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GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Agyemang getting back to his best.

The USMNT have a few good strikers to work with. What they don’t have, at least not yet, is a great one. This crop is full of ideas, full of talent, but none of them are the finished product. And that in itself comes with a certain appeal: the familiar excitement around what a player isn’t quite yet, but maybe could be. Could Folarin Balogun become world-class? Possibly. But he’ll need a few tweaks – and a sustained run of fitness – before that conversation gets serious.

That uncertainty is what fuels the weekly churn of the U.S. striker discourse, a position where relevance is gained and lost by the game. Patrick Agyemang was barely mentioned a few weeks ago; now, after a well-taken goal in a defeat, he’s back in the mix. Josh Sargent is still struggling to actually put the ball in the net, but a much-needed assist nudged him into the conversation again. And then there’s the mercurial Ricardo Pepi, who scored and assisted for PSV as his manager shifted to a two-striker system just to get him in the side. 

And even in a week in which Christian Pulisic missed action due to an injury, and Chris Richards misfired for Palace, there remains reason for optimism for USMNT hopefuls and regulars alike. 

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.

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  More to come from Agyemang?

  Agyemang's signing with Derby was a puzzling decision at the time. He was scoring goals for Charlotte FC, performing at a high level, and at the very least giving Mauricio Pochettino something to think about. Sure, the money was always going to be better in the EFL Championship, but he had things pretty good in MLS.

  Yet when Derby beckoned, Agyemang answered – and saw his income jump dramatically, from $104,000 at Charlotte to a reported $1.5 million. On the pitch, though, the move hasn’t always made sense. Since returning from the injury he suffered in MLS before the transfer, Agyemang hasn’t consistently looked like a natural fit for John Eustace’s side, alternating between No. 9 and No. 10. He’s a fine footballer, but also a fairly one-dimensional presence.

  Still, the form is coming. And on Saturday against Middlesbrough, he scored a truly lovely goal.

  It was a proper striker’s move – reading the bounce, accelerating away from his defender, and shaping the perfect angle to slot past a helpless goalkeeper. Agyemang isn’t quite the finished product yet, but he’s a regular starter and already has six goal contributions for Derby.

  After the match, Eustace praised him. Odds are, there’s more to come.

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• Adams defies logic

  Have a hit, yeah, Tyler? Sometimes, watching football is hard to comprehend why, exactly, a player does what they do. Sometimes it's a silly decision: a backpass that goes awry, or an ill-advised attempt at a nutmeg. But on Saturday morning, it was Tyler Adams deciding to shoot from 50 yards. And why? It seemed, in real time, a truly puzzling move. But as the ball floated, and the camera adjusted accordingly, his whack down the field looked a stroke of genius. 

  You will see few better goals this season than Adams' long-range clip, the American midfielder recognizing in an instant that the goalkeeper was 15 yards off his line for no apparent reason. It capped off a fine performance in defeat for Adams. He seems to have three lungs these days, a perfect element in the middle of Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth machine, all whirring legs and instinctive moves. Bournemouth lost 3-2 – but if football is about individual moments, then Adams had the best of the weekend, by far. 

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  Richards fails to deliver against United

  Sunday morning's game against Manchester United felt important for Crystal Palace. It will, in all likelihood, be a tricky season forThey secured European football last year, but didn't invest enough over the summer to prove that they can stay there. But big results, such as a late win over Liverpool earlier in the season, showed that there remains plenty of fight here. 

  And Richards will be central to that effort. He has performed wonderfully on the right side of a back three for Oliver Glasner for over a year now, and has been part of a well-drilled defensive system. Man United seemed to be a good test. These are the kinds of games that Palace should win – especially at home. Instead, they were a little mixed. Richards won his headers, but wasn't quite convincing when the ball was on the ground. To be clear, he can't be totally blamed here, but Palace really shouldn't have conceded twice. And the American was part of that letdown. There will be better days…

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  Moments you might have missed

  + Ricardo Pepi scored and assisted in PSV's win over lowly Volendam

  + Brenden Aaronson came off the bench in Leeds' 3-2 loss to Man City

  + Christian Pulisic missed Milan's 1-0 win over Lazio with a knock

  + Weston McKennie played all 90 minutes in Juve's nervy 2-1 win over Cagliari

  + James Sands went the full 90 but couldn't make an impact as St. Pauli conceded a 93rd-minute winner to Bayern Munich 

  + It was a frustrating one for Malik Tillman, who couldn't quite make an impact as Bayer Leverkusen lost 2-1 to Borussia Dortmund 

  + Folarin Balogun was feeding off scraps, but Monaco got the job done in a 1-0 win over PSG

  + Josh Sargent finally found a bit of form and grabbed an assist in Norwich's much-needed victory against QPR 

  + Tim Weah played all 90, but Marseille threw away a late lead against Toulouse 

  + Yunus Musah did not play in Atalanta's 2-0 win over Fiorentina

  + Tanner Tessmann shined in Lyon's 3-0 win over Nantes

Rangers, desperate to close the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, are now reportedly keen to beat the Bhoys to the signature of an in-demand player in January.

Rangers transfer news

Although the Gers have stopped the rot in recent weeks, avoiding defeat in their last four games in all competitions, a 1-1 draw against Dundee United last time out would have felt like a loss given that they sit a staggering 11 points behind leaders Celtic and nine behind second-place Aberdeen. Simply put, Philippe Clement’s side have endured a disastrous season so far and arguably desperately need January reinforcements.

The rumours are already underway on that front too. The likes of Joe Gelhardt have been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks in what would only be a loan move away from Leeds United.

With that said, according to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Rangers are now keen on beating Celtic to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the January transfer window. The Irishman will be allowed to leave the Seagulls this winter amid his struggle to break into Fabian Hurzeler’s side ahead of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro.

New update shared out of Rangers on Philippe Clement's future before Nice

Time is running out for the Belgian at Ibrox.

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By
Barney Lane

Nov 26, 2024

Still just 20 years old, Ferguson would be an impressive coup for Rangers, especially ahead of Celtic, with both clubs seemingly making approaches by expressing their interest. He could even be the signing that turns their season around, however, with West Ham United and Fulham also reportedly interested, the Gers may have to put together quite the pitch to convince the forward.

"Amazing" Ferguson would transform Rangers attack

When looking for a reason why Rangers currently sit so far adrift of both Celtic and Aberdeen, their blunt attack should instantly stand out. The Gers have scored just 17 goals in 12 games, which is 11 fewer than Aberdeen and 18 fewer than the champions. It’s a clear point of weakness and one that Ferguson could instantly solve in the January transfer window.

An out-an-out goalscorer, the 20-year-old scored six Premier League goals from 4.6 expected last season – as per FBref – highlighting just how clinical he can be when given the opportunity. Amid a frustrating spell at The Amex, a loan move away would be perfectly timed in January and Rangers could be in a position to offer the Irishman a much-needed starting place.

Despite recent frustrations, Ferguson remains a player who has been at the centre of praise over the years, with former teammate Alexis Mac Allister saying via BBC Sport in the 2022/23 campaign: “Evan is an amazing player. He was not having his best evening, but he showed his quality. We are really happy for him, we know how important he is.”

It’s a deal that Rangers could be able to afford since it would be on loan and one they should pursue in the hope of welcoming the solution to their attacking problems throughout the current campaign.

Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams are locks, Matt Turner needs to perform, and U.S. boss is challenged to put puzzle together

LOS ANGELES – The CONCACAF Nations League semifinals are Thursday night, and the U.S. men's national team has already had to chop and change its squad based on unexpected departures. And that doesn't even include the expected absences of Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, all of whom would be no-doubt inclusions in a full-strength USMNT squad.

All of that is to say that Mauricio Pochettino has some problems to solve, decisions to make and puzzle pieces to assemble for the team's semifinal against Panama at SoFi Stadium.

Antonee Robinson is out. So, too, are Johnny Cardoso and Auston Trusty. All three could have played a part in this game, but were ruled out Tuesday with injury issues. In their place, Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez and Jack McGlynn have been called in, dramatically altering the USMNT squad just days before the match.

So how does Pochettino respond? Does he stick with a 4-3-3, trusting some players who likely weren't his first-choice starters? Does he swap formations in response to the absences, notably Robinson? Can he both maximize the chances of winning on Thursday, but also prepare the USMNT for a potential final just a few days later?

GOAL projects the USMNT lineup for Thursday's match against Panama.

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  GK: Matt Turner

  Despite his lack of minutes on the club level, there's still little doubt that this is Matt Turner's spot. That's true until it isn't but, so far, we haven't really seen any indication that Pochettino is ready to hand off the No. 1 spot.

  When he has played for the national team, Turner has largely been good. With his club situation, though, margins will be razor thin as he looks to hold onto his spot through this competition and beyond.

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  LWB: Tim Weah

  With Robinson's absence, there are some significant issues at left-back, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Pochettino change systems to better fit the players he has.

  Weah has been playing at right-wingback for Juventus, but Pochettino's staff determined in November that they see him as a left-sided player after an ocular test revealed that that was his dominant side. To get everyone into the team, slotting Weah in as the left-wingback makes sense, opening up other positions to get other USMNT stars into the XI.

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  CB: Mark McKenzie

  This is a tricky one. Tim Ream has the experience, but that may be something Pochettino calls on for the finale, should the U.S. get there. Cameron Carter-Vickers is a wild card, largely because we don't really know where Pochettino stands on him – this is the Celtic defender's first camp under the Argentinian coach.

  That brings us to McKenzie, who has a strong argument to be in the XI. He's been solid at Toulouse, having acclimated well to the step up a level to Ligue 1. McKenzie and Chris Richards have played together just once, which could give Pochettino some pause, but this is as good a time as any to get them out there in a competitive game.

  It's worth noting, too, that McKenzie has played almost exclusively in a three-centerback setup with Toulouse, particularly as the left-sided option. Another note: McKenzie started in a 2-0 win over this same Panama team in Pochettino's first game in charge last fall.

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  CB: Chris Richards

  For several years, Richards has been earmarked as a potential USMNT mainstay. He may finally be a level in which his name is one of the first on the USMNT team sheet.

  The 24-year-old centerback is playing the best soccer of his career this season at Crystal Palace. Particularly over the last month or so, Richards and Palace have been among the best in the Premier League. He heads into camp in good form, which gives Pochettino plenty of reasons to be confident in him in these two massive games.

Everton could now listen to offers for one of their stars in January, it has emerged, with the club possibly keen to cash in before the end of the campaign.

Everton pick up vital win vs Wolves

Having lost by four goals against Manchester United, Everton responded by thrashing Wolves 4-0 in a game where everything they touched turned to gold.

In a fairly even game between the two Premier League strugglers, goals from Ashley Young and Orel Mangala in the first half were added to by a pair of own goals from the unfortunate Craig Dawson, leaving the Toffees with a scoreline that flattered them but nonetheless a vital three points for Sean Dyche’s side.

After the game, Dyche was effusive in his praise of the Everton players, admitting he “couldn’t be any more proud” of the way that they had bounced back.

“[There have been] a lot of question marks about what we are trying to achieve here and we had to answer them – I think the players have done. It was a good performance, a committed performance.

“I said in the week to the group that I couldn’t be any more proud of these players. They have been through all sorts and they have kept going.”

The result moves them up to 15th place in the Premier League ahead of the mammoth Merseyside derby clash at Goodison Park on Saturday, which will be the final one played at the current Everton Stadium.

Further ahead, the Toffees could be busy in January as they look to secure their Premier League status for next year, and now one player may well be set to leave.

Everton ready to cash in on forward, claims ex-scout

That is according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, who has claimed that Dyche and co could now accept offers to sell Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January.

The striker played a hand in the win over Wolves, winning the free-kick that led to their opening goal and leading the line well until he was replaced by Beto in the dying stages.

However, he is into the final months of his £100,000 a week deal at Goodison Park, and though he has been praised for his “fantastic” ability in the air, the Toffees do not want to lose him for nothing in the summer.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained that “if they can sell him for big enough money, they’ll do it”, but warned “it’s got to be enough so that they can take the money and reinvest in a new striker.”

“If not, he’ll probably leave for free, because he’s already turned down contract offers from them and it looks like he’ll be moving on”, he added.

Everton must cash in on £80k-p/w flop who Koeman was "delighted" to sign

Everton need an overhaul in 2025, and must begin the process by casting out the deadwood.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 6, 2024

As a potential free agent, Calvert-Lewin has been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal for a summer move, though it seems unlikely either side would move for him in January.

With money tight on Merseyside, it’s easy to see why Everton may want to cash in while they still can, but they may not be able to find a replacement who can produce what Calvert-Lewin can on such a tight budget.

Chelsea are flying right now, claiming a fourth successive Premier League victory on Sunday afternoon, fighting back from 2-0 down to defeat fierce rivals Spurs 4-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernández both pulled off long-range strikes, while Cole Palmer converted a pair of second-half penalties, the second of which was an audacious, impudent Panenka.

This means Palmer has now converted 12 out of 12 spot-kicks in the Premier League, the most any player has taken without ever missing one, surpassing the previous record held by Yaya Touré, and that wasn’t a bad way to do it, was it?

This victory lifts Enzo Maresca’s team clear of both Arsenal and Manchester City, now very much Liverpool’s nearest-challengers, just four points adrift the league-leaders, albeit the Reds have a game in hand.

Given that the Blues’ next seven opponents are Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolves, they’re likely to hang around the title conversation a little while longer yet.

Chelsea star wanted by Europe's elite

Following Sunday’s game, Jamie Carragher stated on Sky Sports that he believes Palmer has been the best-performing player in the Premier League since the start of last season.

Well, based on these statistics, it’s hard to dispute that claim.

As shown by this table, just seven players have accumulated 30+ goals and assists in the Premier League since the start of last season, with Palmer’s brace at Tottenham meaning he has had more direct goal involvement than any other player during this time-frame, one more than Mohamed Salah, albeit having made three more appearances.

The English star’s phenomenal form is not going unnoticed because, as claims from Spain suggest in recent days, Real Madrid are interested in signing the Englishman, with president Florentino Pérez allegedly admiring his ‘qualities and potential to become a global icon’.

The Blues signed Palmer for £42.5m, which now appears to be an absolute bargain, with CIES Football Observatory believing his value has more than doubled in 18 months, stating he is worth around £96m, which is probably a conservative estimate.

Having signed a further two-year extension in August, Palmer is now contracted to Chelsea until 2033, meaning he would not come cheap, with the aforementioned report acknowledging that ‘the player’s price tag would be a major obstacle’.

An Eden Hazard repeat for Chelsea

Historically, Real Madrid do seem to have a habit when it comes to poaching the Premier League’s premier talent; David Beckham (2003), Cristiano Ronaldo (2009), Xabi Alonso (2009), Luka Modrić (2012) and Gareth Bale (2013) all spring to mind.

We’ve intentionally left Real Madrid’s all-time record signing off this list, because that may be a rather sensitive issue for Chelsea supporters given that, despite the countless number of Galácticos that have donned the famous all-white kit at the Bernabéu over the decades, Eden Hazard’s £88.5m move from Chelsea remains the most Los Blancos have ever paid for any player.

Fair to say, this transfer was not a success, given that the Belgian made only 76 appearances for Los Merengues, scoring a miserly seven goals, before unceremoniously retiring without a club at the age of 32 in October 2023.

Of course, should Real Madrid make a move for Palmer, they’d certainly be seeking to avoid a sense of déjà vu, but considering Palmer is just 22 years old, there’s minimal chance of this happening.

In more modern times, the Champions League specialists have shown a willingness to spend big on young talents: Aurélien Tchouaméni (£66m), Vinícius Júnior (£40m), and of course Jude Bellingham’s £88m move the clearest recent examples.

Nevertheless, the Spanish giants may be forced to break their all-time record fee should they wish to sign Chelsea’s star attacker, as they did five years ago.

The new Hazard: Chelsea have secured "one of the signings of the season"

Jadon Sancho’s performance at Spurs was reminiscent of prime-Eden Hazard, as winger continues to shine for the Blues.

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By
Ben Gray

Dec 9, 2024

Ruben Amorim gave his reaction to Marcus Rashford scoring his first goals for Aston Villa to help them reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

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• Coach pleased with striker's progress at Villa
• Rashford heading to FA Cup semis
• Has chance of winning two trophies on loan

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rashford scored the first of Villa's two goals in their 3-0 win at Preston North End on Sunday, continuing his excellent run of form since joining Unai Emery's side on loan from United in January. It means that Rashford will head to Wembley to face Crystal Palace in the semi-final, aiming to play in a third consecutive FA Cup final. Villa are also still in the Champions League, facing Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals next week.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim cast Rashford out from his squad just a few weeks after becoming United coach, citing his performances in training. He got so fed up with the striker that he even claimed he would rather select his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than Rashford. The coach was believed to be a key driver of United's decision to send the forward, who is one of United's highest-paid players, out on loan to Villa.

• WHAT AMORIM SAID

  The United coach told a press conference: "We have a lot of games to play and I am focused on my team and my players. And Rashford is not my player at the moment. But every player that performs well on loan is good news for our club, so we are happy with that."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Amorim revealed that defender Ayden Heaven will return to action before the end of the season after suffering a concerning-looking injury in United's last match at Leicester City. Heaven will not be ready for United's next game at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, although the coach said that fellow defenders Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro would be available after recovering from their respective injuries. Patrick Dorgu is also free to play after completing a three-game suspension.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has now demoted a “top-quality” player in his squad to a “bit-part” role, and he could now leave in the looming January transfer window as a result.

West Ham prepare for Brighton and Hove Albion clash on Saturday

Lopetegui’s side next face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, with West Ham’s grieving head coach returning to the dugout this weekend after attending his father’s funeral in Spain.

West Ham now ready to pay £15m for Champions League forward in January

His club have set their asking price.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 18, 2024

The passing of his Dad, Jose Lopetegui, 94, serves as a reminder that players and managers alike are simply human beings.

It’s been an extremely testing few weeks for Lopetegui, who’s faced serious scrutiny in parts, and West Ham’s head coach will be internally mourning the loss of his dear departed as he also seeks to resurrect his side’s run of form in the top flight.

In some more positive news for the tactician, club insider ExWHUemployee has shared that his players are starting to buy into Lopetegui’s methodology – as they all slowly begin to get behind the 58-year-old.

“There is a real growing sense at the club now that the players as a collective are starting to believe in Lopetegui and his team,” stated Ex (via West Ham Way).

“Its not been a great start to life for the Head Coach, but we understand that the players are really buying into his system and are supporting him in wanting to make it a success.

“This belief within the squad appears to be evident on recent performances, although not perfect, but there are clear signs of improvement as we look to build on some positive results of late.”

Lopetegui is also set to make a few key decisions ahead of the winter transfer window. Summer signing Guido Rodriguez has been linked with an unceremonious January exit from West Ham, just months after his arrival from Real Betis on a free transfer.

Julen Lopetegui demotes Guido Rodriguez to "bit-part" West Ham role

According to insider Claret & Hugh, that potential departure is now gaining traction. It is believed Lopetegui now sees Rodriguez as a “bit-part” West Ham player, and the Argentine could leave next month in an effort to re-establish himself elsewhere.

“He [Rodriguez] had a small injury for the Bournemouth game,” said a club source to C&H.

“But the manager only sees him as a bit-part player now.”

The 30-year-old is said to be openly seeking a return to Betis, who are also interested in re-signing their former player mid-season, so his switch back to La Liga could be something to seriously watch out for.

Called a “top-quality” player by Terry Gibson, Rodriguez’s move to West Ham hasn’t exactly worked out as most would’ve hoped.

Barcelona superstar Raphinha has reportedly escaped suspension for his furious outburst towards the referee during Barca's draw with Real Betis.

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• Raphinha spotted in furious outburst
• Brazilian avoids sanctions or suspension
• Referee's report did not mention the incident

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona had the perfect chance against Real Betis to put themselves comfortably ahead of Real Madrid in the title race, following Los Blancos' 2-1 loss to Valencia earlier in the day. However, the Blaugrana were held to a 1-1 draw, and during the encounter, Raphinha was spotted in a furious outburst against referee Gil Manzano and the linesman after the latter told the Brazilian to 'shut up'.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo has now revealed that Raphinha will not face sanctions or a potential suspension, as the incident was not noted down by referee Manzano in his match notes. Therefore, it is not possible for the Brazilian to be sanctioned unless a third team raise the issue or the RFEF Disciplinary Committee intervenes.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  During his outburst at the referee's linesman, Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen and coach Hansi Flick attempted to calm Raphinha down, but the furious Brazilian had a physical throwdown with the former, raising questions over an internal investigation by the club.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR RAPHINHA?

  Barcelona are looking to win their third treble as they remain alive in all three competitions. Raphinha will likely be a starter on Wednesday, April 9, when Barca take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Newcastle have reportedly pulled off a major transfer coup by winning the race for one of Spanish football's brightest young talents.

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• Newcastle have reportedly agreed to sign Antonio Cordero
• Teenage winger was wanted by Madrid and Barcelona
• But he will sign five-year-deal on Tyneside

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Newcastle United have clinched the signing of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero, according to multiple reports. The Magpies were in a race for the Spain under-19 international's signature with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Despite that competition from those La Liga giants, Cordero picked Newcastle and will sign a five-year-deal with the Magpies.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cordero's signing is a major statement for Newcastle given the stature of the clubs they beat to agree the deal. It is also reflective of the club's transfer strategy of signing young players they can develop for the future alongside moves to immediately improve the first team, which they will hope to pull off in the forthcoming window, when PSR constraints are expected to be eased.

• WHAT JASON TINDALL SAID

  Continuing to deputise as Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall told a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's clash with Crystal Palace:

  "I know the club is scouting Europe to try and find some of the best talent that's out there.

  "I'm sure as soon as we have any other news, the club will be the first to hear about it."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Cordero scored a 121st-minute equaliser in extra time of the second leg of Malaga's promotion play-off with Gimnastic de Tarragona last season. That goal clinched Malaga's return to the Segunda with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Celtic have been handed a blow in their efforts to complete the signing of an “incredible” player in the January transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops’ pursuit of Kieran Tierney is one of the top transfer stories in Scotland at the moment, as they attempt to seal a reunion with the 27-year-old. The Scottish Premiership champions are now reportedly looking to strike a pre-contract agreement in January, prior to bringing him in on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Away from the Tierney situation, Celtic are also believed to be battling as many as 12 clubs for the signing of Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill. The Englishman is out of contract at Turf Moor and Brendan Rodgers seemingly considers him a strong option to bring in.

Manchester City ace James McAtee is another rumoured target for the Hoops, as they look to join a club that can offer him more regular football. That said, he produced a positive cameo off the bench against Leicester City on Sunday and Pep Guardiola may consider using him more often.

It looks as though midfield is an area of the pitch that Celtic are targeting in the January window, with Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka both linked with switches to Parkhead, following frustrating seasons that have lacked minutes.

Celtic handed blow in pursuit of "incredible" ace

A new report from Football Insider claims that Celtic are struggling to sign City youngster McAtee in January, finding it “tough to compete” with Premier League clubs. The likes of West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace are all mentioned as suitors for the 22-year-old, and the English teams “would likely price Celtic out of a move as they are able to pay far more in wages and transfer fee”.

Not signing McAtee would act as a setback for Rodgers, with the Englishman an extremely talented player who could offer so much quality in attacking areas. Not dissimilar to former Celtic hero Matt O’Riley in style, in terms of his ability to create wizardry with his left foot in central and wide areas, he has been hailed by Guardiola in recent days, who lauded him and other City youth team players in recent years/

It is understandable why Premier League clubs have an advantage over Celtic when it comes to signing McAtee, given the wages they can offer and the lure of the division, but hopefully, Champions League football could act as a key reason for him to head to Scotland.

Celtic looking to strike pre-contract agreement with "unbelievable" 27 y/o

There has been a new development at Parkhead.

By
Henry Jackson

Dec 30, 2024

He may feel that he has a part to play for City for the remainder of the season, however, which really would put paid to a move to Parkhead, whether that be a loan transfer or a permanent switch.