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Newcastle United are thought to be closing in on signing Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s previous interest

Ajer was first linked with a move to St James’ Park back in March, with the 23-year-old setting his sights on a Premier League switch.

The towering defender was a regular for the Hoops during the 2020/21 season, making 46 appearances in all competitions.

Celtic signed Ajer for just £540,000 in 2016, and it seems they will make a big profit this summer.

The Latest: Magpies close to landing Ajer

According to the Sunday Mirror (30/05, pg 76), the Norway international looks set to become Steve Bruce’s first signing of the summer window, with a deal reportedly costing Newcastle £6m.

The Magpies were thought to be advancing with an £8m offer earlier this month, despite the Hoops wanting double that, so this latest update does appear to be slightly low on the valuation.

Nonetheless, it seems as if Newcastle have managed to knock £2m off the fee, with Ajer having just over 12 months remaining on his Celtic contract, which is thought to be worth around £14,000-a-week.

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The Verdict: Postecoglou to face an early problem?

Celtic are hoping to conclude a deal for Ange Postecoglou next week after talks with Eddie Howe collapsed on Friday, so the 55-year-old could be faced with an early problem as Hoops boss.

Should Ajer depart, Postecoglou would be left with Stephen Welsh as the club’s only recognised fit centre-back, with Christopher Jullien currently sidelined through injury.

The versatile Nir Bitton could fill in if required, but having a lack of central defensive options ahead of Champions League qualifiers in July may not be ideal.

Postecoglou will surely now identify a new centre-back as a key area to strengthen, so Hoops fans may well be in for a busy summer.

In other news: Celtic closing in on landing director of football, find out more here. 

أوضحت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية، حقيقة اهتمام نادي برشلونة بالتعاقد مع الدولي الفرنسي، كيليان مبابي نجم هجوم فريق باريس سان جيرمان، في نافذة الانتقالات الصيفية القادمة.

وكانت صحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية في عددها الصادر صباح اليوم الجمعة، قد ذكرت أن برشلونة يُخطط للقاء مع مبابي والذي ينتهي تعاقده مع النادي الباريسي بنهاية الموسم الجاري، في 30 يونيو المُقبل.

وقالت الصحيفة إن مصدرا من داخل نادي برشلونة أكد لها أن في الوقت الحالي لا يوجد أي اتصال من جانب النادي الكتالوني للتعاقد مع مبابي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رئيس الاتحاد الفرنسي يُعلنها: أريد بقاء مبابي في باريس سان جيرمان

وأوضحت الصحيفة أن في برشلونة يؤكدون أنها عملية مكلفة للغاية ويشعرون أن اسم النادي يستخدم لأشياء أخرى تتعلق ببعض الأمور التسويقية.

وأكدت الصحيفة أن في برشلونة يرون أن مبابي خيار رائع، ولكن النادي مُنتبه أكثر لإيرلينج هالاند مُهاجم بوروسيا دورتموند، ومحمد صلاح جناح ليفربول.

Jermain Defoe’s future at Rangers is seemingly yet to be decided but if Steven Gerrard wants to keep him at Ibrox next season, he is running out of time, as English League One side Ipswich Town are said to be interested in signing him this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Tractor Boys are plotting an ambitious swoop for the veteran striker, as they look to back Paul Cook ahead of next season’s campaign, where they will surely be hoping for a return to the Championship after two disappointing seasons in the third tier.

Defoe’s contract at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of this month, meaning he is free to open discussions with other clubs ahead of a potential summer exit, although recent reports have suggested that Gerrard is keen to keep his former England teammate for one more season.

The 38-year-old has been a fringe player for much of the season but has emphasised his class from the bench in recent fixtures, with impressive goals against Celtic and Aberdeen, so he certainly played his part in the title win.

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Since joining from Bournemouth, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has been superb at times, contributing an impressive 32 goals and 10 assists in just 72 appearances for the Teddy Bears.

Although the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and perhaps even new signing Fashion Sakala are likely to be ahead of Defoe in the pecking order next season, he can still offer Gerrard a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, and is always likely to pop up with a goal from the bench.

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However, this news is a bit of a blow to Gerrard in terms of keeping his veteran striker as Defoe may well be tempted by a move to Ipswich where he is more likely to have a starring role and get more regular football, so if Gerrard is indeed keen to keep the “very dangerous” striker at Ibrox, he will have to act quickly and tie him down to a new contract as soon as possible.

And, in other news… Gerrard heading for Rangers disaster with “outstanding” beast who may leave Ibrox

Sheffield United will be looking to secure back-to-back wins when they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side picked up an impressive 1-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday evening, with 17-year-old sensation Daniel Jebbison scoring the only goal of the game.

The Blades will be desperate to finish the season strongly to take some momentum into next season, where they will be hoping to secure an immediate return to the top-flight via promotion from the Championship.

Newcastle United meanwhile, secured their safety in the top-flight recently thanks to a strong run of form, with Steve Bruce awarded the manager of the month award, and they were spirited in a 4-3 defeat against champions Manchester City last time out.

Here’s how Football FanCast thinks Heckingbottom should line his side up on Wednesday evening, with two changes from the team that started in the win at Goodison Park…

After an incredible display against Carlo Ancelotti’s side to earn a clean sheets, Aaron Ramsdale keeps his place in between the sticks.

There’s one change in defence, as Jayden Bogle starts ahead of George Baldock at right wing-back, with the rest of the defence keeping their place after the rare shut out against the Toffees.

Oliver Norwood and John Fleck continue together in midfield, with Sander Berge unfortunately suffering another setback in his injury, which should rule him out of the trip to St James’ Park.

There’s one change in attack, as the “exceptional” Rhian Brewster replaces Ben Osborn, with David McGoldrick supporting the former Liverpool man and Jebbison in an attacking midfield role, in the hope that Brewster can break his duck and grab his first Blades goal ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Sheffield United suffer huge blow as CL giants eye seven-goal beast, Blades fans will be fuming

MatériaMais Notícias

A eleição do Grêmio neste sábado confirmou que Romildo Bolzan Júnior prosseguirá no mandado,para o triênio (2017-2019). É a primeira vez que um dirigente é eleito para uma sequência de três anos. No ano passado, o Estatuto foi modificado, passando a ter um ano a mais de mandato.

O atual mandatário recebeu 5.605 votos, que representam 85,3% do total. Em segundo lugar, ficou Raul Mendes, que contou com o voto de 963 eleitores (14,7%).

Pouco mais de 38 mil gremistas estavam aptos para votar. Dos 6.602 eleitores que manifestaram a sua opinião, 2.101 torcedores foram até à Arena do Grêmio, enquanto os demais votaram pela Internet.

Além de Romildo, também estão eleitos os vice-presidentes Duda Kroeff, Adalberto Preis, Claudio Oderich, Marcos Herrmann, Sergei Costa e Paulo Luz. Além deles, um direto executivo pode ser contratado no ano que vem.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is reportedly keen on making a move for Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer last year suggested that Villa were very much interested in landing the Argentine before the end of the deadline, but a deal failed to materialise.

Now, The Sun (via The Birmingham Mail) claim that Smith is keen on getting his man the second time around, especially with Ross Barkley almost certain to return back to Chelsea after his loan spell ends at the end of the Premier League season.

Dean Smith would love him

Given the kind of reliance Villa have placed upon Jack Grealish as their main source of creation, it’s unsurprising that Johan Lange appears to be eyeing another wide play-maker in the shape of Buendia.

The £20k-a-week star has enjoyed a remarkable campaign thus far for the Canaries this season, firing them straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking – he’s scored 14 goals and provided a whopping 17 assists in the league alone.

His teammate, Max Aarons, has meanwhile raved about the kind of creative genius that he is, saying: “He’s not really a player who will get on the ball and take you on as a full-back. His game is more about getting into pockets, playing neat passes and creating things.

“When you’ve got someone, who wants to run at you, then it’s easier to lock them down whereas someone like him is quite intricate so it’s hard to get near him. He’s tenacious and very strong. He’s got a lot of attributes.”

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Given his bucket-load of assists and goals this season, Smith would no doubt love to have Buendia in his squad to really ease the pressure on Grealish’s shoulders, whether he’s playing or not.

Meanwhile, Villa are monitoring this star who just starred against them…

MatériaMais Notícias

Às vésperas do clássico contra o Flamengo, o Fluminense treinou nesta quarta-feira nas Laranjeiras e o destaque da atividade – sem indicação do time titular – foi a boa presença da torcida, especialmente da mirim, que aproveitou o Dia das Crianças neste dia 12 de outubro para apoiar o grupo do técnico Levir. Cerca de 150 tricolores acompanharam o recreativo, que pôs fim à preparação para o jogo no Raulino de Oliveira, em Volta Redonda, nesta quinta, às 21h.

Após o rachão, a dúvida persiste sobre a escalação do Fluminense. Além de Diego Cavalieri, fora desde o dia 7 de setembro, Levir Culpi não tem nenhum problema de lesão ou suspensão. Assim, o mistério se restringe ao setor de ataque, que vem sendo formado por Scarpa, Wellington e Marcos Junior. Richarlison, que tem entrado bem nas últimas partidas, é o mais cotado para ser uma surpresa no clássico. Se confirmada, Marcos Junior deve ser o sacado.

Júlio César; Wellington Silva, Gum, Henrique e William Matheus; Pierre, Douglas, Cícero e Gustavo Scarpa; Wellington e Marcos Junior (Richarlison): esta deve ser a equipe escalada por Levir Culpi nesta quinta-feira, às 21h, em Volta Redonda.

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Aston Villa could wave goodbye to a hugely disappointing Ross Barkley this summer by signing Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia.

The man on loan from Chelsea has endured a poor campaign at Villa Park, scoring just three goals in 21 Premier League games and only providing the one assist. All but one of those contributions came prior to the November international break.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side have made the decision not to sign him on a permanent basis this summer, and it’s no surprise given the below-par displays he has put in this season.

Speaking after he was substituted in the second half against Leicester last month, Sky Sports pundit Alex Scott slammed the 27-year-old’s performance, saying: “For me it’s another missed opportunity for Ross Barkley to show up and demand, he’s been subbed off again and you can see in his face he’s not happy. But how many chances does a player need?

“You need to take it upon yourself. There’s only so many chances that he can be deserving. He’s missed another opportunity today.”

If Barkley leaves as expected, then Villa should be looking at none other than Buendia – a player who Lee Hendrie has insisted would be near the top of his summer shopping list.

The former Villa ace told This Is Futbol: “I think a big club will definitely try and take him. I know you can say he’s done it in the Championship, but you could say that about (Said) Benrahma, you could say that about Ollie Watkins.

“I feel that Buendia, I mean we’ve seen him in a very good Norwich side in the Championship, I feel in a Villa side… wow. If I could say or had a big say in bringing players in, he’s the one on top of my list that I would bring into Aston Villa.”

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The £19.8m-rated playmaker has been dubbed a “revelation” by Chris Sutton and has enjoyed a stellar season at Carrow Road, scoring an incredible 12 goals and providing a further 16 assists. Buendia’s contributions have fired Norwich to the brink of Premier League promotion, currently sat top of the Championship table.

Given Barkley’s virtually nonexistent end product this season – a total of four goals and assists in the Premier League is a shocking return – bringing in Buendia would allow Smith to wave goodbye to the on-loan liability.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign Jack Grealish’s perfect partner in this star…

Alex McLeish has urged Everton to start playing Josh King more following his move from AFC Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

The Merseyside club’s next game is against Manchester City at Goodison Park in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, but King will not be able to play as he is cup-tied having already featured in the competition for the Cherries earlier on in the 2020/21 term.

Nonetheless, McLeish has claimed that now is the time for the former Manchester United man to show what he can do for Carlo Ancelotti’s team:

“If there’s problems for Everton and he hasn’t quite got into the rhythm of the Everton way, now’s the time.

“When he signed, I thought he was a good signing. He knows his way around the Premier League, Premier League defences and the opposition boxes.

“This is the time for Josh to make the mark.

“It’s quite simple, there’s no need to elaborate on it. He should be at the peak of his powers now.

“There are sliding doors for people in every walk of life. It could be that he ignites with Everton if he gets this opportunity to be a first-team pick.”

King barely used by Everton

King, who is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, has barely been used by the Toffees since his move, with just eight matches played in total over all competitions so far, and no starts (Transfermarkt).

The Norway international clearly has ability, with his former manager Jason Tindall describing him as a ‘real handful’ back in January, but has perhaps been the victim of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fine form up top.

However, given the latest injury to James Rodriguez, maybe there is a place for him to get a run in the side in the front line for the Blues, an opportunity that the 29-year-old striker would surely be looking to relish.

In other news, find out what potential injury boost EFC have received before Manchester City here!

Aston Villa and Leicester City are both interested in Rangers defender Filip Helander.

That’s according to Swedish outlet Sportbladet, cited by the Daily Record, who claimed that the Scottish champions could replace Helander with Elfsborg’s Joseph Okumu.

Helander a Rangers regular

Helander, valued at just £1.8m by Transfermarkt, is under contract at Ibrox until 2023.

The Sweden international has made 27 appearances under Steven Gerrard this season, and it seems as if his performances have caught the eyes of Dean Smith and Brendan Rodgers.

Transfer Tavern take

It’s not the first time Villa have been linked with the towering centre-back. Former Villa manager Steve Bruce was reportedly keen on Helander back in the 2018 January window during the player’s time with Bologna.

It seems as if the club have reignited their interest three years on, and statistically Helander has outperformed both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa this season. As per WhoScored, the Swede has averaged a match rating of 7.11 in the Scottish Premiership, higher than Mings’ 6.88 and Konsa’s 6.82. Helander has also won more aerial duels per game with 4.3, compared to Mings 2.8 and Konsa’s 2.6.

Based on those figures, the 27-year-old could be well worth the Villans’ time in seeking a potential move south of the border.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Villa-linked star’s social media activity, find out more here.