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Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham has agreed a long-term deal with AEK Athens and is putting the finishing touches to a cut-price move, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Plenty of Parkhead exits

A number of familiar faces at Celtic Park appear to be moving on this summer.

We already know Scott Brown has joined Aberdeen, with the midfielder agreeing on a player-coach role back in March.

Kristoffer Ajer has recently confirmed he wants to leave the club as well, whereas star striker Odsonne Edouard has told friends he is quitting the Hoops for Leicester City.

It now appears as if Ntcham is another one on the way out of the club for good, and the Hoops may not receive a penny.

The Latest: Ntcham’s long-term deal; free transfer closer

Football Insider shared the story regarding the French midfielder on Thursday morning.

They’ve been informed by a source that a long-term deal has been agreed and a free transfer is moving closer.

The report claims Ntcham will become a free agent with Celtic terminating the 25-year-old’s contract before he goes on to complete his move.

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The Verdict: A move best for all parties?

It appears as if Celtic are happy for Ntcham to seal a free transfer away after exploiting a contract loophole.

They’ll be getting a player on £15,000-a-week off the books, and reports earlier in the week suggested that Ntcham is set to earn £19,000-a-week with the Greek side.

Previous reports didn’t specify how long Ntcham’s deal with AEK would run for, but it seems as if his future for the long-term is in Greece.

You’d expect he’ll get the chance to get his career back on track with AEK, so a move appears to suit all parties involved, with the Hoops avoiding shelling out another long contract for a player who no longer fits at Parkhead.

In other news: Hoops set to miss out on long-term target, find out more here. 

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly now told Josh McPake that he can leave in the summer.

The Lowdown: Loan after loan

McPake has been sent out on loan no fewer than five times by the Teddy Bears in his career so far, most recently to Tranmere Rovers back in the January transfer window.

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He has only managed to make one senior appearance for the club, and so his long-term future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst is uncertain after a nomadic stint in Glasgow.

The Latest: McPake update

Speaking to Football Insider, an Ibrox source has revealed that the Light Blues have now given the ‘green light’ for McPake to leave on a permanent deal, as he is ‘surplus to requirements’.

The Gers have personally ‘told’ McPake that he can go after his loan spell at Tranmere ends.

The Verdict: Shame

It is certainly a shame that McPake’s career at RFC has not quite worked out, especially coming through their youth ranks.

Described as ‘excellent’ and a ‘great talent’ by Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver, another team that he has gone out on loan to, the 20-year-old signed a new deal at Rangers just last year, a testament to how highly-rated he is.

However, the summer seems the best time for both McPake and the club to part ways, as the Scottish winger looks to seek more regular first-team football and the Light Blues bank a potentially decent profit.

In other news, find out who has been ‘non-existent’ for Gers here!

Liverpool are reportedly set to offer Virgil van Dijk a stunning £50million contract, in order to keep him at Anfield for the rest of his career.

The Lowdown: Unrivalled influence at Liverpool

Van Dijk joined the Reds back in January 2018 and he made a huge impact immediately, outlining his status as the world’s best centre-back.

The Dutchman has arguably been the most important signing of the Jurgen Klopp era, with his vast influence making those around him better, helping Liverpool win both the Champions League and Premier League.

Van Dijk’s absence with a cruciate ligament injury this season has played a huge part in his team’s struggles, but he is hopefully nearing a return ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

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The Latest: Van Dijk to be offered huge deal, claims FI source

According to Football Insider, Liverpool sources expect the club will open talks with the 29-year-old over a mammoth deal worth £50million over a long period, earning him more than £200,000 per week.

Check out the latest transfer news on the GMS Live football Transfer hub

The centre-back, who Jordan Henderson has described as ‘unbelievable’ in the past, will sit down and enter discussions at the end of the season, hopefully committing his long-term future to the Reds.

A Liverpool source told FI that the Reds want to keep the Netherlands captain at Anfield ‘for the rest of his career’.

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The Verdict: Sign him up!

Retaining Van Dijk’s services is the definition of a no-brainer for Liverpool, with the 6 foot 4 colossus already one of the best defenders in the club’s history, making 130 appearances and winning UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award in 2019.

Granted, there is a risk that he isn’t quite the same player after such a serious injury, especially given his age, but it’s fair to say he will still be top class even if he is half as good.

This season has shown that Van Dijk is the first name on Klopp’s team-sheet and his return will help the Reds forget all about their current woes, ensuring they are battling towards the top of the Premier League again next year.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted with an update regarding a Reds summer transfer target. Read more here.

Having signed for Everton last month for a fee believed to be around £16m, there is certainly a lot of hope for young right-back Nathan Patterson.

The Scotsman is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Toffees since his move from Scottish champions Rangers having played once for the U23s, however, it’ll only be a matter of time before the youngster is given an opportunity…or at least it should be.

On the chalkboard

With first-choice right-back Seamus Coleman now 33-years-old and in his 13th season at Goodison Park, there is little doubt that the loyal servant will have to step down in the near future.

Although the Irishman appears to be new manager Frank Lampard’s preferred option too, having started the 4-1 FA Cup win over Brentford, there will surely be a chance for Patterson to show the new manager what he can do before the end of the season.

Patterson has been highly rated up in Scotland over recent seasons, particularly at an international level, having made his senior Scotland debut in June, just before the start of the European Championships, in which the right-back played six minutes.

Recently, the 20-year-old was subject to serious praise from Scotland teammate Che Adams, who described the Scotsman as “fantastic” after scoring his first goal and assisting the Southampton striker in a World Cup Qualifier against Moldova in November.

Moreover, former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard directed plenty of praise towards the youngster, saying after another impressive Scotland performance: “It was certainly no surprise. You’re talking about a kid who is really hungry, he’s full of desire and commitment. I think you could see that in his performances.

“It was really good for me to see him playing with other top players like Andy Robertson and Billy Gilmour, these type of players.”

However, whilst in charge at Ibrox, Gerrard didn’t give Patterson as many opportunities as his price tag would’ve suggested, with the right-back making just five appearances in the Premiership as the Gers secured their first league title in ten years.

The Scotsman did make 14 appearances in total in all competitions last term and also scored a goal against Royal Antwerp in the Europa League.

This campaign, prior to the move to Merseyside, the right-back got slightly more of a look in, making six league appearances as well as two in the Europa League, two in the League Cup and one in the Europa League Qualifiers.

There’s little doubt that the Everton hierarchy signed Patterson thinking that he could certainly be the long-term heir to Seamus Coleman’s throne. However, the 20-year-old will need to be trusted by Lampard and given opportunities to prove that he has what it takes.

In other news: Lampard drops worrying injury update that’ll have Everton fans sweating

Celtic have been handed a Champions League qualifying boost, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s CL woes

The Hoops have struggled in Europe’s elite club competition in recent years.

They have failed to reach the group stages in the past three seasons, losing to AEK Athens, CFR Cluj and Ferencvaros at the qualifying stages.

Celtic’s loss to Ferencvaros last year was their earliest Champions League exit in 15 years, but despite finishing second in the Scottish Premiership this season, it seems as if they’ve been handed a boost in regards to qualifying this time around.

The Latest: Who Celtic could face?

Celtic will be seeded in the second and third qualifying rounds, with The Scottish Sun describing it as a massive boost.

Should they progress, the Hoops will dodge Shakhtar Donetsk, the third-placed French side – either Monaco or Lyon, and Portuguese giants Benfica.

They could still be paired with the likes of Genk, PSV Eindhoven or Spartak Moscow, but on paper, it seems an easier draw.

The Verdict: Good news for McKay and Howe?

You could argue that the likes of Genk, PSV Eindhoven and Spartak Moscow are much better sides than AEK Athens, CFR Cluj and Ferencvaros, who Celtic have failed to beat in previous years, but to us, this update should be good news for CEO Dominic McKay and possible new manager, Eddie Howe.

Howe has reportedly (talkSPORT) agreed to take over at Parkhead for the 2021/22 season and could well get his first taste of European action, should Celtic progress under his guidance.

If Celtic advance to the group stages, it would be worth around £14m, and each win in the group stage would also see them pocket £2.4m.

That could come in extremely handy when it comes to a Parkhead rebuild, and it seems as if the Hoops now have an easier route of qualifying over the coming months.

In other news: Celtic set for battle to keep ‘incredible’ ace as PL side plot bid over 4 times his market value, find out more here. 

Arsenal must beat north London rivals Spurs to the signing of Bologna centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Arsenal are in talks to sign Ben White from fellow Premier League side Brighton, but it now appears the club have got their eye on another versatile defender.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are battling Spurs for the signing of Tomiyasu, and that they are talking to Serie A side Bologna to find an agreement.

A new Koscielny

Just like Koscielny was in his prime, Tomiyasu is as reliable as they come, and doesn’t often let opponents go past him, with his combination of strength, speed and reading of the game.

His current teammate at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Mitchell Dijks, dubbed him “very strong” and a “true Japanese warrior” at a press conference, via Tuttosport.

In fact, speaking about the defender’s potential, former Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said: “He is a complete player and Bologna got a real bargain with Tomiyasu. He’s a good player and was compared to Maya Yoshida, who has been playing in Europe for a decade. He’s got the quality to be a real star.”

Able to play at centre-back, right-back, left-back and in holding midfield too, the £18m-rated ace’s versatility marks him out as someone who would be a bargain alternative to White.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Brighton defender has a valuation of around the £50m mark, but when you compare the two, Tomiyasu favours well.

According to FBREF, the 6 ft 2 defender is extremely competent in one on one duels – as per 90 minutes, Tomiyasu tackled 56.7% of players who attempted to dribble past him in Serie A, significantly better than White’s 37.5%.

The Japan international also boasts a far better successful pressure percentage (ie closing down opponents), while he is considerably better on the ball too.

He had a higher successful dribble percentage, made progressive carries, and had a better pass accuracy over both short and long passes – and it’s those stats both on and off the ball that are also eerily reminiscent of Koscielny.

A profile done on the Frenchman by Sky Sports back in 2016 read: “His reading of the game, his anticipation of opponents and his positional awareness are excellent. Koscielny is as accomplished with the ball as he is without it, boasting an average pass completion rate of 91.37 per cent in the Premier League over the last two seasons.”

Tomiyasu has everything in his locker to be a new Koscielny for Arsenal and be a better signing for the Gunners than White.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sign a new Fabregas in this star…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting joyously to an image of Virgil van Dijk returning to pre-season training for the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have gone to Austria to begin their preparations for next season, with a number of big names back in the fold on Monday.

Other players will slowly return at different times, due to major tournament commitments, but it is great to see Liverpool back in action in any capacity following an up and down campaign last term.

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Arguably the defining moment of that was Van Dijk’s injury at Everton last October, with the Dutchman missing the rest of the campaign with cruciate ligament damage.

Thankfully, the 30-year-old is now seemingly close to full fitness, as on Monday Liverpool’s official Twitter account posted a photo of him in action, giving a big thumbs-up to the camera.

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Liverpool fans react positively to Van Dijk photo

These Reds fans were overjoyed to see Van Dijk back again, taking to Twitter to provide their positive thoughts.

“The beast is back”

Credit: @BindohAnwar

“It’s more than a new signing”

Credit: @swairez

“INJECT IT IN MY VEINS”

Credit: @usepcepak

“You LOVE to see it”

Credit: @FPLFalse9

“Be still my beating heart!”

Credit: @kop_girl77

“Look at him tho”

Credit: @ellfcxo

“Perfect photo. Mountain with a mountain backdrop. Welcome back Virg!”

Credit: @mobyhaque1

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key update on the future of one Reds player. Read more here.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing the forward as a potential January signing as they look to bolster their squad following the club’s takeover earlier this month.

The report claims that Watford will fight hard to keep hold of their star player as they believe he can be as good as Manchester City winger Jack Grealish.

Saint-Maximin 2.0

PIF must secure a deal to sign Sarr in the January transfer window as they could unearth Allan Saint-Maximin 2.0 for the club. The Hornets forward is similar to the Frenchman in his playing style and could operate on the opposite wing, which is why the Toon Army faithful could love him.

Both players excel at dribbling with the ball and creating chances for their teammates, whilst also possessing the ability to score themselves. Sarr has averaged 3.4 dribbles and key passes per game in the Premier League this season, compared to Saint-Maximin’s 6.3.

This suggests that the Watford maestro is on his way to reaching the former Nice man’s standards, whilst he has already shown he may be a step above when it comes to goalscoring. He has found the back of the net nine times in 31 top-flight starts for Watford, whilst the Magpies wizard has scored eight goals in 51 starts. This is why Newcastle fans would love Sarr at St James’ Park, as he has the end product to match his exciting play.

Former Manchester United defender and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville once lauded the winger’s talents and praised his movement in behind. He said: “He’s a big, big talent, honestly he really is. I always think, particularly as a wide player, what would I have not wanted to have played against? The first thing is pace.

“And then you’ve got to think about, can he use his pace? Well, yes, he can, because he makes really good quality runs: the spin in behind, straight, but also the run inside in between full-back and centre-back – which I always think is the most difficult to mark.”

Neville’s comments suggest that Sarr also has the pace that Saint-Maximin possesses, with both players able to run with the ball at speed and take players on. Along with their similarity in playing style, this is why PIF could find their next wing wizard in the 23-year-old and must work hard to strike a deal for his services in the January window. The fans would surely love to see another talented winger in the ranks to get them off their seats during games and the Watford man’s statistics suggest that he could do just that.

AND in other news, PIF must ruthlessly sell shocking £75k-p/w liability, he’s holding Newcastle back…

Many Southampton fans are far from happy after it was revealed that Kevin Friend will be the referee for their Premier League opener on Saturday against Everton at Goodison Park.

The Saints kick off their campaign in Merseyside as Ralph Hasenhuttl and co look to improve on their 15th-placed finish in the top flight last time out. After a slow start to the transfer window, the Saints have now brought in four new players – three from Chelsea in Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com), Valentino Livramento (southamptonfc.com) and Armando Broja, as well as Romain Perraud from Brest – while they have had a bid accepted for Adam Armstrong (The Independent).

Friend will be the man in the middle against the Toffees on Saturday (premierleague.com), but he is not popular amongst Saints supporters, it seems – this is not the first time that some fans have been unhappy with his appointment (Read Southampton).

The south coast club have lost 11 of the 28 previous matches when the 50-year-old has been the man in the middle (Transfermarkt), including a 4-0 defeat to Everton’s neighbours Liverpool in February 2020 when, with the game at 0-0, he deemed contact from Fabinho on Danny Ings in the box to not be worthy of a penalty (BBC).

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Friend’s appointment

“Opening day + Everton away + Kevin Friend. Our season starts on the 22nd”

Credit: @Conor_SFC

“That’s blown any hope I had!”

Credit: @ChrisBushby1

“We move to week 2”

Credit: @RahilMajid

“oh joy”

Credit: @BIDDS83

“We weren’t getting to get anything anyway as we never do there but definitely not now”

Credit: @guitar_last

“Well that’s the excuse sorted”

Credit: @JoshSFC13578

In other news, many Saints fans want the club to re-sign this midfielder.

Southampton forward Mo Elyounoussi produced a worrying display for Norway as his country beat Gilbraltar 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

The Norweigan attacker has made a promising return to England after a two-year spell in Scotland with Celtic, scoring in his only Premier League appearance of the season to date. He also scored a hat-trick in a League Cup thrashing of League Two outfit Newport County, potentially leaving fans to wonder whether or not he will finally come good on the south coast.

Elyounoussi’s debut campaign with the Saints was disastrous. He failed to register a single goal or assist in 16 Premier League appearances and averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.51, as he failed to show that he could score or assist goals on a regular basis in the top-flight of English football.

His performance for Norway against Gilbraltar was a throwback to those early displays for Southampton as he struggled with his end product. He had more touches of the ball than Kristian Thorstvedt, Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth, who were all directly involved in at least two goals whilst Elyounoussi managed neither a goal nor an assist.

Elyounoussi attempted four shots during the match, getting just one on target, the other three blocked by defenders. This suggests that the quality of his efforts in front of goal were well below the standard required to find the back of the net, or even reach the goal as the majority of them were cut out at source.

One of his shots went down as a ‘big chance missed’ on SofaScore. This means that he spurned an excellent opportunity to find the back of the net, which is worrying for Ralph Hasenhuttl heading into the rest of the campaign as he will want consistency from his forwards.

Elyounoussi also lost possession of the ball 11 times during his 81 minutes on the pitch. This included three of his four crossing attempts going straight back to the opposition rather than finding a teammate. His finishing was sub-par and these statistics suggest that his all-around play also left plenty to be desired.

Southampton fans, along with Hasenhuttl, could be concerned by this performance as it was a throwback to his early showings in red and white. They will be hoping that it is a blip and that he is able to return to Premier League action for the Saints at the weekend ready to put in a top-class performance in order to nail down his spot in the starting XI.

AND in other news, Saints missed out on potential £9m windfall, now they look set to lose dud for free…