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Transfer insider Dean Jones believes that a Celtic swoop for Ahmed Kendouci would be the ‘icing on the cake’ for their January transfer window, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Transfer request submitted

Kendouci has been linked with a move to Parkhead this month, despite Ange Postecoglou already adding to his midfield ranks with the signings of Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Matt O’Riley.

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The 22-year-old, who has scored 18 goals for Algerian club ES Setif, has even handed in a transfer request following links of a move to Celtic Park.

The Hoops’ crosstown rivals Rangers have also been name-checked with an interest in Kendouci, who can play as a central, attacking or left midfielder.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Transfer insider Jones was talking to GiveMeSport regarding a possible late January move to Celtic for Kendouci.

He believes that a late move for Kendouci could continue the ‘positive’ steps taken under Postecoglou and labelled as potential late deal as the ‘icing on the cake’, saying:

“They don’t want to lose everything they’ve built, in terms of momentum, up to this point.

“Since Ange came in, almost everything has been a positive. I think this would be the icing on the cake if they could get someone of his quality through the door.”

The Verdict: Not vital

Even though another new face would be exciting for Hoops supporters heading into a crunch period of fixtures, not signing Kendouci this month wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Celtic are now well-stocked in the middle of the park following their January business and still have David Turnbull to come back into the frame from injury.

However, it seems as if the Hoops are keen on the versatile midfielder, and getting one up on their Glasgow rivals could be nice ahead of the Old Firm derby next week, so it may be one to keep an eye on ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

In other news: Kieran Devlin has claimed that another Premier League club are now ‘in for’ this Celtic gem

Giovanni van Bronckhorst doesn’t officially start his new role as the manager of Rangers at Ibrox until Monday but the Gers have already filled the Dutchman with pure rage.

The former Rangers man watched on from the stands and was left with his head in his hands on plenty of occasions as a number of gasps came from his mouth too.

You can hardly blame him either as the club’s post-Steven Gerrard era began in the worst possible way.

Armed with the likes of Jermain Defoe, David McCallum, Brian Gilmour, and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart in the dug-out, they watched on as the Glaswegian side were tormented by Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

This was the perfect opportunity for the Gers to make a huge statement to their new manager but they were carved open at will as they lost 3-1.

Rather than being handed some healthy selection dilemmas, van Bronckhorst will now be reeling with who to axe from the side.

There were plenty of culprits in the defeat on Sunday as Ryan Kent looked a shadow of his former self and Alfredo Morelos put in an anonymous showing.

However, unsurprisingly, it was the defence who deserved the most grief from supporters at full-time. Connor Goldson missed an absolute sitter late on in the clash, firing over the bar from just a matter of yards out.

Yet, it was his colleague at centre-half, Leon Balogun who was arguably even worse. His passing was rash and he looked wildly uncomfortable in being asked to play out from the back.

BBC Scotland’s chief writer, Tom English, said during the game: “Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet have just been toying with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun. Balogun is having a shocker. On that form he would struggle to get a game for the local pub team. He has been absolutely ripped apart and Goldson is not much better. He’s gone from this incredible leader they had last season to looking very vulnerable.”

Those sentiments were summed up by plenty at full-time, with Glasgow Times writer James Cairney writing the following about Balogun: “Often panicked in the face of pressure, hoofing the ball into the stands or aimlessly up the park.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Record’s Gordon Parks noted this about the £14k-per-week defender’s display: “Turned far too easily by Nisbet at Hibs second goal. Headed an effort just wide of target before the interval. Ropey and indecisive, vulnerable to anything played in behind him.”

On that evidence, it would be surprising if the 33-year-old was in van Bronckhorst’s first official line-up in Europe in midweek.

His first performance for the new head coach won’t have gone well with him at all. It was an incredibly shoddy showing, one that leaves him as the first villain from Rangers’ new era.

AND in other news, Gio handed first big Rangers boost as news emerges that’ll surely leave fans delighted…

West Ham youngster Ben Johnson was one silver lining for David Moyes as his side were defeated at a wintery and snow-hit Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola now has ten wins in 11 top-flight matches over the Irons after Manchester City ran away 2-1 victors thanks to goals from midfield duo Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho. Hammers midfielder Manuel Lanzini came off the bench to seal an injury-time consolation goal but it wasn’t enough to salvage anything for the visitors in the most difficult of conditions.

It was another Premier League game in which Declan Rice excelled in the heart of the pitch, registering the most touches and accurate passes of West Ham’s visiting cast, but this level of performance is now expected for the England regular.

Instead, the spotlight deserves to be on 20-year-old right-back Ben Johnson, who for large spells of the game marshalled Rice’s international colleague Raheem Sterling to great effect.

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser was equally impressed, mentioning a similar observation in his post-match ratings column, where Johnson was amongst his best performers.

‘Very good up against Raheem Sterling on the right of the back four and made a superb block on the line to deny Jesus,’ he wrote.

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Indeed, only Rice (57) had more touches off the ball for West Ham than the impressive academy graduate (53), which suggests that he wasn’t afraid to assert some sort of authority against such a high-quality side as City.

That was also backed up by the fact that he lost possession 18 times, the most of any Hammers player – at the very least he was trying to influence the game, unlike some of his teammates.

Furthermore, the 5 foot 9 wing-back did his defensive dues, recording two clearances, including one desperate one off the line, as well as two blocks and he even recorded one key pass, per SofaScore.

It’s no wonder Moyes has lauded the emerging prospect a “really important player” for the club – clearly that’s the case, as he has usurped usual reliable stalwart Vladimir Coufal in the role.

Johnson was certainly one of the few positives for the Irons from Sunday’s disappointing defeat to the Premier League champions.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee: West Ham are interested in this Bundesliga goal-machine…

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has suffered a major injury blow over Dan James ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at the weekend.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, James picked up a muscular injury during that defeat at the Etihad, and it remains to be seen how long he could potentially be out for.

That was then followed up by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who via Bielsa’s pre-match press conference, revealed: “Dan James and Jamie Shackleton are out this weekend. Robin Koch available though. No other changes to the absentee list. Firpo serving a one-match ban.”

Big blow for Leeds

While James may not have exactly lit Elland Road alight with his performances this season since his move from Manchester United – he’s scored just one goal and provided only two assists in 16 Premier League games – he remains a vital part of the first-team squad for Bielsa.

The Welshman has been involved in every single Premier League game this campaign bar one, and that was way back in mid-August when he remained on the bench against Southampton in only the second match of the season for Leeds.

With the Whites already without a number of key first-team stars for the game against Arsenal – including the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford among others – losing yet another player on the eve of the game is a major blow and setback for Bielsa.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison will surely be expected to start out wide, but it leaves Bielsa with very little room to manoeuvre when it comes to options off the bench and potential game-changers.

Leeds fans will surely be absolutely gutted with the kind of injury luck they have had in recent weeks in particular.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star must be axed vs Arsenal…

With Manchester United having failed to sign Jadon Sancho last summer, there continues to be links to a number of widemen from across the continent.

The latest rumour to circle is that the Red Devils are interested in current Sporting Clube de Portgual man Pedro Goncalves, according to The Telegraph.

It is easy to see why admiring glances are being cast from Old Trafford towards the Estadio Jose Alvalade considering that the 22-year-old has already hit 15 goals and provided a further five assists in all competitions this season.

They are statistics only bettered in the Manchester United squad by the irrepressible Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Goncalves then would certainly bring some distinct quality to the Red Devils right-flank.

He is not just a specialised winger though. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster is also equally adept at playing in the centre.

It is versality that has certainly seen him praised, with former coach at Famalicao, Joao Pedro Sousa, labelling Goncalves as a “dream”.

Should the Red Devils make a move then, he would certainly relieve some of Fernandes’ burden.

When looking at his sheer statistics, he would also fill a gap in the Red Devils’ squad and give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer far more options to choose from.

According to WhoScored, Goncalves is averaging 2.4 shots per game, that figure only being bettered by Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford this season.

His 1.6 key passes per 90 are also only bettered by his compatriot and surprisingly Luke Shaw, whilst only Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial of United’s current attacking options better his 1.3 dribbles.

Rated at £13.5m but reportedly possessing a £51.7m release clause in his current contract in Lisbon, it might not be cheap for Ed Woodward to acquire Goncalves.

However, he has the exact profile that the Red Devils are looking for and if he can emulate the successes of fellow Portuguese arrivals Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Nani and Fernandes, then he might just be the exact type of winger that the club are searching high and low for.

AND in more news, read how Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire could play a pivotal role at the San Siro on Thursday…

Former Premier League midfielder Rob Lee has suggested that Anthony Martial does not have the correct attitude to be a starter for Manchester United.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fan Cast, he said that it appears that the Frenchman “can’t be bothered” to play for the Red Devils.

That lack of motivation, combined with his ever-decreasing output at Old Trafford, should see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward cut ties with the forward.

Martial initially burst onto the scene in his debut season following a big-money move from AS Monaco. He scored 17 goals during 2015/16 but since then has only bettered those numbers once.

He scored eight in 2016/17, 11 in 2017/18, 12 in 2018/19, with his highest-scoring season coming last term with a fantastic 23 in all competitions.

The Frenchman has not managed to keep that up though, with the current campaign looking like his worst with the Red Devils, having found the net just seven times so far.

That lack of importance to the Red Devils is highlighted when considering that Martial’s four league goals contribute to just 7% of the team’s total haul this season.

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That is easily bettered by the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, whilst being equalled by midfielder Scott McTominay.

The lesser-played Daniel James and Paul Pogba are only just behind Martial, with the duo contributing just over 5% of the Red Devils’ goals.

For all of his promise and potential, Martial is really yet to really kick-on and establish himself as a star in the Premier League, mainly due to his inconsistencies.

That could be used as an argument to suggest that the £45m-rated Frenchman is the most disposable of United’s current striking options.

Couple that with his lack of attitude, and there are plenty of reasons as to why Woodward should consider cashing in on Martial sooner rather than later.

AND in more news, the Red Devils must avoid signing a Premier League stalwart this summer…

Sheffield Wednesday have been boosted by the news that key pair George Byers and Liam Palmer should be fit for the crucial clash with Fleetwood Town.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Owls

The Owls were beaten 1-0 away to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, in what was a damaging defeat in the League One promotion battle.

The loss leaves Darren Moore’s side in seventh place and outside the playoff places ahead of Tuesday evening’s massive trip to struggling Fleetwood.

Wednesday had to make do without both Byers and Palmer for the Wycombe game – they didn’t come off the substitutes’ bench – with the pair key players this season, having started a combined 54 league matches.

The Latest: Key duo return

Speaking to the media on Saturday [via Football League World], however, Moore confirmed that he expects the duo to return to the fold at Fleetwood, having rested them at Adams Park:

“It has been a big week. The likes of George and Liam Palmer have played twice this week and we decided to rotate. Now we get them back and ready for Tuesday.

“We have suffered a lot of injuries this season from over misuse and fatigue and tiredness from games. I was able to rejuggle the pack and get ready for Tuesday.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Wednesday

This is a huge boost for anyone of an Owls persuasion, given the enormity of Tuesday’s potentially make-or-break trip to Highbury.

Victory there would leave playoff destiny in Wednesday’s hands, taking them above Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe, and possibly Sunderland, too, if they don’t win at home to Rotherham on Tuesday.

Both Byers and Palmer would surely both be in Moore’s strongest possible XI and them being back in the team enhances the Owls’ hopes of securing a top-six place, ahead of the final game against Portsmouth at Hillsborough next weekend.

Byers has brought quality and poise to Wednesday’s midfield, scoring five league goals, while Palmer is a model of consistency, having now made 342 appearances for the club.

Kevin Phillips is far from impressed after West Bromwich Albion completed the loan signing of Mbaye Diagne until the end of the season.

Phillips not impressed by Diagne

The Baggies confirmed the signing of the 29-year-old on Friday (wba.co.uk), with Diagne joining on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy.

Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips was clearly underwhelmed by the capture. He said:

“It’s almost like they’re getting a bit desperate.

“Sam made it clear he was interested in Benteke and obviously that got quashed straight away by Crystal Palace so you move onto other people who are down the list.

“I felt in the summer it was a panic buy for Karlan Grant because when you saw he was given a six-year contract it was like, ‘we’ll give you whatever, just sign please, we need a striker’. It’s unheard of to give that length of contract to anyone.

“It smells a bit like that again – another massive gamble. Is he going to come in and score the goals to keep them in the league? Only time will tell.

“I hope he does but it’s a big risk.

“You have got to try something as long as it’s not breaking the bank and I’m sure it’s not. But they’re probably still paying over the odds for what they would usually have to because the player holds all the cards.

“West Brom need players and let’s hope it is a good signing but I’m a bit sceptical, to be honest.”

Surprising

It is surprising that Phillips is so downbeat with this latest capture. The Baggies are always going to find it difficult to compete with top sides for new arrivals, and it is especially hard to bring in new players in this current climate. Diagne, though, is a striker with a good track record – he has 11 goals in 19 games in all competitions so far this term (Transfermarkt).

He has hit the back of the net consistently over the past few years, and with West Brom amongst the worst scorers in the Premier League this season (Sky Sports), they are crying out for a clinical finisher. Therefore, this deal for Diagne could be a stroke of genius from Sam Allardyce and co.

In other news, West Brom fans want to sign this 3-cap international.

Writing on Twitter, Fabrizio Romano has shared a big development involving Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane – with Premier League rivals Man City now ‘planning to open talks’.

The Lowdown: Kane exit saga dominates

Over the last few days, since Sky Sports first broke news of Kane’s reiterated desire to leave Tottenham, the media has been somewhat dominated by reports linking the forward to a host of new clubs.

Man City, Man United and Chelsea are said to be the most likely to lodge a serious pursuit for Kane this summer (Sky Sports) – with reports even suggesting that the 27-year-old has yearned for a north London exit since last year (talkSPORT).

The Latest: Romano shares big Kane development

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Romano has explained that Premier League champions Man City are now ‘planning to open talks’ for Kane this summer.

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City have been on the look out for a new striker over this past year, a process that has only accelerated since the club announced this would be Sergio Aguero’s last season at the Etihad Stadium.

“Harry Kane desire to leave Tottenham is confirmed,” explained Romano (via Twitter).

“He’s NOT handed in a transfer request but he hopes to find a solution.

“#THFC position: NO intention to sell Kane.

“Kane would refuse a new contract, as of today.

“Man City are seriously interested, planning to open talks. #MCFC”

The Verdict: Bad news for Tottenham

It’s safe to say both Lilywhites supporters as well as chairman Daniel Levy will not want to lose Kane this summer regardless of the size of the possible bid.

As explained by Romano, Spurs do not intend to sell him, but if any club can tempt the superstar into handing in a transfer request and formally requesting to leave, it’s arguably City.

The Sky Blues have sufficient financial muscle and could also be a huge attraction to Kane in terms of winning silverware.

Kane’s desire to win trophies is well known, and City have won a very impressive two Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and one FA Cup since the start of 2018/2019 (Transfermarkt).

Pep Guardiola’s side could be the overwhelming favourites for Kane heading into this summer window, and Levy may face a battle to keep hold of him if they plan to open talks.

In other news: Spurs namedropped as suitor for this ‘genius’ boss, find out more here.

Manchester City signing Lionel Messi this summer is still a possibility according to some reports, although Pep Guardiola’s side would surely have to shell out record-breaking wages in order to bring him to the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season.

According to The Sun, Manchester City could sign the legendary attacker this summer if they are willing to pay him £500,000 per week after tax, as he is open to spending a year away from Barcelona.

The Argentine’s contract at Camp Nou is set to expire at the end of the current season, which means City are free to approach him on a pre-contract deal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, they would have to pay the 33-year-old an extraordinary wage packet, surely the highest ever paid to a Manchester City player, if they were to convince him to make the move to the Etihad.

Considering that City’s top earner Kevin De Bruyne reportedly earns £350,000 per week, it would surely be a record-breaking deal for the Citizens if they were to pay him that sort of money next term – the club set an English record in 2019/20 with the country’s highest-ever wage bill, which amounted to £351m for the season.

However, considering Messi’s legendary status and exceptional performances this term, it might just be worth it.

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Despite Barcelona’s woes in La Liga and the Champions League, the experienced forward has contributed 38 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, arguably solidifying his status as the greatest footballer to ever play the game.

His performances in La Liga have earned him a remarkable 8.52 average rating from WhoScored, which comfortably ranks him as the best player in the Spanish top flight this season, so there is very little doubt that he would be a success in Guardiola’s side at the Etihad.

The Spanish manager is certainly a big fan of Messi as, during his time at Barcelona, the magician contributed 211 goals and 93 assists in just 219 appearances, whilst the manager also labelled the Argentine the best player of all time back in 2015.

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The “incomparable” forward, in the words of the late Johan Cruyff, would certainly be an unbelievable addition at the Etihad; and given the success he would likely bring, Txiki should definitely consider paying Messi whatever he wants if it means he will be wearing a Manchester City shirt next season.

In other news… Txiki heading for huge Man City mistake with Premier League flop, he’s even worse than Mendy