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Celtic have shown an interest in midfielder Joe White, The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope report.

The Lowdown: White profiled

The 19-year-old is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play in a deeper central role.

White, currently on the books at Newcastle, has been labelled as ‘very clever’ by Dave Wilkes and has been training with Eddie Howe’s first-team squad this season.

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Already sponsored by Adidas, White has made the bench for the Magpies on several occasions but is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.

It now looks as if he will commit to the Tyneside club for the long-term but then depart on a temporary basis before Monday’s deadline.

The Latest: Hoops interest

The Daily Mail shared a story on Thursday afternoon, claiming White has agreed on terms with Newcastle over a new long-term contract.

Reliable journalist Hope added that Celtic were one of the sides to have shown an interest in the teenager, who could now leave St James Park on loan ‘in the coming days’.

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke thinks the Hoops could bring in another midfielder before the transfer window closes, and White is clearly a player of interest to the Hoops hierarchy.

However, a loan move may not appeal to Ange Postecoglou as he looks to build for the future and has already brought in Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Matt O’Riley as midfield additions this month.

If White snubbed a new contract with Newcastle, then perhaps a move to Glasgow could have been of interest ahead of the summer, but it wouldn’t surprise us if the attacking midfielder went elsewhere until the end of the campaign.

In other news: ‘Watch this space’ – Exit for Celtic player could go ‘right down to the wire’ – Sky Sports man. 

Antonio Conte is reportedly very keen on signing Adama Traore for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Off the boil

There is no doubt that Traore has gone off the boil this season after his six goal and 12 assist haul in the 2019/20 term, with no goals or assists so far this campaign (Transfermarkt).

He can still be a right menace on his day, as Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to claim that he is ‘undefendable’ after an impressive display against Liverpool at Molineux back in March, and he still averages the most dribbles per game (4.7) out of any player in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, Traore is a unique asset despite his lack of numbers in terms of end product, and so it is no surprise at all to see Spurs interested in his signature.

The Latest: Conte keen

As per The Daily Telegraph, Conte is very keen on a move for Traore, and is a long-term admirer of the Wolves machine.

They cite that the North London club tried to get him on loan in the summer transfer window when Nuno Espirito Santo was still in charge, and now Conte wants Daniel Levy to table an offer that would make the Wanderers think about selling him.

Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold has also claimed that Fabio Paratici is ‘a fan’ of Traore, and so it is a move that certainly looks possible.

The Verdict: Makes sense

Given that Traore is used to playing in a preferred formation should be natural to him.

He is a player that Conte likes, and so the Italian manager will surely already have plans to get the best out of him and suit his style of play, perhaps in the right-wing back role that Victor Moses thrived in at Chelsea.

Nonetheless, with his superior dribbling ability, Traore would offer the Lilywhites something different and more direct going forward, and at 25 years of age, still has a lot of room for improvement.

Of course, he needs to work on being more ruthless in front of goal, but it is no less exciting to see what Conte could do with him on and off the field.

In other news, find out which THFC player Conte is particularly in awe of here!

Wolves winger Adama Traore could want a new challenge away from Molineux in the January transfer window, according to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Wolves exit

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a curious Wolves career in many ways, proving to be a hugely entertaining player but also flattering to deceive too often.

Despite this, Traore doesn’t seem to be short of potential suitors this month, with a number of clubs linked with making a move for him, as reports on Friday believe Tottenham are the latest team to make an approach.

The 5 foot 10 Spaniard’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, meaning Wolves risk losing him on a free transfer if he doesn’t leave by this summer.

The Latest: Spiers further hints at move

Taking to Twitter to respond to a question on Thursday, Spiers suggested that Traore is eyeing up a move elsewhere currently:

“Easy to forget this is his fourth season at the club as well, might want a new challenge, to maybe test himself in the CL etc, which is pretty normal for any ambitious player.”

The Verdict: Time to part ways?

Traore showed what he is capable of on Monday, making a clear impact from the substitutes’ bench against Manchester United and playing a part in Joao Moutinho’s winning goal, but his inconsistency remains his biggest shortcoming.

The winger is still yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League this season and this is why a move away from Wolves could make sense for all parties, despite him being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by pundit Tim Sherwood.

It would allow Traore to test himself at a new club, while Wanderers would earn a hefty sum of money to spend on a strong replacement.

In other news, some Wolves fans are buzzing over an update that has emerged. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, these Liverpool fans have been in full voice over some transfer news involving USA international striker Ricardo Pepi.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, currently well in contention for the Premier League title, have impressed so far this season whilst keeping chase with rivals Man City and Chelsea at the top of the table.

However, with both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah set for AFCON duty in January, concerns have arisen over whether they can maintain that push with a seeming lack of forward depth (talkSPORT).

As such, Liverpool fans will be eager to see if they can add to their forward options mid-season with LFC Transfer Room, citing American outlet CBS, now bringing some transfer news.

FSG are apparently set to battle it out with bitter rivals Man United over the signing of FC Dallas forward Pepi.

The Major League Soccer side are said to want around £7.5 million for the 18-year-old attacker after a fairly prolific 2021 in the States – prompting Liverpool to take a firm interest.

Liverpool fans react…

In reaction to this update, some supporters have responded with mixed reviews on Twitter, with some believing he would be ‘such a good signing’.

Given he’s just a teenager, bagging 13 professional goals and three assists this year at senior level, it is clear to see there is potential there – whilst others believe he isn’t quite at the level Liverpool demand.

Here’s what fans thought of the transfer development on social media:

“Wow”

Credit: @eyetestfussball

“I truly believe this guy’s the best American prospect behind Reyna”

Credit: @AirZipser

“Would be such a good signing”

Credit: @LFChris_YNWA

“NO WAY!! Dont want this Real Madrid fanboy. He has already said thats his goal to play for Real and we dont need to be a stepping stone for anyone. We need players happy for Liverpool to be their ultinate destination. No more Coutinhos who will use us.”

Credit: @SH35dv5e7

“Seen enough of him for Team USA, not impressed honestly.”

Credit: @SilverHornet

“I don’t think he can make it at our level tbh. Good player but idk”

Credit: @Iholsy

‘On my knees’, ‘I will cry’…Many Liverpool fans erupt as Reds make plans for ‘dream singing’, find out more here.

With Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side heading into Wednesday evening’s Scottish Premiership fixture with something of a decimated squad, the 56-year-old manager will undoubtedly be contemplating a number of different options for his starting XI against Ross County.

Indeed, all of Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti, Jota, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Christopher Jullien are unavailable for selection this evening due to injury, leaving Postecoglou extremely short of attacking options for the Premiership clash.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for the Bhoys boss to turn to one of the club’s more exciting up and coming talents against the Staggies – in the shape of 19-year-old Adam Montgomery.

Postecoglou must unleash Montgomery

While it is true that Montgomery is typically a left-back, the Greek-Australian manager has previously entrusted the teenager to do a job on the left-hand side of his front three, playing him in the role in the club’s impressive 3-2 win over Real Betis in the Europa League earlier this month.

Indeed, over his 65 minutes on the pitch that night, the Scotland U21 international enjoyed 49 touches of the ball, completed 20 passes, won five duels, made two tackles and drew two fouls for his side, with Football Scotland awarding the youngster a six in their player ratings, as well as stating that he “worked tirelessly” on the left flank.

As such, with Forrest once again looking to be out of action on Wednesday evening, as well as Postecoglou being left with very few options on the left of his front three, the 56-year-old simply must unleash the player who Kieran Tierney dubbed a “good talent” against Ross County.

The £135k-rated man would very much appear to be the best choice for the role considering Celtic’s rather unfortunate circumstances.

In other news: Ange must now unleash “first-class” 19 y/o Celtic prodigy who’s “got a finish on him”

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘ready’ to offer Lorenzo Insigne huge money in order to sign for them.

The Lowdown: Winger wanted?

With the likes of Luis Diaz and Philippe Coutinho being linked with a move to St. James’ Park in recent days, it suggests that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now looking for a winger in order to bolster their forward line following their takeover in the northeast.

However, there may be a doubt over what kind of calibre of player they would be able to attract in the January transfer window, giving that they are currently lurking near the bottom of the Premier League table, with no wins and a mere five points from their first 11 games so far this season (Premier League).

The Latest: Insigne eyed by Newcastle

As per Rai Radio (via Sport Witness), Newcastle will now attempt to throw a huge amount of money – or as the outlet put it, ‘ready to shower him with gold’ – in order to try and sign Insigne as a free agent next summer.

He is out of contract at Napoli at the end of the season, but given that he has played at the highest level throughout his career, including in the Champions League and Serie A, he may want to move to a club other than the Magpies.

However, if the Tynesiders manage to avoid relegation, the Italian could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with an ambitious project to get the Toon up to the very top.

The Verdict: Huge scalp

It would certainly be a huge scalp to lure the Napoli captain away from his club to go and join the Magpies, so it may take a big bumper contract in order to persuade him.

Regardless of what he is paid, there is no doubt that Insigne is a quality player, having played more than 400 times for the Serie A club, including 79 matches under former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez, in which he scored 11 goals and supplied 17 assists (Transfermarkt).

The current Everton coach sang the praises of the Italy international back in 2015 when he was the forward’s boss at Napoli, and Insigne’s consistent presence in Italy’s Euro 2020-winning team shows that he can still perform on the big stage.

A Napoli great, he is inspired by club legend Diego Maradona, of whose face he has a big tattoo on his leg; and if he can channel his inner Diego, he would no doubt be a force to be reckoned with at NUFC.

In other news, find out which potential signing Magpies fans would be ‘excited’ by

Celtic-linked centre-forward Daizen Maeda would provide Ange Postecoglou with yet another exciting string to his attacking bow at Parkhead.

What’s been said?

That’s according to a claim made by Stuart Hodge, with the journalist stating his belief in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that the 24-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow in the January transfer window, is a player who thrives when playing on the break, something that will prove extremely useful for the Bhoys when they face more challenging opponents.

Speaking about the ability of the Yokohama F Marinos striker, Hodge said: “He looks like a player that excels on the fast break. He seems to be really good on the counter-attack and in transition situations. I saw that he scored a hat-trick in a game not too long ago, so he’s obviously full of goals.”

Big coup

With Kyogo Furuhashi having done the heavy lifting in terms of goalscoring for Celtic so far this season – bagging 13 times over his 19 appearances for the Bhoys, six more than any other Hoops player – the addition of an out and out centre-forward to match the Japan international’s returns in front of goal this January would appear to be a very wise move for Michael Nicholson.

And, considering just how impressive Maeda has been in Japan this season, in addition to the fact that the centre-forward is already well known to Postecoglou – having played under the 56-year-old during his time at Yokohama F Marinos – the 24-year-old would very much look to be the perfect signing for Celtic.

Indeed, over his 34 J League appearances this term, the £990k-rated man has scored 21 goals, registered three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Kevin Muscat dubbed a “dream” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as his club’s seventh-best performer in the top flight of Japanese football.

As such, should the Japan international go on to continue this form following a potential switch to Parkhead in January, not only would he be a big coup for the club, his arrival would undoubtedly provide Postecoglou’s chances of securing the Scottish Premiership crown with a rather substantial boost – an outcome that would delight everyone involved with Celtic.

In other news: “Celtic will..”: Journo drops exciting Hoops transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing

Crystal Palace will be aiming to extend their three-game unbeaten run when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles conceded a hugely disappointing last-minute equaliser against Arsenal last time out, condemning Patrick Vieira’s charges to a third consecutive draw.

However, there are plenty of positives to take from their recent displays, and the return of star man Wilfried Zaha following a short illness will be a huge boost to their chances of securing a much-needed victory.

Vieira may be tempted to make a few alterations to his starting XI for the visit of Newcastle given their recent woes, with the Magpies currently 19th in the top flight table.

A run of eight games without a victory to begin 2021/22 cost Steve Bruce his job this week, and Palace will be desperate to take advantage of the situation in which their managerless opponents currently find themselves.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Vieira to line up at Selhurst Park, with three changes from the side which started against the Gunners…

In goal, the ever-dependable Vicente Guaita is set to start between the sticks once again as he goes in search of his first clean sheet in five games.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be an unchanged back four consisting of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Joel Ward after a string of promising displays from the defensive unit at the start of the season.

However, Vieira could opt for a more attack-minded trio in midfield. Jeffrey Schlupp may get a rare opportunity to impress from the off as Palace go in search of three points, relegating Luka Milivojevic to the bench.

Completing the engine room will be the dependable duo of James McArthur and Conor Gallagher due to their impressive recent form in the middle of the pitch.

In attack, the return of Zaha will be a big relief to Vieira, and it’s likely to see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke forced to watch from the sidelines despite bagging his first goal of the season on Monday night.

Summer signings Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise are likely to complete the starting XI after their outstanding contributions in front of goal in recent weeks, giving Palace a very threatening forward line.

In other news… Parish must sanction bargain Palace swoop for 6 ft 2 colossus, Vieira needs him 

Guillem Balague has revealed that Newcastle United have now started talks with Kieran Trippier’s representatives over the possibility of signing him.

The Lowdown: Howe relationship

Eddie Howe is certainly expected to be the next permanent manager to take over at St. James’ Park, with reports claiming that he is incoming.

Of course, he knows Trippier very well from his time coaching him at Burnley, as the right-back made 61 appearances in total under the Englishman, scoring four goals and supplying 11 assists in all competitions over two consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

Trippier spoke highly of him while he was at the Clarets, claiming that he is a ‘great manager’ who helped him personally (The Burnley Express).

Likewise, Howe has expressed his fondness for the England international, admiring his dedication and claiming that he is ‘one of the best crossers of the ball’ that he has ever worked with (The Bournemouth Echo).

The Latest: Talks underway

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (via HITC), journalist and La Liga expert Balague has revealed that the North East club have started talks with Trippier’s people over potentially signing him from Atletico:

“I hear from Atletico Madrid that Newcastle are really interested in getting Trippier and they have started negotiations with his people. I am not sure if they will get him or not.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

With the potential of Howe reuniting with Trippier, it is certainly a no-brainer for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to get a deal over the line.

He will know how to get the best out of the 31-year-old, and Trippier’s relationship with him means that he will work his hardest for the side.

Having won the La Liga title with Atletico ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona last season, he now brings a lot of experience and a winning mentality, something that the Magpies will need if their ambition is to start winning some trophies.

Offensively, he is also a big upgrade on the likes of Emil Krafth, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo, having averaged more key passes, crosses and long balls than them in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored), and so would be a welcome addition by the Toon Army.

In other news, find out what record offer NUFC have prepared for ‘one of the best on the planet’ here!

Celtic were undone by individual errors as their poor form in Europe continued at Parkhead on Thursday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s Hoops now sit bottom of Europa League Group G after they fell to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.

David Turnbull’s slip allowed Piero Hincapie to capitalise after just 25 minutes before Florian Wirtz chipped over Bhoys goalkeeper Joe Hart just ten minutes later.

The Premiership outfit then struggled to get going in the second half and were stopped in their tracks once again as the ruthless visitors found a third from the penalty spot, with Lucas Hilario slotting home, and that was before substitute Amine Adli fired in a fourth with the last kick of the game.

Anthony Ralston at right-back was one particularly error-prone individual at Celtic Park, but truth be told, there were plenty of other players who struggled against the German giants, including Tom Rogic.

Deployed in the no.10 role, the 28-year-old midfielder failed to have any sort of influence on the game and that much was seen by the fact that Hoops ‘keeper Hart recorded more touches (57) than the man deployed in the playmaking role (45), as per SofaScore.

From that tally, he provided only 22 passes, which was the joint-lowest of any Celtic starter, and again the last thing you want from someone in an advanced role. The Australian could not create a key chance from those attempts either.

In addition, Rogic lost possession a whopping 15 times, which was pretty much with almost every one of his passes. That was wasteful and merely gave Leverkusen scope to further dominate the game.

He also committed two fouls, handing the Germans a perfect opportunity to get the ball back into the box.

You could argue that this sort of sloppiness invited pressure on Postecoglou’s backline and enforced young and inexperienced players like Ralston into making such errors, and at this level, those are certainly punished.

It’s no wonder Rogic lasted just 66 minutes before being hooked. He was appalling and will do well to feature in the starting XI again anytime soon.

AND in other news, Forget Brady: Celtic must swoop for £5.4m-rated machine who can “sprint like Mbappe”…