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Newcastle United’s progress on incomings has ‘slowed further’, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.

The lowdown

Newcastle, who managed to finish 12th in last season’s Premier League after previously flirting with relegation, want to bring in ‘four or five players’ this summer.

Bringing Joe Willock back to St James’ Park following his successful loan spell is said to be their priority, and another midfielder could also be on the list, along with a centre-back and a back-up for Callum Wilson (The Athletic).

However, Steve Bruce is working within an ‘extremely limited’ budget and will be forced to take a ‘box-clever approach’.

With less than a month to go until the new season starts, Newcastle have yet to sign a senior player. They reportedly considered a move for West Bromwich Albion’s Kyle Bartley, who was valued at £3m, before pulling the plug.

The latest

Waugh noted on Twitter that there’s ‘no (incoming) transfer progress’ to report at St James’ Park.

While Newcastle’s business is normally conducted at a ‘glacial pace’, communication from the club has grown ‘ever more conspicuous by its absence’ with the club struggling to make headway. (The Athletic)

The verdict

It should be stressed that, while the start of the season is creeping closer, the transfer window runs until 31 August. Newcastle still have time to get their transfer affairs in order and you’d like to think they’ll pick up the pace at some point.

However, in the circumstances, the additions are unlikely to be transformative. The realistic goal for 2021/22 will be not to drop further down the table, this time keeping a healthy distance between themselves and relegation trouble.

Still, you’d imagine that another loan agreement for Willock – which they’re ‘confident’ of reaching – would significantly improve the mood on Tyneside in the short term, especially amid continuing uncertainty regarding the proposed takeover.

In other news, could this defender be a realistic option for Newcastle?

Kevin Phillips has suggested that Celtic will overcome FC Midtjylland in their two-legged UEFA Champions League qualifier next month when speaking to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for crucial 2021/22 fixtures

As the Celts look ahead to the 2021/22 campaign, much intrigue will surround how they go about trying to reclaim the Premiership title at the first time of asking. However, European football will also take precedence next season as the Hoops aim to bring raucous nights back to Parkhead against elite clubs from the continent.

Celtic are scheduled to begin their quest for group stage action at home to FC Midtjylland on 20 July, before the return leg eight days later [Daily Record].

In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League striker turned pundit Phillips was quick to talk up the Bhoys’ chances of taking the first step towards making the group stage of the tournament.

The Latest: Phillips tips Celtic to defeat Midtjylland

Speaking about Celtic’s chances of defeating their Danish opponents, Phillips told Football Insider: “It will be difficult because they’ve got some history in European football. It won’t be easy, it never is.

“You would have to say it’s a big season for them this year. With the new manager of course at a big club. “But I can definitely see them coming through that over two legs.

“I wouldn’t say they’ll come through it comfortably but if they get off to a flyer that could set them up nicely for the season ahead.”

The Verdict: Phillips point out glaring reality for Postecoglou

The former Sunderland striker makes an excellent point regarding the difficulties Celtic may face against the Danish Superliga runners-up. If they do indeed make it through the second-round tie, the Bhoys will be just four games away from Europe’s premier competition, as well as being in line to make a windfall to the tune of €15.6m (£13.4m) [UEFA].

Furthermore, it would also be the first time Ange Postecoglou’s men will have featured in the group phase since the 2017/18 campaign under Brendan Rodgers [Transfermarkt]. Having flunked out against the likes of Ferencvaros, CFR Cluj and AEK Athens since then [Transfermarkt], Phillips is right to suggest that the Parkhead club may not have it all too easy and that the new manager faces some pivotal matches early in his reign.

If the Celts can recruit correctly before the crunch double header, there is every chance they could secure a morale-boosting win to kickstart their 2021/22 campaign. Recently linked with moves for Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan, they seem to be getting their ducks in a row well in advance.

In other news, Celtic are locked in talks for a 31-goal striker.

Liverpool’s incredible rise under Jurgen Klopp in recent years came to a sudden halt this season as injuries and a severe drop-off in form allowed Manchester City to regain their Premier League crown with relative ease.

Their disappointing showing throughout 2020/21 has left many questions to be answered over the coming months, with several changes expected to be made by the Anfield outfit’s hierarchy.

One victim of Liverpool’s substandard campaign is set to be Xherdan Shaqiri after the Switzerland international made just five top-flight starts for the Reds.

Despite the enduring struggles of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Klopp was either unable to call upon Shaqiri’s services due to injury or through a lack of trust in the 29-year-old’s ability.

Many had high hopes when the former Bayern Munich man arrived on Merseyside back in 2018, but after a solid first season at Liverpool, the diminutive forward has struggled to make an impact with the 19-time English champions.

Shaqiri’s modest return of eight goals and nine assists in 63 appearances for Klopp’s side is way below the level expected of a forward turning out for a side aiming to scoop up football’s top honors and has unsurprisingly seen him linked with a move away this summer.

However, with money tight due to the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic and the centre-back, central midfield and striker positions expected to be prioritised by the Reds, they may have to make a bold decision as they search for Shaqiri’s successor in the upcoming transfer window.

Klopp has never been afraid to put his faith in Liverpool’s academy products since he arrived at the club, rewarding the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Neco Williams with their first-team debuts during his tenure.

Another teenager talent who has benefitted from the enigmatic German manager’s faith is Harvey Elliott.

The youngster made nine appearances for Liverpool in 2019/20 before being sent out on loan to Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers for the recently concluded campaign.

Despite it being his first full season in senior football, Elliott shone throughout his 12-month spell at Ewood Park, bagging seven goals and providing 11 assists in 41 league appearances for Tony Mowbray’s men.

Ex-Rovers teammate Elliott Bennett once described the 18-year-old as a “special, special player” on Twitter after a dazzling display for the Lancashire outfit, and his magnificent performers have arguably done enough to prove he’s already got the ability to make the step up to the Premier League.

While Elliott may not be at the level required to start week in week out for Liverpool as Klopp aims to return them to the summit of English football, his integration into the first-team set-up will allow his parent club to focus their limited resources on other, higher priority positions, giving them a better chance of recapturing their Premier League title.

He could be the perfect replacement if the Reds choose to cash in on Shaqiri.

And, in other news…Liverpool must swoop for “intelligent” 12-assist wizard, Jurgen Klopp needs him 

Liverpool have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid have resigned themselves to missing out on the 22-year-old starlet and they now look set to focus on other targets.

Fans will be buzzing

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Mbappe, with his contract situation now making an exit from the Parc des Princes seem far more realistic than it did in the past.

The France international is set to enter the final 12 months of his current deal, and although fresh terms are reportedly on the table, an agreement has yet to be reached between the player and the French giants.

PSG are thought to value their star asset at around £154 million, despite facing the prospect of losing him for free after next season’s conclusion.

Despite Lille dethroning the French giants, Mbappe still had a standout campaign for his hometown club, bagging 42 goals and providing 11 assists in 47 appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

His incredible performance in the Champions League last-16 against Barcelona, where he bagged a hat-trick at the Camp Nou, was a particular highlight and certainly impressed TalkSPORT 2 commentator David Connolly.

“He was absolutely sensational, he was brilliant. If you stand off him, he turns and runs at you, if you get too tight, he can roll you,” he said.

“You can see his confidence grew as the game went on because he was trying more flicks and tricks, and everything came off. His finishing ability was brilliant. He had the lot tonight, and he was almost unplayable.”

With the impact of the pandemic continuing to impact the club’s finances, Liverpool’s chances of getting Mbappe over the coming months may be slim, but in reality, they may also never have a better chance to bring in one of football’s top talents given the lack of competition and the fact that his contract is running down.

Liverpool should be making a major push for Mbappe, and whilst it won’t be easy to get a deal done, Director of Football Michael Edwards should be looking to work his magic in an attempt to get the French superstar through the Anfield doors.

He already one of the best players on the planet and he still has plenty of room to develop further. If he can continue that development at Anfield, he’s likely to help secure many titles and trophies for the Reds along the way.

Real Madrid are seemingly out of the running, which is more than helpful, but persuading PSG to sell and Mbappe to move to England, will still be massive tasks, but if anyone is up to that job, it’s master negotiator Edwards.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Thiago: Edwards must sanction LFC swoop for “technically gifted” gem 

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another body blow in their search to appoint Jose Mourinho’s successor this summer, with Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter reportedly rejecting their approach, according to The Sun.

THE LOWDOWN: POTTER EMERGED AS POTENTIAL MOURINHO SUCCESSOR

Tottenham were rumoured to be interested in appointing the 46-year-old as their new manager as they continue the search for a replacement for Mourinho, who was sacked 10 weeks ago.

The Daily Mail had previously claimed that Nuno Espírito Santo was the club’s first choice for the role, although they were said to have given ‘serious thoughts’ on appointing Potter as well.

THE LATEST: POTTER IS LATEST MANAGER TO SNUB SPURS

The Sun revealed that Potter has become the ninth manager to turn down the managerial vacancy at Tottenham. It was claimed that the Brighton boss didn’t think that a move to Spurs would be a good career move for him at this stage.

The report added that Spurs remain ‘in limbo’ over appointing a new manager, with Daniel Levy looking to find Mourinho’s replacement ahead of their season opener against Manchester City in August.

THE VERDICT: SPURS MUST NOW ACT SWIFTLY

It’s slightly surprising that Potter has rejected Spurs’ rumoured approach, especially given that Brighton had at times been in danger of being relegated from the Premier League last season and ultimately finished 16th, nine places beneath the north London side.

You would have thought that the Spurs job could have been a tempting one for Potter, who has been hailed for his “amazing” brand of football by Brighton defender Adam Webster and would seemingly fit the profile of the attack-minded coach that Levy is seeking.

Stability is now needed at Spurs and it’s vital that they get this next appointment right, or else it could turn out to be another frustrating league campaign for the club’s supporters next term. As it is, the long-winded search for the next permanent manager must be pretty galling.

In other news, Tottenham have been linked with a move for a Premier League captain.

Former Leeds United man Paddy Kenny has hailed some ‘frightening’ news which emerged recently, highlighting the current squad’s amazing fitness levels.

The Lowdown: Leeds excel back in Premier League

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have completed their first season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth in the table and catching the eye hugely.

Leeds have been a popular team, in terms of the entertainment value they bring, hailed as a ‘breath of fresh air’ by pundits thanks to their intense and attack-minded style.

Not only that, but Bielsa’s men are also renowned for being extremely hard-working, showing an unbelievable desire to win the ball back.

The Latest: Kenny lauds ‘incredible’ Leeds

An article in The Athletic last week highlighted exactly how much they outrun the other teams – making the most sprints and for a longer distance ‘by an enormous margin’.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny waxed lyrical over that aspect of their game:

“It’s frightening, the work rate they show. Every player is amazing. The manager expects nothing less so it’s no surprise really. For them to finish on top of the running stats shows that hard work pays off.

“They finished 9th and that’s an incredible achievement. Their running has been a massive part of that.

“They have been a breath of fresh air as a promoted side. Hopefully, they can build on it again next season.”

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The Verdict: Hard work is everything

It doesn’t matter how talented you are, a strong work ethic is the key to making it at the top level and getting one over on your peers.

No side in the top-flight works as hard as Leeds and it has played a major role in their success this season, ensuring they keep going until the final whistle.

Bielsa has made his players remarkably fit, but they are willing to put in such huge levels of work because it pays off on the pitch, which is also a testament to his motivational skills and man-management.

In other news, a major European club are thought to be interested in signing a Leeds star this summer. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have been handed a considerable injury boost ahead of this weekend’s clash against Southampton, with Nathaniel Phillips able to take to the pitch once again.

The centre-back has missed the last two Premier League games with an injury, both of them ending in 1-1 draws against Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Whilst he was scheduled to take to the pitch in the Reds’ Premier League game against Manchester United last time out, he did not end up playing as the match was called off due to fan protests at Old Trafford.

However, with Phillips now sure to be included in the Liverpool squad as Jurgen Klopp’s men host Southampton on Saturday night, his return will be a huge boost to the Reds for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, Phillips is one of Liverpool’s first-choice centre-backs at the moment due to the respective injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

He has forged a promising partnership with on-loan Ozan Kabak, having started seven Premier League games since the turn of the year. In fact, the Reds have not won any of the last nine league games in which the 24-year-old hasn’t featured, that run stretching all the way back to the 7-0 thumping of Crystal Palace in December.

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His underlying statistics are also quite impressive. Hailed as a “monster” by Jurgen Klopp, he has won a huge 5.5 aerial duels per game in the Premier League this season according to WhoScored. He has also contributed 1.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per match, which are very impressive numbers.

Another huge benefit of his inclusion is the possibility of pushing Fabinho back into his preferred position. The Brazilian midfielder has been forced to deputise in the backline due to the club’s injury issues this season.

Whilst the 28-year-old is capable at centre-back, he is simply more effective in the middle of the park, so Klopp will be thrilled for a number of reasons that Phillips can return to the starting line-up tonight.

AND in more news, Harry Kane would be a “great” signing for Liverpool says Ray Houghton…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Manchester City and Harry Kane could be a match made in heaven.

Kane recently expressed his desire to win trophies and reports have suggested that he will look to leave Tottenham if the north London club fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been doing just that, winning silverware, with a Champions League trophy still to play for at the end of the month.

They may also need to sign a new striker this summer after Sergio Aguero confirmed that this is his last season at the Etihad.

Taking all of that into account, Palmer feels Kane to Manchester City ticks all the boxes. On the £108m-rated Spurs striker, the retired England international told TT:

“I was thinking the other day would Pep Guardiola go for him at Man City, you know, to replace the likes of Aguero?

“Now, they could afford him, they can afford to pay his wages and whatever. [He’ll] create loads of chances and if Harry Kane’s fit [and] he goes to Man City, you’re guaranteed 35 goals there.”

The Independent reported last month that Kane would be keen on a move to either of the Manchester clubs, so perhaps a transfer to the Champions League finalists could be viable this summer.

There is, of course, also a lot of talk about Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, however, feels Kane is the superior forward.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting in delighted fashion to the news that Ibrahima Konate has officially become a Reds player.

Jurgen Klopp managed to guide his team to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2020/21, but it was an extremely difficult season for the German.

The 53-year-old had to overcome a number of obstacles, the most notable of which was having to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the vast majority of the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The trio are all still injured and Liverpool ended up playing unproven duo Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams as a centre-back pairing in the final games.

It has highlighted the need for the Reds to sign a new defender this summer and Konate has always looked set to be that man, having been continually linked with a move to Anfield.

On Friday, Liverpool confirmed that a deal for the RB Leipzig man had been completed, with the 22-year-old arriving on a ‘long-term’ contract.

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Liverpool fans react to Konate update

These Reds supporters have taken to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the positive news.

“Happy Friday Reds”

Credit: @AnythingLFC_

“Things you love to see. Welcome, Ibrahima Konate”

Credit: @LFC_JamieBS

“What a signing. Let’s go, LFC”

Credit: @Akki_SwagMan

“Love this, Liverpool going out and getting exactly the player needed early doors. A player who has all the potential to become one of the best in the world and form a formidable partnership with Van Dijk”

Credit: @DHardayal

“This is exceptional value”

Credit: @lrchandley

“Let’s gooooooooooo”

Credit: @Kea_IsTheName

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been bemoaning an update on one Reds player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur are now on the lookout for a new manager after shockingly sacking Jose Mourinho on Monday.

The Portuguese ace, who only replaced former boss Mauricio Pochettino in November 2019, has been relieved of his duties after just a year-and-a-half in charge of the club.

Indeed, questions about Mourinho’s replacement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will already have started but the club’s ideal option has surely got to be former Juventus boss Max Allegri.

Currently out of work since his respective departure from the Old Lady and linked to Tottenham as recently as March by Tuttosport, the Italian would bring with him an impressive trophy haul.

In his time in Turin, he won six Serie A titles, as well as four Copa Italias. That winning mentality would certainly be a useful asset with the North-Londoners having not claimed a trophy since the 2008 League Cup.

As a matter of fact, his period at Juventus saw him draw plenty of praise from considerable figures in the footballing world, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson labelling his work as “fantastic”.

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Whilst it could well be argued that Allegri would simply not be able to replicate those title challenges in North London, a facet that has actually occurred with the previously decorated Mourinho, his style of play should also work extremely well in North London.

Preferring the 4-3-3 formation according to transfermarkt, this would potentially allow Allegri to implement a similar system at Tottenham.

A three-pronged attack of Harry Kane, Heung Min-Son and any of Gareth Bale, Erik Lamela or Steven Bergwijn would be extremely tantalising, whilst a midfield triumvirate of Tanguy Ndombele, Moussa Sissoko and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg appears extremely well-balanced.

Boasting a 70% win rate in all competitions during his time at Juventus compared to Mourinho’s rate of 52% in his time at Spurs, it goes with saying that Allegri would be an instant improvement following the Portuguese’s departure so should definitely be considered as a replacement.

The club have been linked with a move for Julian Nagelsmann but they should ignore him and move for Allegri, who has a proven track record of delivering big trophies.

AND in more news, Barry Fry is adamant that Daniel Levy will not allow Harry Kane to follow Mourinho out of the Tottenham exit door…