Wilfried Nancy’s implementation of a 3-4-2-1 system at Celtic has provided some players with a fresh chance to emerge as regular starters for the club.

Hyun-jun Yang, who scored against Livingston last time out, has established himself as the first-choice option as the right-sided wing-back, for example, since the Frenchman came in.

Anthony Ralston is another player who has benefitted from the change in formation, starting the last four matches as a right-sided centre-back, but his performances have left a lot to be desired.

67HailHail described his performance against Livingston as a ‘nightmare’, handing him a 4/10 player rating, and claimed that some fans ‘have had enough’ of the experienced defender, because of his errors.

Celtic eyeing move for Premier League defender

The Hoops are now reportedly looking at adding a player to their squad next month who could be the end of Ralston’s career with the Scottish giants.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to The Scottish Sun, Nancy is lining up a move to sign Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo on loan from the Premier League side in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the defender is due to move on from the Vitality ahead of the second half of the campaign, and that the Hoops could swoop to bring him to Parkhead.

It adds that the full-back, who played in the MLS whilst Nancy was managing over there, is viewed as an ideal player for the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.

The Scottish Sun reports that Celtic are ‘strong contenders’ to secure his services on loan until the end of the season, as they want to add more quality to their backline.

Why Celtic should sign Julian Araujo

Nancy should push for the club to get this deal over the line because he could end Ralston’s Celtic career by coming through the door to take the starting spot on the right of the back three.

Araujo has yet to play a single minute of football in the Premier League for Bournemouth this season, after starting seven matches last season, but his form in the MLS in the past suggests that he could be a good option.

The Mexico international caught the eye with his performances for LA Galaxy in the MLS and with Las Palmas in LaLiga during the 2023/24 campaign.

Araujo, as explained in the post above, excelled in possession during his time in the MLS, which is backed up by a return of 11 assists in his last two seasons with the Galaxy, per Sofascore.

Ralston, meanwhile, has provided six assists in all competitions since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, per Sofascore, and is yet to create a ‘big chance’ or assist a goal in 14 appearances in the Scottish Premiership so far this season.

Julian Araujo (MLS)

2021

2022

Appearances

32

35

Goals

0

1

Key passes per game

1.1

1.2

Big chances created

8

6

Assists

6

5

Tackles + interceptions per game

4.7

3.4

Duel success rate

51%

50%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Araujo provided quality as both an offensive force and as an out-and-out defender in his last two seasons in the MLS, which may be where he caught Nancy’s eye.

Subscribe for deeper Celtic transfer and tactics insight Curious about how a signing like Julian Araujo could reshape Celtic’s back line? Subscribe to our newsletter for expert breakdowns of transfer prospects, tactical fits, and the squad implications that matter to fans.

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Upon signing for Bournemouth in 2024, Chief Executive Neill Blake claimed that the full-back has “high potential”, but he has not had many opportunities to fulfill that potential, starting just seven league matches to date.

Celtic could provide him with an opportunity to start week-in-week-out in Glasgow as a loan signing for the second half of the season, which would offer him a chance to finally fulfill his potential by playing regular minutes.

His mixture of creativity and defensive quality with LA Galaxy suggests that he could offer more than Ralston, who has created nothing this season, as the right-sided centre-back in Nancy’s system, leaving the Scottish dud on the bench.

Related Dream 1st Nancy signing: Celtic could ditch Yang for SPFL "machine"

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Then, Ralston could find himself struggling to make the bench once Alistair Johnston is back fit and ready to compete for Araujo for a position in the side, which is why this signing could facilitate the end of the right-back’s career at Celtic, as he may have to consider his future at Parkhead.

Leeds United are ‘expected’ to name Jesse Marsch as Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement as manager on Monday, according to a new update on the situation.

The Lowdown: Bielsa sacked as Leeds manager

On Sunday, it was confirmed that Bielsa had been sacked as Whites boss following a dreadful run of form which has them get dragged into a Premier League relegation battle.

It was a very sad day for anyone of a Leeds persuasion, with the Argentine becoming an iconic figure at Elland Road, both in terms of his footballing brilliance and his down-to-earth character.

The hunt is now on to sort his successor and it looks as though it is all but done.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Marsch set to be appointed by Leeds

According to BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday morning [7:40am], former RB Leipzig manager Marsch will be named as Leeds’ new manager later in the day.

The radio report stated: “Leeds are expected to appoint the American coach Jesse Marsch later.”

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The Verdict: Huge job on his hands

Assuming all goes as planned today, Marsch is an exciting appointment in many ways, with many rating him highly during his time at RB Salzburg, who he guided into the Champions League.

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His playing style is also not dissimilar to Bielsa’s, with high intensity and good football the order of the day, so the players shouldn’t find it too much of a change in philosophy.

That being said, Marsch will need to come in and hit the ground running immediately, not only in terms of Leeds’ Premier League survival hopes but also to show that he is worthy of filling the void left by such a beloved figure in Bielsa.

In other news, another figure has been mentioned as a possible Bielsa replacement. Find out who it is here.

Phil Hay has dropped another boost for Leeds United before their game away at Leicester City alongside the return of Patrick Bamford to training.

The Lowdown: Bamford back

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, new manager Jesse Marsch revealed that Bamford is now back in training, claiming that he is ‘close’ to being ready to return to the team.

The England international has been struggling with injuries all season, only making a mere seven appearances in total over all competitions so far.

The Latest: Phillips and Cooper update

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Hay also gave an update on the fitness of both Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper, sharing that while they will not be available for the match against the Foxes, they are ‘making good progress’ in training:

“Marsch confirms that Bamford is training and getting very close.

“Phillips and Cooper aren’t available for the weekend but are making good progress.”

The Verdict: Promising

The Whites have been terrorised by injury problems all campaign, especially to their key players like Bamford, Phillips and Cooper.

Therefore, potentially having all of them available again soon is certainly promising ahead of the relegation battle ahead.

All three rank in the top 10 performers for the Peacocks in the top flight, and their form has suffered drastically as a result of their absences, even costing Marcelo Bielsa his job.

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Nonetheless, if they can get a result against Brendan Rodgers’ men without them, then Marsch can look forward to working the trio into his set-up at Thorp Arch over the coming weeks.

In other news, find out who Hay has confirmed has now followed Bielsa out of Elland Road here!

Wolves are currently going through a right-back crisis that may cost them European football next season, with Nelson Semedo picking up an injury that could rule him out until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, manager Bruno Lage has very publicly criticised former Liverpool prospect Ki-Jana Hoever’s mentality, and it’s unlikely that he will be featuring in the first team any time soon.

Currently, left-back Jonny Otto is filling in on the right flank, and although he is more than capable of playing on that side due to his ability to play with either foot, the position isn’t one he has played too many times in his career and Lage might be looking to sign a more permanent right-back in the summer.

However, one player that could potentially save the club millions to provide healthier competition for Semedo’s spot and be a competent replacement should he become injured again is Hungarian full-back Bendeguz Bolla – who had Jack Grealish in his back-pocket during an international match with England last year.

Although Hungary were ultimately defeated 4-0, he managed to prevent the Manchester City star from scoring, having a more comfortable night than his teammates on the right-hand side.

The 22-year-old signed from Hungarian outfit Fehervar last summer for £1.8m, before immediately heading out on loan to Grasshopper Club Zurich for the season.

Having scored three goals and created two more from the right-wing back position in just 21 appearances in the Swiss Super League this season, many Wolves fans may well be wishing that they had him available now and not just in the new campaign.

Proving himself as an attacking threat, Bolla takes on average one shot per game, as well as making just under one key pass and completing over one dribble per game too.

On the defensive end, he has also proved to be solid, making zero mistakes leading to a shot so far in the Swiss top flight this season, as well as making over one tackle, over one interception, one clearance and being dribbled past less than once per game.

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With the club yet to replace the attacking output that came from Irishman Matt Doherty after his transfer to Tottenham, Bolla could become a key player at Molineux, and there is definitely also a chance to move above Semedo as first choice.

In other news: Sold at £25m, now a £67.5m-rated “leader”: Fosun had Wolves blunder on “scary” 18 y/o

Everton are renowned for their reckless spending and endless signings that have ultimately put the side in no better position since Farhad Moshiri became the owner six years ago, and it seems that he still hasn’t learned his lesson if the latest reports are anything to go by.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish news outlet, Sport, Everton are back in the race to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Norberto Neto for a fee of around €14m (£11.8m) if reports are to be believed.

The keeper has been planning to leave the La Liga club for a while now according to the report, and this summer could be the opportunity for the 32-year-old to leave the club, with Everton in strong contention to sign him.

Despite the strong links, Sport do report that it would depend on the Merseyside club’s Premier League status next season, which currently hangs in the balance in the remaining months of the season.

Moshiri set for huge blunder

Despite a poor season, Jordan Pickford has always been the number one choice for Everton and for England too, which makes the signing of Neto not viable in terms of the player wanting to leave Barcelona to gain more game time at another club, so yet again it seems that Moshiri is set for a huge blunder in the transfer market.

Ultimately, the £3.6m-rated stopper who was hailed “brilliant” by former manager Marcelino, has been anything but that, conceding more goals (4) than he has had appearances for Barcelona this season.

Furthermore, he was described as a “disaster” on Premier Sports last term after a catastrophic blunder cost his side a goal against Alaves, getting the ball trapped under his feet, only to have the ball stolen away from him and tucked into an empty net.

Thus, it really is a wonder why Moshiri would be interested in signing a ‘keeper who has not only had a serious lack of game time with just 20 appearances in his almost three years playing for the Spanish club but clearly doesn’t hold a good record in his shot-stopping abilities either.

There are so many other areas that require the attention of the transfer powers at Goodison Park, with the defensive set-up being criticised for being “Championship” quality by Jamie Carragher in a scathing review of Everton’s embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Spurs last week.

“This back four is a Championship back four,” the Sky Sports pundit stressed. “There’s absolutely no doubt about this whatsoever.”

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With that being said, surely the board, the owner and the manager should be focusing on repairing the obvious issues in defence this season and looking for solutions on signings they can bring in to improve the back four, especially if the side do manage to stay in the Premier League next season.

They cannot afford to have another campaign in the league like the one we have witnessed over the last nine months.

In other news: Forget relegation: Lamps heading for huge Everton disaster on “fabulous” £72k-p/w star

Everton were dumped out of the FA Cup this afternoon after a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in what was another dismal performance from Frank Lampard’s men.

Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Wilfried Zaha and Will Hughes all got themselves on the scoresheet as the Toffees simply could not find a way to keep the home side out.

There were some truly worrying displays from a few of the Everton players, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the visitors on the day:

Mason Holgate (6.1)

With a 6.1 overall rating given, Holgate ranked as Everton’s third-worst player.

The defender lost out on three of his duels and only made one tackle, while his mere 63% pass accuracy was one of the worst recorded out of his team-mates.

Holgate also gave possession away on 19 separate occasions, the joint-second most out of any Toffees player.

Michael Keane (6.0)

Keane ranked as their second-worst performer with a 6.0 rating.

The former Burnley man was unsuccessful in five of his duels and failed to make any tackles or blocks, while he was guilty of losing the ball 13 times.

Jordan Pickford (5.9)

Pickford was given a lowly 5.9 rating, and with four goals conceded, the ‘keeper unsurprisingly ranked as his team’s worst performer.

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While he was helpless for some of the goals, the third from Zaha was pretty strange as the England number one just seemed to watch the ball loop onto his post without any reaction.

Pickford was unsuccessful with nine of his long balls in total, the most out of any Blues player, while he also lost possession nine times and only made two saves in the entire match.

In other news, find out what ‘blatant’ VAR error was made before Mateta’s goal

Wolves defender Romain Saiss is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs across Europe with the Moroccan still yet to sign a new contract ahead of the expiration of his current deal this summer.

What’s the story?

According to reliable French outlet L’Equipe, the likes of Real Betis, Villarreal, Wolfsburg, Marseille, Lyon, Rennes and Strasbourg are all interested in signing the 32-year-old this summer as a free agent.

Saiss is believed to have been offered a contract extension by the Wolves hierarchy, however, the centre-back is yet to put pen to paper.

The Morocco international joined the West Midlands outfit in 2016, whilst they were a Championship side, from French club Angers and a move away would see the end of six years of service for the Golden Boys.

Wolves must hold onto Saiss

With star midfielder Ruben Neves heavily linked with a departure this summer, Wolves must also ensure that they keep Saiss at Molineux beyond this campaign.

The defender has been a kingpin since joining the club, initially as a defensive midfielder, and has experienced Wolves’ rise through the ranks over the past couple of seasons.

From playing a vital part in their promotion to reaching an FA Cup semi-final as well as making it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the centre-back has been an excellent servant.

Moreover, this season has been no different, with the 32-year-old slotting into the plans of new manager Bruno Lage excellently.

Under the Portuguese coach, the Black Country outfit have been one of the Premier League’s most solid defences, conceding just 26 goals in 30 matches. Only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have let in fewer.

Of course, fellow regulars Conor Coady and Max Kilman have contributed massively to that feat as well.

Furthermore, the Moroccan received praise from a Match of the Day panel earlier this season after scoring against Brighton, with pundit Danny Murphy saying: “The system really suits him, playing in a three when you’re a good ball-playing defender. It gives you the space and time. He nearly got a second with a great technical strike. He’s been a tower of strength for them.”

If the 32-year-old is to leave, Lage will have to make a decision as to whether or not to hand 23-year-old Toti Gomes more regular game time in the first-team after the Portuguese defender filled in impressively for Saiss whilst he played at the African Cup on Nations with Morocco.

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If not, then Fosun will surely have to provide the funds to purchase a suitable replacement to slot in alongside Coady and Kilman.

Nonetheless, Wolves must attempt to keep the £8.1m-rated Moroccan at Molineux beyond this season for the remainder of the campaign. But, if the 32-year-old is to depart this summer as a free agent, then he’s been an excellent servant.

In other news: Lage can find Wolves’ next Traore in rarely-seen teen who does “things out of nothing”

West Ham manager David Moyes has admitted there is still uncertainty regarding the fitness of forward Jarrod Bowen ahead of the clash with Everton. 

The lowdown: Ongoing complications

The 25-year-old was forced off with an ankle injury as the Hammers succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at the beginning of March and hasn’t been seen since.

That’s despite an initial prognosis suggesting that the issue wasn’t serious, with hope the in-form attacker would make a prompt return to action after the club themselves announced he had sustained ‘no significant damage’.

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Now as a crunch clash at both ends of the table with Everton looms, Bowen’s participation remains in question.

The latest: Cause for ‘concern’

Giving a fresh update to the media ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, Moyes confirmed that the right-winger remains doubtful despite his return to training at Rush Green.

As quoted by journalist Jack Rosser on Twitter, Moyes was coy on the likelihood of Vladimir Coufal and Bowen featuring: “A chance that both of them could make it. I’m not sure if they’re ready and match fit, that would be a concern.”

This follows a report from Rosser for the Evening Standard stating that Bowen has an ongoing ankle issue and is in need of injections in order to strengthen the area prior to matches.

The verdict: A huge miss

Whilst Moyes and the supporting staff will be cautious of rushing the Englishman back, there can be no quantifying the impact Bowen’s absence has had on the Irons’ top-four hopes.

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Despite maintaining a slim chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League spot via the Premier League final standings, winning the Europa League would now appear to present the most viable option for a place amongst Europe’s elite next season.

With 12 goals and 11 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), getting the man hailed as ‘amazing’ by Kevin Phillips back to full fitness for the challenges ahead will be crucial to West Ham’s chances, even if it means leaving him out against the Toffees today.

In other news, West Ham halt contract talks with key player. Find out who it is here.

Chelsea are now “ever-present” alongside Manchester City in the race to sign a teenage star who could cost over £50m, according to reports.

Maresca "happy" after "worst 48 hours" at Chelsea

It was only a few weeks ago that Chelsea found themselves in the title picture. It seemed for a moment that the Blues were Arsenal’s closest challengers, having impressed in a 1-1 draw against the Gunners with 10 men. Following a run of one win in three Premier League games, however, they’ve been sent hurtling back down to reality.

Enzo Maresca also handed reporters an unexpected clue about behind-the-scenes problems after victory against Everton last time out, only making matters worse.

Since then, the Italian has been at the centre of much speculation, but told reporters that he’s “happy” after Chelsea defeated Cardiff City to reach the last four of the Carabao Cup.

The Chelsea boss, following a tough week, said: “I said many times in many press conferences, the support, they have always been there, knowing that any supporters in the world when you don’t win, they are not happy.

“So in some moments when you don’t win games, they have been not happy, but it’s normal. But overall, the fans have always been there.

“I just said that these are the kind of games that I fall in love even more with the players because you cannot imagine how easy it is to slip, to slide, because they are tricky games.”

For the time being at least, it seems as though BlueCo can turn their attention back towards the transfer market and away from any new potential manager.

Chelsea "ever-present" in Honest Ahanor race

As reported by TeamTalk, Chelsea are now “ever-present” in the race to sign Honest Ahanor from Atalanta after sending their scouts to watch the 17-year-old in action.

Subscribe for deeper transfer-market insight on Ahanor Get deeper transfer coverage – subscribe to the newsletter for extended scouting reports, club-interest breakdowns, and clear context on moves like the Honest Ahanor race, helping readers understand transfer market tactics and valuations. Subscribe Subscribe for deeper transfer-market insight on Ahanor Get deeper transfer coverage – subscribe to the newsletter for extended scouting reports, club-interest breakdowns, and clear context on moves like the Honest Ahanor race, helping readers understand transfer market tactics and valuations.

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BlueCo are reportedly admirers of the teenage star, who has also attracted the interest of Newcastle United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to spark a fierce Premier League race.

A versatile defender who can play left-back, centre-back and even left-wing, Como scout Ben Mattinson described Ahanor as an “aggressive” player back in May.

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The Atalanta star is certainly one to watch, but won’t come cheap for the likes of Chelsea. Reports have claimed that whilst he is happy in Italy, an offer of around €60m (£53m) could force Atalanta’s hand next year.

Chelsea flop is now looking like a more pointless signing than Gittens

West Ham have been handed encouragement in their January pursuit of a striker, with chairman David Sullivan also ready to give him a salary increase to tempt him to London.

West Ham scour for new centre-forward ahead of January

West Ham’s desperate search for a striker to drag them clear of the relegation zone is intensifying, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo prioritising attacking reinforcements as the January window approaches.

The club’s urgency has been sharpened by Niclas Fullkrug’s impending departure, with AC Milan now set to sign the Germany international on loan after he made clear his desire to leave the London Stadium in search of regular football.

Fullkrug arrived for £27.5m just 18 months ago but has failed to make any meaningful impact, leaving West Ham scrambling to identify suitable replacements who can provide the goals desperately needed for their survival battle.

Kaio Jorge has emerged as a potential target, with reports suggesting West Ham could make a £22 million bid for the player who has impressed in the Brazilian Serie A.

The 23-year-old would provide youth and resale value, though questions remain about whether he possesses the physicality and experience to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.

West Ham also reportedly have renewed interest in Championship options, including Norwich City’s Josh Sargent and Coventry City’s Haji Wright.

Sargent is apparently valued at around £17.5m and fits the profile of a physical presence with proven domestic pedigree, but his average seven-goal return this season raises concerns about his current form and effectiveness.

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Then, there is Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The reliable David Ornstein says West Ham have enquired about the Norwegian heading into January, with Hammers News now sharing another update this morning.

Jorgen Strand Larsen 'open' to joining West Ham next month

According to their information, The Old Gold are poised to demand around £45 million to sell their centre-forward after West Ham’s contact.

What’s more, Strand Larsen is apparently open to joining West Ham in January, and Sullivan could sway him to the London Stadium with a ‘pay hike’ to further entice him.

The 25-year-old has interest from other suitors as well, so it isn’t exactly a one-horse race, but West Ham appear to be making the most ground right now.

Strand Larsen’s form this campaign has been desperately poor, with the Norway international managing just one Premier League goal from 15 appearances after netting from the penalty spot.

He’s scored three times across all competitions in total, including two strikes against West Ham in the EFL Cup earlier this season.

In-depth West Ham transfer coverage — subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to the newsletter for focused breakdowns of West Ham’s striker hunt — Kaio Jorge, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright and Jorgen Strand Larsen — transfer fees, fit and trade-offs explained to help you follow the club’s choices. Subscribe In-depth West Ham transfer coverage — subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to the newsletter for focused breakdowns of West Ham’s striker hunt — Kaio Jorge, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright and Jorgen Strand Larsen — transfer fees, fit and trade-offs explained to help you follow the club’s choices.

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The dramatic decline represents a stark contrast to his impressive debut campaign at Molineux, where he registered 14 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League matches, establishing himself as Wolves’ leading scorer and attracting significant interest from top-flight rivals.

Standing at 6 foot 4, Strand Larsen offers the physical presence and Premier League experience that’s been missing from their recent striker signings.

Alan Shearer has called him a ‘nuisance’ of a striker, and Newcastle were believed to be chasing Strand Larsen before ultimately signing Nick Woltemade instead.

Related West Ham in pole position to re-sign former star after holding talks with him

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