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Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic head into Saturday’s Premiership clash in an excellent run of form, with the Bhoys having won five consecutive fixtures in all competitions, and the 56-year-old will undoubtedly be hoping for yet another positive result when Livingston visit Parkhead this afternoon.

With the Lions having picked up just 11 points over as many league fixtures so far this season, results which have left David Martindale’s side in eighth place in the top-flight table, the Hoops manager will know that today’s clash presents his team with a fantastic opportunity to close the gap on the current league leaders.

Will Postecoglou make any changes to the team which started the 3-1 win over Hibernian last time out? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Livingston, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Postecoglou recently confirming that Tom Rogic will miss the Livingston clash as a result of a hamstring injury, the 56-year-old will be forced into at least one alteration this afternoon. We predict that the Bhoys boss will make one other change to the side that started against Hibs in midweek.

The back five remains unchanged, with Joe Hart starting between the sticks, Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers lining up at centre-back and Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston starting at left-back and right-back respectively.

The first change comes in the middle of the park, with the aforementioned Rogic missing out due to injury and the £2.7m-rated James McCarthy set to be handed just his third league start of the season, while David Turnbull and Callum McGregor retain their starting berths.

In attack, £7.9k-per-week winger Mikey Johnston drops out of the XI, with Kyogo Furuhashi moving to the left of the front three, 26-year-old Giorgos Giakoumakis returning to the side in the centre-forward role and Jota keeping his place on the right wing.

In other news: Nicholson must sanction Celtic swoop for prolific 24 y/o beast, he’s Edouard’s heir

With his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2023 and after scoring 15 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions so far this season, it’s been no secret that Liverpool have been trying to tie down Mohamed Salah to a new deal in recent weeks and months.

With this in mind and the matter still unresolved, football journalist Fabrizio Romano had something to share on the current situation, which we think should excite Liverpool fans a lot.

What’s the latest?

Appearing on a recent edition of Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE Podcast (via Empire of the Kop), Romano revealed that Liverpool are “optimistic” about the chances of Salah putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Merseyside club.

He said: “They are negotiating, they are in talks. Liverpool want to do it as soon as possible, not in April or May, they want to do it in the next weeks or months.”

Since joining the Reds back in the 2017 summer transfer window from AS Roma for a fee of £34m, the 29-year-old – who is currently valued at £90m by Transfermarkt – has made 215 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side across all competitions. In that time, he has comfortably cemented himself as a crucial figure for Liverpool, with 140 goals and 52 assists to his name.

Considering what Romano had to say and what Salah has delivered for Liverpool on the pitch since his arrival at Anfield, it would be safe to assume that Kopites would be delighted to see the winger sign a new deal at the club in the near future.

In our view, given how important Salah has proven over the years and how much of a consistent goalscorer he has been for the Reds, we feel that Liverpool and their owners should be doing all they can to make sure that Salah signs a new deal to keep him at the club and continue doing what he has been ever since he arrived.

If that means offering him more money in terms of his weekly wages, duly making him the highest earner at the club, we feel this is an expense worth taking if it keeps Salah at Anfield beyond 2023.

In other news: Klopp must unleash “important” Liverpool beast on Saturday, he’d terrify Brighton

A number of Everton fans have urged their club not to pursue a move for Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek. 

The player’s agent said that he held talks with Farhad Moshiri and Marcel Brands over a potential deal with the Toffees late in the transfer window, only for the Red Devils to intervene.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Old Trafford was regarded as ‘bad news’ for the Dutchman, further limiting his starting prospects under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Van de Beek made a six-minute substitute appearance against Newcastle United on Saturday, his first game-time of the new campaign.

Everton and Van de Beek – a good fit?

Two pundits have recently talked up Everton as an ideal destination for the out-of-favour 24-year-old, who started just four Premier League games last term.

Alex McLeish has urged him to make the ‘drop down’ from the title-chasing Manchester United to European hopefuls Everton, while Noel Whelan said that it would be ‘probably’ be the best move for the Dutchman’s career.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues asked supporters whether they would like to see the club revisit their interest in January, and here’s how they responded.

These fans far from keen on Van de Beek

Many Everton supporters are unconvinced by Van de Beek, with some making comparisons with his Dutch compatriot Davy Klaassen, another former Ajax player who failed to make an impact in England after his unsuccessful stint at Goodison Park.

“Why, if James is still here? We’ve done this before, with Klaassen, Rooney and every other available number 10.”

Credit: @_PaulMoorcroft

“What does he really offer us compared with what we have already?”

Credit: @brundellfilimou

“We need to stop taking flops off the teams above us”

Credit: @GrahamDavies4

“Absolutely not”

Credit: @DeborahMitchin1

“No way, Davy Klaassen mk2”

Credit: @wigantoffee

“Another Klaassen methinks”

Credit: @richardwye

In other news, many Everton fans flocked to this footage of a reported transfer target.

An update has emerged on Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of his services…

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies have made an enquiry over a potential deal to sign the ex-MK Dons man in January.

The report claims that Antonio Conte’s side are open to offers for Alli, with the Toon Army hoping to strike a loan deal with an option to sign him permanently in the summer.

Phenomenal

PIF must ensure that they are able to seal a deal to sign the midfielder as he would be phenomenal for Eddie Howe and could provide the quality they need to avoid relegation down to the Championship.

The England international has lost his way over the past 18 months, but a change of scenery could allow him to re-focus and motivate himself to get back to his best. His form for Spurs in his first few years for the club showed that his ceiling as a player is colossal.

Alli scored 37 goals and provided 26 assists in his first three Premier League campaigns for them, which shows that he has the requisite quality required to be a top player at this level. Tottenham midfielder Darren Anderton previously compared him to two England legends as he heaped praise on the playmaker, saying:

“I’ve got to say that I loved Stevie G as a player and Scholesy but Dele Alli for his age is just a freak of a talent.

“I love his arrogance on the pitch, how clever he is in finding the positions that he does and his willingness to try everything. He is a real joy to watch.”

However, he has only scored one goal in the top-flight since the start of the 2020/21 season and this has presented Newcastle with the opportunity to swoop him away from White Hart Lane.

The £100k-per-week gem could be “phenomenal” for Howe if he is able to recapture the kind of form he has shown in the past. He could come in and chip in with vital goals and assists to win games for the Magpies and help them to move up the table, which is why they must work hard to get this deal over the line in January.

Taking him on loan with an option to sign him permanently also means that they can avoid major financial losses if he is unable to turn things around and play like the Alli of old. Therefore, it could be an ideal transfer for Newcastle both in terms of the potential benefits on and off the pitch.

AND in other news, “Newcastle are…”: Ornstein drops exciting transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Leicester City have already added four new signings to their first team squad this summer but Brendan Rodgers is still on the hunt for further additions, according to reports.

What’s the story?

The Foxes secured the signature of former Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard last week following Wesley Fofana’s horrific injury, but more defensive reinforcements could be on their way to the King Power Stadium.

Speaking on the TalkSport Gameday podcast (as relayed by This Is Futbol), journalist Alex Crook revealed that Rodgers remains keen to do a deal for Bologna ace Takehiro Tomiyasu.

“I think, from what I’m told, they might still look to add one more defensive player. They’re looking at Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was the Japanese defender who has been heavily linked with Tottenham as well,” Crook revealed.

“So I think if Brendan can get one more player in before the transfer window closes, that’s where he would like to do a bit more business.”

Leicester fans will be buzzing

With former club captain Wes Morgan retiring over the summer and Fofana expected to be on the treatment table for at least six months, Rodgers may feel that he’s still light on numbers in central defence despite Vestergaard’s arrival.

The addition of Thursday night fixtures in the Europa League to an already packed schedule will mean that Leicester need significant strength in depth to be able to fight on multiple fronts, and Tomiyasu may be the ideal acquisition for the Midlands outfit.

Equally comfortable at either centre-back or right-back, the Japan international has showcased the versatility and tactical intelligence to slot into Rodgers’ setup with ease.

The Northern Irishman flipped between a back four and a back five last season, something that Tomiyasu’s flexibility would make even easier should he arrive on English shores in the current window.

He has established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising young defenders since arriving from Belgium outfit Sint-Truidense two years ago, making 63 appearances for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side in all competitions.

As per WhoScored, Tomiyasu recorded an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 0.6 blocks per league game last term, placing him in the top three players at his club who featured regularly.

Therefore, Leicester supporters will surely be buzzing to hear that the club’s hierarchy are still keen to bring in the 22-year-old, providing Rodgers with the tools that he needs to finally break into the top four.

In other news… David Ornstein reveals huge Leicester City update which will leave the fans delighted

Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson is certain that Harry Kane will be a Manchester City player on September 1, with The Athletic’s Sam Lee claiming the Premier League holders are confident Tottenham will sell.

The England striker’s potential move to the Premier League champions took a major twist last week when he was absent from training.

Kane has already expressed his feelings about wanting to leave to challenge for major trophies and play in the Champions League.

However, chairman Daniel Levy is set to demand a Premier League record fee to prise the 28-year-old away from north London, which will test City’s finances following the £100m signing of Jack Grealish.

Kane is set to report back to Hotspur Way to resume training and undergo all the regular medical tests after returning to the UK following his break from the EUROs.

Daniel Levy could to dig his heels in further to keep Kane at Spurs after the recent events, but Jemson exclusively told Football FanCast that he can only see one outcome:

He said: “Harry Kane has been a great servant for Tottenham, he seems a really popular fella and his record is second to none.

“He wants to win trophies, but something has obviously happened. He’s got a verbal agreement with Daniel Levy about leaving this season. But I think if they can get £120m, that’s good money, and, it’s good for Harry Kane.

“Daniel Levy isn’t going to be a popular man anyway, he’s going to leave it until the last minute, but I can’t see anything else apart from him going to Manchester City.”

Manchester City fans are delighted after the club revealed Fernandinho has signed a new one-year contract at the club.

After a season that saw City win the Premier League title and the League Cup but also lose the Champions League final to Chelsea in Porto, it appeared Brazil international Fernandinho could be on his way out of the club as his contract came to an end. The 36-year-old is a club legend, having made 350 appearances for them since making the move to The Etihad Stadium (Transfermarkt).

However, it appears his Man City journey is not over just yet. Early on Tuesday morning, the Citizens confirmed the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him in Manchester until next summer (mancity.com).

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

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Fernandinho news below

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES I’m over the moon!!!!!”

Credit: @DavidHartley21

“WHAT A DAY”

Credit: @James_Waine

“Best midfielder in the league staying another year!! Absolutely made up!”

Credit: @MCFC_Matt_1989

“Yesssss”

Credit: @MFCFHag

“LET’S GOOOOOO”

Credit: @KDBallondor

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @Mcfc_LM10

“Best deal we could’ve made this summer”

Credit: @JbagJoao

In other news, Man City fans want to sign this Euro 2020 star.

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has urged Issa Diop to embrace Kurt Zouma’s West Ham arrival and the challenge it has brought with it.

Zouma is likely to be West Ham’s first-choice central defender this season after joining from London rivals Chelsea in a big-money deal.

Diop has not always been a regular under David Moyes, failing to start a single Premier League game this campaign so far, and was linked with a move away from the club during the summer transfer window.

However, the Frenchman remained at the London Stadium and Palmer is now urging him to accept this added challenge his compatriot has brought with his arrival.

“He’s a talented, talented centre-back, isn’t he?” the ex-Leeds United player said to TT. “When they signed him he was a young player; they paid a lot of money for him. Listen, it’s always good to have competition. He’s got to work hard.

“He’s just got to get his head down and work as hard as he can to get back into the team and secure a regular first-team slot – always good to have competition for places because that improves your own performance.”

Diop played a lot in the second half of last season and was not sold during the summer transfer window so is a player still clearly in David Moyes’ plans. Perhaps the arrival of Zouma could help raise his game to the next level as he looks to win and then retain a place in the Hammers’ starting XI.

Aston Villa are ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with former Everton striker Josh King.

And, as to be expected, the transfer news has had a number of Villa fans talking online.

Villa have already reached an agreement with Norwich City for Emiliano Buendia, and it appears as Johan Lange and Dean Smith now want to bolster their options up front with the services of King.

According to Turkish journalist Talha Arslan, cited by Birmingham Live, King is ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with Aston Villa.

Everton confirmed the 29-year-old will leave Goodison Park this summer when his deal expires. He only arrived in February but failed to score or provide an assist in his 11 Toffees outings.

Villa have the chance to sign King for nothing, and it appears as if they are wasting no time in their attempts to seal a free transfer for the Norway international.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the update on King on Twitter on Wednesday, asking fans if they would like to see a cut-price move go through.

These Villa supporters were all keen for a deal to materialise…

“On a free… mint signing. Similar player to Watkins and a good enough back up. Provides competition to Wesley and Davis and adds to squad depth with an attacking option on the bench. Be silly to say no to this.”Credit: @AVFCCharlie”On a free no brainer. Davis for all his good work doesn’t score goals and Wesley me personally thinks the guy may well be finished due to his injury”Credit: @magoo1802″Yes on a two year contract. May not be a popular opinion but I’d take him on a free over Davis at this point. Experience and proven goal record.”Credit: @TheIvyGarden”Yes especially on a free would be a good back up option”Credit: @GW_94″If its to throw more transfer fee at JWP then its a big yes from me. If not I’d rather a young talent we can develop”Credit: @MattyD54244799″Definitely… Experience, good goal ratio at Bournemouth, good penalty taker, probably happy to be behind Ollie in the pecking order”Credit: @Schlippertysch1

In other news: Many AVFC fans distraught at ‘heart wrenching’ late-night news, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Sean Walsh has now shared a major midweek update on Antonio Conte’s future at the Premier League club, and it’s exactly what supporters need to hear.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing PSG?

The Italian, who reportedly has a clause in his current Spurs deal which would allow him to leave at the end of this season, has been at the centre of claims linking him with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Former Lilywhites manager Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly set to depart the French capital despite their Ligue 1 title win, prompting rumours of a possible Conte move to succeed the Argentine.

Le Parisien claimed last week that the 52-year-old is seriously interested in a PSG switch, even apparently telling their club chiefs that he is considering the job.

Amid these worrying developments, Walsh has now taken to social media with a positive update Spurs supporters may need to hear.

The Latest: Walsh makes major midweek Conte claim…

According to the reporter, who covers the north Londoners for 90min, Tottenham are ‘confident’ Conte will stay despite the PSG updates.

He goes on to say that former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane is actually their top target, not Spurs’ man.

Walsh explained (via Twitter): “Understand that #THFC are confident that Antonio Conte will stay this summer despite reports linking him to PSG job. PSG’s top managerial target remains Zinedine Zidane.”

The Verdict: Great news for Spurs fans

Zidane, currently out of work and a proven Champions League-winning manager, is arguably a shoe-in for the Parc des Princes given his availability and how the fans there would idolise the France legend.

He would certainly be an easier appointment than Conte and one with just as much pedigree.

Taking this into account, Walsh’s update certainly makes sense and PSG director Leonardo may be best placed leaving Spurs’ manager and prioritising a move for Zidane.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.