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Celtic’s heavy amount of business during the previous summer transfer window ended up paying dividends for the Bhoys as Ange Postecoglou guided the club to the SPFL title.

Heading into the upcoming summer window, it seems as though a clue has emerged regarding the possibility of one particular transfer deal taking place at Parkhead that would surely have lots of fans jumping for joy.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan had this to say about the current situation surrounding the possibility of Celtic securing a permanent deal for the centre-back.

“I think happiness to a player is very important, feeling wanted and belonging in a place. I think he’s definitely got that from Celtic as a football club and the fans.

“I think Celtic and Carter-Vickers will be trying to do everything to make it happen, for him to stay there.”

Great news for Celtic fans

The Hoops signed the defender on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur back in August.

With 45 appearances under his belt across all competitions, more than any other team he’s played for throughout his career, the American chipped in with four goals and one assist.

However, it was his defensive work that made him a crucial figure for Postecoglou in their title-winning campaign.

In 33 league appearances, the 24-year-old made more interceptions (43) than any other Celtic player and ended the campaign with a higher average of clearances per game (4.2) than anyone in Postecoglou’s ranks.

His overall performances earned the Tottenham loanee an impressive season rating of 7.36/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player currently in the 56-year-old’s squad.

Earlier this month, Carter-Vickers shared his wishes that he wants to bring an end to his time as a Spurs player once and for all this summer, which could be why Whelan has said the player will be doing everything he can to join Celtic permanently.

This could then give the Parkhead club a great chance to secure the defender on a permanent basis.

Now that Whelan has suggested that both Celtic and the player will be doing all they can to make this deal come to fruition, this will undeniably be great for the Hoops fans to hear.

Should the league champions secure the defender’s signature in the coming weeks, this would surely give the team a great chance of regaining the title and potentially being successful in Europe given his clear defensive talent.

In other news: Deal close: Big transfer update emerges that’ll have many Celtic supporters buzzing

A huge Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on the club’s pursuit of Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Brazilian defender is the club’s number one target in that area of the pitch.

The Magpies will be pursuing a deal to sign the Atletico Madrid man in the coming months and will then look to snap up Matt Targett if they fail to bring their first choice in.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told that with Targett, it’s going to be more of a secondary option. So, they’ve put the feelers out for Lodi, who’s their main priority signing for that left-back side. And if that falls through, then they’re going to go back to Targett.”

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

The Toon head coach will be buzzing with this news as it shows that PIF and Dan Ashworth are not willing to settle for the safe option.

Targett spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan from Aston Villa and he was a solid performer at left-back. He ended the season with an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.92 for his parent club and the Magpies combined in the Premier League, making an impressive 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game as he showcased his strong defending.

However, he is not a high-level left-back when it comes to crossing the halfway line and attacking the opposition’s goal.

As per FBRef, he ranks in the 62nd percentile or lower in shot-creating actions, non-penalty goals, non-penalty Expected Goals + Expected Assists, assists, and dribbles completed per 90 in the last 365 days among left-back’s in Europe’s top five leagues.

Lodi, meanwhile, ranks in the 74th percentile or higher in all of those categories and in the 92nd percentile or higher for both assists and non-penalty goals per 90.

The 24-year-old managed three goals and four assists in 17 starts in La Liga and the Champions League for Atletico as he proved that he can make a big impact in the final third. He has the quality to score and assist goals from full-back and this means that he can offer Newcastle another attacking threat in the Premier League next season.

However, he is a riskier signing than Targett as he has not played in England before and it is not a guarantee that he will adapt to English football.

That is the risk Newcastle have to take if they want to elevate their attack with a talented left-back option to provide a threat from the defence and that is why Howe will be buzzing with the club’s pursuit of Lodi.

AND in other news, Howe can axe £25m NUFC flop by signing “frightening” £94m predator who’s “the future”…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring James Ward-Prowse to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Hampshire Live, who claimed that the Southampton midfielder’s future is the subject of much speculation ahead of the opening of the summer market, with both Tottenham and Manchester United mentioned as interested parties.

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Further reports have backed up the claim that Antonio Conte is interested in a move for the midfielder this summer, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side expected to demand a figure in the region of £60m in order to part with the England international in the coming months.

Jorginho 2.0

Considering Ward-Prowse’s remarkable form for Southampton this season, in addition to reports suggesting that Conte is hoping to sign a midfielder in the mould of Jorginho this summer, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a deal for the 27-year-old playmaker.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £42.5m-rated talent highly impressed for Saints, scoring 10 goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking 1.5 shots, making two key passes and enjoying 69.7 touches per game.

The £100k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing 43.8 passes, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.8 long balls and winning 2.6 duels per match.

These returns saw the 10-cap England international average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.27, not only ranking him as Hasenhuttl’s best performer in the league but also as the eighth-best midfielder and the 19th-best player overall in the top flight.

As a result of Ward-Prowse’s incredible performance standards this season, Oriol Romeu heaped considerable praise on his St Mary’s team-mate, with the Spaniard stating: “He is an unbelievable player, the way he works. He always finds a good option, he never gives the ball away, he works the hardest and he runs the longest. Ward-Prowse is probably going to be one of the most important players for this club.”

For comparison, over Jorginho’s 29 Premier League appearances this season, the £40.5m-rated midfielder scored six goals, registered two assists and created six big chances, in addition to taking 0.6 shots, making 0.9 key passes and enjoying 75.8 touches per game.

The Italy international also completed 58 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 2.1 long balls and won 4.5 duels per game, with these metrics seeing the £110k-per-week playmaker average a SofaScore match rating of 7.08.

As such, it is clear to see that Ward-Prowse is very much a player in the same mould as the Chelsea star, leading us to believe that Fabio Paratici must do all he can to land the player who Jamie O’Hara dubbed “perfect” for Spurs this summer, as there would be very few players beyond the 27-year-old who would satisfy Conte’s criteria in the middle of the park.

AND in other news: Bid incoming: Conte can land Spurs’ own Steph Curry in £60m offer for “special” target

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that both Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are lining up moves for the 25-year-old in the off-season.

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Previous reports had revealed that Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici went as far as to submit an enquiry regarding a deal for the left-winger back in the January transfer window, with Conte believed to be a big fan of the former England U21 international due to his ability to play both at left wing-back and in a front three.

Forget Raphinha

While it is true that Harrison did not enjoy the finest campaign of his career this time out – something that can quite easily be said about the vast majority of the Leeds first team – the argument that cashing in on him this summer would be a disaster for Andrea Radrizzani is nevertheless an easy one to make.

Indeed, despite averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.67 over his 35 Premier League appearances this term, the £20m signing still managed to find the back of the net eight times, provided one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, the £60k-per-week winger who Frank Lampard dubbed “one of the best” (Sky Sports News, 17:25, February 12, 2022) highly impressed in a defensive capacity, with FBref ranking the 25-year-old in the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for clearances per 90, in addition to the top 13% for blocks, the top 18% for both interceptions and tackles and the top 22% for pressures over the last 365 days.

As such, while Leeds will certainly be hit by the likely departure of Raphinha this summer – with the Brazilian reported to have already agreed personal terms ahead of a switch to Barcelona – it is clear from his statistics that the further loss of Harrison would also come as a gutting blow to Jesse Marsch and his side, leading us to believe that Radrizzani simply must refuse any approach made by Tottenham or Newcastle for the former Manchester City starlet ahead of 2022/23.

AND in other news: Orta can land “frightening” Raphinha heir as Leeds now eye “unreal” £72k-p/w signing

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica’s Uruguayan star striker, Darwin Nunez.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report relayed by Sports Witness, who claim that Benfica are already counting on the money from the sale of Nunez, ready to spend in the summer.

It is said that the club are hoping to make over €100m (£84.5m) from his departure with Manchester United named as a “shark” in what is a list of three clubs who are “best positioned” to land the Uruguayan’s signature.

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The two clubs said to be rivalling United for the 22-year-old are Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid, with both sides reportedly looking to employ a new centre-forward this summer.

As per the report, in Manchester United’s case, with Edinson Cavani said to be leaving the club and Marcus Rashford reportedly looking for a new destination, it is said that manager Erik ten Hag “appreciates” Nunez’s qualities.

Cavani Heir

With Cavani said to be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, and Ten Hag working on reigniting the Red Devils via a summer rebuild, Nunez, who has been dubbed an “exciting prospect” by journalist Sam Dean, could not arrive at Manchester United at a better time.

What’s more, the switch of a 35-year-old Uruguayan forward for a 22-year-old one makes for a poetic transition that is symbolic of United’s more modern approach under Ten Hag.

Interestingly, with the signing of Nunez, United are almost rolling back the years and unleashing what is a similar player to a prime Cavani.

With a shared style to the 35-year-old that promotes an emphasis on positioning in the box, Nunez quite simply makes for a natural and high-quality heir to the throne, with his 26 goals and four assists in 28 Liga Portugal appearances too good to ignore.

Cavani’s experience will most certainly be a miss and it is a shame that he cannot stay a further year to help Nunez slot in at Old Trafford, if the club are to act on their supposed status as the leaders to sign him.

But whilst his absence will be felt in some ways, his presence, approach and style can live on in the Red side of Manchester under 22-year-old star, Nunez, someone dubbed an “absolute beast” by journalist Hari Sethi.

In other news: “Ten Hag wants..“: Sky Journo drops exciting 8-word United update, supporters buzzing 

Manchester United appears to be in pole position to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as Erik ten Hag looks to revitalise his attacking options ahead of his first campaign in charge of the side.

What’s the word?

According to reports via Sport Witness, Man United are leading the race to sign the Napoli frontman in a hope that it will bolster their attacking arsenal next season.

One journalist stated that if Napoli were to receive an offer of €100m (£85m) then it would be considered.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

United could face competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle for the striker’s signature and a battle will surely take place during the summer transfer window.

Ten Hag surely buzzing

It’s no secret that Man United have had a terrible campaign, with the club slipping further and further from the Premier League title as the years go on, the new manager has a massive job on his hands.

Thus, the idea of signing Osimhen will surely leave the Dutchman buzzing with excitement.

From a team that used to have world-class forwards in abundance, the decline of the Red Devils’ frontline has been painful. Out of all the forward options, only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more than ten goals (24) during this season and this is a problem that ten Hag needs to solve quickly, otherwise it could be a tough start for the new man.

Osimhen could be the ideal solution, with the striker bagging 18 goals in just 31 appearances in Serie A and the Europa League.

Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues, Osimhen features in the 95th percentile for total shots per 90 minutes (3.85) and the 90th percentile for touches in the opposition box (7.08).

This proves that he is a constant attacking threat and is more often than not, present in the opposition area to cause chaos.

Having been described as a “thoroughbred bomber” by Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti, it’s clear to see the 23-year-old has a bright future.

If Manchester United are serious about making progress next season, signing the Nigeria international will go a long way to aid the cause.

AND in other news, Deal close: Man Utd nearing the signing of £63m-rated “genius”, he’s better than Pogba

Aston Villa have joined the chase for Rangers star Joe Aribo, alongside other Premier League sides ahead of the summer transfer window, with Johan Lange ready to make his move.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Sun, who report that Villa have joined Brentford and Crystal Palace in the race for the Nigeria international.

The midfielder could be signed for a bargain price of just £10m this summer due to his Rangers contract expiring at the end of next season, and with no word on an extension, the side could cash in.

Steven Gerrard will love Aribo at Villa

Aribo could be tempted to reunite with former coach Steven Gerrard at Villa in the summer as it was the Englishman who signed the 25-year-old from Charlton and turned him into one of the finest players in Scotland.

If last season was almost a breakout campaign for the player, then this season is where he has matured, leading Rangers to both the Scottish Cup and Europa League finals.

With eight goals and ten assists in all competitions this season, Aribo would be a fine addition to the Villa squad as Gerrard aims to lead them into the European spots next season.

His versatility is also a massive strength, with Gerrard stating that Aribo could “play anywhere” previously then it would be a big advantage for Villa.

The midfielder’s form perhaps tailed off slightly once he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations following the early exit for Nigeria, but there is no doubt when he is on form, he is one of the Ibrox side’s greatest assets.

With Gerrard already bolstering his squad with the permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho last week, the onus will be on to keep adding strength in depth. With many fringe players seemingly heading on their way out of the club, it’s imperative that the manager improves.

Aribo for £10m? It’s a steal.

AND in other news, Lange plotting Villa swoop for “fearless” 87-goal monster, he’s even better than Watkins

Fielding on winning the toss, as captains did repeatedly at the end of the Sheffield Shield recently, almost never makes for a good strategy

Ian Chappell07-Apr-2024It’s becoming a trend – certainly in Australia – for the captain winning the toss to send the opposition in to bat.It happened on every occasion in the last seven Sheffield Shield matches of the season, including the final. Then, in a rather worrying imitation, it occurred all six times in the Sydney first grade finals. As talented English actress Emma Thompson shrewdly observed in a recent movie, “There are a lot of sheep out there dressed in human clothing.”The idea of regularly winning the toss and inserting the opposition in important matches often lacks common sense and makes one wonder whose decision it is. Is it the captain alone deciding to bowl first or is he being ill-advised by the backroom hierarchy? Or is it a trend that has developed from T20 cricket, where it’s helpful to know the target?Related

Faf du Plessis suggests doing away with the toss in Test cricket (2019)

Why replacing the toss with an auction is the fair thing to do (2021)

Win toss, bat first. Or not. Why the old adage hasn't worked in India this time

Is batting first such an advantage in Tests? (2013)

Win toss, bat first? Not necessarily, say Australia

The decision was exceedingly confusing in the case of the Sydney first-grade finals, where the team that finishes higher on the minor-round table advanced if there was no result in the match. On most occasions this meant the team that advanced in the case of a no-result batted well into the second day to ensure the opposition was shut out of the game.Surely if a lower-placed team bats first on winning the toss and plays well, they can at least determine when to declare. After all, they are the team who to take all ten wickets to win and advance. It’s better to be in a position to declare your first innings to try and win, rather than the match eventually being abandoned because the advantaged team bats well into the second day.Fielding first after winning the toss also suggests a lack of faith in the openers. It should be an accepted fact in cricket that openers are selected because they have the qualities to see you through a tough new-ball period.The definition of insanity is when the same decision is repeatedly taken but a different result is expected each time. That means many captains in Australian cricket have attained the required criteria.Scoreboard pressure, where wickets can be taken because a satisfactory first-innings total has been posted, is a reality.

When South Australia captain David Hookes sent the opposition in on a renowned good batting pitch at Adelaide Oval once, Darren Lehmann grabbed Hookes by the collar and screamed, “I drove to the ground today fresh and prepared to bat”

There are exceptions to every rule but especially in a knockout match it is usually best to post a decent total in the hope of winning the game. Short versions of the game like T20 are an altogether different proposition.A good example of batting first comes from the career of Darren Lehmann, before he went on to represent Australia. When South Australia captain David Hookes sent the opposition in on a renowned good batting pitch at Adelaide Oval once, Lehmann grabbed the skipper by the collar and screamed, “I drove to the ground today fresh and prepared to bat.”The operative word in Lehmann’s sensible lament was “fresh”. Why would you want to field while you are fresh and then bat when weary after having spent hours in the field chasing leather?The old quote by Vic Richardson, my grandfather, is often invoked: “If you win the toss, then nine times you bat first, and on the tenth occasion you ponder the decision but still bat.” It’s worth remembering that grandfather Richardson was a former Australia captain who led in an era of uncovered pitches.It doesn’t make sense in that case to not bat first if you win the toss in dry conditions.However, in the case of covered pitches too, there is still plenty to recommend batting first. In that case a team bats while the players are fresh and can claim a substantial advantage if they post a decent total. Then if they bowl well, that advantage is enhanced.Whatever decision is taken at the toss, you need to play well but there are many reasons why batting first is best. After all, there is only one decision a captain who wins the toss has to make: how do we best go about winning the game?

Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked with signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, but it is Ruben Amorim’s side who are in pole position ahead of the January transfer window.

Semenyo is one of the most impressive wide players in the Premier League currently, scoring six goals and registering three assists in the competition leading into the international break.

The 25-year-old is wanted by a host of top clubs, with United among those thought to be right in the mix to snap him up, potentially even in the January transfer window.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his current Bournemouth contract for a certain time period, with David Ornstein reporting the Cherries will effectively be powerless to stop a departure in early January.

Liverpool look to be the most interested out of United’s Premier League adversaries, as they look for an injection of attacking quality midway through the season, with the Reds believing Semenyo can be their next Sadio Mane.

Man Utd leading Liverpool in Semenyo race with player keen on move

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are the front-runners to acquire Semenyo’s signature from Bournemouth in January, with INEOS seeing him as a top target for the Red Devils.

The report claims it’s “hard to believe Manchester United won’t secure the signing” due to their willingness to pay the release fee and Semenyo being interested in a move to Old Trafford.

They are ahead of Liverpool in the race, which will no doubt delight the supporters, with Amorim possibly eyeing a long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford, should he leave Old Trafford for good at the end of this season.

Semenyo feels like an ideal signing for United in the mould of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, in terms of players who have proven themselves in the Premier League and are ready to make the step-up to a bigger club.

The Ghanaian provides strong end product on a consistent basis, and has scored twice in three Premier League appearances against the Red Devils, while Pep Guardiola recently hailed his ability, calling him an “extraordinary” player.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was asked earlier this week about the situation, saying he isn’t worried about losing his star player in January.

He's "much better" than Sesko: Man Utd pursuing "one of the best CFs in PL"

Manchester United could land a new centre-forward just months after landing Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

Despite this, it is easy to envisage Semenyo’s head being turned by a move to United, especially if they continue their recent improved form under Amorim, and he would be a fabulous addition to the attack.

Man Utd have their own version of Semenyo & he's Amorim's "best player"

Tanner Bibee will miss his scheduled start for the Cleveland Guardians against the Kansas City Royals on Opening Day due to an illness. It was reportedly due to food poisoning, and MLB fans had a lot of fun with that.

During an appearance on the before the 2024 seasonBibee claimed he eats Chipotle every day he pitches, and that led to a whole lot of jokes.

The jokes came fast and furious.

Bibee recently signed a five-year, $48 million contract extension and he has developed into the team's clear No. 1 starter.

In 2024, Bibee went 12-8 with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings over 31 starts. That followed a rookie season in 2023 in which he went 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 25 starts.

The 26-year-old was excellent in spring training, as he went 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP.

Hopefully Bibee recovers quickly and can get back on the mound soon. Ben Lively will step in and start in his place.