Celtic have not been shy when it comes to signing players from the top four divisions in England, either on permanent deals or on loans.

One fairly recent addition that was brought in from one of England’s top clubs is Joe Hart, who joined the Hoops from Tottenham Hotspur back in the previous summer transfer window on a three-year deal.

Since then, the Englishman has seen himself become Celtic’s number one goalkeeper, making 56 appearances for the club across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 35-year-old has kept 27 clean sheets in the process.

Now that another summer transfer window is not far from closing, the Hoops could have the chance to replicate a similar sort of masterclass that they pulled off when they signed Hart.

Earlier this week, journalist Simon Phillips named Celtic as one of the clubs interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

Having made 319 senior appearances throughout his career, the 28-year-old has found the net 46 times and delivered 41 assists along the way, highlighting the attacking talent he has in front of goal.

Hailed as a “tremendous” player by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, who signed the Englishman on a loan deal back in 2020, the €4m-rated (£3.3m) midfielder could be a useful addition to Ange Postecoglou’s squad, especially after the club saw the likes of Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton and Ismaila Soro leave Parkhead this summer.

Bearing in mind how Hart had only made ten appearances for his previous club before making the move to Glasgow, this mirrors the situation that Barkley is currently in at Chelsea.

Having only started four of the 14 appearances he made for the west London club across all competitions last season, he is an outcast and no longer rated by his employers.

The former Everton star was not in the squad that saw Chelsea take on the Toffees for their recent match at Goodison Park which further highlights how out of favour he is and why a move to Celtic could be a great next step for all parties.

With Celtic proving with Hart how beneficial it can be to sign Premier League players that aren’t particularly high up the pecking order at their clubs, securing a deal for Barkley could be just as smart for them.

The Times journalist Paul Joyce has revealed that Everton are now ‘stepping up attempts’ to try and re-sign Idrissa Gueye.

The Lowdown: Approach made

It was reported earlier this week that the Goodison Park outfit made an approach to try and sign the Senegalese midfielder, with talks with Paris Saint-Germain set to be held over the next few days.

The reigning Ligue 1 champions would like to offload the 32-year-old, which suggests that a deal with the Merseyside club could be struck.

The Latest: Stepping up attempts

Taking to Twitter, Joyce has revealed that Frank Lampard’s team are now ‘stepping up attempts’ to sign Gueye, and talks with PSG are ‘ongoing’.

The reporter tweeted: “Everton stepping up attempts to re-sign Idrissa Gueye. Talks with PSG ongoing.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Gueye was a fan favourite during his time at Everton, so much so that some supporters have even called for his return in the past.

He managed 108 appearances over three consecutive seasons at Goodison Park between 2016 and 2019, scoring four goals and providing a further five assists (Transfermarkt).

Once dubbed a ‘monster’ by Tim Sherwood when he was managing the player at Aston Villa, Gueye boasts the experience of playing in the Premier League with two different clubs, while he has also played for one of the top teams in European football in PSG.

Signing him would help to get the Toffees’ fanbase on board for the new campaign, when they will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Callum Hudson-Odoi to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that, with the 21-year-old concerned that first-team opportunities may be limited at Chelsea under the management of Thomas Tuchel this season, the forward is now ready to push for a move away from Stamford Bridge over what remains of the summer transfer window.

And it would appear as if the England international will not be short of suitors, with West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Leicester City, Southampton, Everton and Borussia Dortmund all said to have registered an interest in signing the Chelsea academy graduate prior to September’s transfer deadline.

“Special” signing

While it is true that, despite still being just 21 years of age, Hudson-Odoi has already suffered a number of injury setbacks in his career, it is undeniable that, when fully fit and firing, the winger is an extremely talented player.

Indeed, the £22.5m-rated youngster already boasts a wealth of Premier League experience, having featured no less than 72 times in the top flight of English football, scoring four goals and registering 12 assists along the way.

The three-cap international’s best league campaign undoubtedly came back in 2020/21, when the £120k-per-week talent scored two goals, provided three assists and created four big chances over his 23 Premier League fixtures, as well as taking an average of one shot, making 1.4 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who Willian dubbed a “special talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the Blues’ 14th-best performer in the league that season.

Furthermore, former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also clearly believes that the 21-year-old has an incredibly bright future in the game, stating of the forward back in 2019: “Callum can show, right here at Chelsea, the club he came through the Academy at, that he is going to be a world-class player because I truly believe that.”

As such, should Moyes believe that he can be the manager to help Hudson-Odoi go on to fulfil his world-class potential, it is clear to see that West Ham’s capture of the English starlet would be a very special one indeed – as the London-born forward undoubtedly possesses the ability to become a key player in the Hammers attack for many a year to come.

Liverpool return to Premier League action at Craven Cottage in the lunchtime kick-off this afternoon against Fulham, and it hasn’t been plain sailing for Jurgen Klopp so far this summer, with a number of injury issues already hindering the team.

In his pre-match press conference, the Reds manager shared some insight into the ongoing injury problems at the club ahead of their first league game of the season, with Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Caoimhin Kelleher, Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Calvin Ramsey and Ibrahima Konate all ruled out of the squad for today.

One player who has been knocked back with injury issues in the past but is currently fit and ready to go ahead of the new season is Joe Gomez, who has also signed a new contract with the club this summer.

With Konate injured, it could be a great opportunity to give the 25-year-old the opportunity to take his place in the team again and re-establish his centre-back partnership with Virgil Van Dijk which contributed to Liverpool’s first Premier League title win in 2019/20.

Gomez and the Dutchman were the Reds’ most-used central defensive pairing as Klopp’s team romped to the title, winning a combined 7.5 headers per game as they presented a formidable two-pronged obstacle to opposition attackers.

The defensive duo could now be given the opportunity to spark that winning formula once more, especially now that Gomez is clearly in Klopp’s plans after having his future secured until 2027.

The 25-year-old, who was dubbed “sensational” by his manager, suffered a long-term patella injury which left him sidelined for 231 days and 39 fixtures over the 2020/21 campaign, but last season he was eased back into the team, tallying 21 appearances.

Over seven Champions League appearances in 2021/22, Gomez was successful in 100% of his dribble attempts, along with winning 74% of his duels and delivering a 92% pass completion rate, but the Englishman only played an average of 37 minutes per game.

With that being said, Klopp must find opportunities to give the 25-year-old more game-time, with the new season the perfect time to offer that to the £75k-per-week defender following Konate’s injury blow.

The game against Fulham today presents a great opportunity to give Gomez a chance to prove that he is still worthy of his place in the team.

Nottingham Forest have made 15 signings so far this summer and they are showing no signs of slowing down, with a number of players still linked with a move to the club before the transfer window closes in two weeks’ time.

Jesse Lingard, Remo Freuler, Emmanuel Dennis and Neco Williams are just a few of the players who have committed to Steve Cooper’s Premier League challenge with the Reds; and if reports are to be believed, there will be even more joining over the coming days and weeks.

One player who could make a late summer arrival to the City Ground is Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is currently in the second year of his loan deal with AC Milan in Serie A.

It was reported by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) that Forest are in talks to sign the player, who turned 28 years old today, as he is no longer included in Stefano Pioli’s plans at the San Siro and his loan club are keen to offload him this summer.

Bakayoko has had a number of loan spells over his Chelsea career, playing for both Napoli and Monaco as well as AC Milan, but Cooper could finally give him a permanent home where he can thrive and enjoy plenty of first-team football.

Despite not earning a large amount of game-time last season, the box-to-box midfielder – who has been dubbed “world-class” by ESPN analyst Matteo Bonetti – still showed that he has what it takes to play much more regularly in the right setting.

Bakayoko ranked in the top 5% of positional peers in the top five European leagues for aerial duels and tackles in 2021/22, also ranking inside the top 10% for successful pressures and the top 20% for pass completion. This suggest that he is a player who doesn’t mind getting stuck in and is fearless in going into challenges.

Cooper could even land his very own Casemiro-esque dynamo if the powerbrokers at the City Ground can secure a move for the £93k-per-week midfielder, as the Real Madrid star was the third-most comparable player to Bakayoko over the last 12 months according to FBRef.

The two midfielders had some very similar attributes in their respective roles last term, including pass completion rate (88.5% v 86.4%) and dribble success (50% v 54.2%), and both were effective in receiving the ball in-play (95% v 95.3%).

In terms of strengths, the two midfielders both share dominance in successfully completing long balls, and like Bakayoko, the Brazilian midfielder also ranks in the top 5% for aerial duels.

The signing of the forgotten Chelsea man would be a massive coup for Forest, and the prospect of returning to the Premier League could be very tempting for the player after he failed to truly establish himself at Stamford Bridge.

Pete O’Rourke has issued a transfer update on a potential Southampton target…

What’s the word?

Speaking to This is Futbol, he referenced Callum Hudson-Odoi as someone who could come into the St Mary’s Stadium and have an instant impact.

He claimed: “There’s been a bit of a change at Southampton this year, going down the younger route of signing younger players, in which Hudson-Odoi also fits that bill as well.

“But yeah, on his day Hudson-Odoi is a top attacking player in the Premier League, so if Southampton were to get him, I’m sure they’ll have to beat off a host of clubs to get him, and again it would be a real signing of intent from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team.”

Fabrizio Romano had previously suggested that Southampton were seeking to sign the youngster on loan.

Imagine him and Aribo

Southampton boast a fine record of developing young talent into world-class stars, and some of their former players have risen to the very top of the game including the likes of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. Therefore, the potential to craft Hudson-Odoi into something similar would, as O’Rourke alludes to, be a real statement of intent.

Bringing in the tricky 21-year-old from Chelsea could benefit both club and player too, as Hudson-Odoi could finally be given some much-needed game time as Hasenhuttl will benefit from gaining a wonderful talent.

He could link up well with another summer signing Joe Aribo, bought for £10m, who has started his career at the club well with his first goal off the bench against Leeds United.

Last season for Rangers the Nigerian scored eight and assisted a further six from midfield, and his keen eye for a pass could see Hudson-Odoi profit.

The £120k-per-week English winger ranked in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90, and he could drive his side further up the pitch and create chances for any attackers or even for late arrivals into the box like Aribo.

Both of these players could quickly form a symbiotic relationship and adding on his shot-creating actions, of which he also ranks in the top 8%, this theory is further supported.

The winger was once dubbed “something special” by Liam Canning and perhaps he could finally realise his potential with a move to the south coast and in turn boost Hasenhuttl’s squad tenfold.

The partnership he could form with Aribo could be integral in keeping the Saints well clear of a relegation battle and as a result, would surely send out a strong signal of intent to the rest of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are not currently a frontrunner in the race to sign James Garner from Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Monday that Tottenham have watched Garner with a view to a potential move.

Manchester United are apparently open to letting him leave the club if they receive an offer in the region of £14million.

Garner, who has spent the last 18 months on loan at Nottingham Forest, has been an unused substitute in United’s first two Premier League games.

The latest

Romano confirmed that ‘Garner has good chances to leave Manchester United in the next days’.

‘His agents’ are ‘working on it’, with ‘talks ongoing’.

‘There are 3/4 Premier League clubs interested’ in the midfielder, but ‘as things stand’, a move to Tottenham looks ‘unlikely’.

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The verdict

Perhaps United are a little reluctant to sell Garner to a direct rival in Spurs, fearing that he could blossom in North London and make them pay.

Garner demonstrated the full range of his skill-set in the Championship last season, recording 82 tackles, 63 interceptions and an impressive 88 chances created. He also scored four times and set up eight more (via WhoScored).

There’s also the possibility that his agents are wary of placing him in such a competitive environment.

He would, of course, be battling with Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Harry Winks for minutes.

Romano doesn’t completely rule it out, though, so this is still one to keep an eye on this week.

Manchester United are ‘really interested’ in signing RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko, with Fabrizio Romano labelling it as a ‘big opportunity’, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: United talks

Erik ten Hag is going into the new season short of options in attack with Cristiano Ronaldo wanting out and Anthony Martial an injury doubt for Sunday’s opener with Brighton.

Therefore, a new forward could be of use at Old Trafford before the summer deadline, with Sesko, lauded as a ‘generational talent’ by journalist Ryan Taylor, a player of interest.

Romano revealed this week that the Red Devils have held more than one direct meeting with the 19-year-old’s agent, and he has made a new claim on a potential move to Manchester.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GMS, Romano said that Sesko has been on the Old Trafford wish-list ‘even before’ Ten Hag took over and described this summer as a ‘big opportunity’ to land the striker.

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“Man United are really interested. They had this player on the list even before the arrival of Erik ten Hag.

“He’s always been a player highly rated by the scouting team. And so, now it’s a big opportunity, I think, for Man United; they need a striker.”

The Verdict: Get it done

United could do with a new striker and also need to think long-term about Ronaldo’s eventual replacement, so a move for Sesko now could prove priceless.

He’s netted 36 senior goals for club and country and has already been compared to Erling Haaland by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for his combination of size and speed.

Marquee strikers are hard to sign at the best of times, so this, as Romano mentions, is a ‘big’ chance to bring Sesko to Old Trafford and if they don’t, United officials could live to regret it in years to come.

Celtic have been known to dip into the English transfer market and sign players from clubs south of the border in previous years.

One recent deal which saw the Hoops bring a player to Parkhead from an English club is their move for Matt O’Riley last January.

Signed from MK Dons on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a fee believed to be £1.5m, the midfielder has now made 23 appearances for the Bhoys and has chipped in with four goals and three assists.

So far this season, only three other outfielders at Celtic have played more minutes than the 21-year-old, which shows just how highly he is rated by Ange Postecoglou.

With the end of the summer transfer window in sight, the next few days could give the Premiership champions the opportunity to further strengthen their squad following the summer arrivals of Aaron Mooy, Moritz Jenz, Alexandro Bernabei and Benjamin Siegrist.

One player who has been mentioned with a move to Celtic Park who would not only see the Bhoys  potentially continue their track record of signing players from English clubs, but also give Postecoglou the chance to form a scary duo alongside O’Riley, is Ross Barkley.

Having scored 29 goals and provided 31 assists in 232 Premier League appearances, this shows the attacking talent that he has in being able to not only score goals but set them up for his team-mates as well, which is something that O’Riley has also shown during his time in Glasgow.

However, the 28-year-old has significantly more experience at playing at the top level than the young Celtic midfielder, which is why the Chelsea figure could be a useful addition for the Hoops in being able to help O’Riley to learn and develop his game.

To further highlight how much of a nuisance he can be for opposition goalkeepers, the Englishman ended the 2021/22 Premier League campaign with the highest rate for shots (4.53) and shots on target per game (2.01) at the west London club.

Hailed as a “complete” player by former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, Barkley could therefore be the other half of what would surely be a frightening duo next to the former MK Dons youngster with regards to providing an extra goal threat for Celtic.

Also, having experienced what it’s like to play in Europe, this will also make him a potentially crucial player for the Bhoys as they look to make an impact in the Champions League this season.

A report by The Daily Express has shared a ‘cautiously’ optimistic Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep busy…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte has started the season off in fine fashion with a 4-1 home win against Southampton last weekend with sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly attempting to strengthen the Italian’s options further.

Six major signings have been made in north London with Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence putting pen to paper this summer.

The likes of Zaniolo have been heavily linked after these arrivals with the north Londoners now allegedly hunting a creative playmaker to boost Conte’s options.

The Latest: Spurs chiefs ‘hopeful’

The Daily Express and reporter Ryan Taylor have now shared an optimistic update on Spurs’ chances of signing the Italy international.

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It is believed that there is ‘cautious optimism’ within Tottenham that a deal could ‘potentially be struck’ in the final weeks of the window as Lilywhites chiefs are ‘hopeful’ they can sign him.

This comes amid strong reports that Paratici has reached a full agreement to sign Udinese starlet Destiny Udogie.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Zaniolo finished the 2021/2022 season very strongly as one of Roma’s brightest attacking players.

As per WhoScored, none of Jose Mourinho’s men averaged more successful take-ons per 90 or attracted more fouls than the 23-year-old – perhaps highlighting why Spurs are allegedly keen on adding his direct threat to the squad.

Called a potentially ‘exciting’ signing for Conte by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, capping off this summer window with a move for Zaniolo would be quite the statement of intent.