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Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side currently have the largest squad in the SPFL, with 32 players in their senior ranks – according to Transfermarkt.

Having had a massive overhaul during the summer and winter transfer windows, the 56-year-old manager was given the opportunity to shape the team in his image.

And, with the next market now in sight, it seems as though a clue has already been dropped regarding one deal that could take place at Lennoxtown this summer.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about Tom Rogic and his future at Parkhead.

He said: “I’m sure, behind the scenes, Celtic’s powerbrokers will be looking at Rogic’s contract again. He’s out of contract in 2023, so he’s not got that long left on his current deal.” 

Since becoming a Celtic player back in January of 2013, the midfielder has gone on to make a total of 266 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions, scoring 46 goals and providing 49 assists along the way.

With 27 league appearances under his belt in this campaign, the 29-year-old has provided six assists for his teammates and scored six goals – the same number of times he’s hit the back of the net over the three previous campaigns.

This highlights just how impressive the midfielder has been under Postecoglou in terms of his attacking play, so much so that only three other Hoops players have racked up more shots at goal in the league than Rogic.

The midfielder has also drawn more fouls (35) than any other Celtic player in the current campaign, showing how tricky he can be to play against.

Taking all of this into account, hearing that the Celtic hierarchy are looking to extend the Australian’s time as a Hoops player is certainly news that will leave Postecoglou and supporters alike buzzing.

As O’Rourke states, the £1.35m-rated gem’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023, meaning that, if he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal before then, the club would be at risk of seeing him leave on a free transfer, something that would come as a huge blow to the Bhoys.

AND in other news: Signed for 7 figures, left for peanuts: Celtic had a mare on “unplayable” £15k-p/w dud

With the Premier League set to get back underway soon, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will be desperately hoping that his side incurs far fewer injuries and illnesses than they did in the first half of the season.

The Whites were among the most affected clubs in the top flight, with numerous star players ruled out for considerable amounts of time – Kalvin Phillips is still out of action now.

While Bielsa will be eager to keep his thin squad together for as long as possible, there may well be increasing opportunities for some of his club’s brightest young prospects.

Joe Gelhardt has already seen some first-team action in recent weeks and months, but it’s Nohan Kenneh’s potential exposure into the side which could cause the most excitement.

Describing himself as someone who is “aggressive and hard-working who likes to break down play”, but also likes “getting forward and scoring long-range goals”, Kenneh seems like he could thrive in the anchor man role if given the chance by Bielsa.

Speaking on The Roaring Peacock Youth Pod, Matty Ingham said: “One of the biggest prospects in the academy if we’re being honest. Big, physical presence, can carry the ball and he’s powerful and quick.”

The teenager has already admitted to modelling himself on Phillips, while he also added that he is a fan of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, saying: “Currently I look up to Kalvin Phillips as (we) both play in a similar position, but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield.”

He also has a big fan in The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who dubbed the 19-year-old “supremely gifted”, while he has been a permanent fixture in the under-23s, predominantly playing at centre-back.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, he seems to have the physical attributes to hold his own at Premier League level; and given his versatility of being able to play in defence and as an anchor man in midfield, seems like he could be a perfect squad option for Bielsa going forward.

While the excitement surrounding Gelhardt is understandable, Kenneh could be the kind of hidden gem who makes the biggest mark at Leeds.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

A source from Newcastle United has revealed why some players are now ‘angry’ at Steve Bruce.

The Lowdown: Unrest

There has been some unrest around St. James’ Park over the past few days, as The Daily Mail reported a training ground bust-up between Graeme Jones and Dwight Gayle.

As per The Athletic, some people within the North East club ‘weren’t impressed’ by Bruce taking part of the last international break off to go on holiday.

The Latest: Tension rising

According to The Daily Mail, some players reacted with ‘anger’ towards Bruce after he called a meeting on Tuesday, as they felt that his use of running statistics is ‘misguided’.

There is also reportedly a feeling that the training schedule is made to suit Bruce more than the players themselves, as a Tyneside source revealed that they were like: ‘What is he (Bruce) talking about?’

The Verdict: Not ideal

It is certainly not ideal that there appears to be a continuous uproar around the Magpies, and that certainly seems to be translating onto the pitch.

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They currently sit in a worrying 19th place in the Premier League table with no wins and just one point from their opening four matches, with Leeds United at home to come (Premier League).

Nonetheless, everything will have to be put to one side for now as the team really need to focus on putting on a performance in front of the Toon Army.

In other news, find out what ‘good news’ on one NUFC ace has emerged here!

Football is a sport based around constant progression and that means that squads are constantly changing and evolving, and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has overseen plenty of development on the pitch in his time at Ibrox.

He has brought in the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi and Connor Goldson to Ibrox from other teams in the transfer market, but buying ready-made stars is not the only way to go about improving your team. Utilising the academy set-up can be a profitable and worthwhile method of acquiring talented players and Gerrard has been able to bring through young defender Nathan Patterson.

The 20-year-old has emerged as a first-team player over the past 18 months and is currently competing for the first-choice right-back spot with captain James Tavernier.

At the start of the year, Transfermarkt valued him at a measly £225k. This was after he made a couple of cameo appearances in the first-half of the 2020/21 campaign, with Gerrard easing him into the first-team picture slowly.

The Gers coach has been able to pull off a masterclass with the full-back by integrating him into the team bit by bit in 2021. Patterson has now made 20 first-team appearances in the Premiership, cup and Europa League to date and recently started and picked up an assist in a crucial 2-1 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. This has also led to him being capped five times by Scotland at international level.

Head of academy Craig Mulholland once heaped praise on the young full-back, saying: “Nathan has been fantastic for us this year.

“Again, we started the project five, six, years ago to get a level of player that we felt could go and compete in the Europa League, could go and compete in Old Firm games.

“And if you go and look at Nathan in the last 16 of the Europa League, if you look at him in the Old Firm game, it’s a great example for all the young players in here of what we’re trying to achieve.”

At the time of writing (18/10/2021), Transfermarkt value Patterson at £1.17m. This is a 420% increase from his initial £225k valuation back in January, perfectly illustrating his meteoric rise over the course of the year whilst working with Gerrard at Ibrox.

Therefore, the ex-Liverpool player and coach has pulled off a masterclass with Patterson. He has turned a talented young player into a serious first-team option and someone who could either earn the club a healthy payday, with Manchester United one of the clubs reportedly interested in the 20-year-old.

It is down to the Scottish international to keep working hard and ensure that he is constantly putting pressure on Tavernier. If he can earn a regular starting position in the team then his development could accelerate with the experience gained from minutes week-in-week-out.

AND in other news, Major update emerges on key Rangers figure that’ll leave fans worried…

Writing on Twitter, reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano has shared a big exit update involving Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and superstar striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: City eye Kane swoop…

It is no secret that the 28-year-old has been one of City’s main transfer targets for the entirety of this summer transfer window.

The Sky Blues have been after a replacement for all-time top goal scorer and club legend Sergio Aguero with sporting director Txiki Begiristain earmarking Kane as the man for Pep Guardiola.

However, Spurs have taken a firm stance on the forward and do not wish to sell – with the standoff now taking another twist as per Romano.

The Latest: City ‘ready new bid’ for Kane

As per the journalist, writing on his social media, City have a readied a new bid to sign Kane this summer and ‘will push again’ next week.

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It is also believed that the offer will amount to around €150 million (£127.6m) and the Premier League champions are still open including players or add-ons in the deal.

“Manchester City will push again for Harry Kane next week,” Romano explained.

“#MCFC €150m new bid ready and now waiting for Spurs final position – City are also open to include players or add-ons.

“Spurs are still ‘determined’ to keep Harry Kane. No fresh bid received yet. Poker game.”

The Verdict: Levy dilemma?

While it is crystal clear that chairman Daniel Levy does not want to offload his prized asset at Tottenham, an imminent City offer of £127.6m plus players must surely create a dilemma.

Tottenham are after at least two new centre-backs for Nuno Espirito Santo and it isn’t inconceivable to believe that Aymeric Laporte could be the perfect partner for new signing Cristian Romero.

The Spaniard has been described as ‘incredible’ and the ‘best left central defender in the world’ by Guardiola and his salary of around £120,000-per-week is arguably affordable for Spurs (spotrac.com).

Spurs are also on the lookout for a new attacking options, so City striker Gabriel Jesus could also be a fine swap deal option.

The Brazilian is still young (24) and possesses plenty of English top flight experience, bagging 50 Premier League goals and 23 assists in 131 appearances (Transfermarkt).

If Levy gets offered the chance to sign either player plus a sizeable fee, it would be foolish not to at least consider it.

In other news: Agreement reached: Tottenham confirm another N17 exit in social media announcement, find out more here.

Liverpool will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the new Premier League season when they take on Leeds United this afternoon.

The Reds have picked up seven points from a possible nine in the opening weeks on 2021/22, giving them hope of a successful season following an underwhelming showing last term.

And their chances of carrying on their good run of form received a significant boost after Brazilian duo Alisson Becker and Fabinho were cleared to play following a U-turn from their national FA.

It means that Jurgen Klopp will only have Roberto Firmino unavailable from his usual big hitters for the tricky trip to Elland Road after the striker picked up an injury against Chelsea last time out.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the 54-year-old to line up against Marcelo Bielsa’s charges, with three changes from the side that started against the Blues…

In goal, Alisson will take up his usual spot between the sticks following the Brazilian FA’s decision to drop their complaints about certain players failing to report for international duty due to coronavirus restrictions.

Ahead of the South American shot-stopper could be a rather familiar-looking back four, but with one new addition.

Former RB Leipzig centre-back could be set to make his Liverpool debut after having time to settle into his new surroundings and he will be joined by Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the backline. Joel Matip has been in excellent form this season but we think Klopp will keep him on ice and play him in the Champions League clash with AC Milan on Wednesday.

The Reds’ engine room may also see a change, with former Barcelona and Bayern Munich maestro Thiago coming into the side to make his first start of 2021/22, lining up alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, with £13.5m-rated gem Harvey Elliott making way.

There will be no surprises up front, though. Firmino’s fitness issues mean a front three of Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah will be charged with providing the firepower to see off a stubborn Leeds side.

And, in other news…Liverpool receive fresh selection boost ahead of Leeds clash, Klopp will be delighted 

Rangers youngster Josh McPake is set to return to Ibrox from his loan spell at Morecambe, ahead of a temporary January exit elsewhere.

The Lowdown: McPake on loan at Morecambe

The 20-year-old moved to Morecambe in the summer transfer window but he has been limited to just five League One appearances, with only three starts coming his way.

The hope was that McPake would pick up some much-needed playing time there but it looks increasingly as though he could be a peripheral figure.

A current report suggests it could be all change for the winger ahead of the upcoming January window.

The Latest: Another temporary move on the cards

According to Football Insider, a Rangers source has confirmed that the club are set to recall McPake from Morecambe, prior to loaning him out elsewhere next month.

Oldham Athletic and Hartlepool United are mentioned as possible suitors for the youngster, who was described as ‘fantastic’ by former Morton manager David Hopkin.

The Verdict: Invaluable experience

It is vital that McPake continues to get minutes away from Rangers, so this is a decision that makes perfect sense.

The hope is that the young wide man has a bright future at Ibrox but he may need to prove that he’s got what it takes during these current loan spells – another 6 months struggling to make an impact at the senior level could seriously damage his chances.

Competition for places is always likely to be strong under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but an eye-catching second half to the season could make him part of the manager’s plans in 2022/23.

Four goals in 23 appearances in League Two is proof that McPake can shine at a good level – now it’s about making another step up.

In other news, three Rangers players struggled against Rangers. Find out who they are here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been hailing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s latest venture, with the Reds hero funding a league for youngsters in the city.

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a poor day at the office on Sunday afternoon, with West Ham beating them 3-2 at the London Stadium.

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In truth, Liverpool were never fully at the races in east London, although one player who could come away with his head held high was Alexander-Arnold. The 23-year-old scored a stunning equaliser with a free kick late in the first half, and away from the pitch, he continues to do fantastic work as well.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein [via James Pearce on Twitter], Alexander-Arnold is paying for hundreds of five- and six-year-olds to play football in Toxteth and West Derby in what is called The Trent Alexander-Arnold League.

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Liverpool fans show their love for Trent

It is a wonderful gesture from Alexander-Arnold, who has displayed tremendous work both on and off the pitch, and these Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to show their appreciation for the Anfield “king” for his philanthrophic act.

“King”

Credit: @CosmoKhan

“Good work from him”

Credit: @repeto

“Great to hear”

Credit: @jassonnnnlfc

“This boy”

Credit: @Hafsa_1M

“What a lad”

Credit: @unbearablekop

“Assist King on and off the field”

Credit: @Tawaz92

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against West Ham. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United are plotting a summer bid for West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.

What’s the story?

According to 90min.com the Magpies are interested in signing the highly-rated English winger who has been key to West Ham’s success this season.

It was revealed in December that West Ham had opened talks over a new contract with the player and his representatives, but with an agreement yet to be reached clubs have been circling.

Liverpool are another club that admire the player as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement but, Newcastle will be hoping he can become their own Salah.

Bowen’s on fire

In the words of James Collins, Bowen has been “on fire” for the Hammers this season, and has been pivotal to their push for European football and their progression into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The 25-year old has 19 goal contributions in 29 appearances in the Premier League this season. Despite the form, he is yet to be called up to play for his country after fracturing a bone in his foot last month.

He’s in the top 7% for goal creating actions in the Premier League this season for players in his position.

The Englishman is valued at around £31.5m but it may take more than that for West Ham to agree to sell their star man. Former Hammers keeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider that he thinks it may take even £60m to sign Bowen and that West Ham “do not need to sell”.

However, with the ambitions that both Liverpool and Newcastle have, Bowen himself may push for a move which may leave them with no choice.

There’s still a while left on his contract, with it expiring in 2025, but if he refuses to sign another then his value will decrease as each transfer window passes.

However, it may well be worth it Stuart Pearce previously comparing him to Salah, saying: “The comparison between him and Mo Salah, we have looked at the way Salah stands the defender up and stops and then goes again or uses the defender to curl the ball around into the far corner.”

Despite Salah’s incredibly impressive season you can see why the two are alike. Bowen is four years younger than the Egyptian and still matches him in some areas.

His percentage of shots on target is 42% compared to Salah’s 38% and his goals per shot average matches the Liverpool star at 0.13.

There’s likely to be a hunt for his signature in the summer, and with Newcastle’s new ownership already stating their ambitions with a string of January signings, there’s no sign of them stopping.

Adding Bowen to their ranks would be a real statement of intent and would massively help them push further up the table as quickly as possible.

When comparing him to the Magpies star winger Allan Saint-Maximin, he has more goals and assists per 90 minutes at 0.63 compared to 0.32.

His goal creating actions are also more than double Maximin’s.

IN other news: Sold at £20m, then won a Ballon d’Or: NUFC had mare on “extraordinary” 36yo “monster” – opinion…

Keith Downie has now shared some interesting Newcastle United news involving Jonjo Shelvey.

The Lowdown: Misery under Bruce

Before Eddie Howe took charge at St. James’ Park, Shelvey was not having the best of times under Steve Bruce.

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A calf injury kept him out at the start of the season, and when he returned in the 3-2 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur in October, he got himself sent off (Transfermarkt).

Bruce was sacked after that game, as the North East club made their second-worst ever start to a Premier League campaign (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Impressing Howe

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sky Sports journalist Downie shared that Shelvey has ‘impressed’ Howe in training ‘more than anyone else’:

“Without doubt, he’s enjoying playing under Eddie Howe. Eddie Howe picked him out in his opening news conference, and said that he’s impressed him greatly in training, more than anyone else.”

The Verdict: Reaping rewards

Shelvey is certainly reaping the rewards now by showing Howe what he is made of on the training pitch.

Before the Tottenham Hotspur clash, he had played in all but three matches under the former AFC Bournemouth manager since his arrival, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt), and got the nod from the off again in north London.

Howe has even made him the captain in a number of those appearances, showing how much faith he has in the central midfielder.

The Tyneside outfit also lost all three games that he missed, showing just how key of a player Shelvey now is to the team under new management.

In other news, find out what fresh NUFC update this transfer insider has now given here!