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Celtic winger Karamoko Dembele may not be in line for a return to first-team action any time soon.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by Kieran Devlin, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a recent Q&A that the 18-year-old’s injury sustained in pre-season appeared to be a break rather than a less serious knock, something which could see the forward ruled out until well into the new year.

When asked by a fan why Dembele has not featured for Celtic so far this season, Devlin said: “He’s also injured, *think* it turned out to be a break in the end but conflicting information on that.”

Postecoglou will be livid

Considering Dembele’s regular involvement in Celtic’s pre-season campaign this summer, in addition to Ange Postecoglou appearing incredibly excited to work with the teenager this season, the news that Dembele could remain sidelined until well into next year will undoubtedly have left the 56-year-old manager livid.

Indeed, shortly after his arrival at the club, the Greek-Australian coach singled the winger out for praise, stating: “He is obviously a hugely talented boy. He has been here for a while and I guess he gets an opportunity now.

“I think the way we play will suit him. He was positive [against Charlton Athletic], not just with the ball, he also worked hard without the ball. Yeah, I thought he did well. I never worry too much about age, at either end of the spectrum. It is more about can they do what we want them to do.

“He has been in and around the first-team squad for a little while now. I think he wants to break through and be a first-team player so I see no reason why anybody needs to protect him from that.”

And, when taking into account the excitement that surrounds the youngster, – the prolonged absence of the forward will undoubtedly start to raise questions as to whether he can indeed go on to fulfil his undoubted promise.

For instance, French publication L’Equipe once named Dembele as one of “the wonders of European football” alongside the likes of Ansu Fati, Joelson Fernandes, Sebastiano Esposito, Mohamed Ihattaren and Karim Adeyemi back in 2019.

Indeed, should the England U18 international find himself ruled out of action until after the rapidly approaching January transfer window, in which Postecoglou will look to bring in further reinforcements to his current attacking options at Parkhead, Dembele could well find his route to first-team football even more blocked than at present – something that does not bode well for his development in professional football whatsoever.

In other news: “Continuing talks”: Sky journalist reveals transfer update that Celtic fans will love

Crystal Palace are looking to make Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move permanent.

That’s according to journalist Tom Barclay, and, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Palace brought Mateta in 12 months ago from Mainz on an 18-month loan which included an option to buy. [BBC]

The 24-year-old has scored against rivals Brighton and Millwall during his time at the club and has featured regularly under Patrick Vieira in recent months.

And it now seems as if he has done enough to make a Selhurst Park stay permanent, with Barclay stating he has won Vieira over in recent months.

The journalist added that a deal is not done yet, but a full-time transfer appears to be on the cards for the Frenchman.

Palace fans react

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply to Barclay’s post, with one ‘buzzing’ for the forward and another labelling it as ‘incredible’.

“Good. Goals against Millwall and Brighton. I’m a fan forever.”

Credit: @HunterCPFC

“Buzzing for the man, Vieira clearly rated him above Benteke and at 24 years old we could get him on the cheap”

Credit: @ReeceJMT

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @EvilSashPioneer

“Would be incredible if he goes on to be a big player for us”

Credit: @SWPalace

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @MattCPFC

“Get in”

Credit: @Rpcpfc

In other news: ‘Onto the next one, sorry Donny pal’ – Many Palace fans react as Romano shares ‘bonkers’ update. 

Legia Warsaw have reportedly made an offer for Leeds United youngster Mateusz Bogusz, with his future potentially lying away from Elland Road.

The 19-year-old is currently out on loan Spanish Segunda Division side UD Logrones, making 18 appearances in the league this season.

Bogusz appears to be surplus to requirements at Elland Road, for the time being at least, with Marcelo Bielsa not seeing him as part of his current plans there.

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Legia Warsaw keen on Bogusz

According to Football Insider, a Leeds source has told them that Polish side Legia have submitted a loan bid for the midfielder, as another temporary move looms for the youngster.

They want to sign him for the whole of next season and it is claimed that Leeds are happy for him to move away again, in order to earn more playing time.

Transfer Tavern take

Another loan move for Bogusz makes perfect sense, considering he would risk returning to Elland Road and struggling for minutes.

Were that to happen, the Pole could find himself sitting still at a key point in his career, instead of gaining invaluable experience elsewhere.

Over time, Bogusz could end up becoming a key man for Leeds, but with Bielsa’s men in the top-half of the Premier League currently, he isn’t yet at the level required to be relied upon.

If he thrives on another loan spell, Bielsa and Victor Orta would be left with a happy headache of choosing whether to use him at Elland Road or sell permanently for profit.

In other news, a pundit has revealed which Leeds player deserves a new deal at Elland Road. Find out who it is here.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou could be facing a summer headache as news emerges from Parkhead about midfielder Tom Rogic.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “I’m sure, behind the scenes, Celtic’s powerbrokers will be looking at Rogic’s contract again. He’s out of contract in 2023, so he’s not got that long left on his current deal.”

Key player for Ange Postecoglou

While Rogic hasn’t completed the full 90 minutes for Celtic since the 4-0 victory over Motherwell back in February – a game in which he struck twice – he has certainly chipped in with some big contributions this season.

In 45 games across all competitions, he’s managed six goals and provided another ten assists, including netting in the superb 2-1 victory over Rangers in the Old Firm clash just a couple of weeks ago.

Indeed, speaking earlier this month, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish, said: “He’s been the bane of everybody recently, but he was invisible for a big period.

“It’s taken his countryman, Postecoglou, to come in and show the faith in him again. And he’s rewarded his gaffer with some incredible performances. I would have thought Celtic would make it a high priority to get Tom on board for a few more seasons.”

Sorting out a new deal for Rogic has to be an absolute priority for Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson, especially considering he won’t have long left on his contract heading into the summer.

Given the importance of Rogic to Postecoglou since coming back in the fold, the Hoops boss certainly wouldn’t be happy if a deal couldn’t be struck between the two parties.

If that can’t be done, then the Australian would either have to be sold on the cheap as he would have just the 12 months left on his existing deal, or would then leave on a free transfer next summer.

It’s the kind of nightmare scenario that Postecoglou could do without.

AND in other news – £4.7m down the drain: £12k-p/w Celtic liability rinsed Peter Lawwell for 140 weeks

Karl Darlow was on the verge of an England call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Three Lions coaching staff had been in ‘direct contact’ with the Newcastle man to tell him he was being considered.

However, Steve Bruce then restored fit-again Martin Dubravka to the line-up following the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United last month, and that has cost Darlow his opportunity.

Johnstone gets nod over Darlow, who may look to Wales

There was an opening in the England goalkeeper ranks after usual first-choice Jordan Pickford sustained a rib injury, but it has been filled instead by West Brom’s Sam Johnstone, selected alongside Dean Henderson and Nick Pope.

Darlow is understood to be ‘very upset’ at missing out on the call-up, which would have been one of the highlights of his career.

The 30-year-old has kept four clean sheets, made 88 saves and conceded 43 goals in his 25 appearances this season (via Premier League).

Darlow is eligible to represent Wales, and Ornstein says that they may try to persuade him to change allegiance. He rejected the switch in 2018, but it is said that the ‘door is not completely shut’.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Darlow may be frustrated with Bruce, but you can understand why the manager recalled Dubravka. The Slovakian is his usual first choice and was named the club’s Player of the Season in 2019/20.

Ultimately, Darlow gave the Bruce the justification he needed with an unconvincing performance in that game against Manchester United, when was twice beaten at his near post.

In other news, Lee Ryder slammed this attacker’s performance against Brighton. 

Southampton fans have been reacting to the news that they are leading the race to sign Adam Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers this summer.

The Saints are preparing for the upcoming 2021/22 season after what was a mixed previous campaign – they finished 15th in the Premier League table but did also reach an F.A Cup semi-final. As they look to improve, they are likely to be looking to bring in new players, and it seems they may be targetting a new striker.

According to The Telegraph, the Saints are leading the race for Armstrong, who currently plays for Blackburn in the Championship. Last term, he enjoyed a fantastic campaign, scoring 29 goals in all competitions (Transfermarkt), and this latest report has suggested he will be moving to a club in the Premier League during this transfer window.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, 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 Armstrong news below

“Will it happen tho”

Credit: @Farmadelic

“No chance”

Credit: @redsaints106

“this makes me very happy”

Credit: @vestergodSFC

“We’ll probably trip over on the finish line.”

Credit: @wes_cox

“Unless the quoted fee is 8m then I Have more chance of building a rocket and blasting off to venus”

Credit: @MashySaint49

“Saints are in the chase for loads of players and land very few. Getting sick of people crying wolf.”

Credit: @jgj1972

In other news, Southampton are interested in this Euro 2020 man.

Some Liverpool supporters have been left hugely excited after a report claimed Kylian Mbappe wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The Frenchman is arguably one of the best players in the world at the moment, starring for both PSG and France in recent years.

Mbappe has scored 132 goals in just 171 appearances for his club side, and at 22, he looks set to enjoy a legendary career, assuming he avoids serious injury.

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The youngster has been linked with a stunning move to Liverpool a number of times, with his PSG future seemingly up in the air.

According to RMC Sport [via Marca], Mbappe has told his current club that he wants to leave this summer, with his current deal there expiring at the end of next season.

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Liverpool fans react to big Mbappe update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter (via LFC Transfer Room) to speak of their excitement at the news.

“@John_W_Henry you know what to do…”

Credit: @BBRYANT98

“HELLO HELLO HERE WE GO”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Well then”

Credit: @Liverpo87055988

“GET HIM TO ANFIELD”

Credit: @Cannsss_

“AND NOW YOU’RE GONNA BELIEVE US”

Credit: @umarver1point2

“Look @John_W_Henry just get this done. Just this one. Just this one exception”

Credit: @Bami_Mave

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a report linking the Reds with a current Premier League player. Read more here.

Steven Gerrard has received a huge boost at Rangers this week after it was revealed that James Tavernier has committed his future to Ibrox by signing a new two-year deal.

It was reported recently by the Daily Record that Rangers were confident that the captain would commit to a new deal at Ibrox, with both Gerrard and Ross Wilson extremely keen to keep the 29-year-old at the club. That has proven true, as it was announced by the club on Tuesday that he had signed the contract, which is due to keep him at the club until 2024.

The former Newcastle United defender, who reportedly earns £13,500 per week at Rangers, has been in phenomenal form so far this season, contributing 11 goals and nine assists in just 29 Premiership appearances, resulting in a superb 7.76 WhoScored average rating – which comfortably ranks him as the best performer in the Scottish top flight so far this season.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton were linked with a move for the right-back earlier in the campaign, and with his previous contract set to expire at the end of next season, there were perhaps concerns that the Englishman could have departed for a relatively low fee in the near future.

However, Tavernier was clearly keen to stay at Ibrox after the title success this season, having undoubtedly enjoyed the best spell of his career in Scotland.

Since joining from Wigan in 2015, the defender has made 284 appearances for the Light Blues, contributing an impressive 63 goals and 89 assists, so it is no surprise that he is keen to stay and perhaps finish his career at Ibrox.

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Gerrard has already seen Allan McGregor and Steven Davis sign new deals with the club recently, but ensuring that his captain is here next season is arguably the biggest piece of business Rangers will do this summer, as he is a pivotal part of the Ibrox squad.

Earlier this season, the former Liverpool captain was full of praise for Tavernier, saying: “I think he is really close to being at his best.

“Tav is a huge player. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves I don’t think from our own supporters or the credit he deserves from outside.”

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Therefore, it seems clear that Gerrard loves having Tavernier as the captain of his side, and it is undoubtedly a huge boost for Rangers ahead of next season that the 29-year-old has signed a new deal.

In other news… Forget Assombalonga: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “phenomenal” beast this summer

Sheffield United’s hopes of appointing Slavisa Jokanovic this summer appear to have taken a blow after West Brom joined the race for the former Fulham manager.

It has been widely reported in recent weeks that the Serbian is the favourite to take over at Bramall Lane this summer, and given his impressive record in the Championship, it looks as if it would be an excellent appointment for the Blades.

However, journalist Alan Nixon has suggested (via The 72) that Jokanovic is now on West Brom’s shortlist for a new manager, following the news that Sam Allardyce would be leaving his role at The Hawthorns after their relegation to the Championship.

Both West Brom and Sheffield United were relegated from the top flight this season and the Baggies have also been linked with a move for Chris Wilder, who has been out of a job since leaving Bramall Lane back in March.

If they decide to go all-out for Jokanovic, who is currently in charge of Qatari side Al-Gharafa SC, then it looks as if it will be a straight race between the two clubs this summer, which could be a huge blow to the Blades’ chances of appointing him.

There is no telling which side Jokanovic would prefer out of the two, as the Baggies finished just three points clear of Sheffield United this season, yet both will be attractive propositions for a manager looking to get another promotion to the top flight on his CV.

The Serbian first earned promotion with Watford in 2014/15 before leaving his role at Vicarage Road, later returning to English football with Fulham, where he would help the Cottagers to play-off success in the 2017/18 season.

This achievement earned him the praise of former Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy, who praised him for the “remarkable” job he did at Craven Cottage.

Therefore, it is easy to see why both Sheffield United and West Brom would be keen on the 52-year-old this summer as they both seek an immediate return to the Premier League, and therefore Blades owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud must act quickly if he wants to ensure that Jokanovic is plying his trade at Bramall Lane next season.

In other news… Sheffield United suffer huge blow in race for “top talent”, Blades fans will be gutted

Leeds United could sign Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez in the January transfer window, according to a fresh report which has emerged from Italy.

The Lowdown: Leeds constantly linked with Nandez

The Whites were tipped to sign numerous players during the summer, but Nandez was endlessly linked with a move to Elland Road.

In the end, the 44-time capped Uruguay international, who is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt, stayed put at Cagliari.

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The Latest: Interest could return in January

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], however, Nandez is ‘ready to return to the market’ in January, as he eyes up a fresh challenge.

It is stated that there are ‘eyes from the Premier League’, which suggests Leeds remain keen on acquiring the signature of the 25-year-old.

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The Verdict: Possible Phillips replacement?

Nandez is an experienced international who possesses great quality in midfield – BBC pundit Mina Rzouki hailed him as ‘unstoppable’ and ‘amazing’. It could be that Leeds see him as a future Kalvin Phillips replacement.

While the idea of both playing alongside one another is a mouthwatering prospect, it is going to become increasingly difficult to keep Phillips, with big clubs likely to hover next summer after the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ was crowned England’s player of the year.

Nandez could be the perfect fit instead, adding similar levels of energy and bite in the middle of the park, averaging 1.3 tackles per game in the league so far this season.

In other news, Phil Hay has given an injury update on two Leeds United players. Find out who they are here.