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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had two huge pieces of Celtic transfer news to share on Wednesday morning.

The Lowdown: Starfelt to Celtic

Celtic look set to sign Rubin Kazan defender Carl Starfelt in a deal worth €5m, according to Romano.

The 26-year-old Sweden international agreed on personal terms with the Hoops last week and it now seems as if a move is set to go through following an agreement on a fee between the two clubs.

Starfelt looks set to become Ange Postecoglou’s first major signing as Hoops boss, and Celtic aren’t hanging around when it comes to searching for more additions.

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The Latest: Next Hoops target

Romano squeezed ‘next target: Brandon Soppy’ into his social media post on Starfelt – an interesting four-word update.

Soppy, valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, was linked with a move to Parkhead on the weekend.

Romano suggested talks were opened over a possible swoop for the right-back and it seems as if the 19-year-old is now Celtic’s next target.

The Verdict: Wheels starting to turn…

It appears as if Celtic’s transfer business is finally starting to pick up pace, which is brilliant to see.

It may well be too late for Starfelt to sign in time for Celtic’s Champions League qualifier next Tuesday, though, with the deadline for registrations on Thursday.

A move for Starfelt could well see Kristoffer Ajer finally seal a move away from Parkhead, and who knows, the Hoops could be spending the money they’ll receive for Ajer on Starfelt and possibly Soppy.

You’d expect Soppy, should he sign, would become Celtic’s first-choice right-back after Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed left earlier this year, and it appears as if the Hoops will now look to sign the French full-back.

In other news: Celtic source claims Hoops have now finalised midfielder signing. 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new centre-back signing for Eddie Howe’s squad…

What’s the talk?

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Magpies have prepared a bid to sign West Ham defender Issa Diop this month.

The report claims that the offer is set to be as high as €12m (£10m) and that the Hammers could allow him to leave if he refuses to sign a contract extension.

Howe will be buzzing

Howe will surely be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons. Firstly, he will be pleased with the club being proactive and looking to make serious moves early in the window instead of considering their options for weeks and then trying to do business closer to deadline day.

The later they leave it, the higher chance there is of other clubs snapping them up before they get a chance, or of the selling team raising their price. If Newcastle try to sign a top target late in the month, they may then have to pay a premium, as the selling club would have less time to source a replacement of their own, potentially prompting them to increase their asking price.

This is why Howe will be delighted with how quickly the club appear to be working. He will also be buzzing with the prospect of Diop arriving at St James’ Park this month, as he is a proven Premier League performer who could come in and improve the team.

Newcastle have the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League and have only kept one clean sheet in 19 matches, suggesting that their backline is in dire need of attention. In the West Ham centre-back, Howe could find a player who is immediately able to strengthen the Magpies’ defence.

In the Europa League this season, Diop has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.26, with West Ham keeping four clean sheets in his five starts. Last term in the Premier League, the Frenchman averaged a score of 6.92 as he won 57% of his duels overall.

This shows that he is capable of performing consistently at the top level and Howe could love to work with him on Tyneside to get him playing at his best. That is why the ex-Bournemouth coach will be buzzing with this news and praying that Nick Hammond is able to clinch a deal as soon as possible.

AND in other news, “I’m told”: Craig Hope issues key Newcastle transfer claim which will get fans excited…

Journalist Paul Brown has now dropped some fresh Everton transfer news involving Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, claiming a deal for the winger is ‘out of reach’.

The Lowdown: £50m claim

As per The Daily Mail, the Magpies are now willing to listen to offers of around £50m for Saint-Maximin in the summer, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen up his squad ahead of the new season.

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The Goodison Park faithful are reportedly just one of a number of clubs who are interested in his signature, but that is assuming that they manage to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Latest: Brown update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown has now claimed that a move for Saint-Maximin to the Merseyside club ‘looks out of reach at the moment’, but admitted that he would have been an ‘ideal’ signing under former manager Rafa Benitez:

“It looks out of reach at the moment. I’ve thought since last summer, when we found out that Rafael Benitez wanted to play quick, counter-attacking football with wingers, that Saint-Maximin was ideal for that kind of role.”

The Verdict: Unlikely

It just seems very unlikely that Saint-Maximin would leave the long-term project at St. James’ Park for a club currently entrenched even further in the relegation dogfight.

He is clearly a key player for the Magpies, having averaged more shots and dribbles per match in the division than any of his teammates, while no Toon player has come close to his six man-of-the-match awards.

Nonetheless, it is very difficult to see the Toffees paying anything close to £50m for the Frenchman anyway, given their financial troubles.

In other news, find out which Ronaldo-like star the Blues are now eyeing here!

West Ham United could seal their biggest signing since Dimitri Payet amid emerging reports ahead of the January transfer window.

In some ways, it shows the substantial progress the east London outfit have made under David Moyes, going from relegation contenders to competing for a place in the Champions League – and more than holding their own.

There has been a lack of ‘marquee’ signings in recent years but that’s not a bad thing as their recruitment has been pretty spot-on, with relatively unknown names like Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal becoming crucial influences on the pitch.

Having Jesse Lingard on loan and splashing £30m on Champions League winner Kurt Zouma is certainly a step in the right direction, but everything could be eclipsed by the prospective arrival of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Irons are among the teams interested in signing the 25-year-old this winter as he attracts interest from across Europe, though they’ll be battling Premier League rivals Everton, as well as Serie A giants Juventus, for his signature.

Gladbach head coach Adi Hutter is desperate to bolster his playing squad next month but he’ll only be able to do so if he garners some more income, so selling the Switzerland international could be in his best interests, especially as the player is out of contract in the summer and is currently valued at £24.3m.

A new central option in the midfield engine room may be the least of the Hammers’ concerns but they simply cannot turn their nose up at sealing a player of Zakaria’s calibre for a bargain price in January.

Of course, club captain Mark Noble is retiring, plus there may be some doubts over loanee Alex Kral’s credentials. Meanwhile, there are always doubts and reports on the future of Declan Rice at the London Stadium.

He is a player who has earned comparisons to a whole host of midfield greats, ranging from Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane, to Paul Pogba and Toni Kroos.

“It’s not easy to compare him to the greats of the past, but he combines many qualities that were really defined by Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane,” claimed international and domestic teammate Yan Sommer.

German football legend Lothar Matthaus once stated: “I’m glad that Gladbach have found another pearl. At his age I was earning my first stripes for Borussia. He reminds me of Toni Kroos at that age.”

The 40-cap beast has consistently put up impressive numbers in the Bundesliga and for his country – as per WhoScored, Zakaria has averaged 2.3 successful tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 dribbles and 1.1 shots per 90 minutes over the course of his career.

By no means would he be a flair player like Payet once was, but the box-to-box dynamo would be a major coup for the club, one which would shock many around the continent, just as it did with the silky Frenchman all those years ago.

Zakaria, who has been dubbed a “very complete footballer” his former manager Marco Rose, would be a sublime addition for head of recruitment Rob Newman to secure. He must do all he can to win the race to sign him this winter.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 100% dribbles: West Ham gem who “caught the eye” has given Moyes a dilemma…

Newcastle United are admirers of midfielder Antonin Barak, according to Italian newspaper L’Arena (via Tutto Hellas Verona).

The lowdown

Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the 26-year-old has started every league game for Hellas Verona so far this season (via WhoScored). He has scored four goals, provided two assists and averaged a rating of just over seven out of 10.

Barak was part of the Czech Republic’s squad for last summer’s European Championship, featuring three times for Jaroslav Silhavy’s side, who were knocked out in the quarter-finals. Earlier this year, he was hailed as ‘tremendous’ by Italian journalist Maxi Angelo.

The latest

The report from L’Arena (via Tutto Hellas Verona) states that Newcastle and West Ham have both ‘set their sights’ on Barak.

The midfielder is apparently valued at least €25m, which equates to about £21.1m.

The verdict

When he was at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe favoured a ‘4-4-2 double 6’ formation. That kind of shape wouldn’t appear to accommodate an attacking midfielder like Barak.

There’s no guarantee that the 43-year-old sticks with the same system on Tyneside, of course, and he might be willing to adjust his set-up depending on who Newcastle recruit midway through the season.

It could be difficult to compete with West Ham, though, given that they already have a healthy Czech contingent (Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Coufal and Alex Kral) who could look to persuade Barak, as well as being able to offer European football instantly.

In other news, Frank McAvennie has backed this mooted NUFC transfer

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

The Lowdown: Henrique rumours

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

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

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

The Latest: Phillips reacts

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Verdict: Midfield reinforcements needed?

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

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

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

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

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Nicolo Barella as they look to add further reinforcements to their engine room.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the recruitment team at Old Trafford are already beginning to plan for the January transfer window and beyond as their troubles on the pitch continue to mount.

They claim that a new central midfielder is high up on the United hierarchy’s wishlist and the Inter Milan midfielder is their priority target after a string of standout displays from the highly-rated 24-year-old for both club and country in recent months.

Fans will be buzzing

With Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford far from secure, a large section of the club’s supporters will be excited to learn that the Red Devils are reportedly in the market for Barella.

The Italy international has established himself as one of Serie A’s most influential stars over the last couple of campaigns, playing a pivotal part in Inter’s first league title victory in 11 years last term.

His impressive performances have earned several plaudits in his homeland, including former Juventus star Claudio Marchisio.

Barella then carried his incredible club form onto the international stage during the European Championships, scoring one goal and laying on a further two assists in six outings as the Azzurri claimed the Euro 2020 trophy over England.

Therefore, Red Devils football director John Murtough must consider a swoop for the £58.5m-rated beast over the coming months as he’ll be providing the 20-time English champions with one of the best young central midfielders in Europe right now.

And, in other news…Reliable journo drops big update on Solskjaer’s future, Man Utd fans will be intrigued 

Spurs return to action later this evening as they look to salvage their quest for glory in Europe this season.

Nuno Santo’s side need a victory against Primeira Liga outfit Pacos de Ferreira at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if they are to qualify for the group stages of UEFA’s new competition, the Europa Conference League.

The Lilywhites have got off to the most perfect start in the Premier League, recording back-to-back wins having defeated defending champions Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers but fell to defeat in the first leg of this encounter last week.

It means Spurs must overturn a one-goal deficit or risk missing out on a major European competition for the first time in over a decade.

And their chances of advancing would be aided if Nuno opts for a stronger starting XI than we saw in Porto seven days ago. It was a relatively young lineup and one full of those needing game time on the pitch.

For example, 17-year-old gem Dane Scarlett led the line instead of Spurs’ usual frontline options, whilst Bryan Gil, Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero all made their full debuts.

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One player that should be given a start is Harry Kane, who this week confirmed his intentions to remain at the club this summer amid interest in his signature from City.

He made his return to the pitch at Molineux on Sunday, replacing Heung-min Son in the 72nd minute for his first appearance of the season but it’s time for Nuno to unleash him from the off for the very first time since taking over.

The £108m-rated talisman is undoubtedly Spurs’ biggest source of goals and that’s what will be required against Pacos, considering the side failed to find the net last week.

Kane directly contributed towards 54.4% of all of their league goals last season, whilst he’s hit 19 or more in every season since 2014/15.

The England skipper, who has been capped 61 times, has been lauded as a “monster” by his teammate Son in the past, whilst City boss Pep Guardiola described him as “exceptional” and “extraordinary” when asked about his interest in signing the striker.

It could be a game-changing decision to start Kane tonight. He’s a level above Pacos de Ferreira and his presence should ultimately see Spurs into the group stages.

AND in other news, Paratici could replace Ndombele in bargain Spurs swoop for £26m-rated “huge talent”…

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming over some injury news that has emerged.

As per The Times journalist Paul Joyce, Richarlison, Andros Townsend and Seamus Coleman have all now picked up injuries ahead of their game away to Chelsea in the Premier League tomorrow night.

Richarlison has suffered a tear to the muscle in his calf and will be out for a ‘number of weeks’, while Townsend has a small fracture in his foot and will now have to see a specialist.

Coleman has suffered bone bruising and soft tissue damage, meaning that all three players could now be out for a lengthy spell.

On top of the injury to Dominic Cakvert-Lewin, and Abdoulaye Doucoure earlier on in the season, the Goodison Park faithful have been suffering an injury crisis throughout the campaign, and now they could also be without three of their key players for a prolonged period of time.

Everton fans on injury news

These supporters of the Merseyside club fumed as the injury news was shared on Twitter:

“We’re definitely getting relegated like”

Credit: @UpTheToffees_

“It never rains but pours at our club. 1 player back 3 out.”

Credit: @tonyf_efc

“Does it get any worse?”

Credit: @KinseyEFC

“Cursed”

Credit: @MaxNewby2

“We’re actually getting relegated”

Credit: @Russell_Palmer2

“Rafa is cursed”

Credit: @Bullensblue1

In other news, find out what transfer news has Toffees speculating here!

Southampton have been linked with a move for Nathaniel Phillips recently and the Liverpool ace could be the ideal man to replace Jannik Vestergaard in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, should the Denmark international complete a move away from St Mary’s this summer.

What’s the word?

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Liverpool are willing to sell Phillips for between £12-15m this summer, and Southampton, Burnley, Brighton and Newcastle United have all been in contact with the Merseyside outfit about a potential deal for the centre-back.

Considering Vestergaard has reportedly expressed his desire for a new challenge amid interest from Leicester City, it seems likely that the Saints will cash in on the Danish defender this summer, rather than potentially losing him for nothing at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Therefore, a new centre-back signing will likely be necessary to replace the former Borussia Monchengladbach man this summer, and Phillips could be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Would Phillips be a good signing for Southampton?

Despite being on the brink of a Liverpool exit in the summer of 2020, Phillips established himself as an important player in Jurgen Klopp’s side last season as they turned their campaign around to secure Champions League football.

The Anfield outfit were left without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for much of the season, which paved the way for Phillips to become a regular starter, and he made 17 Premier League appearances in total, averaging a very impressive 7.29 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, with Liverpool’s centre-back trio now back fit ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and Ibrahima Konate having also joined from RB Leipzig, it seems unlikely that the 24-year-old will feature as much for the Reds next season, so an exit could well be on the cards.

After he made his Premier League debut in a 2-1 win against West Ham, Klopp labelled Phillips a “monster” due to his impressive aerial ability.

Last season saw the defender average a superb 5.6 aerials won per game, which suggests that he would be a more than adequate replacement for Vestergaard, who despite his height, managed just 3.3 aerials won per game in the Premier League last season.

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Therefore, Hasenhuttl should definitely look towards the £7.2m-rated Liverpool man this summer if Vestergaard does complete a move away from St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Imagine him and JWP: Semmens should swoop for Euro 2020 star