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Newcastle United continue to be linked with Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney, who has admitted he remains unsure where his future lies beyond the end of this summer's transfer window.

Is Kieran Tierney leaving Arsenal?

Tierney, a £25m signing from Celtic in August 2019, lost his place in the Arsenal side last season following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.

The Scotland international has been linked with a move away in the past two transfer windows, with Newcastle widely considered to be the favourites for his signature.

According to The Evening Standard, Newcastle remain interested in Tierney, despite spending close to £100m already this summer on Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali.

Asked about his future during Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States, Tierney, who is set to fetch around £35m for his services, said: "It's not really up to me. I'm happy, I'm working hard every day and getting minutes. I'm just trying to do as well as I can."

How good is Kieran Tierney?

Newcastle do not have many weaknesses in their squad, but left-back is certainly an area that Eddie Howe could do with strengthening. Dan Burn, a centre-back by trade, played there 32 times in the Premier League last season and did a good job on the whole.

However, if the Toon are to push on from last season's fourth-place finish and make an impact in the Champions League, they need a top-class player in that position.

While Tierney may have been restricted to just six league starts last season, on top of 21 appearances from the substitutes' bench, he still showed what he is capable of when called upon.

Ironically, Tierney – who can himself also play centre-back – recorded very similar figures to Zinchenko last season in a number of key metrics. According to FBref's comparison tool, Zinchenko was the player ninth-most like Tierney across Europe's top five leagues.

Comparing Tierney and Burn's figures from last season must first be prefaced by the fact that both played in a couple of different positions, but the numbers still provide an indication of the two players' quality.

Tierney outperformed Burn in terms of tackles won per 90 minutes (1.25 v 1.10), interceptions per 90 (1.25 v 0.92) and recoveries per 90 (4.89 v 4.80) though the Newcastle fan favourite was stronger when it came to blocks per 90 (1.21 v 0.91) and aerial duels won percentage (69.4 v 25).

Ultimately, Howe must decide what type of player he wants playing down the left-hand side. In Burn, he has a player who is defensively solid and can offer the occasional attacking threat – albeit in a rather awkward manner – while Tierney is attack-minded but can also do a solid job defensively.

The fact Tierney has been restricted largely to substitute appearances of late means his stock has undoubtedly fallen, but it would be unfair to write him off just yet.

Tierney's versatility in particular, being able to play at full-back, wing-back or in central defence, could come in particularly handy for Howe. Just do not ask him to play as an inverted full-back, which is the reason he is not fancied by Mikel Arteta.

As former Scotland international Billy Dodds put it after watching Tierney play in a couple of different positions in the same game against Israel, the defender – on a reported £110k-a-week, according to Capology – remains an "outstanding" talent.

A move away from the Emirates Stadium may do Tierney's career a lot of good, though it is a transfer that could ultimately come back to haunt Arsenal should he shine at top-four rivals Newcastle.

Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe in a huge development in the transfer saga.

What is the latest with Kylian Mbappe's PSG future?

After months – and indeed years – of speculation surrounding his future, Mbappe appears closer to the PSG exit than ever after being left out of the Ligue 1 giants' squad for their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Parisians' all-time leading goalscorer turned down the option of a one-year extension at the Parc des Princes, meaning he will become available on a free transfer next year should he not be sold this summer.

Real Madrid have long been considered the favourites to sign Mbappe, but RMC Sport reports that Chelsea have shown an interest in the France international, as have Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.

It is reported that Al-Hilal are willing to pay PSG €200m (£173m) to sign Mbappe, and double that amount to the player himself over the next two years to persuade him to ply his trade outside of an elite European club.

Are Chelsea going to sign Kylian Mbappe?

This is not the first time Chelsea have been linked with Mbappe. However, the difference this time is that PSG are now actively seeking offers for the World Cup winner.

It is not known exactly how much it would take to persuade PSG to cash in – the sum being offered by Al-Hilal would surely be enough – but Football Transfers values the Frenchman at around £109m, which would make Mbappe the most expensive player in Premier League history.

The mammoth fee aside, it goes without saying that Mbappe would be an almighty acquisition for Chelsea. The Frenchman first emerged as one to watch when overtaking Thierry Henry as Monaco's youngest goalscorer at 17 years and 62 days in February 2016.

Mbappe has since cemented his status as one of the greatest players of his era across six goal-laden campaigns with PSG, during which time he has scored 212 goals in 260 appearances in all competitions, on top of his international success with France.

As per The Analyst, Mbappe ranks in the top 2% of all forwards for goals scored last season across Europe's top five leagues, the top 1% for shots, and nobody rates higher in terms of touches in the opposition box.

While more than just a goalscorer, it is the 148 goals in 176 Ligue 1 appearances – an average of 0.84 goals per 90 minutes – that will get Chelsea supporters most excited about a deal going through.

That type of scoring rate has never been seen at Stamford Bridge before, though Didier Drogba – one of Chelsea's greatest-ever strikers in terms of goals scored – 104 times in 254 Premier League games at a rate of 0.41 per 90.

That gap between Mbappe and Drogba highlights just how prolific the PSG forward has been over his career to date. However, Drogba's figures are skewed somewhat by a couple of off-seasons, including the campaign he returned in 2014-15.

Indeed, if you take Mbappe's figures from last season and Drogba's from 2009/10 – his best in a Chelsea shirt – they scored at a staggeringly similar rate: 0.93 per 90 for Mbappe; 0.94 for Drogba, as per FBref.

When taking assists into the equation, Drogba outperformed Mbappe (1.27 goal involvements per 90 v 1.09), while they found the net from a similar number of their shots on target (0.42 v 0.36 respectively).

Mbappe is showing more longevity than Drogba and, as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti put it last season, is an "unstoppable" force.

Chelsea have been accused of overspending in recent windows, but no price would be too much if Mbappe is indeed in their reach.

Who will Spurs sign?

Spurs have been making moves to reinforce a number of key areas so far this summer transfer window, with new manager Ange Postecoglou seeing three major first team signings come through the door.

Not counting permanent deals for Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro, the north Londoners have sealed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

All three have made their debut, having featured against West Ham in a 3-2 pre-season friendly loss recently, but Postecoglou is very excited about Maddison in particular.

“Really excited to get James as part of the group," explained Ange.

"Any manager will tell you that part of the key to being a dominant team is having multiple attacking threats and having a midfielder who can score and create goals. They’re not easy to come by. He’s proven himself at that level in the last few years as somebody who can do that.

“I thought it was a really good fit for us to look for a player like James – even better if we could get James, so we ended up getting James."

As Kane's contract winds down, with just 12 months left before he can leave on a free, chairman Daniel Levy may also have to contemplate sourcing a replacement for the star striker.

Spurs appear to be making contingency plans for if they're forced to sell Kane. They have been linked with a few forwards already, perhaps most notably Flamengo star Pedro and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

New targets are appearing out of the woodwork on a consistent basis and will continue to do so the longer Kane stalls on a new deal.

According to a report by Mexican news outlet Jovenes Futbolistas MX, there is another one, as Tottenham are apparently planning an offer for Feyenoord's star attacker Gimenez.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine Dutch top flight campaign, leading to Postecoglou's alleged interest, and if Kane departs, they're set to lodge a bid.

Spurs are plotting to send around £34m to Feyenoord for Gimenez, in the event of Kane's exit, and it is believed they have already held a meeting with the Mexico international's entourage.

Feyenoord, though, would want around £43 million to let their prized asset move to England.

How good is Santiago Gimenez?

The attacker bagged an impressive 15 goals in 32 appearances for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie last season, averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt is a huge admirer of the player, previously hailing Gimenez's lightning speed and quality in the final third.

Kuyt, expanding further, even called the North American the "best striker" in his league right now.

"“He’s back here in the middle of the defenders and he’s really fast," said Kuyt on one of the striker's performances.

"Watching the keeper before he shoots, the rest. In my opinion, he is currently the best striker in the Eredivisie."

While Kane is arguably irreplaceable at Spurs, they could do far worse than Gimenez by the looks of it.

Everton's Dele Alli has an "uphill task trying to get into a Sean Dyche team" this season, as the former England international has yet to do anything in Merseyside that "suggests he deserves much of a chance in the team", claims journalist Paul Brown.

Everton transfer news – what's the latest on Dele Alli?

To say Dele's time at Everton has been a disaster would be an understatement.

The idea behind the transfer, if a little bit hopeful, was at least solid. Had it worked out, the former Spurs man would have had a platform to rediscover his form and the Toffees, for their part, would have a player that, at times in his career, has shown near enough world-class talent.

Ultimately though, it hasn't worked, and now Dyche and Co appear stuck with a player that looks like he doesn't want to be there and is still on a hefty £100,000-a-week for another year.

The former Burnley boss did speak positively about Dele in April this year, however, saying:

"I just got a sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well."

While that may be true, the club have a serious decision about whether they will persist with the 27-year-old as a clause in his contract stipulates that Everton must pay Tottenham Hotspur an additional £10m should he reach 20 appearances. He is currently on 13.

What has Paul Brown said about Dele Alli's potential return to Everton?

Brown was blunt in his assessment of Alli's chances of saving his career whilst at Everton, explaining that he has shown the Toffees no reason to expect a resurgence in form from the former Spurs man.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "Nothing that he's done in an Everton shirt since he's been there suggests that he deserves much of a chance in the team. If he comes back and he's suddenly on fire in training. Great, you know, I'm sure Dyche will look at that and make a decision.

"But I just think that the cold hard financials of it are that it just isn't really isn't in Everton's interest to be playing Dele Alli. He hasn't really given them any calls at the moment to get him in there. So I think he's got an uphill task trying to get into a Sean Dyche team."

How good was Dele Alli at his best?

It has been a dramatic fall from grace for the former MK Dons man, with last year's loan spell to Besiktas being perhaps the lowest point in his career thus far.

It starkly contrasts his first few Premier League seasons for Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham. The 2015/16 season saw him truly burst onto the scene, starting 28 games for the North London side, scoring ten goals and providing another nine assists. It was around this time the Argentinian hailed him as "quality" and a player with "fantastic potential."

It was the year after, however, when he somehow found another level and threatened to become the best player in the league at certain points. It was this campaign when he scored a ridiculous 18 league goals and produced another seven assists.

It begs the question, could Dele get even close to these numbers again in the right environment? It could be a possibility, but with the performances he's put in over the last few years, Everton might well be better off just cutting ties at this point.

The transfer window can bring up all sorts of emotions, from both fans and players. Supporters will go through their very own breakup, starting with tears, and ending with the loudest boos you’ll hear at every game a former player features in from then on. If you think we’re joking, see Raheem Sterling and Liverpool fans.For players, however, the heartbreak can sometimes be worse. A key part of their dressing room could be departing – a close friend moving on. Even worse, that player could be the dressing room DJ.Yet, even with the heartache, players move on, and goodbye posts are sent on various social media platforms, with several memories looked back on. And, usually, these messages come straight from the heart, and not a social media team, right?Well, this wasn’t the case with Marcus Rashford’s goodbye post to David de Gea…

What’s the latest on David de Gea?

Following the expiration of his Manchester United contract, De Gea leaves the club a modern-day legend, despite a few moments to forget in recent years.

The Spaniard was the last member of the current squad to have won a Premier League trophy, using that experience to guide the Red Devils out of moments they don’t exactly look back on with fondness.

There was a stage in which he could have been considered the best goalkeeper in the world, and if it wasn’t for a dodgy fax machine, he would have found himself at football’s pinnacle in the Bernabeu, playing for Real Madrid.

As for what’s next for the 32-year-old, he must choose his next club wisely. Not getting any younger, De Gea struggled at times last season, particularly when asked to play out from the back. If his next club asks him to play that role, his reputation may take another downward dive.

Marcus Rashford has social media blunder

Saying goodbye to the goalkeeper that has been behind him every step of the way, as he rose to stardom on a random Europa League night that no one could have predicted, Rashford’s post was meant to come across as heartfelt.

Instead, however, the England international was caught out with quite the blunder, as his social media team accidentally left in the instructions for the Instagram post, suggesting what should be said in the caption.

It perhaps draws back the curtain of what social media life is actually like for players. The majority perhaps stay away, with a social media team in place, which can lead to positives and negatives, of course. Who could forget Victor Anichebe’s “Tweet something like”.

Rashford has had a similarly embarrassing moment, with his post, now deleted and reposted with the correct format, saying: “Caption ideas:”

Before then adding the pre-planned message: “You were here from my breakthrough, good luck with your next step, brother.”

To make things even worse, however, De Gea himself, also had an awkward social media encounter in the aftermath of his recent departure.

Indeed, when replying to a Liverpool fan mocking him for losing 7-0 at Anfield last season, the goalkeeper replied with: “I already leave and I’m still waiting for you to win the league.”

It seems as though he’s trying to mock the fan for his club’s inability to win the league. But something tells us that De Gea has a short memory, given Liverpool’s Premier League title win in the 19/20 season, putting an end to their 30-year title drought.

After all this, maybe United players should keep away from social media for a little while.

Following the nightmare De Gea had, fans took the chance to mock the goalkeeper one last time. Here are a few reactions…

Online rumours suggesting that Arsenal or West Ham United have walked away from the protracted Declan Rice deal are "not correct", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Declan Rice?

The Gunners have been perhaps the biggest shock of the transfer window so far this year, with the Premier League runners-up coming out swinging in the market and displaying a willingness to spend not often associated with the north Londoners.

A £65m deal to secure the services of German international Kai Havertz was completed last month, with a £40m deal for Ajax's Jurrien Timber incredibly close to being finalised as well.

However, the big one, and the first proper transfer saga of the summer so far, has been the deal to sign West Ham's captain Rice for a reported fee of £105m, a new transfer record for a British player.

While the deal is said to be almost complete, the lack of movement over the last few days may have left Arsenal fans a little nervous, especially given the club's recent record with securing the signature of their first-choice targets.

However, fans of the north London club shouldn't be too worried as online rumours suggesting that talks have broken down and the clubs have walked away are false, per Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

“What I can say guys is this is really close. Trust me, really, really close for Declan Rice to Arsenal."

"Arsenal and West Ham are speaking about the payment terms, so the rumours circulating today on social media about Arsenal or West Ham walking away from the deal at the moment I am told this is not correct while I am speaking.

"But the negotiation is very advanced it's really at the final bits they are discussing the final points of this story, the medical has not been booked yet, but it will happen in the days if everything goes to plan."

How do players cope with such significant price tags?

With the immense amount of money in the modern game and transfer records broken seemingly on a yearly basis, it can be easy to forget that these players being bought and sold for astronomical sums are still human and are sometimes deeply affected by their own perceived value.

It can be an awful lot of pressure to be worth tens of millions and even more so if you're responsible for breaking a club's longstanding transfer record, so much so that players in the past have described the negative impact such expectation had on their careers, with Arsenal new-boy Havertz telling the Guardian how it impacted him at Chelsea:

"For me, the price was a big thing. I was Chelsea's most expensive player. That brings pressure because people think you are Messi.

"I was still 20, 21. People don't see that; they see the price, so you have to be great from day one. You can feel it, the tension. You read it, hear it."

That said, where some players seem unable to cope with the added expectations and pressure that come with the tag of 'most expensive x', others relish that added pressure.

Jack Grealish became the most expensive British footballer of all time when he made his move to Manchester City in 2021 after the club paid his £100m release clause to get him out of Aston Villa, but that didn't seem to bother the then 25-year-old as he told the Guardian:

"I take it as a compliment. I actually like it [being Britain's most expensive signing], I think it is a good tag to have.

"I think when you see a club paying that much for a player it means they trust and value you highly and see so much potential there to work with. I see it as a good thing."

With Rice set to cost £5m more than his England teammate, it remains to be seen which camp he finds himself in, loving or hating the new record he'll hold.

Everton's troublesome financial situation is a well-documented one, and so their moves this summer must be frugal. Fortunately, they could have identified one target who fits within their transfer plan…

What's the latest on Ayman Kari to Everton?

According to one journalist in France, the Toffees are one of two English clubs reportedly vying for the signature of Ayman Kari.

The young midfield general has slowly begun his breakthrough into senior football of late, and Sean Dyche could seek to bring him in early and mould him in his image.

The report read: "Leicester and Everton are interested in Ayman Kari and have contacted Paris. PSG already have an agreement with Lorient. Loan + call option of around 5M € (£4m) + buyout clause for Parisians. Lorient has a head start but Ayman Kari has not made up his mind".

Who is Ayman Kari?

With Paris Saint-Germain unlikely to be patient enough to allow this 18-year-old to blossom, the Merseyside club could profit by bringing in yet another midfield general from Ligue 1.

If their last success is anything to go by, it is certainly a move worth making, given how instrumental Amadou Onana has immediately become since his £33m transfer from the French top-flight last August.

The 21-year-old maintained a 6.92 average rating in the league last term, as the fifth-best performer of those within the squad who played more than five games.

His was a figure upheld largely through his impressive defensive statistics, as he maintained 1.1 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore. Only Idrissa Gana Gueye and Nathan Patterson averaged more tackles per game than the hulking Belgian, for context.

Whilst Kari is unlikely to come in and have as immediate an impact as this, with the space Tom Davies has just freed up, he could be the new promising young maestro who patiently awaits his opportunity, whilst using sessions alongside Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure to mimic their starring assets.

When viewing his key attributes, as outlined by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, it is clear this teenage sensation already boasts the physical prowess to adapt to the English game. After all, his pace, athleticism, work rate and tackling are all rated as 'very strong'.

Despite only mustering five senior appearances, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano still noted him as a "talent" whilst announcing his loan spell to FC Lorient in January. It is there where, despite only averaging 21 minutes per game in Ligue 1, he has maintained 0.6 interceptions per game alongside a 92% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

Whilst only a small sample size, it seems there are a number of key attributes he possesses that suggest a bright future is in store for Kari. Perhaps he could realise this potential at Goodison Park, walking the same path as Onana with hopefully similar success.

Arsenal are eyeing a move for Youssouf Fofana as an emergency alternative option to Declan Rice, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Are Arsenal signing Declan Rice?

Arsenal are now close to sealing a £105m deal for Rice, with Manchester City dropping out of the race for the West Ham captain, however while talks are progressing, negotiations with West Ham United are still ongoing.

Fabrizio Romano reports the Gunners have offered to pay a £100m fixed fee over the course of four years, however West Ham want that amount to be paid within 18 months.

Although there is still some intricacies to sort out, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs reports an agreement between the two parties is expected within 24 – 48 hours, with the 24-year-old eager to remain in London.

According to report Jacob Steinberg, a deal for the England international is "close now", however the Gunners do have some alternative options if West Ham become unreasonable in their demands, with The Daily Mail reporting they are interested in Fofana.

While the report outlines that the Frenchman is currently viewed as an emergency back-up option for Rice, it also details that both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey could be on their way out of the club this summer, and Mikel Arteta is planning an overhaul of the midfield, so perhaps both signings are on the table.

Arteta may want to bring in multiple new central midfielders this summer with two likely departing, and the AS Monaco star could be available for a comparatively small fee, with previous reports indicating he could cost €35m (£30m).

Who is Youssouf Fofana?

Fofana has really started to make a name for himself over the past year, making his debut for France in September 2022 after impressing at club level, and he has since gone on to be capped ten times for his national side.

Lauded as "magnificent" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the midfielder is very strong defensively, ranking in the 85th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

An average of 2.56 progressive carries over the same time period ranks the France international in the 86th percentile, and his aptitude for winning back possession, as well as driving forward once he has it, indicates he is a similar player to Rice, who also flourishes in those areas.

With a deal for Rice now very close to completion, Arsenal may choose to hold off on their pursuit of Fofana for the time being, but he could be a fantastic option later in the window.

Burnley are interested in the services of promising centre-half Soumaila Coulibaly, per reports.

Burenly transfer news – Soumaila Coulibaly

According to Football Insider, the Clarets have submitted a loan offer for Borussia Dortmund's exciting central defensive prospect Soumaila Coulibaly as a potential replacement for the departing Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Turf Moor.

The publication reports that Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is a 'big admirer' of the 19-year-old, and the Lancashire club are 'in talks' with BVB over what would be best for the youngster's development.

The former Paris Saint-Germain gem is held in high regard at the Westfalenstadion following a successful spell with the club's reserve team.

However, a disastrous debut for the senior side in the Bundesliga has hurt his image somewhat, and so with three years left on his deal with the famous Black and Yellow, a loan could be a great option for all sides.

Would Soumaila Coulibaly be a good replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

The departure of Harwood-Bellis back to his parent club Manchester City is a real problem for Kompany's team.

He made 32 appearances in the Championship last season and, according to WhoScored, averaged an impressive rating of 7.07.

The Belgian is clearly one of his biggest fans, telling Lancashire Live:

"He really has an outstanding attitude, and he's got good habits of high-level professionals. His level is for everyone to see. I had him when he was at Anderlecht, and he's a better player now.

"The player he is now today, give him another year or two, he's going to be a much-improved player again because he has the right attitude. We're excited to be a part of his development."

That said, Coulibaly looks to have the attributes required to replace the returning City loanee well.

For a start, both players share a physical profile, with the Englishman coming in at 6 foot 2 and his potential replacement at 6 foot 3; their weights are also only 1kg apart at 82kg and 81kg, respectively, per Eurosport.

It's this 'imposing' build that has led to comparisons with the immensely talented Dayot Upamecano, and if that is the calibre of player he is already being likened to at just 19 years old, he could have a massive future ahead of him.

It's not just his physique that has led to that comparison however, he has also shown himself to be a good ball-playing centre-half, despite his limited minutes.

According to FBref, the Dortmund man produced 12.9 progressive passes per 90 last year, more than any Burnley player in the Championship.

The Championship winners also look to have already secured the perfect partner for Coulibaly with the permanent signing of Jordan Beyer, another promising youngster from the German topflight who spent the season on loan with the club last year.

With Beyer favouring his right foot and Coulibaly favouring his left, the club could have an incredibly balanced and exciting defence going into their Premier League campaign.

The only problem could come from the German runners-up not wanting to let him go on a permanent should he have a good season, as they described him as 'one of the most promising players.'

His manager at the Signal Iduna Park, Edin Terzic, also looks to be a fan, claiming: "He's been getting better and better and finding consistency."

There is a small element of risk in bringing in Coulibaly as a replacement for the consistent Harwood-Bellis, but based on what people have said about the player and his profile, there seems to be so much more upside to this deal.

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to confirm Brendan Rodgers as the club's replacement for the recently-departed Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops lost their Australian manager earlier this month as he opted to move down south to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is now in advanced talks to land his heir.

Rodgers is poised for a second spell at Parkhead after almost three years in charge of the Scottish giants before his switch to Leicester in 2019. He won seven trophies in that time and enjoyed great success that the Northern Irish tactician will now be hoping to replicate this time around.

The 50-year-old tinkerer will have the summer transfer window to bolster his side and one player he must swoop for is FC Utrecht star Anastasios Douvikas.

Who is Anastasios Douvikas?

The 23-year-old striker is a reported transfer target for the Hoops and the talented Greek marksman could come in and be the manager's next Moussa Dembele.

During Rodgers' first spell at Celtic, the French centre-forward was a prolific scorer who was able to provide a reliable source of goals over the course of two seasons.

He racked up 51 goals and 25 assists in 94 appearances in all competitions for the former Liverpool coach and these statistics show that the experienced boss was able to rely upon the ex-Fulham dynamo at the top end of the pitch.

Douvikas, who is reportedly available for a fee of £6.9m, could be Dembele 2.0 for Rodgers as his form for Utrecht in the Eredivisie suggests that the young ace has the potential to be a lethal scorer for Celtic next season.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the Greek international, who journalist Josh Bunting once hailed as "sharp", plundered 19 goals in 32 appearances.

He started 24 of those matches and his exceptional return in front of goal in the Netherlands indicates that he has the quality to replicate the former Hoops star's impressive strike rate of more than one goal every other game.

The 6 foot 1 frontman also showcased his creative ability as a centre-forward.

In the Eredivisie, Douvikas registered four assists and created seven 'big chances' for his teammates, which shows that the prolific scorer has the awareness and passing ability to open up defences for his fellow attackers to go along with his own goalscoring threat.

Therefore, Rodgers must push for the club to go through with a deal to sign the Greek ace as his statistics indicate that the Utrecht centre-forward could be the manager's new star striker.