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The rumours linking Celtic with a move for Shabab Al Ahli forward Mehdi Ghayedi are not true, according to GolBezan’s Arya Allahverdi.  

The Lowdown: Ghayedi links

The Hoops have already added to their attacking ranks this month by bringing in Daizen Maeda. They are also working on making Jota’s loan spell permanent, with sources suggesting Celtic now want a third attacking addition.

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Reports earlier in the week claimed that Celtic have had a bid rejected for Ghayedi but plan to return with an improved offer, while they are also linked with Martin Boyle in the search for a third forward signing.

Ghayedi, who can operate anywhere across the front three, is 23 years of age and has scored four goals in 2021/22.

The Latest: Allahverdi’s update

Allahverdi took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update on the Iran international.

Following reports of Celtic having an offer turned down, Allahverdi claimed that the rumours are not true.

“Mehdi Ghayedi to Celtic rumours are not true. Confirmed this with his intermediaries.”

The Verdict: Swoop for Boyle?

Ange Postecoglou revealed last month that he is happy to scout the Iranian market when it comes to transfer targets, but it seems as if the links to Ghayedi may simply be the media putting two and two together from the manager’s revelation.

Celtic look keen to sign another wide forward, though, with another player linked being Hibernian’s Boyle. Hibs are braced for offers from the Hoops for the Aussie, so perhaps he could be a smarter target.

Boyle, like Ghayedi, can also play anywhere across the front three and has contributed to 60 Scottish Premiership goals at Easter Road – the Hoops would surely have a proven quantity in the division.

Celtic are yet to make a Scottish Premiership addition under Postecoglou, so now may be the right opportunity with Boyle to strike a nice balance within their summer and winter arrivals.

In other news: Celtic now close to another signing; may be finalised in the coming days. 

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side return to Premier League action this afternoon as Norwich City visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 52-year-old’s reign at Spurs has got off to an impressive start – embarrassing UEFA Europa Conference League defeat aside – with the club picking up seven points from the Italian’s first three league games in charge.

However, while Newcastle United’s win over Burnley on Saturday means that the Canaries come into the fixture as the 20th placed side in the top flight, Dean Smith’s men are currently on a run of four games without defeat in the league, with Conte undoubtedly being well aware that Spurs will have to be at their best if they are to pick up all three points in North London.

So, will the 52-year-old make any changes to the side that started the 2-0 win over Brentford on Thursday evening? Here’s how we’re predicting Tottenham will line up against City, along with the latest team and injury news.

With Antonio Conte recently confirming that Giovani Lo Celso – as well as long-term absentee Cristian Romero – will once again miss out on Sunday’s fixture due to injury, we expect the Spurs coach to make two changes to his starting XI against Norwich.

Indeed, as previously mentioned, Conte will know that Norwich can pose something of a threat despite their lowly league standing, leading us to believe the Italian will not rotate his squad too much – something which will likely be saved for Thursday evening’s European fixture against Stade Rennais.

As such, the back six of Hugo Lloris, Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Davison Sanchez, Sergio Reguilon and Emerson remains unchanged from midweek.

The first alteration comes in the middle of the park, with Tanguy Ndombele – who Noel Whelan dubbed a “frustrating” player – taking the place of 21-year-old Oliver Skipp, in a bid to increase the fluidity of the Tottenham attack.

The second change comes in the front three, with the £80k-per-week Lucas Moura dropping to the bench after a disappointing performance against Brentford, being replaced by Steven Bergwijn – who Conte recently took the time to praise.

Speaking about the potential of the 24-year-old winger, the former Inter Milan boss said: “I think Steven could also be a good option. We have a world-class striker as a number nine in Harry [Kane]… but in the past, I have seen that Son played in this position. Honestly, I prefer Son to play as a number 10 that he is now playing.

“I like to have a point of reference as a number nine. Steven is working and we are utilising him also in this position, in the three positions of the striker. Steven could be a good option on the day that I want to give a rest to Harry.”

With that in mind, it must be the Dutchman’s chance to shine in attack for the Lilywhites.

In other news: Conte offered £157k-p/w beast who’s “impossible to mark”, he’d solve a huge THFC issue

Leeds United could battle Newcastle United in the race to sign Tottenham defender Joe Rodon in January, The Telegraph report.  

The Lowdown: Rodon profiled

Rodon, labelled as ‘flawless’ by journalist Ian Mitchelmore after an impressive performance for Wales, is 24 years of age and has 22 caps under his belt for his country.

Valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, the centre-back has made 20 appearances for Spurs after joining from Swansea City last October.

He’s yet to make a domestic start during the current campaign and has played just 78 minutes of Premier League football – with none of those coming under Antonio Conte.

Leeds currently have Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell out through injury, and it seems as if Rodon could well be on Victor Orta’s radar along with two midfielders.

The Latest: Leeds links

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath shared a transfer notebook online, with Rodon one of the players he provided an update on.

He suggested that Newcastle were leading the race to sign Rodon on loan in January before adding that Leeds are also in the race and are monitoring the situation – possibly meaning they are keen on his services.

Spurs are likely to give the green light to a temporary exit, and it is accepted it will benefit the defender to be playing regularly.

The Verdict: Needed?

Although Leeds are currently without Cooper, Struijk and Cresswell through injury and Diego Llorente due to Covid-19, a new defender may not be the main priority in the New Year.

That’s because the Whites have just four senior midfielders on the books at this moment in time, two of which are injured in Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton.

Orta is after a defensive and attacking midfielder in January, and should he get those early, then perhaps the club could look at loan deals in other areas, but before then, their focus should be solely on bolstering the middle of the pitch with Phillips out for two months.

In other news: ‘Superb’ injured Leeds defender back in training as Bielsa now gets positive Thorp Arch update. 

Leeds United have had a shaky start to their season, failing to collect enough points in the first eleven games of the season to keep them away from the relegation conversation.

Bielsa’s side has been plagued with injuries and inconsistencies of form in their 2021/22 Premier League campaign so far which is a far cry from their previous season as a newly promoted side, finishing ninth.

One player that will offer a boost in the team’s performances going forward, is Raphinha, who has recently returned from a minor injury and will be hoping to add attacking threat to the struggling side to secure points and climb the table.

Raphinha has been heavily linked with several different clubs since the summer, with Liverpool being the front runners to potentially get the signature of the popular Brazilian international.

Liverpool have had many links to the £28.8m-rated forward, with former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor chiming in on his thoughts on the Brazilian recently in an interview with Football Insider.

“I’ve said it many times but without Raphinha, Leeds would get relegated this season,” he said.

“He’s the only bright spark going forward.

“Raphinha, he’s a cut above Leeds. He’s going to look at moving and there’s going to be a lot of clubs around Europe looking for his signature because he’s outstanding.”

Leeds United’s director of football, Victor Orta, will have a challenge on his hands to keep the star player at the club, if performances and league positioning doesn’t begin to pick up in the next few months.

Despite links to a move away, Raphinha spoke out about his desire to play Champions League football with Leeds United.

When asked if he wanted to play Champions League football in an interview with news outlet AS.

“Of course. I’m very happy at Leeds and hopefully we can play in the Champions League.”

Bielsa will have to perform nothing short of a miracle to secure a Champions League spot this season, with his side currently 12 points adrift from fourth place, West Ham.

The main focus for Leeds and Bielsa will be securing a safe spot in the Premier League next season, and without Raphinha it could be the final nail in the coffin that sends Leeds back for another spell in the Championship. With 11 goals and nine assists since his arrival in English football, it’s evident how important he is to the cause.

The club should be working to do whatever it takes to keep the £63k-per-week attacker at Elland Road, especially in the winter transfer window where Leeds could be caught vulnerable for relegation.

Winning points in the next few weeks could be crucial to whether Raphinha jumps ship or helps Leeds triumph to another season in the Premier League in 2022.

In other news: This midfield partnership could be the recipe for beating Spurs…

A number of West Ham supporters have been showing their love for a brilliant photo of youngster Sonny Perkins on his Hammers debut.

David Moyes’ side enjoyed another productive evening in the Europa League on Thursday, winning 2-0 away to Rapid Vienna in the group stage.

The win secured a place in the last 16 of the competition for West Ham, who will genuinely be dreaming of going all the way this season.

Not only did the Hammers win but it was also a proud night for Perkins, with the 17-year-old attacking midfielder making his debut as a second-half substitute.

After the game, West Ham’s official Twitter account shared a photo of Perkins and club captain Mark Noble shaking hands on the pitch, in what was a poignant image.

West Ham fans react to Perkins photo

These Hammers took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the photo, on a special evening for the teenager.

“I honestly love this club so much”

Credit: @Jordanbrown820

“This team makes me happy”

Credit: @LFabianski1

“Genuinely a very good showing considering he didn’t score, looks a very clever player”

Credit: @_ghzst

“Noble looks like he is meeting his hero”

Credit: @DomHeroEllis

“Love this picture”

Credit: @jonwnewman

“Beautiful picture”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

In other news, ExWHUemployee has shared an interesting West Ham transfer update. Read more here.

Everton could face a battle to keep manager Rafa Benitez at the club over the coming months as Newcastle United have reportedly refused to give up hope of enticing the Spaniard back to St. James’ Park.

What’s the story?

The 61-year-old spent three years at the helm of Newcastle between 2016 and 2019 and was a firm fans favourite in the North East after guiding the Magpies back to the Premier League in his first full season in charge.

However, Benitez departed due to a lack of investment from previous owner Mike Ashley, but the retail entrepreneur has now sold the club to a Saudi-back consortium, allowing them to join football’s financial elite.

Newcastle’s newfound wealth has already led to Steve Bruce’s sacking and brought questions over his potential successor, with Benitez believed to be at the top of their wishlist.

A report from Football Insider states that: “Newcastle United have not given up all hope of luring Rafael Benitez into a sensational return, Football Insider understands.

“The Spaniard, 61, has long been the favoured choice of the Saudi-led regime to take over as manager, and that remains the case nearly a week into their search for a Steve Bruce replacement.

“A Newcastle source has told Football Insider there is an inkling of hope Benitez could be persuaded to leave Everton even though he has publicly ruled it out.”

Everton fans may be worried

Although Benitez’s appointment at Everton wasn’t a universally popular one due to his previous connections with fierce rivals Liverpool, a large section of the club’s supporters will still be worried over his potential exit.

The tactician has made a solid start to life at Goodison Park, picking up 14 points from his first nine top-flight fixtures to leave the Toffees just three points outside of the Champions League qualification places.

Coupled with the fact that Benitez is Everton’s sixth permanent manager since David Moyes’ exit in 2013 – and that the ex-Real Madrid boss has won one Champions League, two La Liga titles and one FA Cup crown throughout his career – it’s likely that many supporters will be desperate for some stability and success under the current regime.

The Toffees impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign under Benitez this season has seen the Spaniard win plenty of supporters around Merseyside over despite his chequered past in charge of their arch-rivals.

As such, this latest update could leave many rather worried, particularly as any departure would leave them looking for their second boss in as many seasons.

And, in other news…”Finally some good news…”: Fabrizio Romano’s Everton update will have fans buzzing

Manchester United will be hoping to maintain their upturn in fortunes when they take on Atalanta in the Champions League tonight.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges bounced back from their humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool with a comfortable victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out, providing hope that they’ve turned a corner under the Norwegian’s tutelage.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford wrapped up a much-needed three points against Spurs, and the Red Devils will be firmly focussed on putting in a similar performance against tonight’s opponents.

The two sides clashed at Old Trafford just a couple of weeks ago in what turned out to be a hugely entertaining encounter. United’s dramatic comeback win after being 2-0 down at half-time moved the Red Devils to the top of Group F, but with just three points separating all four teams, there’s still all to play for.

Solskjaer confirmed in his recent press conference that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game in Italy, so Anthony Martial’s lack of match sharpness is his only concern.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects United to line up in Bergamo as Solskjaer attempts to build some momentum…

David de Gea is set to remain between the sticks for United after maintaining his fast start to the season, so Dean Henderson will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper, Solskjaer has some big decisions to make. He had great success playing a back five against Spurs, but we fancy him to be slightly more ambitious this time around. That means Victor Lindelof will watch on from the sidelines while Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka comprise the defensive unit.

In midfield, the pragmatic double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay is likely to remain as United adopt a safety-first approach, allowing Bruno Fernandes the freedom to join in the attacks ahead of him.

Completing the starting lineup is Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Ronaldo, so the £5.4m-rated Edinson Cavani misses out in favour of the 24-year-old, who comes into the side after scoring on Saturday.

In other news… Ole must controversially unleash “dreadful” £19.8m-rated MUFC dud, he’s a game-changer 

David Norris has offered his thoughts on Leeds United winger Raphinha’s future at Elland Road… 

What’s the talk?

Former Leeds player Norris has suggested that Raphinha could depart Yorkshire at the end of the season, predicting that ‘big clubs’ will be in for him.

Norris believes that Leeds will be able to keep hold of him throughout the January window, but could struggle next summer.

He told This is Futbol:

“I think they’ll get through this January window. Hopefully if they turn it around a little bit, get a few results, there’ll be enough to keep him there.

“But come the end of the season, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of big clubs after him.”

Fans would be devastated

Victor Orta must avoid a Leeds disaster with Raphinha following these comments from Norris. The supporters would be devastated if the club decided to cash in on the winger as soon as some, perceived, bigger clubs come knocking for him.

Raphinha is a key player for Leeds and the £58k-per-week gem would leave a gigantic hole to fill for Orta and Marcelo Bielsa. The 24-year-old has scored three times in seven Premier League games this term, having provided six goals and nine assists in 26 starts in the league last season.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Patrick Bamford hailed the Brazilian and admitted that other Premier League teams should have signed him. He told Sky Sports:

“I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top-class, and he really was. He stood out straight away.

“I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young.”

These quotes and his statistics from the start of last season to now highlight the quality he is able to bring to the Leeds side. This is why fans would be frustrated at his departure and why Orta must avoid selling him and causing a disaster at the end of the season.

If Leeds want to push on and compete for the top positions in the Premier League then keeping hold of their best players could be the way to go. Orta should be looking to build on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, rather than trying to replace them.

AND in other news,  Orta must sanction Leeds deal for £42k-p/w “machine”, Bielsa would love him…

Nuno Santo has hinted that Tottenham Hotspur have some injury doubts ahead of their return to Premier League action on Sunday…

What’s the latest?

Spurs head to the northeast to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park for their first game back after the international break, having won last time out when defeating Aston Villa 2-1.

That put an end to a run of three successive heavy league defeats, though the pressure is surely still on the Portuguese boss. The Magpies will be no easy test either after their long-awaited Saudi-backed takeover was finally announced last week.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference, the Lilywhites head coach told reporters (via football.london): “After the international break, there are always huge issues that happen. We have problems but I will not say before the game.”

Potential blow

This will come as worrying news to the Spurs faithful, even if it’s anyone’s guess as to who Nuno is on about.

The north London outfit had plenty of their first-team stars out on international duty during the past week or so.

Argentina duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero, Brazil right-back Emerson Royal and Colombia centre-back Davinson Sanchez are all on their way back, having played their final matches on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday. They will be assessed upon their return to England.

Harry Kane featured for England, Heung-min Son was in goalscoring form for South Korea, and club captain Hugo Lloris won the Nations League with France.

Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil (Spain), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark), Matt Doherty (Northern Ireland), Joe Rodon and Ben Davies (Wales) and Oliver Skipp (England U21) were all also involved in some form of international action in recent days, too.

The vast majority of these are first-choice starters for Nuno, so it’ll certainly be a blow to Spurs if any have returned with an injury or even a knock.

Supporters may be feeling a little anxious heading into kick-off now. We will soon see who – if any – is missing when the teamsheet is announced on Sunday afternoon.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 89% duels won: “Phenomenal” Spurs beast has now handed Nuno a huge dilemma…

Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has raved about Leeds United’s recruitment over the course of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

While Marcelo Bielsa’s side may have only had a quiet window in terms of first-team incomings with the likes of Junior Firpo and Dan James joining, they did however do more business in bolstering their U23s squad, and it’s something McLeish has voiced his approval about.

He said: “Great development is terrific but you don’t bring ordinary players to the club. There has to be a talent in spotting them in the first place. There has to be an assessment of if these kids have great potential.

“That they were the standouts that they (talent spotters) saw at their level of under-16 or under-15s or even before that. Some of them join academies at the age of nine or ten.

“It can be a very long process but they are really singled out quite early in their football careers. It seems that at Leeds, the recruitment has been brilliant.”

Fans will be buzzing

According to Transfermarkt, Leeds signed four new players to add to their club’s already talented group of U23s players, including the likes of Lewis Bate from Chelsea, Amari Miller from Birmingham City, Sean McGurk from Wigan and Leo Hjelde from Celtic.

That of course followed on from the summer of 2020 when Bielsa’s side brought in the likes of Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville and Joe Gelhardt among others – all of whom were features in the U23s Premier League Division 2 success last season.

As McLeish says, the Whites are making a conscious effort to ensure that they are spotting talent way before they really burst onto the scene and make their mark, at which point it becomes far more difficult to sign them as there will be lots more competition, and far more costlier too.

The signings Leeds have made, have all been for very minimal fees which ensures that really, whatever the case, they either stand to make a big profit, or watch them turn into first-team players for Bielsa’s senior side themselves.

In either case, the Whites’ transfer strategy is one that should be applauded, and McLeish’s verdict is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star has been an absolute bargain…