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Celtic are now interested in signing Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet, according to The Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan.

The Lowdown: Nisbet’s impressive campaign

Nisbet enjoyed a successful 2020/21 season at Easter Road. The 24-year-old scored 18 times and registered eight assists in all competitions, with two of his goals coming against the Hoops.

His displays were rewarded with a place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the European Championships.

Nisbet, who Jack Ross described as ‘terrific’ last year, featured in just 21 minutes of action at Euro 2020 and currently holds a Transfermarkt valuation of £2.7m.

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The Latest: Nisbet links

According to McGowan, Celtic have now set their sights on Nisbet after announcing a deal for defender Osaze Urhoghide from Sheffield Wednesday on Thursday.

Work has already begun to see how much a potential transfer would cost, with Hibs thought to be holding out for more than £4m.

The Verdict: Wyke or Nisbet?

Another striker who has been heavily linked with a Celtic Park switch in recent weeks is Charlie Wyke.

Wyke, who is now out of contract with former employers Sunderland, wanted Celtic to double his wages on a four-year deal with a multi-million pound signing-on fee.

A move for Wyke has gone quiet in recent days, and perhaps Nisbet would be a smarter option.

He’s four years youngster than Wyke and has experience of scoring goals in the Scottish Premiership.

Nisbet is on £1,000-a-week at Hibs, compared to Wyke’s recent £6,400-a-week salary with Sunderland.

Yes, Celtic would have to pay a fee for Nisbet and not Wyke, but it could prove to be a wise move, should they decide to do so.

In other news: Martin O’Neill interested in Celtic return, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potential boost in their bid to bring Isco to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Carlo Ancelotti has informed the Real Madrid attacking midfielder that he will be sold in the January transfer window, should an acceptable offer be lodged.

This could see Tottenham reignite their interest in the 29-year-old, with it being reported last summer that the Premier League side were monitoring the situation of the Spain international ahead of a potential swoop.

Indeed, a further report by The Sunday Mirror (via The Spurs Web) suggested that Spurs were willing to offer Madrid £14m in order to sign the forward earlier this year, as well as being prepared to offer Isco a three-year deal in north London.

Bye-bye Dele

While it is true that Isco has not enjoyed his finest form at Real Madrid in recent campaigns, the 29-year-old has nevertheless demonstrated in previous seasons that, when he is given the opportunity to do so, he can be one of the most influential players in what is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances back in 2016/17, the £13.5m-rated man scored a highly impressive ten goals, registered eight assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Andres Iniesta dubbed a “fantastic player with an incredible talent” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Los Blancos’ ninth-best player in the top flight of Spanish football that season.

And, although his metrics have not been quite as impressive over his seven league outings so far this term, the £211k-per-week midfielder has far from been in disastrous form, scoring one goal, creating one big chance for his teammates and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

Furthermore, with it being widely reported that Antonio Conte is more than happy for Dele Alli to move onto pastures new in the upcoming winter window, a move for Isco would not only help to improve the Italian’s current options in attacking midfield, it would also very much appear to be the final nail in the coffin for the 25-year-old former England international in the capital.

In other news: Conte can finally axe Spurs’ £25m-rated “joke” by signing “devastating” £69k-p/w beast

Everton could take midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Napoli, according to Gonfia La Rete (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Spaniard is valued at a hefty £49.5m by Transfermarkt but significantly his contract is due to expire at the end of next season.

If Napoli can’t tie him down in the next couple of months, they may view the summer transfer window as their last opportunity to cash in, knowing that Ruiz could negotiate pre-contract terms with foreign clubs come January 2023.

The 26-year-old has split his minutes so far this season between central midfield (20 games) and defensive midfield roles (12).

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The latest

The report from Gonfia La Rete (via Sport Witness) rates Napoli’s prospects of agreeing a contract extension with Ruiz.

They claimed that things could get ‘difficult’ for the Serie A title-chasers if Everton make an offer to ‘cover the Spaniard in gold’.

Newcastle United are also said to be interested and could present a counterproposal.

The verdict

Newcastle are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, so Everton may not be able to compete with the kind of financial package that the Tynesiders can offer.

If the Toffees can win the race, though, they would be picking up a long-range specialist. Remarkably, all six of Ruiz’s Serie A goals this season have come from outside the penalty area – that’s as many as Everton have scored as a team.

One of those goals was a 94th-minute winner away to Lazio in February, which sports journalist Josh Bunting labelled ‘stunning’.

Ruiz has a penchant for the spectacular, although journalist Zach Lowy believes that his performances have also been ‘absolutely incredible’ in general.

This could be an early recruitment triumph for Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell if he pulls it off.

In other news, Ian Wright heaps praise on one Everton ace

An update has emerged on Rangers transfer target John Souttar with the Gers suffering a blow in their bid to bring him to Ibrox next year.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Hearts centre-back wants a move to England in the January transfer window, with the likes of Blackburn, Stoke and QPR, among others, keen on his services.

The report claims the Gers and Celtic are both keen on the defender and are set to be let down by his decision to go south of the border.

Big blow

This news comes as a big blow to Rangers as it suggests that they will be unable to land the defender in the next transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and that means the English sides will be able to pin him down to a pre-contract agreement in the winter, whereas the Gers would need to wait until his deal officially expires next summer.

It will also leave fans gutted as they will have been excited at the prospect of him arriving at Ibrox. He has been in sensational form in the Scottish Premiership and could have been a major addition to the side, but now appears set for the Championship in England.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein once heaped praise on the defender, saying: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

Souttar has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.39 in the Premiership for Hearts. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun, meanwhile, have averaged scores of 7.05 each, which suggests that the Jam Tarts beast could be an upgrade on what the club currently have.

The 25-year-old has made 2.7 tackles and interceptions, along with 3.8 clearances, per game. He has also won an impressive 69% of his duels on the pitch throughout the campaign to date, with all of these statistics highlighting the defensive quality he could have brought with him to Glasgow. This is why fans will be gutted to read this update and why it is a big blow to the club ahead of the upcoming window.

AND in other news, 129 appearances: Rangers secured dream deal with £0 gem who “embodies professionalism”…

Crystal Palace could be handed a major boost ahead of this afternoon’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea with the return of both Michael Olise and Tyrick Mitchell.

What’s the story?

Speaking to the media ahead of Palace’s trip to Wembley, manager Patrick Vieira confirmed that both were in training.

“We had Tyrick [Mitchell] and Michael [Olise] who had some training on the field, individually yesterday, a little more today,” revealed the Frenchman.

“Then we have to wait tomorrow to see if there’s any kind of reaction. They will only get involved in the game if they are 100% fit.”

There hasn’t been a further update on how the pair reacted to training and where their fitness levels are at, however, the prospect of having two key players available for the Eagles’ biggest game of the season will delight supporters.

Huge boost

Both Mitchell and Olise have seriously impressed in red and blue this season, particularly the former who was handed his first senior England caps at the back end of last month.

According to SofaScore, the left-back has averaged a match rating of 6.89/10 in the Premier League whilst keeping nine clean sheets in 31 matches.

Moreover, the 22-year-old has been excellent defensively, averaging 1.2 interceptions, three tackles, and 2.5 clearances per game whilst completing over half of his attempted dribbles.

However, the Englishman was withdrawn after just half an hour in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Leicester.

As for Olise, the young Frenchman has also impressed in his first top-flight campaign in England after joining from Championship side Reading last summer for £8m.

The winger, who hasn’t featured since the international break, has netted four goals for the South London outfit this term, two of which coming in Palace’s FA Cup run to Wembley, whilst registering eight assists.

It’s been in the FA Cup where the 20-year-old has really shone, with standout performances against Millwall and Hartlepool United particularly memorable.

Olise’s creativity has made a major difference to Vieira’s side, with the youngster contributing five assists in the Premier League whilst also creating seven big chances and averaging 0.8 key passes a game in the top-flight.

Whether either player will be fit to start is yet to be seen, however, their return to training will certainly be a major boost as Palace look to reach their second FA Cup final in seven years and that should leave the French head coach absolutely delighted heading into kick-off this afternoon.

AND in other news: Vieira dealt setback as early Chelsea team news emerges, it’s a huge blow for Palace

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have gone wild over news involving young star Phil Foden after his mightily impressive 2020/2021 campaign. 

The 21-year-old enjoyed his most stellar season to date under manager Pep Guardiola and was lauded by the Spaniard as a ‘dynamic’ and a player who ‘never hides’ (mancity.com).

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This came after Foden played a pivotal role in helping City get past German giants Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals last year – scoring the winning goal in both the home and away legs.

He also netted nine goals and five assists in the Premier League last season and was subsequently rewarded for his fine form with an England call-up for Euro 2020.

Now, as the 2021 Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees become officially announced, news has now dropped that Foden makes the cut among the best players in world football.

Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling have also been named on the 30-man shortlist (mancity.com).

Flocking to this news, it’s safe to say many Sky Blues are absolutely overjoyed for their star academy product.

Find all of their best reactions down below, as one fan called it ‘huge’ news.

Man City fans go wild for Foden news…

“YUHHHH BEST YOUNGSTER ITW”

Credit: @nxomimcfc

“He deserve winning the whole thing”

Credit: @FodenCTID

“That’s massive”

Credit: @Jake_Nicklin

“Huge”

Credit: @jnr_koena_

“This is genuinely insane, and what’s even more insane is that I think we can all agree we saw this coming”

Credit: @zukmcfc

“Yessssssssss Phil”

Credit: @brianmcfc2

“Actually crazy so deserved though”

Credit: @robbie_4

In other news: ‘Manchester City ready to sign’…Journalist shares exciting transfer development out of Eastlands, find out more here.

Crystal Palace must move for Everton midfielder Tom Davies as new manager Patrick Vieira aims to complete the overhaul of his engine room at Selhurst Park.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Eagles are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation at Goodison Park ahead of a potential offer.

The report states that: “A Palace source has told Football Insider that Davies is on their radar going into next year and his situation at Everton will be monitored.

“Intriguingly, Davies is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and there has been no progress in talks over an extension.”

Patrick Vieira needs him

Palace replaced several ageing campaigners with fresh faces over the summer following Roy Hodgson’s departure, including two central midfielders.

Conor Gallagher arrived at Selhurst Park on a season-long loan from Chelsea and has already made a huge impression in south London, while Will Hughes is yet to make an appearance following his switch from Watford.

Despite the acquisition of the duo, Vieira may still feel the need to freshen up his options in the centre of the pitch, given the profiles of his alternative choices.

Club captain Luka Milivojevic is 30 years old, James McArthur is 33 and Cheikhou Kouyate is 31, combine those ages with the fact that Gallagher may not return for a second spell next season and it’s easy to understand why Davies is needed.

The former England Under-21 international would bring energy, youthful legs, and a tenacity to the midfield that has been lacing in south London in previous years.

Under former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, Davies played a bit-part role during 2020/21 but did put in several standout displays, catching the eye of the Italian tactician against Manchester United.

“I think, first of all, Tom is a really professional player, really focused on what he is doing,” Ancelotti said. “He has a strong sense of belonging to this club, and this is also really important.

“The only thing I said to him is to simplify his work and his style of play. He plays in a position where tactically you have to be really focused. Watching the game against United, I think tactically; he was perfect.”

However, the youngster appears to have slipped down the pecking order under Ancelotti’s successor Rafael Benitez. Davies has only featured in 17 minutes of Premier League action in Everton’s opening six fixtures the current campaign, throwing his future at the club into doubt.

Therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Davies, providing Vieira with a long-term solution to his engine room conundrum.

And, in other news…Palace can repeat Olise masterclass by signing 26y/o beast, he’s got a “great future” 

Newcastle United correspondent Chris Waugh has revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin was ‘desperate’ for Joe Willock to return to Newcastle. 

The lowdown

Willock has now sealed his permanent switch from Arsenal and will be available for the trip to Aston Villa next weekend (via nufc.co.uk).

The 21-year-old has inked a six-year contract and joins for a fee in excess of £20million (via BBC Sport).

During his loan spell last season, he was instrumental in the Magpies’ late surge up the table. He scored in their final seven matches as they climbed from the brink of the relegation zone to 12th place.

The latest

Waugh reports that a number of Newcastle players had kept in contact with Willock, and that Saint Maximin was ‘especially’ keen for him to extend his stay at St James’ Park.

The Frenchman’s public plea – he said Willock ‘can be really great for the team and me’ – was interpreted as ‘a clear indication’ that he’d be more inclined to stay if he was playing alongside the former Arsenal man. Intriguingly, Waugh says he wasn’t alone in that sentiment.

The dressing room has been left ‘relieved and enthused’ by the news, though there is still a feeling that further signings are needed.

The verdict

Willock and Saint-Maximin may have an excellent relationship, but it’s probably less about personnel than it is ambition. A player of the Frenchman’s quality needs to feel like he’s battling for more than just pure survival.

Turning the loan into a permanent signing will be regarded as the bare minimum for Newcastle in this year’s market, but it should help them steer clear of any relegation bother.

Get a couple more quality additions through the door in the remaining weeks of the window, albeit on loan, and an assault on the top half may not be out of the question.

For now though, the news that Saint-Maximin may be more inclined to stay thanks to Willock’s arrival is surely the cherry on top of the excitement around the signing.

In other news, could this be Newcastle’s next signing?

As per Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur are weighing a January move for AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo amid a contractual development.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Zaniolo…

Recent claims from the continent suggest that new boss Antonio Conte has his sights on another Serie A star following the plethora of Italian top flight names to have been linked already.

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Indeed, regional newspaper Il Tempo (via Sport Witness) claimed earlier this week that Tottenham are eagerly watching developments over Zaniolo’s future at Roma ahead of the winter window.

Meanwhile, some Spanish sources believe that Conte has personally asked club chiefs to sign the 22-year-old after he originally wanted former club Inter Milan to re-sign Zaniolo.

The Latest: Spurs weighing move…

As per CM, there has been another development, with the attacking midfielder’s talks over a new Roma deal stalling after ‘first contacts’ with his entourage.

This has alerted the likes of Juventus and Tottenham as both Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici remain huge admirers.

It is believed that Spurs could ‘intervene in depth on the market’ as early as January.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Lilywhites could have to pay as much as €70 million (£59m) to sign Zaniolo according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), a price which would smash their transfer record.

However, given the player’s accolades, age and potential for sell-on value – he could be worth the investment.

Hailed as a ‘Lampard-type’ player by former Inter coach Stefano Vecchi (La Gazzetta dello Sport via Goal), the fact he is still very young could indicate there is even more to come from Zaniolo.

The only drawbacks could perhaps be his recent injury record and the fact Zaniolo’s deal doesn’t actually expire until 2024 – putting Roma under no pressure to sell.

In other news: ‘Coming from Tottenham’…Journalist makes exciting transfer claim with big offer on the table, find out more here.

Serie A giants Napoli are eyeing up a loan move for Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas this summer, in what could be a surprise Reds exit.

The Lowdown: Tsimikas struggles at Liverpool

Tsimikas only moved to Anfield from Olympiakos last year, with Jurgen Klopp seeing him as someone who could provide ideal cover for Andy Robertson.

The Greece international was limited to just two late substitute appearances in the Premier League, such were his injury problems throughout the campaign.

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The Latest: Napoli eye up left-back

Tsimikas has looked good in pre-season for the Reds, but according to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato [via Sport Witness], Napoli are keen on signing him on loan and have ‘spoken with Liverpool’.

The Italian side see Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri as their first-choice target, but Tsimikas is considered a more viable alternative.

Liverpool are not willing to let the 25-year-old leave, however, preferring to keep hold of him.

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The Verdict: Exit makes no sense

It is pleasing to hear that Liverpool don’t want to sell Tsimikas, with his potential exit making no sense at all.

Robertson is in desperate need of having an available backup this season, having cut a tired figure at times in 2020/21, no doubt due to starting all 38 of the Reds’ Premier League games – he has since played every minute of Scotland’s Euro 2020 campaign.

If Tsimikas can avoid injury and keep himself fit, he can be a useful squad option, having hopefully settled properly at Anfield now and affording Robertson some much needed rotation.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with an update regarding one Reds target. Find out who it is here.