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Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Celtic are in contract talks with Anthony Ralston.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the 56-year-old Hoops manager confirmed earlier reports that Michael Nicholson has initiated negotiations with the right-back regarding the extension of his current deal at Parkhead.

Speaking about the defender’s new deal, Postecoglou said: “In terms of Tony, Michael Nicholson is in charge of that area. My focus is trying to make sure that Anthony continues his development because he’s been fantastic.

“Contract negotiations will take care of themselves. There’s very little need to feel angst about it. The club has a lot of faith in Tony. That’s why they gave him a new contract before I even started here. I gave him a chance and you’d have to say he’s grabbed it with both hands so far.”

Fans will be buzzing

It is hard to disagree with Postecoglou’s claim that Ralston has taken the opportunity handed to him so far this season, as in the absence of injured summer signing Josip Juranovic, the 22-year-old right-back has been one of Celtic’s most impressive performers.

Indeed, over his eight Premiership appearances, the £5.5k-per-week defender has already scored two goals, provided two assists and has created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.5 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

The player who Brendan Rodgers dubbed a “huge” talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his defensive position, helping his side to keep four clean sheets, in addition to making 0.5 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and 2.1 clearances and winning 7.5 duels per match.

These returns have seen the 22-year-old earn an exceptional average SofaScore match rating of 7.78, ranking him as the Bhoys’ best performer in the league among those still at Parkhead.

However, it is not only Ralston’s domestic displays which have caught the eye but also the right-back’s performances in his three Europa League fixtures, having scored one goal, made six key passes and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.10.

As such, considering these statistics, the news that the club are hoping to extend Raltson’s contract should not come as a surprise to Celtic fans, who must undoubtedly be buzzing with what they have seen from the £270k-rated man so far this season.

In other news: Postecoglou must unleash “phenomenal” 21 y/o Celtic prodigy, he’s destined for the top

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has claimed that Jack Clarke will not make it at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Clarke failing to make an impact

The 20-year-old made the move to Spurs from Leeds United in the summer of 2019 when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge, but he has so far struggled to make an impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He has made just four appearances for the north Londoners (Transfermarkt), with him leaving the club to move on loan to Queen’s Park Rangers and Stoke City since that 2019 transfer, and even all four of those were as a substitute (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Bridge sees no future for Clarke at Spurs

Although Clarke is still just 20, Bridge believes that he has no future at Spurs. The journalist told Give Me Sport:

“Even Leeds fans found it odd and then when he was loaned back Leeds fans were saying to me, they didn’t want him back.

“He didn’t get back into their team, so that was a season wasted for him. He’s had a lot of problems.

“He looks skinny to me, he hasn’t really bulked, he’s playing in the Under-23s, he’s never on the bench for the first-team.

“There becomes a time when they have to say, well have to sell him, he’s not going to make it at Spurs.”

The Verdict: Big improvement needed soon

With just those four appearances to his name, it could be argued Clarke has not been given a chance to really show his ability at Spurs. There has not been too much indication during his loan spells that he has what it takes to make it at the highest level, even if his former Stoke boss Michael O’Neill said that the 20-year-old has “great quality” (via Stoke Sentinel).

If Clarke is to make a telling contribution at Tottenham, he must do so quickly. At 20, it’s not as if his whole career is over, but you would have hoped for him to have done more than he has so far. The next 18 months could well decide whether it will ever happen for him at Spurs, with none of Pochettino, Jose Mourinho or thus far Nuno Espirito Santo putting much trust in him.

In other news, this man wants to leave Tottenham.

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited to see Trent Alexander-Arnold in a rare central midfield role for England against Andorra.

The 22-year-old has already achieved so much in his blossoming career, leaping from youth team prospect at Anfield to arguably the best right-back in world football.

Alexander-Arnold is already a Premier League and Champions League winner and he looks highly likely to be a future Liverpool captain given his current trajectory.

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While the youngster has matured into a stunning right-back under Jurgen Klopp, he also used to play in midfield during his youth team days.

According to The Telegraph [via journalist Mike McGrath on Twitter], Alexander-Arnold will line-up in that role in England’s 2022 World Cup qualifier at home to Andorra on Sunday.

It will give Liverpool fans a chance to watch their hero in a different position, potentially seeing whether or not it will work further on in his career.

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Liverpool fans react to Alexander-Arnold claim

These Reds supporters on Twitter reacted to the news of the 22-year-old possibly lining out at midfield this evening for England.

“Oh Trent in midfield? Can’t wait!”

Credit: @unbearablemo

“Don’t watch England but I’m 100% watching this tomorrow”

Credit: @_EliteElliott_

“Interesting…”

Credit: @jj__lfc

“Oh man it’s happening!”

Credit: @JDsJustTalking

“Will be very interesting to see”

Credit: @LFC_James

“First time I’ve been excited to watch England in years”

Credit: @kat_lfc13

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy at a fresh transfer claim. Read more here.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has been reacting to rumours of a permanent swoop from Celtic for loanee Jota, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: January move

Jota has proven to be an inspired signing for the Hoops, contributing to 14 goals in his 18 appearances in green and white.

The 22-year-old is currently out due to a hamstring injury, but as reported by Sky Sports, Celtic are expected to trigger their £6.5m option to make his loan permanent.

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The Hoops are set to do just that before the summer, so a January move is a real possibility.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

McLeish, who regularly contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider regarding the update on Jota.

Here is what he had to say in reply, admitting that he is ‘very surprised’ about a January move for the winger, who he called a ‘game-changer’:

“When he came in at first, I thought work in progress. Probably a work in progress for the Portuguese team to take him back after the loan spell.

“Very surprised that they’re willing to let him go in January, given the form that he’s been in. He really has expressed himself as a very good technical player. He’s taken people on, scored goals, worked hard.

“These are all the traits a manager loves in individual players, especially when he can change the game with his skills. As we say, a game-changer.

“If Celtic can buy him, he’s a very good, young, potentially great player.”

The Verdict: Celtic making their mark

Should Celtic complete a permanent transfer in the region of £6.5m, it would be the most expensive signing of the Ange Postecoglou era, surpassing Kyogo Furuhashi’s £4.86m move over the summer. However, even though it would take a relatively big fee, it could prove to be a steal in the long run.

You’d expect that Jota is still far from his prime at the age of 22, so a long-term deal could see his valuation increase past the £6.5m mark should he continue to impress in Glasgow.

Celtic could reap the rewards with impressive displays on the pitch and eventually go on to make a big profit on the Portuguese attacker when the time is right, in the likely event that wealthier clubs submit a tempting offer.

In other news: Celtic allegedly now looking at signing 34-assist ace in January; he’s his agency’s biggest star

Southampton are closing on the signing of Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong after a fee was reportedly agreed with the Championship side this week, a development which will surely delight Saints fans.

What’s the word?

Southampton have been heavily linked with Armstrong throughout the transfer window and it seems as if the shock departure of Danny Ings earlier this month has finally encouraged them to meet Blackburn’s demands.

Despite the 24-year-old’s contract at Ewood Park being set to expire at the end of this season, it is reported that the Saints will pay £15m to sign him this summer, with The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon suggesting that, with personal terms agreed, the former Newcastle United marksman will complete a medical today ahead of his permanent move and will join on a four-year deal.

Will Armstrong be a good signing?

If Armstrong can replicate his form from recent seasons with Blackburn, then he will surely prove to be a huge success in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Whilst he has big boots to fill after Ings’ departure, he and Adams could form an excellent partnership up front, with the likes of Armando Broja and Nathan Tella also providing competition in attack.

Last season saw Armstrong contribute a monumental haul of 28 goals and five assists in 40 Championship appearances, averaging a superb 7.15 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Although he has made just 15 appearances in the Premier League in his career, the striker’s performances last season suggest that he is ready to make a more lasting step up to the top flight, and there seems little to suggest that he won’t be a consistent goalscorer for the Saints over the next few seasons.

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Southampton fans may need to give him time to settle into his new surroundings and adjust to the higher demands of the Premier League, but they will surely be delighted that the club has worked so quickly to bring in Armstrong and Broja as replacements for Ings ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against Everton this weekend.

In other news… Southampton can sign their next Pelle in £15.3m-rated beast hailed by Thierry Henry

Crystal Palace unveiled their new home kit on Tuesday evening, which naturally received plenty of interaction on social media from numerous Eagles supporters.

Palace had already released their away and third strips and shared their traditional red and blue kit 11 days before the new season gets underway.

The Eagles had a helping hand from the club’s ‘oldest fan ever’, Nan Pam, who modelled the shirt in a video with a number of Palace players.

The kit, available to view here, has diagonal red and blue stripes across the front with a red sleeve and a blue collar.

You’d expect that the first time Palace will wear their new home attire competitively would be in Patrick Vieira’s first game in charge at Selhurst Park against Brentford on August 21, as they are away to Chelsea in their season opener.

Palace fans react

The club shared a clip of the new kit on their official Twitter page. The response was largely positive from fans, with one labelling it as ‘epic’.

“Not sure how to feel about this”Credit: @Connormuz02″This is SO Palace! I love it all!”Credit: @fivestarjane”only we would do this”Credit: @xylottie”This is epic”Credit: @LucyGauntlett”I love they got Nan Pam in there… fantastic!”Credit: @RednBlueRich”Honestly what a club we are”Credit: @NathanBarclay98

In other news: ‘This hurts’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react to transfer news

Ezgjan Alioski will make a decision over his Leeds United future before he goes on holiday, according to former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Alioski’s future up in the air

The 29-year-old’s Whites future has looked in doubt for some time now, with his contract expiring at the end of this month and no new deal agreed.

Galatasaray have been strongly linked with completing a move for Alioski, but he has been on Euro 2020 duty with North Macedonia, putting his club future on hold for the time being.

The Leeds left-back is now out of the tournament, however, meaning he can decide where he will be plying his trade next season.

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The Latest: Decision imminent, claims pundit

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor tipped Alioski to make a definite choice before he enjoys a well-earned holiday shortly:

“Yes, I think so. Pre-season’s around the corner so I’m sure he’ll want to get signed up.

“Then he can get himself on holiday for a couple of weeks before he has to be back for pre-season.

“I don’t think Bielsa is the sort of manager that will allow him to have too much extra time off pre-season training when the rest are back.

“I’m sure he’ll go on holiday now for two or three weeks but sort his contract out before he goes. Then you can relax on your holiday and know where you are for next season.”

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The Verdict: Preferable to keep him?

In truth, Leeds are arguably in a win-win situation with regards to Alioski’s future – if he stays it will be good news, but they may not lose any sleep if he moves on either, as they can replace a converted winger with a specialised full-back.

On one hand, he has a huge amount of experience and knows how to thrive in Marcelo Bielsa’s system, having appeared in 36 of his side’s 38 Premier League games in 2020/21.

At 29, he doesn’t represent the long-term future, however, and it may be that Leeds would benefit more from having an out-and-out left-back in the team who is younger with time to develop under Bielsa.

In other news, a pundit has been discussing a potential backup option to Illan Meslier. Find out who it is here.

Former Premier League midfielder Paul Scholes has made a pretty brutal claim about Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Transfer saga

After over 330 appearances for Tottenham, Kane’s time at Spurs looked like it was going to come to an end over the summer as he was linked and targeted by Premier League champions Manchester City.

A bid was rejected and Kane was late to training before he returned to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers before announcing he was staying at the club in a statement on Twitter.

Since then, Kane is yet to score in the league, with his two goals coming in the Europa Conference League competition against Pacos de Ferreira.

The Latest: Scholes makes claim

Speaking to Premier League Productions [via HITC], Scholes has claimed the striker was wishing he was at Manchester City when he saw the team on Saturday.

With Spurs missing Heung-Min Son and Davinson Sanchez, it was a weaker XI and the former Manchester United midfielder has made a strong claim on Kane’s thinking.

“It’s not a strong team,” he said. “I think Harry Kane will be in that dressing room thinking ‘I wish I was at Manchester City’ with that team they have got.”

The Verdict: Is Kane regretting decision?

Kane staying put at the club came from many things – his emotional connection with the Lilywhites support, Spurs rejecting City’s bids and the right money being offered. But after they fell to a shocking defeat at Palace on Saturday, where they conceded three goals in 15 minutes, Kane could be thinking exactly what Scholes has claimed.

Since City lost to Spurs on the opening day, Pep Guardiola’s side has won three straight games, scoring 11 goals in the process without a recognised striker.

It’s likely the situation between the two clubs will arise in January or next summer, but for now, Kane has no choice but to try and help Tottenham return to the top four.

In other news, an offer has been tabled to sign Serie A ace. Find out more here.

As confirmed by Rangers, striker Jermain Defoe has agreed a one-year contract extension at Ibrox and now moves into a player/coaching role under manager Steven Gerrard.

Defoe, who moved to Glasgow permanently in the summer of 2020 after initially joining on loan Bournemouth, has since gone on to rack up 72 appearances in all competitions for the club.

In that time, the Englishman has netted a brilliant 32 goals whilst also becoming a fan favourite.

Now, as a result, the Gers have announced he will stay for another year but move into a player/coaching role – something which may benefit Rangers given his experience on the biggest stages in football.

As Defoe and the Gers announce his first steps into coaching as well as his continued stay, it’s little wonder many supporters have raved over the development on social media.

Find all of their best verdicts on the big announcement down below.

Gers fans rave over Defoe announcement

“YEEEESSSSS”

Credit: @Pena_Cartel

“Could not be happier. What an amazing role model to have at our club.”

Credit: @ColinEk11

“Tremendous news. A great member of the squad and now coaching team.”

Credit: @55kapow

“Best news today!! @IAmJermainDefoe is exactly what a Ranger is, on and off the field. So glad our club get to help him progress to his next chapter. Good luck champ! #55”

Credit: @RichyTeaBiscuit

“This is exciting stuff! What a fantastic role model for the younger boys!”

Credit: @LauraMurchie1

“Great news”

Credit: @AlanC_44

“Brilliant news. The guy is an absolute credit to Rangers FC.”

Credit: @CraigMacDonald3

“Buzzing for this! Glad he’s moving into a coaching role as well

An amazing guy to have in and around the club.”

Credit: @Geeb1872

In other news: Paddy Kenny tips this colossal forward to join Rangers this summer, find out more here.

Manchester United have officially appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager at Old Trafford in the summer, and now Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the team the Dutch coach will build around him.

What’s the word?

According to the Italian transfer insider and journalist, Manchester United are in talks for Steve McClaren to join the coaching staff alongside their brand new manager at the end of the season.

Romano tweeted: “Mitchell van der Gaag has already accepted to join Erik ten Hag staff at Manchester United – green light from Dutch coach arrived one week ago. Contract details are still being discussed, while Steve McClaren had direct conversation with ten Hag on his possible role.”

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Supporters will be excited

It’s fair to say the Red Devils have been struggling ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, and, having entered their longest trophy drought in 40 years, there clearly needs to be a revolution at the club – something which is starting to finally unfold ahead of the summer.

The appointment of Ten Hag alongside a brand new team to work with him will surely excite supporters, who will undoubtedly be desperate for huge changes that can positively impact the club’s future and pull them out of their trophyless rut.

Steve McClaren making a shock return to the Premier League and Old Trafford could be exactly what Man United need to reignite their identity as winners, as the former Newcastle manager was assistant to Ferguson between 1999 and 2001, joining during the treble-winning 1998/99 campaign.

Aside from his well-known career in England, McClaren has previously worked with the new Man United boss – when Ten Hag was assistant to McClaren at FC Twente back in 2008, and the pair continue to have a close relationship.

With that being said, these big shifts in responsibilities and fresh perspectives added to the Manchester United think tank will surely be welcomed by the supporters as the club looks to rebuild their reputation and pose a threat in the challenge for trophies in the future.

AND In other news: “Man United will 100% sign..”: Romano drops transfer claim that will excite supporters