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Celtic loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers is ‘open’ to making his Parkhead stay permanent from Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Impressive start…

The American was the Hoops’ final signing of the summer window when he joined in the concluding hours of deadline day. The centre-back, labelled as ‘quick’ by his former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate, arrived from Spurs on a season-long loan which includes an option to buy.

He has been a regular under Ange Postecoglou since moving to Scotland, making 16 appearances in all competitions. Carter-Vickers has partnered the likes of Carl Starfelt, Stephen Welsh and Nir Bitton at the back and has outperformed them all, as per WhoScored, with an average Premiership match rating of 7.42/10.

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The Latest: Carter-Vickers speaks out

The Scottish Sun shared a story late on Wednesday evening, with comments from Carter-Vickers over the possibility of signing for Celtic on a permanent basis. He said:

“It is something I am open to, but I haven’t given it much thought at this stage, to be fair.

“I still have plenty of games left in this season and that is my focus.

“I have really enjoyed it. The staff and the players have been really good with me and that’s helped me.”

The Verdict: No-brainer…

It remains to be seen what the option-to-buy fee is, but if it is around the £5m mark that Spurs were seeking over the summer, then it appears to be a no-brainer.

He has been Celtic’s only real ever-present figure at centre-back and has shone statistically, recording more clearances than any other Hoops player. [WhoScored]

Celtic don’t need to rush into a decision as they have the option at the end of the season, but if the £20,000-a-week defender continues to excel, perhaps the Hoops should look to wrap up a permanent deal as soon as January.

In other news: Nicholson eyeing international midfielder and 16-goal forward for Celtic. 

Kalvin Phillips’ future at Leeds United is hanging in the balance amid speculation over his future, according to former England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ future up in the air

The 25-year-old has become one of the most impressive midfielders in the country, not only shining for Leeds but also becoming a key man for England, being hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Alex McLeish for his performance in a Three Lions shirt.

Constant rumours have linked Phillips with a summer move away from Elland Road, however, with some of the country’s biggest teams eyeing him up.

The midfielder’s current Leeds deal expires in the summer of 2024 and there is little sign of him extending his stay at the club.

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The Latest: Pundit makes worrying claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor is adamant that Phillips won’t sign a new contract, further suggesting that his long-term future could lie away from the Whites:

“Someone like Phillips should only not play if he’s injured or he’s tired. Otherwise, he plays every minute.

“Somethings not right and they have to get it right. There’s no chance of him signing a new contract at the moment.”

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The Verdict: Coming to the end?

Phillips hasn’t quite managed to get going this season, with injuries hampering him a little and his form not quite as dominant as it was last term.

He averaged 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the Premier League last season, for example, whereas his tally is 2.3 and 1.2 this time around, respectively – hardly a drastic difference, but a drop-off nonetheless.

It does feel as though Phillips’ Leeds career may be reaching a natural conclusion, with a move to a Champions League-playing club potentially taking place in the summer, as he looks to test himself at an even higher level and land the Whites a hefty profit in the process.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly closing in on a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool go into their last Champions League group game this evening, already qualified and in a position to break the record as the first English side to win every single Champions League group stage game.

Despite already being qualified and the game at the San Siro tonight not having an effect on Liverpool’s qualification or position in the group table, Klopp will be working to put out a team that could break the record and keep the winning mentality flowing through the team, even with a heavy rotation of players.

With that being said, here is how Football FanCast expects Liverpool to line up against AC Milan away from home this evening;

We predict there will be seven changes made to the Liverpool side we saw against Wolves in the Premier League last weekend, with Mo Salah, Alisson Becker, Jordan Henderson and Virgil Van Dijk staying in the team to keep the balance and protect the areas where less experienced players will be rotated in.

Divock Origi is tipped to make an appearance in the starting line up for Liverpool this evening, after an impressive performance against Wolves when he came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal in the 94th minute, leading to huge praise from Jurgen Klopp where the German coach referred to the £10.8m-rated striker as a “legend” after the game;

“Divock Origi, the legend, finished it off and it’s a great story,” he said.

“He’s one of the best finishers I’ve ever seen in my life. In this great team, with our [front] three, he doesn’t play all the time but he is a very positive boy, loves the club, wants to contribute and he did in an incredible way.”

Teenager, Tyler Morton, is yet again predicted to join the starting line up, after making his debut in the senior team due to an early midfield injury crisis at Liverpool this season. He has proved he has what it takes as a result of not losing a single game he has played in for the senior side so far this season, with four appearances under his belt already in Klopp’s team.

Other changes include Taki Minamino coming in for Sadio Mane on the left who earns a well-deserved rest. Fabinho and Thiago also miss out with the aforementioned Morton and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming in.

There are mass changes at the back where Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate and Neco Williams all start.

The Liverpool side are in fantastic form at the moment and AC Milan will have work to do to take a very important three points from this game, that with a win, could see them qualify alongside the Merseyside giants if results go their way.

In other news: Klopp handed boost in chance to break Champions League record

David Moyes has been handed a big injury boost at West Ham United this week…

What’s the latest?

In recent weeks, the Irons boss has been dealt some cruel blows to his backline, seeing the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma ruled out for most, if not all, of the remainder of the season.

He also saw young versatile academy graduate Ben Johnson hampered by a knock during the win over Chelsea, where the Frenchman also picked up a serious problem.

However, according to club insiders Claret and Hugh, the 21-year-old full-back has returned to training ahead of their two Premier League matches this week.

The Hammers face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening before hosting basement boys Norwich City on Saturday afternoon. It’s thought that he will be available for the latter encounter.

Big boost

This will serve as a massive, massive boost to the Scot as it means he will get one of defensive regulars back, perhaps earlier than expected. He, along with Ogbonna, Zouma and Aaron Cresswell missed the draw to Burnley at the weekend, meaning Moyes was without his ‘best’ back four.

To have three of the four out for a substantial amount of time would seriously dent their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, or at worst the Europa League.

So, it’s easy to see why the 58-year-old would be delighted by this latest development.

As per WhoScored, Johnson has been one of the Hammers’ most consistent performers, averaging a rating of 6.87 per match. He ranks second for tackles (2.1 per game) and interceptions (1.4 per game), whilst fellow insider ExWHUemployee dubbed him “sensational” back in October.

His importance to the side was recently emphasised by Moyes, who waxed lyrical about his presence only last month.

“He’s a bit of utility player for us, he’s been here for a while. He’s a really important player for us. In the squad and the group he’s really important,” he said (via football.london). “Quite often we’ve brought him on and used him in different roles and he’s had a chance to have some games under his belt, he’s not let us down and scored a good goal in midweek.”

If he’s back involved this weekend, then the Irons boss will be getting a major squad boost heading into kickoff, and that should leave many around the London Stadium absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, Newman can seal West Ham’s biggest signing since Payet in “complete” £24.3m-rated gem…

Tottenham Hotspur may still be without Sergio Reguilon on Thursday as Antonio Conte’s depleted side head to the Midlands to face Leicester City…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the ever-reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who delivered a fresh update on the Spaniard’s situation ahead of the game, having been absent since his withdrawal just 22 minutes into the win over Norwich City ten days ago.

The 24-year-old posted on social media after the match that it wasn’t anything to worry about and that he would be back soon, though that does not appear to be the case now.

“I am told that Sergio Reguilon is not fully training yet after that one (his injury against Norwich), he is on his way back but I just wonder if Thursday might come too soon,” Gold claimed on his YouTube channel.

Big blow

The young left-back has been a vital player for Spurs this season, particularly under the Italian as his wing-back system has allowed him to thrive in both attack and defence.

He had started 13 games in the Premier League prior to injury, with WhoScored ranking him as Conte’s fifth-best player so far. Defensively, he has chipped in with a squad-high 1.9 interceptions and 1.5 tackles, whilst in the final third, he leads the way for assists (three) and has also averaged one key pass per game.

Reguilon’s importance to the 52-year-old head coach is reflected by comments from the player himself just last month. He told the Evening Standard:

“I’ve never played five at the back before. I have to learn quickly. The gaffer has told me he wants me to be solid in defence but at the same moment I have to arrive in the box, help the strikers, score goals, give assists. Now I have more of a chance to score goals and give assists. So let’s work.”

Now, if he is unavailable on Thursday, it remains to be seen exactly who could replace him in the starting XI because Conte has not had his full squad available due to a virus outbreak at the club’s training ground.

That has put pay to two fixtures thus far and no players have been named. If everyone is available, then he is likely to turn to Ryan Sessegnon, who was sent off in his first start under Conte, as Ben Davies is a left-sided centre-back in this system.

On the above evidence, not having the £22.5m-rated dynamo back involved is certainly a gutting blow to Spurs and one that should leave the manager concerned.

AND in other news, Conte could sign an even better Moses at Spurs with “unplayable” £27m-rated “machine”…

Rangers recorded their ninth consecutive win in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Gers team beat St Mirren 2-0 at Ibrox.

After being recognised as the man of the match in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Dundee United, winger Scott Wright was handed a start and took his chance expertly, scoring the opener before Alfredo Morelos put the outcome beyond little doubt.

Although the victory maintained van Bronckhorst’s side’s six-point lead at the top of the Premiership, there was one particularly disappointing performance, and that was Ianis Hagi’s.

His attacking colleague in Ryan Kent also failed to have much joy in offensive areas but it was undoubtedly the Romanian who let the Dutchman down on Boxing Day.

Usually operating as a winger, Hagi was deployed in central midfield to accommodate Wright, a task that the 23-year-old struggled to complete successfully.

The Romanian lost 87.5% of his duels whilst also making just 36 touches, a terrible tally for a midfielder, especially in a side that boasted 77% of possession.

Moreover, Hagi couldn’t contribute a single accurate cross and his only shot of the game was blocked as well as making just one tackle. Again, a performance that acts as evidence that the 23-year-old isn’t suited, or at least comfortable, with this change in role.

However, with Wright taking his chance excellently, receiving an 8.3/10 rating from SofaScore, Hagi’s spot in van Bronckhorst’s side may be in jeopardy.

The Romanian played on the right of a midfield three that included fellow regulars Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara, both of whom had impressive games, before being substituted in the 68th minute for Fashion Sakala.

The only positive aspect of the Romanian’s performance that he can take away was that his passing was up to scratch, completing 86% of his attempted 28 passes, although 28 is a relatively low number for a midfielder to attempt in 68 minutes.

There is no doubt that Hagi is a key player for van Bronckhorst, racking up 25 appearances in all competitions already this season but this was a poor day at the office.

With the midfielders that were available from the bench, such as Scott Arfield and Steven Davis, it is clear that Hagi is highly thought of by his manager, however, playing in central midfield clearly isn’t the forward’s preference who now may have to become more versatile if Wright is able to build on his recent burst of form.

AND in other news, GVB could secure Rangers’ dream Barisic replacement in “aggressive” 19 y/o dynamo…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Dutch centre-back Sven Botman…

What’s the talk?

According to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, the defender is interested in a move to St. James’ Park in the January window. Lille, however, are keen to keep hold of their man after holding initial discussions with the Magpies over a potential £30m deal.

The reporter quote Tweeted his article with this claim: “Also contains some better news on Trippier, update on Wijnaldum and Tarkowski too. Based on conversations on the phone with people who know what’s going on. It’s going to be a very long month.”

Elation

Newcastle fans will surely be left elated by this news for multiple reasons. For starters, Edwards claims that people in the know have provided these updates, suggesting that Botman is genuinely interested in making the switch to Tyneside in the coming weeks.

This shows the pull that the takeover from PIF has given the club, as he is now prepared to leave the reigning Ligue 1 champions to fight relegation in England. It proves that the Magpies can attract quality players this month, which should give supporters hope that Nick Hammond and Eddie Howe will be able to complete key deals to strengthen the squad before the window ends.

Fans will also be buzzing as Botman could be a brilliant signing for the side. He has been in fine form for Lille in Ligue 1, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.02, and could come in and improve the defence. The centre-back has shown that he can perform consistently in the French top-flight and that suggests that he could be a strong performer for the Magpies, should he be able to adapt to English football.

Newcastle have conceded the most goals in the Premier League (42), joint with Norwich, this season and are in dire need of an improvement at the back. This is why the signing of Botman could be a major piece of business by the club and fans will be delighted to read that the Dutchman is interested in the potential switch.

Supporters will now need to cross their fingers and hope that Hammond can iron out a deal with the Ligue 1 giants to bring Botman to St. James’ Park. The window still has a few weeks left to run and Newcastle have time to convince Lille to part ways with him.

AND in other news, “Expecting” – Pete Graves drops Newcastle transfer claim that’ll leave fans delighted…

Speaking to talkSPORT in a video message, reporter Alex Crook has dropped a teasing Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Wolves star Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Traore move…

As reported by multiple sources, Tottenham are firmly in the mix to sign the Spain international with some reports suggesting they are in pole position.

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Matt Law of The Telegraph even believes Traore becoming manager Antonio Conte’s first signing since taking over is actually ‘pretty likely’.

90min, meanwhile, claim Wolves are set to greenlight his exit from Molineux after their boss Bruno Lage personally sanctioned the move – with a price tag set at around £20 million.

In an update, talkSPORT reporter Crook has shared what could be an exciting update.

The Latest: Crook drops update…

Speaking in a video message (via Twitter), the reporter claims that Tottenham are set to make a ‘formal’ bid to sign Traore ‘very soon’ with an offer expectedly imminent.

“Interest from Tottenham in Wolves’ enigmatic winger Adama Traore appears to be hotting up,” he explained.

“Antonio Conte has a cunning plan to use Traore’s pace to turn him into a wing-back.

“We know that Conte loves to play with a back three and now he has the backing of the Tottenham sporting director, Fabio Paratici, who has a long-term admiration for Traore.

“£20m should be enough to prise him away from Wolverhampton Wanderers, I’d expect a formal bid very soon.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

At £20m, the winger could be an absolute coup for Conte and Paratici as the Italians aim to solve Tottenham’s wing-back conundrum.

At 25-years-old, Traore already possesses years of English top flight experience without being too long in the tooth – all whilst proving to be a real threat on countless occasions.

According to WhoScored, the winger has averaged a very impressive 4.5 dribbles per 90 in the Premier League this season – almost double that of Lucas Moura, who is Spurs’ best in that bracket.

If Conte can successfully re-mould the former Barcelona man into a right-wing back, the potential could be limitless in terms of threat from out wide.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing as a £200 million claim comes to light involving star midfielder Declan Rice.

The England international, amid another fine season at the London Stadium, is being linked with a move away as some of Europe’s biggest clubs reportedly circle.

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Rice rejected two new contract offers over the summer and it is believed he hasn’t made any immediate decisions on his future with West Ham.

The Irons and manager David Moyes are chasing Champions League qualification, but as per some sources, their success in doing so may not even influence Rice’s decision to leave.

GSB and the board, however, don’t intent to let him go cheaply as journalist Jim White makes a big claim live on talkSPORT.

“Some interesting news on Declan Rice,” he said this week (via West Ham Zone).

“West Ham fans, don’t panic, he’s not going anywhere, not in this window, that is for sure.

“It was made clear to me, they wouldn’t sell Rice in this window, not for £120million, not for £150million – it’s my understanding, I’m being serious, it would need to start with a two.

“We’re talking north of £200million.”

West Ham fans buzz…

Flocking to this claim, many Hammers fans have been left thrilled as their club take a hard-line stance over the Hammers superstar.

Given his value and ability, it’s little wonder supporters are happy to see West Ham won’t be pushed around in potential negotiations.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“let’s go”

Credit: @WhuOllyhx

“I love my club”

Credit: @detbackwards

“Good, keep them out of it if we are going to be a contender for top 4 we need him to stay and grow with this club. What a time to be a hammer”

Credit: @ArronJ_1900

“beautiful”

Credit: @samwhu1

“Love to hear this”

Credit: @JoshuaJackEvans

“West Ham are massive”

Credit: @BullmanWarren

“Irons!!!”

Credit: @youngbill666

In other news: Insider: Moyes tells GSB to sign ‘sensational’ attacker with West Ham set to move, find out more here.

As per French news outlet RMC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur ‘discussions’ to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike ‘exist’ as transfer news emerges out of north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing new centre-forward…

According to reliable sources, manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici have set their sights on a potential new striker addition to back up Harry Kane.

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As explained by Alasdair Gold, the role is one of four ‘priority’ positions for strengthening outlined by Conte as the Lilywhites also chase a right-wing back, left-footed central defender and midfield player.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic have mostly been linked but there have also been other names, with promising starlet Ekitike now entering the fray as RMC share news.

The Latest: Spurs ‘have positioned themselves’…

According to their information, Tottenham ‘discussions exist’ for the 19-year-old alongside the likes of West Ham, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.

It is also believed that the Lilywhites have ‘positioned themselves’ for his signing with the fellow interested clubs but, as of yet, ‘no offer’ has been put on the table.

Reims are apparently demanding €30 million (£25m) to sell their frontman whilst also asking for him to be loaned back for the second half of 2021/2022.

The Verdict: Eye-catching talent…

Bursting on to the scene with Reims this season, scoring eight goals and assisting two others in ten Ligue 1 starts, it’s little wonder has caught eyes from both the Premier League and Bundesliga.

Ekitike has also drawn some big comparisons, with reporter Graeme Bailey calling the teenager an ‘outstanding’ forward whilst claiming he could become ‘the next Mbappe’ (Twitter).

However, at a steep £25m, not to mention the fact Reims want to him to be loaned back, this move should be placed on the back burner by Conte and Paratici given their need for more experienced reinforcements at this stage.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.