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Celtic are reportedly close to securing their replacement for Ange Postecoglou as Brendan Rodgers inches closer to a return to Parkhead this month.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has held talks with the former Leicester City manager and a deal to bring him back to the Scottish giants is said to be 'all-but done'.

Rodgers enjoyed a terrific first spell with the club as he won a sensational seven domestic trophies in less than three full seasons at the helm.

However, his second stint in Glasgow could look a little bit different as it was recently reported that Hoops legend Scott Brown could be in the frame to form part of the Northern Irishman's backroom staff, after the Scotsman completed his first season in senior management with Fleetwood Town in England.

Would Scott Brown be a good appointment for Celtic?

Bringing the 37-year-old tactician in as part of Rodgers' staff could be a masterclass of a move by Desmond this summer for several reasons.

Firstly, the retired midfielder has a pre-existing relationship with the Celtic supporters and would be able to instantly reconnect with the fans in the stadium. He spent 14 years at the club as a player and should know exactly what the paying punters expect and demand from the side week-in-week-out.

The tenacious enforcer made a staggering 614 appearances for the Hoops during his playing career and won 23 domestic trophies in that time, including ten Scottish Premiership titles. This means that he knows the standards that are required to consistently dominate football in Scotland and can, therefore, make sure that the current squad is keeping up with that.

His performance in charge of Fleetwood in League One in the 22/23 campaign also suggests that he has the coaching ability to be an excellent addition to Rodgers' staff.

They had finished 15th and 20th in League One in the previous two seasons and the ex-Celtic man led them to a 13th-placed finish in the division. He also won four of his six FA Cup matches in charge of the club to take them to the fifth round for the first time in their entire history.

Former teammate Gary Caldwell hailed the Bhoys legend's work with Fleetwood as "fantastic" and the statistics back that up as Brown progressed the side in both the league and cup competitions.

Therefore, the 37-year-old boss could be an exceptional addition to Rodgers' staff if he is willing to make the move back to Parkhead due to his relationship with the supporters, his coaching pedigree, and his knowledge of what is needed to win consistently in Scotland.

Arsenal have entered talks with Ilkay Gundogan about a summer move, but there will be a great deal of competition for his signature, according to a recent report from Marca.

Is Ilkay Gundogan leaving Man City?

With Gundogan's contract set to expire at the end of the month, the midfielder has been linked with a move elsewhere, and there are reports that a move to Barcelona could be close, having verbally told the La Liga side he wants to join this summer.

However, the German is likely to have a number of other offers on the table, with clubs from Saudi Arabia said to be preparing huge offers, while French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, according to a report from L'Equipe.

There is also a chance the 32-year-old remains at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City now keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract, having initially been unwilling to offer anything other than a one-year deal.

According to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have now entered talks over a move for the £140k-per-week midfielder, however, there will be fierce competition for his signature.

PSG may push to sign the Germany international if they appoint Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, while Barcelona will try to sign him as well.

Mikel Arteta knows him well from their time working together at Man City, and he believes the central midfielder could have the quality to help his side compete for the Premier League title.

Will Gundogan join Arsenal?

Now that City have changed their stance on offering the former Borussia Dortmund man a long-term deal, it would be surprising if he is willing to move to another Premier League club, particularly if Pep Guardiola's side win the Champions League final later tonight.

However, if the Gunners are able to win the race for his signature, the maestro could be a fantastic signing, given that he played a vital role for City in their Premier League triumph last season, registering eight goals and five assists in 35 appearances.

Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the Man City star also has a habit of delivering in big games – scoring four in his last three league games to help wrap up the title for his side before netting a brace in the FA Cup final.

Although he is now 32 years old, Gundogan is showing no signs of slowing down, and Arsenal should undoubtedly table a contract offer this summer.

An update has emerged on Everton and their plans to improve their options in the final third heading into the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

According to GOAL, the Toffees are eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Corinthians centre-forward Yuri Alberto ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club are considering whether or not to make an official offer to land the Brazilian forward's signature, but there has not been any contact between the two teams as of yet.

It is stated that Everton remaining in the Premier League has helped their cause and that Sean Dyche's side has the financial power to make moves in the market.

Who is Yuri Alberto?

He is a 22-year-old Brazil international who is valued at £11m by Football Transfers and his arrival would be terrible news for Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The England international scored a stunning 29 Premier League goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns combined, but his form has fallen off a cliff over the last two years.

Since the start of 2021/22, Calvert-Lewin has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances in the top flight – including two in 17 this term.

In the current season, the 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 across 17 appearances in the league and contributed with two goals and one assist, with a pass success rate of 61%.

Meanwhile, Alberto averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 and provided eight goals and one assist in 20 outings in the Brasileiro Serie A in 2022 and completed 68% of his attempted passes.

The former Santos man, who was hailed as "dangerous" and "powerful" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has plundered 30 goals in 94 Serie A matches throughout his career to date.

These statistics show that the ace, who is four years younger than the Everton striker, has the potential to be a reliable goalscorer for the Toffees if he can adapt to playing in English football as the finisher has proven himself in the top-flight in Brazil.

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, did not make big contributions for the Toffees in the top flight in England and was a liability for the team as the striker did not score or assist enough and gave the ball away too often with his loose passes.

This indicates that Alberto has the quality to come in as an upgrade on the England international and this would, therefore, be terrible news for the ex-Sheffield United man as it could lead to him being the second-choice striker and sitting on the bench week-in-week-out.

Leeds United are on the hunt for a new striker this summer and their search could take them to manager Jesse Marsch’s home country…

What’s the word?

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Conor McGilligan, the Yorkshire outfit are keen on signing New York City FC frontman Valentin Castellanos, and have been looking at him for a while now.

“Leeds are apparently going head over heels for a striker at the minute. He sort of fits the mould, he’s the best striker in the MLS at the minute, looks very complete, Argentinian,” he told the ‘One Leeds Fan Channel’ this week.

“A few links there, apparently, Leeds have been looking at him for a while as well. So yeah, Valentin Castellanos.

“Keep an eye on that name.”

It’s thought that the MLS champions have set an asking price of around £12.8m, as per The Mirror.

Striker desperation

The Whites suffered from multiple problems during their near-fateful 2021/22 campaign, ranging from persistent injury issues to the second-leakiest backline in the top-flight.

Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch were also pegged back by their troubles in the final third. Patrick Bamford, fresh off a 17-goal season, was absent for the majority of 2021/22 with an array of injuries. He only managed nine games in total, leaving Raphinha and co to take the mantle.

A lack of an alternative almost cost the Yorkshiremen their place in the big time, something they waited nearly two decades for prior to their promotion in 2020.

It’s no wonder Leeds appear to be desperate for another option up top and Castellanos is a very interesting candidate indeed.

His goalscoring record in the US cannot be disputed. He bagged eight assists as NYCFC clinched their first-ever title, with the Argentinian also raking in the Golden Boot.

He has since continued that form this year, delivering 11 goals and five assists across 17 appearances in the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League, taking his total for the American giants to 53 goals and 23 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Castellanos has been likened to former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba by MLS UK Show podcaster Henry Hewitt to Manchester Evening News in the past, where he also claimed: “He doesn’t just score one type of goal. He’s strong, quick, good with his head and isn’t afraid to bring his teammates into play.”

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The 23-year-old also outranks Bamford for non-penalty expected goals and shots on target per 90, via FBRef, too.

On the above evidence, it could well be worth the risk to dip into the MLS market to solve Marsch’s problems at Elland Road. After the arrival of Brendan Aaronson and soon, Rasmus Kristensen, a new forward must be the priority.

Castellanos can be the man to end Leeds’ desperation.

AND in other news, Orta can land “the next Declan Rice” as Leeds eye talent who’s “getting rave reviews”…

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen would be the ‘perfect’ signing for Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Liverpool monitoring Bowen

It was reported by The Athletic earlier this week that Sadio Mane is looking to depart Merseyside during the upcoming transfer window, while Football Insider revealed back in January that the Reds are continuing to keep close tabs on the Irons forward ahead of a potential move.

The 25-year-old has only been at the London Stadium for the past two years since joining from Hull City, and even though his current contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, his outstanding performances have clearly caught the eye of the top-flight giants.

The Latest: Kenny issues ‘perfect’ replacement claim

Kenny, 44, thinks Bowen would be a ‘huge’ and ‘perfect’ signing to replace Mane at Anfield. He told Football Insider:

“Bowen has been unbelievable and now he’s got his first England call up.

“That shows how good of a season he has had at West Ham.

“Every time I have watched him play he has done really well and looks head and shoulders above the other players.

“If that’s an option and Liverpool are interested, it would be huge. I think they were interested in January, then I would bet he’s the perfect replacement for Mane in my opinion.”

The Verdict: West Ham’s standout performer

The £31.5m-rated starlet has undoubtedly been the Hammers’ standout performer this season, having netted 18 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, higher than any other of his teammates, as well as ranking joint-first for number of assists (11) alongside Michail Antonio, via BBC Sport.

A team like Liverpool would more than likely be able to offer the former Tigers man a lot more money than what he’s currently on, but David Moyes will know the importance that he has in his starting XI and so must do everything he can to prevent the winger from being tempted into a move away.

The Scotsman will now be preparing his squad for the start of the new term and their Europa Conference League campaign, where Bowen can make all the difference when it comes to West Ham attempting to make it all the way to the final and get their hands on that silverware this time around.

In other news… a reliable journalist has claimed that the Irons could ‘definitely’ make a move for one of their summer transfer targets. 

Aston Villa are interested in signing Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, according to a report from The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Carlos’ career so far

Signed from Ligue 1 outfit Nantes in 2019, the centre-back has amassed 136 appearances for Sevilla since arriving in Spain.

The 29-year-old also made six outings for the Brazil team which won Olympic gold in Tokyo last year and has previously been a major target for Newcastle United.

It now seems as though Steven Gerrard could be readying an approach to bring Carlos to Villa Park…

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The latest: Villa exploring Carlos swoop

As per The Athletic, Villa are ‘exploring the possibility’ of signing the experienced Brazilian centre-back this summer.

It’s claimed that Gerrard is ‘looking to strengthen his defensive options’ in the Villa squad as the 41-year-old attempts to build a squad capable of challenging in the top half of the Premier League table.

However, the report added that the asking price and salary for the man dubbed ‘amazing’ by journalist Dermot Corrigan following a standout display in the 2020 Europa League final could be a ‘complication’ for Villa owners NSWE.

The verdict: Make it happen

Carlos could be a potentially expensive signing given his £40.5m market value and contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), but his proven quality from 230 top-flight outings in Spain, France and Portugal would be an upgrade on Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause.

During the 2021/22 season, the powerful Brazilian earned a superb 7.09 Sofascore rating whilst winning four duels and making 3.5 clearances per game, helping Sevilla to keep 13 clean sheets whilst also chipping in with three league goals.

His overall rating was significantly higher than the three aforementioned Villa centre-backs, with Mings coming out the best at 6.91 from Sofascore.

Signing a player of the calibre of Carlos would be a stellar statement from the Midlands club as they look to move on to the next phase of their development under Gerrard.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing another defender; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘working’ on signing Hugo Ekitike in the summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle confident on Ekitike

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has recently revealed that the St James’ Park faithful are ‘confident‘ of signing Ekitike this summer.

Expanding in his latest article for 90min, the journalist added that they hope to wrap up a deal ‘soon’ after Eddie Howe ‘pinpointed’ the 19-year-old as a target back in the January transfer window.

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A reported £33m move for Ekitike to move to the North East from Ligue 1 club Reims fell through on January’s transfer deadline day, and now it looks like the Tyneside outfit are going to return for him once the summer window opens.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Taking to Twitter, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed a ‘key’ update with regards to the Magpies and Ekitike.

He outlined: “Key days ahead for Hugo Ekitike’s future, he’s expected to leave Reims after great season. Newcastle are still working to sign him after January late negotiations, now hoping to beat Borussia Dortmund in the race.

“Ekitike will make his choice on the future soon.”

The Verdict: Get it done

With clubs like Dortmund – who will be playing in the Champions League next season and have lost Erling Haaland to Manchester City – showing interest in Ekitike, the Toon need to wrap up this deal  quickly if they are to secure his signature.

Dubbed a ‘very special‘ player earlier this season by his manager Oscar Garcia, the 19-year-old seems to have a huge future ahead of him, and some in France truly believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe‘.

With 11 goals and four assists in 26 games across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), Ekitike has burst onto the scene in his home country, and he would no doubt be an exciting signing if Newcastle can land him.

In other news, find out which ‘golden boy’ NUFC are still interested in here!

A major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Rennes defender and David Moyes target Nayef Aguerd.

The Lowdown: Irons eye move…

The Daily Telegraph, sharing news earlier this week, broke news that manager Moyes had personally set his sights on the colossal Ligue 1 defender after missing out at the start of the 2021/2022 Premier League campaign.

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Valued at around £20 million, it was claimed that West Ham have re-joined the race for Aguerd as the Hammers eye new central defensive additions.

The Morocco international, having been a key player for Rennes this season, signed a new deal until 2025 last year but that seemingly hasn’t stopped GSB from attempting a deal.

The Latest: West Ham ‘working on a deal’…

According to a reliable source in The Guardian, West Ham are now ‘working on a deal’ to sign Aguerd behind-the-scenes as they attempt an agreement for Moyes.

They also back that the Irons boss has personally identified the 26-year-old as a ‘key target’ ahead of the summer wind0w.

The Verdict: Get it done…

At £20m, Aguerd would be a fairly shrewd signing given his form on the continent and real presence in the middle of defence.

Lauded as the ‘real boss’ of Rennes by members of the Ligue 1 media, the African gem has won more aerial duels and racked up a higher number of clearances per 90 than all of his teammates over 2021/2022 (WhoScored).

A brilliant ball-playing centre-half also, Aguerd completes an impressive 89% of his passes out from the back – backing why Moyes is so keen to get a deal done.

As West Ham work on an agreement to sign him, this update comes as a promising one for supporters.

In other news: ‘Evolving situation’ – Journalist says West Ham are also eyeing a ‘massive signing’ for Moyes! Find out more here.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins only has an outside chance of featuring against Crystal Palace this afternoon due to injury.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

Watkins, who Gregg Evans labelled as the ‘real deal’ back in 2020, has been a regular this season, missing just one Premier League game under Steven Gerrard.

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The 26-year-old has attracted interest from West Ham as a result of his displays this season, scoring 10 times in 32 top-flight fixtures.

The England international picked up an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday, and it looks as if he may not recover in time for the clash with Patrick Vieira’s side this afternoon.

The Latest: Preece’s post

Villa correspondent Ashley Preece relayed injury updates from Gerrard’s pre-match press conference on Twitter, one of which was on Watkins.

The forward was yet to train as a result of his ankle issue and only has an outside chance of featuring against Palace. However, there was some good news, with Jacob Ramsey set to be back in the squad following a groin problem.

The Verdict: Options

Gerrard has gone with three different systems in Villa’s last four Premier League games, and this update on Watkins could result in more tactical changes.

He stuck with a 4-3-1-2 formation against Liverpool, however, with Watkins a doubt, he may have to resort back to either a 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1, with a winger coming in for Watkins and Danny Ings going as a lone striker.

Club-record signing Emiliano Buendia was on the bench last time out, so perhaps he’ll come back into the XI, or Bertrand Traore is another option after replacing Watkins in the week.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho.  

Manchester United have made contact over a possible move for Manchester City target Christopher Nkunku.

The Lowdown: Nkunku profiled

Nkunku, a France international, is primarily an attacking midfielder, although he can also turn out as a second striker or as a left midfielder.

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The 24-year-old has been described as an ‘explosive’ player, with Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch stating Nkunku has ‘no weakness’ during his time in charge of RB Leipzig earlier this season.

Nkunku has made 133 appearances for the Bundesliga side and has enjoyed a remarkable 2021/22 campaign, contributing to 52 goals in 49 games.

Manchester City have recently been linked with a summer swoop for Nkunku, but it looks as if the Red Devils are trying to get one up on their fierce rivals.

The Latest: United make contact

Sports Witness relayed an update from German outlet Bild regarding Nkunku on Thursday, claiming Manchester United have ‘spoken’ with the RB Leipzig star.

The report states that an offer in excess of €75m (£64.1m) could be enough, a figure that appears to be making PSG think twice.

The Verdict: Get it done

Nkunku has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, so bringing him to Old Trafford would be an extremely exciting move under new boss Erik ten Hag.

Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard look set to depart this summer, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the only senior attacking midfielder available to Ten Hag.

Therefore, bringing in Nkunku appears to be a no-brainer, as not only would it make strengthen United’s options considerably ahead of Ten Hag’s first year in charge, but it would also be a big blow to Manchester City.

In other news: Man Utd now want to pip Liverpool to ‘dangerous’ £25m starlet; he’s considering a move.