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Leeds United are set to face a real battle in the race to sign Reading starlet Michael Olise in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested Marcelo Bielsa’s side are interested in landing the £7.2m-rated talent this month, but The Daily Mirror’s latest update on Olise’s future may have handed the Whites a major blow.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are now also eyeing up a potential move for the 19-year-old, and that Dean Smith is keen to add more younger players to his first-team squad, and has been given the green light to make some major moves in the transfer market.

Radrizzani must cough up

Given Olise’s performances this season for the Royals, it’s no surprise to see plenty of clubs lining up to try and sign him. He’s bagged four goals and provided an impressive eight assists in just 24 games this campaign, and with his ability to play anywhere behind the striker, could give Bielsa another attacking weapon.

His teammate at Reading, Sam Baldock, said early last year: “Michael is a real talent, he’ll get on the ball in any situation. He’s fearless, if you ask him today I’ll guarantee that he had no nerves. He’s a lively character and one who I’ve noticed a real change in the last couple of months.”

Given his age, there’s real potential for Olise to go far, and nabbing him at a low price now would gift Leeds an incredible asset both in terms of what he could offer on the pitch, and how much he could sell for down the line.

Andrea Radrizzani must surely consider coughing up the money Reading want for him now, and making sure that Villa or any other club don’t swoop in under their noses. It would be a nightmare for the Whites if Olise turned into a superstar elsewhere and they look back on the moment they snubbed a move for him.

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ousmane Dembele as Barcelona are reportedly willing to slash their asking price.

A report from Sport (via Rousing the Kop) has revealed the once £96.8million-valued winger could leave in January for a much lower fee. It seems the Catalonians are eager to offload Dembele, but have begrudgingly realised they will struggle to recoup the mammoth amount they paid for him in 2017.

Liverpool should move for Dembele

Despite reportedly only wanting the 23-year-old on loan, Liverpool should seriously consider tabling an offer for a permanent move. Sport claim Barca would be looking for bids in the region of £45million for Dembele, who has been limited to just 20 minutes of game time this season (via Transfermarkt).

Spending big money on a rotational player is clearly not out of the question for Liverpool, who recently signed Diogo Jota for £41million. Bringing in a player of Dembele’s calibre would be serious business for the Anfield outfit, who are looking to continue their run of success and add competition for star men Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

The Frenchman’s 2018/19 season was his best in terms of personal numbers, notching 14 goals and eight assists across all competitions for Barcelona. He pace and eye for creativity will give Liverpool a huge boost in their attack.

Dembele may be struggling for minutes at the moment, but his talent is widely regarded by many. Teammate Lionel Messi once tipped the winger to become “one of the best” and labelled him a “phenomenon” on the pitch (as per Marca, via FourFourTwo). With such strong words being said about him, it will be hard for Jurgen Klopp not to have the France international on his radar.

Dembele’s current contract runs out in 2022, meaning an even further discount could be applied come next summer. Once he enters the final 12 months of his deal, Barca may become anxious and do all that they can to tempt a club like Liverpool to strike a deal.

In other news, Liverpool and Jack Butland could help each other out of a rut…

Glasgow Rangers will want to bounce back from the thrilling 3-3 draw with Benfica in the Europa League when Steven Gerrard’s side take on Hamilton Academical in a game of top versus bottom in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Rangers gave away a three-goal lead in Lisbon on Thursday night and will want to get back to winning ways this weekend. The Gers are still unbeaten so far this season, so they will be looking to make short work of the Accies.

Scott Arfield reportedly faces a race against time after picking up a knock in the draw away at Benfica, whilst Nikola Katic remains the only long-term absentee injured on the sidelines. Gerrard is hopeful that Arfield will have recovered in time to face the Accies but it may not be worth the risk with the home game against the Portuguese giants at the end of the month.

Here, Football FanCast has taken a look at how Gerrard could set his side up for the clash with the Accies, which sees him make three changes to the side that faced Benfica.

The Ibrox boss has a decision to make with Connor Goldson and Filip Helander as the Gers gear up to face Hamilton on Sunday. Whilst we think Gerrard should give Goldson a rest, it’s likely Leon Balogun will replace Helander in the starting-lineup instead. Gerrard may hand summer recruit Calvin Bassey a rare start which will see Borna Barisic drop to the bench, whilst James Tavernier retains his place on the right flank.

As we outlined earlier, Arfield could still be sidelined for a few more days, meaning that Joe Aribo could come into the centre of the midfield alongside Glen Kamara and Steven Davis.

Ryan Kent is set to continue on the left of Alfredo Morelos, who broke club legend Ally McCoist’s record with his 22nd goal in 38 Europa League games for the Gers.

With Rangers such firm favourites for this match Gerrard may use this opportunity to run an experiment on the right wing which sees summer signing Cedric Itten start instead of Ianis Hagi – particularly given the form of Brandon Barker, who has only scored once in eight games in all competitions so far.

AND in other news, Lesson for Gerrard: Glasgow Rangers star striker Alfredo Morelos must not be benched again…

Marcel Brands is set to fail in his attempt to resolve a major need of Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton side by pursuing a Deadline Day loan deal for AS Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Everton have opened talks with Serie A heavyweights Roma over a potential loan deal for Lopez in the hopes of bringing the Spanish shot-stopper to Goodison Park on the final day of the summer transfer window.

The Toffees have previously been linked with potential moves for a new ‘keeper this year in Manchester United’s Sergio Romero, but have turned attentions to Italy following yet another errant performance from Jordan Pickford.

Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion saw the former Sunderland man calamitously drop possession at the feet of forward Neal Maupay when unchallenged, marking Pickford’s 11th mistake leading to a goal since 2017.

It is unclear in the early hours of Deadline Day if Everton plan to sign Lopez on a dry loan with no option to buy, or whether Brands intends to offer Roma a set figure for the 25-year-old payable in 2021.

Calciomercato have also cited Everton’s interest in Lopez and note how both the Blues and Roma are striving to find a solution suitable for each side.

Lopez is not the answer

While Lopez would add first-team ready depth between the sticks Ancelotti otherwise would not be able to call upon beyond the summer market, the £15.3m-rated Spaniard would not be the answer Everton need in their search of competition for Pickford.

Pickford is once again under scrutiny for his performances after yet another blunder moment that could have cost his side heavily, but Lopez proved last season in the Serie A that he is not without fault either.

Over his 32 appearances, SofaScore data shows that Lopez committed three errors that led to goals while only keeping a measly five clean sheets. He also won just 43% of his ground duels, was dribbled past 0.1 times a game and could only complete 49% of his attempted long balls.

If Everton are to sign a goalkeeper capable of challenging Pickford this term, the Blues would have been better served looking elsewhere and earlier in the window than rushing to Italy on Deadline Day.

AND in other news, a Premier League rival is considering a late move to sign an Everton player who recorded just 0.8 key balls a game in 2019/20.

Everton have multiple positions that need strengthening this summer and whilst the right-back spot isn’t going to be a priority, they should absolutely take a look at Alessandro Florenzi…

What’s the word?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Toffees are eyeing a move for the versatile Roma star following his loan spell at Valencia but they face competition from fellow Italian side Atalanta.

It very much appears as if Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to dip into his old league to bolster the struggling Merseysiders.

Everton have reportedly rejected the chance to sign loanee Djibril Sidibe on a permanent €15m (£13.5m) deal this summer, so there could be a need for some competition alongside Seamus Coleman.

Forget Sidibe

And that’s exactly what Florenzi could provide at Goodison Park and not just that, his versatility would be a nice attribute to have as he’s able to play further up the pitch on the wings and even through the middle.

Across both Roma and Valencia this season, the 29-year-old averaged 1.3 clearances, 1.1 interceptions, 1 tackle and 2.9 long balls per game, via WhoScored.

Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti once tipped the Italian to become his heir as one of the Serie A’s greatest full-backs, labelling him a “key player” for Roma whilst Dani Alves, another legend in the same position, described Florenzi as “a fantastic player” who has got “quality in abundance and a wonderful touch.”

He’d also bring international experience having been capped 35 times as well as knowledge in the European competitions after notching 42 appearances across the Champions and Europa League.

It remains to be seen how much Florenzi would cost the Toffees, but with him approaching 30 and being valued at just £14.4m by Transfermarkt, he could be quite the steal.

AND in other news, Everton must re-sign former academy grad this summer…

Brighton allowed Leon Balogun to leave for Rangers on a free transfer this summer but they are hoping to sign a namesake in the current transfer window.

The Beautiful Game Podcast tweeted that the Seagulls are among several clubs interested in Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun, who is also wanted by the likes of Southampton, AC Milan, AZ Alkmaar, Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt.

As per Sky Sports, the 19-year-old has refused to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, where his current deal expires next year, with the Gunners demanding at least £8m for the teenager.

Balogun has never played a senior game for Arsenal and does not want to sign a new deal in north London unless he can be given assurances of a pathway into the first team.

While his demands may seem like arrogance from a young player with plenty still to prove, his case is helped by a sensational scoring record at underage level for the Gunners. He has played 70 matches between their under-18 and under-23 sides and plundered a magnificent total of 50 goals.

He struck 25 times in 19 games in the Under-18 Premier League the season before last and readily adapted to the under-23 grade last term, hitting 10 goals in 15 matches in Premier League 2.

Balogun’s promise is apparent from a Daily Mail scout report which said that there are “shades of Thierry Henry” to his style of play, while Arsenal’s 2019/20 top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has taken to Twitter in the past to express his admiration for the teenager’s talents.

Brighton will have to fend off some very strong competition if they want to sign Balogun, with AZ Alkmaar competing in the Champions League and Milan, PSV and Roma all in the Europea League, while £8m seems a real gamble on a player with no experience of first team football.

However, Graham Potter is not slow to give youth its flings if he feels it is warranted. Aaron Connolly memorably scored twice in his first Premier League start last year and featured regularly throughout the season, while Tariq Lamptey – hailed as “outstanding” by the manager – carved out a place in the first team towards the end of 2019/20.

Balogun’s goal record at underage level and comparisons with Henry illustrates the enormity of his potential, while Potter could be the ideal manager to extract the best from him based on the successes of Connolly and Lamptey.

Brighton fans, how good a coup would Balogun be if the Seagulls can sign him? Have your say by commenting below!

Coventry City have joined Luton Town and Peterborough in the race to sign talented Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster Owen Otasowie.

Sky Blues boss Mark Robins has been busy already this summer in bolstering his squad options, bringing in the likes of Gustavo Hamer, Julien Dacosta, Marcel Hilssner, Callum O’Hare and Ryan Giles.

Preparing his side for the Championship next term after gaining promotion from League One as champions, Robins has now been credited with interest in young Wolves talent Otasowie.

The youngster, who was born in New York and has represented his country twice at under-18 level, has been featuring for the Premier League club’s under-23 side.

The 19-year-old’s impressions have gained interest from Luton and Peterborough with Peterborough Telegraph reporting that interest and it is now claimed that Coventry are also keen.

Aside from featuring at under-23 level this term for Wolves, Otasowie has also made a single appearance for the Premier League side’s first team, playing in the Europa League against Turkish side Besiktas.

The report goes on to add that any potential deal for the youngster to go to Luton, Peterborough or Coventry would be a loan deal.

Otasowie has not been able to break into the Wolves first team since appearing in the Europa League and it does seem like a loan deal is the best move for his development.

Coventry would do no harm in bringing the United States youngster in, even if he grabs a handful of appearances, as it would add to their squad depth.

Do you think Otasowie would be a good signing for Coventry? Let us know in the comments section below…

After 126 games at the club, Jozo Simunovic’s spell at Celtic has come to an end.

The Croatian signed for the Bhoys from Dinamo Zagreb back in the summer of 2015, coming in as an immediate replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who had just left for Southampton.

But after the Scottish champions decided not to take up the option of a further year on the defender’s contract, Neil Lennon paid tribute to both him and Jonny Hayes, who was also released.

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He said: “Both leave Celtic as nine-in-a-row champions. It’s an achievement they richly deserve and something I know they will cherish dearly. I would like to sincerely thank both Jozo and Jonny, brilliant lads who have given their all to Celtic over a number of years.”

After Simunovic’s exit from the club was confirmed, Celtic fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the centre-back.

A couple of fans suggested that Simunovic made far too many mistakes, and that it was “long overdue” to be getting rid of him.

One Celtic fan however took a much more pessimistic stance. and claimed that this is a decision they may regret in the future.

This season saw Simunovic play just 16 times across all competitions for the Hoops, with injuries once again takings its toll on the 25-year-old.

How’s your Celtic knowledge? Always been a loyal fan? Well can you spot Stilian Petrov from John Hartson? Give it a go if you’re brave enough …

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

According to Transfermarkt, he has missed a massive 110 games due to injury since arriving at Celtic Park, so it’s no surprise that some Celtic fans don’t seem overly bothered by his departure.

Leeds United could go up as champions should a ball not be kicked again this season after the EFL delivered a fresh proposal to its member clubs.

The board announced that it would use an unweighted points-per-game system to decide the final standings in the Championship but only if they look to follow the decisions from League One and League Two.

It will need at least 51% of teams to agree to such a decision and as a result, both the Whites and their nearest challengers West Bromwich Albion will gain promotion to the Premier League.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay delivered his thoughts on the matter to Twitter and plenty of supporters have flocked to his tweet with some reaction.

Hay claims the news is ‘obviously very good’ for the west Yorkshire outfit but they would still ultimately need the top-flight to agree to relegation this campaign.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side currently sit top of the league with a seven-point advantage to the playoff zone.

A true test for any Leeds fan: Can you match these iconic images with the right results?

Some supporters believe they’ll be going up whilst others understandably have their doubts, even going as far as claiming that the EFL would try and screw them over. Leeds received a 15-point deduction back in 2007/08 and that clearly has left a lasting effect on the Whites faithful.

Here’s how fans have responded to Hay…

AND in other news, Leeds fans really would HATE to see 29 y/o back at Elland Road…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Although Aston Villa’s transfer business saw the club shell out over £130m on 12 new players, Dean Smith is likely to be keeping tabs on a number of loanees who could return to the newly-promoted side’s ranks in their bid to consolidate the club’s Premier League status.

The likes of Scott Hogan and Andre Green are spending their seasons away from Villa Park with Stoke City and Preston North End respectively, but one loanee who is plying their trade in League One is Rushian Hepburn-Murphy with Tranmere Rovers.

The Villa youth product, who has been capped with England from U16 to U20, has made 11 appearances for Rovers in the 2019/20 campaign, scoring three goals in what was an initially tough spell when he was red-carded on debut.

Micky Mellon’s side currently sit 18th but have scored the joint-most goals of any side in the bottom-13 within the division.

The forward’s most memorable display came against MK Dons, where he netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory this month, showing signs that he’s beginning to impress. He has also recorded an impressive record of 0.8 dribbles per game and 0.9 shots per match despite only starting three times.

The 21-year-old forward had spent time on loan at Cambridge United in League Two during the previous campaign, but the Villa hierarchy will be hoping that stepping up a division can provide a basis for development and increase the likelihood of Hepburn-Murphy returning to Vila Park and featuring in Smith’s first-team squad.

With the likes of Keinan Davis vying for a first-team place, the conclusion of the 2019/20 campaign could mark the perfect opportunity for Smith and his coaching staff to assess the forward’s credentials in comparison to other youthful prospects

A potential return to Villa Park could be a distinct possibility if Hepburn-Murphy can continue his promising rate of development at Prenton Park.