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Celtic could find life rather difficult in the transfer window this summer.

As well as facing the prospect of losing some of their star players, the Hoops may not have a great deal to spend on bringing in new faces to Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

One area where Celtic should look at strengthening this summer is on the wings.

Mohamed Elyounoussi will be heading back to Southampton after his 17-goal loan spell in Paradise while Ryan Christie hardly set the world alight in a wide area this season. He scored 13 fewer goals than he managed throughout 2019/20, enduring a wretched campaign in the green and white hoops.

With James Forrest missing through injury for the vast majority of the campaign, Celtic lacked genuine width. They played in a narrow fashion and it wasn’t until Karamoko Dembele was unleashed towards the end of the season that John Kennedy was shown what the Bhoys were missing.

The teenager dragged the St Johnstone defence towards him on the flank and was then able to punish them by latching onto David Turnbull’s through ball for his first senior goal.

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Unfortunately, with the likes of Christie and Elyounoussi often coming inside, it hasn’t given Celtic many opportunities to get in behind defences.

The solution

As well as looking towards Dembele for more of an impact next term, the Hoops should consider signing Hibernian winger Martin Boyle.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a bargain switch to Celtic this season, with a fee of £500,000 being touted. Not only would that fall into Celtic’s meagre summer budget, but he’d be an ideal player for what they need.

Boyle was in inspired form for Hibs during the 2020/21 campaign, enjoying a devastating attacking season playing in a mixture of positions.

The Australia international scored 15 goals in 48 outings, taking his tally at Easter Road to 49 altogether for the Edinburgh club. The 28-year-old was also highly creative, providing 12 assists for his teammates.

Capable of playing on either flank, Boyle is someone who’s made an impression on former Celtic boss Neil Lennon. The forward was a key player at Hibs during Lennon’s time in charge at Easter Road as he featured 109 times under the Northern Irishman, scoring 19 goals and claiming 26 assists.

It was a spell which earned praise from Lennon. Speaking after Boyle’s first few caps for Australia, the former Hibs and Celtic manager said: “It’s fantastic and we’re all really pleased for him. He’s made a huge impression. I got a text from Graham Arnold this morning thanking me and saying they were pleased with his performances.”

That came two years after Lennon commented: “He was bright, strong and energetic and his movement was good. His touch was good and his work rate was fantastic and it gave the whole team a lift.”

With that in mind, Boyle could surely fit into this Celtic team. They are in desperate need of finding an energetic winger, someone who’s willing to track back and work for the team, and the Australian may be the perfect candidate.

AND in other news, Howe would have been an instant hit if Celtic signed 45-goal bully who’s “impossible to beat”…

According to a report by Goal, Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing Crystal Palace dynamo Wilfried Zaha alongside Everton – with the report revealing chairman Daniel Levy ‘will look to pursue a deal’ this summer. 

The Lowdown: Zaha wants out…

The 28-year-old is said to be eager to exit Selhurst Park once again over six years after the Eagles re-signed him from Manchester United.

Zaha has been one of Palace’s key players for a number of seasons and has continued that form sporadically over 2020/2021, scoring 11 goals in 29 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

This has reportedly prompted interest from opposing clubs as Goal lift the lid on this development in the Zaha saga.

The Latest: Spurs now keen…

As reported by Goal, Spurs are now keen on signing Zaha alongside Everton with Levy aiming to rebuild the squad and compete over 2021/2022.

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Their new interest in the Ivorian star may have been prompted by his hesitation over signing a new deal.

His current deal expires in 2023 and the clock is ticking for Palace to sell Zaha for profit.

There is also a belief that he could be available for less than £40 million – arguably an attractive incentive for Levy to consider a deal with Spurs now keen.

Indeed, Tottenham will apparently ‘look to pursue a deal’ this summer and are currently monitoring his situation amid after this possible price drop.

The Lilywhites will especially have the means to make a move if superstar striker Harry Kane departs this summer.

The Verdict: Time to strike…

Signing Zaha for a fee below £40m comes as a real opportunity for Spurs to inject some much-needed creativity going forward.

As well as this, his arrival would provide Tottenham’s new manager with an alternative to Son Heung-min and more strength in depth overall.

Scoring 47 goals and assisting 41 others in 245 Premier League appearances overall (Transfermarkt), the attacker is currently in his prime and could really shine for Spurs.

Lauded as an ‘outstanding talent’ by Martin Keown (talkSPORT), fellow pundit Tony Cascarino told the same outlet that Zaha can be ‘nearly unplayable’ when at his very best.

The only caveat could be Zaha’s £130,000-per-week wages and whether he could demand more if Spurs come calling, with the Lilywhites’ financial problems well documented (Evening Standard).

If Spurs manage to pull off a deal, however, he certainly has the ability to justify every penny.

In other news: ‘I hear from a reliable source’…Journalist drops major Harry Kane claim, find out more here.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer as the Eagles look to rebuild their first team squad.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants to take a closer look at the 21-year-old before making any decision on his future, but Palace are keen to snap up the youngster immediately.

The England under-21 international had an impressive loan spell with West Bromwich Albion in 2020/21, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 30 Premier League appearances.

Next McArthur

It’s set to be a summer of much change at Selhurst Park as the south London outfit enter the post-Roy Hodgson era. The former England boss enjoyed four relatively successful years with the capital club but has left the playing squad in a far from healthy position.

Key players such as Gary Cahill, Andros Townsend and Parick van Aanholt are among an extensive list of stars set to become free agents over the coming weeks. However, one of main positions potentially affected by Palace’s current contract situation is central midfield.

Experienced regulars James McCarthy and James McArthur will be able to leave the Eagles for nothing unless chairman Steve Parish puts a last-minute deal on the table, meaning a sizeable gap in the club’s engine room will need to be filled.

Therefore, a move for the £10.8-m rated (as per Transfermarkt) gem would make sense for the Palace hierarchy.

“Conor Gallagher has a lot of everything,” said former Baggies manager Slaven Bilic after the Midlands outfit defeated Sheffield United last November.

“He’s young, he can take balls, good in defending, he’s very calm on the ball, he’s energetic, and he loves to get in the box. I’m really delighted with his contribution. He got a massive career in front of him. Massive.”

Gallagher’s arrival would provide the perfect heir to McArthur and considerably ease the transitional period for Hodgson’s successor, whoever that may be.

In other news…Crystal Palace handed major transfer boost over £9m beast which will have fans buzzing 

Liverpool have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Marca (as reported by The Mirror), Bayern Munich have won the race to secure the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, agreeing a fee in the region of £68m.

The report states that Atleti are confident that a deal taking Saul to the Bundesliga champions can be completed soon, handing Jurgen Klopp a huge setback in his summer transfer plans.

Klopp will be gutted

With Gini Wijnaldum expected to depart Anfield in the coming days, signing a top-quality replacement for the Dutch international is thought to be high up on Liverpool’s wish lift.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an incredibly successful five-year stint with the Reds, making 237 appearances, winning the Premier League title and the Champions League in the process. His departure will leave a significant gap in Klopp’s midfield, and the Liverpool manager will surely be gutted to miss out on one of his top targets.

Saul has been linked with a move to the Premier League for many years, with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand signing the Spain international’s praises 12 months ago.

“What a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he’s a major player. Composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware,” the 42-year-old said during an Instagram Live video (as reported by Sports Mole).

Ferdinand added: “You can see (Diego) Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up, and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.”

However, it seems as though Bayern have beaten off significant competition to secure the dynamic midfielder’s services.

The German giants are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of Julian Naglesmann’s maiden campaign in charge at the Allianz Arena, and the addition of Saul to the Bundesliga champions’ engine room will be a fantastic first signing for the young coach.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Fabinho: Klopp can form dream LFC duo with “complete” £58.5m-rated gem 

Dean Windass believes that selling Serge Aurier would be a mistake from Tottenham.

The right-back recently said that he doesn’t want to sign another contract in north London despite entering the final 12 months of his deal, and hinted at a return to PSG.

Since Kieran Trippier left for Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2019, Aurier has established himself as the club’s number one right-back but was strongly linked with both AC Milan and Monaco last summer following the arrival of Matt Doherty.

Despite a stop-start campaign, the 28-year-old still made 27 appearances in all competitions, although he appeared just 11 times in the Premier League after Christmas, with youngster Japhet Tanganga given a couple of rare chances at right-back.

But whilst Aurier, who was slated by and handed a 3/10 rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold following the Europa League exit to Dinamo Zagreb, has shown his capabilities in an attacking force since joining from PSG, there have always been question marks over the defensive side of his game – with the Ivorian often making careless mistakes.

Asked whether he’d be a loss should Tottenham move him on this summer, Windass told Football FanCast:

“Yes. I think he’s a great player, I think he’s an athlete, I think he’s a very good defender, but it’s like a domino effect.

“Losing Harry, Son’s not happy, everyone will be trying to jump ship.”

West Ham United continue to be linked to Aaron Ramsey this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Irons are among the front-runners to land the 64-cap Welsh international as his time at Juventus seems to be coming to an end.

They are facing competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace but a lot will have to be done to get him out of his reported €7m-per-year (£6m) contract at the Allianz Stadium.

It’s thought that West Ham have already tested the waters with an approach, so it now lies in the hands of David Moyes and the club’s hierarchy.

Biggest name since Payet

You get the feeling that this sort of signing would split opinion at the London Stadium.

On the one hand, it’s hard to make a case for a fairly injury-prone 30-year-old who is entering the twilight of his career but adding Ramsey would give the Hammers a player with vast experience of playing in Europe as they embark on a Europa League campaign.

Just this week, the former Arsenal man proved he still had that goalscoring touch from midfield, when latching onto a sublime ball from Gareth Bale to put Wales up against Turkey at Euro 2020.

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It was in North London that Ramsey quickly emerged as one of the Premier League’s best advanced playmakers, earning comparisons to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

He bagged 65 goals and provided another 65 assists in over 370 matches, in which he recorded a career-best of 13 goals and ten assists during the 2013/14 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

His 76 appearances across both European competitions could provide Moyes with something he’s lacking in abundance, too.

This is the sort of presence that the Irons once had in midfield when Dimitri Payet was at the club and Ramsey is, in our opinion, a much bigger name now than Payet was when he first arrived at the club in 2015.

West Ham have signed a lot of players in the last few seasons but none of those were, in the view of FFC, as high profile a player as Ramsey is now.

Once dubbed “complete” by ex-Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, and a “real leader” and “an outstanding technician” by BT Sport pundit Martin Keown, the Hammers must consider landing the Welsh international this summer.

Him playing alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek would be a mouthwatering prospect in the Europa League.

AND in other news, Forget Kral: GSB must sanction West Ham bargain in £8.5m workhorse who “upset” Ronaldo…

West Ham flop Felipe Anderson is somehow a wanted man this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Corriere dello Sport, the 28-year-old winger dreams of a return to former club Lazio, where he is likely to be considered by newly-appointed manager Maurizio Sarri.

It’s thought that the Irons are willing to sell their one-time £35m club-record signing, who is now valued at just £9m by Transfermarkt, but for the time being, he’s set to return to the London Stadium following an unsuccessful loan spell at Porto.

The Brazilian has struggled throughout his time in the Premier League and current manager David Moyes is said to not be a fan of his, so it seems his future at the club is in jeopardy.

Time to go

Anderson returns to East London on the back of only ten appearances and 663 minutes of action for the Portuguese giants, in which he provided the one goal contribution, as per Transfermarkt.

That’s hardly done himself any favours, with the likes of Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen way ahead of him in the pecking order. If the Hammers’ hierarchy can offload him this summer, then they absolutely should get rid.

His record since arriving from the Italian side in the summer of 2018 has been pretty abysmal. He was a regular under Manuel Pellegrini last season before he was sacked, yet could only end the league campaign with one goal and four assists.

By comparison, Jesse Lingard was signed in January and finished this year with nine goals and four assists, as per WhoScored.

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GSB have been paying the price for Manuel Pellegrini’s costly decision to sign him ever since.

Anderson is believed to be amongst the highest earners at the club, raking in a cool £85k-per-week and when you factor in the total £42m fee it cost to sign him, you begin to realise just how much has been wasted.

Overall, when excluding the stint at Porto this season, he has cost the club nearly £52m, which equates to £4.3m per goal scored (12 total) and a little over £722k per appearance (72 total).

Moyes isn’t the only Hammers-related man against the winger either. Former striker Frank McAvennie slammed him during an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, where he said:

“He’s got to go. Let the boy go.

“They bought him in and he’s a luxury player. I’ve never seen him go into a tackle, never mind win one. Talent in abundance, but he’s gone to Porto on loan, but has done the same there – just strolled about.

“He can’t come back to West Ham; they’ll want him off the wage bill.”

It’s time for Moyes to show no mercy and axe Anderson from the club this summer.

AND in other news, Moyes can ease the Hammers’ devastating Lingard blow with swoop for £18m-rated “special talent”…

An update has emerged on Blackburn’s transfer plans this summer and it could positively impact Southampton’s pursuit of Adam Armstrong.

What’s the talk?

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn have identified Toulouse striker Rhys Healey as a replacement for Southampton target Adam Armstrong. The report claims that Blackburn are ready to swoop for Healey if they cash in on Armstrong in the coming weeks, news which could come as a boost to Southampton and to Raplph Hasenhuttl, who would love to add another goalscoring threat to his side.

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that Southampton and Norwich are leading the race to sign Armstrong from Blackburn. Football Insider claimed that Blackburn are willing to sell Armstrong for £15m this summer as his contract expires in 2022.

Former Blackburn midfielder Richie Smallwood labelled Armstrong as a “special” player and claimed that he could do damage against any team in the Championship. He told the Lancashire Telegraph:

“He’s a special player with the ability to hurt any team in this league.

“He’s on fire at the moment, player of the month, and hopefully that continues.

“The lay-off to Adam was great – it had the perfect weight on it. The finish was brilliant.”

Mane 2.0

Southampton could find their next Sadio Mane by signing Armstrong this summer. Since Mane left Southampton to join Liverpool, the Saints have not been able to find another exciting winger who is able to regularly contribute in the final third of the pitch. Mane scored 21 goals in the two Premier League seasons for Southampton, whilst Stuart Armstong was the club’s top-scoring wide man with four in the season just gone.

Armstrong has already proven himself at the Championship level. The former Newcastle man has scored 44 goals in the second tier since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, showing that he is far too good to not be playing at the top level.

He has a similar style to Mane in that he is electric with his movement and is able to make intelligent runs in behind to create chances for himself. Whilst Armstrong was mainly deployed down the middle for Blackburn, he has also played as a left-winger and this is where he could thrive for the Saints, as Mane did during his time at St. Mary’s.

The £14k-per-week dynamo could play in the left attacking midfield position in Hasenhuttl’s set-up and provide a far greater goal threat than the likes of Armstrong, Theo Walcott and Nathan Redmond. His goalscoring record at Championship level is phenomenal and if he can replicate even in the slightest in the top-flight, then Southampton could find their next Mane.

Saints must get a deal over the line as Hasenhuttl would love it if he is able to work with the dynamic forward next season.

AND in other news, Semmens should seal Saints swoop for versatile £14.4m-rated gem, Ralph would love him…

Lee Ryder has dropped some potential timeframes on both Newcastle United takeover cases against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Ashley vs Premier League

Mike Ashley has launched two separate claims against the English top flight over the failed deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

One is the arbitration case, which is set to take place over the coming months, and there is also the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) claim over the Premier League’s decision-making process regarding the failed takeover bid.

The Latest: Potential timeframes

Writing in a Q&A session for The Chronicle, football journalist and takeover follower Ryder has shared that the arbitration hearing, which is set to take place in July, could take three weeks to yield a result.

He also outlined that the separate anti-competition claim could take up to nine months for an outcome.

The Verdict: Arbitration key

Newcastle will certainly not want to come out of the arbitration proceedings with a negative result, as it means that they may have to rely upon the CAT claim, which would take much longer to find an outcome.

The timing of arbitration is not ideal either, given that the summer transfer window has already begun and the new 2021/22 season is set to start in August.

Nonetheless, a positive result could speed up the takeover process, which would be the best outcome for the Tyneside club as they look to go into the new campaign as best prepared as possible.

In other news, find out what FFP claim has been dropped on the potential takeover

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to a post regarding 11 players who are now out of contract at Selhurst Park.

Steve Parish and the rest of the Eagles hierarchy are yet to announce a new manager, with the club’s only meaningful piece of business this summer extending Christian Benteke’s deal.

Patrick Vieira looks set to be the man who will take over from Hodgson, and should he do just that, he’ll have a limited senior playing squad.

PA Sport Palace reporter George Sessions posted on Twitter on Thursday morning, letting supporters know that Wayne Hennessey, Stephen Henderson, Joel Ward, Nathaniel Clyne, Gary Cahill, Mamadou Sakho, Scott Dann, Patrick van Aanholt, James McCarthy, Andros Townsend and Connor Wickham all are now free agents.

Their Palace deals expired as the clock ticked over to Thursday, July 1, with Sessions describing the club’s summer so far as ‘disastrous’.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply to Sessions’ post regarding the 11 now former Eagles players, with one ‘amazed’.

“Honestly speechless we’ve allowed it to get to this”

Credit: @priestley93

“Doomed I tell ya DOOMED (in a Scottish accent)”

Credit: @oswaldsboss

“I’m amazed that people are trying to defend this approach. It’s currently the repeat of the George Burley season.”

Credit: @MarcWilliams22

“Was easily the most important since administration aswell. Fluffed lines everywhere”

Credit: @Samwise1795

“If Ward, Clyne, Cahill and Townsend don’t get renewals we might’ve well confirm championship football”

Credit: @BRL__18

“Get the youth in.”

Credit: @tfoster450

In other news: ‘My god’ – Many CPFC fans stunned as summer plans with Vieira emerge, find out more here.