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Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan says it is ‘brilliant to see’ that Celtic are already working on completing summer transfer deals ‘behind the scenes’.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou’s transfer success

In a report by the Scottish Sun published just last week, it was claimed that the Hoops are now very close to signing Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze.

The Glasgow giants recently secured the Scottish Premiership title after a 1-1 draw against Dundee United and lifted the trophy the following weekend following an emphatic 6-0 victory over Motherwell.

Ange Postecoglou has already enjoyed plenty of success stories in the transfer market since arriving at Celtic last summer, with the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, and Kyogo Furuhashi all becoming regular members of the first team, and it seems the manager isn’t messing around this summer either.

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The Latest: High praise for the boss

Reacting to the ‘brilliant’ news on Jeahze, Whelan hailed the Australian manager and admitted that he is impressed by the clear vision ‘behind the scenes’.

He told Football Insider: “You can’t question his signings so far, can you?

“They’ve all done really well and fitted right into his system almost seamlessly. They’ve taken to it like a duck to water.

“I love it when teams and managers go out with purpose in the summer and get their business done early doors.

“It just points to good scouting and hard work behind the scenes that they’ve got this deal ready to go.

“They want him through the door and up to speed, ready in time for pre-season.

“I think it’s brilliant to see them not taking any time off, not resting on their laurels – Celtic want to make this title theirs next season as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Jeahze is a 25-year-old defender who majorly impressed for Hammarby during their Europa Conference League stint earlier this term, providing five assists and scoring two goals across all competitions for the Swedish outfit this season, as per Transfermarkt.

As a result of the Bhoys officially topping the Scottish Premiership table, this of course means that they have now automatically qualified for the 2022/23 Champions League group stage, something that is expected to hand them a big boost in the market.

Being offered the opportunity to play on a world stage and compete at the highest level would be a deal difficult to turn down for any possible new signing, and so it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see Jeahze making his way through the doors at Parkhead in the weeks ahead.

In other news… a finance expert has dropped a ‘significant’ Hoops transfer claim.

Gio van Bronckhorst was forced to spend the last couple of months of the 2021/22 campaign without Rangers talisman Alfredo Morelos.

The centre-forward suffered a thigh injury at the start of April and missed out on the clutch run-in for the Premiership, Europa League and Scottish Cup.

Rangers ended up winning the domestic cup and that was the only trophy that they were able to bring in as they finished second in the Scottish top-flight and lost on penalties in their European final.

An injury to Kemar Roofe meant that the Gers also spent a number of games without a natural striker as Joe Aribo lined up in a false nine role.

These issues may cause the club to dip into the market this summer to bring a new centre-forward to Ibrox in order to avoid a repeat in 2022/23.

Colombian striker Mateo Cassierra is one player the Light Blues have been tipped to have an interest in and he could be an excellent addition to the squad to compete with Morelos and Roofe.

Russian outlet Sport 24, via the Scotsman, recently quoted commentator Roman Naguchev as saying: “Mateo Cassierra is very interesting to the club. Rangers management has already been in contact with Sochi.“Van Bronckhorst is very familiar with this player.” Imagine him & Aribo

The Rangers head coach can form a deadly duo through the middle of the pitch by signing Cassierra to pair him with Aribo.

Since joining FC Sochi, the South American has scored a whopping 14 goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances and averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.29. This comes after he scored ten goals in 23 starts in the Portuguese top-flight in 2020/21 for Belenenses, with journalist Tomás da Cunha once hailing him as “complete” during his time there.

He has proven that he can score goals on a regular basis and he still has the potential to improve at the age of 25. His SofaScore rating shows that he is producing all-round displays that will make him a great option for van Bronckhorst to call upon, as he is delivering week-in-week-out for Sochi.

Aribo, meanwhile, managed eight goals and five assists in the Premiership from midfield. He created nine ‘big chances’ and provided 1.8 key passes per game across 34 matches and this suggests that he deserved more assists for his creative efforts.

By bringing Cassierra in, van Bronckhorst can find a player who is capable of finishing off the opportunities that the Nigeria international creates. The Sochi gem has showcased his goalscoring talents and now it is time for Rangers to snap him up in order to create a deadly link-up between him and Aribo.

AND in other news, Rangers can land dream Kent heir in deal for £1.5m “asset” who can “affect the game”…

West Bromwich Albion were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempt at securing promotion back to the Premier League this season after finishing 10th in the Championship.

The Baggies ended their underwhelming campaign with 67 points on the board from 18 wins, 13 draws and 15 defeats.

One player in West Brom’s squad who didn’t end up having much of an impact throughout the season is Matt Phillips.

Having appeared in 28 league games, the 31-year-old only scored three goals and provided two assists, all of which came between August and September.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say that, despite his versatility in playing across numerous attacking positions, the Scotsman was not a reliable attacking figure for the Baggies.

Now that this dismal season has come to an end, West Brom’s focus can shift to the upcoming summer transfer window and their preparations for the 2022/23 campaign.

In terms of potential incoming transfers, one figure who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns and could be a big upgrade on Phillips is Scott Twine.

Twine can be huge Phillips upgrade

After joining MK Dons last summer, the 22-year-old went on to have a storming debut season with the League One side. In 46 league appearances, he found the net on 20 occasions and delivered 13 assists in the process.

This shows just how consistent he can be when it comes to not only scoring goals but setting them up for his team-mates as well, which is something that West Brom needed from Phillips this season.

With Twine averaging 3.3 shots per game this season in the third tier, this is more than double the average that Phillips (1.4) managed for his side.

As a result of his impressive efforts on the pitch, the MK Dons gem ended the season as the joint-second highest-rated player in the entire league according to WhoScored, with an overall performance rating of 7.41/10.

Labelled a “terrific character” by his manager Liam Manning, Twine is reportedly valued at £3m.

Given his fairly young age and his clear attacking talent, the former Swindon Town ace certainly has what it takes to not only be a prospective solid summer signing for West Brom but also a big upgrade on the misfiring Phillips.

In other news: Bruce can unearth WBA’s next Pereira by unleashing “splendid” rarely-seen teenage prodigy

Jordan Cronin has shared Newcastle United’s priorities for the summer transfer window, as Eddie Howe looks to bring in fresh additions to build upon January’s success in the market.

The Lowdown: January business

Newcastle were the biggest spenders in Europe in January after the Tyneside club forked out £91m on Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett in order to plug gaps and strengthen the squad.

That winter trolley dash has since been viewed as a great success. Having stared relegation in the face up until Christmas, the Magpies finished the season in a respectable 11th place.

As a result, it is expected that Newcastle will continue to build upon their recent success in the transfer market with an equally busy summer window.

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The Latest: Newcastle’s transfer priorities

Cronin has since shared the Magpies’ ambitious reported plans for the summer transfer window.

In a Newcastle World transfer Q&A, he claimed: “I’m told Newcastle are prioritising signing a goalkeeper, central defender, full-back (there has still been no word on Matt Targett), winger and striker. They’re also open to strengthening all positions if the right player becomes available. All that is very ambiguous, I know! But it’s a clear indication of the club’s ambition this summer. Rule nothing out.”

The Verdict: Busy summer ahead

Given the number of positions that Newcastle’s recruitment team are seemingly targeting, it is expected that a number of departures will need to be made prior to securing any big-money deals. Indeed, Cronin has also named several players who could be set for the chop.

If the board are able to offload some of the deadwood quickly, it could be possible to see numerous incomings and outgoings this summer, as Howe looks to build a squad which is capable of European qualification.

Therefore, it is likely that this summer will provide a busy and exciting transfer window for Newcastle.

In other news: Journalists name-check potential summer departures from Newcastle

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed Newcastle United’s ‘interest’ in signing Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

The 22-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season for Benfica, scoring no fewer than 34 goals and supplying a further four assists in 41 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an “absolute beast” by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive display in the Champions League against the eventual finalists and Premier League runners-up, the striker has shown that he looks more than capable of making the step up to the English top flight.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘interest’ in Nunez

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that while Nunez’s preferred destination would be Manchester United, there is also ‘interest’ in him from St James’ Park, and indeed a number of other clubs in the Premier League.

The journalist stated: “Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: Statement

For Newcastle to beat all of those clubs, who can all offer him European football next season, to sign Nunez would certainly be a statement of intent from PIF.

His goal record speaks for itself, and the Uruguay international is capable of spearheading Eddie Howe’s attack and firing them up the table.

Indeed, he is still only 22 years of age, so it is scary to think how good he could be in just a few years’ time.

In other news, find out which ‘superb’ colossus Dan Ashworth is now eyeing here!

Aston Villa are reportedly continuing negotiations regarding a new deal for versatile veteran Ashley Young, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

The respected insider has revealed that talks are “ongoing” with regards to a contract extension for the 37-year-old, with the former Manchester United man’s current deal set to expire at the end of the month.

Writing on Twitter about the Englishman’s situation, Romano revealed that all parties appear keen to get the agreement over the line: “Talks in progress between Aston Villa and Ashley Young with very good chances to continue together next season. Discussions ongoing but feeling is mutual.”

The 39-cap international returned to Villa Park on a one-year deal last year a decade on from leaving the club, although manager Steven Gerrard has already hinted that he would like his former Three Lions colleague to stay beyond this summer.

Gerrard delighted

In what is already proving to be a busy summer for the Midlands outfit, this latest update may somewhat go under the radar amid all the talk of incomings, although Gerrard will be acutely aware of just how important the one-time Watford man is to the current squad.

With a senior career that has spanned almost 20 years – both in England and in Italy – the £900k-rated gem offers his compatriot a wealth of knowledge and experience, having won league titles with both United and more recently at Serie A side Inter Milan, while also featuring for his country at Euro 2012 and the 2018 World Cup.

Dubbed a “manager’s dream” by the Villa boss, Young has proven a hugely effective performer in recent years, with his incredible versatility making him a vital asset to any dressing room, as he is able to feature at full-back, wing-back and even in a more attacking wide midfield role.

Although unlikely to be a regular starter next term – having made just ten Premier League starts in the 2021/22 campaign – the £88k-per-week ace still overs reliable cover in a variety of positions, with the 5 foot 9 star showing no signs of regression despite his advancing years.

He may well be coming to the end of a lengthy and hugely successful playing career, although Gerrard will be keen to squeeze out all he can from the Stevenage-born defender should he remain with the Villans for a further season.

Such a deal won’t be lauded as a key piece of business this summer, yet the Villa boss will simply be delighted if he can manage to secure his services beyond the end of June.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Wolves have been linked with a summer move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Ligue 1 champions have asked Jorge Mendes to see if he can facilitate a move for the striker to Molineux as they look to sign Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo.

After scoring 124 goals in 219 appearances for Inter Milan, the Argentine joined PSG on loan in September 2019, before moving on a permanent basis the following summer. In 92 appearances for the French club, the striker has found the net 38 times and delivered 10 assists, once again highlighting the danger he possesses in front of goal.

This is something that the Old Gold were severely lacking in the Premier League last season, with just 38 goals scored throughout the campaign. To further highlight their attacking inefficiency, they ended the season with fewer shot-creating actions (611) than the likes of Watford (624), Brentford (640) and Southampton (732).

With that in mind, it would certainly suggest that some extra firepower is needed in their squad.

Mendes masterclass

Labelled an “animal in the box” by his former Inter boss Stefano Pioli, Icardi has a total of 173 club goals to his name at senior level.

This shows that he certainly has the experience and attacking prowess in him to be a great prospective addition to Bruno Lage’s squad as someone who can routinely find the back of the net.

Having started just 13 games for Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG across all competitions last season, the prospect of potentially playing regular football in the Premier League could be tempting for the striker, especially with his current club apparently looking to move him on.

If Mendes is able to work his magic and secure a deal for the Argentine attacker to join Wolves, this could be a real masterclass from the agent, assuming that the player settles into the Black Country and gets into the rhythm of the Premier League by scoring on a regular basis for Lage’s side.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops big Wolves transfer claim that’ll leave supporters gutted

Newcastle United have been linked with a summer move for Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the Magpies are one of the clubs interested in signing the Spaniard this summer.

Having worked his way through Real Madrid’s youth ranks, the 27-year-old joined Atletico from Espanyol in 2019. Since then, Hermoso has gone on to make 95 appearances for Diego Simeone’s team across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and two assists along the way.

In terms of his defensive talent, in his 26 league games last season, the centre-back ended up winning 15 tackles and making 29 blocks, 36 interceptions and 53 clearances.

In addition, only two other players ended the season with a higher passing accuracy percentage than Hermoso (85.9%), highlighting how impressive he is with and without the ball.

According to journalist Aivaras Katutis, the defender – who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – was a “beast” during his period at Espanyol, along with being “tactically very solid”.

Imagine him and Botman

With reports recently emerging that the Magpies have agreed a deal to sign Lille defender Sven Botman, adding Hermoso to the squad could give Eddie Howe the chance to create a formidable centre-back duo at St James’ Park.

Throughout his two previous Ligue 1 seasons with Lille, the Dutchman has racked up 55 successful tackles, 100 blocks, 76 interceptions and 313 clearances, highlighting his defensive credentials in a similar vein to the Atletico figure.

With this in mind and with both Botman and Hermoso having experience of playing in Europe’s club competitions, this is the sort of pedigree that Howe would presumably want in his team to propel Newcastle into Europe at some point in the near future.

Taking all this into account, if Simeone’s side are willing to negotiate a deal to sell the 27-year-old this summer, Newcastle and PIF should definitely explore the option to add another defensive figure to their ranks.

However, with this report claiming that other clubs, including Inter Milan, are looking to sign the Spaniard, the Magpies could have a challenge on their hands when it comes to getting him to St James’ Park.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, it’s great news for Newcastle supporters

Liverpool are interested in signing Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio this summer and have reportedly ‘come forward’ for him in recent days.

The Lowdown: Asensio leaving Madrid?

The 26-year-old picked up his third Champions League medal at the expense of the Reds last season, admittedly not playing a key role in his team’s success, though.

Asensio has drifted down the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti, with Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde preferred out wide, and it means he could leave Madrid with only a year remaining on his current deal.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Spaniard this week and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

The Latest: Liverpool pressing ahead

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], the Reds have now ‘come forward’ for Asensio, as they look to beat Arsenal and Newcastle United to his signature.

It looks a ‘stronger and stronger’ likelihood that a Premier League move is on the cards as Madrid are desperate to avoid losing him for free next year, and the Reds see him as a replacement for Sadio Mane.

One sticking point however is Liverpool not being able to guarantee him regular football.

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The Verdict: Might not be worth it

Asensio’s quality as a footballer cannot be questioned – he was once described as ‘tremendously precise’ by Jorge Valdano and more recently called ‘spectacular’ by agent Horacio Gaggioli, and the numbers certainly back that up.

Despite limited chances this season, the Spain international bagged ten goals from just 19 La Liga starts, averaging over two shots and one chance created every game, per Whoscored.

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That being said, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino already battling for minutes in Liverpool’s attack, it is hard to see where he would fit in.

Asensio would also cost a hefty sum of money and with funds not exactly unlimited this summer, Jurgen Klopp would be better off using them to bring in a new midfielder, such as the recently-linked Nicolo Barella.

Aston Villa have been tipped to make a move for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek, with the Czech Republic international facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Ashley Preece – in a Q & A for Birmingham Mail – sporting director Johan Lange is currently “exploring” potential targets ahead of a summer move, with the Hammers ace believed to be one figure of interest who is possibly up for grabs.

Asked if the Midlands outfit are in the market for a new central midfielder, Preece stated: “Yes, Villa are looking to add more quality in CM. Johan Lange exploring options. Tomas Soucek is said to be available…”.

This follows reports that the 27-year-old is of interest to Villa, along with a handful of other Premier League clubs, with the suggestion being that David Moyes could be willing to cash in on the 52-cap giant in the current transfer window.

Supporters will love it

Amid all the talk regarding a possible departure for current first-team regular Douglas Luiz – who has just a year left on his existing deal – Villa supporters will love hearing that Steven Gerrard and co are being active regarding a potential replacement, with Soucek seemingly an ideal candidate to fill the void.

Dubbed “unplayable” by Yannick Bolasie, the former Slavia Prague ace – who joined the Irons on an initial loan deal in January 2020 – has been integral to his current club’s remarkable resurgence in thr last couple of years, forging a formidable midfield partnership with Declan Rice.

While the Englishman has often stolen the limelight in that time, the 6 foot 4 colossus has undoubtedly been impactful in his own right, having chipped in with 20 goal contributions in 86 top-flight games so far for the east London outfit.

That haul includes a particularly impressive tally of ten league goals from the 2020/21 campaign as the Hammers secured Europa League football, while he provided a respectable five league goals last term from his defensive midfield berth.

A sheer menace in both boxes, the £40.5m-rated monster unsurprisingly ranks in the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area – and also in the top 1% for clearances made and the top 2% for aerial duels won – among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing both his attacking and defensive prowess.

A forceful and imposing presence in the centre of the park, the £47k-per-week brute would provide some much-needed steel to a Villa side which had been lacking a bona fide defensive-minded midfielder last term, with the aforementioned Luiz deployed as something of a makeshift stop-gap in the holding role.

While perhaps not the most glamorous addition, Soucek would offer a reliable and consistent asset for Gerrard’s side, with supporters set to be delighted if Villa can make another statement of intent this summer by poaching the player from a club who have been on the rise in recent years.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez