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Celtic rounded off 2021 on a winning note with a 3-1 victory over St Johnstone on Sunday lunchtime in their final match before the rescheduled Premiership winning break.

The Hoops were two goals to the good by the midway point of the first half thanks to a brace from Liel Abada, and although Chris Kane halved the deficit on 69 minutes, a late strike from Nir Bitton made sure of the points for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Unsurprisingly given the final score, there were plenty of strong performers for the Hoops this afternoon. We’ve pored through the figures from statistical experts SofaScore to pick out the three men who were the most impressive in a green and white shirt.

Liel Abada (8.7)

No surprise that Abada leads the way after netting twice in the opening 22 minutes at McDiarmid Park, although there was more to his performance than just those two telling contributions.

The 20-year-old completed 16 of his 20 passes against the Saints and had 10 shots in total today, six of which were on target, while he also recorded two key passes. The Israeli youngster won three duels as well, rounding off a tremendous Boxing Day for him.

Nir Bitton (8.4)

Abada’s compatriot could also bask in an overall strong performance supplemented by finding the net.

The 30-year-old led the way for Celtic in terms of duels won, coming out on top in nine of the 13 that he contested. He also made two successful tackles and one clearance in an industrious display against St Johnstone.

The Israel international was effective on the ball, too. In addition his goal, he had five other shots and played three key passes, making plenty of impact in the final third, while recording no fewer than 61 successful passes overall.

Josip Juranovic (8.1)

He may have been playing in an unfamiliar midfield role, but the Croatian had little trouble in adapting to the position judging by the performance he gave today.

His tally of four successful tackles was the joint-highest in Postecoglou’s side, while he also won five of his seven duels and made one clearance.

The 26-year-old had some joy in possession, too, posting five key passes and delivering six crosses to a team-mate, illustrating that he may be well-suited to a midfield position.

In other news: Celtic set sights on move for ‘quality’ Scot who has the same agent as David Turnbull

Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho could still join Liverpool in the summer transfer window, with the midfielder desperate to work alongside Jurgen Klopp.

The Lowdown: Liverpool miss out on January move for Carvalho

The 19-year-old looked set to move to the Reds in the dying hours of deadline day but the transfer failed to be completed in time. That was due to the Football League not having deal sheets for a loan-back agreement to be sorted, causing frustration at the 11th hour.

However, it appears as though all hope is not lost regarding the possibility of Carvalho heading to Anfield.

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The Latest: Pearce makes positive Carvalho claim

According to journalist James Pearce on Twitter, a summer move is still on the cards, with the player himself very eager to work with Klopp.

The journalist tweeted: “Not the end of the world. Wouldn’t have arrived at #LFC until the summer anyway. Still a good chance he moves to #LFC in July. Player very keen on the chance to work with Klopp.”

Pearce subsequently added: “The two clubs could agree that the fee they belatedly agreed today will now be the compensation this summer when Carvalho is out of contract. That would mean a tribunal isn’t required. Either way the player wants to join LFC.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Reds

While it may initially have seemed a killer blow when the deal collapsed on Monday night, there does seem to be a genuine chance that Carvalho still becomes a Liverpool player, which is a huge positive.

The teenager looks like a player of immense potential, not only scoring seven goals in 15 Championship starts for Fulham this season but also registering three assists.

Carvalho has been compared to both Philippe Coutinho and Jude Bellingham in terms of his playing style, which speaks volumes about the impact he could make at Liverpool if the Reds can grant him his wish of working under Klopp.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted to a positive Reds update. Read more here.

Rangers loanee Glenn Middleton sent Steven Gerrard a timely reminder of his abilities on Sunday afternoon, as he produced a superb display.

The 21-year-old has spent the second half of the season on loan with Callum Davidson’s St Johnstone side, although he has struggled for regular game time in the Premiership, making just two starts, which had perhaps cast his future at Ibrox in doubt ahead of next season.

During the first half of the season with Rangers, Middleton would make just one substitute appearance in a 4-0 win against Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup, so he clearly wasn’t deemed good enough to be part of Gerrard’s squad this season.

Gerrard already has a number of talented young wingers in his squad, with Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi all impressing this season, whilst Scott Wright’s promising cameos suggest that he will be in the frame for a regular starting spot next season.

Therefore, Middleton, who is contracted with Rangers until 2023, may well struggle to force his way into Gerrard’s plans for next season, as it seems fair to suggest that his lack of appearances with the Saints does not bode well for his future at Ibrox.

However, the Scotland U21 international reminded everyone what he is capable of at Hampden Park, as he came off the bench to have a starring role in St Johnstone’s victory in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Middleton provided the assist for Chris Kane’s opening goal on 72 minutes, just moments after coming on, as he crossed for the striker who found the bottom corner.

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Two minutes later, he earned himself a free-kick around 30 yards from goal and superbly found the top corner, which proved to be the winning goal after Conor McCarthy got one back for St Mirren.

During the game, Premier Sports pundit Stephen Craigan was full of praise for the free-kick and Middleton’s impact from the bench, saying:

“Oh my word. That is absolutely sensational.

“The pace on the ball, the movement, the dip, it’s absolutely top class. Glenn Middleton, what an impact sub, that’s the way to repay the faith in your manager.”

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Therefore, after being something of an outcast at Rangers this season, perhaps this display will send a message to Gerrard that if he puts his faith in Middleton next season, he may well be able to reproduce performances like these in a Rangers shirt.

And, in other news… Gerrard could be set for huge boost next season after major Wilson update

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update regarding the future of Tottenham Hotspur full-back Sergio Reguilon. 

The lowdown: Spanish links

Recently reputable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed Barcelona were among a host of European clubs interested in the 25-year-old, whilst Real Madrid could also trigger a clause involved in the deal that saw the left wing-back move to N17 for £32million in 2020 (Sky Sports).

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Meanwhile, Spurs have recently been linked with a number of alternative left-back options including Genoa ace Andrea Cambiaso as Antonio Conte attempts to put his own stamp on the squad in north London.

Now O’Rourke has shed some light on the situation from a Spurs perspective…

The latest: Changes afoot…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist has stated that Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici will be in the market for reinforcements in the position.

He explained: “There’s a real possibility that Reguilon could return to Spain this summer. Real Madrid have a buy-back clause and there’s interest from Barcelona, so I think Conte will be in the market for a left wing-back to try and improve the squad.”

The verdict: Improvement needed

So far this season Reguilon has provided five direct goal contributions from 31 outings across all competitions from a combination of a favoured wing-back role and as a conventional left-back.

Hailed as ‘absolutely pivotal’ to Conte’s plans by pundit Noel Whelan and ‘quality’ following a Man of the Match display against Leeds United earlier this season, the Spanish full-back missed out as 21-year-old Ryan Sessegnon started the goalless draw with Brentford on Saturday.

As the Italian head coach attempts to build a squad capable of successfully operating in a preferred 3-5-2 formation, the end could well be nigh for the six-cap ace at Tottenham.

Despite links to Cambiaso and Besiktas starlet Ridvan Yilmaz, when using the Fbref comparison tool the closes match to the marauding wideman return as Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell, Borussia Monchengladbach defender Stefan Lainer and Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza – all of whom would represent a worthwhile replacement for Reguilon.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.

Liverpool are closing in on a move for RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Jurgen Klopp is likely to be eyeing up a new defender this summer, having experienced all sort of problems in that area throughout the season.

Liverpool are without injured trio Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the remainder of the season, with Nathaniel Phillips forced to become a regular and Ozan Kabak joining on loan from Schalke.

Konate is a player with whom the Reds have been linked numerous times in the past and it now looks as though he will be heading to Anfield in the summer.

Liverpool look set to sign Konate

According to Ornstein, significant progress has been made with regards to a deal for the 21-year-old , with talks now at an advanced stage.

Konate has been limited to just four Bundesliga starts this season, due to injuries of his own, but he is considered a player of big potential. His former coach Ralf Rangnick has said of the Frenchman: “He’s so good that he could play for Real Madrid or Barcelona one day.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is apparent that Klopp sees the importance of bringing in a centre-back this summer, with Matip particularly unreliable when it comes to staying fit consistently.

Konate is a player who could not only come in and do a job straight away, boasting ample Bundesliga and Champions League experience, but could also represent the long-term future at Anfield.

In other news, one Liverpool star has been tipped to stay put this summer – find out who it is here.

Alan Nixon has dropped an update on Leeds United’s pursuit of Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

What’s the story?

Previously, writing via his official Twitter account, Nixon said that O’Brien was “very near” to the top of the short-list for Leeds this summer as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

And now, the journalist has dropped an update on the situation, revealing that the Terriers ace may actually not be the man that the Whites go after, saying: “I think there’s somebody ahead of him on the shopping list”.

Intriguing update from Smyth

The news that Leeds have a name ahead of O’Brien on their list of targets is intriguing to say the least, with the Whites just a few weeks away from opening up their Premier League campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have made some moves in the transfer window already, bringing in the likes of Amari Miller, Junior Firpo and Sean McGurk, but only one of those names you would consider a potential first-team starter next season.

In O’Brien, Leeds could find someone who could be ready to make that step up from the Championship to the Premier League, with Huddersfield Town writer Steven Chicken waxing lyrical about his potential.

He said: “He certainly has the potential to be (a Premier League player), if he’s not already. His fitness is incredible and he just never seems to get tired, which is one of the biggest difficulties Championship players have when stepping up to the Premier League.

“He’s never going to be a big glamorous name in the Premier League, but he is the kind of wholehearted, committed player that managers love because they do so much of the hard work that helps other players to shine.”

But with Nixon now claiming that Leeds have got their eye on someone else, it will certainly be intriguing for the club’s fans to see who the Whites have in mind as they look to beef up their midfield options.

Meanwhile, Leeds are closing in on a major agreement…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy recently, but who would be the better permanent signing between him and Theo Walcott?

Theo Walcott

Walcott has spent this season on loan with Southampton and is widely expected to complete a permanent move to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in the summer, having won over the Austrian with his performances this season.

The Athletic claimed that the Saints are looking to complete a deal for the 32-year-old this summer, despite him managing just two goals and three assists in 17 Premier League starts so far this season.

The former Arsenal man would bring a wealth of experience with him and already knows the squad and manager well, but given that he will turn 33 next season, he may prove to be a relatively short-term option for the Saints.

Jacob Murphy

According to Football Insider, Southampton are keen on signing the Newcastle United winger this summer, and the Toon could accept an offer as low as £3m for his services.

The 26-year-old has impressed in his recent performances at right wing-back, so he would offer Hasenhuttl some versatility in his squad and potentially some cover for Kyle Walker-Peters.

Murphy has two goals and two assists in the top flight this season and is only one goal contribution behind Walcott, despite making significantly fewer starts (10) than the Saints winger and playing in a much more defensive role.

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Who would be the better signing?

Despite Walcott most likely being available on a free transfer this summer, he reportedly earns £100,000 per week at Everton, so he could cost Southampton a lot of money in wages if he makes the permanent switch to St Mary’s.

Murphy reportedly earns £25,000 per week at Newcastle, so whilst the Saints may have to pay the £3m fee to bring him in, he would be significantly cheaper in terms of wages.

The Newcastle United man would also be more of a long-term option in Hasenhuttl’s side and offers much more versatility than Walcott, who arguably no longer possesses the pace to play as a central striker. That latter attribute is something which Murphy could offer in spades.

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Therefore, rather than breaking Hasenhuttl’s transfer policy to bring in a player such as Walcott who is perhaps well past his best, the Austrian manager should focus Southampton’s resources on signing Murphy this summer.

In other news… Gao Jisheng could be set for huge Southampton blow as European giants eye “exceptional” gem 

The transfer saga of last year from a Celtic point of view was with Fraser Forster.

The 6 foot 7 behemoth of a goalkeeper had enjoyed a spectacular campaign on loan at Parkhead but would leave the Hoops in search of becoming the number one at his parent club.

It was a blow for the Bhoys as Southampton looked to reintegrate him back into the first-team set-up at St Mary’s.

With Forster out the door, the hierarchy turned their attention elsewhere. They moved decisively to sign Greece international Vasilis Barkas.

He set Celtic back a sum of £4.5m after he joined from AEK Athens but that fee has rather wasted.

Barkas has played just twice in the league since January and has made a number of high profile errors. Unfortunately, he’s not been the only one.

Scott Bain has been questionable between the sticks as well. He was at fault for two goals during the club’s defeat away at Sparta Prague in Europe and let the mistakes engulf him again in the second part of the season.

Bain was beaten by a rasping effort from Alfredo Morelos during their 4-1 drubbing against Rangers but he should have done more to react in time and potentially beat the ball away.

After such a torrid campaign from a defensive point of view, Celtic should look at bolstering their goalkeeping ranks.

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One player linked with a move to Paradise is Benjamin Siegrist. However, with incoming manager Eddie Howe’s expertise in the English game, he could look towards Asmir Begovic instead.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast earlier this week, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie claimed the experienced stopper should be on Celtic’s wish list: “Begovic, you know, he’s a big player. Again, he’s had a very good season at Bournemouth. I do feel that, yes, the goalkeeping area is certainly a massive must for me. Begovic is a very, very good goalkeeper,” he stated.

“There are lots of goalkeepers out there that would certainly be attracted to go into Celtic,” Hendrie concluded.

You can understand why the Bhoys would be appealed by his name. Begovic is somebody who’s been around for a while now but at the age of 33, he still has plenty left in the tank as a goalkeeper.

The Cherries figure is capped 63 times by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while he’s played for both Chelsea and AC Milan. Thus, the ‘keeper knows how to perform and thrive in high-pressure situations. He also knows what it means to play for a club with lofty ambitions.

Standing at 6 foot 6, he is a man-mountain between the posts, an attribute that judging by Forster’s height would prove beneficial at Lennoxtown.

He also comes highly recommended by Howe.

Begovic played 62 times under the Englishman at Bournemouth and earned a glowing review for his performances from the incoming Celtic boss.

Speaking in 2019 after he dropped the stopper, he praised the veteran for his attitude and mentality: “He’s the ultimate professional, Asmir.”

Celtic have lacked leaders this season, a player who can pull their teammates aside and help them to improve their game.

The Hoops linked goalkeeper feels like a player with that kind of good-willed nature to his personality.

Not only would he be an important addition on the pitch but he’d be fantastic in the dressing room.

Howe wouldn’t be going too far wrong by arriving in Paradise and making Begovic his first signing, it’s something he must do.

AND in other news, Forget Soro: Celtic already have their Scott Brown heir in 6 ft 6 “man mountain”…

According to a report by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, via West Ham Central, the club have looked into promising Swansea City defender Ben Cabango as interest emerges in the player.

Cabango, who started 31 Championship matches over the 2020/2021 season under Steve Cooper, has indeed entered the radar of West Ham following another impressive campaign for the Swans.

The 21-year-old broke through over 2019/2020, becoming a fairly regular asset with 20 starts under his belt that year, but this season he became a real mainstay at such a young age.

Swansea just missed out on promotion back to the Premier League, losing the Championship play-off final, which has resulted in speculation regarding their best players.

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Out of every Swans player with over 20 appearances, Cabango averaged the most clearances per 90 with an impressive 4.7 – perhaps summing up why West Ham are now keen.

Flocking to this ExWHUemployee transfer news, with one Irons fan calling it ‘refreshing’, it’s little wonder some have displayed excitement.

Find all of their best verdicts from social media down below.

West Ham fans flock to ExWHUemployee transfer news

“Omg please”

Credit: @jxmeswhu

“West Ham I’ve never asked for a player so bad before”

Credit: @SaidMuv

“Good player

Knows how to play Gary monk esque catenaccio

Bring him in.”

Credit: @mrwestham22

“YES YES YES”

Credit: @NoContextWalker

“Plenty of good young talent in the Championship. Ben Cabango is one of them and let’s see how he gets on at the Euros for Wales. It’s refreshing to see that we are looking at younger players to help build on a strong squad.”

Credit: @AzamWHUFC

“please west ham”

Credit: @Harry_WHU_

In other news: West Ham fans were also excited by Sky Sports’ ‘absolutely huge news’, find out more here.

Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties at the City Ground following the Reds’ lastest defeat.

What’s the talk?

In a short statement posted on the Nottingham Forest website, the club confirmed that they have parted company with the 62-year-old manager, with Steven Reid taking over as interim head coach.

The statement continued to reveal that the club’s search for Hughton’s successor has already begun, as well as claiming that they will provide fans with an update on any developments regarding their appointment of a new manager.

Fans will be buzzing

Having taken over from Sabri Lamouchi at the start of last season, after the Frenchman had suffered a similarly bad run of early-season form, it would be a difficult argument to make that Hughton has been a success in his role at Forest.

Indeed, while he did guide the team to safety, something that was sure to be the very minimum expectation the Forest board would have been demanding upon his appointment, the Irishman hardly blew fans away with the results achieved in the Championship last term – winning 12, drawing 16 and losing 14 of his 42 league fixtures.

And, rather than the team improving after his first summer transfer window, things have actually gotten worse for the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager this season, with Forest having picked up a single point over their opening seven games of the 2021/22 Championship campaign, with the Reds being the only second-tier side yet to have won a league fixture.

As such, the news that Hughton has left his role at the City Ground is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing, as it is abundantly clear that the Garibaldi are very much in need of a new direction.

In other news: Dane Murphy must sanction Forest swoop for “outstanding” 53 y/o, he’d be a major coup