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Ange Postecoglou faces the arduous task of trying to rebuild this devastated Celtic squad.

As he gears up for the biggest managerial job of his career, he heads into it knowing it won’t be easy at all.

On the chalkboard

Celtic have often had things all their own way over the last decade. They won nine league titles on the bounce before the Hoops’ fortunes came crashing back down to earth this season

The likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard look set for the exit door while Postecoglou will also need to replace their loanees.

Diego Laxalt has gone back to Milan while Jonjoe Kenny is now in Merseyside again after a lacklustre stay.

The most difficult player to replace will be the enigmatic Mohamed Elyounoussi. The Norwegian was in good form throughout the 2020/21 campaign, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.

His tally was only second to Edouard but his performances dwindled towards the back end of the campaign.

Elyounoussi was found guilty of giving the ball away on a regular basis and was sloppy with his offensive play.

The winger found the back of the net only three times in his last 16 Premiership matches of the campaign.

Therefore, it feels unlikely they’ll bring him back for a third stint at Paradise.

The replacement

With Postecoglou now in the dugout, he will naturally be linked to a number of players hailing from the Southern Hemisphere and other areas of Asia.

Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan has been linked but so have two Japanese players, one of which is Kaoru Mitoma.

The winger is one of the most electrifying players in the J-League and would go a long way to replacing the void of quality following Elyounoussi’s departure.

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Mitoma is a frantic dribbler and in the words of Juco James from the Huddle podcast, is the most “creative” player in the entire Japanese top-flight.

Compared to Jeremie Frimpong, the 24-year-old’s progression run rate per 90 minutes was ranked 12th out of 48,426 players in all senior competitions over the last 12 months.

He is ranked 27th for accelerations and in terms of creativity, Mitoma is 16th in Wyscout’s key pass metric.

The left winger has mesmerising dribbling and flair too. He records ten dribbles per 90 minutes and has the ability to score goals in abundance.

Mitoma has ten strikes to his name in 21 outings during the 2021 campaign, taking his overall tally for Kawasaki Frontale to 28.

A dazzler dribbler with an extremely productive output in the final third, Postecoglou can immediately upgrade on Elyounoussi by luring him to Scotland.

AND in other news, Postecoglou can seal instant Celtic masterstroke by axing £12k-p/w “laughing stock”…

Tottenham Hotspur could also sell an ‘important’ player who manager Antonio Conte ‘raves about’, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites exodus?

This upcoming Spurs transfer window looks set to be the most interesting one in quite some time.

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Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, tasked with backing Conte ahead of the 2022/2023 Premier League season, are reportedly going to sit down with the Italian as he eyes six major signings (The Telegraph).

However, amid their financial complications off the pitch, with club debt mounting to around £706 million, it is imperative that the club offload surplus players to balance the books and bolster Conte’s transfer kitty.

Their homegrown quota also presents a complication with reliable journalist Matt Law recently claiming that, if Spurs want to sign an overseas forward this summer, one of Steven Bergwijn or Lucas Moura may have to be offloaded.

The Latest: Gold backs possible Bergwijn exit…

Writing for football.london in the last 24 hours, another credible source in Tottenham correspondent Gold has now backed that Bergwijn could also leave north London amid consistent exit links surrounding other players.

This is despite the fact Conte ‘raves about’ his Dutch winger, even calling him an ‘important’ player, with Gold adding that Bergwijn is unlikely to want to stay for 22/23 amid his lack of minutes.

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

The Netherlands international has proven to be a useful option for Conte over this campaign.

His added time brace to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win at Leicester City in late January is evidence of the player’s impact and quality when given an opportunity, and could even be the moment that secures Champions League football come the end of the campaign.

Bergwijn’s versatility as an attacking outlet from the wide positions and further forward is another incentive for Spurs to keep hold of the former PSV Eindhoven star.

Despite his quality, though, a mooted move back to the Eredivisie with footballing giants Ajax could be too enticing to ignore – and if the 24-year-old pushes for a move – Spurs may well need to consider a sale depending on their possible offer.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

Former Tottenham Hotspur ace Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast that Gareth Bale needs to prove himself for the remainder of the season if he is to earn a stay at the club.

Bale struggled for minutes under manager Jose Mourinho, making just six starts in the Premier League. He is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt.

He was restored to the team by interim head coach Ryan Mason against Southampton and scored in the 2-1 win, before netting a hat-trick in Spurs’ 4-0 home thrashing of Sheffield United.

But he was on the bench against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final as Spurs lost 1-0, and Roberts thinks that he now has a bigger opportunity to seal another move this summer.

It has been widely reported that Spurs have an option to extend his loan stay at the club, and Roberts thinks that the Wales international now has a handful of games to prove himself.

Spurs face Leeds United, Wolves, Aston Villa and Leicester City before the end of the season as they bid to force their way back into contention to qualify for Europe.

Speaking to FFC, Roberts was asked if Bale will stay and said: “I would think there’s now half a chance. But I think Gareth now has to prove himself in the next few games.

“If not, the club are not going to pay £300,000, £250,000 a week to him, when you’re sitting on the bench. You’ve got to be out on that pitch and hopefully he’s over all of his injuries now.”

According to Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic, Ajax were ‘priced out of a potential deal’ by Tottenham for Steven Bergwijn as Antonio Conte considers him ‘an important member of his squad’.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn’s transfer saga

The Dutch winger was at the centre of a fluctuating transfer saga during the January window. One moment he was seemingly off from N17, the next Conte wanted him to stay.

On 9 January, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed that Tottenham had ‘decided to sell’ the 24-year-old amid interest from a number of clubs.

Two days later, the Evening Standard reported that Spurs had rejected an opening £15m bid from Ajax. It was said that Daniel Levy was holding out on the deal as he was looking to recoup as much of the £27m that they paid for the player in 2020 as they could.

However, Bergwijn seemingly threw his Spurs future into the air as he fired in two stoppage-time goals in 80 seconds to snatch Conte’s side three points in a thrilling 3-2 win over Leicester City two weeks ago.

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The Latest: Ajax ‘priced out’ of Bergwijn deal

According to Eccleshare on Twitter, the Dutch champions were priced out of a possible deal for Bergwijn, a player who Conte feels is an integral member of the Tottenham squad.

He outlined: “It’s been a busy day for #THFC departures, but Steven Bergwijn is staying put. Ajax priced out of a potential deal for someone Antonio Conte considers an important member of his squad.”

Eccleshare also revealed for The Athletic that Spurs were not actively looking to offload the attacker, but Ajax’s interest had tested their resolve. This ultimately ended as the Dutch giants could not afford to meet Tottenham’s asking price.

The Verdict: Good choice

Bergwijn has not enjoyed an easy period since he arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but in recent weeks, it seems that the Netherlands international’s fortunes may have changed.

With the 24-year-old having secured Spurs that dramatic win against Leicester and with Alasdair Gold hailing him as a ‘rare bright spot’ in the recent defeat at Chelsea, this begged the question as to whether Conte and Fabio Paratici were silly to consider allowing the player to leave.

Considering the failed pursuit for now-Barcelona winger Adama Traore, Tottenham have made the right call to keep hold of the Dutchman, whose ‘quality’ has been hailed by Conte himself.

In other news: Tottenham: Late Ousmane Dembele attempt fails

Manchester United are reportedly considering making a sensational move for former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

What’s the story?

According to well-known journalist and transfer expert Duncan Castles, the Red Devils are interested in securing the 34-year-old’s services this summer after he became a free agent.

“He’s available and looking for a club. It’s interesting to see what decisions will be taken by clubs,” Castles said on the lastest installment of the Transfer Window Podcast (as relayed by the Manchester Evening News).

“It’s interesting Manchester United – who have talked about their coherent strategy and planning that have gone into their transfers and they’ve been quick to do deals for two important players in positions where they needed players in – are saying, ‘Well, can we do something for Messi?’.

“I’m not surprised PSG are pushing to do it.”

United fans will be absolutely buzzing

Messi departed Barcelona in dramatic fashion over the weekend after it looked certain that he’d stay at Camp Nou after agreeing terms on a new five-year contract back in July.

The new deal would have reportedly seen the six-time Ballon d’Or winner half the £123m a season he is thought to have received in his previous contract.

However, the agreement was dependent on player departures to get Barca’s wage bill under La Liga’s limit, but the club were unable to do so, leaving them with no choice but to allow Messi to depart following his remarkable 21-year association with the Catalan giants.

The Blaugrana president Joan Laporta said on Friday that attempting to retain Messi’s services could have put the club at risk for 50 years.

As a result, Paris Saint-Germain have been heavily linked with a move for arguably the greatest football player to have ever graced the beautiful game, with contract talks said to be progressing between the club and Messi’s representatives.

Nevertheless, the player stated that he had “not agreed anything with anyone” during Sunday’s emotional press conference, meaning United may still have time to hijack any potential move, leaving the club’s supporters absolutely buzzing.

After scoring a quite sensational 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barca, adding a further 305 assists on his way to 35 major trophies, Messi’s time in the Catalan capital is over and after Castles’ comments, United supporters will be hoping his next destination will be the Theatre of Dreams, making their wildest fantasies come true. Having already had the privilege of watching Cristiano Ronaldo play for their club, United fans would be buzzing if they got to see Messi in the famous red shirt, even for just a couple of years.

And, in other news…Murtough must avoid MUFC transfer nightmare over £40.5m-rated gem, Ole would be fuming 

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz as an update emerged on their new away kit for next season.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, supporters can now order the new away strip, which features a burnt orange belt cutting through the black jersey, with the Cazoo sponsor in the middle and the Toffees badge placed within the belt.

The kit has been made and designed by Hummel and has certainly got a lot of tails of Blues fans wagging to buy it.

It goes away from the traditional blue and white colours of the home shirt, but several EFC supporters seem to love the colour combinations and overall design, as they look forward to going into the next campaign with just one game left to go, away at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, in the 2020/21 term.

Everton fans on new away kit

These Everton fans buzzed as the new away kit was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘magnificent’:

“Wow, this is beautiful”

Credit: @N00rKi

“Absolutely love it #Everton #Hummel”

Credit: @NewMozDivision

“At last!”

Credit: @LeeCJ1982

“Beautiful”

Credit: @hughes_jagger

“This kit is magnificent and I won’t have anyone tell me otherwise.”Credit: @jamesiwanj”Oh my”Credit: @WilliamsLewyIn other news, find out what transfer update has left Toffees fuming here!

Interest is hotting up over Nottingham Forest defender Jordan Gabriel this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Blackpool and Huddersfield Town are in a fight to sign the Forest right-back in the summer transfer window, with the journalist stating that a deal for the £225k-rated man “won’t be cheap.”

An earlier report by Nottinghamshire Live claimed that Portsmouth are also keen on a move for the 22-year-old this summer, although went on to state that Chris Hughton plans to assess Gabriel in pre-season before making a decision on the youngster’s future.

Forest fans should be fuming

While it would appear far from certain that Gabriel will be leaving The City Ground ahead of next season, if Hughton does eventually decide to cash on the defender Forest fans should be fuming with their manager.

Indeed, the right-back impressed over his 29 League One appearances while on loan at Blackpool last term, helping his side keep 10 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 4.6 duels per game.

The £1.2k-per-week man also chipped in for his team in a creative capacity, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.7 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the man the journalist Matt Scrafton dubbed an “important” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.75, playing a huge part in Neil Critchley’s side going on to secure promotion to the Championship.

Aside from his obvious potential, the fact that Cyrus Christie has now returned to Fulham, in addition to Hughton informing Carl Jenkinson that he is free to leave the club this summer, means that Gabriel could well be the 62-year-old’s only option at right-back at Forest next season.

As such, not only would the sale of Gabriel be sanctioning the departure of a player who could well go on to become a star for the Garibaldi, it would also leave the club incredibly short of options in the position, leading us to believe Hughton should not even consider the prospect of letting the 22-year-old leave this summer.

In other news: Forest now open transfer talks over “remarkable” £12k-p/w gem, fans should be buzzing

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted as Sky Sports Germany backs news on reported FSG target and Red Bull Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, starting the 2021/2022 campaign in imperious form, have looked seemingly unstoppable at times going forward.

Scoring 17 goals in five games alone across all competitions in October, their last Premier League outing away to bitter rivals Manchester United showcased exactly what they’re capable of.

Their stunning 5-0 win at Old Trafford set a benchmark for the high level demanded by Klopp but that doesn’t mean FSG and co are totally ignoring the transfer market.

Indeed, as per Sky in Germany, Liverpool are indeed one of the sides to have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing red hot striking sensation Adeyemi.

Backing other reports, Sky sources now say that the exciting 19-year-old, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions already this season (Transfermarkt), is a target for the Reds.

Flocking to this claim, it’s safe to say many fans are excited and want to see him move to Anfield – with one of them even comparing the teenager to Sadio Mane.

Find all of their verdicts on this claim down below.

Liverpool fans flock to Sky update on Adeyemi…

“this and a Salah renewal and we’ll be happy for now”

Credit: @EvceloLFC

“I want him more than Jude tbf”

Credit: @Dipro_says_hii

“Mad not to buy him! RB Salburg will sell for a decent fee!”

Credit: @JasonLFC1979

“Please please please”

Credit: @CousinCAH

“Great talent”

Credit: @YusufMoneer

“Pls be true”

Credit: @jaslfc_

“The new Sadio”

Credit: @Andy_Hall89

“yessss.. he’ll be worth 100M+ in 2yrs time.”

Credit: @NadMk2

Crystal Palace have leapfrogged Tottenham in the race to sign Lyon centre-back Joachim Andersen, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace supporters have been sharing their thoughts to the news on social media.

McGrath claims that Palace have now joined the race for the 25-year-old and are the favourites to sign the defender.

Spurs were monitoring Andersen, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, but now appear to be more focused on other defensive targets, opening the door for Palace.

Patrick Vieira has already brought in Marc Guehi from Chelsea to bolster his defensive ranks, and landing Andersen would be viewed as a transfer coup by those in charge at Selhurst Park.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared The Telegraph’s claims regarding Andersen on social media. This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with one describing it as ‘the dream’.

“We are massive”Credit: @OutYanks”Eat that Nuno”Credit: @Goala93730986″The dream! Please”Credit: @oliver_panter94″Yes please this guy is amazing! Single handed made Fulham much better”Credit: @FPL_Banana”Yes please”Credit: @SameOldPalace05″What happened with the guy from Copenhagen?”Credit: @alffy1977

In other news: ‘We riot’ – Many Palace fans fume as exit news emerges.

Some within Newcastle United ‘weren’t overly impressed’ after Steve Bruce took a holiday during the international break, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh. 

The lowdown

The Magpies were beaten 4-1 by Manchester United on Saturday, extending their winless start to the season and leaving them languishing in 19th place.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported that Bruce headed to Portugal during the two-week interlude between Premier League matches.

The manager was asked whether that was the case following the defeat at Old Trafford, and responded angrily (via @ChronicleNUFC).

The latest

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Waugh was asked by a supporter how the team had reacted to Bruce’s overseas trip, and the journalist insisted that he couldn’t ‘comment for all the squad’.

However, he added that ‘at least a few sources have suggested’ that the move from the manager went down poorly in some quarters within St James’ Park.

The verdict

If indeed Bruce did go on holiday recently, then it was ill-judged. Yes, it was an international break with a number of players jetting off across the world, but the optics should have been considered.

Newcastle surrendered victory in agonising circumstances prior to the break, conceding a 96th-minute penalty against Southampton. It was also a game which saw chants of ‘we want Bruce out’ from sections of the home support, so the manager did not need to risk fanning the flames.

It’s almost impossible to see an amicable end to the 60-year-old’s tenure at St James’ Park following this development.

In other news, this Newcastle player came under fire for his performance on Saturday.