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Chris Sutton has been reacting to more Celtic injury news, this time on summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Calf injury

Giakoumakis was included in a Celtic matchday squad for the first time on Thursday but failed to make his debut in a 3-0 win over Raith Rovers.

Ange Postecoglou confirmed after the game that the Dutch striker injured his calf in the warm-up and was sent for a scan as a result.

As a result, Giakoumakis looks set to join Christopher Jullien, Greg Taylor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Mikey Johnston on the sidelines, with captain Callum McGregor also missed the last three games.

The Latest: Sutton reacts

Sutton took to Twitter late on Thursday evening to give his thoughts on the striker.

He described the latest setback for Giakoumakis as a ‘nightmare’ for Postecoglou.

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The Verdict: Concerning…

Giakoumakis was brought in on deadline day to fill the void left by Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths.

However, he last kicked a competitive ball in May and seemed to be quite far off fitness-wise earlier this month.

Add a fresh calf injury into the mix, you’d expect he’ll miss Dundee United on the weekend, so it does seem a bit concerning in regards to the Hoops splashing £2.5m on the 26-year-old.

In other news: ‘Hopefully’ – Kieran Devlin shares ‘important’ area Celtic may add to next after McElhone. 

Dean Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that Kurt Zouma would be an outstanding signing for West Ham.

Following their second-best Premier League finish last season, David Moyes’ men are in the group stages of the Europa League for the first time.

And with at least six extra games in the pipeline next term, the Hammers need a squad of players capable of playing twice a week up until Christmas.

According to Sky Sports, Moyes has been looking to add Zouma to his squad to compete with the likes of Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna at centre-back.

Despite his involvement for Chelsea on the way to winning the Champions League last season, the Frenchman is surplus to requirements with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde linked to the Stamford Bridge outfit.

West Ham’s only current signing so far has been a loan deal for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but Windass believes Zouma would be another shrewd piece of business.

He exclusively told FFC:

“I like that, I’m surprised Chelsea are letting him go. I think he’s been outstanding for Thomas. I can’t believe how good he is in the air.

“He’s strong, quick, not the most gifted on the ball, but that would be a great fit for West Ham if they can get that over the line, although I’m so surprised Chelsea want to get rid of him.”

Everton will renew their efforts to sign Donny van de Beek on loan when the January transfer window opens, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson. 

The lowdown

Van de Beek’s agent Guido Albers confirmed in September that talks had taken place with Everton during the summer (via The Athletic). United had moved to block the transfer on the penultimate day of trading.

But the Dutchman has remained an outcast in the early months of the season, playing just 15 minutes of Premier League football.

After the £120,000-per-week midfielder was handed a rare opportunity to shine in last season’s 4-1 European win over Istanbul Basaksehir, BT Sport’s Owen Hargreaves hailed him as ‘close to perfect’, so it is no surprise to see yet more links suggesting a player of that quality could be on the move.

The latest

Dawson writes that ‘a host of Premier League clubs’ are considering a January loan swoop for Van de Beek.

He explicitly names Everton as well as relegation-threatened Newcastle United.

Sources have told ESPN that the player himself is ‘keen to explore his options’ ahead of the mid-season market.

The verdict

Surely United can’t stand in Van de Beek’s way this time on the grounds that he’s part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans? He’s effectively a forgotten man at Old Trafford, with Gary Neville even warning fellow struggling signing Jadon Sancho he could end up like the Dutchman (Sky Sports), hardly a glowing endorsement of his chances.

And he seems, understandably, to be unhappy with the situation, having been filmed throwing his chewing gum and training bib to the floor when Solskjaer overlooked him against Villarreal.

Everton could grant a new lease of life to a player who demonstrated at Ajax that he has plenty of quality – in his last season in Amsterdam, he recorded a whopping 30 goal contributions.

In other news, fans reacted to this Aaron Ramsey report. 

Following Steven Gerrard’s appointment as the new Aston Villa manager last week, the club have already been linked with a host of players in the upcoming transfer window, with the likes of Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo all being touted with moves to Villa Park this winter.

However, in order to make space for the club’s potential incoming signings, the 41-year-old may well have to look to move a number of the current Villa squad on come January, with one name likely to be high on the manager’s list of outgoing candidates being that of Keinan Davis.

Despite having made his debut for the club as an exciting 18-year-old prospect back in 2017, the centre-forward has failed to kick on in his professional career at Villa Park, still yet to enjoy what could be considered as his breakout season in first-team football.

Indeed, in his first season spent predominantly with the senior squad, the £2.7m-rated striker scored three goals and provided four assists over his 30 appearances in all competitions, returns which suggested that the former England U20 international could have the potential to go on and become a first-team regular.

However, the 23-year-old would ultimately make only 45 more appearances over the following three campaigns, scoring just three goals and registering three assists in the process, as the centre-forward found himself pushed further and further down the Aston Villa pecking order, while his returns did nothing to convince Dean Smith that he deserved a spot in the manager’s starting XI.

This is a lesson that Steven Gerrard must learn from, as, over the past four seasons the £25k-per-week Davis has consistently proven that he is not a player of the standard required at Villa Park.

Indeed, fans of the club also agree with this assessment, as, in a poll ran on Football FanCast, the vast majority of supporters made their feelings known that they do not believe the player who Jack Grealish once dubbed as “unplayable” has a future at their club.

As such, Gerrard simply must axe the 23-year-old in January, as his place in the squad, as well as his rather hefty weekly wage, could be put to much better use by the 41-year-old manager.

In other news: Lange could transform Gerrard’s AVFC by signing “frightening” £20m gem likened to Mane

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

West Ham fans will go crazy if Declan Rice is sold to Chelsea this summer, warns former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The Telegraph recently reported that while Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland or another world-class No.9 is the European champions’ priority, Thomas Tuchel is still interested in Rice.

The 22-year-old still has three years left on his contract, so the Hammers are not in a position where they have to sell now to avoid losing him on a free.

However, Palmer is not too sure they are completely out of the woods, fearing that David Moyes may be forced into a sale regardless in order to bolster his squad.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Moyes and Rice, the ex-England international said:

“It’s already been made very clear to him that there’s not a lot of money available at West Ham. And I’m assuming if he wants to do business like he’d like to do it, he might have to sell somebody like Declan Rice. [But] the West Ham supporters would go crazy over that.”

As well as Chelsea, Manchester United are also said to be interested in the England midfielder.

According to The Guardian, Rice is a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, so a bidding war could now easily erupt for his signature this summer.

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”

An update has emerged on Wolves’ pursuit of Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes regarding the details of a potential deal.

What’s the talk?

According to SER Deportivos Valencia, via Sport Witness, Wolves have offered centre-back Romain Saiss to Valencia in an attempt to secure a deal for the Portuguese international this month.

It has been reported that Valencia want a fee in the region of £30m (€35m) for the winger, with Wolves now hoping that the 31-year-old’s prospective inclusion in the deal can bring that figure down.

Imagine him & Adama

Wolves could seal a terrifying attack if they are able to bring Guedes to the club this month. Including Saiss in the deal could be a masterstroke by Wanderers if it allows them to pay a lower fee for the Portuguese forward instead of splashing out the entire £30m, whilst also getting the Moroccan’s wages off the bill.

The former PSG attacker could be an excellent addition to Wolves’ squad. The 24-year-old is an exciting talent who has ample experience playing at the top level. He has 23 caps for Portugal, played for PSG in Ligue 1 and has made 137 appearances for Valencia in Spain.

Guedes averaged 2.1 dribbles completed and 1.1 chances created per game in La Liga last season for Valencia, which shows that he is direct in his play and likes to take on defenders. This could get Wolves fans off their seats in excitement and strike fear into opposition players.

Portuguese legend Luis Figo once lauded the 24-year-old and highlighted his unpredictability as one of his biggest strengths. He told Foot Mercato, as transcribed by Tribal Football: “Guedes is a fast, irreverent and unpredictable player, who himself builds actions for his teammates and is also able to finish well.”

This makes him similar to Adama Traore at Molineux. Last season, the Spaniard averaged 4.1 dribbles and 1.5 key passes per game in the Premier League, having managed five and 1.3 respectively in the previous campaign. This shows that both players like to get the ball out of their feet and run at players, which is why the pair could be a frightening prospect for Premier League defences.

Bruno Lage must ensure that this deal gets over the line because the terrifying attack he could have with Adama and Guedes either side of Raul Jimenez could be brilliant to watch this season. Their pace and trickery out wide could create a hatful of chances for the Mexican to score, hopefully propelling Wolves back into the top half of the Premier League table.

AND in other news, Wolves must seal £12.8m deal for 18 y/o beast tipped for “incredible future”…

Former Premier League star Dean Windass insists that Roy Hodgson will have a say in his own replacement at Crystal Palace, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The former England boss has called time on a four year spell at Selhurst Park, with his last game to come this Sunday against Liverpool.

Palace have again cruised to safety, as the club sit 13th in the table, 16 points clear of the relegation zone.

They have enjoyed some real stability under Hodgson, with Palace finishing 11th in 2017/18, 12th in 18/19, and 14th in 19/20.

It remains to be seen who will replace him at Palace but names have already been linked, including ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

And Windass believes that Hodgson will be given the opportunity to name his own successor, much like Sir Alex Ferguson did at Manchester United, with the appointment of David Moyes.

Asked if he would have that chance, Windass told FFC: “Yeah I think so. He has a lot of respect with the owner, Steve Parish.”

Sunderland have been dealt a fresh setback ahead of their upcoming League One clash with Rotherham United on Tuesday evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Rotherham’s official website), Paul Warne revealed that, despite a number of his first-team squad picking up knocks in the 2-1 victory over Oxford United on Saturday afternoon, he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Sunderland – suggesting he will be able to pick from the same group of players available at the weekend.

Regarding the current state of his squad, the 48-year-old said: “We’ve got no major concerns, you always have a few aches and pains the day after a game, but I don’t think any of that is going to change who is available on Tuesday night. I think we’ll have the same players available to us.”

Neil will be gutted

Considering the importance of picking up all three points against the second-placed Millers on Tuesday evening, the fact that Warne has no fresh injury concerns is undoubtedly news that will have left Alex Neil gutted.

Indeed, Rotherham have been in fantastic form throughout their 2021/22 League One campaign, so far confounding pre-season predictions of a sixth-place finish by occupying one of the automatic promotion spots – with a victory over the Black Cats on Tuesday, coupled with a Wigan Athletic draw or loss at Portsmouth, being enough to see the Millers claim top spot in the division.

This favourable league position has largely been thanks to the efforts of centre-forward Michael Smith – 19 goals and six assists over 43 appearances – goalkeeper Josh Vickers – 12 clean sheets and 3.1 saves per game over 20 outings – central midfielder Daniel Barlaser – nine goals and six assists over 42 fixtures – and centre-back Michael Ihiekwe – 19 clean sheets over 40 matches.

Having said that, with Warne’s side having lost three of their last five league outings, Neil will be confident that, as long as Sunderland play to the best of their ability at the Stadium of Light, his side have a chance of taking all three points from the meeting.

However, the news that Rotherham have no fresh injury worries, coupled with the fact that the Mackems now look set to be without both Dennis Cirkin and Carl Winchester due to knocks picked up against Cambridge United, will certainly come as a blow to Neil and his side – who simply must secure a victory in order to give themselves the best possible chance of sealing a top-six spot of their own come the end of the season.

AND in other news: Forget Stewart: SAFC’s “complex” 141-touch star stole the show vs Cambridge United