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Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips is adamant that Celtic have suffered a “massive blow” following the injury sustained by Kyogo Furuhashi on international duty with Japan.

The Lowdown: Furuhashi has made a stellar start to his Parkhead career

Making a superb start to life at Parkhead, the 26-year-old has swiftly become a key player for the Hoops, registering eight goal contributions in nine appearances with seven goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

However, he now looks set to be sidelined for up to a month with a knee injury following an international clash against China, as confirmed by Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou [BBC].

The Latest: Phillips bemoans ‘awful’ injury sustained by Furuhashi

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, Phillips bemoaned the Japanese international’s injury, stating: “It’s not ideal for anyone”.

He then added: “That’s the risk when you have international players. It’s a massive blow but you plan for things like this.

“It’s an opportunity for someone to come in and perform and they do have a new striker there.

“I hate to say it but it’s always an opportunity, it’s awful for him, the injured player, but it’s true.

“He’s been excellent for them and I’m sure he’ll be back in the side once he’s fit”.

The Verdict: Postecoglou will hope Furuhashi returns soon

After losing one of their most influential players in an important block of fixtures as the Europa League group stage gets underway, Phillips rightly believes that the news will come as a massive source of frustration to Furuhashi and everyone at Celtic.

However, the former England striker also correctly states that there will be opportunities for those on the fringes to step into the void, something that Swiss striker Albian Ajeti has tapped into following his brace against Ross County last weekend [BBC].

Nevertheless, Furuhashi has been an hugely potent threat in his time at Parkhead so far, scoring once every 79 minutes [Footy Stats].

He has also wowed supporters with his pressing ability, anticipation and his pinpoint utilisation of the ball. Looking ahead, Ange Postecoglou will hope that his summer signing will be back to firing on all cylinders as soon as possible.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has given an update on the fitness of another Celtic summer signing.

An update has emerged on Southampton right-back Tino Livramento, regarding interest in him from Manchester United.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have identified Southampton right-back Tino Livramento as a potential target for the next transfer window.

The report claims that Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s poor technique in the attacking third has caused them to be on the lookout for a new right-back, with Livramento now in their sights.

Fans would hate it

Martin Semmens must avoid a Southampton disaster following this update. The 18-year-old beast has burst onto the scene this season after joining from Chelsea in the summer and fans would hate it if the club immediately cashed in on his bright form in January.

The Saints must fight hard to resist the temptation of selling him in the next window if United come in with an offer, as he has the potential to improve further. He has already started all five of the club’s Premier League matches and averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.80, which could be why the likes of Manchester United are now looking at signing him.

However, this seems unlikely to be the peak of his career. Upon Livramento’s arrival at St. Mary’s, Hasenhuttl lauded him as one of the best young right-backs in the country and said that St. Mary’s is the ideal place for his development. He said:

“He is one of the best young players in his position in the country and there were a lot of clubs who were interested in signing him, but finally he chose to join us.

“I think he has made a very good choice, and this will be an excellent place for him to continue his development and hopefully reach his full potential.

“He is very much in line with the profile of player we want and I think he will adapt very well to our system and methods. To be around the first team of Chelsea at his age speaks about his ability.”

These quotes from Hasenhuttl suggest that he believes the defender can achieve big things at Southampton in the long term and develop into a top player. Therefore, Semmens must fight to keep hold of him in the short-term as his value could skyrocket if he is able to fulfill his potential to continue to improve as a right-back.

Fans would be livid if Southampton sold him before they had a chance to see what he could do with more experience under his belt on the south coast.

AND in other news, Semmens must ruthlessly axe £72k-p/w Saints dud to land £12m beast, Ralph needs him…

After only managing to get a point against Leeds United last week, Newcastle will be hoping to finally pick up their first win of the new Premier League season when they face Watford on Saturday afternoon.

Steve Bruce’s side were involved in an action-packed clash against the Whites which saw Allan Saint-Maximin net a superb solo goal to ensure that the Tyneside club didn’t come away empty-handed.

However, with the Magpies still firmly in the relegation zone heading into the game at Vicarage Road, they could desperately do with adding some more attacking intent – starting with giving Saint-Maximin a partner in crime.

Since joining from Bournemouth on a free transfer back in September 2020, it’s fair to say that Ryan Fraser hasn’t exactly set the world alight at St James’ Park.

The £9m-rated Scotland international has struggled for both form and fitness on Tyneside, making just 27 appearances to date and scoring only one goal for his current club.

In his real standout campaign with Bournemouth back in 2018/19, though, Fraser racked up seven goals and a whopping 14 assists, proving that he can perform at Premier League level when he’s on song.

His former Bournemouth teammate Eunan O’Kane said: “Ryan has got the world at his feet.He has taken him time to settle, but he has learnt a lot in the six months he has been here.For me he is a dream. I just give him the ball and stand behind him and let him do what he does. He is an outlet and can run with the ball and gives us a different option.”

Meanwhile, former Celtic ace Charlie Nicholas added: “What I like is that he is a little pocket dynamo. He is quite an old-fashioned type of player – what we used to call a tanner ba’ – from the days when Scottish players were very popular. He has a little bit of that.”

The 59-year-old continued: “What he does understand is when he gets the ball and is allowed to run at people and be expressive. That is when he is at his finest. It is nice to see a Scot with this kind of creative, natural talent that we don’t obviously have enough of at international level.”

Given the incredible reliance that Newcastle put on Saint-Maximin to be their main goalscorer and creator, having Fraser in the starting line-up would give the Frenchman some much-needed support.

It could be the kind of game-changing move which finally swings things Newcastle’s way.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a major Sean Longstaff upgrade in this ace…

Celtic reporter Kieran Devlin answered a question on Sunday about Karamoko Dembele and his continued Parkhead absence.

The Lowdown: Injury issues

Ange Postecoglou has been without a number of players in recent weeks, with Dembele one of the first on the injury list after going off during a pre-season game with Bristol City back in July.

The likes of Christopher Jullien, Greg Taylor, Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Mikey Johnston, James Forrest and Giorgos Giakoumakis have also been missing, some long-term and others short-term.

The Hoops have struggled for wins as a result, winning just two of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.

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The Latest: Devlin’s response

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic before the Dundee United game on Sunday to talk all things Celtic.

He was asked what was going on with Dembele after his injury two months ago, to which he responded with this nine-word claim.

“Still out through injury as far as I’m aware.”

The Verdict: Worrying times

With no positive update on Dembele, it could still be a while until we see the teenager in competitive action under Postecoglou.

The Hoops boss has had to rely heavily on Jota and Liel Abada in recent weeks, so having Dembele back fit as soon as possible would only help Celtic going forward.

However, it doesn’t appear as if Dembele will be featuring anytime soon, upsetting news for both the player and Celtic as more and more players join the absentee list.

In other news: ‘I have never heard’ – McLeish baffled by something happening behind the scenes at Celtic. 

Leeds Live’s Beren Cross has delivered his take on Leeds United’s running stats being lower than they were last season in the Premier League.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have endured a difficult start to the new campaign, remaining winless in their opening six games and currently lying in the bottom three with just three points collected.

It was recently revealed by Leeds Live’s Joe Donnohue that having outrun their opposition by 24.9 kilometres in the opening five games of last season, that figure has dropped significantly to just 5.7 this time around.

And in response, Cross said: “It’s a great observation raised by one of my colleagues at LeedsLive, Joe Donnohue. It’s one of those stats which is hard to see with the naked eye when you’re watching a game, but does make for an interesting subplot to why this season has started badly.

“I don’t believe it’s the sole explanation behind the points dropped, but it’s interesting to note. I don’t think there’s a lot to be gained from drilling into it too far, especially when Leeds are still outrunning their opponents, just by a smaller margin.”

Fans might be concerned

While Leeds still may be outrunning their opposition in the Premier League this season, the fact it has dropped off so massively compared to this time last year, is a cause for concern for both Bielsa and the club’s fans.

It has been one of the features and hallmarks of the Whites over the years under their Argentine coach that they will work harder than everyone, and leave every ounce of sweat on the pitch trying to chase everything and make the game run at 90 miles an hour.

Considering it’s not in Bielsa’s style to tweak his tactics or philosophy, explanations behind why those numbers are where they are becomes very intriguing.

Have the rest of the Premier League begun to embrace the kind of game Leeds want to play? Has the lack of confidence that inevitably comes from not winning matches begun to have an effect?

The injuries and illnesses that the Whites have faced in these opening few weeks have no doubt also had a major impact on Bielsa’s side, with someone like Jack Harrison’s absence for example in the last couple of weeks, so notable because of the kind of hard running that he puts on the left-hand side – as per The Athletic, the Englishman impressively ranked in the 96th and 98th percentile of Premier League players for sprints per 90, and high intensity runs last season.

With players like Harrison out, and the rest of the top-flight recognising the need to try and match Leeds’ intensity, it’s perhaps little surprise that the running stats have dipped. But in any case, it’s still the kind of drop-off that will both intrigue and perhaps even worry fans.

Meanwhile, Leeds could make a short-term signing in this ace…

Lee Ryder has now revealed some exciting insight on Mike Ashley from an insider close to the imminent takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Takeover imminent

As per Sky Sports, the proposed takeover deal between the St. James’ Park faithful, the Premier League and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is now set to be announced imminently after a breakthrough on Wednesday night.

There was some hope and speculation that it would be announced then, but it looks as if an official announcement confirming the deal will be made shortly.

The Latest: Ashley insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has now revealed some insight on Ashley from a close insider to the takeover:

“Mike thought the club was sold in April 2020 and he believes he has a deal now.

“It’s all down to Mike and the Premier League now.”

The Verdict: Exciting

These are certainly very exciting times ahead for the Toon Army, as it looks as if Ashley is now more confident than ever that his deal with the KSA group will go through.

All that seems to be left is an official announcement from all of the parties involved, which should make their dream become a reality.

Nonetheless, Ashley himself will want to get the deal done as soon as possible so that he can receive the money from its sale, and leave the North East club into a new era.

In other news, find out what Steve Bruce and Lee Charnley’s futures are after the takeover here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left buzzing as Tyler Onyango returned from injury to play in an Under-23s’ game on Tuesday night.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, Onyango played in 82 minutes of the team’s 4-2 comeback win against Leeds United, after he sustained a serious ankle injury in an FA Youth Cup tie all the way back in April.

The central midfield player returned to full training just two weeks ago following six months of rehabilitation, and was rewarded with what manager David Unsworth described as a ‘great’ performance against the Whites.

Onyango made his senior debut for the Merseyside club in the FA Cup last season, and with Abdoulaye Doucoure now out injured, there may be a chance for him in the first team under Rafa Benitez.

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Everton fans on Onyango injury news

These Toffees buzzed as the news of Onyango’s return was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘quality’ player:

“Straight into the starting 11 on Saturday.”

Credit: @JamesBrownEFC

“He was class wouldn’t have thought he’d been injured for six months like”

Credit: @lander_white

“Perfect timing on his return, now Doucoure is injured”

Credit: @LennieC19

“He’s a mile better than Gbamin and Davies”

Credit: @Akelly1969

“Quality kid this guy!! Get him in the team”

Credit: @1johnthebomb

“Give this lad a chance please! No persisting with players who have tried and failed repeatedly for years.”

Credit: @LeeFMc83

In other news, find out how long Doucoure is out for here!

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Leicester City centre-back Wesley Fofana.

What’s the talk?

According to French outlet BUT!Sainte, Manchester United and the Magpies are both interested in signing the French defender.

The report claims that the Red Devils could swoop with a bid for his services if Newcastle decide to make a bid in the January transfer window.

Imagine him & Lascelles

PIF could land a dream centre-back partnership if they are able to bring Fofana to St James’ Park either in January or next summer. He could form a formidable bond with club captain Jamaal Lascelles at the back and instantly improve Newcastle’s defensive record.

Last season, the 20-year-old averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.00 in 28 Premier League appearances. The powerhouse made an eye-catching four tackles and interceptions combined per game whilst winning 58% of his duels overall, showing that he has the quality to excel at this level.

His excellent form led to him earning plenty of plaudits last season. Last November, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on the defender, calling him ‘colossal’.

He told talkSPORT: “We knew he was a top player for someone so young, and when we spoke to people out there and seeing all the clips, you could see he has anticipation as a defender, he has speed, he has aggression, he defends forward, so all the attributes we like here.

“I think the surprising thing is that if you look at the seven games he’s played and the level of the teams we’ve played, and the consistent run of games, how he’s coped with that. He’s absolutely colossal for a young guy.”

This highlights what Fofana could offer to Newcastle and why he could make a perfect partner for Lascelles. The Magpies skipper has won 67% of his duels and made 5.6 clearances per game this season, but he can be accused of not having the pace to deal with balls over his head and in behind at times, which is why Fofana’s speed – as outlined by Rodgers – could bail him out.

Newcastle could have a young, athletic and pacey defender in Fofana partnered with a strong and experienced captain in Lascelles. Where the Frenchman may lack in his individual duels, the 27-year-old makes it up for it; and vice versa when it comes to dealing with longer passes, with Fofana able to sweep up at the back.

AND in other news, Jones must unleash rarely-seen “underrated” Newcastle gem vs Palace, it’s his time…

Pundit Kevin Phillips has been reacting to rumours linking Celtic with a move for Brazilian midfielder Fernando Henrique.

The Lowdown: Henrique rumours

According to reports in Brazil, relayed by The Scottish Sun, the Hoops are plotting a winter window swoop for the versatile 20-year-old, who plies his trade with Gremio.

Parkhead representatives have reached out to find out Henrique’s availability, with his current contract running to 2024.

Henrique can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder and is already sponsored by Adidas.

The Latest: Phillips reacts

Phillips, who regularly features for Sky Sports, was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on a possible January swoop.

This is what he had to say, believing it could be a signing with one eye on the future.

“If they sign him in January it will be with a view to him having an impact the following season.

“It is always a gamble signing a 20-year-old Brazilian. For him to come to Scotland in January, culturally it will be a big shock. How cold will it be in January?

“I don’t know about the kid though. I think it would take him a while to settle but that would be understandable. It would take time to get used to the way of life and the different style of football in Scotland.

“Celtic would not just sign him in the hope he’d be the next best thing, the next Neymar or whatever. He will clearly have ability if they are looking to sign him. It is one to keep an eye on.”

The Verdict: Midfield reinforcements needed?

Ange Postecoglou has relied heavily on the likes of Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull this season, so bolstering that department with the acquisition of Henrique could be a shrewd move.

He can play in a variety of roles and could possibly, as Phillips mentions, be given time to settle into life in Glasgow for the second half of the season ahead of a breakthrough at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

Henrique has attracted interest from the City Group recently, so securing his services could prove to be a real coup in the long run.

In other news: Frank McAvennie questions effort levels of 5 G/A Celtic ace who ‘goes missing’. 

According to Graham Roberts, Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Brendan Rodgers, believing that would be high up on Spurs’ wish list to replace Nuno Espirito Santo as manager.

The Lowdown: Nuno Espirito Santo sacked

After just four months in charge, Nuno was sacked as the club’s manager on Monday morning after Spurs lost five of their previous seven Premier League matches (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Roberts suggests Rodgers

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Roberts stated his belief that the north London club would have Rodgers high up on their list to become the new manager. The former Tottenham player said:

“Yeah, I think they would go for him. I think Rodgers, Pochettino, but I would think Rodgers would be in the top two at least.”

The Verdict: Rodgers has pedigree

Currently at Leicester City, Rodgers has proven himself consistently in recent years. He led Liverpool to the brink of the Premier League title in 2014 before going on to win a number of trophies at Celtic. With Leicester, he has twice been just a few points away from Champions League football, while he also helped the Foxes win the FA Cup last season.

Whether he would now make the move to Spurs is another question. Leicester are currently in a better place than Tottenham – they have had more success in recent seasons and continue to look up rather than down. Rodgers would be a very good choice, but he could be unattainable for Daniel Levy and co.

In other news, Tottenham want to sign this centre-back