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Ange Postecoglou has provided a fresh injury update on Celtic centre-forward Giorgos Giakoumakis… 

What’s the latest?

The Celtic manager has hinted at Giakoumakis making his return to fitness for the club after the international break.

The Australian head coach singled out the Greek summer signing from VVV-Venlo as a player who could benefit from the break as he needs ten days to get himself fit.

He told The BBC, via Vital Football:

“I think from our perspective, the last international window wasn’t kind to us.

“We lost a couple of key players through injury so from our perspective we’re just keeping our fingers crossed that we get through this international window unscathed.

“There’s still guys like Giorgos who needs some work to get them over the next sort of ten days so when everyone’s fit, we haven’t been close to having everyone ready to go, so hopefully that happens.”

Excitement

Celtic fans will surely be left feeling excited by these comments from Postecoglou. They appear to suggest that he could be in contention to make his Premiership debut for the club shortly after the international break, with the Hoops traveling away to play Motherwell on the 16th.

Since joining from Venlo in the summer, the Greek striker has only made one appearance for Celtic. He played 16 minutes off the bench in the 4-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, before missing the win over Aberdeen through injury on Sunday.

Upon his arrival at the club, Giakoumakis admitted that he has admired the club from afar and is confident that he has made the right decision to sign for the Scottish giants. He said:

“Celtic is one of the world’s great football clubs with the best fans around. It is a club I have admired for so long and it will now be an honour to wear this famous jersey.  To know that the manager wanted me so much to join Celtic is really humbling and it makes me know I have made the right choice.”

This shows how motivated he is to succeed at the club and fans should enjoy seeing his passion on the pitch. Along with that, his goalscoring record for Venlo suggests that he could be an exciting player for the supporter to watch in action.

Last season, he scored 26 goals in 30 Eredivisie games as he averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.35 for the Dutch side. He has shown that he can score goals on a regular basis at a respectable standard of football, which is why fans must be excited at the prospect of the Greek forward lining up against Motherwell in two weeks.

AND in other news, “We are looking”: Ange drops Celtic transfer claim which is sure to have fans buzzing…

Newcastle United have suffered a major injury blow to Joe Willock ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have endured a difficult start to the new top-flight campaign, remaining winless in their opening five matches and currently lying 18th in the table.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “Joe Willock picked up an injury in this week, unfortunately, and Jamaal Lascelles hurt his thigh. So they, unfortunately, go on to the injured list, which makes that about five or six of our first team.

“Not that healthy, I have to say. Disappointed. Joe’s was a complete fluke, unfortunately he kicked the ground, damaged his toe. He’ll not make this week, and probably touch and go whether he’ll make next week as well.”Massive blow for Newcastle UnitedMake no mistake about it, being without Willock is arguably the second-biggest absence the Magpies could have faced, outside of Allan Saint-Maximin of course.The former Arsenal starlet arrived on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, and in his initial loan spell at St James’ Park, he showed exactly why he’s a real match-winner. He bagged eight in 14 games following his winter arrival and set a new record by becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive matches.That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something which has been hailed by Owen Hargreaves, too, praising him after his goal-scoring display for Arsenal against Dundalk in the Europa League last season.The former England midfielder said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”While Willock has yet to find the net so far this season, he has still shown his importance to Bruce’s side with a squad-high 4.3 tackles per game, while only Saint-Maximin has averaged more dribbles per match (SofaScore).Without him in the starting line-up against Watford, it really looks like it will be more the same of having to rely on Saint-Maximin for a moment of inspiration.Newcastle fans must be gutted over the injury to the 22-year-old gem, especially considering the freakish circumstances in which it came about.Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a move for this Championship ace…

Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson has exclusively told Football FanCast that Tammy Abraham needs to be playing regularly again – and said that Southampton could afford him by paying in instalments.

Abraham has been linked to several Premier League sides with his future at Chelsea now in serious doubt, especially with Romelu Lukaku close to returning to Chelsea.

But Southampton’s need is greater than most of their Premier League rivals after losing talisman and topscorer Danny Ings to Aston Villa earlier this week following months of uncertainty over his contract situation at St Mary’s.

However, whilst Saints banked around £25m for Ings’ services, Chelsea have set a £40m asking-price for Abraham, who’s just 23-years-old and has several years remaining on his Blues deal, which would appear out of their reach.

Ironically, Southampton’s record-signing was when Ings joined permanently from Liverpool back in 2019 for just under £27m, some way below what Chelsea are demanding for Abraham.

But Jemson suggested that Saints could fund the deal in instalments. He told FFC:

“They could pay £10m every four years, then they may be able to afford him. For Tammy Abraham, he’s got to get out, he’s missed out on England in the Euro’s.

“He’s got to get back playing, there’s nothing worse for a player. He may have to take a step back and take two steps forward again.”

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been going wild over news involving Giovanni van Bronckhorst amid their continuing manager search.

It has been reported that the Dutchman is a ‘strong contender’ to replace the departed Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.

As shared by Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth on his official Twitter page, the representative of Van Bronckhorst has now claimed that ‘positive talks’ have been held with the Light Blues over the vacant managerial role, with footage shown of the 46-year-old himself leaving London.

He would most certainly be a popular choice among a lot of Gers supporters, given that he is a two-time Premiership winner as a player with the club. He also did very well as a manager at Feyenoord, who he guided to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years back in the 2016/17 season (BBC), in addition to winning four other major trophies with the Rotterdam club.

Rangers fans on Van Bronckhorst manager news

These Rangers fans went wild as the news was shared on Twitter:

“Looks good to me”

Credit: @NickyTay55

“That is all”

Credit: @alanrankin77

“Ahhhhhhhhh it’s happening”

Credit: @JamieRFC14

“SIUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @__1872Scott

“Here we go, time for Gio.”

Credit: @jmc_1872

“Love to see it”

Credit: @cameron56689617

In other news, find out what international news has left these Gers fans buzzing

Brighton and Hove Albion are set to make a bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, but not until after the Hoops complete their Champions League second round qualifying tie against Midtjylland on Wednesday night, according to the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for 2021/22

Facing the prospect of major transition at Parkhead, new manager Ange Postecoglou will surely be eager to recruit top talent in tandem with offloading those already at the club who see their future elsewhere.

With only one year left on his deal at Parkhead, the Celts may be forced into selling star striker Edouard following recent developments.

The Latest: Brighton to bid for Edouard after Champions League qualifiers

Brighton are believed to be readying an offer for the Frenchman in the aftermath of Celtic’s midweek European assignment, which if they win will guarantee them some form of continental football until Christmas [Daily Mail].

The 23-year-old is rated at around £20m by the Seagulls, whilst Postecoglou has previously stated his desire to sell players who are not interested in his vision. Crystal Palace are also rumoured to be interested in Edouard as their summer recruitment drive intensifies [Daily Mail].

The Verdict: Selling Edouard makes business sense for the Bhoys

To receive a prospective sum of £20m for the former Paris Saint-Germain striker would be excellent business by the Bhoys. With Edouard having told friends of his desire to leave Glasgow in this transfer window, cutting their losses may be the most agreeable move for both player and club at this moment in time.

The forward was in sparkling form in 2020/21, registering 28 goal contributions in 40 appearances with 22 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt]. Proving a constant menace in attack, Edouard also averaged 3.5 shots per game for the Hoops in the Premiership last term [WhoScored].

Once labelled ‘excellent’ by Celtic captain Callum McGregor [celticfc.com], the Celts should use the fee from the Frenchman’s prospective sale to bring in a replacement who would seem capable of instantly shouldering the goalscoring burden that Edouard would leave behind.

In other news, many Celtic fans react to an astonishing transfer rumour.

Many West Ham United fans have been left to buzz as a transfer update emerged on Duje Caleta-Car.

As per The Athletic (via West Ham Central), the Marseille central defender will be made available for a mere £17m in the summer window, but he is likely to be sold for even less in the shape of £13m.

The Hammers had a £25m bid rejected for him in last summer’s window, as he wanted to play UEFA Champions League football, but this is no longer the case, and so they may revisit their past interest.

Caleta-Car would be a much welcomed addition to David Moyes’ squad, given that they are in the Europa League and he has a lot of experience playing in that competition.

On the pitch, the Croatia international had a great individual season in Ligue 1, winning no fewer than 3.7 of his duels a game while also averaging 3.9 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per match (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, at just 24, Caleta-Car is of a good age at the moment and will likely only get better, so snapping him up for as little as £13m could turn out to be an absolute steal.

West Ham fans on Caleta-Car transfer update

These Irons buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one member of the London Stadium faithful even going as far as to claim that the price was ‘amazing’:

“£13m is an amazing price. Would be interested to see what Milenkovic is valued at, but £13m too good to pass up”

Credit: @MichaelZdenek

“Need to be all over that ASAP before any one else is”

Credit: @JoshHarris000

“Omg. No way, go for him!!!!!!”

Credit: @FornalsFluency

“Please get it done West Ham”

Credit: @DanielLuker_

“£13m-17m is a great bargain! Caleta-Car is another 6ft3+ CB who is composed on the ball, reads the game well, doesn’t lunge in, works hard, offers strength, a great passing range & an aerial presence that makes him valuable at defending & a threat when attacking!”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

“Give them £15m and wrap it up RIGHT NOW”

Credit: @alanrzepa

In other news, find out what transfer update has WHU supporters talking here!

Dean Windass has told Football FanCast that son Josh Windass is delighted to have ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal with Sheffield Wednesday.

Windass has penned a fresh contract, which will keep him with the Owls until the summer of 2023.

The 23-year-old had been heavily linked with a move away from Hillsborough after suffering relegation to League One on the final day of last season.

Championship trio Queens Park Rangers, Millwall and Birmingham City were keen to strike a deal that would have seen the attacking midfielder make an immediate return to the second tier of English football.

But the former Rangers attacking midfielder, who joined Wednesday on a permanent basis following a loan move from Wigan Athletic last year, will be looking to guide the Owls to promotion instead after agreeing terms on a new deal.

Windass, who has missed the start of the new campaign through injury, is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Wednesday when he returns from the sidelines.

His father Dean exclusively told Football FanCast: “He is delighted to sign a new contract.

“The football club have made it clear they didn’t want to sell him so it’s over the line now.”

An update has emerged regarding Southampton’s interest in Everton defender Thierry Small.

What’s the talk?

According to Hampshire Live, the Saints are looking to sign the full-back from the Goodison Park outfit and are expected to pay £5m in compensation if they get it over the line.

It was reported last month that Small’s representatives were struggling to agree on a new contract with the Toffees, having been offered a first professional deal.

Fans would be livid

Marcel Brands must avoid an Everton howler regarding the 17-year-old. The Toffees faithful would surely be livid if the club allows one of their best young prospects to move to a Premier League rival, even in spite of the sizeable £5m in compensation.

He was handed his senior Everton debut at the age of 16 in the FA Cup last season, illustrating how much faith those behind the scenes have in him on Merseyside. The youngster also played 27 games for the under-18s and under-23s for the Toffees, scoring six goals and providing one assist from left-back.

Former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti professed his admiration for Small’s talent earlier this year, stating that he has the quality to play in the first-team despite his age.

The Italian said: “Thierry did well. He is really, really young. He is like a kid, he is only 16 years old, but he has quality and physicality to play with the first team. He is one of our best players in the academy, so I was pleased to bring him to train with us. I think for what he is doing it was good for him, too.”

This shows how highly the current Real Madrid manager rates the 5 foot 8 beast, especially the comment on him being one of the best players in the youth setup, and that is why Everton fans would surely be furious to see him leave. The club should be doing everything in their power to ensure that Small puts pen to paper on a contract extension, as supporters could look back on this situation in a few years and be fuming with Brands and Rafa Benitez if the youngster ends up being a success at St. Mary’s.

Therefore, Brands needs to put an attractive contract on the table for Small. They should at the very least be attempting to match what Southampton are willing to offer him in order to retain one of their best young players. Hopefully he will commit his future to the Toffees and make strides in the first team for Benitez over the next few seasons.

AND in other news, Moshiri now preparing £25.7m Everton swoop for “formidable” wizard, fans will love it…

When he has been handed a chance Gareth Bale has generally performed in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, but Marcus Bent, who made 215 Premier League appearances, has exclusively told Football FanCast that the winger could move to Everton.

With Spurs’ managerial situation still appearing unclear, so is Bale’s future with reports linking him with a move to Everton to work under former Los Blancos manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

The Toffees have not been shy in spending the money in recent years as they have splashed out a grand total of £266 million in the last three seasons on bringing in new players so Bale’s huge wages may not prove to be that big of a stumbling block.

Bales was pushed to one side at Real Madrid over the last few years as well as for large parts under Jose Mourinho, but Bent believes he could thrive at a club like Everton as the former Toffees striker spoke exclusively to FFC:

“I think that would be his kind of club. I think he’d be the headline player, which he needs to be for his confidence and he would play week in week out alongside some great players.

“As I’ve spoken about before, Everton is a family club, they would take him in and give him the love that he needs.”

Following his temporary arrival from Real Madrid last summer, the 31-year old has failed to live up to the high standards that he left White Hart Lane with back in 2013.

Tottenham as a collective have failed to impress this season as the most realistic expectation they have heading into the final game of the season is to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is considering an offer from Crystal Palace, according to The Times.

The Lowdown: January offers

The Eagles were after Nketiah’s services during the January window and made two bids for the striker.

However, as we know, the 22-year-old remained at the Emirates and has continued to play second fiddle to Alexandre Lacazette in recent months.

Nketiah has been handed rare starts in the Gunners’ last two Premier League fixtures due to Lacazette’s absence and scored twice in a 4-2 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Latest: Palace offer

The forward is out of contract in a matter of months, and according to The Times, is now considering offers from Palace and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Arsenal haven’t given up hope of Nketiah signing a new deal, but the striker knows that Mikel Arteta is planning on bringing in at least one forward in the summer.

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Nketiah, who Arteta labelled as ‘extraordinary’, showed his quality in front of goal in the week, and still just 22 years of age, a free transfer to Selhurst Park could be an inspired piece of business from Patrick Vieira, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman.

He has contributed to eight goals in just 784 minutes of action this season and can play anywhere across a front three, so clearly has ability and versatility which could prove useful if afforded more opportunities.

Reports in recent months have claimed that Christian Benteke could be on the way out this summer, so Nketiah may well be the perfect replacement for the Belgian in Vieira’s exciting young side.

In other news: Freedman now stepping up Palace move for ‘phenomenal’ left-footed star.