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Leeds United are progressing with their transfer plans, according to a very reliable source…

What’s the word?

Yorkshire Evening Post chief football writer Graham Smyth delivered a fresh claim to supporters on Twitter after being asked about new signings.

“They’re active. Things are ‘progressing’ we’re told,” he responded.

The only business that the Yorkshire giants seem likely to complete any time soon is the contract extension to first-team regular Adam Forshaw following his return from injury

But with around 20 days left to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad, it seems as if the club’s recruitment team are well on the way to getting something done.

Signs of encouragement

This week was another devastating sign that Leeds do not have enough strength in depth to compete for the remainder of the current campaign. After beating Burnley in a huge encounter, a win which moved them eight points clear of the drop, they were then defeated by West Ham in the FA Cup.

Bielsa was dealt another cruel sucker punch as young forward Sam Greenwood picked up an injury, adding to Patrick Bamford’s latest setback. As a result, the Argentine could have as many as 11 players missing for another clash against the Irons next weekend.

Without Bamford, Greenwood and the also injured duo of Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt, Leeds are without a striker option, meaning one of the wingers will have to play there once again.

Elsewhere, a central midfielder sits highly on their priority list, with Kalvin Phillips another frustrating absentee.

Of course, the Yorkshiremen cannot afford to wait around all month and make a few desperate additions late on – that’s never been on their agenda anyway – but it is certainly a hugely positive sign that they are trying behind the scenes.

For now, supporters around Elland Road will surely be buzzing by Smyth’s latest transfer update.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon issues big Leeds United transfer update, Bielsa will be buzzing…

While Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side overcame a rather large hurdle in the Premiership title race on Thursday evening, securing a 1-0 win over third-placed Hearts, the victory came at quite a significant cost for the 56-year-old manager and his side.

Indeed, Jota, Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston all had to be substituted due to injury, while Carl Stafelt also appeared to finish the fixture with a knock to his knee.

As such, it looks as if Celtic will travel to Dundee United today with something of a depleted squad. However, speaking after the Hearts game, Postecoglou suggested that the injuries picked up by a number of his regular starters will, in turn, provide an opportunity for those who are yet to get many games under their belt this term.

The 56-year-old said: “We saw on Thursday night that Adam Montgomery had to come on and he has not played for four or five weeks. We still have a fair chunk of important games coming up after [Real] Betis so it makes sense to get some minutes into some of the other guys so that when we call on them they will have played in this period.

“James McCarthy, Mikey Johnston, Liel Abada and Nir Bitton all come into that category. There is an opportunity to get some minutes into their legs and have them ready when required.”

Postecoglou must unleash Johnston

One of the players Postecoglou mentions above, Mikey Johnston, would appear to be in more need than most for regular first-team minutes, as, since his return from injury earlier this season, the 22-year-old has started just once for the Hoops.

Indeed, the winger has endured a frustrating last couple of years at Celtic, with the £900k-rated man featuring in just 10 fixtures last season due to injury, as well as missing a large portion of the start of the current campaign with a knock.

However, the former Scotland U21 international has proven that, when he is fully fit, he can be an extremely useful player in the Bhoys’ attack, scoring six goals and registering six assists over 22 appearances back in 2019/20, as well as bagging five goals and one assist over 23 appearances in 2018/19.

Furthermore, Celtic captain Callum McGregor is quite clearly convinced of the £7.9k-per-week forward’s ability, with the 28-year-old midfielder stating: “He’s such a brilliant talent, bags of ability, bags of potential and he’s one as well that the manager’s asking a lot of him physically.

“He’s responding really well and the guys are doing some great work with him in the physio department and sports science to really get him to a level where he can go and make that impact. Against Hibs, I thought he was sensational.”

As such, with it being clear that Postecoglou simply must begin rotating his side more frequently if he is to avoid a catastrophic injury crisis at Parkhead, the 56-year-old must unleash Johnston against Dundee United this afternoon, as the winger could well prove to play pivotal in Celtic’s Premiership push this season – if given the chance.

In other news: Ange must seal Celtic deal for “prominent” £13m-rated beast who “stole the show” in EL

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Callum Styles to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side are keeping a very close eye on the Barnsley left-back ahead of a potential swoop in the winter market.

In response to a fan asking whether the rumours concerning Celtic’s interest in the 21-year-old were true, Nixon said: “Watching closely. Talented player, very attack-minded.”

Subsequently, in response to a further question asking whether the youngster would suit Postecoglou’s brand of football, the journalist continued: “Very much. Great feet. It’s just whether he can defend at times.”

Bye-bye Bolingoli

While Barnsley have struggled in the Championship so far this season, picking up just 14 points from their 23 games played, Styles has nevertheless been one of the Tykes stand-out performers in the second tier of English football.

Indeed, over his 21 Championship outings, the £2.7m-rated left-back – who can also play further up the left-wing and in central midfield – has scored one goal, provided one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes and taking 0.7 shots per game.

The versatile defender has also completed an average of 27.4 passes per fixture, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 0.9 clearances and winning 4.4 duels in each outing.

These returns have seen the player who Cauley Woodrow claimed is a “massive talent” who “the sky’s the limit” for average a SofaScore match rating of 6.73, ranking him as Barnsley’s ninth-best performer in the league.

As such, it would indeed appear as if a move for Styles would be a fantastic deal for Celtic to pull off in the winter window, as the £3.4k-per-week man would undoubtedly make an excellent addition to Postecoglou’s options either on the left-hand side of defence or in central midfield, especially with Boli Bolingoli looking as if he is heading for an exit from Parkhead in the January transfer window.

In other news: Imagine him & Moffat: Celtic must seal deal for 13 G/A gem with a “hunger for success”

According to Italian news outlet Corriere Fiorentino, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have held a meeting with the entourage of striking target Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Vlahovic deal…

It is no secret that Spurs and new boss Antonio Conte wish to sign the talented 21-year-old amid his precarious future at current club Fiorentina.

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Club president Rocco Commisso recently confirmed that the player has rejected offers to make him the highest paid player in their history, perhaps indicating that Vlahovic has one eye on a move away.

His current deal expires in 2023, meaning Fiorentina are under some pressure to sell, with Spurs, Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici apparently in agreement to target him (TUTTOmercatoWEB).

The Latest: Spurs meet with Vlahovic reps…

As per Corriere Fiorentino (via SW), Tottenham chiefs have met with the player’s entourage in London as the Lilywhites table a ‘proposal’ to sign Vlahovic.

However, it has been deemed ‘insufficient’ by his agents and, according to the Italian source, ‘no one has given the feeling of being able to get close to the almost €80m (£67.1m) that Rocco Commisso is asking for’.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

Vlahovic stands out as one of Tottenham’s, perhaps, most crucial targets over the next year given their need for a striking back up to Harry Kane.

The 28-year-old is no stranger to the occasional injury at Spurs and one period on the sidelines could spell disaster in the forward areas.

As well as this, Vlahovic is a proven marksman and one of the most in-form strikers in Europe right now – having netted 12 goals and three assists in 14 appearances already this season (Transfermarkt).

Lauded as ‘incredible’ by Serie A expert Conor Clancy (This is Futbol), we highly recommend Spurs return to the table with an improved bid.

In other news: Spurs agreement to sign £200,000-per-week star possible as Paratici makes exciting plea to club chiefs, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been reacting to a revelation which has emerged involving Salomon Rondon.

As per The Daily Mail, the former Newcastle United and West Brom striker has now thrown himself into a hard-hitting new training regime which includes boxing, spinning and extra cardio work.

The coaching staff have been left so impressed by him that they’ve had to warn him that he needs to take days off to recover.

Rondon admitted that he does not feel he is at the level that he would like to be, so he has implemented this regime in order to try and win over the Goodison Park faithful, many of whom have slated him in recent weeks.

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The Venezuela international has struggled since signing for the Merseyside club, with no goals in nine games across all competitions so far this season, and some Toffees supporters seem to think that his new regime will not change much.

Everton fans on Rondon revelation

These Everton fans gave their reactions to Rondon’s revelation as it was shared on Twitter:

“Try running on a match day please pal.”

Credit: @PG3640

“Good laugh”

Credit: @bigrobbogolf

“Just kicking the ball would be a start.”

Credit: @PaddyWeathers4

“No thanks….Dobbin please”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“Leave the club, that will make us all happy”

Credit: @MyloOnceMore

“Wow so insightful”

Credit: @paulsteenalbo

In other news, find out what injury news before today’s clash with Brentford had many Evertonians buzzing

Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun sent a strong message to sporting director Ross Wilson on Sunday as he put in a sublime performance against St Mirren.

Steven Gerrard admitted that the centre-back was a doubt heading into the game after he suffered an injury against Brondby last Thursday.

He told The Herald: “We are hoping we have got to it before there is a tweak or any muscle damage.

“We are hoping it is a little bit of tightness and we will know in the next 24 hours. I will certainly be praying tonight. He felt something in his hamstring. That’s what he came off with, but he wasn’t sure if he felt something or whether it was a bit of tightness.

“We will work that out in the next 24 hours and hopefully he will pull through because he is important for us. I thought his performance was top tonight as well.”

The Nigeria international was able to pull through and produce an excellent display at the back alongside Connor Goldson to ensure the Gers won 2-1 and it should serve as a reminder to Wilson that he has a big decision to make.

Balogun is out of contract at the end of the season and the club hold an option to extend it by one year. Firstly, Wilson must trigger this extension and ensure that he stays for another season at least. Secondly, the Gers chief must negotiate a longer-term deal and keep him at Ibrox in the long-run.

At the age of 33, he is still going strong and producing consistently impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership. This suggests that he is not slowing down, despite his age, and could have more than one year left in the tank.

The defender recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.0 against St Mirren and was a rock at the back in front of Jon McLaughlin. Per SofaScore, he won nine of his 14 duels, whilst making two tackles and four clearances throughout the game as no opposition player managed to dribble past him. He also completed 89% of his passes, highlighting the quality he provides in possession as well as out of it.

This was not a one-off performance from the experienced battler. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 in the Premiership this term, winning 62% of his duels and completing 86% of his passes over the course of the campaign so far.

He is proving that age is merely a number and Wilson must act now to ensure that he does not end up leaving Rangers and weakening Gerrard’s squad. His departure would be a huge blow for the club, given the nature of his performances on the pitch, and that is why they must act now to secure his future in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Forget Roofe & Morelos: Rangers beast with 82% duels won was immense vs St Mirren…

Liverpool fans are not happy with the news that RB Leipzig are targeting Michael Edwards to be the club’s new sporting director.

Edwards has played an important role in the club’s rise to the top of Premier League and European football since joining as the Reds’ sporting director in 2016. He has overseen a number of game-changing transfers, such as the Philippe Coutinho sale that allowed the Reds to capture Alisson and Virgil van Dijk.

Anfield correspondent James Pearce has even gone so far as to call the Merseysiders’ transfer guru the ‘visionary behind Liverpool’s remarkable rise’.

As it stands, Edwards is set to depart at the end of the season (via The Athletic) and, although it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he signs a new deal, other clubs are interested. According to Dominic King, sources in Germany believe Leipzig are eager to hire Edwards after Markus Krosche left for Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer.

King shared the news on his official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Edwards news

“Mike Edwards please stay… I’ll even accept the GK mural having Adrian on it just for you.”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

“Feels like Gini all over again”

Credit: @kjannati

“I feel safe knowing Michael Edwards is one of our man. Don’t want him going anywhere else. Hope Liverpool does everything to keep him here.”

Credit: @LFC_obsessed8

“why would Liverpool not offer him a new contract, or why would he want to leave? something going on behind the scenes!”

Credit: @dennism53706722

“LFC should do whatever it takes to keep him. He’s been a big part of our recent success story.”

Credit: @__eante

“Sort it Liverpool !”

Credit: @Muazlskandar

In other news, Liverpool fans were far from happy with this James Pearce tweet.

Graham Roberts believes Tottenham miss Christian Eriksen after the Denmark international moved to Inter Milan in January of 2020.

The Lowdown: Eriksen departure

Eriksen made the move to Spurs from Ajax in 2013 and ended up becoming one of the side’s best players, scoring 69 goals and providing 90 assists in 305 games (Transfermarkt).

However, he made it clear he wanted to depart, and moved to Inter in January 2020.

The Latest: Roberts thinks Spurs miss Eriksen

On Twitter, a Spurs fan said the club miss Eriksen.

Roberts answer was short but sweet and straight to the point. He simply said:

“Agree”

The Verdict: Never replaced

It is hard to disagree with this statement. After all, the £36m-valued 29-year-old (Transfermarkt) was an integral part of the side for seven years and even helped Spurs reach the Champions League final in 2019, which they ultimately lost to Liverpool 2-0 in Madrid.

It was after that match that he stated his desire to seek a new challenge (The Guardian).

Since then, things have not gone well for either. Spurs have only played one more Champions League campaign, while Eriksen has managed just eight goals in 60 games for Inter. Unfortunately, the Lilywhites fan favourite has not played since he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark this summer (Sky).

Perhaps a reunion of the two parties would not be the worst thing in the world if the playmaker’s health allows him to return to action.

In other news, this man has been urged to leave Tottenham.

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson confirmed on Thursday that summer signing Niall Huggins is facing at least three months out with a back injury.

And, as to be expected, a number of Black Cats supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

The right-back only arrived at The Stadium of Light in August from Leeds United and has made four appearances in all competitions.

His only League One start came against Cheltenham Town last month, and Johnson has now revealed details of his injury ahead of the club’s trip to Gillingham this weekend.

Johnson confirmed that the 20-year-old has a history of stress fractures, with his latest back issue set to keep him out for a minimum of three months, meaning he’ll miss the rest of the calendar year.

Sunderland fans react

Sunderland wished Huggins well in his recovery on their official Twitter page on Thursday evening. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as a ‘big blow’.

“Speedy recovery Niall, gutted for you”

Credit: @safc_crazy

“Huge blow speedy recovery”

Credit: @EthanSmith1717

“Big blow”

Credit: @safcreportt

“Didn’t realise it was as bad or as long, hope ya recover asap then Niall lad ”

Credit: @ColArmy86

“Speedy recovery Niall”

Credit: @t363_baz

“Speedy recovery Nial. We got a glimpse of your talent and can’t wait to see you again!”

Credit: @SimonReed11

In other news: ‘Feel like I’m dreaming’ – Many SAFC fans erupt as ‘massive’ news is confirmed. 

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has been blasted by former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Time out for Dier

Dier had started his season in impressive form, starting all four of Spurs’ opening top flight games as they earned triple 1-0 victories to jump to the top of the Premier League table.

But on Saturday, Dier and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were handed their first blow of the season as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at London rivals Crystal Palace, with the England international forced off with an injury after just 12 minutes.

It is unknown how long the 27-year-old is set to miss, but he has received criticism from McAvennie following the defeat to Patrick Viera’s men.

The Latest: McAvennie blasts Dier

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has claimed that Spurs shouldn’t reintroduce the former Sporting Lisbon man to the XI when he recovers from injury.

The former Celtic and Hammers forward has insisted that the £19.8million-rated man never possessed the qualities required to play at centre-back anyway.

He said: “Eric Dier has never been a centre half.

“When you watch him you can see that he just hasn’t got it.

“They have tried to make a space for him in the team.

“They don’t need him in the midfield, and he doesn’t do it at the back. He never has been a defender and never will be.”

The Verdict: Harsh but true

The harsh reality is that Dier’s previous backs McAvennie’s point up. When Nuno has all his regular defenders back, with Davinson Sanchez and Cristian Romero missing the game, Dier is likely to drop to the bench or move to midfield.

Dier, who has been labelled ‘sensational’ in the past by former Lilywhite Jermaine Jenas, will now miss at least Thursday’s UEFA Conference League trip to Rennes and maybe Sunday’s vital game with Chelsea.

Falling to defeat at Palace wasn’t Dier’s fault as he was off for over 75 minutes, but if his injury is a lengthy one, it may prove difficult to force his way back in once Romero has settled.

In other news, Spurs have set their sights on teenage Championship sensation. Find out more here.