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Celtic are close to turning Jota’s loan move into a permanent transfer, according to Football Insider.  

The Lowdown: Jota back in Portugal

Ange Postecoglou has reaped the rewards after the club brought the winger to Parkhead over the summer on an initial loan deal.

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Jota has scored eight times and registered six assists in just 18 games, but he missed the last seven fixtures prior to the winter break with a hamstring injury.

He has since returned to parent club Benfica to assess his recovery, but it appears as if the Hoops are making the most of the 22-year-old’s time on the sidelines and are closing in on a permanent swoop.

The Latest: Source shares Jota update

Football Insider shared a pundit piece on Saturday, shortly before Celtic announced the signing of Johnny Kenny, with Paddy Kenny reacting to the possibility of Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers joining on a full-time basis.

Within their report, the site was informed by a Celtic source on Saturday that the Hoops are now close to signing Jota following talks with Benfica during the week.

The Verdict: Massive

The option-to-buy fee reportedly stands at £6.5m, so on top of a possible £6m for Carter-Vickers, Celtic could be making a serious investment. However, considering how influential Jota has been for the Hoops, a deal for that amount could actually turn out to be a bargain in the long run.

He is currently valued at £4.95m by Transfermarkt, so should he continue to perform as he has done so far in Scotland, you’d expect that it’s just a matter of time until his market value hits eight figures.

Celtic have shown in the past with Odsonne Edouard that a big-money addition can work following a successful loan when it comes to making an impact and a profit, so hopefully it will be the same with Jota.

In other news: Celtic now after ‘energetic’ international with January business not slowing up; Ange ‘well aware’ of target

Tottenham Hotspur moved into the top six in the Premier League with a win over Brentford on Thursday night, meaning Antonio Conte also maintained his unbeaten record in the top-flight.

A 12th-minute own goal from Sergi Canos and a well-taken finish from Heung-min Son sealed all three points in north London and whilst it was a vital victory, the Italian may well be concerned by the performance of Lucas Moura as he looked a little lacklustre in the final third once again.

The £22.5m-rated Brazilian winger is yet to score in the league this season and has provided just the one assist, coming against Leeds United nearly two weeks ago.

Conte has started him in every Premier League outing since arriving in N17 but he hasn’t seen any sort of substantial return from him barring that assist. It was a familiar story against the Bees.

Per SofaScore, Moura managed just one shot on target throughout the 77 minutes he was on the pitch, whilst he recorded only 15 accurate passes, in which none resulted in a key chance created.

One pass every five minutes is far from inspiring from someone who is supposed to support Son and Harry Kane in the final third and similarly, he registered just 38 touches, also losing possession 15 times.

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That means the 29-year-old gifted the ball back to the visiting team once every 2.5 touches.

‘As always he worked hard and his pressing led to opportunities but he was just lacking that decisive quality in the opposition half,’ is how football.london’s Alasdair Gold described the former PSG dynamo in his post-match ratings column, where he graded him amongst a couple of their worst performers.

That has to be of major concern to the Italian because the Lilywhites are still amongst the poorest teams in the division when it comes to attacking play, having averaged fewer shots per game (10.4) than any other team, even rock-bottom Newcastle United and Norwich City.

Elsewhere, the passenger-like Moura failed to provide an accurate cross and lost nearly 50% of his battles up against Thomas Frank’s back-three.

As a result, Conte may want to consider the Brazilian’s involvement heading into the weekend, when Spurs host the Canaries on Sunday afternoon.

AND in other news, Conte could right Daniel Levy’s ghastly £32m transfer mistake…

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter…

What’s the talk?

According to Calciomercato, the Magpies have made a move to snap him up in the January transfer window to stop Inter from signing him on a free transfer.

The report claims that the Italian champions want to land him for nothing at the end of the season, but Newcastle have now put a plan in place to win the race for his signature.

Imagine him & Lascelles

Eddie Howe could form a solid defensive unit by landing Ginter as he could play alongside captain Jamaal Lascelles in the Premier League.

Newcastle’s struggles have been there for all to see in the top flight this season, as they sit 19th with one win on the board after 15 matches. They have kept a solitary clean sheet and are conceding two goals per game on average, highlighting their need for defensive reinforcements in January.

Ginter has proven his class in Germany and could be an ideal target to come in and bolster the backline in an attempt to improve the Magpies’ defensive record.

The £50k-per-week beast has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.98 in the Bundesliga this term, winning 66% of his duels overall. This is after he averaged a score of 7.11 last season, winning 68% of his individual battles and making 3.5 clearances per game.

German icon Lothar Matthaus previously compared him to Spanish international Sergio Ramos as he lauded his leadership abilities at the back. The former Bayern Munich stalwart told Sport Bild, via Bundesliga.com: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, in a similar way to Ramos at Real. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”

Lascelles has been one of Newcastle’s better performers this season, with an average SofaScore rating of 6.81 in the Premier League. The 28-year-old has won 65% of his duels and has made six clearances per game, suggesting that he is putting in solid shifts at the back and being let down by his teammates.

Therefore, partnering him with the reliable Ginter could make for a strong defensive pairing and increase Newcastle’s chances of keeping the ball out of Martin Dubravka’s net. It is now down to PIF and Howe to ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the Germany international…

AND in other news, Dream come true: PIF could leave the Toon Army buzzing with major NUFC appointment…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left overjoyed as their club shared news on star striker Michail Antonio.

The 31-year-old has been in electric form for the Irons so far this season, scoring six goals and setting up three others in just 10 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

He has also been West Ham’s most threatening player overall in terms of numbers, having racked up an average of 3.6 shots on goal per 90 over 2021/22 (WhoScored).

Antonio’s scintillating performances since the start of the campaign didn’t go unnoticed, either, with the Irons frontman even clinching August’s Premier League Player of the Month award.

Having elected to represent Jamaica at international level this year, he is currently away with the Reggae Boyz on their World Cup qualifying tour as they seek to qualify from the CONCACAF region.

He only made his debut for the Caribbean nation in September but now, as shared by the club’s official Twitter channel, Antonio is off the mark for his country as he helped them to a 1-1 draw against El Salvador.

In scoring his first goal for Jamaica, the forward dispossessed an opposition player just past the halfway line before surging past two defenders, eventually dinking a cool effort over El Salvador’s keeper (CBS Sports).

Following his sublime goal, many West Ham fans have raved over what is a personal milestone for Antonio, and one which should help to maintain his confidence heading into the busy winter period.

One Hammers fan called it ‘fantastic news’ as many others celebrated – check out some of their reactions below.

West Ham fans rave over Antonio news…

“Absolutely loved wearing my Antonio shirt in Jamaica on my honeymoon. All the locals absolutely love him. So pleased for him!”

Credit: @KrisProwse182

“Top man, well deserved”

Credit: @yougosmavarous

“Our little island boy”

Credit: @TravisBabb__

“Never in doubt”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“BALLER”

Credit: @TD_H_

“BEAST MODE”

Credit: @LocksmithDuude

“That’s fantastic news! Many congratulations Micky Antonio, international player properly on the world map of football. Very proud of him, just come home safe and sound to West Ham United family”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“Proud of him, he is too good for England. He should have had a call up a few times for us. Happy for him getting international football with Jamaica”

Credit: @RyanHil98488904

In other news: Italian source leaks transfer news out of West Ham involving ‘extraordinary’ £22.5 million-valued beast, find out more here.

Rangers will be hoping to move up to second in their Europa League group as they host Sparta Prague at Ibrox on Thursday night.

The Gers face off against the Czech outfit with only goal difference separating the two sides in the group, with a win for the hosts enough for them to move into the top two and on the verge of qualification for the knockouts.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be in the dugout for the first time after taking over from Steven Gerrard, having watched on from the stands as the club lost 3-1 to Hibernian in the League Cup on Sunday.

How many changes will Gio make from the side he watched? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make five alterations to his side, with Fashion Sakala, Ianis Hagi, Juninho Bacuna, Jack Simpson and Calvin Bassey coming in.

He has already confirmed that changes will be made to the XI, whilst he has also stated that they will line up in a system he wants to play. Van Bronckhorst said:

“You will definitely see some changes. You will see a team in a system I like to play and how I feel is best to play against Prague.

“We are not happy with the result or the goals conceded on Sunday. We have to be much more focused and compact in the defensive side of the match.”

The Dutchman’s favoured formation is said to be a 4-2-3-1, which is why we are predicting Joe Aribo to move away from the wing and into the number 10 role ahead of Bacuna and Scott Arfield. The former could come into the side for Steven Davis to add an extra attacking flair from midfield, having managed a goal and an assist against Ross County prior to the international break.

In defence, FFC published an article explaining why Jack Simpson should be handed a start over Leon Balogun, who could be axed, at centre-back. Calvin Bassey could also be thrown into the XI to freshen things up and we have predicted him to play ahead of Borna Barisic, but he could be picked ahead of Connor Goldson at centre-back with the Croatian keeping his place.

On the right wing, with Aribo vacating the position to play behind the striker, Hagi may return to the XI. The Romanian international scored off the bench against Brondby in Rangers’ last outing in the competition and could provide a goal threat from out wide.

Finally, Fashion Sakala should lead the line, with Alfredo Morelos dropping down to the bench after a poor showing against Hibs last weekend.

AND in other news, Gio’s first big Ibrox blow could soon be inbound, it would make Rangers fans upset…

An update has emerged on Newcastle’s search for a manager to replace Steve Bruce, regarding the main candidates in the race…

What’s the talk?

According to The Times, Villarreal’s Unai Emery, Rangers’ Steven Gerrard and Belgium’s Roberto Martinez are leading the way as PIF weigh up their options in the managerial market.

The report claims Bruce will remain in charge until a replacement is found, with the club seemingly narrowing their search down to these three names.

Excitement

This update from The Times will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited as all three of the leading candidates have their merits and could potentially be superb appointments by PIF. They are all currently excelling in their current roles, with the Magpies poaching an actively successful coach instead of picking up one who has recently been sacked.

Firstly, Martinez has had an impressive spell in charge of Belgium. He led them to third in the 2018 World Cup and fourth in the 2020 (2021) European Championships, whilst he also has over 200 Premier League games under his belt as manager of Wigan and Everton.

Gerrard, meanwhile, won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers last season. He has averaged 2.15 points per game across 186 matches in charge of the Glasgow giants, showing that he knows how to pick up points on a regular basis and would bring a winning mentality with him to St. James’ Park.

Finally, Emery has a sublime C.V. Although he endured a difficult spell with Arsenal, he has proven his quality elsewhere as a manager. During spells with Sevilla and Villarreal, he has won an eye-catching four Europa League titles, beating Manchester United in the final earlier this year to secure his fourth, whilst he also won a Ligue 1 title and two French Cups during his time with PSG.

This shows that he knows how to win trophies and he could bring that trait along with him to Newcastle. This is why Magpies fans will be excited by the news that he, along with Gerrard and Martinez, is among the contenders to replace Bruce.

They are three impressive managers with a recent track record of achieving success and could help to lift Newcastle up the Premier League table. Emery, in particular, could increase their chances of winning silverware with his trophy-laden history as a coach in Spain and France.

AND in other news, 77.7% duels won: NUFC gem with six tackles may have saved his Tyneside career…

Celtic have announced that right-back Anthony Ralston has put pen to paper on a new deal at Parkhead.

What’s the latest?

In a statement posted on the Celtic website, the club confirmed that the defender has signed a new contract that will keep him in Glasgow until at least the summer of 2025.

The 22-year-old had already signed an extension with the Bhoys this summer, however, but the club claim that the new deal is a reflection of the former Scotland U21 international’s impressive start to the current campaign.

In the statement, the Bhoys said: “Celtic are delighted to announce that Anthony Ralston has signed a new contract which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2025. In the summer, he signed an extension with Celtic, but the new contract is a reflection of his contribution to the team this season.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering the rather remarkable form Ralston has been in so far this season, the news that the club have tied the defender down to a new long-term deal is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 10 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £270k-rated man has already scored three goals, provided two assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

The player who Mark Wilson dubbed an “outstanding” right-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making 0.4 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, two clearances and winning 7.9 duels per match.

These returns have seen the 22-year-old earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.83, ranking him as the Hoops’ best performer in the league of players who are still part of Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

Indeed, the £7.5k-per-week defender’s overall level of performance has even seen him start ahead of summer signing Josip Juranovic on the right-hand side of the Celtic backline, with the Croatia international often being deployed at left-back.

As such, the news that Ralston looks set to remain at Parkhead for a good while longer yet is undoubtedly positive for the club, as the academy graduate is quickly proving to be one of Postecoglou’s most important players.

In other news: Ange must ruthlessly axe 26 y/o “phenomenon” on Thursday, he could cost Celtic dearly

Emerson Royal put in his best performance since joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer as they defeated Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian right-back was drafted in on deadline day, signing in a €30m (£26m) deal from Barcelona, and finally, the north London outfit caught a glimpse of exactly what he had to offer.

In a game where Heung-min Son excelled with two assists and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ran the show from the engine room, it was the 22-year-old defender who was an unsung hero for Nuno Santo and his side.

No player recorded more touches of the ball than Emerson (86) as he was a constant threat down that right flank.

Not only was he a rock defensively but he also got up the pitch to contribute in the final third.

As per SofaScore, Emerson recorded a match-high four interceptions, helping thwart the threat of wing-back Matt Target and Danny Ings, who was on his side in Villa’s two-man attack. He also made six clearances, two tackles and won a whopping ten duels.

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick wrote in his post-match ratings column:

“A promising showing after a tough start in the Premier League. Committed and aggressive defensively and got forward well, creating a big chance for Son at the start of the second half.”

Indeed, the £26m-rated dynamo won three free-kicks, created one key chance and managed to pull off 100% of his dribbles, via SofaScore, further suggesting that he was capable of contributing in the final third.

It was only his third start in the Premier League but for the very first time, Nuno witnessed a player that should be starting there week in, week out. He’s a breath of fresh air in comparison to Serge Aurier, who left the Lilywhites by mutual consent in the summer.

According to football.london’s Alasdair Gold, the Brazil international has impressed staff with his “incredible” fitness levels and we saw some of that during the match today.

The Hotspur faithful were equally impressed by Emerson, too, with many expressing their delight with his performance.

On a day where Spurs ended a run of three straight heavy Premier League defeats, it was the new summer signing that went hugely under-the-radar and deserves plenty of credit for such a showing.

AND in other news, Forget Son: £36m-rated Spurs machine who had 6 dribbles stole the show against Villa…

With Valerien Ismael’s West Bromwich Albion side heading into Friday night’s fixture having suffered their first defeat of the season last time out, the Frenchman would have undoubtedly been hoping to get the Baggies’ automatic promotion push back on track with a win in the West Midlands derby against Birmingham City.

While it was by no means the most convincing victory in the world, Albion just about managed to get over the line, with Karlan Grant’s strike 15 minutes from time being enough for Ismael’s side to take all three points, with the 1-0 result sending the Baggies to the top of the Championship table.

However, rather than the match-winning Grant or any of West Brom’s clean sheet-keeping back three, it was Conor Townsend who stole the show against the Blues, with the 28-year-old playing an influential role in Albion’s win from left wing-back.

Lost possession 32 times

Having been deployed on the left-hand side of the West Brom back three in recent weeks, covering for the injured Matt Clarke, the return of the previously stricken centre-back facilitated Towsend’s move back to his more natural position on the pitch.

The £1.8m-rated man did not disappoint, boasting 83 touches of the ball – more than any other player to feature in the match – completing both of his attempted dribbles and having three shots at the Birmingham City goal, as well as making two interceptions and three tackles.

The left wing-back also attempted a whopping 13 crosses and six long balls over his 90 minutes on the pitch, and while only three crosses and one long ball found their intended target, the 28-year-old’s sheer number of attempts demonstrates just how much of a creative influence he was in the match. That was something which ultimately saw him lose possession of the ball 32 times.

While this latter stat can be viewed in a negative light – as, in the black and white of it, the defender gave away the ball more often than any other player on the night – it’s worth taking into account the fact that a player such as Trent Alexander-Arnold has lost possession an average of 23.4 times per game so far this season. Therefore, it can also be used as a barometer for how many risky and defence-splitting passes a player attempts.

This was certainly the case for Townsend against Birmingham, with The Athletic’s West Brom correspondent Steve Madeley stating his belief on Twitter that the £14k-per-week full-back looked “confident on the ball” and was “full of running” in the fixture – as well as claiming that the choice to award the defender the Man of the Match award was the “easiest decision of the night.”

While Townsend’s SofaScore match rating of 6.8 saw him statistically rank as Albion’s joint third-worst player to start against the Blues, in reality, the wing-back’s efforts over the course of the 90 minutes deserve much praise indeed.

In other news – Ismael masterclass: West Brom struck dream deal over “massive” £6.3m-rated gem

Kieran Devlin thinks it is ‘unlikely’ that Celtic will turn to the Director of Football model for ‘the foreseeable future’ following the departure of Dominic McKay. 

The lowdown

On Friday, it emerged that McKay had parted company with Celtic after less than three months in the post of chief executive. He had been appointed as the replacement to Peter Lawwell, who announced his retirement in June.

‘Personal reasons’ were cited as the explanation for his exit, but it has been suggested that McKay made an ‘inauspicious impression’ on fellow high-ranking officials, who came to view him as an ‘imperfect fit’ for the role (via Celtic Way).

Michael Nicholson, formerly director of legal affairs, has taken over as CEO on an interim basis.

The latest

Addressing fans in The Athletic’s matchday discussion on Saturday, Devlin said: “I do believe the DoF plan was McKay’s.”

This was apparently ‘one of the points of friction’ which emerged with some members of the board, who were resistant to the change.

The journalist added that ‘unless something unexpected happens’, it seems that the Director of Football idea will be shelved for now.

The verdict

It’s a real worry for Celtic fans that there’s seemingly disagreement at the top level as to how the club should operate moving forward. The support could be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t a coherent plan at place.

Also, why did the issues with McKay’s appointment only emerge in the early weeks of his role, rather than during the recruitment process?

Celtic may be under new management in terms of their on-field activity with Ange Postecoglou, but this doesn’t feel like a new era at Parkhead given the board level disruption.

In other news, this journalist dropped a ‘revolution’ claim following McKay’s exit.