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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek would be an exciting signing for Wolves, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Van de Beek move

Bruno Lage is reportedly interested in making a move for the Dutchman, with a potential January transfer having been mooted.

Van de Beek is experiencing a hugely forgettable spell at United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemingly not considering him an important player in any way.

The 24-year-old has appeared for just 15 minutes of Premier League action so far this season despite United’s struggles and he may be keen for a new challenge, having recently changed his agent with an apparent eye to engineering a move away from Old Trafford.

The Latest: Hatfield keen on Wolves signing Van de Beek

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about Wolves’ potential move for Van de Beek, The Express & Star’s Hatfield saw plenty of positives behind it, saying:

“He would offer Lage something he doesn’t have in Wolves’ midfield right now.

“He would offer something different. Joao Moutinho is not getting any younger. Ruben Neves obviously put in a really good performance against Everton, but we’ve got to see that consistently from him.

“The likes of Leander Dendoncker and Romain Saiss, who can play there, are not going to be quite as forward thinking so he would offer something different, something more dynamic.”

The Verdict: Do it, Wolves

While Van de Beek’s current struggles may make a switch to Molineux unappealing from a fans’ perspective, he is an excellent footballer who simply isn’t being given a chance at Old Trafford.

This is a player who has already won 19 caps for the Netherlands, scoring three times, and was a key part of an Ajax side who came close to reaching the Champions League final back in 2018/19.

Also, Hatfield’s point about the Dutchman offering more attacking thrust from midfield is a fair one, as the 24-year-old contributed to 75 goals in 175 games during his time at Ajax. Between them, Dendoncker and Saiss have a grand total of 30 goal contributions from a combined 315 Wolves appearances.

At Molineux, Van de Beek would likely come in as a regular starter and his guile in the middle of the park and, as Hatfield says, he could help to give Lage’s side an extra attacking dimension.

In other news, some Wolves fans criticised one player’s performance against Crystal Palace. Find out who it is here.

After Steven Gerrard’s appointment as Aston Villa manager was confirmed, attention has turned to potential signings from his former club Rangers.

The Birmingham Mail’s Richard Cusack has been considering the possibility of a swoop for Ryan Kent. On Friday, Daily Record journalist Scott Burns reported that the winger and Glen Kamara would be ‘at the top of Gerrard’s list’ if the 41-year-old were to launch a raid on Ibrox.

Ryan Kent profiled

Kent joined Rangers in September 2019 in a £6.48m move off the back of a loan spell in Glasgow the previous season. He has made 139 appearances for the Gers, scoring 28 times and notching 33 assists. Six of those goal contributions – one goal and five assists – have come in his 11 outings so far this season.

The 25-year-old’s contract is up at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and he is valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt.

Twitter account @AVFC_News asked supporters if they would like Kent to move to Villa, and here’s how these fans responded negatively, believing that the winger wouldn’t be an upgrade on their current abundance of options out wide.

Liverpool gave him just one senior appearance before loaning him out several times prior to his permanent move to Rangers, something which may also discourage some Villa supporters.

These Villa fans unimpressed by Kent

“No Rangers players are better than what’s there”

Credit: @mickmcg81

“Surely we can do better?”

Credit: @kinglandranger3

“Not really. No better than what we have. That’s not where he should be looking, far from it.”

Credit: @AVFCAL79

“Don’t want Rangers players, he’s plenty of money to get better quality players”

Credit: @waynipoos1

“Not for me. Better value in U23 and around Europe”

Credit: @SpeakReason

“We have plenty of wingers though”

Credit: @BernardKeavy

In other news, many Villa fans react to this Neil Cutler update

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester City fans lavished defender Kyle Walker with praise for his ‘imperious’ display at home to Paris-Saint Germain in their 2-1 Champions League home win on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola’s side fought to a memorable victory against the Ligue 1 giants and secured top spot in their group, also confirming a place in the round of 16.

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Seeking to gain revenge for their 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture in Paris, City started off brightly and dominated possession in the opening stages, going on to miss big first half chances to take the lead.

Soon after the interval, the Sky Blues paid for their lack of ruthlessness as Kylian Mbappe slotted a loose ball through Ederson’s legs to open the scoring. However, City dug in and continued to press the issue, being rewarded for their efforts just under 15 minutes later when Raheem Sterling poked home from close range.

On a knife edge thereafter, Neymar then squandered an opportunity for the visitors to regain the lead before substitute Gabriel Jesus sealed an all-important win, side-footing City’s second goal from inside the penalty area following Bernardo Silva’s assist.

Man City fans praise Walker…

One man who lots of Citizens lavished with praise after the win, and a player who one fan believes ‘goes under the radar’, was England international Walker. The 31-year-old, who played a big part in City’s equaliser with his run around the back of PSG’s defence, also coped well with the likes of Neymar and Mbappe.

One moment which sticks out is his recovery run in the first half to put off the French superstar, who had a big chance in on goal, sparing John Stones’ blushes after he gave the ball away.

As highlighted by Manchester Evening News, Walker coped well with the away side’s counterattacks and played his part going forward, leaving little wonder why some fans hailed him as a ‘monster’.

Check out some of their best verdicts below:

“I’m sick of Kyle Walker putting in performances like these all the time and getting no recognition because he doesn’t get assists or score goals. He’s way too underrated man”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“Cancelo this, Trent that but at very top level football Kyle Walker is a defensive monster. Mbappe and Neymar frightened to death of him”

Credit: @city_tactics

“Kyle Walker goes under the radar way too much”

Credit: @CitehForum

“• Walker & Cancelo phenomenal once again

• Stones & Dias are the best CB duo itw

• Rodri beast performance & is the Best DM currently

• Bernardo is on a different level

• Jesus super sub performance

• All team was brilliant tonight

We are Manchester City”

Credit: @Ferrangooalski

“What a fantastic performance that was! Even missing key players we are on another planet to almost every other team! Rodri and Bernie were absolutely immense but Kyle Walker once again was imperious! For me he’s been one of our best signings in our recent history! So consistent!”

Credit: @FanzoneDanny

“And that is why Kyle Walker is still the best right back in world football. Criminally underrated.”

Credit: @danny_motion

“Kyle Walker is so underrated…He’s a MONSTER”

Credit: @Arence_Koli

“Walker 5 years on better than he’s ever been. Incredible player”

Credit: @J_B_41

In other news: ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Finally’, ‘The stars are aligning’…Erling Haaland update has many City supporters excited, find out more here.

Rangers’ latest SPFL game saw them secure a 3-0 victory at Ibrox thanks to goals from Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and an own goal from Ryan Sweeney.

The victory over Dundee FC gave Giovanni van Bronckhorst his third league win in a row since being appointed as Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Rangers, scoring seven goals and conceding just one in the process.

One player that stood out in the match other than the two Rangers goalscorers was right-back and club captain James Tavernier.

With 24 appearances, three goals and 13 assists under his belt across all competitions so far this season, Tavernier showed against Dundee FC why he is so important to Rangers in a defensive and attacking regard.

In the match, Tavernier managed to have a total of 115 touches of the ball, completing 91% of his passes, four key passes, six crosses and two long balls as well as having one shot on target.

From a defensive point of view, Tavernier made three tackles, two interceptions and won five duels, ultimately helping his side keep a clean sheet.

This display ultimately earned the defender an overall match rating of 7.8/10, making him one of Rangers’ highest-rated player on the day according to SofaScore.

Labelled as an “absolutely fantastic” player in the past by Graham Roberts, Tavernier certainly lived up to that praise on this occasion.

Since joining the club back in the 2015 summer transfer window from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier has made a total of 313 appearances for Rangers across all competitions, in which he has managed to score 68 goals and provide 103 assists in the process, which is very impressive for a full-back, highlighting how much of a pivotal figure he has been for them over the years.

In terms of his overall performances in the SPFL this season, WhoScored currently have him listed as Rangers’ highest-rated player with a rating of 7.78/10, showing just how vital he is and has been for the team in recent weeks and months.

Moving forward, if Tavernier can continue playing regularly and delivering performances like the one he produced against Dundee FC, he could push Rangers to the league title once again by keeping the team strong at the back but dangerous going forward at the same time.

In other news: Big boost: Rangers receive fresh injury update which is sure to have fans buzzing – opinion

Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to talkSPORT (who cite the Daily Mail), the Red Devils are now one of several sides keeping close tabs on the highly-rated 21-year-old following a string of impressive displays.

The original report states that: “Manchester United have entered the race to sign highly sought-after Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic. Sportsmail understands that the Red Devils have been watching the £70million-rated striker, who has impressed in Italy this season.

“United have now joined multiple clubs in tracking Vlahovic with Tottenham, Newcastle, Juventus and AC Milan all monitoring him.”

Rangnick can become instant hit

With new manager Ralf Rangnick officially confirmed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor at Old Trafford, the 63-year-old could become an instant hit by securing Vlahovic’s signature.

The Serbia international has gone from strength to strength since making the switch from boyhood club Partizan Belgrade to Florence back in 2018, firmly establishing himself as one of the most exciting and promising youngsters in European football.

Last season, the £45m-rated star bagged an eye-watering 21 goals in 40 appearances for La Viola as they languished in the bottom half of the Serie A table.

However, Vlahovic has been even more destructive this time around, notching a remarkable 13 goals in just 15 outings for Vincenzo Italiano’s charges, earning rave reviews from several impressed onlookers in the process.

The youngster’s outstanding exploits in Italy have seen him dubbed a “complete number nine” by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, while talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled him a “machine,” highlighting his truly top-class potential.

With Edinson Cavani out of contract in the summer and 36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo lacking the mobility to become the pressing forward that Rangnick desires, a move for Vlahovic could be on the cards.

Whether football director John Murtough can see off the extensive competition for the 6 foot 2 forward’s signature remains to be seen, but the lure of Rangnick may tip the contest in United’s favour.

And, in other news…Forget AWB: Man Utd lightweight who lost 60% of his duels let Carrick down vs Chelsea

Celtic are close to completing the Parkhead arrivals of three players in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Japanese publication The Mainichi, who claim that Celtic are nearing deals for all three of Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate ahead of the winter market.

The report goes on to state that the club are progressing well in discussions with Yokohama F Marinos and Gamba Osaka, the respective clubs of Maeda and Ideguchi, regarding deals, as both sides are happy to sanction the sale of their respective stars.

However, it is also said the Bhoys talks with Kawasaki Frontale, the club of Hatate, are at a less advanced stage, as the J League side are currently demanding much more for the 24-year-old than Celtic are prepared to offer.

Ange will be buzzing

With Ange Postecoglou openly stating that he is willing to raid the Japanese top flight of its most impressive players in January, the fact that Celtic appear close to signing three of Japan’s brightest talents is sure to have left the 56-year-old buzzing.

Indeed, over his 36 J League appearances this season, centre-forward Maeda scored a whopping 23 goals, registered three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, with these returns seeing the £990k-rated man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.09 – ranking him as his club’s joint sixth-best performer in the top flight of Japanese football.

Meanwhile, over Hatate’s 30 league fixtures, the versatile midfielder scored five goals, provided two assists and created three big chances, with these metrics seeing him average a SofaScore match rating of 7.16, while central midfielder Ideguchi averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.76 over his own 29 J League appearances.

As such, should Celtic indeed go on to land all three of these players in January, not only would they continue Postecoglou’s Japanese revolution at Parkhead – following the summer signing of Kyogo Furuhashi – they would also represent a huge step in the 56-year-old’s revolution of the Bhoys first-team squad – something that would only appear to bode well for the club’s title chances this season.

In other news: Major blow: Ange confirms injury update that will surely devastate Celtic fans

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The Red Devils have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, which unsurprisingly has had plenty of fans talking on social media.

According to sources close to ESPN, Ralf Rangnick identified United’s midfield as an area of weakness during his Old Trafford interview.

The 63-year-old told the club that scouts should take a closer look at Phillips, Bellingham and Haidara, with striker Erling Haaland also a name which was brought up by the interim manager when talking about possible signings.

United have just five senior midfielders on the books at this moment in time who are capable of playing in a defensive or central role, one of whom is Paul Pogba, who is currently out injured.

United fans react

Well-known Twitter feed @utdreport shared the links to Phillips, Bellingham and Haidara on Twitter on Friday evening.

Here is what these United fans had to say in reply, with various supporters singing the praises of all three.

“This is the time to let Pogs go and go ALL OUT for Bellingham!”

Credit: @JohnsonAkiel

“Kalvin Phillips is literally what we need”

Credit: @realistfootyops

“Imagine if we get Jude”

Credit: @rondooo_r

“I’ve been begging for Kalvin Phillips! Ralf sabi!”

Credit: @Shubzy_S

“Get Jude in my club ASAP, that boy is going straight to the top”

Credit: @saviopauul

“I want Haidara. Solid passer of the ball, can dribble, can play under pressure and he’s box to box”

Credit: @Bishop_kanny

In other news: ‘Swap with Rashford’ – Many MUFC fans erupt as move for ‘unreal’ star emerges. 

Making a £4.5m move to Celtic back in the summer of 2020, expectations at Parkhead were high for Vasilis Barkas, with the Bhoys handing the goalkeeper a four-year deal believed to be worth around £20k-per-week.

However, after making just 23 appearances in all competitions, only one of which has come under the management of Ange Postecoglou this season, reports have claimed that the club are ready to cut their losses on the Greece international this January.

It is not difficult to see why, as, over his 15 Premiership appearances last time out, Barkas made an average of just one save and conceded 0.7 goals per game, returns that saw the £2.52m-rated 27-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore rating of just 6.79 – ranking him as the club’s joint ninth-worst performer in the league.

However, rather than splashing the cash on a new backup to Joe Hart this winter, it would appear wise for Postecoglou to take a closer look at one of the club’s up and coming prospects between the sticks – in the shape of Tobi Oluwayemi.

Postecoglou can axe Barkas by unleashing Oluwayemi

Having already been called up to first-team training by Postecoglou, as well as being selected to feature on the bench – ahead of Barkas – in Celtic’s Europa League campaign this season, it is clear that the 18-year-old shot-stopper is a player the Greek-Australian coach has high hopes for.

Indeed, speaking prior to the Bhoys’ 3-2 victory over Real Betis earlier this month, the 56-year-old manager said of Oluwayemi: “Stevie Woods, our goalkeeping coach, rates him very highly. We’ve had him up in training with the team and he’s shown some good qualities.

“With all of these guys, we try and include them as much as we can and give them that experience. Toby was on the [Europa League] list so it gives him a chance to travel with the team and get the experience.”

As such, while the England U19 international is yet to make a single appearance in senior football, it would very much appear as if he is a player who has the potential to one day go on to become Celtic’s number one, an objective that would only seem to be helped by him being included in the Hoops first-team squad on a much more regular basis.

So, should Celtic indeed move the 27-year-old Barkas who Tam McManus dubbed a “horrendous” player on this winter, it would seem a very intelligent move for Postecoglou to unleash the 18-year-old Oluwayemi in the Greek’s place.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “pathetic” £7.9k-p/w Celtic flop with swoop for £270k-rated beast

Many Sunderland fans have been buzzing over some transfer news which has emerged regarding Patrick Roberts.

As per Football Insider, the Wearsiders have agreed to sign the Manchester City winger and are putting the ‘finishing touches’ on a deal.

A source from the northeast club informed the news outlet that Roberts has told Troyes that he is cancelling his current loan there in order to move to the Black Cats.

He was at the Stadium of Light to watch Lee Johnson’s team win 5-0 against Sheffield Wednesday on Thursday and only has six months left on his contract at Manchester City. Therefore, Sunderland can get a player on the cheap who has won numerous trophies and has experience of playing at the highest level in the Premier League.

At 24 years of age, he still has promise for a player who was nicknamed ‘Mini Messi’ in the youth ranks at Fulham, and he could seriously help the Wearsiders’ promotion charge.

Sunderland fans on Roberts transfer news

These Sunderland fans buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that it was ‘tremendous’:

“This would be a fantastic signing for a League 1 club”

Credit: @AlexBidoofus

“He would be unreal for L1, his record for Celtic was unreal and let’s be honest Scottish football compared to L1 has its similarities. Get him in, Dajaku on form, Pritchard the best thing since sliced bread serving Stewart. We’ll promoted by Feb”

Credit: @nathanr184

“Is this true? Great signing if it is.”

Credit: @_keatings

“Amazing if true. I’ll believe it when I see him holding the scarf aloft!”

Credit: @Hopeinthedark99

“Tremendous if this is true (if) and could be the start of something beautiful between us and Man City. First Callum Doyle, now this”

Credit: @R17_Jack

“Wow!!”

Credit: @summerside49

In other news, find out whose display against Arsenal was slammed here!

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Celtic want to make Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan spell from Tottenham permanent as quickly as possible, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Various reported fees

The Hoops secured a season-long loan for the centre-back last summer, which included an option-to-buy clause.

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Ange Postecoglou confirmed that signing the 23-year-old on a permanent basis is a priority, with a £6m fee touted.

GiveMeSport have suggested that there is a £10m price tag, whereas Tottenham insider John Wenham believes that a deal could be done for around £3m.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson has reportedly opened talks with Spurs regarding a full-time transfer for Carter-Vickers.

Talking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke had this to say on a possible permanent move, believing the Hoops want it finalised ‘quickly’.

He outlined: “Celtic would ideally love to get this deal wrapped up quickly, but I think £10m would be a bit too much for Celtic right now, so they may have to wait to the summer.”

The Verdict: Good to see

It’s good to see that the Hoops are being proactive in the January transfer window, with moves for Japanese trio Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda all being announced on New Year’s Eve.

Following that with a permanent deal for Carter-Vickers could be another smart step, which could then give the club plenty of time to assess further targets, with another defender and winger possibly on the radar.

It remains to be seen as to how much the American could cost, but should it be under £6m, it might turn out to be a great piece of business, especially when you take into consideration that he has been a near ever-present figure this season and the club’s best-performing centre-back, as per WhoScored.

In other news: Celtic may swoop for 6 foot 1 beast who had Sadio Mane in his ‘pocket’