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Writing on Twitter, American reporter Larry Henry Jr has dropped an exit update involving Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. 

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers on the move?

The USA international has been touted as one of the names to leave this summer as Tottenham aim to adopt a sell-to-buy policy (football.london).

So far, Spurs have only been able to offload Juan Foyth after Villarreal triggered his loan-to-buy option.

Tottenham could want to sell Carter-Vickers this summer with his deal running out in 2022.

The Latest: Reporter drops Carter-Vickers update…

Writing on Twitter, US journalist Henry Jr has dropped a Carter-Vickers update.

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He claims that Celtic have been in talks with Tottenham over a possible transfer this summer while Newcastle United and Bournemouth are also ‘back in the mix’.

“It sounds like the Cameron Carter-Vickers race is down to three teams, per a source close to the player.

“Newcastle United, Celtic, and Bournemouth back in the mix. Should be a fun few weeks.

“Newcastle is still in mix, but going over finances. Celtic has been in talks with Tottenham over a transfer too. Bournemouth’s interest quieted but has since picked back up.”

The Verdict: Good news?

This could come as a financial boost for Tottenham if they do in fact aim to offload Carter-Vickers this summer.

The interest in him appears to be heating up from a number of interested parties but what remains to be seen is how much Daniel Levy will want for his services.

Still young, Carter-Vickers also enjoyed a successful stint on loan at Bournemouth over 2020/2021 – where he managed the second most clearances per 90 (3.6) out of the Cherries squad (WhoScored).

We believe Levy and co could command a reasonable fee for his sale this summer, and the income generated by his potential sale could be re-invested in the Spurs first-team squad.

In other news: Spurs frontrunners to sign ‘absolutely sensational’ player with Nuno set for final call, find out more here.

Recent reports have suggested that Southampton striker Michael Obafemi could be included in a deal for Adam Armstrong this summer, which could effectively allow Ralph Hasenhuttl to kill two birds with one stone.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Obafemi could be sent to Blackburn on a permanent deal as a makeweight in the signing of Armstrong, who has been heavily linked with a move to St Mary’s in recent weeks.

The report suggests that Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray is a fan of Obafemi and with Southampton some way off the Championship side’s current valuation for the forward, a deal could well go through if he is sent to Ewood Park along with an increased offer.

Should Southampton do this deal?

Obafemi featured for just 57 minutes of Premier League football last season, as he fell behind the likes of Nathan Tella and Dan N’Lundulu in the pecking order in Hasenhuttl’s side, despite boasting a decent amount of first team experience.

During his Saints career thus far, the Republic of Ireland striker has made 38 appearances, contributing five goals and four assists, which included three in the top-flight in the 2019/20 season, so it is definitely fair to suggest that he regressed last season.

Hasenhuttl has questioned his attitude in the past, saying:

“He still has a lack of professionalism in his whole life.”

“This is a young guy who must learn quickly. If he does this and gets more physical, fit and can make this workload for a longer time, then he has a big future.”

Therefore, it would not be a huge blow for Southampton to lose him this summer, especially when you consider that his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

In return, they would be getting a player who finished second to only Ivan Toney in the Championship goalscoring charts last season, with Armstrong hitting 28 goals in the second tier and one in the League Cup for an impressive season tally of 29.

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Mowbray was full of praise for the former Newcastle United man last season, saying:

“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure to someone like (Harvey) Elliott to play the pass that he can hit just leaving it in the space for the speed and dynamic movement of Armstrong – it’s a devastating effect for the team.”

Therefore, Hasenhuttl should definitely consider sending Obafemi to Blackburn in order to bring in Armstrong this summer, as he could be a superb option for the Saints to have next season.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign their ideal Vestergaard heir with swoop for £3.15m-rated beast

Alex McLeish has tipped Celtic winger Karamoko Dembele to play more regular first team football this season under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Lowdown: Youngsters will get chance to impress Postecoglou

As 2021/22 gets underway for the Hoops, opportunities for young stars will present themselves as the new boss considers how to rebuild his squad effectively.

Starlets Owen Moffat and Dane Murray have already been singled out for praise in pre-season, and one other man who has also made an impact in recent friendlies has been 18-year-old Dembele, who scored against Charlton in a 2-1 win last week [Glasgow Times].

His manager has also labelled him as ‘a hugely talented boy’ in recent times [Glasgow Times].

The Latest: McLeish backs ‘exceptional talent’ Dembele to play a part

Speaking about Dembele’s prospects for the campaign ahead in an interview with Football Insider, former Scotland manager McLeish claimed:

“He’s still very, very young. He won’t have all the answers at this particular age,”

“But if he breaks through as a wonderkid, it would be unusual at that level.

“He will have a part to play in the squad judging by the comments I’ve heard Postecoglou make.

“There is no doubt he’s had a wee impact as it stands at the moment.

“The thing is you don’t want to put too much pressure on a young guy at 18. You don’t want to be thinking this is a guy that’s going to win us the league and trouble everybody.

“I think the kid will have his own targets to reach. So far, he’s come through as an exceptional talent.”

The Verdict: Dembele should be gradually nurtured

All things considered, McLeish correctly signifies the need to allow Dembele to grow and develop at his own pace.

Becoming a viral sensation for his talents from a young age, he made his Celtic under-20s debut at the age of just 13 [BBC]. While he clearly seems to have huge talent, he needs to be nurtured correctly by Postecoglou in order to have an impact in the long-term at Parkhead.

He should, however, have a part to play in the coming months. In 2020/21, the teenager made eight appearances for Celtic’s first team, scoring once in a 4-0 rout of St Johnstone [Sky Sports].

Despite his limited minutes on the pitch last term, he managed to record a strong passing accuracy of 83.3%, which will likely improve with further senior exposure [WhoScored].

Moving towards competitive action in 2021/22, the Celts should look to gradually increase Dembele’s game-time as he learns the ropes in the Celtic first team.

In other news, Celtic have opened talks with this England international.

Callum McGregor has been named as the new club captain of Celtic, following Scott Brown’s departure to Aberdeen, as confirmed on the Hoops’ official website.

The Lowdown: Change engulfs all departments at Celtic Park

Moving into 2021/22, Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to make the right calls in order to give the Hoops the best chance of impressing on a domestic and European level.

Important senior roles have incurred new blood at Celtic in recent times, namely the managerial and chief executive positions in the form of Postecoglou and communications expert Dominic McKay.

The Celts finally look to have filled the most important on-pitch role, with McGregor getting the captaincy for the upcoming season.

The Latest: Callum McGregor named as new Celtic captain

Kicking off the new era at Parkhead in earnest, the 28-year-old has been tasked with the mammoth task of filling Brown’s boots as he becomes Celtic’s 22nd captain [celticfc.com].

Deputising as skipper on a number of occasions last season [Daily Record], the Scotland international shouldered added responsibility in a difficult campaign for the Hoops.

As the club’s new full-time captain, he will be desperate to repay the faith shown in him by his manager, who added: “He knows what it takes to be a successful Celtic player, and he knows what it means to captain this club, and I’m delighted that he will be wearing the armband and leading the squad going forward.” [celticfc.com].

The Verdict: McGregor is the correct choice to fill Brown’s boots

McGregor was always the most likely to be given the opportunity to take the armband of his boyhood club due to his leadership qualities – Postecoglou has said that he “leads by example, both on and off the park” [celticfc.com].

Coming through the Lennoxtown ranks, the Scot has went on to rack up an incredible 14-trophy haul at the heart of the Celtic midfield [Transfermarkt]. Within that timeframe, he has registered 116 goal contributions in 325 appearances for the Hoops, with 53 goals and 63 assists [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled “brilliant” by former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers [Glasgow Times], his ability to consistently perform to a high standard has seen McGregor retain a reputation as one of the best players in the country, as evidenced by winning 34 caps for Scotland.

Now one of the elder statesmen within a youthful Celtic team, the Parkhead faithful will be desperate to see their hero leading the way on the pitch and justifying why Postecoglou is “delighted” to have him as the club captain going into the new season.

In other news, a Premier League side are keen on a Celtic talisman.

Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for an unnamed Premier League club, according to All Nigeria Soccer. 

The lowdown: Aribo catches the eye for Steven Gerrard’s side

Aribo has been with Rangers since 2019, having previously been on the books with Charlton Athletic earlier in his career, before signing for the Gers.

He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for Rangers, which includes 42 from their title-winning season last term, whilst under the management of Steven Gerrard.

Aribo netted eight goals and was on hand to provide seven assists for his Rangers team-mates, as they won the Scottish league title in convincing style.

He has two years remaining on his contract, and he is not the first Gers midfield maestro to be linked with an exit this summer, as clubs reportedly circle Glen Kamara.

The latest: High praise from former Rangers man

An unnamed Premier League club have reportedly registered their interest in signing Aribo ahead of the 2021/22 season, according to All Nigeria Soccer. 

Aribo reportedly ‘dreams of playing in the Premier League’, although it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll push for a move away from Ibrox this summer.

Former Rangers man Brian Laudrup has highlighted some of Aribo’s attributes in an interview with The Daily Mail (via The Daily Record). 

“I’ve never made any secret that I am a big Aribo fan. He is brave, with outstanding close control, and brings something different.”

The verdict: A nervy few weeks ahead

You would imagine that Rangers will be doing all they can to keep Aribo at Ibrox for the foreseeable future.

He’s been a key player for the Gers in recent seasons, and with eight goals and seven assists to his name for Steven Gerrard’s side last term, the 25-year-old certainly played his part in their title-winning season.

Aribo had an average Whoscored rating of 7.40 from the 2020/21 season, which put him joint-second on the list for Rangers’ best performers in that campaign, with James Tavernier being the only player ahead of him with a rating of 7.75.

But the prospect of playing in the Premier League is likely to be a tempting proposition for any player, as they can come up against some of the best players in the world on a weekly basis, something which simply isn’t on offer north of the border.

This will be a concerning report to read of for Rangers supporters, as they look towards the 2021/22 league campaign and a quest to challenge Europe’s elite in the Champions League.

Crystal Palace have recently approached Chelsea regarding defender Kurt Zouma, according to journalist Julien Maynard.  

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the links on social media.

New Palace boss Patrick Vieira has already brought in two central defenders this summer.

Marc Guehi arrived from Chelsea on a five-year deal earlier this month and Joachim Andersen also penned a five-year contract at Selhurst Park on Wednesday.

The two deals appear to have cost Palace £36.75m in total, but it seems as if they have inquired about Zouma as well.

Zouma, on £46,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge, may be used by Chelsea in their attempts to sign Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Maynard, reporter for French outlet Telefoot, claims Zouma is yet to speak with either club, adding that Palace inquired about the defender’s situation recently.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared Maynard’s tweet on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one believing he is ‘miles clear of Andersen’, with another calling Zouma a ‘beast’.

“miles clear of andersen but it’ll never happen”Credit: @sigmond_”Omg imagine”Credit: @ZacCPFC”He’s a beast! I’d snap him up on loan”Credit: @relyeadarren”YES”Credit: @MaxBaileyVinson”Surely got to focus on a different position now!”Credit: @Sonny52056018″Imagine a 3 at the back with guehi zouma and andersen with Mitchell and Clyne as wing backs that’s a good defence tbf”Credit: @luke_CPFC123

In other news: ‘Gutted’, ‘Oh no’ – Many CPFC fans react as ‘funny’ news is confirmed. 

Leeds United are interested in Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara this summer, according to Give Me Sport.

The Lowdown: Kamara profiled

Kamara has been with Rangers since 2019 and has made over 100 appearances for the club, 51 of which came last season.

The 25-year-old, who Neil McCann described as ‘lightning-quick’, is under contract at Ibrox until 2023.

He played at Euro 2020 for Finland over the summer and the defensive midfielder, who can also play in a central role, appears to be on Leeds’ radar.

The Latest: Leeds’ interest

According to Give Me Sport, who shared a story on Monday evening, Leeds are keen on deals for both Kamara and long-term target Ryan Kent.

The report claims the Whites are considering moves for the pair as they chase European qualification this season.

Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien and Manchester City’s Yangel Herrera are two central midfielders linked with a move to Elland Road recently, but it seems as if Kamara could be on the club’s list as well.

The Verdict: Sign

With Kamara capable of playing in a defensive and box-to-box role, he could be a perfect addition at Elland Road.

He is at the very top of his game, with his Transfermarkt valuation standing at a career-high £5.4m.

A central midfielder is a “priority” (Phil Hay) to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, and Kamara can also cover Kalvin Phillips in front of the back four when required.

His versatility as a number six or number eight could work well in Yorkshire, so it’ll be interesting to see if Leeds firm up their reported interest with an official offer soon.

In other news: ‘We have been in contact with Leeds’ – Source drops big update involving ‘integral’ 25-goal ace. 

Lee Ryder has shared what sources from Newcastle United have now said about their reported move for Aaron Ramsey in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Ramsey eyed

As per Goal, the St. James’ Park faithful have asked about the possibility of signing Ramsey, who is of no shortage of interest.

The Tyneside club remain the only team in the Premier League not to have signed a single player so far (Sky Sports), and so with the new 2021/22 season fast approaching, they certainly need to be moving quicker in the market.

The Latest: Ramsey update

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that sources at the Magpies have played down recent reports linking them with a move for Ramsey.

There has apparently not been an enquiry from Steve Bruce’s team over the Juventus ace, although he is being offered to clubs in the top flight by his representatives, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves being credited with interest.

The Verdict: Avoid

While Ramsey has been a great player and a classy servant to Premier League football down the years, with his Wales teammate Joe Allen even going as far as to claim that he was ‘world-class’ during their Euro 2020 campaign, at 30 years of age he is unlikely to get any better.

Signing a whopping £400,000-a-week deal to join the Old Lady when he left Arsenal back in 2019, his wages would also be very problematic for the Magpies, and so they should be looking to pursue other targets who are younger, less injury prone and require less investment.

In other news, find out what deal has now reportedly been agreed by NUFC here!

This has been an extremely busy week for Celtic in the transfer market.

The Hoops needed new bodies and Ange Postecoglou has achieved that by welcoming Joe Hart and James McCarthy to Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

Those two additions are incredibly important to Celtic with problems emerging in both areas.

Ismaila Soro has endured a poor start to the season so McCarthy now stands a brilliant chance of becoming the club’s heir to Scott Brown in the middle of the park.

As for the goalkeeping position, both Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas have already made mistakes in the opening three competitive matches of the new campaign.

In fact, defensive errors as a whole have been rife as the Bhoys pick up the mantle from how they closed out the 2020/21 term.

Nir Bitton was sent off in the Champions League and then put in a torturous performance against Hearts last weekend. That said, debutant Carl Starfelt didn’t escape the negative headlines either.

A lack of match action may attribute to his poor performance, but there was no excuse for playing a dangerous back pass in the second half that nearly had shades of Jonjoe Kenny in his first Old Firm game last season.

Defenders needed

With such a disastrous start to the campaign from a defensive point of view in mind, Postecoglou desperately needs to sign Hart’s ex-teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Reports in June claimed that Celtic were interested in signing the Tottenham defender.

Talks got underway and now according to the Record, the Hoops have ramped up their plans to sign the centre-back.

That being said, with 12 months remaining on his deal in north London, Celtic will need to stump up a £5m fee rather than signing him on loan.

If Postecoglou does bring him to Paradise then it would be an excellent piece of business, even at the asking price touted.

Dubbed “incredible” by his manager Graeme Jones during a loan spell with Luton, the United States international has qualities that would suit the coaching department in Glasgow.

First and foremost, his ability to play out from the back will be vitally important. Carter-Vickers completed 91.6% of his passes in the English second tier during a stay with Swansea, the best tally of any player in the entire division.

With that kind of passing in mind, he could form quite the partnership with Carl Starfelt, another composed ball-playing defender.

Furthermore, Carter-Vickers prevailed in 2.8 aerial battles per game last season, a number that was slightly down from the 3.8 he won with Luton Town in 2019/20.

It’s evident that he’d be a fantastic addition to the Celtic ranks; Postecoglou must make him the club’s latest signing.

AND in other news, Celtic must do everything to sign 24-cap “animal” who Rodgers dubbed “outstanding”…

Glasgow Rangers fans were livid with the performance of Borna Barisic during their 2-1 defeat to Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Gers were in action in the second leg of their third qualifying round Champions League clash against Swedish side Malmo, and they looked to be in a good position when they were 1-0 up at half-time and a man to the good after Bonke Innocent’s red card.

However, Antonio Colak’s second-half brace meant the Gers lost 4-2 on aggregate and were therefore knocked out of the competition.

Barisic started the match at left-back and struggled to keep Malmo at bay when they did press forward. The Croatia international spent much of the summer injured (The Daily Record), missing the majority of his country’s Euro 2020 run to the round of 16, and therefore looked a little unfit here.

The fans were far from happy with what they saw from the £5.4m-valued 28-year-old (Transfermarkt), and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Barisic below

“Barisic looked petrified mate. The difference between the first and second half is staggering”

Credit: @chris_cambo88

“Barisic was rotten last night.”

Credit: @Danishbear55

“The whole back four have gone from an unbreakable barrier, to four strangers, Tav and Barisic wouldn’t get a game for a Junior team right now, imo it’s time for Patterson and Bassey and bring back Helander, who should not have been left out last night”

Credit: @TheBluezulu2

“Barisic and Kent played hide and seek for most of the 2nd half”

Credit: @Cammy26_2

“Tell u what, barisic was absolutely atrocious last night, hiding in a game of that magnitude is totally unacceptable, bassey has to replace him”

Credit: @nemi1872

“Barisic as well. So far off the pace.”

Credit: @ronniephipps

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this SPFL move.