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Well, as pre-season games go, you can't ask for much more than that.

Arsenal played host to German champions Bayer Leverkusen this evening, and while Xabi Alonso's side proved their metal in the Bundesliga last season, they completely fell apart at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta's side were 2-0 up within ten minutes, three up by halftime and ended the game as 4-1 winners with a host of academy graduates representing the club, including the tremendously exciting Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

However, another slightly older star stole the show for the Gunners, and based on his performance this evening and across the preseason as a whole, he could prove to be a surprise rival for Mikel Merino next season, who still appears to be on his way to the Emirates at some point this summer.

The latest on Mikel Merino to Arsenal

Now, of all the transfer sagas this summer, Merino's has potentially been one of the most bizarre, as, despite the move never really feeling in doubt, it's also felt like not very much has actually happened.

However, according to a report from Football Insider earlier today, progress is being made to bring the 28-year-old to North London, with the Gunners firm favourites to land his signature ahead of Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

A price is not mentioned in the Football Insider's report, but previous stories have claimed that around £25m should be enough to get the deal over the line.

The Sociedad ace might not have been the most recognisable of names to Premier League fans prior to his links with the Gunners, but he's become an instrumental player for the Basque outfit in recent years and, per Squawka, was the only player in Europe's top seven leagues last season to win over 300 duels, clocking up a staggering 326.

It's clear that Arteta sees the 6 foot 2 titan as the perfect candidate to play in the left eight role next season, breaking up play and contributing in attack at times.However, based on tonight's match, he might have a real battle on his hands from someone in the squad.

Why Havertz could be a rival for Merino

Yes, the player who could prove to be a rival for that left-eight role next season is Kai Havertz, who was magnificent this evening.

This would be a surprise development, as in the latter half of last season, Arteta began starting the German international as the team's go-to number nine, and for all the criticism he received at the start of the campaign, he took to the positional change like a duck to water.

By the end of the season, he had started 18 games as a striker, in which he had scored eight goals and provided seven assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.2 games as the nine.

This newfound effectiveness at the sharp end of the pitch led to many fans believing this would be his regular position in the team going forward.

However, several times this pre-season, including tonight, he has started in the left eight position, and to his credit, he's played well.

For example, the Standard's Simon Collings awarded the 25-year-old a 9/10 for his display, and considering he picked up two assists in the first half before scoring a goal himself in the second half, it would be hard to disagree.

Moreover, in his 71 minutes of action, he also took 26 touches, blocked a shot, produced a big chance, played two key passes and made a tackle.

Ultimately, whether Arteta continues to start the former Chelsea ace in midfield come the first game of the season remains to be seen, but he's shown over the summer, particularly tonight, that he can play well there, and, considering his 6 foot 4 stature, he does add more physicality to the middle of the park.

Therefore, when he eventually arrives at the Emirates this summer, Merino may well face more competition than he initially expected for a place in the middle of the park.

Arsenal can reach new level by signing "unstoppable" £84m Martinelli rival

The incredible attacker would be a game-changer for the Gunners.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 7, 2024

We are rapidly hurtling towards the return of the Premier League next month, and while there are still a fair few pre-season clashes to get through, clubs are starting to get a move on in the transfer window.

It's no different for Tottenham Hotspur, who signed Archie Gray for £30m at the start of this month, appear incredibly close to sealing the deal for South Korean wonderkid Min-hyuk Yang, and based on recent reports, are still fighting to land another incredible star.

This player in question would be an excellent addition to Ange Postecoglou's squad and could even get more out of some of his attacking talents, including Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have maintained their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and remain in contact with his agents.

In fact, Romano has revealed that the Lilywhites have been in contact with the player's representatives since February.

The Italian doesn't mention how much the Englishman may cost the North Londoners, but following a BBC Sport report from April this year, the fee has been widely reported as being about £60m.

It would represent a significant financial commitment from Daniel Levy and Co to bring Eze to N17, but given his quality and the potential for him to help get more out of Kulusevski, one well worth making.

Why Eze would be a great teammate for Kulusevski

Now, the first thing to say is that while Kulusevski certainly wasn't dreadful last season, his overall output was somewhat disappointing, considering how talented he is.

For example, in his 39 appearances for Postecoglou, he scored eight goals and provided three assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 3.54 games, which isn't enough for a winger of his ability and potential.

However, according to Understat, the Swede should have had 5.62 more assists in the league alone last season. While a part of that underperformance likely falls on him, a difference that large is likely due to his teammates' missing chances he creates that they really shouldn't be missing.

This lack of clinical finishers in the squad is hard to ignore when the only two players to reach double digits for goals across all competitions last season were Son Heung-min and Richarlison.

This is where Eze could come in and make a significant difference for Kulusevski and the club as a whole, as he proved last year that he's a fine finisher.

For example, in just 31 appearances in 2023/24, the "incredible" talent, as dubbed by teammate Joel Ward, scored 11 goals and provided six assists, equating to a goal involvement every 1.82 games, which would have made him the second most productive player in the Tottenham squad.

So, just imagine how many more assists the former Juventus ace would have to his name playing alongside a teammate as clinical as the Palace star.

Moreover, the fact that the Englishman can play on the left wing or in attacking and central midfield just means Postecoglou would have more opportunities to fit him into the starting lineup.

Ultimately, while the fee is undeniably hefty, Eze's immense talent more than makes up for it, and the idea of him playing in this exciting Spurs side with the likes of Son and Kulusevski is just the icing on the cake.

Deadline set: Spurs race to land "sensational" £40m ace who's like Havertz

The impressive talent could be a serious boon to Postecoglou’s squad.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 25, 2024

The attacker started in his favoured left-wing role but flopped in the kind of game he was supposed to help his new team win as Real were outplayed

Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and was otherwise hamstrung by the Liverpool defence as a listless, injury-hit Real Madrid fell to a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield.

The Frenchman was emblematic of the Spanish giant's struggles, lacking in quality as a more complete side controlled the game.

It all felt a bit like a typical Madrid Champions League showing in the first half. They defended willingly, and invited pressure – all while somehow failing to concede. Thibaut Courtois played hero early on, making three key saves in the first 45 minutes. Young centre-back Raul Asencio was also key, clearing the ball off the line under pressure from Luis Diaz.

The goalie could do little about the Liverpool opener, though – with Alexis Mac Allister firing into the bottom corner after a neat combination around the box early in the second period.

Los Blancos had a real chance to get back in it when Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the box, but Mbappe missed the resulting penalty, as he was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher. After, it was Mohamed Salah's turn to fall short, the Egyptian winning a spot-kick of his own before blasting it wide.

Liverpool added a deserved second after 77 minutes, when Cody Gakpo nodded home a corner. Madrid were otherwise quiet going forward, with their star man silenced in the kind of game he was signed to be able to win singlehandedly. Los Blancos could now fail to make it out of the league phase – something that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Anfield…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

  Just loves playing against Liverpool, doesn't he? Made countless stops, but had no chance against either goal.

  Federico Valverde (6/10):

  Certainly active at right back, but some of his one-on-one defending wasn't the best. Much more comfortable when moved to midfield.

  Raul Asencio (7/10):

  Made a vital clearance early on, and made a good account of himself throughout. A fine showing from the youngster.

  Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

  Immense in the air, as per usual, and did well in his individual duels. Can't be blamed for anything here.

  Ferland Mendy (4/10):

  Engaged in a gripping clash with Salah. Gave away a penalty, and was rather fortunate that Salah missed.

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  Midfield

  Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

  Scrappy, and made things difficult for Liverpool in midfield. Was Madrid's best player before being removed with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

  Jude Bellingham (5/10):

  Rather marked out of the game in the first half, and outdone by Mac Allister. Better in the second, but not up to his usual standards.

  Luka Modric (5/10):

  A big game passed him by, for once. Looked tired when subbed.

  Arda Guler (5/10):

  Tried to make things happen in the first half, and put a couple of efforts on goal. Disappeared thereafter before being hooked.

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  Attack

  Brahim Diaz (6/10):

  Full of energy and seemed to have some neat ideas on the ball. Looked much better when given room to roam after Guler was removed.

  Kylian Mbappe (3/10):

  Had real trouble against Conor Bradley, couldn't time a run, and then missed a penalty. This was supposed to be his chance to shine – instead, he was pretty miserable.

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• Subs & Manager

  Dani Ceballos (5/10):

  Never made his mark on the game, and couldn't seem to handle the intensity of things.

  Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

  Outdone by Gakpo in 30 poor minutes.

  Fran Garcia (6/10):

  Better than Mendy at left-back, and handled Salah pretty well.

  Endrick (4/10):

  Brought on a few minutes too late. Tried to make things happen, but didn't get on the ball.

  Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):

  Put out his strongest side despite facing an injury crisis. He can't be criticised for Mbappe missing a penalty, but something is wrong here. The Champions League magic is missing.

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes reportedly rescued a fainting passenger on a plane while travelling to Lisbon for national team duties.

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• Bruno Fernandes turned hero on flight
• Rescued a fainting man on board
• Was on his way to Lisbon with Dalot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , Manchester United captain was on board an EasyJet flight along with team-mate Diogo Dalot as the duo were flying to Lisbon on Monday to join up with the Portugal national team. On the flight, Fernandes suddenly noticed that a man was fainting at the back of the plane and he came to his rescue as he screamed: "Excuse me! We need help! Excuse me! We need help!"

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  While recalling the Portuguese's heroic act, co-passenger Susanna Lawson told "Bruno went to the loo at the back of the plane during the flight. (We) suddenly heard a shout for assistance which those within hearing distance looked back, including us as we were toward the back.

  "Members of the crew rushed to the back to help. There was a spare seat at the back which Bruno helped the gentleman to sit down on. He stayed at the back with them and made sure he was OK. It might have been about 5-10 minutes and then he made his way back to his seat but again very unassuming. He wasn’t looking for any attention on himself."

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  It has been a hectic few days for the 30-year-old, who has played four matches across all competitions for the Red Devils in less than two weeks. United have experienced a revival since Erik ten Hag's departure as Ruud van Nistelrooy guided the team to three wins and a draw during his brief spell as interim coach.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BRUNO FERNANDES?

  Fernandes will be in action for Portugal in the Nations League against Poland on Friday before facing Croatia on November 18 in their final group-stage match.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a solid start to their transfer business so far this summer, signing Tommy Doyle, Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes as Gary O’Neil looks to flood his side with young talent.

The Old Gold will also have to sell a player or two in order to balance the books, but it remains to be seen who will follow Max Kilman out the exit door.

The defender joined West Ham United for a £40m transfer fee recently, yet the manager is eyeing up a replacement for the player…

Wolves eye move for Kilman replacement

According to Caught Offside, Wolves have what is described as 'strong interest' in Strahinja Pavlovic as they seek to land a replacement for the departed Kilman.

The Old Gold face some stiff competition, however, as Chelsea and Aston Villa eye a move for the Serbian centre-back, while Newcastle United and AC Milan are keen admirers too.

The asking price for the current RB Salzburg defender stands at €30m (£25m), which may prove to be a stumbling block for the Molineux outfit, despite raking in £40m from the sale of Kilman.

Pavlovic featured for Serbia at Euro 2024 and there is no doubt the defender would be an excellent signing this summer.

How Pavlovic compares to Max Kilman

The 23-year-old shone at Euro 2024, although Serbia were knocked out in the group stage. Across three matches, he won 8.7 total duels per game – a success rate of 70% – made 3.7 tackles per game and recovered four balls per game.

It was hardly surprising given how impressive he was at club level last term. Defensively, he won a staggering 8.8 total duels per game while making 2.5 tackles and recovering 7.3 balls per game.

The centre-back also demonstrated his forward-thinking abilities, as when compared to his positional peers, Pavlovic ranked in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.73), along with ranking in the top 9% for progressive carries per 90 (1.28) in leagues similar to the Austrian Bundesliga.

In comparison, Kilman failed to rank in the to 30% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 when compared to his own positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, showing that Pavlovic is a clear upgrade in terms of bursting forward from defence.

With regard to defensive stats, Kilman averaged 4.2 total duels won per game, made 1.2 tackles and recovered 4.7 balls per game in the Premier League last season.

Comparing both defenders, there is only one winner. Pavlovic would be an ideal signing to fill the void left behind by the Englishman, and it is something O’Neil really has to consider.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as an “old school CB” during the 2022 World Cup as Serbia came up against Cameroon, Brazil and Switzerland.

£25m may prove to be a lot on the surface, but if Wolves are aiming for a top-half finish in the league next season, a player of Pavlovic’s ability is a must.

Another Nunes situation: Wolves at risk of losing £50m "warrior"

Gary O’Neil will be looking to prevent one of his star players from leaving this summer…

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By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 13, 2024

Jose Mourinho has launched a furious rant against VAR, with the outspoken Portuguese claiming that Fenerbahce’s latest ref was “just a little boy”.

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• Fener secured dramatic win in five-goal thriller
• Portuguese not impressed with match officials
• Claims he would have shunned job in Turkey

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss Mourinho believes that his side were on the wrong end of some questionable decisions made by those watching on from afar when battling their way to a 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor that saw the home side awarded two penalties before Sofyan Amrabat grabbed a dramatic winner in the 12th minute of stoppage-time.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Mourinho had cause for celebration at the final whistle, he was less than impressed with the performance of the match officials. He has suggested that those on the field were not in control of proceedings, as they acted as puppets for colleagues in the video booth, and has hinted at corruption in the Turkish game that he was not made fully aware of before agreeing to head for Istanbul.

• WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  During an epic eight-minute rant that followed Fener’s stunning victory over Trabzonspor, Mourinho said: “Today, the man of the match was [VAR referee] Atilla Karaoglan. We didn’t see him, but he was the referee of the match. The referee was just a little boy who was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan. He went from the invisible man to the most important man of the match. I speak on behalf of all Fenerbahce fans: we don’t want him again. We don’t want him because it smells bad. We don’t want him. We don’t want him on the pitch, but on the VAR even less.

  “I know what I was told, even before I came. I didn’t believe. It’s even worse than I was told. But I prefer to be on this side. It’s more difficult. It’s more difficult because we play against good opponents like Trabzonspor is: good opponent with lots of good players and a historical coach. But we play against a system. And to play against a system is the most difficult thing. Tonight we play against a good team, against a strong atmosphere, against VAR, and against a system. So very hard. That’s why we celebrated this victory so much. It’s unbelievable to win this match against so many powerful people. We are not going to give up. We know what we have. I blame the Fenerbahce people that brought me here! They told me only half of the truth. They didn’t tell me the whole truth, because if they told me the whole truth I wouldn’t come! But with half of the truth, with my boys we fight the opponent, we fight the system.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mourinho went on to say: “He (Karaoglan) was alert to give the two penalties that the referee didn’t give, and then he was having Turkish tea when it was a clear penalty for us and he didn’t give it. So either he was sleeping, or he was drinking his tea and he didn’t see it. So let’s have a laugh, because if we take it too seriously….

  “In the end, I’m working in Turkey. It’s not my country. I care because it’s my job and I care because it’s my club. But I think you Turkish, you should care about it! You Turkish, you should speak, not me. You should denounce. You should say what is going on, year after year. You should do it, not me. Because I will be the one under attack, the one the system will criticise. The system will try to punish me, the system will try to close my mouth.”

How does one set about explaining the languid displays of England's national football team in Germany this summer?

Well, you won't find us throwing out too many superlatives. Indeed, criticism has been rife from all quarters over the first fortnight on the competition, despite topping Group C and making it through to the last 16 of Euro 2024.

Vitally, though, Gareth Southgate's men have found themselves on the right side of the draw, avoiding potentially tricky ties with Spain, Germany, France and Portugal until the final, if they even get there.

Speaking in the aftermath of that drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia, the England boss admitted that it was a strange environment. That's hardly a surprise. After all, while supporters have serenaded the former defender in recent tournaments, this time he was having beer cups thrown at him from the stands.

We don't condone that for one minute but it sums up the feeling around the country now.

Yes, there was a bit more purpose and a bit energy to their performance against Slovenia but come on, they should be beating these sides with ease.

They've got Harry Kane, they've got Phil Foden and they've got Jude Bellingham. Sadly, that have combined for just two goals in total.

So, how can this be fixed? It's going to take a bit more than just a few personnel changes, surely? Nonetheless, let's take a look at the alterations the manager could make for the clash with Slovakia on Sunday afternoon.

1

Kobbie Mainoo

Declan Rice is set to be handed his third midfield partner in just four games this weekend. The experiment of Trent Alexander-Arnold in central areas lasted just a game and a half before Conor Gallagher was handed the spot.

Sadly for the Chelsea star, he was hauled off at half-time in the final group game, replaced by Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo. The teenager, who didn't make his Three Lions debut until a few months ago immediately looked at ease in the role.

He appeared higher up the pitch, was keen to create and gave his country a lot more energy. During his second half cameo, Mainoo completed 97% of his passes and won two of his five ground duels. Impressive work given the state of England's system and fluidity right now.

2

Cole Palmer

Cast your minds back to the summer of 2021 and there was a clamour when the going got tough for the effervescent Jack Grealish to come on and change the game. He wasn't a starter but had the power to influence things as a substitute. That's what feels like could happen with Cole Palmer in the back end of this tournament.

Remarkably, the Premier League's Young Player of the Season had to wait until the final quarter of the game last Tuesday for his first minutes but boy did he impress. In fact, he probably could and should have won the game for England, missing a one on one from inside the penalty area late in the game.

It was probably the best position any forward player had got into in the game but his cameo was more than just golden moment. He looked tricky and unpredictable on the right hand side, replacing Bukayo Saka, but whether he starts in that role on Sunday remains to be seen.

You could make a harsh case for taking Saka out of the team or you could play him on the left, with Palmer coming in on the right. Either way, the latter simply has to earn more minutes if Southgate wants his team to go far.

3

Anthony Gordon

It's safe to say that Anthony Gordon's pre-match preparations for this game have hardly been ideal. Attempting to film himself on a bike earlier in the week, the winger came head first over the bike and landed on his chin. Battered and bruised, the Newcastle star has laughed things off and should get more minutes now in Germany. He'll be hoping once he does that he can kick a ball better than he can ride.

It was totally baffling that he was only afforded the last few minutes in Cologne on Tuesday but he showed more energy and penetration in that fleeting cameo than most England players have in the whole competition.

His first action was to run the ball out of play but it was the explosive nature that he immediately looked to get at the full-back which got many in the crowd off their seat.

Gordon was then vital to that late chance Palmer had. Driving inside he played a lovely ball through the centre of the pitch, taking several Slovenian players out of the game.

It's easy to see why there is such an appeal for the Toon winger to start. Unlike Foden, he wants to stay out wide and get at his man. Vitally, he's also a runner, someone who will get in behind. Captain Kane would certainly benefit from that.

So, it's over to you Southgate. Make changes or England will continue to struggle.

How England can solve their Harry Kane conundrum

Harry Kane has underperformed at Euro 2024 so far.

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By
Matt Dawson

Jun 21, 2024

Mario Balotelli is reportedly nearing a return to Serie A as a free agent after vowing to "smash" the Italian league.

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• Balotelli in talks with Genoa
• Has agreed to wages with the Italian side
• Could sign a deal until next summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 34-year-old forward has been a free agent since leaving Turkish side Adana Demirspor earlier this year. According to Nicolo Schira, Genoa are highly interested in bringing Balotelli on board, with club officials reportedly impressed by his recent fitness and determination. While the striker is optimistic, he is currently waiting for what Schira describes as the "final green light" from Genoa before he can sign a contract with the club.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  have further reported that Balotelli has already agreed to the finer details of his contract and could earn between €250,000 and €300,000. He will sign a deal until the end of the season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Earlier this month, Balotelli joined a Twitch stream hosted by former players Emiliano Viviano and Radja Nainggolan, alongside streamer Enerix. During the conversation, Enerix stirred controversy by stating that he would choose Venezia striker Joel Pohjanpalo over Balotelli. The comment hit a nerve, leading to an outspoken reaction from Balotelli, who took issue with the suggestion that his recent performances outside of Serie A were insignificant.

  “Just because I wasn’t in Serie A, what I did doesn’t count?” Balotelli fired back. He went on to make a bold promise, stating: “It’s a promise, I’ll smash Serie A when I sign [for a club], I smash this f***ing Serie A.”

  His fiery words convey a strong desire to prove himself and re-establish his name in Italian football, as he prepares to potentially don the colours of Genoa.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BALOTELLI?

  Balotelli’s career has seen him play for some of the most iconic clubs in Europe, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Inter and AC Milan. Known for his moments of brilliance and a penchant for controversy, he also earned 14 goals over 36 appearances for the Italian national team. One of his most memorable highlights came during Euro 2012 when he played a pivotal role in leading Italy to the tournament's final by scoring a brace against Germany in the semi-final. Now, should the deal with Genoa be finalised, fans and critics alike will be eager to see if Balotelli can live up to his pledge to “smash” the league.

Celtic have been gifted the chance to sign one of their transfer targets this summer, according to the latest reports coming out of Scotland.

Bhoys eyeing reinforcements

Brendan Rodgers and co. are keen to strengthen their ranks despite sweeping up the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season. First and foremost, the Scottish giants want to bring back loanee pair Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, with the latter in particular having impressed during the second half of the season.

However, neither deal seems advanced, despite Rodgers having made his intentions clear.

“Hopefully we can do something. He has a long-term contract at Norwich but he is definitely one I would love to bring back here. At 23 with the potential and quality he has I think he can really push on in his career”, the Celtic boss explained.

Elsewhere, they have been eyeing up a defender and a replacement for Celtic no.1 Joe Hart, who has announced his retirement. In their chase for the former, they may have been handed an advantage.

Celtic handed defensive boost

Now, there has been a positive development on the potential arrival of Flavius Daniliuc at Celtic Park. The defender, who has spent the second half of the season on loan with RB Salzburg, developed his skills at Real Madrid's academy initially as an attacking midfielder. He was singled out for his playmaking qualities before moving to the Bayern Munich youth set up on a free transfer, where he shifted back into defence.

After a spell in Ligue 1, he is now contracted to Salernitana, but is not expected to return to the Italian side following their relegation from Serie A, despite still having two years left to run on his £10,000 a week deal with the club.

And Celtic had been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old as a potential fresh face for Brendan Rodgers' side this summer. Now, as per Football Scotland, while no official offer has yet been made by Celtic, they have been handed a boost in any potential negotiations as rival suitors Salzburg have opted not to take up the option to buy the centre-back, which was included in his loan deal.

His time at Bayern's youth academy drew rave reviews, with Bayern Munich's academy boss Jochen Sauer revealing to the Athletic that Daniliuc remains one who will continue to develop, highlighting his natural technical ability.

Celtic looking to hit jackpot with 2,146% profit on "immense" Hoops star

The Hoops have placed a new price tag on the central midfielder’s head this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 17, 2024

“He can play a very good role in central defence. He can organise and will grow in experience. He is technically very strong, relatively two-footed and doesn’t get nervous on the ball,” Sauer explained.

Should RB Salzburg's decision not to sign him permanently be confirmed, it would open up the chance for Celtic to land the defender, who could form an excellent partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of Brendan Rodgers' defence for next season.

Pep Guardiola will be prioritising the well-being of Manchester City players during their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.

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• City staring at critical injury crisis
• Six first-team players missing
• Guardiola hoping for no more injuries

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Heading into the clash with Tottenham, Guardiola faces the challenge of fielding a squad that has been stretched to its limits. They are plagued by an almighty number of injuries and Guardiola has made it clear that his main objective is to get through the match without sending any further players to the treatment table.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Six of Guardiola's key players are currently sidelined, significantly impacting his options. Among the absentees is newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who will miss the rest of the season. Additionally, long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne, who has been out since picking up an injury against Inter in September, remains unavailable for selection. Other crucial players missing from action include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and young Oscar Bobb.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola did not shy away from admitting the tough circumstances surrounding his squad. "We have a few players," he remarked, "We are going to try and do a good game to try to go through. Always it happens. Last season we were out against Newcastle but played really well. Perform well, this is what I want, no injuries please and go to the last week before the international break in November."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  City’s history in the competition under Guardiola is notable; his first trophy with the club was a Carabao Cup in 2018, followed by three more consecutive wins. However, since their last Carabao Cup triumph in 2021, the trophy has eluded them.