership title bid to dethrone their Glasgow rivals at the first attempt.

Odsonne Edouard has been subject of a transfer wrangle this summer as the Foxes vie to secure his services amid further interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

However, there may be someone else leaving Parkhead to link up with former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium following latest developments.

The Latest: Rodgers eyeing Christie reunion; Ligue 1 duo also keen

Leicester City are said to be interested in a swoop for Christie in this window as rumours surrounding his future intensify [Daily Mail].

Nice and Monaco are also rumoured to be keen on obtaining his signature, as his contract is due to expire mid-season next January [Daily Record].

The Scotland international’s unusual contractual circumstances make him an attractive option for prospective bidders. Reported to be available for just £1m, Celtic are looking to sell him on for any sort of fee rather than lose him for nothing in 2022 [Sunday Post].

The Verdict: Losing Christie for a knockdown fee would be bitterly disappointing

Losing the Inverness-born midfielder for such a small sum would undoubtedly come as a bitter blow to Celtic. Nice had an £8m offer knocked back for Christie in January, demonstrating a lack of awareness from the Parkhead hierarchy regarding his diminishing value.

In 2020/21, the 26-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign for the Celts, registering 22 goal contributions from 46 games with seven goals and 15 assists [Transfermarkt]. He also made the WhoScored? Scottish Premiership Team of the Season last term, averaging a score of 7.33/10 across the campaign [67 Hail Hail].

Whether he eventually reunites with his former boss Rodgers or tries his luck abroad in the sunnier climes of Ligue 1 in France, he would offer a substantial attacking threat, as illustrated by his returns from last season.

Once labelled as “absolutely brilliant” by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon [Daily Record], there is no reason why Christie cannot take his game to the next level if he moves on to pastures new.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with a Brazilian centre-back.

Leeds United have made a bid for Celtic left-back Matthew Anderson, according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ Hjelde interest

Anderson isn’t the only Hoops youngster the Whites are keen on. They were after Leo Hjelde last season prior to his Ross County loan spell and have been credited with an interest in the Norwegian recently.

Reports from Football Insider earlier this week suggested that Leeds are negotiating a deal for Hjelde, and it seems as if Anderson is also a firm target.

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The Latest: Anderson offer

Smyth shared the news on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, revealing “Leeds United have made a bid for a Celtic defender” while sharing his article on the development.

That defender is Anderson, who signed a new professional deal with the Hoops last summer.

No financial details of the bid were shared by Smyth or Celtic’s stance on whether they would be willing to part ways with the youngster this summer.

The Verdict: A possible long-term blow?

Although Anderson is yet to feature for the Hoops at senior level, a move to Yorkshire could prove to be a big blow in the long run.

The 17-year-old was tipped as the next Kieran Tierney last year, and left-back is a position that Celtic are yet to really sort out following Tierney’s move to Arsenal.

Greg Taylor and loanee Diego Laxalt battled it out to be first choice last season, with Boli Bolingoli set for a Parkhead return this summer.

Anderson may have had the chance to play senior football with Celtic Colts in the Lowland League next season, however, it seems as if a move to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds could be a possibility following Smyth’s update.

In other news: Charlie Wyke prefers Hoops move, find out more here. 

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has given an update in regards to Celtic’s hopes of landing Eddie Howe as their new manager.

The former Bournemouth boss has reportedly agreed in principle to succeed Neil Lennon in the Parkhead dugout after ironing out details of a Glasgow switch on Friday.

The 43-year-old is now expected to put pen to paper on a contract worth up to £2m per year at Parkhead – a salary £400,000 less than Lennon’s.

Howe’s Celtic announcement

That has led to speculation mounting regarding when an official announcement by the club will be made, with one fan on Twitter asking Nixon, who writes for The Sun, whether confirmation would be made on Tuesday.

The journalist replied on Sunday morning, admitting that the two parties have ‘been talking seriously for a couple of days now’.

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if an announcement isn’t too far away, but until the club officially confirms the appointment, there will still be that slight doubt in some supporters’ minds.

Should Howe make the move to Scotland, Celtic would be the third club of his managerial career and perhaps as challenging as his stint at Bournemouth.

A summer rebuild looks to have taken shape off the field, with stalwarts like Peter Lawwell set to stand down, and it may now be up to Howe to make some tough calls in regards to major incomings and outgoings ahead of the 2021/22 season.

In other news: Howe tipped to make Celtic move for international forward on £45,000-a-week, find out more here. 

Manchester City fans are far from happy with comments from Jurgen Klopp while discussing Liverpool’s failed Premier League title defence.

Last term, it was the Reds who cantered to the title – they ended up finishing 18 points ahead of the Citizens even despite a dip in form at the end of the term (Sky Sports). However, the tables have turned this campaign – it is Pep Guardiola’s men who now lead by 17 points, and that gap could be extended on the final day.

Klopp, who earns £10m per year (roughly £192,000 a week) at Anfield was speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace, and he discussed why his side were unable to challenge again for the title. He suggested the amount of injuries the Merseyside outfit have suffered, especially at centre-back, means they have been unable to be competitive.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and they did not go down well with the City fans, who felt Klopp was trying to find excuses. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Klopp below

“he’s exactly like the fans full of bitterness & excuses”

Credit: @BradleyMCFC_

“So the “stadiums” or the “grass” are not the MAIN factors for Liv losing anymore… It’s bc other teams didnt have as much injuries … Klopp never ceases to surprise”

Credit: @keshavG31

“There is a reason to have depth and adaptive players. Pep would have figured it out instead of making excuses week in week out! You find someone in the transfer window and bring them in. Klopp=Ostrich head in sand!”

Credit: @GilsGilmore

“He’s right, but he shouldn’t have said it out loud to anyone. It shows his weakness. Bad optics.”

Credit: @EdFowlkes

“We literally had an injury apocalypse last season. Our best cb was injured for most of the season and we had to put a midfielder in central defence, but we finished 2nd. Keep crying flopp ye overrated fraud”

Credit: @Fodeninho_

“I can‘t stand this guy. Okay he‘s right with the – not being champion – part, but their injuries aren‘t an apology for being 7th on matchday 34”

Credit: @jannesa15

In other news, Man City fans are livid at this Raheem Sterling news.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting to Roberto Firmino’s injury, saying the Reds must now sign another attacker in the coming days.

Jurgen Klopp’s team could only draw 1-1 at home to Chelsea on Saturday evening, in what proved to be a thrilling contest at Anfield.

Liverpool couldn’t break down their ten-man opponents for the entirety of the second half, with the Blues defending expertly and the hosts running out of ideas.

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The Reds suffered a first-half blow when Firmino had to go off with a hamstring injury, with Klopp admitting after the game that the forward will need a scan [via The Times‘ Paul Joyce on Twitter].

It looks as though the Brazilian could now be absent for a number of weeks, potentially highlighting the need for another attacker to come in before deadline day on Tuesday.

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Liverpool fans call for another attacking signing

These Liverpool took to Twitter to react to the injury, calling for business to be done in the transfer market.

“Sign forward now I beg, the only good forward we have right now is Salah and Jota, idk what happened to Mane”

Credit: @dnlfc_

“If we don’t buy one more attacking option, we will end up having another trophyless season. Prove me wrong please”

Credit: @mrafihdyt

“Oh no”

Credit: @concobhar2017

“So it begins”

Credit: @rebekkarnold

“This is just the beginning. yeah we don’t need any new signings”

Credit: @CarloMarlito

“Christ we’re even more done”

Credit: @RHLFC7

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with Klopp’s recent comments. Find out why here.