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The departure of Celtic midfielder Ben Doak has all but been confirmed after the 16-year-old agreed a deal in principle with Liverpool.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that sources close to the Reds have revealed that the teenager has now come to an agreement with the Premier League side ahead of his well-reported switch from Parkhead to Anfield.

The report goes on to state that Jurgen Klopp’s side will pay Celtic around £600k in compensation for the attack-minded midfielder, who made his first-team debut for the Bhoys against Dundee United earlier this year.

Bad news for Celtic

Considering how high the hopes for Doak were in Glasgow, the news that the Scotland U17 international looks as if his departure will be confirmed in the near future is undoubtedly bad news for Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic side.

Speaking about the youngster’s move south of the border, finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley recently explained to Football Insider that, due to FIFA regulations, the Bhoys are always at risk of losing their most promising talents to English sides.

Plumley said: “It’s largely because of FIFA regulations. England and Scotland are classed as different countries and they can settle on a compensation fee that is far lower than a transfer fee.

“Celtic do this in reverse as well, so you have to be mindful of it in this model. The player has a choice to stay at Celtic and develop into a £20m-plus player or move on and do the same at another club.

“Celtic have to be aware that big clubs will be looking at their players and are well placed to capitalise. For every [Kieran] Tierney you manage to keep and sell for a big fee, you might have a few of these along the way.”

Indeed, Doak very much looked to be heading down the same path Tierney was on back in 2015 – when the left-back made his Celtic debut as a 17-year-old against Dundee FC, with the defender bursting onto the scene before eventually sealing a £25m move to Arsenal four years later.

However, while Doak – who Bhoys Analytics dubbed a “generational talent” – did make his Celtic bow earlier this year, it now looks as if the midfielder will make his switch to the Premier League a great deal sooner than his predecessor as the Hoops’ next big thing.

As such, it is clear for all to see why the 16-year-old’s departure is bad news for the Premiership leaders, as not only will Celtic miss out on a potentially huge transfer fee further down the line, but also the services of an exceptionally talented young playmaker during his development.

AND in other news: Sold at £1.8m, now worth £25m: Celtic had a nightmare on “imposing” £48k-p/w machine

Since emerging as Leeds United’s number one goalkeeper, Illan Meslier has shown exactly why many at the club believe him to be an integral part of their future.

Speaking on The Inside Elland Road Podcast just over a year ago, The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth said: “He’s been great, hasn’t he? For a 20-year-old, for £5m, I mean Victor Orta – it feels almost illegal what he’s done getting a player of that quality at that age for £5m, remarkable business.”

The towering Frenchman joined from Lorient, and after usurping Kiko Casilla to become the Whites’ first-choice shot-stopper, has become one of the Premier League’s most promising goalkeepers, if not the most.

Still only 22, Meslier has racked up considerable top-flight experience by playing week-in and week-out, and enjoyed a superb debut campaign at the highest level last season.

With a total of 11 clean sheets to his name in the Premier League, Meslier ranked joint-fifth among all goalkeepers in the division, and that despite playing for a side who have come to be known for their more attacking style of play and committing men forward.

Aside from his shot-stopping though, the young Frenchman’s ability with his feet has always been one of his standout attributes, with former Whites striker Jermaine Beckford raving: “The kid is incredible. I was watching the game (against Everton) and there were a couple of moments, (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James (Rodriguez) had chances, but Meslier stood in their way. His distribution is one of the best in the Premier League.”

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Indeed, Meslier’s willingness to come for crosses and take the pressure of his defenders has also been raved about by former England goalkeeper David James, who said earlier this calendar year: “Meslier – I love him. I went on social media, I was watching a game and he went for about 10 crosses (v Burnley), he carried on coming for crosses.

“The commentators were battering him. I was thinking ‘the guy is still coming’, and as soon as the whistle went, the camera was panning but you could see all the defenders going up to him. That is quality.”

His performances in the Premier League have now seen his value shoot up, with CIES now rating him at a mammoth £40m – an increase of eight times his initial fee.

There’s no questioning that Victor Orta struck a dream deal by landing a goalkeeper for both the present and the future, for so cheap.

AND in other news – Sold for under £1m, now a PL winner: Leeds suffered embarrassment with “special” star

According to a recent report from The Daily Telegraph, Stoke City are one side eyeing up a January move for Charlie Austin. The 29-year-old currently plays his football at Premier League outfit Southampton and has done so since leaving Queens Park Rangers three years ago, only for the arrival of Ralph Hasenhuttl as the new Saints boss seeing him fall down the striking pecking order at St Mary’s.

And a recent report from The Daily Telegraph suggests that the Englishman could be set for a move away from the South Coast outfit this month in a bid for regular first team football, with Nathan Jones’ Stoke one side reportedly (as per The Daily Telegraph) keen on 29-year-old.

And with the Potters having proven to be pretty goal-shy in the second tier this season, luring the Premier League ace away from Southampton would go some way to significantly benefiting Jones’ side ahead of the remainder of the season.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, there was much expectation around the bet365 Stadium during the summer following the appointment of Gary Rowett as the new Potters boss, with the Englishman tasked with turning the relegated side into one challenging at the right end of the Championship this time round.

However, the former Birmingham City and Derby County chief lost his job at the Staffordshire-based outfit earlier this month given his side’s indifferent start to the campaign, with part of their problem their struggle to put the ball in the back of the net – as of now, Stoke have managed to score on just 33 occasions so far this term, which is fewer than all but one side (Middlesbrough) currently ahead of them in the division.

And with Benik Afobe the club’s leading goal-scorer with only eight so far this term, and just three others reaching five in all competitions, it’s pretty clear that striking reinforcements are necessary this month if Jones is to take the club forward in 2019 – after all, they are only eight points adrift of the top six.

And a move for Southampton striker Austin would go some way to seriously benefiting the Potters in the final third of the pitch.

The Englishman may have been playing at Premier League level for much of the last few years, but the 29-year-old has certainly excelled in the second tier throughout his career in spells at Burnley and QPR.

Be it 41 goals in just 82 games for the former between 2011 and 2013, in which time he helped the Clarets record successive mid-table finishes in the Championship, or indeed his 27 goals in 47 second tier matches for QPR between 2013 and 2016, Austin’s record at Championship level is quite extraordinary – there aren’t many strikers like him available at this time of year.

Yes, injuries have somewhat stunted his progress at Southampton, appearing just 72 times for the Saints in the last three years, but it’s clear that when fully fit and firing, the Englishman could be a huge asset to Jones in the second tier – he has the predatory instincts in the penalty area to turn many chances into goals.

And with Stoke seemingly crying out for someone like Austin to lead their line in the second half of the season, a raid on Southampton for the linked-away ace would go some way to strengthening Jones’ side in their quest to mount a Championship promotion push.

Stoke fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Aston Villa had a fairly miserable return to Premier League action on Saturday following on from the latest international break.

Having travelled to Molineux to take on their Midlands rivals Wolves, Steven Gerrard’s side ended up losing 2-1 after an Ollie Watkins penalty wasn’t enough to overturn their 2-0 deficit at the halftime point.

One other blow the Villans suffered in the clash was to left-back Lucas Digne, who had to be replaced by Ashley Young after just 13 minutes.

Now that a couple of days have gone by since this defeat, an update has emerged on the Frenchman’s fitness, which will surely be a big positive for Gerrard and a huge boost for the team.

What’s the news?

According to a Twitter post from Villa journalist Gregg Evans, Digne was taken off the pitch “after complaining of an upset stomach,” rather than being injured.

Since arriving at Villa Park back in the previous January transfer window from fellow Premier League side Everton in a deal worth £25m, the 28-year-old has made nine league appearances, quickly cementing himself as their first-choice left-back.

Great news for Gerrard

In those appearances, the defender has racked up an average of 1.2 key passes per game, the third-highest of any Villa player as well as an average of 1.1 crosses per game, the highest of any player in Gerrard’s squad.

This highlights just what he offers the side and why they may have weakened after his early exit against Wolves.

His overall performances have earned the former Toffees star a season rating of 6.79 from WhoScored, making him the seventh-highest Villa player above the likes of Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Danny Ings among others.

This shows just how much of a solid signing he’s been for the Villans since his winter arrival.

Moving forward, with confirmation that Digne didn’t suffer an injury at the weekend and was just an upset stomach that forced him off the pitch, this will surely be a relief for Gerrard given how much he’s relied on the Frenchman.

With Villa now having lost their three previous league games, having Digne and his attacking talents in the side on a consistent basis will surely be a big boost for the team and their hopes of turning their fortunes around.

In other news: Forget Young: “Stupid” Aston Villa dud who lost 71% duels was a liability v Wolves

According to journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Palmeiras youngster Luis Guilherme. 

The lowdown: Rapidly rising stock

The 16-year-old was part of the Palmeiras side that won the biggest U-20 tournament in Brazil in January and appears to have a bright future.

Guilherme provided one assist in two appearances during the competition despite his tender years, featuring alongside the highly sought after Endrick, who has also been linked with the Reds previously.

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Not it appears that Liverpool could be casting their eye on South America once again…

The latest: Reds make contact

As per Nicola’s YouTube channel, translated by SW, the Anfield club, along with Manchester City, are said to have been ‘analysing’ the Brazilian youngster since last season.

Whilst there is no mention of bids for the left-winger – who has already been compared to Brazil legend Rivaldo – both Premier League giants are believed to already be in contact with representatives of the youth international.

Meanwhile, a report elsewhere from Defensa Central also cites interest from Liverpool but focuses on Real Madrid, whilst mentioning admiration from Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, ​​Inter Milan and AC Milan, so it seems he is highly sought-after.

The verdict: Make it happen Julian

Albeit a relatively unknown entity, taking a gamble on unearthing the next superstar from Brazil can only be viewed as an exciting transfer for the club, and it’s good to see newly appointed sporting director Julian Ward hard at work scouring every corner of the globe.

So often down the years, Real Madrid have held the monopoly when it comes to landing the next big thing from South America, but given Liverpool’s current stature and indeed the Brazilian contingent already based on Merseyside, the Anfield club must be a major contender.

Guilherme scored three times as Palmeiras lifted the Under-15 Nike Premier Cup in 2021 and the levels of interest would suggest that this is a move Ward should be seriously considering.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United fans will love Phil Hay’s latest claim…

What’s the word?

The Athletic reporter dropped an exciting 12-word update on the contractual situation of Raphinha to Twitter earlier this week.

“Leeds United are increasingly confident of finalising a new contract with Raphinha,” he said before going on to discuss his performance against West Ham United on Sunday in an accompanying column for the website.

Hay described his display as a “creative masterclass” as Jack Harrison’s hat-trick secured an impressive 3-2 win over the Irons at the London Stadium.

A matter of time?

It is surely only a matter of time before we hear official news from the club on this front as all the noises around Elland Road are positive – the fact that one of the most reliable sources associated with Leeds is saying so is massively encouraging.

Indeed, Sunday’s performance was another damning reminder of how important the Brazilian is to Marcelo Bielsa and the squad.

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As per SofaScore, he registered a whopping eight key passes, including an assist for one of Harrison’s three goals. He also accurately delivered 100% of his crosses, registered two dribbles and attempted three shots but could not add to his eight goals.

Before the weekend, he was the only player to have scored more than twice. He also tops the charts for average rating (7.27) by quite some margin, leading the way for key passes (2.1 per game) and dribbles (2.3 per game), via WhoScored.

‘Leeds have no interest in listening to bids for Raphinha in the present transfer window,’ Hay added in his piece for The Athletic. ‘They have received no offers so far and when it was reported in his native Brazil on Christmas Eve that Bayern Munich would sign him before the end of the month, Leeds poured water on the story quickly.’

Raphinha has been a real star for the Yorkshire giants ever since his £17m move from Stade Rennes in October 2020 – now valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, it has looked every bit like an incredible deal for the club.

Of course, United should be resigned to losing him at some point but him being around for the foreseeable future, thanks to an extension to his current £63k-per-week deal is surely going to leave the Elland Road faithful absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, “This week”: Journo drops big Leeds transfer claim live on air, fans will be buzzing…

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has been mentioned with a potential overhaul of his squad during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The previous January window saw numerous players not only make moves to Villa Park but also saw some other figures wave goodbye to the club as they left on loan deals.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, it seems as though one current Villa figure could be set to have his bags packed and bring his time at the Midlands club to an end.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football Insider sources, French club Marseille are interested in re-signing Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson this summer.

Villa signed the Frenchman back in the 2021 January transfer window in a deal worth a reported fee of £16m.

Since then, the midfielder has only made 20 appearances for the Villans across all competitions, failing to score even one goal or provide one assist, making him somewhat of a flop considering what they paid for him.

Get rid of Sanson

Having suffered from injury and illness issues when he first arrived at the club, which was described as “frustrating” by former Villa manager Dean Smith, the 27-year-old has found it hard to get regular game time under Gerrard in this campaign.

Since the turn of the year, the £59k-per-week disappointment has only appeared in six league games, starting just two of them.

It’s hard to determine what exactly the Frenchman offers the team considering how, from an attacking point of view, he’s only been able to make three shot-creating actions in the league.

From a defensive standpoint, he’s only made eight tackles for his side, which is lower than the likes of Leon Bailey, Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

His performances throughout this campaign haven’t done much to convince the current Villa boss that he deserves to be in the squad next season.

According to WhoScored, the former Marseille star is listed as the lowest-rated Villa player currently in Gerrard’s squad to have started more than one league fixture, with an overall rating of 6.34/10.

With that in mind, if Gerrard doesn’t have Sanson in his long-term plans for the future beyond this season and Marseille are willing to make a suitable financial offer for their former midfielder, then selling him would be the best option for all parties this summer.

In other news: “Gerrard wants..“: Journo drops teasing transfer claim, AVFC supporters surely buzzing 

A club from the Premier League are reportedly now in talks to sign Rory Wilson from Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Contract rejected

It has been reported that Wilson has rejected a lucrative contract offer at Ibrox, despite meeting with Ross Wilson and Giovanni van Bronckhorst for talks about his future in the first-team at Ibrox.

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He has been linked with a move to Aston Villa to play under former Teddy Bears manager Steven Gerrard, but now another English top-flight team has emerged into the frame for his signature.

The Latest: Brighton talks

As per Football Insider, Brighton and Hove Albion are now ‘in talks’ over signing Wilson, and have made their move ahead of other sides in the Premier League.

The striker has made it clear that he would like to leave the Light Blues, and a source from the Seagulls has revealed that they are ‘pushing hard’ for his signature.

Wilson is out of contract in the summer, and a deal to take him to the Amex Stadium would only cost in the region of £300,000 in development costs.

The news outlet describes the prospect of losing him as a ‘major blow’, given that he is set to suffer the follow a similar path to now fully fledged Scotland international Billy Gilmour.

The Verdict: Shame

It would certainly be a shame if the Gers were to lose Wilson, but it looks like his fate is already sealed.

Unfortunately the call from the English top flight is one that is very hard to turn down, and the 16-year-old now looks destined to sign for Brighton.

Nonetheless, RFC will now be looking to hold on to some of their other promising youngsters, and not let lightning strike twice.

In other news, find out who Rangers are now fighting Manchester City to sign here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left buzzing over an update that has been shared by the Goodison Park faithful involving Farhad Moshiri.

The Merseyside club shared a message to the supporters from the Majority Shareholder on their official website, with Moshiri explaining why they parted ways with Rafa Benitez and addressing the inconsistencies that they have had in recent seasons, despite the amount of money invested in the squad.

He also assured the fans that he is still committed to the football club, despite the difficult situation that they find themselves in, and a lot of Toffees appreciated his honesty and the fact that he is communicating with them about plans for the future.

Nonetheless, despite the 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League at lunchtime, they will now hope that they can kick on under Duncan Ferguson, and then find a new permanent manager to take the club forward.

Everton fans on Moshiri message

These Blues buzzed as Moshiri’s message was shared on Twitter, with a couple of EFC supporters even going as far as to call it ‘excellent’:

“ALL WE EVER ASK FOR”

Credit: @EFCJosh7

“Excellent read, and actually really appreciated”

Credit: @IanG1878

“Finally a better communication process than talkSPORT”

Credit: @GraemeFriday

“Excellent, please keep up with the communication”

Credit: @stevietoffee

“Brilliant, it’s all we want and what we deserve”

Credit: @mw_1878

“Wow. Good on him. Nice to know that people do listen to us ranting on spaces. That Fan Advisory Board is the best part of all this. Have to give credit where it’s due.”

Credit: @joeleggett_

In other news, find out whose display against Aston Villa was slammed here!

Crystal Palace are being considered as a potential option by Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

What’s the story?

That’s according to a report by The Times, who claim that the Eagles, as well as Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, are being considered as potential destinations by the 22-year-old.

The Englishman is set to depart The Emirates this summer upon the expiration of his contract, with the forward still yet to extend his stay with the Gunners, and therefore looks set to be able to join a new club on a free transfer.

Palace had been keen on signing Nketiah during the January transfer window, with Sky Sports reporting that the south London club had multiple bids rejected.

Palace should sign Nketiah

Although his goal tally isn’t seriously impressive, there is certainly plenty of talent and potential in the boots of Nketiah.

Prior to Wednesday evening, the 22-year-old hadn’t found the back of the net in the Premier League, with all five of his goals for the Gunners this term coming in the EFL Cup.

However, the £9m-rated striker sensationally scored twice away at Chelsea as Arsenal got their top-four push back on track with a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Despite limited game time this term, the Englishman has been subject to praise from manager Mikel Arteta in the past who has previously labelled the forward as “incredible” as well as being “extraordinary at his age.”

Palace have managed to find goals in their team this term, having scored 43 in 32 matches thus far. However, 11 of those have come from winger Wilfried Zaha, who has equalled his best-ever season in front of goal to date.

In terms of strikers, however, Patrick Vieira has chopped and changed with Jean-Philippe Mateta, Odsonne Edouard, Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke all having spells in the side up front.

Edouard and Mateta have both scored six times in all competitions, whilst Benteke (four) and Ayew (two) have struggled in front of goal.

However, Edouard has recently fallen out of favour, starting just one of the Eagles’ last ten matches and hasn’t managed to get off of the bench in five of those, including Palace’s 2-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

Mateta is currently the favoured option, however, the south London outfit could certainly do with more prolific options in the final third, with Nketiah potentially being that man.

On a free transfer, there is little risk signing the Englishman who, at 22, has bags of potential which could make him a very shrewd acquisition for Vieira’s men.

AND in other news: Contact made: Palace now in talks for “incredible” £15m “priority”, he “fits the bill”