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Celtic reporter Kieran Devlin has explained the ‘weird’ clause in Cameron Carter-Vickers’ contract.

The Lowdown: Regular under Ange…

Carter-Vickers made the move to Parkhead on deadline day, with the Hoops having an option to make a season-long loan permanent next summer.

The 23-year-old, on £20,000-a-week, has been a regular since making the move north, turning out on 13 occasions in all competitions, scoring twice.

He actually netted on his Hoops debut against Ross County and hasn’t missed a game since, proving to be a key figure under Ange Postecoglou.

As a result of his impressive form, talk has turned to next summer and the chances of Carter-Vickers swapping Tottenham for Celtic full-time.

The Latest: Devlin’s comments

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic, where he was quizzed on multiple topics regarding the Hoops prior to their meeting with Ferencvaros.

One fan asked him to explain the situation with Carter-Vickers and the chances of the American making a permanent move to Parkhead, to which Devlin said:

“There’s a weird clause in his contract apparently that automatically extends his contract with Spurs by another year if he goes on loan, so he’s technically tied to them until 2023 not 2022. Celtic have an option to buy, though I don’t know for certain how much it is.”

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The Verdict: Around £5m?

A late summer window move for Carter-Vickers appeared to be a gamble, with the defender making just five senior appearances for Spurs in his five-year stay.

However, it is now looking to be an inspired piece of business from the Hoops, with Chris Sutton recently calling him ‘excellent’, so you’d expect the club and Postecoglou could be extremely keen to make a deal permanent as soon as possible.

Devlin isn’t sure on a specific option to buy fee, but it may well be around the £5m mark, a figure Tottenham wanted over the summer.

If that is accurate, then it could well prove to be a solid piece of business in the long run, especially if he continues to put in solid displays in green and white.

In other news: ‘Fantastic’ colossus says he’d ‘love’ to join Celtic; Pochettino rates him. 

Lots of Everton fans have been left buzzing as news emerged from Dominic Calvert-Lewin on his injury.

Speaking at a Football For Change event (via Tony Scott), the striker has now confirmed that he will be back in a few weeks, claiming ‘we’ll see for the Merseyside derby’.

The Toffees are due to play Liverpool at home on December 1st, suggesting that Calvert-Lewin may only be out for a couple more weeks.

Of course, Everton supporters do not need reminding just how important he is to the team. He has not played since August but had scored three goals in his first three matches in the Premier League this term before his injury setback (Transfermarkt).

His record against Liverpool is not the greatest, having only won once in 12 appearances against the Reds, but he has scored one goal and provided two assists against them before (Transfermarkt), so has proven to be a handful against the Toffees’ biggest rivals.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin injury news

These Everton fans buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one hailing it as an ‘amazing’ update:

“Praise the lord”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“If he’s back for the derby and I’m there??? Oh baby”

Credit: @usaefc

“Best thing we’ve heard about the club for quite a while…”

Credit: @EFCT0M

“Yes!!”

Credit: @ste_efc76

“JUST IMAGINE”

Credit: @KatherineDaly19

“Amazing news”

Credit: @JamieMirror

In other news, find out which player’s comments delighted many Evertonians

Just how Newcastle United decide to approach the January transfer market will be fascinating and compelling.

Gone are the days of Mike Ashley’s laborious approach to recruitment as a new era under PIF’s guidance promises plenty in terms of new signings.

What’s the word?

The Saudi’s have very nearly completed their backroom puzzle at St James’ Park with a new manager in Eddie Howe now contracted to the club.

They still need to address the vacant director of football position but conversations are set to take place with Michael Emenalo who appears to be the favourite.

If he does arrive in the northeast, then he is set to have a very strict brief according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE on Wednesday, he delivered an update on the areas Newcastle would be targeting over the winter.

He said: “I’m told for January they want a centre-back, and they want a creative midfield and a striker. This is the list for Newcastle in January.”

Delight for supporters

Although Romano doesn’t go into detail over who might be on their shortlist in January, the Toon Army should be delighted by what they’re reading.

After all, those three areas are absolutely imperative if they are to survive relegation and stay in the Premier League.

A central defender is of utmost importance, especially when you consider their quite frankly woeful record at the back in 2021/22.

That is one of the biggest problems that Howe will need to address in the coming months with a grand total of 24 goals conceded this term, the second-highest in the entire top-flight. Thus, the addition of a new centre-back will be welcomed at St James’ and it’s that area that should elate supporters the most if they can convince a top talent to join them.

A midfielder is greatly needed too. After all, only Javi Manquillo and Allan Saint-Maximin, neither of whom are central creative individuals, have picked up more than one assist in league action this season.

Thus, the addition of a playmaker in the middle of the park is sure to go down well with fans, particularly if they swoop for someone of the calibre of Donny van de Beek, a name regularly linked with the Toon.

Sourcing a striker isn’t of great concern given the form of two-goal Saint-Maximin and four-goal Callum Wilson, but a shiny new forward is something that is always received well, no matter the team.

With players like Dusan Vlahovic and Timo Werner linked from an offensive persuasion, this could be a particularly compelling few months for Newcastle. The St James’ faithful should definitely be delighted at how things are playing out.

AND in other news, Howe could find his new Ake if Newcastle swoop for “very intelligent” £26.8m beast…

Rangers face fellow Premiership side Hibernian in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday as they look to book their place in the final of the competition.

They will do so without their new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the dugout. The Dutchman is reportedly expected to officially start the job next Monday as he awaits a work permit.

Jermain Defoe was confirmed as one of the coaches set to take charge until a permanent manager is in place, which could see the ex-Tottenham striker running the rule of the match on Sunday.

Game-changer

One change to the team that Defoe could make for Van Bronckhorst is bringing Borna Barisic in at left-back for Calvin Bassey to add an extra attacking threat to the side.

The Dutchman could enjoy watching Barisic play as he might see similarities between himself and the Croatian, having played at left-back throughout his career. A trait the current Gers defender shares with his new head coach is the ability to score and set up goals from the back.

Van Bronckhorst managed seven goals and 18 assists for Barcelona, whilst also producing 35 goals and 27 assists during his playing time with Feyenoord. He also scored and set up goals for Rangers, Arsenal and the Netherlands, showing that he had the quality to be a game-changer from left-back by popping up with a crucial goal or assist.

Barisic has shown that he can also change, and indeed win, games with his contributions in the final third for the Gers. He has managed an impressive seven goals and 34 assists in 125 games for the club to date, including two assists in six Premiership matches this term.

On this point, Mark Wilson once lauded Barisic’s attacking prowess, saying: “He’s the best left-back in the country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

Meanwhile, Basset has just one goal and three assists in 28 senior appearances for Rangers. This suggests that Barisic offers more in the final third of the pitch and could allow the Gers to create more chances from the left-hand side this weekend.

The £15k-per-week Croatia international could catch Van Bronckhorst’s eye ahead of the manager’s Monday start, given their similarities as players; and that – along with his potential to be a game-changer – is why Rangers must start him this weekend.

AND in other news, Big blow: Rangers suffer setback as behind-the-scenes news emerges, fans surely gutted…

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester City fans lavished defender Kyle Walker with praise for his ‘imperious’ display at home to Paris-Saint Germain in their 2-1 Champions League home win on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola’s side fought to a memorable victory against the Ligue 1 giants and secured top spot in their group, also confirming a place in the round of 16.

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Seeking to gain revenge for their 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture in Paris, City started off brightly and dominated possession in the opening stages, going on to miss big first half chances to take the lead.

Soon after the interval, the Sky Blues paid for their lack of ruthlessness as Kylian Mbappe slotted a loose ball through Ederson’s legs to open the scoring. However, City dug in and continued to press the issue, being rewarded for their efforts just under 15 minutes later when Raheem Sterling poked home from close range.

On a knife edge thereafter, Neymar then squandered an opportunity for the visitors to regain the lead before substitute Gabriel Jesus sealed an all-important win, side-footing City’s second goal from inside the penalty area following Bernardo Silva’s assist.

Man City fans praise Walker…

One man who lots of Citizens lavished with praise after the win, and a player who one fan believes ‘goes under the radar’, was England international Walker. The 31-year-old, who played a big part in City’s equaliser with his run around the back of PSG’s defence, also coped well with the likes of Neymar and Mbappe.

One moment which sticks out is his recovery run in the first half to put off the French superstar, who had a big chance in on goal, sparing John Stones’ blushes after he gave the ball away.

As highlighted by Manchester Evening News, Walker coped well with the away side’s counterattacks and played his part going forward, leaving little wonder why some fans hailed him as a ‘monster’.

Check out some of their best verdicts below:

“I’m sick of Kyle Walker putting in performances like these all the time and getting no recognition because he doesn’t get assists or score goals. He’s way too underrated man”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“Cancelo this, Trent that but at very top level football Kyle Walker is a defensive monster. Mbappe and Neymar frightened to death of him”

Credit: @city_tactics

“Kyle Walker goes under the radar way too much”

Credit: @CitehForum

“• Walker & Cancelo phenomenal once again

• Stones & Dias are the best CB duo itw

• Rodri beast performance & is the Best DM currently

• Bernardo is on a different level

• Jesus super sub performance

• All team was brilliant tonight

We are Manchester City”

Credit: @Ferrangooalski

“What a fantastic performance that was! Even missing key players we are on another planet to almost every other team! Rodri and Bernie were absolutely immense but Kyle Walker once again was imperious! For me he’s been one of our best signings in our recent history! So consistent!”

Credit: @FanzoneDanny

“And that is why Kyle Walker is still the best right back in world football. Criminally underrated.”

Credit: @danny_motion

“Kyle Walker is so underrated…He’s a MONSTER”

Credit: @Arence_Koli

“Walker 5 years on better than he’s ever been. Incredible player”

Credit: @J_B_41

In other news: ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Finally’, ‘The stars are aligning’…Erling Haaland update has many City supporters excited, find out more here.

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has enjoyed a perfect start to life in Glasgow, with three wins out of three since his arrival.

The Dutchman has overseen wins over Sparta Prague, Livingston and Hibernian, with his side scoring six goals and conceding just once in that time.

Kickstart

It has been a sublime start on the pitch and he is now less than a month away from his first transfer window in charge of the club. Rangers have a chance to truly kickstart the Van Bronckhorst era at Ibrox by sealing a statement signing in January, with Paris Saint-Germain beast Xavi Simons having been linked by Spanish outlet AS with a move to Ibrox.

Steven Gerrard made an instant impression upon his arrival in Glasgow as he landed Ryan Kent on loan from his former club Liverpool.

The winger initially joined on a temporary deal before signing permanently in the summer of 2019 and he has been a sublime signing. Kent has now scored 28 goals and provided 34 assists in 143 competitive games for Rangers, with 24 goals and 20 assists in 93 Premiership matches.

With Simons, Van Bronckhorst has the opportunity to land a similar deal and kickstart his reign at the club by bolstering the squad in January. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano described him as “more than a talent” and his career path to date aligns with that comment. At the age of 18, he has already played for Barcelona, PSG and, at youth level, the Netherlands.

The midfielder has played twice for PSG’s first-team, making his Ligue 1 debut for the French giants last season under Mauricio Pochettino. He has continued to impress in the youth side this term, with two goals and five assists in five UEFA Youth League matches.

Simons has shown immense versatility to go along with his quality at such a young age. He has played everywhere across the front line – on the left, the right and through the middle – whilst also playing as a number 10 and a number eight at times.

This means that Rangers could sign a player with versatility, ability and potential, with two of Europe’s top clubs deeming him good enough to play in their academy. Therefore, the Gers could send out a statement with a deal for Simons, as it would show that they are able to go out and snap up talent ahead of other interested clubs, and his prospective arrival could kickstart the Van Bronckhorst era and be the Dutchman’s version of Kent for Gerrard.

AND in other news, Gio must axe “popular” £15k-p/w flop who doesn’t have a “long-term” future at Rangers…

Ever since Newcastle United’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was completed, the Magpies have been linked with audacious swoops for numerous players across Europe.

The upcoming January window could see some big signings come through the door at St James’ Park, but there is one man in particular who could make a vital difference – Anthony Martial.

What’s the latest?

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Manchester United forward wants to leave Old Trafford in January after six-and-a-half years with the Red Devils, according to his agent. The Frenchman has scored just once this season in 10 appearances across all competitions, which begs the question – is he now surplus to requirements?

Of course, there is a new man at the helm in Ralf Rangnick who could reignite his career in Manchester, but Martial could also be seen as the ideal player to offload in order to generate funds, with Transfermarkt valuing the 26-year-old at £31.5m.

With hefty funds certainly expected to be available for Eddie Howe, Martial could be the ideal candidate to fix Newcastle’s goalscoring woes and boost their Premier League survival bid.

Newcastle fans will be buzzing

A lack of goals has certainly contributed to United’s poor start to the campaign, scoring just 17 in 15 league matches. Callum Wilson has scored six of those goals and could certainly do with some extra help up front, with fellow striker Joelinton netting just once.

Newcastle fans must be delighted to hear that they are among the favourites to sign Martial, who has been subject to praise throughout his tenure at Old Trafford. That’s been the case ever since joining as a 19-year-old back in 2015, having been labelled a “Ferrari” and a “world-class” player after impressing in Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final win against Copenhagen back in 2020.

Moreover, the Frenchman had also been likened to his fellow countryman Thierry Henry when he first arrived in England from Monaco, and his 268 appearances for the Red Devils have seen him net 79 goals, a clear illustration that he is a reliable scorer.

Martial could well be departing Manchester United next month and, should Howe be backed financially, it seems a no-brainer for Newcastle to make an attempt to bring the 26-year-old forward to Tyneside to seriously improve their chances of staying in the Premier League.

In other news: Howe drops four-word injury update which will leave Newcastle fans buzzing

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a January move for Aston Villa forward Keinan Davis.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the transfer rumour on social media.

According to reliable reporter John Percy, Davis is one of three possible winter window loan additions at the City Ground alongside Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun and Norwich City’s Adam Idah.

Davis has made just one Premier League appearance this season and has scored just six goals in 86 games as a Villa player.

He has recently been linked with a move to Norwich to reunite with Dean Smith, but it appears as if a temporary move to the second-tier with Forest could also be on the cards.

The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024, with Steven Gerrard a big fan of the forward after trying to sign him for Rangers.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Percy’s claim on Twitter, with one believing he would be ‘unbelievable’ for Steve Cooper’s side in the Championship.

“Pleaseeeeee”

Credit: @____shhh______

“I’ll drive Keinan there myself”

Credit: @MasonUTFV

“Davis would be unbelievable for them but not sure he would want to go to a club that can’t get promoted or give any service since Matty cash has left”

Credit: @VillaWatch1

“They’ve been very good since Cooper got appointed tbf”

Credit: @aston_1997

“Keinan Davis with a good run of games will be a very add for any Championship side. He’s shown it in spots but he’s never fit for long enough.”

Credit: @Bosey82

“I agree a loan is best for him but given they have Lewis Grabban who is the captain & has 9 goals + 3 assists as well as Lyle Taylor, he may not start IMO”

Credit: @Total_Villa

In other news: ‘Excellent’ ace thinks his Villa career ‘is over’; he’s now eyeing a permanent exit. 

Bruno Lage has made it clear that Wolves are open to making changes if needed in the upcoming transfer window, with players already being linked with moves away from Molineux and plenty of incoming transfers rumoured to be making a mid-season arrival to Lage’s side.

One player that has been heavily touted with a move to the club is Renato Sanches, who was set to join the side in the summer on a loan deal from Lille, but the talks hit a bump and Wolves were unable to secure the deal in time.

Since then, Sanches has now been linked with other Premier League clubs including Arsenal, which could really ramp up the competition for securing the Portuguese star’s signature.

Instead, Bruno Lage could revisit the potential signing of another player Wolves reportedly came close to signing in the summer, Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara.

He could be a potentially inspiration signing, especially when assessing the words of former teammate, Rolando, in an interview with RMC Sport:

“This kid is a phenomenon,” he began.

“He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.”

When comparing the pair from the French Ligue 1, Sanches and Kamara, despite playing in different roles, have very similar statistics this season, with Sanches offering an assist ahead of Kamara. However, with a more defensive role, the Marseille midfielder matches Sanches on goals and has better a better pass success percentage than his Lille counterpart.

When it comes to what Lage will be looking to improve, possession is a key issue for this current Wolves team, who have an average of 53.2% possession in the Premier League, and 9.1% less possession away from the Molineux this season.

Adding a player like Kamara, who has an impressive record on the ball, winning 15 aerial duels and 35 tackles as well as having an 89.8% pass completion record in 22 appearances for Marseille this season, who currently sit second in Ligue 1, could be a great asset for the Wolves team.

Lage will need to swoop quickly for the £25.2m-rated youngster, as he has now been linked with moves to European super clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona too, so it will be important to identify what he can do to ensure they can secure the signing and him Molineux in January before he becomes a free agent next summer.

In other news: Lage must axe Trincao after poor performances

West Ham United have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent episode of The West Ham Way podcast (via West Ham Zone) that, despite the Hammers initially believing that Aaron Cresswell was close to making a return to action, scans have now shown that the left-back has chipped a bone in his back, which could rule out the former England international for a number of months.

Speaking about the defender’s injury, the Irons insider said: “His injury seems to be worse than originally feared. First, I was aiming to get information from the club [saying that they are] expecting he’ll be back [soon]. But, then [there] were scans and the bone has been chipped. That’s a massive loss.”

Moyes will be fuming

Considering just how important Cresswell has been to this West Ham side, the news that the 32-year-old could be sidelined for a substantial part of the season will surely have left David Moyes fuming.

Indeed, over his 13 Premier League appearances so far this term, the £3.6m-rated defender has helped his side to keep three clean sheets, scored one goal and provided his teammates with one assist. He has also averaged 1.2 key passes, 0.9 interceptions and 1.1 tackles and won 64% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the 32-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as David Moyes’ third-best performer in the top flight.

As such, with both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna already ruled out of action for a number of months due to injury, the further loss of Cresswell will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Moyes and his side – particularly ahead of a vital fixture against Watford this afternoon, as the Hammers are in desperate need of three points to keep themselves in the top-four race after the turn of the year.

In other news: Moyes must ruthlessly axe “incredible” £34m-rated flop, he could cost West Ham dearly