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Celtic have been dealt a huge injury setback ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments made on The Go Radio Football Show (via Vital Celtic), The Celtic Exchange podcaster known as Tino revealed that Callum McGregor will miss at least Saturday’s clash with Dundee United and Wednesday’s Old Firm derby as a result of the facial injury the 28-year-old picked up against Alloa Athletic.

Speaking about the condition of the central midfielder, the podcaster said: “I’ve heard that Callum McGregor picked up a concussion and I believe there’s a ruling in place that you need to wait something like 12 days [before being able to play again].

“So, I’m not sure exactly how that plays out, maybe someone can tell us on that. I think he numerically could be ruled out of [the Dundee United and Rangers fixtures]. I don’t think there’s any fracture to his jaw from what I’ve heard.”

Ange will be livid

Considering just how integral a part of the Celtic side McGregor is, the fact that the Scotland international looks set to miss out on both the Dundee United and Rangers games as a result of an injury picked up against League One Alloa Athletic is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou livid.

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Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances this season, the £6.75m-rated midfielder has been in impeccable form for the Bhoys, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.9 key passes, 0.6 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 72.7 total passes and winning 53% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £30k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking the 28-year-old as the seventh-best player in the entirety of the Scottish top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that being without McGregor for both the Dundee United and Rangers fixtures will severely reduce the Bhoys’ chances of picking up maximum points in the games – with anything but six points from the next two outings potentially having disastrous consequences in the Hoops’ bid to reclaim their Premiership crown this season.

In other news: Ange must now axe “arrogant” £15k-p/w Celtic flop by landing “incredible” £5k-p/w gem

Calling Newcastle United’s 2021 a rollercoaster of emotions would be underplaying the 12 months the club has gone through this year.

From achieving survival in the Premier League thanks to Joe Willock’s sublime form on loan from Arsenal last season under Steve Bruce to PIF taking over from Mike Ashley and Eddie Howe becoming the new manager, Magpies fans have had a lot to deal with.

Newcastle are currently 19th in the Premier League table and appear on course to head down to the Championship next year, although the January transfer window is on the way and the prospect of PIF splashing the cash may be one that excites the fans.

It remains to be seen what will happen in the market next month or whether or not they will avoid the drop down to the second division, so why don’t we focus on what has already happened?

Take our huge, bumper, Newcastle quiz of 2021 and see if you can get 100% – only real fans will!

According to a fresh report by Alasdair Gold of football.london, Tottenham have made contact with the representatives of Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard over a potential summer move.

The Lowdown: Lingard’s transfer saga

Lingard has been at the helm of a hectic transfer saga that began in the summer window. The 29-year-old shocked the footballing world with an electric run of form after joining West Ham on loan in last year’s January window. During his short stint with the Hammers, the attacking midfielder proved to be emphatic in the final third, scoring nine goals and producing five assists in just 16 appearances for David Moyes’ side.

Now, with Lingard’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2022, a number of Premier League teams are interested in the Man United playmaker. This includes Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, but more prominently West Ham, who are reportedly preparing to table a bid for the player in the near future.

It is claimed that Moyes is hoping that United will be prepared to accept a cut price of around £10million in January, rather than losing him on a free in the summer.

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The Latest: Spurs make contact over Lingard

According to reports by Alasdair Gold of football.london, Tottenham have now made contact with Lingard’s camp, as the reliable reporter shared the latest on Twitter: “Understand Spurs have sounded out Jesse Lingard’s camp about a potential move to north London.”

Spurs have apparently enquired about a summer switch, but there is a possibility that the club could consider a move for the player in the current January window.

This news comes amid Ajax’s interest in Steven Bergwijn. After rejecting a £15million bid for the winger, Spurs have begun to look for alternative options elsewhere, with the expectation that the Dutchman will leave the club in the current window.

The Verdict: Could prove to be a shrewd signing

Following on from his loan spell at West Ham, it is evident that Lingard would be able to arrive at Tottenham and make an instant impact – talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham hailed him as the ‘best player in the Premier League’ at the height of his incredible spell of form in east London.

Manchester United legend Michael Carrick has labelled Lingard’s playing style as ‘unique’ and ‘dynamic’, describing the way that it is ‘difficult to defend against’ the Englishman’s speed and directness.

When previously linked with Everton, Kevin Phillips described a potential Lingard transfer as a ‘no-brainer’, and that is true for the Lilywhites too, who have missed getting goals from midfield since the departure of Christian Eriksen.

If Lingard is able to replicate the form he produced at West Ham, the midfielder could prove to be a very shrewd signing for Antonio Conte, reducing the reliance on Son Heung-min and Harry Kane to be in absolute top goalscoring form week in week out.

In other news, one Tottenham youngster could be on his way out of the club this month…

Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Everton centre-back Yerry Mina in January, with the defender reportedly available for £17m.

What’s the story?

The Magpies are likely to invest in January after the completion of their Saudi-backed takeover and will be looking for reinforcements to help push their survival bid.

Eddie Howe’s side are currently 19th in the Premier League, having won just one of their 15 top-flight games this term. However, that win came in their most recent match against Burnley and they will look to make themselves a more attractive proposition over the coming weeks before the transfer window opens.

They certainly need additions in the defensive department, conceding 30 league goals already this term, the third-highest tally in the top flight, and a swoop for Mina could be shrewd business.

According to a report from Jeunes Footeux, the Toffees will allow the defender to leave Goodison Park in January should their €20m (£17m) asking price be met. Mina is also entering the final 18 months of his contract, meaning that an imminent sale would be preferred by the Merseyside club.

The Colombian has been limited to just seven league appearances under Rafael Benitez so far this season, although an ongoing thigh problem has been a major reason for his absence. Mina returned to action on Monday night in Everton’s 2-1 win over Arsenal after two months out of the team, although the 27-year-old only managed 31 minutes as he had to be withdrawn.

According to SofaScore, the £120k-p/w defender has averaged a 78% pass accuracy and 3.4 clearances per game this season, compared to the 66% pass accuracy and 3.7 clearances per game of Fabian Schär.

It appears that Mina is certainly popular with many associated with Everton, in particular teammate Richarlison, who claimed that the Colombian is the club’s “best defender”. Furthermore, former Everton defender Michael Ball claimed earlier this season that “when he’s fit, he’s a monster.”

The 27-year-old has shown that he poses a threat in the air, frequently netting with headers and winning at least 2.7 aerial duels per game in every season since moving to Merseyside. Such traits are reminiscent of former Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini, who was renowned for being ‘strong in the air’ during his time on Tyneside.

With Transfermarkt currently valuing Mina at £18m, it could prove a sensible deal for the Magpies if PIF can land a new version of former Magpies and Argentina defender Coloccini. At 6 foot 5, the Colombian is certainly a physical presence and would come to St James’ Park with plenty of Premier League experience, having made 73 appearances in the English top flight.

In other news: Howe drops four-word injury update which will leave Newcastle fans buzzing

An update has emerged on Brentford central defender Pontus Jansson, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to The Guardian, the Magpies are one of three Premier League sides lining up a swoop for the ex-Leeds enforcer ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims that Leicester and Everton are also looking at him as a potential target, with his contract at the London club set to expire next summer.

Crucial issue

Eddie Howe may solve a crucial Newcastle issue by sealing a deal for Jansson in January – the leaky defence they have suffered from in the opening 16 games of the campaign.

They have conceded a whopping 34 goals in the Premier League, the most in the entire division, and are currently 19th in the table.

Brentford, meanwhile, have only conceded 22 goals – fewer than nine other teams – and Jansson has started all 16 of their games. This shows that he has been a key part of their success at the back and proves that he is capable of performing well at Premier League level, with his defensive record at the newly-promoted side being far better than Newcastle’s is currently.

Bees boss Thomas Frank previously lauded the defender’s ‘immense’ professionalism and hailed the experience he brings to the side. He said:

“Pontus is a top defender who brings immense professionalism, a great attitude, experience, defensive robustness, leadership qualities, and threat from set-pieces to our side.

“Everyone knows about the Brentford model but to develop the young players we have here, we also need experience and quality in the squad to get the perfect balance.”

The £24k-per-week colossus has averaged 4.8 clearances and 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game for Brentford in the top-flight, whilst also chipping in with one goal and one assist to help the attackers. This shows that he has been an active part of their defensive success and why he could come in and solve Newcastle’s problems in that area.

Howe’s team are struggling badly in their own box and Jansson’s form and defensive record for the Bees suggests that he could come in and have a positive impact on the side. This is why PIF must splash the cash and bring the 30-year-old to St. James’ Park in January to bolster the squad and solve a crucial issue in the team.

AND in other news, NUFC heading for disaster on “embarrassing” 30 y/o dud, Howe once locked him in a room…

John Hartson has issued a warning to Celtic regarding the permanent transfer of Jota ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the former Celtic striker stated his belief that Michael Nicholson and his transfer team at Parkhead must look to secure the €7.5m (£6.5m) permanent signing of the Benfica loanee prior to the opening of the winter window, as a number of Europe’s leading clubs could be plotting a swoop for the 22-year-old.

Speaking about the situation of the Portugal under-21 international, Hartson said: “You do it now, you do it now. In January, you do it. He’s made a great impact and although Celtic have first refusal it doesn’t mean you get him over the line.

“They have an option to get him, but his agent and Jota will have the decision whether it will be Celtic or not. You don’t want Jota to be on 20 goals by February and then a Bayern Munich come in and say to his agent ‘we’ll give you £10m if you get him to us.’

“That could happen – a Bayern Munich or a PSG might come in and say, ‘we want this kid, he’s 22, he’s lit the place up at Celtic, he looks dynamite.’ I would recommend Celtic to it as swiftly as they can because he is a very special player.”

Nicholson must act

It is easy to understand Hartson’s concern regarding the future of Jota, as the winger has already proven to be a remarkable addition to Ange Postecoglou’s first team squad since his arrival on loan back in August.

Indeed, over his nine Premiership appearances so far this season, the £3.15m-rated forward has scored four goals, provided four assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.9 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These metrics have seen the man who Postecoglou dubbed an “unbelievable” player average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.40, ranking the winger as the eighth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

The £7.1k-per-week 22-year-old has also hugely impressed over his four Europa League games for Celtic, bagging one goal, registering two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates – returns which have seen him average an even more astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.55 in Europe.

As such, it would indeed seem advisable for Nicholson to tie up the winger’s permanent switch to Parkhead at the earliest possible opportunity, as Jota’s performances will more than likely be attracting a significant amount of attention, just as Hartson suggests.

In other news: Celtic could land Ange’s dream deal with 19 y/o sensation who “nothing seems to faze”

Reading midfielder John Swift may not be good enough to make the grade at Leeds United, according to former Whites defender Danny Mills.

The Lowdown: Swift tipped to join Leeds

The 26-year-old has arguably been one of the Championship’s standout players so far this season, shining in the middle of the park for Reading.

Swift has scored eight goals and registered seven assists in 17 league appearances, and was even hailed as a ‘great player’ by Marcelo Bielsa in the past.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Leeds a number of times, with a January switch mooted.

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The Latest: Mills unsure after update from source

Despite Swift’s impressive numbers this season, someone who isn’t convinced he is good enough for the Whites is Mills.

Speaking to Football Insider after a Thorp Arch source confirmed interest in a January move, the former Leeds and England man admitted he has doubts:

“Are Reading going to want to sell? They’re going to think they need every player possible to get out of the situation they are in.

“Also, is he better than what Leeds have got? Is he better than Bamford, who we expect to come back to fitness soon? Is he better than Rodrigo? There are doubts.

“Will he be able to do it immediately in the Premier League? We know it takes them months to get up to speed under Bielsa so you’d be looking at the end of January if you buy him at the beginning.

“January transfers are not really something I expect Marcelo Bielsa to do too much. When he’s done it in the past, even with loan deals, it hasn’t really worked out.

“Reading are going to want big money as well. You’re looking at big money for a squad player. Is that really worth it? I’m not convinced it would be.”

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The Verdict: Key for squad depth

While Swift may not necessarily be at the level required to be the first name on the teamsheet – he has only played one minute of Premier League football in his career –  improved squad depth should never be sniffed at and he could offer that.

The fact that Bielsa is an admirer also speaks volumes about the Englishman’s ability and he could find an extra gear working alongside the Argentine, not to mention playing with someone like Kalvin Phillips in midfield.

It isn’t a move that would be earth-shattering, but over time, it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business, with Swift offering more guile and end product from the centre of the park.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly preparing a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison’s inconsistent form has been affected by a recent rib injury, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Harrison struggling for form

While deprived of several important players through injury, the Whites still couldn’t get their second Premier League win of the season on Saturday but their 1-1 draw at home to Wolves felt like a positive following Rodrigo’s last-gasp penalty.

Harrison struggled to make an impact at Elland Road, though, and he has now played seven league games this season and not registered a goal or an assist.

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The Latest: Hay reveals injury news

While the winger’s form has been disappointing compared to last season, when he got eight top-flight goals and assists apiece, there could be a good reason for the drop-off.

According to The Athletic’s Hay, the 24-year-old has been playing with a rib injury which has affected his performance level. The journalist stated: “Harrison has had a rib injury recently. Very little been made of it and I don’t know how much of a factor it is but he is struggling for form.”

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The Verdict: Pressure to perform

Harrison now finds himself under more pressure than ever to keep his place, with Raphinha and Dan James also representing strong wide options.

Last season, he and Raphinha were the undisputed go-to starters in those positions, but the Welshman’s arrival from Manchester United has increased the competition significantly.

All three actually played against Wolves, but Marcelo Bielsa may not always be that bold and Harrison will need to improve if he wants to keep starting regularly. Hopefully he overcomes his current injury and produces his best form again in the near future. Leeds could certainly do with it right now.

In other news, one Leeds player has given a key update on his injury progress. Read more here.

According to a report by Milan Live, West Ham United have now got Lille forward Jonathan Ikone in their sights as they eye more attacking additions for manager David Moyes.

The Lowdown: West Ham in forward hunt…

Over the summer, Moyes made no secret of his desire to add more forward additions to his ranks and bolster West Ham’s chances for 2021/2022.

As he candidly admitted, the Scotsman was ‘desperate’ to sign a striker in particular and it isn’t difficult to see why when taking into account star man Michail Antonio’s concerning injury history.

The Jamaica international has started this season in sublime form; bagging six goals and three assists in just nine Premier League starts whilst also winning the English top flight’s Player of the Month award for August.

Moyes has had to manage him carefully, though, with the Hammers boss electing not to use the 31-year-old at all in the Carabao Cup for example.

He has even sent club doctors abroad to monitor Antonio when the player goes touring on international duty.

An injury to Antonio, which is always a lingering possibility, would spell disaster for West Ham and Moyes – leaving little wonder why they are currently weighing moves for new attacking additions like Andrea Belotti and Jesse Lingard.

The Latest: West Ham set sights on Ikone…

As per Milan Live, West Ham have now set their sights on another forward in Lille star Ikone who has featured in the Champions League this season.

A key player for the Ligue 1 title-winners over 2020/2021, he has been attracting attention from Serie A giants AC Milan, but as they apparently pull out of the race, the Hammers and Everton swoop in.

West Ham, alongside the Toffees, are now in contention to sign the 23-year-old and are ‘seriously considering buying the player’ for Moyes.

The Verdict: Underwhelming?

Lille apparently value their man at around €40 million (£34.2m) according to an exclusive Anfield Central, and for that price, we believe Ikone should be strongly avoided.

The summer signing of Nikola Vlasic and links to Lingard, who could leave Manchester United in January for half of Ikone’s reported price (The Sun), arguably render the Frenchman’s addition unnecessary.

Going by his numbers, he doesn’t exactly stand out as a must-have target for Moyes either.

According to WhoScored, Ikone’s averages of 1.3 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.1 completed dribbles per 90 don’t measure up to that of key West Ham first teamers.

The likes of Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and Antonio have all racked up superior numbers to Ikone in terms of these attacking aspects, leaving one to wonder what he could add under Moyes.

A ‘very sought-after’ player before signing for Lille, we believe he shouldn’t be anywhere near the top of Rob Newman’s transfer wish list for January.

In other news: ‘Woohoo’, ‘Going for the title’…ExWHUemployee’s transfer claim has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has confirmed that Leeds United will be without Patrick Bamford for the Premier League clash against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the story?

Amid a difficult start in the top flight which has seen Marcelo Bielsa’s side lie just above the relegation zone, it appears that they’ve been handed yet another damaging blow to their chances of picking up a much-needed victory.

Writing on Twitter, Hay said: “From Bielsa’s press conference – Bamford, Koch and Llorente all out of Saturday game against West Ham with injuries. Struijk suspended. Decisions still to be made on Raphinha, Harrison and Ayling. #lufc”

Fans will be gutted

Bamford was an absolute sensation in the Premier League last season for the Whites, banging in 17 goals and providing another eight assists in 38 games.

In fact, only Spurs talisman Harry Kane outscored the Leeds star in the top flight in terms of English players, while only the Three Lions captain, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish provided more assists than him from the English contingent.

Speaking earlier this year, Match of the Day pundit and former Arsenal marksman Ian Wright waxed lyrical about the striker, and even gave credit to the Elland Road fanbase for the role they’ve had in Bamford’s successes.

He said: “You look at what Bamford has been through, six loan moves, his upbringing, private school stuff, Palace fans complaining about the way he runs – he has been through so much. People told him he would never be a Premier League striker.

“But Leeds fans deserve credit for sticking by him, even when you looked at some of those games and he did miss some easy chances. The manager stuck with him, and it will be difficult to find a manager with as much faith in Bielsa.”

Given the kind of importance that Bamford has in this Leeds side when it comes to scoring the bulk of their goals, missing him for today’s game against West Ham is a huge blow for Bielsa.

Leeds fans will surely be worried about who will step up to the plate in his absence at centre-forward, especially with Raphinha and Harrison also doubtful.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United starlet is “really pushing hard now”…