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Sheffield United are one of a number of clubs interested in making a move for Oostende and Scotland defender Jack Hendry.

The Lowdown: United in need of signings

The Blades were likely expecting to be Championship promotion hopefuls this season, but they have made a poor start to the campaign, sitting 23rd in the table.

Slavisa Jokanovic may feel the need to do some late business in the transfer window, in order to add depth and quality to a currently ailing squad.

The Latest: Hendry linked with Blades move

According to The Daily Mail, United are in the mix to sign 26 year-old Hendry from Oostende in the next few days, with the Belgian side happy to sell him on for a quick profit after recently making his loan from Celtic permanent.

Premier League trio Burnley, Southampton and Newcastle United are also thought to be interested, however, as are fellow Championship side West Brom.

The Verdict: Tough to get him

Hendry is a formidable 6 foot 5 centre-back who has seven caps to his name for Scotland – he made an appearance at Euro 2020 – so he could be a great addition for the Blades.

Unfortunately, the competition comes for clubs in a better position at the moment, making it less likely that he would choose Jokanovic’s side over any of them.

The hope is that Hendry sees the appeal of moving to Bramall Lane given the club’s incredible rise and first campaign in the top flight under Chris Wilder, but it could be a hard sell currently.

In other news, a fellow Championship club have reportedly opened talks with one Sheffield United player. Read more here.

Fulham have been issued a warning regarding the future of Fabio Carvalho at Craven Cottage.

What’s been said?

According to former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Crossley, Marco Silva must do all he can to keep the Cottagers at the top of the Championship table, in order to convince the 19-year-old to extend his stay at the west London side.

Indeed, it has been reported that a host of clubs, including the likes of Leeds United, Norwich City, West Ham United and Porto, are keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder, whose current deal at Craven Cottage is set to expire at the end of the season.

Speaking to This Is Futbol about the England U18 international’s future, Crossley said: “I haven’t seen too much of him but [from] what I have seen, Fulham have to stay at the top of the league because Premier League clubs are going to be all over him.”

Unforgivable error

While it is ultimately Carvalho’s choice whether or not he puts pen to paper on a new deal at Craven Cottage, Crossley is correct in his claim that staying near the top of the table, and subsequently going on to secure promotion from the Championship, will undoubtedly increase the chances of the teenager staying on at the club beyond his current contract.

However, away from the pitch, the club must also ensure that they offer the 19-year-old the best possible terms in order to entice him to sign an extension, as it is clear that Carvalho boasts the potential for it to be well worth the club offering the teenager a significant weekly wage.

Indeed, over his five Championship appearances for Silva’s side so far this season, the £225k-rated man has scored three goals, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots and making a remarkable 2.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player the Fulham manager himself dubbed a “fantastic” talent average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.30, ranking him not only as the Cottagers’ fifth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 22nd-best player in the entirety of the division.

As such, letting the £650-per-week attacking midfielder leave the club next summer, especially on a free transfer, would most certainly be an unforgivable error on the part of Silva, who must simply pull out all the stops to convince the 19-year-old to remain in west London.

In other news: Forget Wilson: Silva’s “fantastic” £3.6m-rated ace stole the show for Fulham in August

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is heading towards the expiration of his contract at St. Mary’s and could leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The shot-stopper’s current deal expires in 2022 and should he not sign a new deal, he will leave the club after eight years on the south coast, having joined from Scottish giants Celtic in 2014.

He is currently playing second fiddle to Alex McCarthy at Southampton, a role he has filled for the last few years at the club. McCarthy has started 25 or more Premier League games in each of the last three seasons, showing that he has been the first-choice for the majority of the time in those campaigns.

This came after Forster had been a regular for the Saints for four seasons, including the 2016/17 campaign when he featured in all 38 Premier League games. In the summer of 2018, after he played 20 times in the league the previous season, Forster was valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt.

Forster’s value then proceeded to drop off a cliff, as did his Southampton form. In the 2018/19 season, the Englishman played just four games in all competitions, twice in the Premier League, as the Saints brought in Angus Gunn from Manchester City – he played 12 league matches and competed with McCarthy for the number one spot.

Celtic then re-signed Forster on a season-long loan for the 2019/20 season and he enjoyed a solid spell with his former club. He kept 14 clean sheets in 28 Scottish Premiership games and returned to Southampton ready to challenge for his place in the side again.

However, he went on to play just eight Premier League games last term as McCarthy, once again, prevented him from being the number one. Forster was unable to recapture his early Southampton form, despite a full season playing for Celtic, and that is what has led to him currently being a back-up.

Forster’s value now stands at £2.7m according to Transfermarkt. This means that his price has plummeted by 80% since he lost his place as the number one at St. Mary’s in 2018. He has fallen off a cliff in terms of his appearances on the pitch and there have been no signs that his situation will change any time soon.

McCarthy has only conceded one goal in his last three Premier League matches and remains Hasenhuttl’s go-to between the sticks. This means that Forster’s best route to getting regular game time could be to leave in January or depart on a free transfer at the end of the season.

AND in other news, Ralph howler: Rarely-seen Southampton outcast has seen value plummet 57% since 2019…

This has been a promising start to Celtic’s season, with the Hoops moving through European qualification and sitting level on points with their fiercest rivals in the league.

The Hoops may not stand a chance of reaching the Champions League group stage this term but there is still plenty to be positive about since Ange Postecoglou walked through the door.

From an offensive point of view, the Bhoys have warmed Parkhead with some phenomenal displays. A return of 13 goals in their last three games tells the story of a team who have excelled with new signings Kyogo Furuashi and Liel Abada in their ranks.

However, with Odsonne Edouard still seeking an exit, they will need a replacement to fill his goal-laden boots.

Celtic have considered OH Leuven forward Thomas Henry, who racked up 21 goals last season, ranking him as the second-highest scorer in the Belgian top-flight.

He has netted 45 times for the club in total following two remarkable campaigns in front of goal and, as a result, he is now on the verge of a whopping £7m move.

A fresh challenge beckons for the Frenchman, and if he arrives at Parkhead, he could be the club’s new Chris Sutton, just with a bit of extra pace thrown in.

Sutton was a wonderful servant to the Glasgow club, finding the net on 63 occasions in the Premiership.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-transfer-news-larsson-lovric-thomas-henry-diego-costa-postecoglou” title=”Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

Many of those goals came with his ruthless heading ability, swatting opponents to one side as he bullied defenders with titanic physicality.

Writing in the Independent, journalist Ryan Baldi once said: “With a strong leap, well-developed neck muscles and precise timing, Sutton’s aerial abilities made him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. And the remarkable range from which he could land powerful headers on target brought him solace in one of the most difficult periods of his career.”

That’s an area where Thomas is also adept. Although he possesses the ability to run in behind, it’s his immense physical power which makes him such a difficult player for opponents to handle.

The 26-year-old competes in 15.2 attacking duels per 90 minutes, winning 42% of them. That puts the French forward in the 96th percentile for that statistic among players in a similar league.

He also battles 7.3 aerial duels per 90, prevailing in 45%. Once again, that’s one of the best tallies out there, with Thomas ranking in the 95th percentile for duels off the ground.

Described as a player who can “cause havoc” by Lokeren manager Karel Fraeye, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Henry could be exactly like Sutton at Celtic.

AND in other news, Forget Turnbull: “Majestic” £16k-p/w “ballet dancer” was Celtic’s true hero yesterday…

Liverpool have reportedly begun laying the groundwork for a move for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski. 

According to Corriere Mezzogiorno journalist Ciro Troise (via AreaNapoli), the Reds have made contact with the player’s entourage.

But they face could face competition from their arch-rivals Manchester United, who have also been in touch with his representatives.

The Reds actually tried to sign Zielinski back in 2016 when he was at Udinese.

They submitted an £11.7million bid for the Pole ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s first full season at Anfield, but it was rejected.

Mighty creator Zielinski wows Fernandes

Zielinski featured for his country at this summer’s European Championships, creating 2.3 chances per 90 minutes across their Group E fixtures. That put him in the tournament’s top 10.

United star Bruno Fernandes admitted earlier this year that, ‘technically’, former team-mate Zielinski was ‘better trained’ than him.

He has three years left on his contract in Naples and is valued at £45million by Transfermarkt.

Fan feed LFC Transfer Room relayed the report, and here’s what supporters made of it.

Liverpool fans weigh in on fresh Zielinski links 

“I remember he was coming to us after Klopp’s first season then at the last he’s gone to Napoli. Hope he comes this time”

Credit: @Ahmad_A_Abusada

“It wouldn’t be a transfer window without this one”

Credit: @SoLockedIn

“6 years ago, would have been decent”

Credit: @NikaBochorishv3

“Is this an annual event?”

Credit: @Kopbappe

“GIVE HIM UP, IT’S NOT 2016”

Credit: @JakeFutbol_

“Back to 2016 it is”

Credit: @Stephen_LFC__

In other news, fans were buzzing as links to another midfielder emerged.

An update has emerged on Japhet Tanganga which could alter Celtic’s transfer plans…

What’s the talk?

According to Football London, Tottenham are keen to send the 22-year-old out on loan to a team in the UK amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. Spurs are willing to sanction a short-term deal as the defender needs regular game-time to aid his development.

Celtic were reportedly keen on a deal for the centre-back in the January transfer window before he ultimately ended up staying with the Premier League club.

Get it done

Celtic should be looking to reignite their interest in Tanganga this summer following this latest update on Spurs’ plans for him. If Tottenham are willing to sanction a loan to a club within the UK, the Hoops must pounce on this opportunity.

Their eagerness to sign him earlier this year shows that those high up at the club believe that he would improve Celtic’s squad. It seems unlikely that this belief would have changed in the subsequent months as the only changes at the back have been the sale of Kris Ajer and the arrival of Carl Starfelt this summer, which means that there could still be a centre-back slot next to the other first-choice option.

Last year, Darren Bent hailed the Spurs defender as an exciting prospect amid speculation that Tottenham wanted to pin him down to a six-year contract.

The club’s former striker told Football Insider: “When they get young players coming through or they sign a youngster from another club, it’s always the six-year contract, so it’s always the five plus one.

“I think the one might even be in their favour. I’d have signed the same deal when I went there, it was five years plus the one.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Tanganga was to sign that type of deal. For me it’s a great deal if they can tie him down, he’s a very, very exciting prospect and he’s not let them down.”

The £25k-per-week enforcer started six Premier League games for Tottenham last season and averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.70. This shows that he is capable of being relied upon as a defender in the English top flight, which suggests that he could thrive in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic.

This is why Ange Postecoglou must urge the Hoops to reignite their interest in the 22-year-old as he could be an excellent addition to the squad. He could potentially form a partnership with Starfelt and help the club compete with Rangers for the title this season.

AND in other news, Celtic dealt transfer setback over “solid” target, Postecoglou will be frustrated

A report has dropped the latest on Newcastle United’s alleged pursuit of Carles Perez in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Offer made

According to Italian football journalist Rudy Galetti, the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘officially stepped forward’ to sign Perez, and have made an offer to Roma of around €10m (£8.5m).

There are allegedly ‘ongoing evaluations’ between both sides as the North East club look to see if they can still strike a deal before the summer transfer window shuts.

The Latest: Update

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Perez ‘will stay’ at Roma, ‘barring offers that cannot be refused’.

The Tyneside club ‘wanted him on loan’, but general director Tiago Pinto, after talking to manager Jose Mourinho, has decided to reject that offer.

Perez himself ‘wasn’t enthusiastic’ about leaving the Serie A side, and it is now ‘unlikely’ that he will join Steve Bruce’s team before the window closes.

The Verdict: Shame

It is certainly a shame that the Magpies look set to miss out on signing Perez, who would have been a valuable squad member for them for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

Once praised by Lionel Messi while he was at FC Barcelona back in 2019, the £55,000-per-week ace still has a lot of potential left to reach at just 23 years of age.

The Toon currently only have three natural wingers in their squad at the moment (Transfermarkt), and one of them is Jacob Murphy, who may be seen more as a right wing-back. Thus, they really need to start thinking about signing another wide player as soon as possible, even if it isn’t Perez.

In other news, find out what ‘brilliant’ NUFC news one pundit has lauded here!

Sam Inkersole has alleviated Chelsea fans’ fears after confirming star midfielder Jorginho will not leave the club this summer.

Jorginho has enjoyed a sensational 2021, winning the Champions League with the Blues before going on to celebrate Euro 2020 glory in Italian colours.

His trophy double has led to suggestions the 29-year-old is in the running to win the coveted Ballon d’Or.

But it has also resulted in his agent Joao Santos suggesting Italian giants Juventus are interested in completing a surprise transfer.

Jorginho made 43 Chelsea appearances last season and was instrumental as Thomas Tuchel led the west Londoners to the second Champions League trophy in their history.

The midfielder, who joined from Napoli after Manchester City pulled out of the race for the £50million-rated man in 2018, still has two years remaining on his £110,000-per-week contract so Chelsea do not need to sell.

Despite his agent’s suggestions that a move back to Serie A could be on the cards, football.london reporter Inkersole insists Jorginho will be going nowhere.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Chelsea reporter Inkersole said: “His agent is one that does not stop talking. He’s one of the most vocal agents I’ve ever come across.

“Jorginho has had a fantastic 2021 and Chelsea would be absolutely mad to let him go. He’s in a real purple patch and he was incredibly impressive in the run to the Champions League final. He enhanced that even more in the Euros.

“Tuchel won’t want to sell him – that’s an absolute given – and I think Chelsea fans would not be very impressed if he was sold either. I’m pretty sure Chelsea are going to stick to their guns and not let him go.”

Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly interested in bringing Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Bostock to the club in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Moore keen on new signings

The Owls were relegated from the Championship last season, with a points deduction proving costly and final-day heartbreak coming their way.

It is now vital that Darren Moore’s side bounce back immediately, however, securing promotion from League One and not languishing in the division for too long.

New signings with experience in the third tier may be needed in order for that to happen and a fresh rumour has now emerged regarding Wednesday’s summer business.

The Latest: Sheff Wed eye up move for Bostock

According to the Sheffield Star, Moore is keen on bringing Bostock to Hillsborough, with the 29-year-old making 18 appearances for Doncaster in League One last season.

The midfielder was once seen as one of the most exciting teenagers in the country during his Tottenham days, but his career hasn’t panned out in the manner many expected.

The Verdict: Shrewd addition by Moore

Bostock worked under Moore at Doncaster last season, with the Owls boss signing him in January, so the fact that he knows the player well can only be a good thing.

The former Spurs man actually enjoyed a short spell on loan Wednesday back in 2011/12, but the hope is that he would come in permanently and make a bigger impression.

Given his early-career hype, when the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid wanted to sign him, it is clear that Bostock possesses quality and he could be a shrewd addition at the heart of the Owls’ midfield.

In other news, Sheff Wed have rejected a bid for one key player – find out who it is here.

West Ham United have reportedly made an offer to sign out-of-contract Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, according to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano (via Area Napoli).

THE LOWDOWN: DEFENDER SET FOR THE NAPOLI EXIT DOOR

Maksimovic’s contract with Napoli is set to expire this summer, and it appears as though he’s attracting interest ahead of the 2021/22 season.

He first signed for the club in 2016, and went on to make 99 appearances in total, although he found regular minutes in the 2020/21 campaign hard to come by on a consistent basis.

With Fabian Balbuena being released by West Ham at the end of his contract with the club, it seems as though David Moyes is keen to add to his defensive options at the earliest of opportunities.

THE LATEST: WEST HAM MAKE THEIR MOVE TO LAND MAKSIMOVIC’S SIGNATURE

According to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano (via Area Napoli), West Ham have reportedly made an offer to land Maksimovic’s signature this summer.

The defender is available on a free transfer, and with no new agreement with Napoli in place, it seems as though he’s likely to be heading for the exit door in the near future.

“He has had offers from Betis, Sevilla, West Ham and Crystal Palace but has not decided,” Giordano claims.

It remains to be seen as to whether the defender is keen on a move to Moyes’ side, although the prospect of playing European football could make it a tempting proposition for the £9million-rated man.

THE VERDICT: IT COULD BE A SMART BIT OF BUSINESS BY THE HAMMERS

This would be a real statement of intent by the Hammers heading into the new Premier League campaign, which is set to get underway in August.

They’re going to need additional strength in depth in their team this term, as they’re competing in Europe, as well as domestically in the Premier League.

Maksimovic has experience of playing in the Champions League whilst with Napoli, so he could be exactly what West Ham need moving forwards, adding depth and know-how at the highest level.

On a potential free transfer as well, this could turn out to be an excellent bit of business for the Hammers this summer.