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Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham ‘will not return’ to Parkhead, according to Foot Mercato, cited by Sport Witness.

The Lowdown: Ntcham into the final 12 months of Hoops deal

Ntcham is still a Hoops player after Marseille decided against signing the Frenchman permanently. He made just six appearances after joining the Ligue 1 club for the second half of the season and still has 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal.

There were reports that Celtic were ready to terminate the final year of the 25-year-old’s contract, but that has yet to come to fruition.

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The Latest: French reports

Foot Mercato claimed [via Sport Witness] that Ntcham ‘will not return’ to Celtic Park this season under Ange Postecoglou.

The midfielder is ‘seriously liked’ by two unnamed clubs in Ligue 1, so it seems as if a permanent return to his native country could well materialise after all.

The Verdict: Can McKay get anything for Ntcham?

Neil Lennon described Ntcham as ‘unbelievable’ towards the end of 2019, and although he has had his struggles on the pitch over the last 18 months, new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay may now be able to bring in some cash when it comes to the midfielder.

With two unnamed clubs keen on the 25-year-old, you’d like to think the Hoops could bring in a fee close to his £2.7m Transfermarkt valuation.

After all, Celtic were demanding a fee in the region of £7m for the midfielder just six months ago, and should they choose not terminate his deal, they could end up bringing in some funds for Postecoglou by selling Ntcham and funding potential new additions.

In other news: Postecoglou pushing Mario Vuskovic closer to Celtic move as news emerges, find out more here. 

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury setback ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scotsman, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side will be without at least seven first-team players for the trip to St. Johnstone on Sunday, with David Turnbull, Jota, Albian Ajeti, Giorgos Giakoumakis, James Forrest, Karamoko Dembele and Christopher Jullien all looking to be sidelined due to injury.

A further report by the same publication went on to state that both Joe Hart and Kyogo Furuhashi – who missed the 0-0 draw against St. Mirren earlier in the week with knocks – could also miss out at McDiarmid Park this weekend, as the duo do not appear to have recovered from their respective injuries.

Postecoglou will be fuming

Considering the sheer number of injuries he is having to deal with at present, the news that none of his previously injured players look set to make a return to action this weekend, while both Hart and Kyogo also remain doubts for the fixture, is sure to have left the 56-year-old manager fuming.

Indeed, should attacking midfielder Turnbull, left-winger Jota, centre-forward Kyogo and goalkeeper Hart all be missing on Sunday, the Greek-Australian coach would be unable to select his best, fifth-best, 10th-best and joint 13th-best performers respectively in the top flight of Scottish football so far this season – of players who remain within his first-team squad.

And, when taking into account just how much Postecoglou’s depleted Celtic side struggled to break down St. Mirren on Wednesday evening, should the manager once again be unable to call upon any of the aforementioned players, it would not appear to bode well for Celtic’s chances of picking up all three points against Callum Davidson’s side.

This could potentially bring disastrous ramifications to the club’s Premiership title hopes this season, as dropping more points on Sunday could well see the Bhoys fall further behind their Old Firm rivals – who currently top the league standings by six points.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “horrendous” £20k-p/w Celtic flop by unleashing 18 y/o sensation

Tottenham Hotspur face Aston Villa in this evening’s teatime kick-off, with Antonio Conte’s side looking to keep up their impressive recent run of Premier League form in a bid to secure a top-four finish.

Indeed, with Spurs having won five of their last six league outings and Steven Gerrard’s side having lost their last three Premier League fixtures, the north London outfit will certainly fancy their chances of taking all three points back to the capital tonight.

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However, with Spurs only narrowly defeating Villa 2-1 in the meeting between the two sides earlier this season, Conte will be well aware that he must get his team selection spot-on in order to give his team the best chance of victory this afternoon.

Will the 52-year-old make any changes to the side which started the 5-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend? Here’s how we think Tottenham could line up against Aston Villa, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Antonio Conte recently revealing that both Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon are back in contention after recovering from their respective knocks, we predict the 52-year-old will make just one change to the team which lined up against Newcastle last time out.

The back four remains intact, with Hugo Lloris starting between the Spurs sticks, while Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero make up Conte’s three-man defence.

The solitary change comes at wing-back, with Reguilon – the player who Jonathan Woodgate dubbed “horrendous” and has recently been linked with a £43m move back to Real Madrid this summer – returning to the XI on the left. Matt Doherty moves over to his preferred role on the right, with the 23-year-old Emerson Royal – who Lucas Moura claimed has a “great future” – dropping to the bench.

In the middle, with Oliver Skipp still sidelined due to injury, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur start once again, while Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski also remain unchanged in the two attacking midfield roles.

Up top, Harry Kane leads the line, with the 28-year-old undoubtedly hoping to add to his seven goals and four assists over his last eight Premier League outings.

AND in other news: Conte can form “dangerous” duo as Spurs plot bids for £156m pair who “really get along”

Wolves are having a fantastic start to their season, with a win over West Ham putting them sixth in the Premier League ahead of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.

One loan signing has consistently impressed in Bruno Lage’s side since joining in the summer, though.

What’s the talk?

Hwang joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig, and after an impressive start, the club are now keen to secure the South Korean star’s signature long term.

The loan deal has the option to sign the forward in a permanent contract with Wolves, for an absolute steal of £13 million from the Bundesliga side.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Express & Star journalist, Luke Hatfield, confirmed the intentions of the club when it comes to Hwang Hee-chan.

“I think they can still pull the deal off.

“The fact that he’s there now is obviously massively beneficial to Wolves’ chances.

“Given that he’s getting game time and enjoys the style of play, his team-mates, the training ground and management, it puts them in prime position to sign him on a permanent basis.”

Fans buzzing

Fans would surely be delighted if the South Korean arrives permanently in the Midlands because Hwang has been nothing short of an instant success story for the Premier League side. He’s grabbed four goals already this season, which has definitely played a part in the success Wolves are enjoying in the league so far.

The attacker’s goals scored so far have mostly been those that have won the game, with Hwang’s brace sealing Wolves’ first victory of the season against Watford.

Lage has previously sung the praises of the 25-year-old attacker, demonstrating how big his influence has been at Molineux.

“I think he has adapted to the Premier League. He is fit and fits our way to play because we need a player like him.

“Top players can enjoy our game and I think he is a top player like the other guys.”

The permanent signing of Hwang could be a blessing in disguise for Wolves, as speculation continues to build around Adama Traore’s contract and links with a move away from the club. Although the Spaniard departing would be a blow to Wolves, it could be softened by the signing of Hwang, someone who has got fans off their seats plenty of times this term.

Wolves will be hoping to continue their winning ways and pick up points at every opportunity in their Premier League campaign that could see the side secure European football if they can be consistent.

In other news: Daniel Podence puts on an attacking masterclass against West Ham

According to Claret & Hugh, Tottenham Hotspur could now try to sign Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as transfer chief Fabio Paratici eyes a new target between the sticks.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites set sights on shot stopper?

Antonio Conte mainstay and long-serving Spurs star Hugo Lloris, who recently put pen to paper on a contract extension, will eventually have to be replaced.

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The Frenchman is well into his career twilight phase and Tottenham won’t be able to rely on him indefinitely, prompting recent links to goalkeeping transfer targets.

Paratici and co are very unlikely to keep loanee and current number two Pierluigi Gollini with the Italian seeming set to return to parent club Atalanta.

West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone, who will leave the Hawthorns as a free agent this summer, has been heavily linked with a move to north London recently, but C&H now have news on a homegrown alternative option.

The Latest: Pickford on the radar…

According to their information, Tottenham could try to sign Toffees shot stopper Pickford as they ‘look for a long-term’ Lloris replacement.

This comes as the England international ‘bids to remain in the Premier League’ ahead of this year’s World Cup finals in Qatar.

His club are currently in the midst of a relegation battle with Frank Lampard’s side seemingly in real danger, prompting both Conte’s side and West Ham to keep tabs on Pickford’s situation ahead of the summer.

The Verdict: Great option?

Homegrown, still only 28-years-old and a proven star at international level under Gareth Southgate – Pickford emerges as a really good option for Tottenham.

The Goodison Park ace attracted huge praise for his performances in a Three Lions jersey during last summer’s Euro 2020 Championships with pundit Trevor Sinclair even calling Pickford ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the world’ (talkSPORT).

It’s clear the former Sunderland star enjoyed a phenomenal tournament as one of Southgate’s best players and Pickford’s ability is arguably there for all to see.

Recent reports suggest that Everton could even green-light the goalkeeper’s sale for around £30 million, though with Johnstone available for nothing, it remains to be seen whether Paratici opts to invest significantly on competition for Lloris.

One certainty, however, is that Pickford would certainly come as a stellar option.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming week’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder! Find out more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are planning to make a bid for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in January, according to Friday’s edition of Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Birmingham Mail). 

The lowdown

The 30-year-old has been limited to 97 minutes of Serie A action since the start of the season and finds himself behind Manuel Locatelli, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie in the pecking order in Turin.

When he joined the Old Lady in 2019, it was reported that his contract was worth as much as £400,000 per week. That’s four times more than Wolves’ current top earner Joao Moutinho. With that deal not due to expire until June 2023, Ramsey is valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Birmingham Mail), Wolves apparently wanted to sign Ramsey during the summer transfer window and will revisit the potential deal when January rolls around.

They are readying an offer for the 30-year-old but could face competition from the likes of Everton and West Ham United.

The verdict

The centre of the Wolves midfield could do with investment – they’re a little light on depth and Moutinho has just turned 35 – but this would probably be too great a risk.

Even if he agrees to take a massive pay cut, you’d expect Ramsey to still be the highest earner at Molineux. Also, when you consider his unrelenting injuries, you can easily see how the deal might backfire.

If Wolves want to beef up their central midfield options, they should look elsewhere.

In other news, some Wolves fans don’t want this loanee to return

Many Arsenal fans have slammed the performance of Takehiro Tomiyasu in their 0-0 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

The Japan international endured a pretty torrid time up against Marc Cucurella in what was the firstgame where he has struggled since arriving from Bologna in the summer transfer window.

Tomiyasu lost out on five of his duels and also failed to block any shots or make any tackles, dribbles, key passes or crosses from right-back (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball on 13 separate occasions in the match, the joint-fourth most of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, with the international break coming up, Tomiyasu will now be able to take his mind away from the Gunners and then come back stronger when they face Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in their next Premier League fixture on 18 October.

 Arsenal fans on Tomiyasu display

These Gooners on Twitter slammed the 22-year-old’s performance at the Amex Stadium, as one Arsenal supporter claimed that he was ‘exposed’ by Brighton:

“Tomiyasu was exposed today.”

Credit: @cuthie23

“Tierney, Tomiyasu, White were awful today. Gabriel was solid again. Tierney normally our best player but was poor today.”

Credit: @___13245

“Tomi worst game for Arsenal today. Had 3 brilliant games for his first 3 but was really poor today. Cucurella ripped him apart in the 1st half but he’s still young still adapting to the league. Let’s just hope its a one off and not a regular theme.”

Credit: @IREAFCreviews

“Tomiyasu had his WORST performance by far, Cucurella ran past him anytime he wanted.”

Credit: @_BurgessP

“Tomiyasu zero. Can’t defend and lost the ball every time he got it”

Credit: @JackyLanis

“Tomiyasu was dreadful, how did he lock up Son and then perform like that”

Credit: @rafifreeman

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

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold has shared ‘further good news’ for Spurs involving transfer target Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Lowdown: Spurs closing in?

Tottenham have been targeting a move for the Japan international since the start of July, originally having a £12.9m (€15m) bid, plus an extra £2.6m (€3m) in add-ons, rejected by Bologna (Sky Sports).

The Athletic then reported that Spurs were closing in on a deal for the versatile defender and finalising terms on an agreement worth around £15 million plus add-ons.

While reports died down soon after, Gold shared news last week from Tomiyasu’s side – with the journalist claiming those close to the deal were ‘confident’ that a Lilywhites move ‘will be agreed’ after his involvement in the Olympics (football.london Q&A).

The Latest: Gold drops another Tomiyasu update…

Reiterating what he said last week, Gold still expects Spurs to come back in for Tomiyasu with his part in the Tokyo games now finished.

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Sharing ‘further good news’, the journalist has also relayed that the 22-year-old’s ankle injury has now cleared up – meaning he could be match fit in time for the new season if he does indeed sign for Tottenham.

“He’s just finished his time at the Olympics with Japan and some people involved in the deal on his side told me a few days ago that they were confident he would become a Tottenham player this window,” Gold explained (via football.london).

“Let’s see whether they now push that through. It’s not huge money we’re talking about in relation to the Romero deal as I’d be surprised if they don’t.

“Japan are now done at the Olympics following their defeat to Mexico in the bronze medal match. In further good news, that ankle injury from earlier in the tournament appears to have now cleared up.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Tomiyasu’s possible signing for Spurs has been on the cards since mid-way through last month and it’s high time sporting director Fabio Paratici got it done.

The young defender can operate as both a centre-back and full-back, potentially killing two birds with one stone for new manager Nuno Espirito Santo – adding depth in multiple positions all for a relatively meagre potential fee.

Cristian Romero’s signing is just one of two defensive additions Spurs would, ideally, like to add this summer (football.london) – and we believe Tomiyasu should certainly be next.

In other news: Bid made – Tottenham have now lodged offer to sign player with ‘gigantic buzz’, find out more here.

Aston Villa have been handed a potential boost ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Rangers, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, revealed that he has already spoken to the new Aston Villa manager about the job at Ibrox, before going to suggest that the pair will continue to stay in touch regarding potential business in the January transfer window.

The report goes on to state that all three of Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent and Borna Barisic have been mentioned as potential targets for Gerrard this winter, with Van Bronckhorst’s comments looking to suggest he would be open to discussing a number of deals with the former Liverpool captain.

Speaking in his inaugural press conference as Rangers boss, the Dutchman said:

“He sent a message by email – which was really nice. Of course for him [it is] also a change in clubs. But I think we will definitely be in contact in the coming weeks to talk about stuff. He’s done a really great job at Rangers and now moved to the Premier League at Aston Villa. I personally wish him all the best and there will be some contact in the next weeks, yes.”

Gerrard & Co will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive the likes of Goldson, Kent and Barisic were under the leadership of Gerrard during his time in charge of Rangers, the news that Van Bronckhorst appears open to speaking with his predecessor this winter is sure to have left the 41-year-old, as well as Christian Purslow and Johan Lange, buzzing.

After all, a healthy and vibrant relationship with the Dutchman could well be used to Villa’s advantage when it comes to negotiating transfer dealings between the two clubs in the winter and beyond, something that represents a significant boost.

Indeed, with Barisic, Goldson and Kent ranking as Gers’ second, third and fourth-best performers respectively in the club’s unbeaten Scottish Premiership title-winning campaign last season. Gerrard would undoubtedly be more than happy to welcome any of this trio to Villa Park in the coming months and the better his friendship is with his former employers, the more likely that is to happen.

And, with it being reported that Rangers may need to cash in on a number of their more valuable assets this January in order to balance the books at Ibrox, Purslow and Lange could perhaps be able to negotiate a much more palatable transfer fee for a particular target due to the Scottish side’s need to sell.

As such, the 46-year-old Rangers manager’s comments will certainly come as a very welcome boost ahead of the January transfer for all concerned at Villa Park.

In other news: Gerrard must ruthlessly axe “inconsistent” £63k-p/w flop, he’s ransacked Villa of £23m

Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Mario Lemina in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Lemina impresses

Despite Fulham getting relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2020/21 season, Lemina had a fine individual campaign while on loan there from Southampton.

The Gabon international won no fewer than 4.5 of his duels per game in the top flight, and also averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions a match (Sofascore).

The Latest: Lemina talks

As per The Daily Mail, the St. James’ Park faithful have revived talks with the Saints over signing Lemina in a deal worth in the region of £4m, and hope to reach an agreement later on this week.

The North East club tried to sign him last month, offering players in exchange, but Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team were keen to cash in on a player with just a year left on his current deal at St. Mary’s.

The Verdict: Sign

Lemina has plenty of experience of playing in the Premier League, and at 27 years of age, is about to enter his prime years as a footballer.

While his £64,000-per-week wages may prove to be a stumbling block, to sign him for just a £4m fee could certainly prove to be a bargain, given that he is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.

Nonetheless, he would be a welcome addition as another handy option for Steve Bruce in the centre of midfield, where his options will be looking very thin if a deal for loan favourite Joe Willock cannot be completed.

In other news, find out what promising takeover claim Steve Wraith has issued here!