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The January transfer window has just over a week left to run and Celtic already have their eyes on a target to bring to Parkhead in the summer.

Celtic's search for a new number one

According to Football Insider, the Hoops have made signing a new number one a priority for the summer transfer window as they look for a new long-term option in that position.

Current first-choice Joe Hart is out of contract at the end of the current season and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be offered an extension.

The report claims that the Scottish giants have identified Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher as one of their top targets to take over from the former England international.

It states that the Ireland international, who is valued at £20m by the Premier League side, is ready to move on from Anfield in search of regular game time, which has opened the door for Celtic to swoop in for him.

Brendan Rodgers could now avenge the blunder that was made with the signing of Nat Phillips from the Reds by landing a fantastic signing from Jurgen Klopp's side.

Nat Phillips' struggles in Scotland

The English centre-back spent the first half of the season on loan at Celtic from Liverpool and failed to nail down a regular place in the starting XI.

He only made six appearances in the Scottish Premiership and started three matches for Rodgers. One of those starts produced a calamitous performance as the 26-year-old flop scored an own goal in a 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock.

Appearances

Six

Tackles per game

0.2

Interceptions per game

0.3

Ground duel success rate

30%

Phillips also featured in two Champions League games for the Hoops and lost a staggering 67% of his aerial duels and 100% of his battles on the ground, as opposition players found it far too easy to get the better of him.

These statistics show that the Liverpool loanee struggled domestically and in Europe before being allowed to return to England at the start of this month.

The stats that show why Kelleher could avenge Phillips' failure

Celtic could now avenge the blunder they made with the signing of Phillips by securing a deal for Kelleher at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Irish colossus, firstly, is 25 and could be the long-term number one at Parkhead. He is 11 years younger than Hart, who is out of contract this summer, and could be Rodgers' number one for many, many, years to come.

This means that there is long-term value to be had with the Reds youngster if the Hoops snap him up on a permanent deal, whereas Phillips was only short-term loan that did not work out on the pitch.

Kelleher, who was once hailed as "exceptional" by Klopp, could also arrive as an upgrade on Hart in terms of their respective shot-stopping abilities.

The 25-year-old ace has been Liverpool's first-choice in the EFL Cup in recent seasons and recorded a save success rate of 73% or higher in two of the last three campaigns.

Meanwhile, Hart has saved 67% of the shots on his goal in the Premiership this season and saved 65% of the shots against him during the 2022/23 campaign.

Kelleher has also stopped 9.1% of crosses into his box over the last 365 days in European competitions, in comparison to the Celtic stopper's 1.2% of crosses during the same period of time.

Therefore, the Hoops could avenge their Phillips blunder by signing a superb Liverpool talent who could be a key player for the club for many years to come.

Danny Rohl has warned his players they “gave me a lot of information” following Rangers’ damaging 3-0 Europa League defeat to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday.

The 36-year-old head coach was installed as Russell Martin’s successor on Monday but there was no dream debut in Norway. Emil Kornvig opened the scoring five minutes before the break, Jacob Sorensen added a second after 55 minutes and Noah Holm fired in a third after 79 minutes for a comfortable win for the home side.

Rangers writer and podcaster David Edgar called for two sackings immediately following the game as pressure continues to mount on Chief Executive Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.

"Disgrace" – Cavenagh told who to "fire" after Rangers defeat to Brann

Gers fans are furious after Danny Rohl’s first match in charge.

1 ByBen Goodwin Oct 23, 2025

Rangers are bottom of the 36-team table as they turn attention to the visit of Kilmarnock in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday.

Rohl warns players after defeat to Brann

Rohl appeared to fire a warning to the players who took part in Thursday’s humiliation, telling Rangers TV they “gave me a lot of information” and that they were not up to the required standard.

The new boss did however take responsibility for what is to come, with over two months before he gets the chance to change his squad in the January transfer window: “I have to develop and improve the players. I have to develop and improve the group. This is what I have to do. This is my job.

“We played a team who were organised, aggressive and did the basics right, and we didn’t.

“But my job is to lift them again, give them the solutions, and be ready on Sunday.”

Ally McCoist told talkSPORT he is struggling to commentate matches involving his old team.

Ally McCoist on punditry for TNT Sports.

“The three teams Rangers have played (in the Europa League) are bang average,” said the Ibrox legend on Friday morning.

“I’ll be brutally honest, last night I was as depressed as I’ve been throughout this whole debacle. I actually feel for the manager. I don’t know what he’s going to do. He might improve them in terms of a little bit of organisation.

“But I don’t think there’s anywhere near the level of improvement in that team that will be required to even get them up the league domestically. They’re just absolutely miles off it.”

The Gers will be seeking just their second win in the league this season when they host Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon. They could be 16 points off the pace at the start of play if Hearts beat Celtic in the earlier kick-off.

Newcastle United are believed to be interested in signing a "very good" Premier League player who Roy Keane has praised for his ability to dictate games from midfield.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are eyeing further business ahead of the summer transfer window, at which point Eddie Howe will understandably want to bolster his squad options.

One player who has been linked with a move to Newcastle is Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who could look to leave this summer after struggling for minutes at the Emirates this season. He is seen as an alternative to Aston Villa ace Jacob Ramsey, who the Magpies made an approach for in January.

The Magpies are also reportedly the front-runners to sign teenage Sunderland star Chris Rigg, seeing him as a hugely exciting long-term candidate who could develop into a special player over time.

Newcastle now winning the race to sign “wonderful” in-demand gem for Howe

This would be some coup…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 14, 2024

Howe could also look to improve his attack moving forward, not least because Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson struggle to stay fit for long periods, and Lille forward Jonathan David has been backed to seal a move to Newcastle at the end of the season.

Another attacking player who could move to St James' is Albert Gudmundsson, who is currently plying his trade at Genoa, scoring nine goals in Serie A this season.

Newcastle want James Garner

According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are keen on signing Everton midfielder James Garner, being joined by a number of other Premier League clubs in showing an interest.

"Garner has emerged on the radar of Spurs and several other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, after catching the eye at Goodison Park over the last 18 months."

Garner may not necessarily be the elite midfielder that some Newcastle fans crave this summer, but he could still be a shrewd addition, boosting Howe's squad depth and acting as a long-term addition who should only improve.

Appearances

23

Starts

22

Goals

1

Assists

1

Tackles per game

2.8

Clearances per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

1.4

The fact that the Englishman spent so many years at Manchester United as a youth team player says a lot about his potential – he also made seven appearances for the Red Devils' first team – and Roy Keane has lauded him in the past during a spell at Nottingham Forest, saying:

"He’s very good technically and he likes to dictate the play, sit a little bit more than Yates. Tough game for him today, but this game is good for those young players to experience playing top teams like Liverpool. It’s a great way to learn."

After Miley: Newcastle have one of world football's most valuable teens

Newcastle have an abundance of teenage talent in their squad that they could use to try turn their fortunes around.

ByZak Anderton Feb 15, 2024

Garner would add to the homegrown quota at Newcastle, which would be an added bonus, and Howe could feel that he could develop an exciting young player into an even more formidable figure as the years pass, ensuring he reaches his potential.

Everton will surely feel smug about the number of top-drawer academy products they’ve managed to uncover.

The likes of Anthony Gordon and John Stones have the blue half of Merseyside to thank for kickstarting their Premier League careers, before Newcastle United and Manchester City beckoned, while Everton undoubtedly got more out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin than what was expected, after once picking him up as an 18-year-old prospect from Sheffield United.

71 goals would come Calvert-Lewin’s way across 273 games, but even he will know his rise to Toffees first-team glory pales into insignificance when weighed up next to Wayne Rooney’s remarkable ascent from teenage prodigy at Goodison Park to world-beater with Manchester United.

David Moyes was the boss who first gave Rooney a chance in the Everton senior mix at just 16 years of age, as the Scotsman now goes about assessing what promising youngsters he currently has at his disposal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium who could also go on to have an extensive career at the very top.

Everton's most promising youngsters right now

Many of the Everton U21s personnel right now will surely be dreaming of their Rooney moment in the spotlight under the Glaswegian.

Omari Benjamin could well feel he’s deserving of a first-team opportunity very soon, especially if Beto continues to fluff his lines on Merseyside, with the former Arsenal youth player turned rising star at the Toffees boasting two goals this season in Premier League 2 action.

Up to 12 goals in total now for the U21s, it only feels like a matter of time before the 19-year-old hotshot is handed some men’s minutes.

Other names catching the eye include Justin Clarke, who also boasts two goals himself this season in the Premier League 2, alongside 18-year-old Joel Catesby, who is more of a creative force than a goalscoring menace, having accumulated seven assists to date in both the U18 and U21 picture.

Moyes will have to err on the side of caution with some of these promising starlets, however, with the gap between youth football and the pressures of the Premier League a notoriously hard one to bridge.

That’s why the youth-focused boss will be over the moon with how well this other exciting youngster is doing out on loan away from Everton, as the Toffees potentially now have their best prospect since Rooney burst onto the scene.

Everton's biggest prospect since Rooney

The once wide-eyed number 18 would never look back after being slotted into the first team at just 16, with 17 goals and four assists tallied up for the Toffees during his first stint on the Merseyside, ending up being just the start of his unbelievable tale in the Premier League.

Harrison Armstrong will hope his current loan spell with Preston North End is a similarly memorable first chapter he can look back on in a few years time after he’s exploded in the Everton first-team set-up, with one Preston-based content creator already tipping him to have a “huge future” beyond Deepdale.

Armstrong has even picked up a Man of the Match accolade out on loan in Lancashire, too, with seven duels won across the course of his bruising 90 minutes, the sort of grit Preston needed to complete a 3-2 comeback win over Sheffield United on Friday night.

With three assists also next to his name in the Everton first-team picture, it’s clear that there’s a plausible pathway to the senior side for Armstrong under Moyes when this formative stint is complete, having also been previously dubbed a “first team regular in the making” at Everton by journalist Richard Buxton.

Everton U18s

22

5 + 1

Derby County

15

1 + 0

Everton U21s

15

3 + 1

Everton

8

0 + 3

Preston

8

0

The bold claims don’t stop here, either, with another Preston-oriented voice also wildly stating that he “will play for England one day” long after his Championship journey is up.

After all, the likes of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins must still be eternally grateful for their respective EFL educations, before they then went on to receive a Three Lions cap.

Everything is pointing in the direction of Armstrong being Everton’s brightest prospect since Rooney’s whirlwind moment, with it now being up to the 18-year-old to succeed with all this hype weighing down on him.

Fewer touches than Pickford: Everton flop must be axed if Richarlison joins

This Everton dud will surely be on borrowed time even more if Richarlison rejoins the Toffees.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 27, 2025

Ruben Amorim will get his first taste of a local derby as Manchester United boss this afternoon, when he takes his side to the Etihad to face Manchester City.

The Red Devils come into the game off the back of a 2-1 win in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen, but it’s their Premier League form that has caught the eye for the wrong reasons.

His side have lost both of their last two matches in England’s top flight, desperately wanting to end such a run against their noisy neighbours and claim the bragging rights.

However, United have lost all of their last three trips to face Pep Guardiola’s side, with Amorim wanting to make an immediate impact in the Manchester derby.

If he is to do so this afternoon, he looks set to be without numerous key first-team members, only making the task of claiming all three points that little bit harder.

Man Utd’s injury concerns ahead of Man City clash

Experienced centre-back Jonny Evans has played a bit part role since his return to Old Trafford last season, often covering at the back during the defensive crisis.

However, after making six league appearances to date, the 36-year-old looks set to miss yet another match after picking up a knock in Amorim’s opening game against Ipswich Town last month.

The backline could remain the same as Thursday night, which could see Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, and Noussair Mazraoui face the task of keeping Erling Haaland quiet.

After a torrid spell with injury, Luke Shaw suffered yet another setback, with his latest hamstring injury keeping him out of the clash at the Etihad this afternoon.

The 29-year-old has only made two league appearances to date, featuring for a total of 68 minutes – highlighting his recent struggles at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, if the new manager is to taste success against their local rivals, he must start a player in his natural role after dropping him into a slightly deeper role in the Czech Republic.

The player who would walk into Man City’s team

Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes has often been the go-to creative star for the Red Devils over the last few years, producing some incredible numbers in the process.

The 30-year-old has registered eight combined goals and assists in his 15 league starts this year, most of which have come in his more natural attacking midfield role.

However, he operated slightly deeper alongside Casemiro at the heart of the midfield, but if Amorim is to hand himself the best possible chance of causing an upset – he must return the former Sporting CP star to his more natural role.

The “sensational” midfielder, as dubbed by the legendary Paul Scholes, would walk into the City side, adding the creativity that Guardiola’s men have desperately lacked in recent weeks – as demonstrated by their tally of just five goals scored in four matches.

When comparing his figures to that of Kevin de Bruyne during 2024/25, he’s registered more goal contributions, with age certainly catching up to the Belgian over the last couple of months.

Erling Haaland

14

Bruno Fernandes

8

Bernardo Silva

5

Kevin de Bruyne

4

Jeremy Doku

4

Savinho

2

Jack Grealish

1

Phil Foden

1

As you can see in the table above, the Portuguese star would slot straight into City’s team as an outstanding scorer and creator of goals, given that Haaland is the only player with more contributions than him.

Fernandes has so often been the man to dig United out of trouble over the last couple of years, holding the keys to a potential win at the Etihad for the first time since 2021.

Local derbies always tend to spring up a surprise, with Amorim hoping that the saying could come to fruition by the final whistle later on this evening – potentially acting as the catalyst for his tenure at the club.

Bye-bye Zirkzee: Man Utd could make move for "magical" ace who's like Salah

Ruben Amorim will be wanting to improve his forward line after last night’s Europa League clash.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 13, 2024

Newcastle United are believed to be tracking one of world football’s most-promising young forwards ahead of a potential January deal, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Newcastle United transfer news

Newcastle are understood to be on the lookout for a new forward after a disappointing start to the season in front of goal. Eddie Howe’s side have managed just 19 goals in 15 Premier League matches this term, which is currently the joint-third worst return in the top flight. Only Southampton, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Everton have scored fewer goals.

Club

Goals

League Position

Southampton

11

20th

Ipswich Town

14

18th

Crystal Palace

14

17th

Everton

14

15th

Nottingham Forest

19

5th

Newcastle United

19

12th

Manchester United

19

13th

Among those names being linked with a move to St. James’ Park are Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has emerged as a January target for the Magpies following his impressive displays on the South Coast this season and last.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Newcastle’s recruitment team are also huge fans of West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian, however, has a release clause believed to be the region of £80 million, which could put him out of the Magpies’ reach.

Magpies tracking Bakayoko

A cheaper alternative to Kudus who Newcastle are also keen on is PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko. That’s according to The Telegraph, who report that the Toon are now “tracking” the Belgium international, who is valued by PSV at somewhere between £43 million and £51 million, ahead of a potential January move.

The publication claims that Howe is keen to sign at least one new player after the New Year and that Bakayoko is a name that has cropped up regularly in recruitment meetings, with the English believing he would be a strong addition to the right side of his team’s attack.

A move for the 21-year-old in January, however, could be difficult, according to The Telegraph, because of PSV’s reluctance to let one of their star players go midway through the season.

Bakayoko has scored five goals and has one assist in 14 Eredivisie appearances this term, while last year, he managed 12 goals and 9 assists in 33 games – form that saw him scoop the division’s Talent of the Year award.

Appearances

14

Starts

10

Minutes played

877

Goals

5

Assists

1

Shots per game

2.1

Dribbles per game

1.9

Key passes per game

1.4

Speaking about Bakayoko earlier this year, Belgium compatriot Romelu Lukaku said that he believes the PSV youngster will go on to surpass him as a player.

“He’s understanding the importance of numbers in the game. His assist and goal tallies are increasing, bringing him into the spotlight. I’ve told him how incredible,” Lukaku said.

“If he continues merging his creative flair with his scoring record, he’s on track to become a top-tier player. His potential knows no bounds. I sincerely think he has what it takes to surpass me in the long run.”

Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement faces arguably the most important month in his role at Ibrox, as the Gers face seven fixtures which could make or break their season.

Five of them come in the Premiership, while the Light Blues take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League before facing Celtic in the League Cup final just three days later.

If the Belgian can somehow win both of these fixtures, it should give the Ibrox side a major boost heading into the January transfer window and the second half of the season.

Several of his summer signings are finally starting to shine for Rangers, notably Vaclav Cerny, who has scored eight goals and grabbed five assists since arriving in the summer on a season-long loan deal.

In terms of value for money, the signing of Connor Barron could well be one of Clement’s finest since he took over the club in October 2023.

The midfielder didn’t cost a single penny. There is no doubt that his performances will grab the attention of others over the next couple of years.

Connor Barron’s season in numbers

Before he even moved to Rangers, Barron was earmarked as a perfect replacement for the departing Ryan Jack, who was certain to move on when his contract expired at the end of the last season.

There was reported interest from down south, but Clement won the race to sign the starlet ahead of the new season, and it looked like a smart piece of business for many reasons. He cost nothing, had experience in the Premiership and, most crucially, his nationality would help the club with regard to European squad quotas.

The signing, then, certainly fit the bill perfectly. He has demonstrated exactly why so many clubs were after him during the summer, settling in with ease at Ibrox.

Barron has featured in every single match for the club this season, starting 21 of the 23 games, establishing himself as the first-choice midfielder in Clement’s system.

Domestically, he has been impressive in dictating play and circulating the ball. Indeed, Barron averages 67.8 touches per game, while averaging a pass success rate of 90% each match, showcasing his qualities on the ball.

Defensively, he has won 3.6 total duels, averages 2.2 tackles, recovers 4.2 balls and loses possession just eight times per game in the top flight.

In the Europa League, some of these statistics are even better. Across five continental games, Barron has won 4.8 total duels, averages 3.4 tackles and recovers five balls per match, indicating that he can adjust seamlessly to both domestic and European football.

These qualities suggest that the Scot could be a key figure for the first team over the next few years, which, in turn, will see his market value rise.

Clement will be hoping to make more signings like Barron, players who can settle in quickly and likely raise several million for the Gers when they leave.

Could the Belgian be targeting a repeat of his Barron masterclass?

Rangers could raid Aberdeen again

With the January transfer window opening in just a few weeks, it means the manager will be able to talk to players who are out of contract next summer.

This could see the club perhaps secure a few pre-contract agreements, and journalist Scott McDermott believes the Light Blues should raid the Dons once again next year.

“On January 1, he ought to be speaking to Aberdeen left-back Jack MacKenzie and getting him tied up on a pre-contract deal. Koppen wants Rangers to have more of a Scottish core.

“In years gone by it was common practice for them to suck up the best talent from other top-flight clubs – the likes of Nacho Novo, Kris Boyd, Ryan Jack and others. Abandoning that policy in recent years is another reason why they find themselves currently miles behind Celtic.

“Signing MacKenzie should be a no-brainer. The full-back is available on a free and highly unlikely to sign a new deal at Pittodrie.”

Transfer Focus

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

Like Barron, he would add some real quality into the team without costing anything, plus giving Clement another Scot in the squad, which is beneficial for Europe.

Just how good has MacKenzie been for the Dons this season, however? And is he worth targeting?

Jack MacKenzie’s stats for Aberdeen this season

The left-back has played in all but one of Aberdeen’s fixtures this term, scoring once and registering four assists in the process.

His performances even secured the player a call-up to the Scotland squad for the Nations League games against Croatia and Portugal in October, although he didn’t make it off the bench.

Despite scoring at Ibrox before in a 3-1 win in 2023, MacKenzie doesn’t actually offer too much of an attacking threat. He has created zero big chances and averages just 0.8 key passes per game, but his defensive skills are what could entice Clement to make a move.

Indeed, he has won 4.8 total duels per game while averaging two tackles and recovering 3.8 balls per match in the top flight.

This defensive ability has allowed him to become a key member of the Aberdeen side under Jimmy Thelin, especially as the club currently sits above Rangers in the league table.

Clement does have Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte as options on the left side of his defence. Jefte will get better and better, but Yilmaz has suffered plenty of injuries during his time at the club. Could this see the manager move him on in January?

Adding another young Scot with a ridiculously high ceiling to his squad could be another transfer masterclass from Clement, allowing him to replicate the deal that saw Barron move to Glasgow.

Clement could have unearthed Morelos 2.0 in "unbelievable" Rangers star

Rangers have a player in their squad who has an exciting future ahead…

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 30, 2024

Everton have spent a lot of money on strikers in recent years and prospective new owners The Friedkin Group could be about to do the same.

Portuguese forward Beto, whom the Toffees paid Udinese nearly £26 million for in the summer of 2023, has scored just six goals in 46 games since his arrival from Italy. Moise Kean, who arrived at Goodison Park from Juventus for a fee of £25 million from Juventus, managed just four goals in 39 games before being sold back to the Old Lady. The less said about Cenk Tosun, the better.

Only the transfers of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have been what you would call successes. However, one is perpetually injured and has arguably lost his golden touch, while the other is now plying his trade with a Premier League rival.

Having only scored 10 Premier League goals this term, the need for Everton to find a prolific goalscorer is now bigger than ever. Don’t, and Sean Dyche’s side could very well find themselves in the Championship next season.

Brobbey wanted at Everton

According to a report from Spain, the man the Friedkin Group are eyeing up is Ajax’s Brian Brobbey. The Dutchman was Ajax’s outstanding player last term, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions, but he’s failed to replicate that form this season.

Brobbey has failed to score in 10 Eredivisie games this year, while he’s netted just two in seven games across Ajax’s other competitions.

Brian Brobbey Career Stats

Club

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

Ajax

2020/21

19

6

2

RB Leipzig

2021/22

14

0

3

Ajax (loan)

2021/22

13

7

1

Ajax

2022/23

44

14

4

Ajax

2023/24

43

22

12

Ajax

2024/24

17

2

5

His poor form, however, hasn’t worried the Toffees and their owners The Friedkin Group, who, according to Spanish reports, are willing to pay in excess of £40 million to bring Brobbey to Goodison Park.

The Spanish publication claim that Everton have faith that Brobbey, 22, could rediscover his best form on Merseyside and see the young striker as a long-term bet who could go on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top forwards.

Brobbey names dream transfer destinations

While Everton may want Brobbey, Goodison Park is not where he may envisage himself playing next. In an interview with HELDEN Magazine in the summer, the Netherlands international was asked where he dreams about playing next should he one day leave Ajax again.

He replied, per Goal: “Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, those are nice clubs. But, if I stay at Ajax, that is certainly not a punishment.”

Prior to that interview, Brobbey revealed to De Telegraaf that he had almost joined United in 2022. “Erik ten Hag called me and said that at United, my agent would get millions of euros and I could earn a multiple of my Ajax salary,” Brobbey, who at the time was still an RB Leipzig player, said, relayed by Football 365. “But our decision was clear: we wanted to go [back] to Ajax.”

Ten Hag handed Brobbey his Ajax debut in October 2020. Brobbey added: “Manchester United wanted to have me, but I insisted on returning to Ajax. To make that possible, my agent Jose Fortes Rodriguez even waived a hefty percentage of the sell-on clause.”

Aston Villa could be ready to plot a move for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Insider sources who claim that Steven Gerrard is stepping up to sign a new centre back in the summer transfer window. Gerrard watched Caleta-Car last week as Marseille beat Nantes 3-2 in Ligue 1.

With the Croatia international’s contract expiring at the end of next season and his market value set at £14.4m, then Villa may well grab themselves a bargain if they were to land the defender.

They may face a battle though, as fellow Premier League side West Ham have been linked with him in the past few months.

Better than Mings & Konsa?

Villa have conceded 27 goals in 21 matches under Gerrard since his arrival in November 2021 and these figures are simply not good enough if he aims to take the side into Europe.

The centre-back partnership of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa is clearly not working well enough, hence the interest in Caleta-Car.

Dubbed “excellent” by Alex Crook, it’s clear to see why. The 25-year-old has 22 caps for Croatia, featuring in the squad that was runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and also played in Euro 2020.

Caleta-Car has a 92% pass success rate in Ligue 1, higher than both Mings and Konsa. Showing that he can play out successfully from the heart of defence and build attacks.

He also wins 69% of his duels per game in Ligue 1, again higher than both Englishmen and these performance-related factors could be what Gerrard is looking for in a central defender; someone that is strong and can win both ground and aerial battles, as well as being able to play out well.

Villa may find themselves with a bargain on their hands come the summer.

AND in other news, Aston Villa now plotting bid for £18m-rated “phenom”, he’s the “new Yaya Toure”…

Carlos Corberan will hope the occasion of the Black Country Derby doesn't get the better of his West Bromwich Albion players, Wolverhampton Wanderers making the short trip to the Hawthorns to play the Baggies in what could be an enthralling FA Cup contest this Sunday.

The Spanish boss will certainly want some form of a reaction from the away defeat to Norwich City last time out in Championship action, the West Midlands side having more of the possession at 60% but having nothing to show for it at full-time in a dire 2-0 defeat.

Corberan could well look to add some quality to the forward positions after such a passive attacking display at Carrow Road, looking at signing this loan player until the end of the season in a surprise move.

If all goes to plan, this exciting loanee could be an upgrade on Grady Diangana who remains out of action for the Baggies owing to the African Cup of Nations taking place.

West Brom looking at attacking recruits

According to a report from Daily Mail journalist Stephen McGowan, Celtic are attempting to offload Liel Abada this month on loan with a whole host of clubs circling for the 22-year-old as a result.

West Brom, Watford and Southampton are all name-checked in the article as second-tier sides casting their eyes in the direction of Abada, with further interest coming from abroad courtesy of Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.

Falling out of favour this season at Parkhead under Brendan Rodgers, the Baggies could well offer Abada's career a lifeline this January – the Hoops winger a livewire on his day, as has been showcased during his stay in Glasgow to date.

Diangana could well return back from AFCON sweating about his immediate first-team future if this deal is successful, Abada boasting excellent goalscoring statistics in Scotland compared to the unpredictable Congolese forward's recent output in England.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

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ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Liel Abada compares to Grady Diangana

Last season under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, Abada routinely tore Scottish Premiership defences to shreds.

Scoring ten times and assisting a further five goals as the Hoops strolled to yet another SPFL title triumph, Abada even missed nine big chances during that campaign which could have made his numbers overall even more impressive.

This terrifying form in front of goal led to Postecoglou labelling Abada a "handful" last season after a bright cameo against St. Mirren, the now popular Tottenham Hotspur boss often utilising the attacker as an impact substitute as well as starting him during his decorated time in Scotland.

Comparatively, Diangana last season in the Championship only mustered up four goals and three assists with his powers at the Hawthorns seemingly fading over time since bursting onto the scene in 2019.

Diangana is some way off the heights he managed when originally joining the Baggies on loan, with Corberan potentially wanting to add a figure similar to the Congolese attacker in Abada this window that can take second-tier defences by storm.

With Jed Wallace putting in a second-rate showing playing at right midfield last game – unsuccessful with all of his dribble attempts at Carrow Road on top of winning just two of his 16 duels – the time could well be right for Corberan to bring in a new option for the right flank in the £17k per week Israeli.

Diangana will still play his part for the promotion-chasing Baggies on his return, but with Abada potentially joining, West Brom could have a fresh and exciting attacker to call upon who could cause Championship defences absolute havoc and help the West Midlanders pick up more wins on the board.