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According to a report from TEAMtalk, Celtic loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers is attracting attention from numerous English clubs, including West Brom.

The Lowdown: Impressive loan spell

The Hoops struck a season-long loan with an option-to-buy agreement with Tottenham for the American defender late in the summer transfer window. Since then, the 24-year-old has made 32 appearances in green and white, becoming a regular under Ange Postecoglou, who labelled the centre-back ‘really consistent’.

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His former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate described Carter-Vickers as ‘quick’, with Celtic’s option-to-buy fee thought to be an initial £6m.

TEAMtalk claimed that a permanent deal would be worth more than £10m with various add-ons, and the Hoops may well face plenty of competition for the player over the summer.

The Latest: Carter-Vickers now in demand

According to TEAMtalk, Premier League quintet Burnley, Leicester, Watford, West Ham and Wolves are all monitoring Carter-Vickers.

Meanwhile, in the English Championship, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are also showing an interest alongside West Brom.

The Verdict: Celtic in pole position?

The Hoops appear to be in pole position for the centre-back despite eight clubs being linked, due to their option-to-buy clause. Ultimately, the player will have a major say in his next move, and you’d like to think that he’d be open to a full-time transfer to Scotland.

Postecoglou has made him a near ever-present figure at the back, with Carter-Vickers winning more aerial duels than any of his Hoops team-mates. He also leads the way in terms of clearances at Parkhead and is dribbled past the least. [WhoScored]

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On that basis, a permanent move to Celtic could be a shrewd one for all involved; and following this latest report, Michael Nicholson may well seek to get everything in place regarding a full-time deal for the 24-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.

In other news: Celtic chief makes 742-mile round scouting trip; journo now drops update on possible record move

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup as they face Everton in the Premier League tonight.

Spurs lost 1-0 to the Championship outfit as they failed to qualify for the last four of the cup competition and they now play host to the Toffees in the top-flight.

A win for Antonio Conte’s side will put them level on points with West Ham in sixth in the table as they continue to chase a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season.

Axe him

One player Conte must ruthlessly axe in order to give his side the best chance of picking up all three points is central midfielder Harry Winks.

The England international must be dropped to the bench after his abysmal showing against Boro in midweek as he let the manager down badly. Rodrigo Bentancur is back fit for this match and his availability will allow Winks to be axed as he can take up the spot in midfield next to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

As per SofaScore, the Spurs academy product failed to complete a single tackle in 120 minutes in the FA Cup. He was dribbled past five times as Boro found it easy to take the ball past him in the middle of the park, showing that he was nowhere near good enough on the defensive side of the game.

The midfielder also lost all eight of his individual duels and this suggests that he struggled with the physicality of the Championship side. He was outmuscled in every battle he engaged in and only created one chance, whilst failing to take a single shot at the other end of the pitch as his attacking play did not make up for his lapse defending.

Former Tottenham defender Graham Roberts previously blasted the regression of the midfielder’s play since bursting onto the scene. 

He told Football FanCast: “He’s gone Mr Conservative, he plays simple, and if I don’t give the ball away, I’m a great player. You’re not, he’s become an average player, and that’s being fair.”

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The £91k-per-week dud’s performance was a shining example of why this criticism from Roberts was apt as he completed 87% of his passes and had 89 touches of the ball but did nothing with it and was abysmal out of possession.

Conte must now take Winks out of the firing line and place him on the bench against Everton by selecting Bentancur in his place.

AND in other news, Major boost: Spurs handed big double injury lift pre-Everton, Conte will be buzzing…

Newcastle United have been handed a major injury lift as they prepare to face Brighton on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Magpies reporter Dominic Schurr has revealed that he will be back as an option for Eddie Howe against the Seagulls at the weekend.

The French attacker has missed the last two Premier League matches through injury and spent a period in his home country to recover from his knock, but is now set for his return.

Schurr Tweeted: “Allan Saint-Maximin is back at #NUFC after a slightly longer stay in France than expected. Crucially, he is set to be back in contention for Saturday’s match at home to Brighton.”

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will be buzzing with this claim as they will surely be excited with the prospect of seeing the winger back in action at St. James’ Park this weekend.

The former OGC Nice man is an exhilarating player to watch and one the supporters can enjoy due to his direct style of play. His ability to run past opposition defenders with the ball can get people off their seats in anticipation but he also has the end product to make things happen when he gets into good positions.

Saint-Maximin has registered five goals and three assists so far this season, whilst averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.00 across 23 appearances. This shows that he has been a consistent performer for the Magpies as he has maintained a high standard throughout the campaign.

He has averaged a sensational 4.6 dribbles and 1.6 chances created per game and this illustrates exactly why fans will be buzzing to see him back. The attacker makes things happen when he is in possession and that is why they will be wanting to see him in the starting XI come 3pm on Saturday against Brighton.

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Jacob Murphy has taken his place in the forward line in the last two matches and has been unable to fill the gap left by his teammate. He completed one dribble and failed to provide a goal or assist in the matches against Brentford and West Ham.

This suggests that Saint-Maximin’s return will be a major boost for Eddie Howe’s team as he is, quite simply, a better option than Murphy due to his quality on the ball in the final third. Therefore, the Toon Army will be delighted that he looks set to be fit for the game.

AND in other news,  Ashley endured Newcastle howler with “really strange” £15m dud who’s “badly damaged”…

Wolves centre-back Romain Saiss has been offered a new contract at Molineux, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Saiss a stalwart at Wolves

The 31-year-old has been a fantastic player for the Wanderers, arriving from Angers back in 2016 and helping Wolves get back into the Premier League.

Saiss has made 201 appearances for the club in total, including 26 league starts this season, in which he has shone in a back-three alongside Max Kilman and Conor Coady.

The defender’s current deal runs out this summer but a fresh update is promising, in terms of his Molineux future.

The Latest: New deal rumoured

According to The Daily Mail, Saiss ‘has been offered’ an extended deal at Wolves, amid ‘interest across Europe’.

The player’s representatives want him to become one of the club’s top earners in order for him to stay – potentially close to Joao Moutinho, who earns £100,000 a week.

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Wolves

At 31, Saiss still has a number of years left in him at the top level – he is not a player who relies on pace – so Wolves handing him a new deal makes complete sense.

His experience is priceless in Bruno Lage’s squad – he has won 58 caps for Morocco and counting – and he has been a vital part of a defence that has conceded just 23 goals in 28 league games this season.

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There is always the concern that Saiss is unhappy with the terms offered, in which case he could leave, but he appears content at Molineux and signing a new contract would be beneficial for all parties.

In other news, Wolves have reportedly made contact with one player over a summer move. Read more here.

Everton are eyeing up a move for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall ahead of the summer.

What’s the news?

According to reports, West Ham along with Brentford and Everton are all interested in the Forest centre-back, who is rated by Transfermarkt at just £3.6m. However, the Championship club are said to value him at between £12m-£15m.

The Premier League trio may look to try and negotiate that price down even lower though, particularly if he fails to help his club reach the top flight this season.

He would also likely be a cheaper alternative to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, who has emerged as a surprise Toffees transfer target.

Bye-bye Keane

Everton defender Michael Keane has struggled badly at times this season, with some very inconsistent form as the team have slipped into a relegation battle.

His performances have led to fans and critics calling for manager Frank Lampard to drop him, with young and hungry centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite patiently waiting for more opportunities to shine.

Even critics have slammed the former England international this term, with Jim Beglin calling him “sloppy” and Journalist Sean Lunt suggesting that he’s “regressed awfully.”

Therefore, if the club survives in the Premier League this season, it would be quite likely that they target a new defender to replace Keane, and due to their financial issues, Forest star Worrall could prove to be a bargain option.

Worrall earned praise from Steven Gerrard for his leadership qualities during their time together at Rangers, with the now Aston Villa manager saying: “He will be a captain of whatever team he plays for.”

If there is one thing Everton need right now, it is leadership – and despite having the experience of Seamus Coleman in the backline anyway, given his poor form, it would be beneficial for him to have another experienced figure in defence alongside him to help organise and encourage.

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This season, Worrall has averaged a 7.08 in the Championship, as well as a 7.03 in the FA Cup, helping Forest reach the quarter-final, where they will take on giants Liverpool.

The 25-year-old, who has been described as a “colossus” by supporters, has kept 11 clean sheets in the league, as well as an average of two interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 3.4 clearances per game – and accompanying his excellent form would be the kind of confidence the Everton defence are lacking.

AND in other news: Everton will rue Brands clanger on £175k-p/w “lion” with “the strength of Mike Tyson”

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici has been linked with a move for Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Romano drops big Dybala news

According to fresh news reported by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Juventus and Dybala have failed to come to an agreement over a new contract.

Whilst there was a verbal agreement in place last October, the Serie A side have gone back on their word and have changed their proposal.

The Argentina international’s current deal expires in the summer, and it now appears that the 28-year-old will not be renewing with the Turin club as Romano told Sky Italy ‘he’s set to leave as free agent’ after a meeting on Monday morning.

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The Latest: Tottenham links

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Spurs join Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign the forward.

It is reported that the links are due to Paratici’s ability to use his connections with Juventus, and a proposal from the north London club is possible.

However, it has been reported that “it takes time to frame the technical aims of a club in full swing to qualify for the next Champions League”, essentially saying that Spurs’ chances of winning the race could hinge on finishing in the top four.

The Verdict: Unlikely

Given the statement about Champions League, a move for Dybala would be dependent on the end to Tottenham’s season, with a place in a European competition no doubt a necessary requirement for an international superstar in the prime of his career.

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A whole heap of legendary figures, including the likes of Michael Laudrup and Alessandro Del Piero, have heaped praise on Dybala, labelling him a “special” talent, and he certainly deserves to be playing at the highest level. Ballon d’Or winner Michel Platini has even compared the Argentine with one of the greatest to play the game in Diego Maradona.

Therefore, it is easy to see why Paratici is interested in the £222,000-a-week Juventus man, but whether he can actually convince his former club-mate to make the move is a different story.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: John Wenham slams Sergio Reguilon

Pete O’Rourke has revealed that ‘several clubs’ are now eyeing up a move for Wolves midfield player Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Lowdown: Impressing on loan

Gibbs-White is certainly impressing on loan at Sheffield United, where he has scored nine goals and made a further seven assists in the Championship from the middle of the park (Transfermarkt).

With Ruben Neves continually linked with an exit this summer, the Englishman may feature in Bruno Lage’s plans next season, although given his impressive loan spell, he too may be targeted from elsewhere.

The Latest: O’Rourke on Gibbs-White

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, journalist O’Rourke has revealed that ‘several clubs’ are now eyeing Gibbs-White ahead of a potential move in the summer:

“Several clubs reported to be looking at him (Gibbs-White) during this time at Sheffield United.”

The Verdict: Keep

By going out on loan, Gibbs-White has almost proven himself too good for the Championship, helping the Blades climb to a play-off place in the division.

At 22 years of age, he still has a lot of potential, and so the Midlands club should look to further his development themselves by testing him out in the Premier League.

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Nonetheless, should Neves end up leaving Molineux this summer, it would leave them quite short in the centre of midfield, and so keeping Gibbs-White for the next campaign seems like the sensible move to make.

In other news, find out what shock Wanderers manager rumour has now emerged here!

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has been reacting to the club’s latest fixture change.

The Lowdown: Palace details

Jesse Marsch’s side have picked up seven points from their last three games to increase the gap to the relegation zone to eight points.

They now have just seven games remaining, one of which is a trip to Selhurst Park to take on Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace later this month.

Initially scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 23, the meeting has been put back two days to Monday, April 25 and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The Latest: Hay reacts

Hay took to Twitter to react to the news of the changes following Leeds’ official post. He described it as an ‘awkward kick-off time’ for Marsch and co. and added that there isn’t enough notice for travelling supporters.

“An awkward kick-off time anyway but for supporters travelling to the game, this is nowhere near enough notice.”

The Verdict: Not a surprise

Plenty of Leeds fans may already have made plans for the trip to London later this month, with the fixture being rearranged just over three weeks before.

It isn’t ideal news for the Whites faithful, but it shouldn’t exactly come as a shock, with the Premier League and broadcast giants regularly changing games at late notice, consistently proving that fans are at the bottom of their agenda when making these calls.

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Hopefully, fans will be making the trip south later this month with the club in a healthy position in the table, with Saturday’s trip to Watford key as Marsch looks to guide Leeds to safety.

In other news: Leeds may now lose another star alongside Raphinha and Phillips; he stunned a club employee. 

David Ornstein has shared a new update on Tottenham’s interest in Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.

Frank warns Spurs players ahead of Palace

Tottenham players had Christmas Day off before Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Spurs have endured a difficult start under the former Bournemouth boss and are 14th in the Premier League table after a run of five defeats in eight matches in all competitions, and the manager insisted his players must be “grown up” over the festive period.

“This week we actually handle in the same way I would have done with any other week. If it was not Christmas, it was still done the same,” Frank revealed.

“So, we have two days leading to the game, day off, two days. So Tuesday and Wednesday, then off on 25th and then two days. Then it’s perfectly fit the Christmas family schedule, which is very good.

“And I’m a big believer of being a top professional and that’s something I believe the players are and should be. Some need to be guided more than others, but also they are grown-up individuals.

“If I need to hold their hand the whole time, we have a bigger problem in my opinion.”

Spurs are facing an uphill battle to secure a top five spot and Champions League qualification for next season, and have scored the least goals of any ‘big six’ side this season.

Dominic Solanke has suffered with injury problems while neither of Randal Kolo Muani or Richarlison have made the number nine berth their own, with the club expected to seek attacking reinforcements in January.

Ornstein shares Tottenham transfer update

Ornstein shared an update on the future of Bournemouth star Semenyo in his Boxing Day report for The Athletic, revealing Man City are in the driver’s seat but Spurs did make a considerable offer to the player.

The Ghana international’s ability to play in multiple attacking positions and both score and create goals with either foot has made him a sought after commodity amongst the top flight’s biggest sides.

Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Spurs transfer coverage Want more context? Subscribing to the newsletter offers in-depth coverage of Spurs transfer developments, player profiles and tactical implications, so you’ll get clearer analysis and informed perspective on transfer stories and club strategy. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Spurs transfer coverage Want more context? Subscribing to the newsletter offers in-depth coverage of Spurs transfer developments, player profiles and tactical implications, so you’ll get clearer analysis and informed perspective on transfer stories and club strategy.

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“He’s an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player,” City boss Pep Guardiola said earlier this season.

Related Tottenham player set for January exit talks after returning from injury

A Spurs departure is on the cards for him.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

“His energy, his confidence, his movement – unbelievable. He doesn’t stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen.

“He’s improving every game. Players like him make this league special – always hungry, always brave.”

Leeds United made several significant signings in the summer of 2025, which are already beginning to have an impact at the club. One of the most successful thus far has been left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The Swede, who cost £10m, was described as “an absolute bargain” and called one of the best players in the league in his position by journalist James Marshment.

Another player who has stood out at the other end of the pitch is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The former Everton star, who joined the club for free, has been in sensational form, with seven goals in 15 games this term, and six in his last five.

Leeds are looking to add another smart signing to the squad next month.

Leeds’ latest bargain transfer target

There are already rumours swirling ahead of a crucial winter window for Leeds. One player who is linked with a move to Elland Road is Swiss winger Ruben Vargas, an attacker who could cost upwards of £9m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Rumours are also intensifying regarding a potential move for French defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu. According to German outlet Fussball Transfers, the Whites are ‘interested’ in the RB Leipzig star, who is reportedly looking to force through a move away.

However, the West Yorkshire outfit are not alone in making a potential move for Bitshiabu this winter. Fellow relegation candidates West Ham United are also plotting a move for the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate.

It remains to be seen if this will be a loan or permanent deal, having signed for his current side on a £13m deal back in 2023.

Why Bitshiabu would be a good signing

It has certainly not been the season that the 20-year-old defender might have expected. He has struggled to lock down a place in the Leipzig side, something which has perhaps been further impacted by the lack of European football for the German club this season.

This term, the defender, who hails from a suburb of Paris, has only played five times for Leipzig. Just three of those appearances have come in the Bundesliga; he has only played 111 minutes in the German top flight.

His minutes in a Leipzig shirt have been sparse, though Bitshiadu has struggled with injury during his time at the Bundesliga outfit. He has played 39 games in total, but a run of games as first-choice last season showed why he is so highly rated.

In fact, his numbers from last season show the quality he can bring to Daniel Farke’s side. The former PSG star averaged 1.99 blocks per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 3% of Bundesliga centre-backs.

On the ball, he’s impressive too, and averaged 5.5 progressive passes each game, which puts him among the top 12% of defenders in the German top flight.

Bitshiabu key stats 24/25 Bundesliga

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Progressive passes

5.5

88th

Blocks

1.99

97th

Clearances

7.73

96th

Tackles won

1.43

86th

Stats from FBref

If Leeds do get this deal over the line, it might be reminiscent of a signing they made a few years back, of Georginio Rutter.

Now plying his trade at Brighton and Hove Albion, the attacker enjoyed a successful stint at Elland Road.

After joining in January 2023, the 23-year old notched up 66 appearances in that famous White shirt.

In that time, he scored and assisted 26 goals, with 21 of those coming in the 2023/24 Championship campaign. The summer after, he was signed by Brighton.

Of course, the similarity does not come from the position, with Bitshiabu a centre-back and Rutter an attacker.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Leeds transfer analysis Curious how targets like Bitshiabu or Ruben Vargas could alter Leeds’ season? Subscribe to our newsletter for data-led transfer breakdowns, scouting context and tactical analysis that explains what signings really mean for the club. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for Leeds transfer analysis Curious how targets like Bitshiabu or Ruben Vargas could alter Leeds’ season? Subscribe to our newsletter for data-led transfer breakdowns, scouting context and tactical analysis that explains what signings really mean for the club.

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But, both players are highly-rated French talents, and will have moved to West Yorkshire from the Bundesliga in the winter transfer window. Those things, they have in common.

Rutter’s impact at Leeds was exceptional, and although he couldn’t quite get them over the line with promotion, he was a mey man for Farke.

How the Whites would love for their potential new centre-back to be the second coming of his countryman, and really have a huge impact for the club and help them stay in the Premier League.

He is an “exceptional” talent according to football scout Antonio Mango. Farke would love for that to be on show at Elland Road, as a huge second half of the season approaches for Leeds.

Related Better than Calvert-Lewin: Leeds star is now "one of the best" in the PL

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Posts ByKelan Sarson