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Charlie Nicholas has dropped a claim on Celtic’s potential business over the remainder of the January transfer window.

What’s been said?

Writing recently in the column for The Scottish Daily Express, the former Celtic centre-forward stated his belief that, despite recently missing out on the signing of Riley McGree and claiming that he has nothing currently in the pipeline regarding transfers, Ange Postecoglou is not done yet this month – particularly if the 56-year-old can cut loose a number of the Bhoys’ fringe players.

Regarding Celtic’s transfer business, the former Sky Sports pundit wrote: “Ange said last week he has nothing else in the pipeline as it stands. I still think he will do more business before the window closes, especially if he could get players out as well.”

Fans will be delighted

While it is true that Postecoglou has already secured the arrivals of four fresh faces this winter – with all of Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny making a move to Parkhead – considering just how much success the Greek-Australian coach has had with almost all of his signings for Celtic so far, the claim that there could yet be more additions made to the first-team squad this month is sure to have delighted Bhoys fans.

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Indeed, since his arrival last summer, the 56-year-old has brought in the likes of Jota – who has scored eight goals and registered six assists over his 19 appearances for the club – and Kyogo Furuhashi – who has bagged 16 goals and five assists over 26 outings.

That’s as well as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and Carl Starfelt – who are averaging highly impressive SofaScore match ratings of 7.46, 7.29 and 7.28 in the Premiership respectively.

Furthermore, both Hatate and goalscorer Maeda highly impressed during their Celtic debuts in the 2-0 over Hibernian on Monday evening, with the duo looking to be yet another two signings that will massively improve the Hoops squad.

As such, considering his rather remarkable record with incoming signings, should the Bhoys’ winter business not be over yet, as Nicholas suggests, it is undoubtedly hugely exciting news for the Parkhead faithful.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist reveals fresh Parkhead development which will worry Celtic fans

Sunderland moved up to third in the League One table on Tuesday night as they thrashed Morecambe 5-0 at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats were at their clinical best as they swept their opponents aside with ease, scoring two of their goals in the opening 17 minutes of the match.

Lee Johnson’s men are now two points off first place, currently held by Wigan, and two points behind second-placed Wycombe, who have played a game more than Sunderland.

Forget Broadhead

Nathan Broadhead scored two of the five goals and may take the plaudits for his fine performance, but another Black Cats star stole the show with a sublime showing on the night – Lynden Gooch.

The American winger was exceptional throughout the match and was pivotal to setting the tone with his direct running and ability on the ball.

He set up the first goal in the 13th minute with a sublime mazy run down the left wing, as he jinked past a number of challenges before firing the ball into Ross Stewart’s path for him to find the back of the net. Four minutes later, he produced a couple of stepovers to beat the full-back and clipped up a brilliant cross for Broadhead to find the corner of the goal.

On the ball, he was a threat all night down the flanks. As per SofaScore, he completed a whopping five dribbles, out of six attempts, and created three chances for his teammates – two of those resulting in the aforementioned assists for Broadhead and Stewart. He also completed three of his six long pass attempts and two crosses, whilst having 85 touches of the ball overall.

Gooch also competed out of possession. As per SofaScore, he won 60% of his ground duels (6/10) and made one clearance and one tackle. Given that Sunderland had 62% of the ball and he had little defensive work to do, this was a strong showing from him against the ball and shows that he can compete in physical battles to get the better of his opponents.

Therefore, the £5k-per-week wizard stole the show as he was able to win the majority of his battles off the ball and was a constant menace to the Morecambe defence on it. He was able to consistently cause problems for the opposition with his dribbling and chance creation, ultimately leading – directly – to two of the five goals and setting the tone for the night.

With Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side heading into Tuesday afternoon’s Premier League fixture against Southampton in an excellent run of domestic form, the 52-year-old will have been quietly confident of picking up yet another three points at St Mary’s.

However, despite Mohammed Salisu’s sending off in the first half today, Tottenham could not find the winning goal against Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side, with James Ward-Prowse’s spectacular 25th-minute strike and Harry Kane’s 41st-minute penalty being the only goals in a 1-1 draw.

As is perhaps to be expected after such a result, a number of Conte’s starting XI had an afternoon to forget against Saints, with Sergio Reguilon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Emerson Royal all turning in below-par displays on the south coast.

However, it will undoubtedly be Dele Alli who is most disappointed with his performance against Southampton on the Tottenham bus home, as the 25-year-old was once again ineffective in the middle of the park after being handed an opportunity to impress by Conte.

Lost 60% of his duels

Indeed, during his 62 minutes on the pitch, the £17m-rated midfielder failed to have a single shot at goal, completed just 17 of his 24 attempted passes (a success rate of 71%) and lost the ball on 12 separate occasions.

The £100k-per-week earner also failed with his one attempted dribble, was beaten by an opponent twice and lost six of his 10 duels, a failure rate of 60%.

These returns saw the player who Darren Anderton dubbed a “freak” receive a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.6, the third-worst of any Tottenham player to step onto the pitch today.

As such, with it being widely reported that Dele could be on his way out of north London in the January transfer window, if this was the England international’s last chance to impress Conte, he certainly did not take it. Today’s draw with Southampton could well be the last time the 25-year-old ever pulls on a Tottenham shirt.

In other news: Conte can finally axe Spurs’ £25m-rated “joke” by signing “devastating” £69k-p/w beast

Celtic face off against Aberdeen at Parkhead today as they return to Premiership action following their loss to Bayer Leverkusen three days ago.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were left frustrated as they lost 3-2 to the German outfit in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Moussa Diaby scoring a late winner for the hosts. Goals from Josip Juranovic and Jota had put Celtic 2-1 heading into the last half an hour, but Robert Andrich and Diaby struck late for Leverkusen.

How many changes will Ange make to the Hoops team for today? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three changes from Thursday, with Liel Abada, Mikey Johnston and James McCarthy coming in.

Celtic are facing a busy period of games heading into December and they could benefit from utilising their squad depth in the coming weeks. This means that Postecoglou may need to rotate his side and make changes irrespective of individuals’ form to hand some players opportunities to impress and others a chance to have a rest and avoid burnout.

The Australian may be forced into one change, though, as Nir Bitton could miss out through injury. He said after the loss to Leverkusen: “I was a bit disappointed to see Nir come off. In terms of how he is going to be, I’m not really sure. We will assess him, but he has been pretty influential for us and did well to help set up our second goal in Germany.”

We published an article explaining why McCarthy should start, with the Irishman potentially lining up at the base of the midfield.

We also predict that Abada will line up on the right of midfield ahead of James Forrest. The 20-year-old should be handed a start, due to his ability to be a game-changer for the Hoops, with seven goals and five assists this season. He could come in and provide a spark out wide after a disappointing display from the £19k-per-week Forrest on Thursday night – as he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.2.

Finally, Johnston could start ahead of David Turnbull in midfield. The latter might be offered a rest ahead of the busy December schedule, whilst the former could have an opportunity to show his manager that he deserves more minutes in the team. Johnston has only started once in the Premiership this season, but came off the bench against Leverkusen and created one chance in 18 minutes, showing a glimpse of what he is capable of producing when afforded the opportunity.

AND in other news, Forget Bitton: Ange must unleash “top-class” £14k-p/w Celtic maestro vs Aberdeen…

Everton have been drawn to face Championship side Hull City in the third round of the FA Cup. 

The tie will be played at The MKM Stadium between the 7th and 10th of January.

Hull are struggling

Everton have already suffered an upset at the hands of second-tier opposition this season – back in September, Queens Park Rangers knocked them out of the EFL Cup on penalties.

But while QPR are in the play-off places, Hull find themselves down in 19th place. They’re only six points above the relegation zone as the season nears its halfway point.

Can Everton finally end trophy drought?

The FA Cup was the last major trophy won by Everton, way back in 1994/95.

They got within one game of the semifinals at Wembley last season, only to be downed by Manchester City.

The Toffees haven’t been knocked out of the competition by lower-league opposition since 2011 though, when Reading won at Goodison Park.

Everton’s official Twitter account relayed news of the draw, and here’s what supporters made of it, with plenty of pessimism due to the club’s brutal and ongoing trophy drought…

These Everton fans far from optimistic ahead of Hull clash

“[checks where Hull is in the Championship… 19th]. Well, so much for the FA Cup…”

Credit: @dtaylor334

“Oh well, there’s always next season”

Credit: @AndyBlueWalker

“Congratulations Hull”

Credit: @OwenJH_

“We’re getting mauled by the tigers”

Credit: @Manners16

“Hull licking their lips”

Credit: @sludvigs

“Hull away? Well. We had a good run”

Credit: @FoximusPrime81

In other news, fans flocked to this Alex Iwobi revelation. 

Newcastle journalist Liam Kennedy has dropped an exciting transfer claim, regarding the upcoming January window.

What’s the talk?

The reporter has claimed that he is anticipating the Magpies to pursue ‘flagships’ in the window to make people take notice of them. He has named Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale as an example, with Newcastle potentially targeting big names who are not in the peak of their powers.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“Newcastle United, last summer there was a lot of talk of Gareth Bale. These players are damaged goods, but they are quality players who are the type of flagships that make people stand up and take notice.

“I would anticipate, as well as being some solid signings and levelling up in a lot of positions, I think they’ll want that feather in the cap. I think they’ll want one or two who really get people standing up and taking notice.”

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this claim for multiple reasons. For starters, it gives the supporters a reason to get excited ahead of the January window as this update tees up a busy month for PIF as they attempt to bolster the squad with new additions.

The Magpies are currently 19th in the Premier League table and are yet to pick up their first win in the division, with ten games already down the drain. This is why the St. James’ Park faithful need a reason to be cheerful and these quotes from Kennedy could provide one, with the prospect of a marquee signing arriving in January an exciting one.

Secondly, Kennedy names Bale as the type of player they could target. The Welshman has only played three games in La Liga this season, but enjoyed an impressive 2020/21 campaign on loan at Tottenham in the Premier League and could still have a huge influence on the side.

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He produced 11 goals and two assists in 20 league matches for Spurs, starting ten of those games. This shows that whilst he may be ‘damaged goods’ per Kennedy, he has the ability to come in at Newcastle and help them win games at this level.

That is why fans will be delighted at the prospect of a marquee, flagship, signing coming in during the January window, as they could inject some quality into the team. Whether that is Bale or another player with a similar profile remains to be seen, but supporters have a reason to be excited for now…

AND in other news, Willock 2.0: PIF must secure Newcastle saviour in “unique” £80k-p/w dynamo…

As per Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, there has been another update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Juventus attacker Dejan Kulusevski.

The Lowdown: Paratici and Conte enter race…

Recent reports from Italy claimed that the Sweden international has been added to Spurs’ ever-growing list of Serie A targets. Indeed, as explained by TUTTOmercatoWEB, both Conte and Paratici admire the player a lot and see him as a gem with enormous potential – making Spurs a ‘credible candidate’ for his signature.

Taking to Twitter recently, reporter Daniele Longo also claimed that contacts are ‘in progress’ between Juve and Spurs. In another promising claim, the paper edition of Tuttosport said that Tottenham are very much in contention.

The Latest: Spurs ‘in first place’…

As per their sources, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are ‘in first place’ as they enter the race to sign Kulusevski amid his lack of game-time in Turin. They claimed that both Conte and Paratici adore the 21-year-old, and while they face stiff competition, it is believed that Spurs are the favourites in the transfer race as things stand.

It won’t be cheap to bring him to north London, though, as the Bianconeri apparently value Kulusevski at around €40m (£34.1m).

The Verdict: Gamble?

Despite primarily playing on the wing, Juventus’ talented ace can actually be utilised in the number 8 and number 10 roles according to a detailed scout report by Outside of the Boot. This could make him a far more viable transfer target for Spurs given they have still yet to replace the influence of former star Christian Eriksen.

Lauded as ‘incredible’ by Portuguese footballing veteran Bruno Alves, Kulusevski may well come as an outside contender to finally fill the void left by Eriksen’s departure.

Over his best Italian top flight season back in 2019/20 for Parma, the maestro averaged a very impressive 2.2 key passes and 2.1 completed dribbles per 90 – similar numbers to what the Danish playmaker managed during his best years in north London (WhoScored).

However, his relative inexperience at the top level, having just emerged over the past two seasons, could count against him in that regard, and £34.1m is a large gamble to bet on.

In other news: Spurs now close to signing ‘monster’ as Conte seeks to solve major problem, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers face off against Hearts at Ibrox today in a huge clash at the top of the Premiership table.

A win for the home side would see them move four points clear at the top, whilst a defeat would see them drop down to second with the Jam Tarts overtaking them.

The Gers beat third-placed Hibernian 2-1 prior to the international break, as Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos’ second half goals secured the three points.

How many changes will Gerrard make to the team from that victory? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three changes to the side from the win over Hibs, with Jon McLaughlin, James Tavernier and Kemar Roofe all returning.

Firstly, we believe that McLaughlin will line up between the sticks. We published an article explaining why veteran shot-stopper Allan McGregor must be axed by Gerrard for this clash, and the former Liverpool captain could heed that advice and go with the 34-year-old today.

At right-back, captain Tavernier could return in place of Nathan Patterson. The teenage defender provided an assist against Hibernian and recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.6, which is why this is a difficult call to make. However, the experience (more than 300 appearances for Rangers) and leadership of Tavernier in a crunch game like this could be crucial for the Gers.

In midfield, Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara and John Lundstram could retain their places in the middle of the park. We published a piece detailing Steven Davis’ woes for Northern Ireland on international duty, which is why he could be watching on from the bench for today’s clash.

Finally, Roofe could come in for Scott Wright to line up on the left of the front three, with Morelos through the middle and Ianis Hagi out on the right. The former Leeds striker came off the bench and scored against Hibernian and we previously discussed why he deserves to start.

Wright and Hagi both caught the eye against Hibs and it is not an easy call on who to drop out of the pair. However, the latter created five chances in comparison to Wright’s four and that gives him the edge for this match, with the Romanian keeping his place in the side.

AND in other news, Wilson must avoid Rangers nightmare over “unique” beast compared to Yaya Toure…

Sky Sports’ Pete Graves has confirmed that representatives of Jesse Lingard were at St. James’ Park at the weekend ahead of a potential move to Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Lingard discussed

Writing in a piece for The Daily Telegraph, Luke Edwards revealed that Lingard is being discussed as a potential signing, but it is not clear whether he would want to leave Manchester United for the North East.

However, his representatives may have given off a big hint over where he now sees his future.

The Latest: At St. James’ Park

According to Graves, Lingard’s representatives were at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, when the Tyneside club lost 3-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The Sky Sports journalist claims that they were ‘keeping an eye on developments’ at the Magpies.

The Verdict: Loan him in

Lingard may not be too interested in a relegation battle, given that he is currently at United who are fighting much nearer to the top of the Premier League.

Thus, getting him on a loan deal for the rest of the season in the January transfer window, with an option to buy depending on if they manage to survive, could be a great option for the new owners.

Dubbed as ‘phenomenal’ by Adrian Durham during his loan spell at West Ham United last season, in where he had no fewer than 14 goal contributions in 16 matches (Transfermarkt), Lingard could do the same again.

With so much top-flight experience, he could be the key to getting the Toon out of the mess that they are in.

In other news, find out which ace Callum Wilson dubbed ‘unreal’ is wanted in January here!

Newcastle’s winless start to the 2021/22 Premier League campaign continued as they lost 2-1 to Bruno Lage’s Wolves on Saturday.

Two goals from Hee-Chan Hwang secured the three points for the away team, either side of an equaliser from Jeff Hendrick. The Irish midfielder made the most of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa on the floor in pain after a collision in the box, powering an effort in off the post.

Whilst a number of players failed to show off their best qualities, one player – in particular – let Steve Bruce down badly with his performance; Javier Manquillo.

The Spanish full-back endured a rough afternoon as he struggled defensively throughout the match before being substituted in the 70th minute.

To his credit, he did register an assist for Hendrick’s goal. He played the ball short to the midfielder, allowing him to rocket his shot in from distance for the equaliser. However, that was a rare spark in a dim display from the former Liverpool man.

In terms of his defending, the full-back put on a disaster class at right-back. Per SofaScore, he lost 85.8% of his duels as he managed to win just one of his seven 50/50 battles against Wolves players. He also failed to make a single tackle in the entire match, whilst also being dribbled past twice.

This suggests that he was too lightweight to compete against the physicality Wolves offered. He could not deal with their strength in one on one duels, whilst they were also too quick for him to contend with on the floor – as shown by him making zero tackles in his 70 minutes on the pitch.

For the second goal, Manquillo did not sense the danger to come across and help Federico Fernandez on the cover as Hwang raced through to score. The striker was allowed time and space to move into the position Manquillo should have been taking up, which left Fernandez scrambling to try and stop the shot – unsuccessfully.

Therefore, Manquillo let Bruce down badly on Saturday. His performance was riddled with defensive errors and the Magpies boss could now be considering his position on the team, with two weeks of an international break upcoming for him to ponder a potential change to the XI.

The Spaniard will need to produce a much-improved display in his next appearance if he is given a second chance to retain his spot in the team. Bruce will surely not allow any of his players to consistently underperform in the Premier League without dropping them from the side.