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Celtic have been given the green light to make a move for Manchester City full-back Yan Couto, amid reports that the youngster is keen to leave the club.

What’s the word?

According to Torcedores, the Brazilian gem is seeking a permanent transfer away from the Etihad this summer, having failed to make a single first-team appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side joining the club from Coritiba two years ago.

The 20-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan in Spain and Portugal at Girona and Braga, respectively, although is said to be favouring a return to South America.

A move to Parkhead may not be off the cards, however, with the right-back having been heavily linked with a loan move to Glasgow last summer, albeit before ultimately joining the Primeira Liga outfit.

According to Gary Caldwell, who works as a loan manager for City, the 5 foot 6 ace had been impressed by the Hoops’ “incredible” supporters, although ultimately opted against a move due to the “language barrier”.

Juranovic 2.0

Having received the green light to make a move, the hope will be that Couto can be tempted into making the switch this time around, particularly with Ange Postecoglou’s side now in a much more stable position and with Champions League football to offer next term.

The diminutive defender – who has been dubbed a “superb talent” by scout Jacek Kulig – enjoyed a particularly impressive 2021/22 campaign during his temporary stint, netting once and providing two assists in 28 league outings, while also creating eight big chances and averaging one key pass per game.

While former boss Carlos Carvahal admitted that he needs to work on the defensive side of his game, the one-time Swansea City manager was full of praise for the starlet’s attacking output, insisting he is a “very good player” in an offensive sense.

That forward-thinking approach would seemingly thrive in Postecoglou’s progressive style of play, with the 56-year-old putting great emphasis on his full-backs to impact the game in the final third.

One man who has already showcased his talent in that regard is Josip Juranovic, with the 26-year-old having thrived at Parkhead since his £2.5m move from Legia Warsaw last summer.

Comfortable on either side of the defence, the Croatia international enjoyed a hugely impressive debut campaign last time out, providing five goals and two assists in 35 games in all competitions for the eventual Scottish champions

That form has unsurprisingly alerted the attention of other clubs, however, amid rampant speculation that the £16k-per-week star could be on his way to Atletico Madrid in the current window, having also established himself for his country.

That potential exit has left the door open for the Old Firm giants to turn to the £4.5m-rated Couto once again, with the City prospect potentially able to follow in the footsteps of the current Celtic man and make an instant impact at the club.

IN other news, Deal Imminent: Celtic “very close” to big summer move, it’d be Ange’s best swoop yet

A claim has emerged on the future of Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor at Ibrox heading into next season…

What’s the talk?

Rangers journalist Joshua Barrie has revealed that the veteran has not signed a new contract with a view to joining the coaching staff alongside Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The 40-year-old has put pen to paper on a fresh one-year deal with the Premiership side and will only be taking on the role of being a player for the 2022/23 campaign.

Barrie Tweeted ahead of the official announcement: “Don’t believe a player/coaching role is in the pipeline at present.”

Van Bronckhorst will be gutted

The Gers head coach will be gutted with this news as he would surely benefit from having the former Scotland international as a part of his coaching set-up.

Van Bronckhorst praised the shot-stopper’s pedigree this week, saying: “Allan brings us invaluable experience and leadership both on and off the pitch, and I am really pleased he has chosen to stay with us for another year.

“I have been really impressed with the positive influence he has on our players, and also the dedication he has shown to still be a valuable asset for us in a playing-sense at the age of 40.”

These comments illustrate how important he is to the squad because of what he can offer to his teammates in matches and in the dressing room.

The Gers boss clearly appreciates what McGregor brings to the table and believes that he is a positive influence around the group, indicating that he is a good character to keep around.

He has played a whopping 446 games for the Light Blues to date, having also featured in over 150 matches in England for Cardiff and Hull combined. This shows how much experience he has accumulated throughout his career in the United Kingdom.

McGregor would, therefore, be a big addition to the coaching team as he has a wealth of knowledge to impart to the younger goalkeepers moving forward. He knows exactly how to perform at the top level for Rangers and can use his know-how to help the up-and-coming gems make their own way at the club.

Van Bronckhorst will be gutted that a coaching role is not in the offing and he will be hoping that the veteran changes his mind before the end of the 2022/23 campaign as he considers hanging up the gloves.

AND in other news, Contact made: Rangers in big transfer talks that’ll now leave Wilson scrambling…

Tottenham Hotspur are in for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to Italian journalist Lorenzo Amuso.

The lowdown

Napoli shelled out £67.5million to sign Osimhen from Lille in September 2020, and he’s played 62 games for the club so far.

The Serie A side, who finished third last season to secure a Champions League place, committed to him a five-year contract.

Spurs have been very active in the early knockings of the summer transfer window, adding Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma to their ranks, but Fabrizio Romano says they are absolutely not done yet.

The latest

Amuso, speaking live on CMIT TV, says ‘we can expect really great things from Tottenham’ in the remaining months of the summer transfer window after they qualified for the Champions League.

Conte has ‘obtained great guarantees’, with Spurs backing him to take the club to the next level. And one of the players in whom he and Tottenham have ‘taken an interest’ is Osimhen.

But they’re not the only team in the running, with North London rivals Arsenal very much keen too. In fact, the Gunners have apparently made an offer worth €60million (£51.5million) already, but seen it rejected.

Significantly, it seems that the player is ‘willing to leave’ the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

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The verdict

Why might Conte be interested in Osimhen when he already has Harry Kane on his books?

Perhaps it’s possible that he could look to play the pair up front together, but it’s unclear where that would leave Son Heung-min, last season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner.

Kane may be five years older than Osimhen but it’s hard to see him accepting the role of long-term successor, nor will he be content as a back-up option after bagging 18 goals in 32 appearances last season.

Spurs, then, would have a job on their hands convincing the Nigerian, named Serie A’s Best Young Player this season, to come in and fight for a spot in the XI.

But supporters will surely be pleased to see the club targeting ‘absolutely phenomenal’ players like Osimhen (to use the words of journalist Zach Lowy). It underlines their ambition.

In other news, Tottenham have made contact with this relegated club.

West Ham United are interested in signing Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis, according to a report from The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Dennis impresses for Watford

During what was a difficult campaign for the Hornets during 2021/22, the Nigeria international was one of the few positives to come out of Vicarage Road.

The 24-year-old was signed from Club Brugge last summer and made an instant impact with an opening day goal and an assist in the 3-2 victory over Aston Villa upon the Hertfordshire club’s return to the Premier League.

Despite the Nigerian’s continued exploits, Watford were relegated and Dennis could now be on the move once again…

The latest: West Ham keen on Dennis

As per The Athletic, West Ham have ‘intimated that they are prepared to pay £18 million plus £2 million in add-ons’ for the five-cap Nigeria international.

It’s claimed that Dennis – who Watford valued between £20m and £25m – is on a ‘list of recruitment targets’ at the London Stadium as David Moyes and Rob Newman attempt to strengthen the Irons’ attacking ranks.

However, as things stand, the Irons are not expected to advance their interest in the man hailed as ‘very talented’ by his former manager Claudio Ranieri following an impressive start to life in England, even though the 24-year-old is ’99 per cent certain to be leaving’ Vicarage Road this summer.

The verdict: Worthwhile option

In spite of the dismal 2021/22 campaign overall for the Hertfordshire club, Dennis ended the season with 10 goals and six assists in 33 league outings, winning 6.2 duels, making one key pass and taking 1.8 shots per game (Sofascore).

Comfortable playing on either wing and as a centre-forward, the dynamic attacker with 46 career goals would be a superb addition to Moyes’ attacking ranks, capable of covering for regular starters Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Pablo Fornals.

Even at the mooted asking price, this is a deal that the West Ham hierarchy should be all over this summer.

In other news: Journalist says West Ham are ‘in talks’ to sign an ‘amazing’ forward, find out more here.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is now open to becoming Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer window.

The Lowdown: January pursuit

According to a Sky Sports report from January, the Magpies had a bid worth up to £33m accepted by Reims for the 19-year-old.

On deadline day, Ekitike called off the Premier League move, as the young striker believed the timing wasn’t right for a move (via 90min).

However, Newcastle have seemingly been pushing on with negotiations ever since, and the player himself has now given the deal the green light.

The Latest: Ekitike now agrees to join

Taking to Twitter, the transfer guru shared the news of a major breakthrough concerning Newcastle’s pursuit of the forward.

“Hugo Ekitike has agreed a five year deal with Newcastle. Now it’s about final details to be discussed with Reims before deal completed.

“Talented French striker was in BVB list but Newcastle have been pushing for months after January negotiations.”

The Verdict: Fantastic signing

With the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain having been linked with a move for the youngster, Ekitike’s potential should be clear to see.

Earning comparisons to global superstar Kylian Mbappe and French legend David Trezeguet, the 19-year-old’s arrival at St. James’ Park will be one of the most exciting incomings that the club has seen in recent years.

Fans will be hoping that the final details of the deal can be agreed smoothly, so the Frenchman can join up with Eddie Howe’s side as soon as possible.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has urged Celtic to sign winger Jota on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Jota shines for Celtic

The 23-year-old completed a loan move to Parkhead from Benfica last summer, as he looked to earn regular playing time away from his parent club.

Jota has proven to be a superb signing by Celtic, playing his part in their Scottish Premiership title win, chipping in with seven goals and eight assists in the competition.

The hope is that the Hoops now sign the Portuguese permanently – something they are working on currently, with Sky Sports reporting a negotiation over the level of sell-on clause the deal will have.

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The Latest: McLeish makes fresh plea

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, a regular pundit on Sky Sports, urged Celtic to hurry up and get the deal done:

“I think give them it (the sell-on clause). I think it’s a no brainer. He has been outstanding for them and very instrumental in them winning that league.

“Why not do a deal? It’s a kind of safe way to get him to sign on the dotted line. I would say definitely Celtic should do some kind of deal.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Hoops

The thought of Celtic losing Jota after such an impressive season is worrying, with his trickery and end product from out wide proving to be a key attacking weapon.

He certainly appears to be happy at Parkhead, meaning the move seems set to happen, but the Hoops need to act quickly to ensure he isn’t snapped up by someone else.

Signing Jota in the coming weeks would arguably feel more significant than any new summer arrival, given the impact he has made in his short time in Scotland.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on one player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has swung the axe behind the scenes as he gives the green-light for his club to make a sale, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes Spurs overhaul…

Last Friday’s transfer summit with club chief Fabio Paratici in Italy has been at the centre of much discussion, coming after the Lilywhites also announced a £150m equity increase (The Telegraph).

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Conte guiding Spurs to a top-four Premier League finish and securing the riches of Champions League football for next season has seemingly gifted the club a new lease of life ahead of what could be a very interesting summer transfer window.

However, Paratici will also be tasked with balancing the books and selling players who are out of favour, with Spurs’ head coach reportedly making a decision on Harry Winks.

The Latest: Conte swings Winks axe…

As per Football Insider, Conte has deemed the English midfielder ‘surplus to requirements’ as he green-lights the player’s sale, prompting Spurs to tell Winks he is free to find a new club.

Having been sent a clear message, the 26-year-old’s representatives have apparently been ‘informed’ by Tottenham that they will listen to offers of around £20m for the player.

The Verdict: Right move…

At the start of Conte’s tenure, Winks actually looked as if he was working his way back into favour in north London. The former Chelsea boss called the Englishman ‘reliable’ and a player he can ‘count on’ at the turn of the year, gifting the 26-year-old possible hope of a career resurgence in N17.

Some pundits, like former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, even tipped Winks to ‘flourish’ under Conte’s tutelage, branding the midfielder a ‘perfect fit’ for his tactical system (Football Insider).

However, with the ex-Inter Milan boss seemingly now deciding to part company with the 26-year-old, it appears that such promise has failed to be realised.

In other news: ‘Fully’ – Journalist says Tottenham could sign £100m ‘big name’ this summer! Find out more here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has made a transfer claim on Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

The Whites were linked with a loan move for the 27-year-old late in the January transfer window and have once again been credited with an interest in recent days.

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Reports suggested that Leeds would renew their interest in the Japan international, should they avoid relegation. As we now know, Jesse Marsch’s side survived on the final day following a 2-1 win over Brentford and are already working on a move for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson.

Aaronson has previously starred under Marsch, as has Minamino, who has been labelled ‘exceptional’ by Jurgen Klopp.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments

Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Minamino’s future at Anfield.

He said that the player will ultimately be the one to decide his next move, believing that an exit could earn him more playing time.

Robinson stated:

“It really depends on Minamino’s ambition. If he is happy playing a bit-part role then he will stay. Klopp won’t want him to leave.

“That squad is challenging on every front possible. There is no better place to be if you want to be part of the squad. If he wants to play football week in, week out then you suspect he will leave.

“Klopp is starting to rejuvenate that squad but I still think there is a squad role for Minamino next season.

“Listen, if he is happy to sit on the bench every week and play now and then it is a manager’s dream. His future will be determined by personal ambition.”

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Minamino impressed under Marsch at RB Salzburg, contributing to 20 goals in 22 games, which resulted in a move to Liverpool midway through the 2019/20 campaign.

Capable of playing anywhere across the front line or as an attacking midfielder, the 27-year-old could be a shrewd attacking signing as Marsch looks to implement his style ahead of his first full season in charge at Leeds.

The 48-year-old has got the best out of Minamino in Austria and could look to do the same at Elland Road, especially with star attacker Raphinha linked with a move to Barcelona.

In other news: Leeds could move for Van Persie-esque forward after fresh talks. 

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, claims Alex Crook in his latest talkSPORT column.

The Lowdown: Aribo’s Rangers career

Having arrived from Charlton Athletic on a free transfer in 2019, the 25-year-old has become an integral part of Rangers’ midfield.

The Nigeria international has featured 56 times this season, netting nine goals and producing ten assists to help push the Glasgow side to a second-place finish both in the league and in Europe.

Aribo averaged a 7.03 WhoScored rating throughout Rangers’ emphatic Europa League campaign, where Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side sensationally reached the final before missing out on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.

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The Latest: Palace want Aribo

According to journalist Alex Crook in his talkSPORT column, Crystal Palace have identified Aribo as a potential Conor Gallagher replacement.

Eagles boss Patrick Viera is said to be a big admirer of the 25-year-old, as he believes the midfielder’s versatility would be a huge asset to his Palace side.

Aribo fits Palace’s up-and-coming recruitment strategy, so the Premier League club are likely to make a move for the Rangers man in the summer.

The Verdict: Big loss for Rangers

Aribo’s Ibrox departure would come as a huge loss to van Bronckhorst, as the Dutchman has claimed that the midfielder plays a “very important role” in his Gers side.

Aston Villa ace and former Charlton teammate Ezri Konsa has been extremely complimentary of the Nigeria international, claiming that he reminds him of a “left-footed Yaya Toure” due to his “unique” play-style.

With a potential Ibrox exit on the cards, van Bronckhorst will be doing anything he can to keep the midfielder in Glasgow.

In other news: Rangers: Paddy Kenny issues summer transfer warning

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has personally set his sights on signing an ‘absolute beast’ this summer, according to a reliable source.

The Lowdown: Striker on the cards?

The Saints have been tipped to add a new striker to their ranks for 2022/2023 amid claims they may find it difficult to seal a permanent deal for Chelsea loanee Armando Broja.

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Links to Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi have emerged in just one example as transfer chief Martin Semmens looks at alternatives to the Albania international going forward.

New targets are seemingly coming to light at a consistent rate as the transfer window looms with reliable reporter Jack Rosser, formerly of The Evening Standard, sharing what he knows.

The Latest: Southampton weigh Delap…

According to the journalist, Southampton are now ‘considering’ a loan deal for Man City’s young striking starlet Liam Delap.

This comes after the successful signings of promising young talents like Broja and Tino Livramento with Rosser claiming Hasenhuttl now personally has another ‘in his sights’.

Indeed, Southampton’s head coach has allegedly ‘moved to target some of the best young players in the Premier League’ with Delap now becoming one of them.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 19-year-old is a serious talent and we believe landing him on loan is a real no-brainer.

A low-risk move financially, Delap is already turning heads – even drawing comparisons to City’s major new signing Erling Braut Haaland in the past (Goal).

His lack of opportunities under Pep Guardiola this season is down to injury issues if anything with the Spaniard even raving over his incredible development last year and promising him a place in the first team (The Sun).

This came after what was a truly astounding 2020/2021 season for City’s elite development squad where he scored 24 goals and assisted five others in 20 games – prompting renowned football talent scout Jacek Kulig to call him an ‘absolute beast’ (Twitter).

Rated highly by critics and one of the best coaches in world football, a move for Delap should seriously be entertained by Southampton.

In other news: Southampton also eyeing summer signing in 6 foot 3 powerhouse as club concede defeat! Find out more here.