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Joe Hart is already making his presence felt at Celtic and is one of the most vocal players at Parkhead, according to Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Hart’s start at Celtic Park

Hart was one of 12 first-team additions at Celtic Park this summer, arriving from Tottenham in a seven-figure deal.

He has quickly become a regular under Ange Postecoglou, making eight appearances and keeping four clean sheets.

He did make a mistake against AZ Alkmaar in a Europa League qualifier, but overall he appears to have settled in nicely in Scotland, while he was recently hailed as “exceptional” by current Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

The Latest: Hart vocal

Devlin, who is Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, shared a story on Tuesday looking at Hart.

Within his report, he claimed that the 34-year-old has been one of the most vocal players in the team along with club captain Callum McGregor, including in the pre-match huddles.

McGregor was going to hand Hart the captain’s armband when subbed against St Mirren last month, but upon Postecoglou’s request, he gave it to Ryan Christie.

The Verdict: Good signs

With Scott Brown leaving in the summer, along with Kris Ajer, Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Leigh Griffiths, who were all at the club for a long period of time, leadership is required going forward in a new-look Hoops side.

It’s good to see that Hart is already stepping up to the plate alongside McGregor in that capacity, especially with a number of the Hoops’ new additions relatively young.

In other news: Celtic source: Hoops chiefs are scouting record-breaking ace; could be available for cut-price fee

Fulham could be set to receive a major financial boost regarding the sale of Andre-Frank Anguissa.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Tutto Mercato Web, who claimed that, after joining Napoli on an initial season-long loan deal, Anguissa has already impressed the powers that be at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with the Serie A club looking to make the 25-year-old’s temporary switch a permanent move.

The report claims that Napoli have an option to sign the Cameroon international for €15m (£12.8m) at the end of his loan deal, although it is suggested that Aurelio De Laurentiis may look to sit down with Fulham to discuss the possibility of signing the midfielder at an earlier date, and for a reduced price.

Silva will be buzzing

While losing a player of Anguissa’s undoubted ability will have come as a blow to Marco Silva and Fulham earlier this summer, reports that Napoli are already hoping to make the midfielder’s switch a permanent move is undeniably good news for the Championship side, as the early sale of the 25-year-old would provide the club with a significant cash injection which could be used in the January transfer window.

Indeed, while Fulham currently sit second in the table, with their promotion chances looking relatively strong, the Championship season is an extremely long and arduous campaign, with a couple of injuries to key players being enough to completely derail a title charge.

As such, January recruits could well prove to be the difference between an immediate return to the Premier League and a second season in the Championship for Silva. The windfall of cash that the early sale of the £70k-per-week Anguissa would generate could provide the 44-year-old with a sizeable budget to make any additions he may require in the winter market, something which would undoubtedly leave the Portuguese boss buzzing.

In other news: Signed for £1.49m, now worth £10.8m: Khan struck gold with “exceptional” Fulham dynamo

Many Wolves fans have been slamming the performance of Marcal in their game at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The left wing-back really struggled at times to contain Matty Cash down his flank, as he lost out in the majority of his duels against the right wing-back and failed to stop the Villa defender getting crosses into the box.

On the attacking side, he did not make much of an impact either, failing to record a single shot in what was overall another disappointing, low-key performance, having been criticised before by some Wolves fans for a few of his displays already this season.

With Rayan Ait-Nouri being left on the bench once more by Bruno Lage, one should question how much longer Marcal is going to stay in the starting XI, as his form does not seem to be picking up.

Wolves fans on Marcal display

These Wolves fans were critical of the performance of Marcal on Twitter, with one complaining that he made Cash look like ‘prime Dani Alves’ in reference to the legendary Brazilian right-back:

“Please take Marcal off”

Credit: @PedroBackOfNeto

“Marcal just isn’t good enough”

Credit: @smart_russ

“Marcal and Saiss two biggest liabilities at the club playing alongside each other”

Credit: @David_gill14

“Marcal has had a shocker so far”

Credit: @MarkBissell4

“Marcal and Saiss making Matty Cash look like prime Dani Alves”

Credit: @alangston07

“How does Marcal start?”

Credit: @Wolfie_YYA

In other news, find out what training ground brilliance has left these Wolves fans stunned

ExWHUemployee has provoked mass excitement amongst West Ham United supporters after claiming that the club are ‘very hopeful’ Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma will be a Hammers player in the near future.

The Lowdown: Hammers have red hot start

Starting off 2021/22 in the same fashion that they ended last term, West Ham United boss David Moyes will be desperate to add quality to his already impressive roster in order to once again challenge for European football this season.

Having made inroads in terms of recruitment, the Scot has acquired two new faces in the form of Craig Dawson and Alphonse Areola [Transfermarkt].

Now, the Hammers look to be close to sealing a major coup following recent claims on social media.

The Latest: West Ham ‘very hopeful’ on Zouma deal

Speaking to his large audience on Twitter, the well-connected ExWHUemployee responded to a fan question asking about the latest on the Zouma state of play, stating:

“Club very hopeful that deal will be completed soon”

The two clubs are said to have agreed a fee of around £25 million for his services, with personal terms believed to be in the final stage of negotiations [Daily Star].

The Frenchman is expected to sign a five-year-deal at the London Stadium upon completion of the deal.

The Verdict: Zouma signing would be a major coup

With West Ham set to find out their Europa League group stage fate this week, bringing Zouma to the club would be a positive statement of intent that would significantly add to Moyes’ side going forward.

In 2020/21, the 6 foot 3 ace enjoyed an impressive year, registering five goals in 36 appearances encapsulating all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Showing his dominant presence within the Blues rear-guard, Zouma successfully won 3.6 aerial duels per fixture on average in the Premier League, taking considerably pressure off his contemporaries in the process [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘brilliant’ by his former boss Frank Lampard, West Ham United should look to close out a deal for Zouma’s signature as soon as possible [Absolute Chelsea].

If ExWHUemployee’s account of events is anything to go by, this could be sooner rather than later.

 In other news, West Ham United fans are loving a reported transfer update. Find out more here.

Aston Villa announced on Friday afternoon that Louie Barry has joined Ipswich Town on a season-long loan, and a number of Villa fans were quick to react to the news on social media.

Barry helped Villa to win the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2002 last season and has scored 22 goals for the club’s youth sides after joining from Barcelona last year.

The 18-year-old actually scored on his first-team debut at Villa Park against Liverpool in the FA Cup and will now be given the chance to gain regular senior football at Portman Road.

Barry was included on Ipswich’s bench just 24 hours after a deal went through, but the forward didn’t get on for The Tractor Boys in their 2-2 draw with Morecambe on the opening weekend of League One.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding Barry on their official Twitter page on Friday. Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling a temporary move as ‘brilliant’.

“Wow. Get excited! And send him back safe after you have won the league :)”Credit: @rodvik”A season playing senior football is exactly the right thing for the lad. Hopefully he will fill out a bit similar to when Jack went to Notts County. Good luck Louie”Credit: @SiORegan”Brilliant for you, Good luck mate!”Credit: @lewastbury”Gonna light it up, I think. Very good loan move for him.”Credit: @MarkJirobe”Love this – step one of mission ‘new starboy’”Credit: @nallyboy90″It’s official! Good luck Louie, a really exciting move – this is now the top one to watch for me. Let’s add him to the list”Credit: @AVFCLOAN

In other news: Many Villa fans fume as details on Ings move emerge. 

Manchester United have reportedly ended their lengthy pursuit of Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the 30-year-old defender in recent weeks, although they were unwilling to match the £34 million buyout clause inserted into his contract, a figure Atleti were unwilling to compromise on.

Now, according to The Times, United are set to end their interest in Trippier and will instead allow Diogo Dalot to challenge Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the first-choice right-back position this season.

Dalot is believed to have impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the pre-season and is now expected to stay with the first-team squad for the upcoming campaign.

The Portuguese international had himself been linked with an Old Trafford exit, as Italian giants AC Milan were keen to take the 22-year-old on loan for a second successive season.

Solsjkaer could save the Glazers millions

Dalot has struggled for game time since arriving on English shores from boyhood club Porto back in 2018, making just 35 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils during his three-year stay.

The arrival of Wan-Bissaka in a whopping £50m deal saw the youngster fall even further down United’s pecking order, and he was forced to go out on loan last term in search of regular minutes.

However, after joining Milan for the entire 2020/21 campaign, Dalot thrived. The versatile full-back discovered his best form at the San Siro, helping Stefano Pioli’s side to a second-place finish in the Serie A standings.

Throughout his 12-month spell with the Rossoneri, Dalot made 33 appearances, achieving a highly respectable 6.76 WhoScored rating along the way.

And his contribution to the success of Stefano Pioli’s side was sizeable, recording an average of 1.5 tackles per league game, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 clearances, placing him in the top six compared to his teammates for each metric, as per WhoScored.

Dalot’s standout displays earned praise from Milan manager Pioli, who claimed the United gem “will become a complete player” in the future.

The former Porto prodigy was rewarded for his improved form with a late call-up to Portugal’s squad for Euro 2020 after Joao Cancelo tested positive for Covid-19, and the right-back ended up making his senior debut for the national side as a late substitute against France.

By placing his trust in Dalot, Solskjaer could save United’s owners, the Glazer family, millions. The need to spend a substantial sum on Trippier has now been eradicated, allowing the club’s hierarchy to focus their resources on a new defensive midfielder instead.

And, in other news…Murtough must avoid MUFC transfer nightmare over £40.5m-rated gem, Ole would be fuming 

JustJoe Football ShowJustJoe Football Show presenter Joe Wainman wants Leeds United to beef up their midfield options by signing Burnley’s Josh Brownhill.

Leeds have enquired about the availability of Brownhill, who is also being linked with West Ham United and Aston Villa, ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

The Whites’ interest comes despite boss Marcelo Bielsa insisting he is not expecting any more signings before the deadline.

Leeds have only welcomed two fresh faces to Elland Road during the window, with Junior Firpo joining from Barcelona for £13million and goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson sealing a switch from Valerenga.

Jack Harrison has also moved from Manchester City on a permanent basis following a succession of loan deals.

Brownhill left Championship outfit Bristol City for Burnley in a £9million deal last year and has started the Clarets’ last two Premier League outings, including the stalemate with Leeds at the weekend.

Former All Leeds TV anchorman Wainman believes Bielsa is willing to do business for the 25-year-old but is not able to pay a significant fee.

He told Football FanCast: “At the minute, Leeds United aren’t willing to stump up a big figure for players.

“But he is someone I would take because we need a centre midfielder.”

Former Scotland international Alan Hutton has tipped Celtic youngster Leo Hjelde to join Leeds United this summer, seeing it as a great opportunity for him.

The Lowdown: Hjelde linked with Leeds move

The Whites may be well-stocked at centre-back currently, but that hasn’t stopped them from being linked with an exciting move in that area of the pitch.

It has been claimed that Leeds are in advanced talks over the signing of Hjelde from Celtic, with the 17-year-old even compared to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk.

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The Latest: Hutton excited by rumour

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton was hugely positive about a move coming to fruition, admitting it could be ideal for both Hjelde and Leeds:

“The next Virgil van Dijk? Wow.

“That’s a great opportunity. You go out on loan to improve as a player, he’s obviously done that. Whether he’s going to break through at Celtic, we don’t know at this precise moment in time.

“The opportunity to go down to such a big club and play under a manager who is a great guy, very exciting, very attack-minded, does everything right, it’s a massive lure.

“You’ll be part of the youth team but there is a pathway to break through into the first team.

“It would definitely excite me if I was a young guy, the opportunity to go to Leeds. I’m sure that’s one that could possibly happen.”

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The Verdict: Superb young prospect

Hjelde looks like a special young talent with a massive future in the game, so the idea of Leeds snapping him up is clearly an exciting one.

To be compared to a player of Van Dijk’s calibre – arguably one of the best centre-backs of the last decade – speaks volumes about his potential ceiling in the game.

If Leeds do get their man, Marcelo Bielsa will be able to ease him in gently and let him play for the Under-23s, especially with Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk all representing more experienced options at the back for now.

In other news, a journalist has raved about one Leeds target – find out who it is here.

Ange Postecoglou is moving incredibly quickly in the transfer window with two new faces at Celtic already wrapped up.

The Hoops are coming off the back of a disastrous campaign so the sooner they can ingrain recent acquisitions to the manager’s style of play, the better.

There is a great deal to do in the transfer market but they are reportedly moving closer to the signing of Mario Vuskovic.

His arrival will be of huge importance as Kristoffer Ajer continues to attract interest from Norwich City.

The Norwegian isn’t the only player who will need replacing after Scott Brown’s exit for a player-coach role with Aberdeen.

Liam Shaw could succeed him in the middle of the park but Postecoglou is keen on bringing Aaron Mooy to Paradise.

The Australian has worked under the 55-year-old at international level but could there be greater quality lying elsewhere?

Celtic were interested in Romaine Sawyers back in 2019 but a move ultimately fell through as he joined West Brom from Brentford instead.

However, the midfielder struggled in the Premier League last term, achieving a WhoScored match rating of just 6.12.

With Albion chasing Turkish general Okay Yokuslu, he could be expendable to new Baggies manager Valerien Ismael.

If he is on the market then Celtic would be foolish if they didn’t revive their interest. After all, he has the qualities to dominate central areas in the Scottish Premiership.

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During West Brom’s promotion-winning campaign in 2019/20, he was comfortably one of the best in his position in the Championship.

Speaking about his game, former West Brom coach Jimmy Shan once said: “When I first got to the club, Romaine was 15 and he already stood out as an unbelievable technician.”

Shan continued: “He was a huge talent. He had this ability to pop up between the lines and to create. He wasn’t scoring as many goals as he should have done but he was an unbelievable team player.”

Sawyers progressed nicely but at the age of 29, he has bloomed at quite a late age. No player in the second tier had a better pass completion rate than his 90% in 2020/21 for instance.

What makes that number even more impressive is that his pass sonar for the season dictates that he rarely played the ball backwards, looking for the forward pass on a regular basis.

During Postecoglou’s open mic’d training session last week it showed the Aussie emphasising the need to play quickly and with one or two touches.

Sawyers was the master of that ideology for West Brom a few years ago and would surely suit the new manager’s style.

Pivotally, he is also a proficient tackler of the ball, an attribute any midfielder will need if they hope to replace Brown in Celtic’s side.

He produced 1.6 tackles per game last term which was only bettered by Ismaila Soro at Parkhead from a midfield perspective.

The 30-cap St Kitts & Nevis international would evidently be a very good addition to Celtic’s ranks. They ought to test the waters with a bid this summer.

AND in other news, Imagine him & White: Everton must complete swoop for “outstanding” £30m beast…

Leeds United’s hopes of signing Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez have been dealt a blow, with Inter Milan keen on making a move for him.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on signing Nandez

Midfield could be an area of the pitch Marcelo Bielsa looks to improve in this summer, in order for Kalvin Phillips not to be relied upon too much.

Nandez is a player who has been continually linked with a move to Leeds, having impressed for Cagliari last season, starting 31 Serie A games and chipping in with two goals and assists apiece.

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The Latest: Nandez chase may be over

The Whites may have suffered a setback in their quest to sign the 41-time capped Uruguay international, however, with FC Inter News [via Sport Witness] claiming Inter say he is ‘more than welcome’ at the club.

It is also stated that Leeds’ interest in Nandez was ‘over in a short time’, suggesting he won’t be heading to Elland Road this summer.

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The Verdict: Competition too strong?

Missing out on Nandez would be an undoubted blow for Leeds, but competing with a club of Inter’s stature was always going to be difficult.

The lure of Marcelo Bielsa may be great, but the Nerazzurri are the reigning Serie A champions and arguably one of Europe’s most exciting propositions, of course with Champions League football to offer as well.

It may be that Leeds now need to turn their attention to a similar player, in order to add depth and quality in the middle of the park next season.

In other news, one Leeds player is reportedly close to leaving the club this summer. Find out who it is here.