Antonio Conte is reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Jordan Veretout for Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Sound familiar?
Spurs fans may have heard of Veretout before, as he has played in the Premier League with Aston Villa, under former Lilywhites manager Tim Sherwood.
He was not exactly a hit at Villa Park, lasting just one season there, but he has come on leaps and bounds since then.
Now playing under another former THFC boss in Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, the central midfield player currently has four goals and eight assists in total so far this term, and is now catching the eye of former Serie A coach Conte.
The Latest: Conte monitoring
As per Calciomercato, Conte is now ‘monitoring’ Veretout’s situation at Roma, as there is a chance that he could be sold.
The player apparently likes Conte from what he saw during the manager’s time in Italy, and is currently valued at between €25-30m (£20.9-25.1m), but it is ‘unlikely’ that he will move this month.
At 28 years of age, Veretout is entering his prime, and so now is the best time to go out and buy him if he is the man Conte wants.
The £91,000-per-week ace would give the North London club that extra bit of creativity needed in the middle of the park, as his 1.9 key passes per game in Serie A so far this campaign is matched only by Son Heung-Min in Conte’s squad in the Premier League, not to mention his six assists in the Italian top flight – no Tottenham player has more than three league assists.
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Nonetheless, having seen him up close in Serie A, he is a player that Conte will know how to get the best out of, and a move for the France international in this window would present a shrewd bit of business.
In other news, find out who Spurs have now joined the race to sign here!
Nottingham Forest have a crucial transfer window ahead of them, especially given the perilous situation the squad find themselves in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche’s side currently sit just one place above the relegation zone, with the lack of goals in the squad undoubtedly one of the biggest issues within the ranks.
The Reds have only scored 21 times in the first 21 outings, with only bottom-placed side Wolverhampton Wanderers scoring fewer in the top-flight to date.
Morgan Gibbs-White is currently the club’s top scorer in the league this campaign, with his tally of five, three more than any other striker within Dyche’s squad.
As a result, a new number nine has become the priority for the Reds this window, with numerous players already appearing on their radar before the window slams shut.
Nottingham Forest make a striker their top target
Over the last couple of weeks, Forest have been linked with a whole host of attacking talent, with Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen just one of the options being considered.
It’s been reported that the Norwegian international is free to depart Molineux this winter, but only if any interested party forks out the £40m asking price for his signature.
However, Dyche’s men aren’t alone in their hunt to land the 25-year-old, with the likes of Everton and Newcastle United both keen on a deal to land this talisman.
He’s not the only player currently being pursued by the hierarchy, with Olympiacos star Mehdi Taremi another player who is of interest before the end of the window.
According to The Athletic, the Reds have made the Iranian international their top striker target for this month, after his impressive start to life in Greece, as seen by his tally of eight goals in 11 outings.
The report states that the 33-year-old could be seen as a short-term option until the end of the campaign, something which may come as a surprise to the supporters.
Why Taremi would be Dyche’s next Wood for Forest
Last season, striker Chris Wood made a huge impact on Forest’s ability to claim European football for the first time in 30 years, as seen with his incredible goal tally.
The New Zealand international netted a total of 20 goals in the Premier League during the 2024/25, subsequently breaking the club’s goalscoring record in England’s top-flight.
However, the 34-year-old has struggled to have the same impact this time around, only making eight league appearances and scoring twice due to constant injury issues.
He’s not featured since the middle of October, with boss Dyche unable to utilise the forward in his plans, just as he did during their previous time together at Burnley.
Wood’s target-man style is the exact profile the manager craves in his 4-2-3-1 system, with Taremi potentially able to become his next version of the forward should he join.
The Iranian is an experienced option, as seen by his 182 appearances for Porto, with the talisman able to thrive under the manager’s guidance at the City Ground.
Taremi, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by Alessandro Raffa, has netted eight times, whilst posting a shot on target accuracy rate of 47% so far this campaign.
Mehdi Taremi – stats in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
11
Goals scored
8
Shot on target accuracy
47%
Shots on target
1.5
Touches in opposition box
8.8
Duels won
7.1
Aerials won
3.6
Aerial success rate
55%
Chances created
1.5
Stats via FotMob
Such numbers demonstrate his clinical nature when in front of goal, something the Reds have struggled with – as seen by their measly tally of goals scored in 2025/26.
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The Olympiacos star has also posted a total of 8.8 touches in the opposition box per 90 this campaign, subsequently having the poacher-type nature Wood demonstrated under Dyche previously.
However, his hold-up play could make him a viable option for the club this winter, with Taremi winning 7.1 duels per 90 this season – 3.6 of which were aerially.
Such numbers could make him the perfect option in Dyche’s system, with his tally of 1.5 chances created also allowing the forwards around him in the East Midlands to improve their own tallies.
It’s unclear whether a move will be completed this winter, but it’s safe to say the move isn’t a popular one with the fans, especially after Arnaud Kalimuendo’s departure.
However, if the Iranian can replicate such numbers at the City Ground, he could prove to be the perfect short-term solution to keep the club in the Premier League come the end of May.
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Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are now reportedly contacting Newcastle United about a January deal to sign one of Eddie Howe’s main men.
Eddie Howe warns Newcastle about "improved" Man United
Boxing Day represents the perfect chance for Newcastle and Howe to get their season back on track ahead of the new year. The Magpies again showed plenty of signs of quality against Chelsea, before an all-too familiar collapse saw them fall to a 2-2 draw despite initially holding a 2-0 lead.
They will be desperate to avoid a repeat this evening when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford and Howe has already warned his side about the Red Devils’ recent improvement.
Victory could take Newcastle above Man United and into seventh before anyone else plays in the Premier League this weekend. Defeat, meanwhile, could see them drop to as low as 15th by the end of the weekend.
It would expose just where they’ve found themselves so far this season and highlight just how much work PIF must do in the January transfer window.
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Already, reports are suggesting that they could spring into action in an attempt to sign Jarrod Bowen and Nicolas Jackson in 2026. The duo would end Newcastle’s unfinished business from the summer and finally complete their new-look frontline.
But it’s not just incomings that those in Tyneside have to worry about. According to TeamTalk, Saudi clubs have now made contact about signing Joelinton next month and Newcatle ‘would consider a permanent deal for the player despite Howe having made it clear’ he wants to keep him.
Saudi clubs make contact over Joelinton
The Brazilian has struggled to repeat his performances of last season in the current campaign thanks to several factors. Newcastle’s own form hasn’t helped, of course, and his own injury problems have handed him a stop-start few months at St James’ Park.
As a result, for the first time since his midfield switch, questions are arriving about Joelinton’s future. Whilst Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes continue to keep hold of their place in Howe’s midfield, it is Joelinton who could drop out if Newcastle welcome an added reinforcement.
That’s when the door could swing open for the Saudi Pro League. PIF could deal Newcastle an unexpected blow by luring the midfielder to another one of their clubs next month, with the report revealing they made ‘inroads’ over a deal in the summer and will move again in the winter window.
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At Newcastle, Joelinton reportedly earns as much as £150,000-a-week, but history tells us that salary would likely be doubled or perhaps even tripled in the Saudi Pro League.
Several stars have struggled to resist the temptations of Saudi riches. Whether Joelinton becomes the latest to follow suit remains to be seen, however. Even amid his inconsistent form, he remains one of Howe’s mainstays.
Leeds United have been internally discussing a move for a six foot five colossus, and they are now confident they’ll be able to win the race for his signature.
Leeds looking to boost survival bid by signing defender
Leeds are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches, most recently defeating high-flying Crystal Palace in a 4-1 rout at Elland Road, but there is still a long way to go, as we are not yet even at the half-way stage of the season.
As things stand, the Whites are six points clear of the bottom three, but they are now making plans for the January transfer window, as Daniel Farke looks to boost his side’s survival chances even further.
Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in red-hot form, scoring six goals in his last five Premier League games, ex-scout Mick Brown believes Farke may still look to sign another centre-forward next month, saying: “I think they did want to sign a striker in January, and probably still do, but if he can stay fit it might allow them to focus on other important positions.”
However, with Calvert-Lewin on fire, and Lukas Nmecha available as a back-up option, it may be worth investing in other areas of the squad, and the 2024-25 Championship winners are now looking to sign a new defender.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds have now held internal talks over a deal for RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu, and they are confident they’ll be able to win the race for his signature, should they make a concrete move.
Indeed, the Whites hold a key advantage over potential rival suitors, as they have a strong relationship with Red Bull.
With Leipzig ready to sanction a loan deal, a January move looks like a realistic possibility, and there are signs the six foot five colossus could be a savvy addition.
Bitshiabu needs loan move amid lack of game time
The Frenchman is finding it tough to force his way into the plans of manager Ole Werner, making just three Bundesliga appearances this season, but he has exhibited some promising signs in the past.
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Scout Jacek Kulig clearly believes the 20-year-old could have the ability to reach the highest level, having described him as an “absolute top talent” and “one of the most exciting prospects in France” back in 2023.
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When given the opportunity over the past year, the youngster has often impressed, averaging 1.98 blocks and 7.62 clearances per 90, placing him in the 98th and 95th percentiles, when compared to other centre-backs.
Although Leeds have been in improved form, they are without a clean sheet since the 0-0 draw against Newcastle United at the end of August, so it would make sense to bring in a new centre-back next month, and Bitshiabu could be a solid addition to Farke’s backline.
Glasgow Rangers are all but out of the Europa League for the 2025/26 campaign after they lost for the sixth time in seven games against Ferencvaros on Thursday night.
The Gers, who took the lead through a brilliant Bojan Miovski goal, are six points adrift of the play-off places with two games left to play, which means that it would take a remarkable run of results throughout the league phase for them to remain in the tournament.
Too many of the club’s summer signings have failed to deliver on the European stage for any of their managers this season, including Djeidi Gassama.
Why Djeidi Gassama must be dropped
The summer signing from Sheffield Wednesday looked visibly upset at being taken off in the 59th minute by Danny Rohl against Ferencvaros, but it was a decision that was completely justified.
Gassama, who started on the left flank, had zero shots on goal and did not create a single chance for his teammates, per Sofascore, in almost an hour on the park before being substituted by the German boss.
Findlay Curtis came on seven minutes later and produced one shot on target and one ‘big chance’ created, per Sofascore, which suggests that he may have more to offer the team at the top end of the pitch at this moment in time.
That is why Gassama should be dropped from the starting line-up, after his poor display, to provide Curtis with an opportunity to start on the left wing.
The Frenchman is not the only Rangers flop who should be dropped from the team, though, as Emmanuel Fernandez should drop out after his dismal showing.
Why Rangers must drop Emmanuel Fernandez
The summer signing from Peterborough United has been given a run of games due to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius’ injuries, starting the last six games in all competitions.
However, Dujon Sterling made his long-awaited comeback off the bench against Ferencvaros, which means that Rohl now has a senior centre-back option to replace him with.
With Sterling available to come in, Fernandez should be dropped from the team after his poor performance against Ferencvaros, which left pundit Ally McCoist speechless.
As you can hear in the clip above, McCoist did not know what to say after the English-born defender was caught facing the wrong way for the home side’s winning goal.
Remarkably, Fernandez did not seem to react at all to Varga making the run straight at him until it was far too late, which is why he was even worse than Gassama on Thursday, as his error ultimately cost Rangers the game, whilst the winger merely had a quiet night.
Vs Ferencvaros
Fernandez
Minutes
90
Tackles won
0/3
Interceptions
1
Clearances
6
Fouls
2
Ground duels won
5/10
Aerial duels won
4/9
Stats via Sofascore
The Rangers flop, as shown in the statistics above, lost half of his ground duels and the majority of his aerial duels on the night, which shows that his error for the second goal was not the only thing not to like about his performance.
Unfortunately, the former League One star’s struggles against Ferencvaros on Thursday night were not an isolated incident, as he also struggled against Dundee United earlier this month.
In the 2-2 draw with Dundee United, per Sofascore, the centre-back lost five of his 11 aerial duels and three of his eight ground duels, whilst he also got caught out for the opening goal in that game.
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Fernandez got sucked in on the half-way line and was never able to recover to prevent Zac Sapsford from putting Dundee United 1-0 up in the match, as his lack of mobility cost him.
Among other things, it was also a lack of mobility that cost the defender against Ferencvaros as he was far too slow to turn and react to the danger of Varga’s run, which meant that he did not even compete for the header that eventually won the game for the hosts.
With his recent errors in mind, Rohl should ruthlessly drop Fernandez from the starting line-up against Hibernian at Ibrox on Monday night, and bring Sterling in for his first start of the campaign.
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The upturn in form for Leeds United has shown they have what it takes to stay in the Premier League. The Whites have now gone unbeaten in their last two games, against two of the so-called ‘big six’ sides.
During the round of midweek top-flight fixtures, Daniel Farke’s side toppled Chelsea at Elland Road, securing an outstanding 3-1 victory against the Club World Cup champions.
On Saturday night, once again at a raucous Elland Road, they secured a late draw with champions Liverpool, with Ao Tanaka scoring in the 96th minute.
It has been a brilliant week for Leeds, with a change in Farke’s system certainly helping the Whites.
How Farke has got the best out of Leeds
For most of the season, Leeds, who find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League, two points clear of the drop, have deployed a 4-3-3 system.
However, the German manager switched things up in the second half against Manchester City, a game which they lost in stoppage time.
Instead, the West Yorkshire side played a 3-5-2 system, aiming to offer more defensive solidity and an issue for opponents in the final third with two strikers and a threat from the high and wide wingbacks.
It is fair to say that Leeds have managed to adapt to this system very well. Of course, they beat Chelsea and drew against Liverpool.
In those games, they had less possession each time, but were dangerous in transition and looked to be direct and bring their two strikers into play.
Someone who praised Farke’s side for the way they have taken to this system is Gary Neville. He said, “it looks to be a blueprint” for the club, praising the “legs in the middle of the pitch” who really make things tick.
Indeed, one of those men in midfield has become a key player for Farke.
The Leeds midfielder showing shades of Klich & Dallas
Since moving to the back three system, Farke has rotated a little bit in midfield with Sean Longstaff on the sideline. Tanaka started against Chelsea, and Ilia Gruev played from the start against the Merseysiders.
Club captain Ethan Ampadu has been a consistent starter, as has Anton Stach. The German joined in the summer and has nailed down a place in the middle of the park next to the Wales international.
The two-cap German national team player, who has previously been described as a “ball-winning monster” by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Kyle Newbould, has shone for Farke’s side.
Stach has made 13 appearances in the Premier League this term, chipping in with two goals and two assists.
The numbers behind Stach’s success in midfield for the Whites this season are impressive.
The German is currently averaging 1.98 key passes and 1.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 6% and 22% of Premier League midfielders this season, respectively.
Stach key stats in 25/26 PL
Stat (per 90)
Number
Percentile
Key passes
1.98
94th
Goal-creating actions
0.72
99th
Progressive carries
1.71
78th
Aerial duel win rate
81.8%
99th
Stats from FBref
Stach’s game certainly has shades of one former Leeds midfield duo. Mateusz Klich, who played 195 times for the club, and Stuart Dallas, who made 267 appearances, were both key players during the Marcelo Bielsa era.
Described as an “industrious” pair, they offered lots of legs in the middle of the park, just like Stach does, as Neville pointed out. They also posed a threat in the final third, with Dallas bagging 28 times and Klich 24 in that famous White shirt.
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Given how Bielsa’s team played, a high-octane brand of football with plenty of running, it is no surprise that Stach has shades of the midfield duo from that era.
As Como scout Ben Mattinson pointed out, he “covers a lot of ground” just as the former Leeds duo were required to do under the former manager.
Stach could certainly be considered undroppable under Farke. His performances this season have been impressive, and he has been a key man since they changed to a back three.
The midfielder is a bit of an “all-rounder” according to Mattinson, and with shades of Klich and Dallas in his game, could quickly become a fan favourite.
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They have received plenty of criticism for it over the last couple of years, but Chelsea seem determined to continue building a team full of exciting young talents.
For example, the West Londoners added Jorrel Hato, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Estevao to Enzo Maresca’s side this summer.
However, one player who is just that little bit older than them is Liam Delap, who, at 22, is arguably still a prospect, but at the same time, needs to start delivering on a more consistent basis.
If he does do that, there is also more than a passing chance he could establish himself as an England regular; if not, Cobham is already producing an incredible gem who could surpass him for club and country.
Delap's route into the England team
While Thomas Tuchel arguably has the strongest England squad for a very long time, a narrative that has been doing the rounds this international break is that, after Harry Kane, there aren’t many, if any, obvious strikers to take as backup for the World Cup.
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For example, Ivan Toney is still playing in the Saudi Pro-League, Ollie Watkins has just one goal and no assists in 16 games this season, and Dominic Solanke is still out injured.
In fact, the search for a backup number nine has been so desperate that there are now genuine conversations around recalling Danny Welbeck ahead of the summer, and while he deserves to be in the conversation, he’ll be 35 this month, so he is not a long-term option.
This, then, is how, even though he’s not had the best of starts this season, Delap could very realistically find himself on that plane to the World Cup next summer.
After all, even though he was playing for a really relatively poor Ipswich Town side last season, the former Manchester City prospect was still able to rack up a reasonable enough tally of 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances.
So, if he can rediscover some form this year, there is surely a place in Tuchel’s squad with his name on it, but if not, one of Cobham’s most exciting prospects in a long time could eventually usurp him for club and country.
The Chelsea gem who could usurp Delap
Cobham have long produced Premier League-level youngsters who have gone on to star for Chelsea or other sides, and it looks like Shumaira Mheuka is the next one up.
The 18-year-old goalscoring machine began his footballing journey on the south coast with Brighton & Hove Albion, but made the move to Stamford Bridge in 2022.
In the two and a half years since, the youngster has gone from strength to strength and is without a doubt one of the most exciting up-and-coming centre-forwards in the country.
For example, even though he was just 16 at the start of last season, he ended the campaign with 11 goals and three assists in 30 appearances across the u18s and u21s.
However, while his exploits last year were impressive, what he has been able to do this year has been utterly remarkable.
Mheuka’s youth record
Appearances
61
Goals
34
Assists
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
All Stats via Transfermarkt
So far, the teenage phenom, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed “Cobham’s finest,” has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances for the youth sides, totalling 997 minutes.
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In other words, he is currently averaging 1.33 goal involvements per game, or one every 62.31 minutes, which is frankly ridiculous.
If that wasn’t enough, the Birmingham-born monster is also doing the business for the national side, racking up a tally of 14 goals and three assists in 20 appearances for the u19s.
With numbers and performances such as these, it’s easy to see why Kulig described the youngster as “the future of Chelsea and English football.”
Ultimately, if Delap doesn’t start performing for Chelsea soon, there is every chance he could be replaced by Mheuka, who could also soon make his way into Tuchel’s plans.
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England have already booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and USA, with Thomas Tuchel’s side looking impressive in the qualifying stages.
The Three Lions didn’t even concede a goal in the six wins that guaranteed their place on the biggest stage, and attention will soon turn to who will be on the plane looking to win England’s first World Cup since 1966.
England’s record at World Cups since 1966
1970
Quarter-finals
1974
Did not qualify
1978
Did not qualify
1982
Second group stage
1986
Quarter-finals
1990
Fourth place
1994
Did not qualify
1998
Round of 16
2002
Quarter-finals
2006
Quarter-finals
2010
Round of 16
2014
Group stage
2018
Fourth place
2022
Quarter-finals
While there are some stars who are guaranteed to be on the way to North America, such as captain Harry Kane, Tuchel still has a lot to think about between now and June.
Of course, a lot could change between now and the summer, however, here is Chat GPT’s prediction of who will make England’s 26-player squad in Canada, Mexico and USA.
Goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Providing he remains injury free, Jordan Pickford looks set to continue as England number one in 2026 for the ninth successive year.
Providing back up to the Everton star, according to ChatGPT, will be Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson and Man City’s James Trafford.
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Myles Lewis-Skelly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn
One of the big decisions Tuchel made early on was to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, Chat GPT feels the Real Madrid right-back will win his place back in the 26.
Chelsea’s Reece James and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly are the other full-back options, with John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn at centre-back.
Tottenham’s Djed Spence had been a regular in Tuchel’s squad, however, there’s no place for the full-back in the 26.
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson have been a regular in Tuchel’s midfield and could be the partnership that begins the World Cup campaign, backed by Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Further forward, Jude Bellingham has been tipped to return to the squad after being left out recently due to fitness issues.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa stars Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers make up the seven man midfield selection, with no room for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White or Jordan Henderson.
Forwards Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke
Interestingly, ChatGPT thinks Tuchel will go with just one out-and-out centre-forward in captain Harry Kane. Marcus Rashford could also play centrally if required and his ‘revival in form’ at Barcelona sees him included.
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Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon’s ’growing importance’ under Tuchel sees him included, alongside Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke and Man City ace Phil Foden.
Notable exclusions from Chat GPT’s forward line include Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins.
With the last international break of 2025 underway, it remains to be seen whether or not Martin O’Neill will be in charge of Celtic for their next competitive match.
Football Insider recently reported that the experienced manager could see his interim time in the dugout end if the club are able to land a new boss during the break.
The Northern Irish head coach, in his second stint at the club, has enjoyed an impressive time as the caretaker manager, winning three of his four matches in all competitions.
Celtic have won both of their Scottish Premiership games by a 4-0 scoreline since he came in after Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation, beating Kilmarnock 4-0 on Sunday in what could be his last match.
O’Neill has been a breath of fresh air for the Scottish giants after the end of Rodgers’ tenure, as evidenced by the two league results, and he has worked wonders for a few players.
Johnny Kenny, for example, has stepped up under the experienced manager and shown that he can be relied on as a regular starter for the Hoops, if required.
The Celtic players who have improved under Martin O'Neill
The Ireland international is the most obvious player who has improved since O’Neill came in as a caretaker manager, as he has scored four goals in four matches, per Sofascore.
Kenny had scored two goals in 17 first-team matches for Celtic in all competitions before this run of four goals in four games under O’Neill, per Transfermarkt, which perfectly illustrates his recent improvement.
The 22-year-old marksman, who has stepped up in the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho, is not the only Hoops player who has taken their game up a gear under the interim boss, though, as Arne Engels has done the same.
Celtic’s Belgian midfield maestro did not provide a single goal or assist in eight appearances in the Premiership under Rodgers, in what was a dismal start to the campaign for the £11m signing from Augsburg.
Since O’Neil came in, though, the central midfielder has scored his first goal of the season and delivered two assists in all competitions, including a goal and an assist in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock.
Auston Trusty
Vs Falkirk
Vs Kilmarnock
Minutes
90
90
Sofascore rating
7.5
8.4
Tackle success rate
100%
100%
Clearances
5
7
Ground duels won
1/2
3/3
Aerial duels won
6/11
6/8
Dribbled past
0x
0x
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Auston Trusty has excelled under O’Neill at the heart of the defence in his two league matches in the dugout, after the USA international did not start a single league match for Rodgers this season.
With O’Neill’s future in the dugout in doubt, the Scottish giants are reportedly looking at another manager who could make Kenny unplayable for the rest of the season and beyond.
3-4-2-1 emerges as contender for Celtic job
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy has “emerged” as a contender to replace Rodgers and O’Neil at Parkhead.
The reporter claims that he is one of a number of names on the club’s shortlist as they look for a long-term successor to Rodgers, who won the Premiership title in both of his full seasons back in Glasgow.
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Joseph adds that the Hoops have now drawn up their full shortlist of options and that Nancy is a “serious” contender to land the job before the end of the international break.
The 48-year-old tactician, who typically deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation, is not the only manager on that list, of course, as Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen are also in the frame.
Why Wilfried Nancy could make Johnny Kenny unplayable
If Celtic decide to go through with a move for the French head coach, the Columbus Crew boss could help to make Kenny completely unplayable by carrying on O’Neill’s good work.
Nancy, who won the MLS Cup in the 2022/23 campaign, has won 81 of his 169 matches as a manager in the MLS, per Transfermarkt, and has won two trophies, one with Columbus Crew and one with Montreal, where he coached Alistair Johnston.
In his time with Columbus Crew, the French manager has shown that he can set up a team to consistently create chances for a striker like Kenny, as Diego Rossi has thrived under his management.
Like Kenny, the Uruguayan is a lean and diminutive forward who looks to score goals through clever movement and sharp finishing, as shown in his goal in the clip below.
Neither Rossi nor the Celtic striker are going to offer a towering presence in the number nine position and bully central defenders with their physical prowess; that is not a part of their game, but Nancy has shown that he can set a team up to create chances for their profile of forward.
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Rossi has played through the middle as a striker on his own in a 3-4-2-1, as one of the two 10s behind a striker, and as part of a strike pairing in a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 during his time under the Celtic manager target, and he has been a prolific scorer in those roles.
Diego Rossi under Wilfried Nancy
2024
2025
Appearances
48
37
Shots
112
123
xG
13.14
15.54
Goals
21
19
xA
5.60
6.46
Big chances created
14
11
Assists
7
5
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Columbus Crew forward has scored 40 goals for Nancy since the start of the 2024 campaign, whilst also providing 12 assists for his side in that time.
These statistics suggest that Kenny, who is a similar profile of player to Rossi, could thrive under the Frenchman if Celtic decide to appoint him as their successor to Rodgers.
The Ireland international could thrive as the lone striker in a 3-4-2-1 on his own or alongside Iheanacho, when fit, in a 4-4-2, with his recent goal spurt showing that he can score goals on a regular basis at Premiership level.
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However, it now remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops will decide to make Nancy their number one option, or if they will go with another manager on their shortlist.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is only worried about arresting his side’s worrying slump amid reports of him signing a new contract.
The Dutchman is facing the first real test of his Anfield reign as the Premier League champions have suffered four successive defeats as part of a wider run of six losses in seven games in all competitions.
Despite that, reports suggest Slot is in talks over a new deal, but that is not where his focus is.
Slot shocked at Liverpool question before Aston Villa
Asked about a possible new contract, he said ahead of Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa:
Serious questions are being asked of Liverpool and the cause of their severe drop off from the side that coasted to the title last season and won their opening seven competitive games this term.
Slot, who was keen to steer away from “excuses” for his side’s poor run but did cite injuries and a packed schedule, is confident his side have the quality to end their alarming slide.
“The thing that gives me the most confidence is the quality of the players,” he added.
“We have to address certain other things, but if I’m speaking about what we have to improve, people then tell me I’m using excuses.
“So maybe it’s better now just to say we need to address certain things. But there are a lot of positives to go into this week as well.
“We miss nothing. I am completely happy with the team and with all the quality that we have and I am also completely convinced by the strategy and the policy that we have.
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“But that makes the issue – if you call it an issue – is not all of them have had a proper pre-season or have been injured.
“When three or four are injured you go back to 16 players. I am a firm believer that 20 or 21 players is enough but you have to keep them fit as we did last season.
“It has been more difficult than last season to keep them all available and if a few of them are not available, it comes down a lot to the same players.
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“Maybe last season we were more lucky and now we are more unlucky.
“But, no excuses for our results before people say this. We have had to play a lot of away games with only two days rest in-between and that would have been difficult for our players last season and players that have been fit all pre-season but that has not been our situation.
“It is nothing to do with the squad depth, it is how we’ve gone throughout the season in terms of injuries and availability.”
Alexander Isak and Allison Becker will again be missing for the Reds against Villa while Ryan Gravenberch will be assessed ahead of the match having returned to training.