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Celtic midfielder James McCarthy is ‘ready to go’ against Livingston on Sunday afternoon, John McGinley reports.

The Lowdown: McCarthy’s struggles

The 30-year-old, who penned a four-year deal at Parkhead in the summer, hasn’t featured heavily under Ange Postecoglou this season. He has made just four appearances in green and white, all of which have come from the bench.

He has reportedly ‘struggled’ with the ‘with the pace and intensity’ of Postecoglou’s training sessions, but it appears as if he is good to go against Livingston today.

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The Latest: McGinley’s tweet

McGinley took to Twitter on Saturday evening to share updates on McCarthy and Celtic team-mate Giorgos Giakoumakis.

He claimed that the Irish midfielder is ‘ready to go’, while the Greece striker also has a chance of making his first appearance as a Celtic player, tweeting: “Postecoglou says Giorgos Giakoumakis has a chance of featuring tomorrow against Livingston, if he doesn’t, he will definitely be involved against Raith Rovers. James McCarthy is ready to go.”

The Verdict: Boost

With Callum McGregor missing the game with Real Betis through injury on Thursday, McCarthy’s availability from the off today is a welcome boost for Postecoglou.

Postecoglou is optimistic that the captain may make a swift return, but having McCarthy as another option is good news.

The Irishman has reportedly been sidelined through a viral infection, but hopefully he can begin to find his feet in the Hoops midfield – possibly starting from today.

In other news: ‘I’m sure’ – Sky Sports pundit says Desmond will take big Celtic action before January. 

Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Jack Hendry from KV Oostende this summer but in reality, Ralph Hasenhuttl doesn’t need him in his squad at St Mary’s.

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton have joined Newcastle United, Burnley and West Brom in showing an interest in the Scotland international, who only joined Oostende on a permanent deal earlier this summer.

However, the report suggests that the Belgian side would be open to the idea of selling the 26-year-old and making an immediate profit, after paying just £1.8m to sign him from Celtic after a successful loan spell.

Do Southampton need him?

Hasenhuttl suggested recently that if Southampton are to sign another player before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday evening, then it will most likely be a defensive-midfielder who can play ‘as a six’ and compete with Oriol Romeu and Ibrahima Diallo.

The Saints have already brought in Lyanco as Jannik Vestergaard’s replacement and considering they also have Jack Stephens, Mohammed Salisu and Jan Bednarek competing for a starting spot at centre-back, it would be strange to see them bring in another player in that position.

Hendry was named as the Player of the Year in the Belgian Pro League last season, so is clearly a talented player but it is difficult to see where he fits into Hasenhuttl’s squad without displacing players with Premier League experience.

The former Celtic man, who is currently valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, is already 26 and therefore you feel that he doesn’t have too much room to improve his game, and his signing could block the development of players such as Salisu and summer signing Dynel Simeu.

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Therefore, if there is any truth in this particular transfer rumour then Southampton fans should hope that Martin Semmens doesn’t look to sign him, as you feel their money could be spent better on an area of the squad with less quality in depth.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Obafemi: Southampton should seal late swoop for “shining light”

Celtic look set to land a former player from their crosstown rivals in Ciaran Dickson after images of the midfielder holding up a Hoops shirt emerged, as reported by Glasgow Live.

The Lowdown: Deadline day business

Dominic McKay has already been extremely busy in his first summer as CEO, bringing in nine new players for Ange Postecoglou.

That looks to increase to 11 on deadline day, with striker Georgios Giakoumakis and winger Filipe Jota set to arrive at Parkhead.

However, it seems as if another player could well arrive in Glasgow in Dickson, who left fierce crosstown rivals Rangers this summer.

The Latest: Dickson’s Celtic image

As reported by Glasgow Live, the 19-year-old has been pictured at Celtic Park holding up a Hoops shirt with his name and number 51 on the back in an apparent signing image.

Dickson was released by the Gers in the summer after penning a three-year deal in January and now looks set to remain in Glasgow with a prospective move to Celtic.

The Verdict: Smart

Celtic appear to be building for the future, with seven of the club’s nine additions this summer 26 years of age or younger. With that in mind, adding Dickson – who Steven Gerrard described as ‘terrific’ – could be a smart move in the long run.

The teenager is a free agent and can play as a central, attacking or right midfielder, so his versatility could come in handy further down the line. It would also be immensely satisfying to snap up a player who had previously looked like being a hot prospect for their fiercest rivals.

In other news: Celtic face competition for another attacking target. 

Joe Wainman, presenter of the Leeds United-based JustJoe Football Show, insists that the club’s fans would have happily sold Kalvin Phillips when Marcelo Bielsa was first appointed as manager.

Bielsa was brought into the club in 2018 and has guided the club from the Championship into the Premier League, while keeping them there last season.

Under his management, Phillips has become one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, emerging as a key player for both club and country.

Indeed, Phillips was central to England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, as he forged a superb understanding with fellow midfielder Declan Rice.

And Wainman believes that much of his improvement is down to Bielsa’s management, while he has also drawn attention to the development of Ben White after he moved to Arsenal for £50 million.

Indeed, White spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Elland Road as the club were promoted, and Wainman has hailed Bielsa’s impact on the pair.

He said: “What he’s done with players like Ben White, let’s not forget that Ben White was on loan at Peterborough and now he’s going to Arsenal for £50 million.

“Kalvin Phillips, a lot of Leeds fans would have sold him and wouldn’t have minded if he’d have moved on when Bielsa first came in, and now he’s playing for England and is one of the best players in his position in world football, for me.”

Lukas Nmecha has become the latest player to leave Manchester City this summer, in a deal which the Citizens may well end up regretting, should he realise his obvious potential with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

What’s the word?

It was confirmed earlier this week that the Germany U21 international had completed a permanent £11m move to Mark van Bommel’s side, having struggled for game time in Pep Guardiola’s side during his time at the Etihad.

In total, the 22-year-old would make just two first-team appearances for Man City, as he spent the majority of his time out on loan, with unsuccessful spells at Middlesbrough and Preston North End in recent seasons.

However, he impressed on loan at Anderlecht last season, contributing 18 goals and three assists in 37 league appearances, which helped him average an excellent 7.06 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He was also integral to Germany’s success in the U’21 European Championships this summer, winning the golden boot with four goals, which suggests that he has a very bright future.

Will City regret selling Nmecha?

Considering City are arguably lacking a natural goalscorer following the departure of Sergio Aguero earlier in the summer, Nmecha perhaps deserved an opportunity in Guardiola’s side for the 2021/22 campaign but instead, it looks as if City have cashed in on him in order to fund moves for the likes of Harry Kane and Jack Grealish during the transfer window.

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It is disappointing that the Citizens are seemingly unwilling to give some of their most talented academy players regular opportunities, especially after Nmecha proved himself under City legend Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht last season.

The former centre-back sang his praises last season, saying:

“Of course, he still has room for improvement, but actually he is already a quite complete striker. He does not have any noticeable weaknesses.

“At the moment he is already one of the best strikers in Belgium.

“In time he will be a striker for one of the European clubs who are just below the top or even for a top European club.”

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Kompany wasn’t wrong, as Nmecha will be plying his trade in the Champions League next season with Wolfsburg, and if he can continue to impress with the Bundesliga side, then this transfer feels like one City will end up regretting in the not too distant future.

And, in other news… Sam Lee shares promising Jack Grealish update that’ll leave fans buzzing

A number of Rangers supporters absolutely love a post from the Ibrox’s outfit’s official Twitter account, which has seemingly mocked Celtic’s Champions League exit.

Steven Gerrard’s side are busy preparing for the defence of their Scottish Premiership crown, having cruised to glory last season.

The Gers get their 2021/22 campaign underway at home to Livingston on Saturday afternoon, in what will hopefully be a comfortable winning start.

Despite their troubles last term, one would expect Celtic will again be Rangers’ main rivals for the title, but away from domestic action, they have already experienced European misery.

They crashed of the Champions League at the hands of Midtjylland on Wednesday night, meaning they have once again failed to reach the group stages.

On Thursday morning, Rangers’ official Twitter account conveniently chose to pick a strike from Scott Arfield against Midtjylland as their Goal of the Day, no doubt poking a little bit of fun at Celtic.

Rangers fans love official club tweet

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the club’s antics.

“Beating Midtjylland isn’t for everyone”

Credit: @CallumGrindlayy

“Brilliance”

Credit: @Craigc3533

“My club”

Credit: @thekilo_dk

“I love our social media team”

Credit: @DPatz13

“Man this tweet has made my day”

Credit: @islayboy83

“Beautiful”

Credit: @bluenosebear55

In other news, some Rangers fans are unhappy with news surrounding one player. Find out who it is here.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan has been left in awe by West Ham transfer news involving Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.

The Lowdown: West Ham weighing Jovic swoop…

As per Eurosport, the Irons are now weighing a swoop for the Galacticos forward, having been long-term admirers of the Serbian.

It is understood that Jovic will not be in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for next season, which has prompted the Hammers to consider making a move for him before August 31.

David Moyes has long been on the lookout for a new forward as backup/competition for Michail Antonio, who spent his fair share of time on the sidelines over 2020/21.

The Latest: Whelan reacts…

Reacting to this Eurosport claim involving Jovic, pundit and former Premier League striker Whelan believes that it may just be the ‘perfect fit’ for West Ham.

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He also hailed what a potential bit of business that signing the 23-year-old would be for the Hammers, not to mention how their location in the English capital could be a massive selling point.

“Absolutely. The chance to live in London, this is what foreign players want,” Whelan explained to Football Insider.

“When they’ve been at big clubs and places like Madrid, they want the capital kind of living down there. It’s a great opportunity.

“If West Ham can get this one over the line or pull it out the hat if he’s surplus requirements, then I’m sure both parties can come to an agreement.

“It might just be the perfect fit. Wow, what a bit of business that would be for West Ham.”

The Verdict: Best remaining option?

Links to new forwards have been scarce over these last few weeks, with Divock Origi and Martin Braithwaite standing out as names who are mentioned the most consistently.

Jovic, who has been called ‘magical’ by none other than superstar Lionel Messi, comes as another exciting option given his young age and plaudits – even despite the fact he can’t muster much game time at the Bernabeu.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Adi Hutter also heaped praise on the young striker earlier this year during his loan spell back at Deutsche Bank Park, branding Jovic ‘absolute world-class’ (realmadridlatestnews.com).

If West Ham could somehow land him before the transfer window deadline, it may just be a saving grace for Moyes.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Staggering’, ‘Cannot write this’…West Ham fans react as news now confirmed, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left buzzing as the Midlands club confirmed the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri in an announcement on their official Twitter page.

As per the club’s official website, the left-back has signed on a five-year deal with an option of a further year after impressing while on loan from Angers in the 2020/21 season.

Technical director Scott Sellars was full of praise for the youngster, claiming that he is a ‘very talented’ player with ‘lots of potential’.

Ait-Nouri clearly made a great impression for Wolves to make his move a permanent one, ranking highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles (1.4), key passes (0.7), dribbles (1.2), pass success (86.1%) and crosses (0.6) per match in the Premier League last term (WhoScored).

The 20-year-old will hope to hit the ground running once more in his second season at Molineux, this time under new manager Bruno Lage.

Wolves fans on Ait-Nouri transfer

These Wolves supporters were thrilled as the transfer was confirmed on Twitter, with one describing it as ‘tremendous news’:

“INJECT THIS CONTENT INTO MY VEINS”

Credit: @NickAllen224

“We are winning it all”

Credit: @Finsabu

“Tremendous news”

Credit: @_AlanLeese

“Excellent news! Bargain at that price. 9.5m times better than Ryan Giles”

Credit: @wolvesbradders

“Love to see it”

Credit: @Sidaway_

“Fantastic negotiation by Wolves, he definitely grew into the league and looked at home towards the end.”

Credit: @mabr82

In other news, find out who Fabrizio Romano has claimed ‘will join Wolves’

Liverpool have not completed the signing of Ghanaian youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, according to The Athletic‘s James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Reds claimed to have signed youngster

It was claimed earlier in the week that the Reds had agreed to sign Issahaku, immediately loaning him out to Sporting Lisbon in the process, in order to continue maturing as a player.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder had caught the eye playing for Steadfast FC in his homeland, also scoring two goals in six appearances for Ghana’s Under-20 side.

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The Latest: Pearce laughs off rumour

Despite Liverpool seemingly completing a move for Issahaku, Pearce has been quick to deny the rumour, taking to Twitter on Wednesday to say he has joined Sporting permanently.

After being quizzed on the matter by a fan, Pearce confirmed ‘I checked with contacts’ and the Reds ‘haven’t signed him’.

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The Verdict: Pearce should be trusted

When it comes to the most reliable Liverpool journalists around, Pearce is near the top of the pile, so he should be trusted over the original source, which has seen been shared around in various outlets like The Mirror.

It would be a big surprise now if it transpired that the Reds actually had acquired Issahaku’s signature and sent him out on loan to Sporting.

Perhaps they could make a move for the youngster in the future though, with a fan-made compilation on Twitter recently showing he clearly has talent and penchant for scoring wondergoals.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a key update over the future of one popular Reds figure. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have made an enquiry about Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe but the ‘sense is’ it isn’t a deal they can do this summer.

That’s according to Chris Winterburn, a journalist for Marca, who revealed the Reds would have to sell one of their current stars to make a move possible.

The lowdown

As Winterburn’s report notes, Mbappe is about to enter the final year of his contract at the Parc des Princes, meaning he has the right to a leave on a free transfer next summer.

The Frenchman’s statistics at PSG are breathtaking, with 132 goals and 61 assists in 171 appearances.

Last season, he scored 42 in all competitions and finished as top scorer in Ligue 1 with 27, seven clear of nearest challenger Memphis Depay.

Even though his deal is winding down, he’s valued at a whopping £144million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

According to Marca, Liverpool have sounded out the possibility of a transfer, albeit ‘more out of hope than expectation’.

The Reds would probably need to sell Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane to raise sufficient funds for the move.

PSG, the report adds, won’t countenance a sale this summer simply to ‘avoid the financial loss’ of the 22-year-old departing on a free transfer.

While there would be no transfer fee per se in 2022, if indeed Mbappe chooses not to extend his stay in the French capital, the move would still involve a signing on-fee, payments to agents and potentially the highest salary in world football.

Liverpool ‘can’t afford’ to meet Mbappe’s demands, ‘nor would they want to’.

The verdict

Mbappe to Liverpool seems likely to remain in the realm of fantasy. Even if Salah or Mane were to be sold, which feels unlikely in itself, the Reds know that making the move would probably obliterate their wage structure.

The Reds might find themselves anxiously watching on, praying Mbappe doesn’t end up in the hands of one of their rivals, with perhaps the best case scenario a move to Real Madrid – rather than the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea.

He’s so good that, with the right team assembled around him, he could be at the dominant figure over the next decade of football, much in the same way Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been.

For now, Reds fans will have to take links with the superstar with a bucketload of salt.

In other news, fans react as an exciting image emerges.