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Celtic are ready to open talks to try and sign QPR forward Bright Osayi-Samuel, according to reports.

Osayi-Samuel to Parkhead?

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Glasgow giants in recent weeks, and suggestions were made that Neil Lennon’s side were making the initial steps to bring Osayi-Samuel to Parkhead at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

During the current campaign, the right-winger has scored twice and provided three assists in 18 appearances in all competitions (TransferMarkt), averaging 2.9 dribbles and 1.3 shots per game (Whoscored).

Oyasi-Samuel’s statistics with the ball are impressive, with Ryan Christie topping the Celtic charts with just two dribbles per game (Whoscored).

According to Football Insider, Lennon is ready to begin negotiations with the winger, who was described as “dangerous” by QPR manager Sam Warburton.

The report added that Celtic are keen to take advantage of cross-border rules, which means that the Hoops could capture Oyasi-Samuel on a free transfer with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Oyasi-Samuel, who is valued at £3.15m, would be a fantastic addition to Lennon’s team. Not only that, but his attacking prowess would be hugely beneficial.

The fact that he has superior attacking statistics than Ryan Christie is impressive – at the age of just 22, he could have a long future at Parkhead.

Celtic must get this deal wrapped up – a pre-contractual agreement in line for a summer move would be very astute business.

In other news, Peter Lawwell gives green light to offer new contract to key Celtic asset.

David Sullivan can solve David Moyes’ dire fear of becoming too reliant on Declan Rice by reviving West Ham’s interest in Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram during the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

Speaking following Sunday’s 1-0 win over the Blades, via quotes by football.london, Moyes revealed he is growing concerned that West Ham are calling on Rice to feature far too often for a player of his age.

The 21-year-old is one of just three outfield Hammers players to have featured for all 810 minutes of Premier League football thus far this term, was the only Irons figure to play all 3,420 minutes last season and started 34 top-flight fixtures during the 2018/19 campaign.

Rice’s importance to the starting line-up was only met by six other outfield players across the division during the 19/20 term, and repeating another campaign without regular breaks could prove worrisome with medical teams lobbying against their own clubs for the re-introduction of five substitutes following a spate of early-season injuries.

West Ham, themselves, have been a victim of the increased strain on players after Michail Antonio sustained a hamstring injury last month, and Moyes seems to fear a similar issue befalling Rice if the London Stadium outfit cannot better manage the midfielder’s workload.

“I might be repeating myself but a lot of the talk, rightly so, went to Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Phil Foden after the England game in midweek but I thought a lot more praise should have gone to Declan Rice for his performance then,” Moyes said.

“Also, how he has improved because he is a very similar age, sometimes you forget that. The role, his responsibility he takes on the pitch because of his young age, his leadership qualities will build. He has learned from Harry Kane, Mark Noble, I really think he is doing a great job as a player and we are building up hope that he will be an outstanding captain.

“My big concern is that he is so young that we rely on him too much.”

Is Lundstram the answer?

With Moyes seemingly fearful of losing Rice if West Ham cannot better manage the England international’s workload, his words should ring around the ears of Sullivan and his team at the London Stadium ahead of the January transfer market.

The Scottish coach will no doubt he hopeful of utilising the mid-season window to invest in adding depth behind Rice and Tomas Soucek, another to have played all 810 minutes of Premier League football this season, with Mark Noble only starting once, Manuel Lanzini earning each of his four appearances from the bench and Robert Snodgrass playing just one minute in the top-flight thus far.

Moyes could find his solution in a former target, with ExWHUemployee recently claiming Sheffield United’s Lundstram remains an option after West Ham failed to seal a deal for the £7.2million-rated midfielder this summer.

Blades boss Chris Wilder has since stated that the Bramall Lane natives are not in an “ideal situation” regarding Lundstram’s future, as the 26-year-old continues to refuse a new contract and could be sold in January with his terms expiring next summer – a pre-contract ahead of next season may well be a possibility.

West Ham would be landing a player Wilder hails as an “exemplary” figure for being able to drift in and out of a side without impacting his performances, should they look to revive their interest, and one who was an integral part of the Blades’ initial form upon promotion last term.

Lundstram started 26 of Sheffield United’s Premier League fixtures in the 2019/20 season and has opened seven of his nine appearances in the current campaign, in which he’s played the most key balls (11) and amassed the third-most total passes (286), fourth-most successful dribbles (10) and blocked the joint-most shots (5) of Wilder’s midfielders, per SofaScore.

It remains to be seen if Moyes does urge Sullivan to revive efforts to sign Lundstram, but his comments on Rice would suggest he is keen for additional options at West Ham.

AND in other news, a “commanding figure” could be set to leave West Ham in the January window.

When it comes to Celtic’s unearthed gems, the mind automatically goes to Virgil van Dijk. The Netherlands international went from joining the Hoops for £2.6million to becoming one of the best centre-backs on the planet. He is now worth a gargantuan £72million after his move to Liverpool saw him scoop a Champions League and Premier League title.

In this sense, no other player comes close when it comes to Celtic success stories. But another man who left the club and has gone on to do well for himself is Teemu Pukki.

Celtic wrong to cash in on Pukki

Hindsight is a beautiful thing and if the Hoops knew the Finnish striker would become such a prolific player, they may not have opted to cash in. It can’t even be argued that the money made from his sale was worth it. As reported by Transfermarkt, the Premiership outfit took a loss on Pukki in order to seemingly grab a quick cash deal back in 2o15.

They signed him initially for £3million from Schalke and offloaded him for a mere £600,000. Celtic gave the forward just one season in Glasgow before he was loaned out to Brondby, where he eventually moved to permanently before his transfer to Norwich City.

Since Pukki left Celtic, he has flourished into a typical target man. With an astonishing 106 goals under his belt since his Parkhead departure, the 30-year-old quietly goes about his business as very much an underrated striker. His best season came in his debut campaign for the Canaries, netting 30 goals and contributing a further ten assists across the Championship and EFL Cup (as per Transfermarkt).

Neil Lennon is currently facing what could turn out to be a disastrous situation with his attacking options. Star player Odsonne Edouard continues to be linked to an exit at the end of the season and Mohamed Elyounoussi is only at the club on loan. If the manager is without both key players next campaign, it will leave him with just Leigh Griffiths and makeshift forward Albian Ajeti.

Had the club kept hold of Pukki, they could have banked a reliable goal poacher who can create as well as hit the back of the net.

In other news, Celtic must withdraw interest in potential club record signing Omar Colley…

Glasgow Rangers are close to completing the signing of long-term target Bongani Zungu, according to reports.

What’s the word?

KickOff claims Zungu is already on his way to Glasgow with a fee yet to be agreed by both clubs.

The 27-year-old is reportedly ready to leave Amiens following the French outfit’s relegation to Ligue 2 last term.

It’s claimed that Rangers have reached an agreement with The Unicorns as Zungu has refused to sign a new deal.

He is now valued at a mere £1.44m via Transfermarkt although it was reported in July that the struggling French side wanted at least £3.6m for the 24-cap South Africa international.

Perfect fit

It is no secret that Steven Gerrard wants to strengthen the midfield before the close of play on Monday with Rangers remaining interested in Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson.

After Gerrard’s side secured Europa League qualification by beating Galatasaray last week, they have now turned their attention to signing Zungu instead.

The South African played 21 games in Ligue 1 last season, picking up 1 assist, as per Transfermarkt, whilst he made 1.3 tackles and 1 clearance per game, via SofaScore.

If we’re being honest, Steven Davis has ably deputised for Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in their absence, but he has only started five games in the Scottish Premiership so far.

At 35 years of age, the former club captain isn’t getting any younger anytime soon, and it is about time the board brought in a suitable replacement.

Zungu will join his teammates Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Jon McLaughlin in the long list of new arrivals and provide some competition for places in the midfield at Ibrox.

His mentor Pitso Mosimane, who signed the player for Mamelodi Sundowns, once said the central midfielder plays “in the style of Vieira.”

If everything goes to plan, Gerrard will finally get the most important piece of the puzzle, and he should have his move completed in time for tonight’s midnight deadline, which will make him the club’s seventh signing of the summer.

AND in other news, Rangers must launch £4m bid for Daniel Johnson before it is too late…

After arriving in a £34m deal from Arsenal last summer, it’s fair to say Alex Iwobi hasn’t exactly shown why Everton splashed out big-money to sign him.

The Nigeria international endured a difficult debut season on Merseyside, playing regularly under Marco Silva, before falling out of favour following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment – he completed the full 90 minutes just once under the Italian’s stewardship in the Premier League.

And with just two goals and one assist to his name in 29 games across all competitions, it was difficult to see just what kind of player the Toffees had gotten themselves in Iwobi, especially given that he played all of his games either as a left or right-winger or as a number ten.

How big of an Everton fan are you? Can you spot Mikel Arteta from Graham Stuart? This quiz will test your knowledge, try it if you’re brave enough…

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It was telling that at the announcement of his signing, Silva declared: “Alex was one of our main targets for this window and I believe he is a fantastic signing. He is a direct and skilful winger and attacking midfielder who always works very hard.

“Alex fits exactly the profile of player I want. He is hungry to join Everton and take the next step in his career, to help us compete with the strongest teams in the league and reach his potential at our club.”

Whilst it may have only been Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, and it’s vital not to get too carried away, you couldn’t help but feel that Iwobi’s time may finally be here.

Replacing James Rodriguez as part of Everton’s first-choice front three, the 24-year-old looked in supreme touch. Aside from getting on the score-sheet and setting up one of Richarlison’s strikes, Iwobi was as influential as he has ever been for the Toffees.

As per Sofascore, he had 78 touches, provided three key passes (only Richarlison had more), and completed a game-high four dribbles. This was Iwobi at his most “direct” like Silva thought he was initially getting, and he constantly tried to take the game to Fleetwood.

Whilst permanently keeping Rodriguez out of the starting line-up looks out of the question for now, Ancelotti may feel that the Nigerian could be useful as part of a midfield trio and having the ability to drive the team forward with his dribbling.

What is clear though, is that Iwobi finally showed the kind of performance that vindicated Silva’s decision to sign him for the club.

Leeds United are back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence and their first game will be against the champions, Liverpool, at Anfield on September 12th.

But what sort of Whites team will we see in Merseyside?

Marcelo Bielsa has already conducted some business, signing Illan Meslier on a permanent basis with Jack Harrison’s loan being extended for another season.

Although expect more through the door soon, so here’s how United’s XI could look next month…

You’d imagine Meslier is nailed on for that number one spot after impressing towards the back end of last season whilst the future of Kiko Casilla is by no means certain.

One major need is in central defence with Brighton holding firm over loan star Ben White, therefore a €10m (£9m) move for Freiburg’s Robin Koch makes the most sense. He will partner skipper Liam Cooper in the middle with Luke Ayling and Barry Douglas on either side.

The former Wolves man could get the nod over Stuart Dallas given his experience at this level.

Kalvin Phillips is probably the first name on the teamsheet under Bielsa so there’s no surprises in the anchorman role while veteran playmaker Pablo Hernandez starts ahead of him alongside a new name – Nahitan Nandez.

The Cagliari enforcer has a release clause of €36m (£32m) and is deemed ‘perfect’ for Bielsa’s midfield.

Harrison is likely to continue on the left whilst reported target Harry Wilson could add some valuable Premier League experience on the other flank. The Liverpool ace scored seven times for Bournemouth as they were relegated to the Championship.

It’s thought that the Reds would want £20m for his services.

Whilst upfront, there could be no Patrick Bamford in the starting lineup with the club reportedly opening talks with Valencia for their striker Rodrigo, who has a £30m price tag.

If Victor Orta were to splash that much on a new number nine, you’d imagine he’d be thrown into the XI instead of having to settle for the bench.

It means there are no places for Championship-winning heroes Mateusz Klich, Helder Costa or Gjanni Alioski.

AND in other news, Leeds open preliminary talks to sign La Liga forward…

Tottenham are keen to take advantage of Wigan Athletic’s administration by planning a double swoop for Joe Gelhardt and Jensen Weir, according to recent reports.

The Sun claimed that Spurs are seeking to exploit the situation by making moves for the 18-year-old duo, and Noel Whelan believes that the Londonders will have to ‘compete’ with Celtic if they want to sign the teenagers in the summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds United striker has backed the duo to leave the Latics. After being asked if the teenager will leave in the summer, Whelan said: “Gelhardt and Weir, because of the administration, are in a very good position to get a move away from Wigan at the end of the season.

“They are going to have to compete with Tottenham and some other clubs as well. These two young players are wanted by some of the top clubs in Britain.”

“The club need to take the shackles off and allow these two young players to go. They will get some money back which is needed to help that club survive.”

It is difficult to disagree with Whelan here, as Wigan’s financial woes have put them in a precarious position. The Latics confirmed last week that the club are in dire straits following administration, meaning that it will be hard for them to keep hold of some of their talent.

According to Football Insider, Celtic are also closely monitoring Gelhardt as his valuation is expected to plummet in the wake of the news about the Championship club. The striker has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the DW Stadium, scoring once in 18 games, which has put him on Tottenham’s radar.

Weir, who is the son of Everton legend David, is also wanted by Spurs, and Wigan administrators have confirmed they have received an official approach for the pair.

Mourinho is well aware that his budget has been limited in light of recent events and he will have to resort to sorting out swap deals, signing free agents and pursuing cheaper options this summer. Spurs will likely be eager to wrap up a deal as quickly as possible, amid interest from Celtic, Everton and Leicester.

Scouts are confident that Gelhardt can be groomed into a similar style to Harry Kane who is the club’s top scorer this season. However, the Lilywhites will have some convincing to do, as Troy Parrott has been marginalised for the majority of the campaign.

Whether or not they will be able to offer Gelhardt the game-time that he would like remains to be seen.

Tottenham fans, do you think Daniel Levy should sign Joe Gelhardt and Jensen Weir in the summer? Let us know by commenting below!

Following links to Glasgow Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos, FC Porto have signed Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi from fellow Portuguese club Rio Ave.

The Dragoes, who will compete in the Champions League this season, have reportedly splashed out €4.5m (£4m) on the 28-year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last term for his previous club. Having also scored 15 goals in 38 matches for his country, Porto appear to have got themselves a bargain considering Taremi is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.

This deal, though, could have a negative effect on any deal for Morelos. Porto are currently loaded in attack – in terms of pure strikers, they have Vincent Aboubakar, Fabio Silva, Ze Luis, Tiquinho Soares and Moussa Marega along with Taremi. Whilst Marega has been linked with a move away from the Portuguese side, that would still leave Porto with five other forwards – surely there is no need for Morelos.

Not only that, the transfer fee could be an issue. The Colombia international may be valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, but the Gers are reportedly looking for £20m for his services – that would be the highest fee Porto have ever paid for a player.

As such, it looks as though the Ibrox outfit will need to find another buyer for Morelos, and it is a situation Steven Gerrard needs resolving as soon as possible. The last thing he wants is the 24-year-old to become a full-blown distraction at the club.

Let us know what you think below!

Manchester United have lost the race to sign Jude Bellingham, as Borussia Dortmund are expected to announce his arrival in a matter of days.

Bellingham, who currently plays for Birmingham City, has been linked to the Red Devils and Chelsea, but he will now follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Jadon Sancho. According to ESPN, the 16-year-old will move to the Signal Iduna Park for £20m and the Bundesliga club are expected to unveil their new signing this week.

Man United pulled out all the stops to try and lure the teenager to Old Trafford, including a personal tour of Carrington with Sir Alex Ferguson, but this latest news will be a huge blow for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Bellingham has been the centre of attention at St Andrew’s after making quite a name for himself in the Midlands, and it seems Dortmund have outdone United once again to sign another exciting prospect.

This won’t be the first time the Bundesliga challengers have usurped the Red Devils. Indeed, Solskjaer lost out to Lucien Favre in a battle for Norwegian star Erling Braut Haaland, who sealed a switch to Germany from RB Salzburg last year.

The starlet has played 32 games for the Blues in the Championship, scoring four goals and creating two assists as well as averaging 1.2 shots per game and making 2.3 tackles on average (WhoScored).

Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic has struggled with injury and made only 13 appearances in the Premier League this season, providing one assist, averaging two tackles per game and attempting just 0.5 host shots per game (WhoScored).

As it stands, Dortmund are best known for developing young talent and turning them into world-class superstars and Bellingham may well hit the ground running with Sancho and Haaland to guide him on his way.

While the teenager, who cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17 next week, may have made the right decision for his career, it is United who will miss out the most.

As the club’s only recognised defensive midfielder, Matic has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders, and, at 31, he is approaching the twilight of his career. Consequently, Bellingham’s snub will hurt Solskjaer the most, as he will have to look elsewhere in a volatile transfer market.

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward will regret this missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments below!

West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere is set to return from the pelvic injury that has kept him out of action since October, according to the Daily Mail.

What does the report say?

Plagued by injury for much of his career, Wilshere has made just 16 appearances for West Ham since arriving at the club in 2018.

With just two starts this season he will be hoping to get some game time under his belt when the football season returns and has used the lockdown to continue his recovery.

According to the Daily Mail, Wilshere will be ready to start first-team training when the season recommences, as he seeks to rescue his career at the London Stadium.

The former Arsenal man is set to see his £100,000-a-week contract expire at the end of next season and will surely need to make a much bigger impact on the pitch if he is to earn a new one.

Last chance saloon

Wilshere will be very disappointed to have made just 16 appearances since joining West Ham in the summer of 2018.

Injuries continue to haunt his progress, but he also has to take responsibility for not making the impact he needs to when he gets on the pitch.

Given his record, it would be a surprise to him contribute in a meaningful way when the season does return and he will have to enjoy a dramatic turnaround in fortunes if he is going to earn himself a new contract.