Celtic: Rodgers Can Find Lethal O’Riley Partner With £2.6m Swoop At Parkhead

Celtic officially kick off their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign next weekend as they host Ross County at Parkhead on the 5th of August.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

The Paradise faithful could see a number of fresh faces in action for the first time in a competitive setting as Brendan Rodgers has been able to make five new signings during the summer transfer window.

Marco Tilio, Hyun-jun Yang, Odin Thiago Holm, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, and Maik Nawrocki have all come through the door on permanent deals so far.

However, Australia international Tilio will not be involved against County next Saturday as the head coach has already confirmed that he is set to miss the start of the season through injury.

There could be further arrivals before the end of the window and one player who has been linked with a move to Glasgow is Red Star Belgrade dynamo Kings Kangwa, who is likely to cost around €3m-rated (£2.6m).

How many goals did Kings Kangwa score last season?

The Zambia international scored 12 goals across 45 appearances in all competitions last term and could be Rodgers' outstanding goal threat from midfield, which could make him a lethal partner for Matt O'Riley.

Kangwa found the back of the net eight times in 20 league starts for Red Star as he proved himself to be a reliable scorer from a number eight position.

Meanwhile, no Celtic midfielder managed more than six Scottish Premiership strikes and Japan international Reo Hatate was the only one with more than Aaron Mooy's four.

This suggests that the talented hotshot has the potential to be a fantastic signing for the Hoops as he could provide a greater goal threat than Rodgers' current options in that role, which could add another weapon to the manager's arsenal ahead of next season.

The 24-year-old ace, who journalist Callum Castel hailed as "impressive" for his country, could thrive alongside O'Riley as the former MK Dons maestro is an exceptional creative midfielder who could provide the £2.6m-rated talent with the opportunities he needs in front of goal with his superb passing ability.

Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley.

Last season, the Denmark international produced a superb 2.1 key passes per match for his side in the Premiership, which was more than any other player within the squad, and ended the campaign with a club-high 12 league assists.

O'Riley has the quality to consistently open up opposition defences to create chances for his teammates, which was proven in his performances. That is why he could be a lethal partner for the Zambian finisher, as the pair could link up for goals on a regular basis in Scotland.

Kangwa also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.24 across 32 league outings for Red Star last term, which would have placed him third for Celtic – only behind O'Riley (7.30) and Jota (7.45), who has since moved on to join Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

This suggests that, if he can translate that form over to the Premiership, the 5 foot 6 maestro could be one of Rodgers' top-performing players whilst also being able to strike up an excellent relationship with O'Riley in the middle of the park, which is why he could be a shrewd signing this summer.

Leeds Could Copy Alf Haaland Success With "Electric" £40k-p/w Target

Leeds United need to act quickly if they are to enjoy the summer of transfer revolution that will propel them back into the top flight. Having focused on the defence, they could now turn their attention to the other end of the field…

Is Emmanuel Dennis leaving Nottingham Forest?

Of the various offensive targets that have emerged throughout the window, few stand out like Emmanuel Dennis, who ticks many boxes with regard to quality, availability and price tag, all of which would have piqued manager Daniel Farke's interest.

The Nigerian marksman has been linked on many occasions now, with the latest report emerging just last month. It is noted within that his exit has already been sanctioned by Nottingham Forest, who surely have to cull their bloated squad further after last summer's recruitment drive.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

He is valued at €10.7m (£9m) by FootballTransfers, despite still having three years left on his £40k-per-week deal at the City Ground.

How good is Emmanuel Dennis?

By securing such a coup from the Tricky Trees, Farke would be gaining a versatile forward capable of leading the line on his own, playing within a striker partnership, or even operating from out wide.

Wherever he is put though, one thing is certain: he will bring goals.

The 25-year-old titan only moved to England in 2021 and took no time acclimatising to life with Watford despite the troubles that surrounded the club. Even as they fell to the drop, Dennis posted ten goals and a further six assists, with his move to Nottingham expected to continue this trend.

However, for whatever reason, Steve Cooper only afforded the finisher six starts in the league last term.

It is this lack of faith that has handed the Whites an opportunity to prey on his expected frustration, bringing him to Elland Road with the promise that he will surely be their main man.

With experience of starring at the level above the Championship, they will hope he can not only fire them back into the top-flight but help them remain there for longer than their most recent stint.

alf-haaland

After all, journalist Josh Bunting did outline just how prolific Dennis had been during that aforementioned campaign:

"Emmanuel Dennis has been one of the most underrated players outside of Watford fans this season, he’s been a very good addition. 4 goals and 5 assists in 11 Premier League games should be being spoken about much more. Today he was absolutely electric from the start to finish."

In securing a deal from Forest, the west Yorkshire outfit actually could replicate a success of the past, given Alf-Inge Haaland took that same path when he joined in 1997.

The Norwegian would go on to feature 87 times for the club, starring in one of their finest periods in recent history, despite the financial issues that rumbled on in the background. He was a fine utility man for George Graham and David O'Leary, even starring in their historic run to the Champions League semi-final in 2001.

His subsequent sale would also recoup the club a fine £2.5m fee, but it was not enough to save them from their subsequent debilitating drop through the divisions.

Should Dennis help them enjoy a period of success even half as enjoyable as the one which Haaland frequented, then this would be another deal from Forest certainly worth making.

Sky Sports: Celtic Eyeing "Really Good" £52k-p/w Attacker

Celtic are reportedly showing an interest in Wolves winger Daniel Podence, and a new update has shared how much the player could cost.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops have so far brought in six new players at a total cost of £12m this summer, but it looks as if further additions will be made at Parkhead before the deadline. A pending arrival is believed to be Elfsborg defender Gustaf Lagerbielke, with the player flying into Glasgow after a fee was agreed between the two clubs.

After securing the services of Lagerbielke, Celtic and Brendan Rodgers could well turn their attention to targets further forward, with Manchester City midfielder James McAtee just one player who has recently been linked with a move north.

However, it appears as if the Hoops have their eyes on Podence from Wolves, with the player missing from the opening game of the season against Manchester United on Monday evening.

Sky Sports reporter Antony Joseph took to X on Tuesday evening to share an update on Podence, claiming the Hoops are keen on his services. He added that Wolves value the player at £12m, although Celtic seemingly feel that figure can be lowered through talks.

“Celtic are keen on Wolves winger Daniel Podence. He has one year left on his contract & wasn’t included in the squad last night.

“Wolves want around £12m, but it’s understood Celtic see room for negotiation, if they make an approach.”

Celtic’s current transfer record is under £10m for Odsonne Edouard, so even if Celtic manage to reduce a potential fee, it could still be the club’s most expensive signing of all time.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

Who is Daniel Podence?

Podence is 27 years of age and is primarily a left-winger who can also turn out as a second striker or right-winger. A Portugal international, the attacker progressed through the academy at Sporting Lisbon and made 40 senior appearances for the club before joining Olympiacos in 2018.

He then turned out on 68 occasions for the Greek side, contributing to 27 goals, which resulted in a move to Wolves in 2020 in a deal worth €19.60m. In England, Podence, on £52,000-a-week, has made more than 100 appearances in the Midlands and as Joseph claims, is into the final 12 months of his deal.

Podence was hailed by former Wolves winger Michael Kightly back in 2020, who said:

“I thought he was really, really good. I was surprised that he never came on in the Sheffield United game. Fair play to Nuno [Espirito Santo], he probably realised that he made a mistake and he’s stuck him in against Everton.

“[There was] no better way for Podence to show Nuno what he’s been missing, if you like. I thought his performance was really good. He looked sharp, he looked strong. Every time we got the ball, he looked like he was going to make something of it. He’s exactly what Wolves need.”

It could well be a transfer to keep an eye on, and it will be interesting to see if Celtic firm up their interest in the player with an approach or a formal opening offer.

Tottenham Could Sign £100m Harry Kane Replacement

Tottenham Hotspur's search for a new number nine continues, as they have earmarked a new young target to replace Harry Kane…

Who could replace Harry Kane at Spurs?

The departure of the England captain was a tough one to take for fans and those within the club, as everyone knows how much quality they have just lost, even with the lofty £100m fee attained.

Ange Postecoglou now has a curious task on his hands, deciding whether to put his trust in Richarlison and invest elsewhere, or to spend the money earned on a direct replacement. Few could do what the 30-year-old marksman has done in recent years, who leaves with 280 goals for the club.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

However, that has not stopped them from perusing the market, as TEAMtalk suggest that the Lilywhites have enquired to Brighton and Hove Albion about the availability of their young striker Evan Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland international is highly rated at the Amex Stadium, and with the security his new long-term contract brings, this will be far from an easy deal to do. Reports from earlier in the window even suggested that the Seagulls believe they have a £100m player on their hands.

How good is Evan Ferguson?

It is no surprise to see the teenage sensation draw such interest, given he is in possession of numerous assets that have already allowed him to start in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old boasts just 30 senior appearances for his current side, having scored six times in the league last term, and marked the first game of this campaign with a goal too.

His bulky, towering frame belies his pace in behind, and he blends both of these starring physical attributes with a deft touch and an ability to link up the play.

As such, he has received plenty of praise, that of which Tim Sherwood led by comparing him to one of England's most legendary goalscorers:

"I mean he's a man at a very young age, you know. He looks to me like the nearest thing I've seen to Alan Shearer. I mean, when he's getting the ball half a yard, he's not even giving any respect to the goalkeepers. He's just smashing it with power. He's just looking after contact and smashing it through the goalkeeper."

Given how relentlessly Kane sought to chase after Shearer's all-time Premier League scoring record, seemingly sacrificing that for silverware in Germany, to now compare their new striker target with the former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United star bodes well for Postecoglou in his hunt for a successor.

The Australian manager will not be seeking a perfect replacement for the forward, but instead someone able to hold their own and lead the line with pace, power and energy.

harry-kane-3

His youth should service the latter, whilst Ferguson's interview with Sky Sports helped outline how he shares enough similarities to make up for what they have just lost.

Spending the earlier parts of his career in midfield definitely aided this notion: "I think it's helped me sort of just be more natural as a modern striker. You see strikers now, like Harry Kane, the way they drop in… I wouldn't be surprised if he played midfield as a kid.

"I can understand the kind of run to make or when to delay a pass. It's helped me be more complete."

With the physicality and finishing know-how to emulate Shearer, but the quality to create and score that mirrors Kane, Ferguson could be that big-money risk that helps lay the foundation for over a decade of success under Postecoglou.

Arsenal: Arteta Could Sign £50m "Warrior" To Copy Odegaard Success

Arsenal have arguably strengthened in the key areas of need already, but it seems that Mikel Arteta remains unconvinced of his side's title credentials as there could be more to come…

Who else could Arsenal sign this summer?

With Declan Rice providing a lucrative improvement to their engine room, it could be easy to assume that the Gunners could rely on the former West Ham United captain to hold down the midfield on his own.

However, when a fine opportunity arises in this current financial climate, it would be foolish to snub it, especially given how free-spending they have already been in the window.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

As such, perhaps the availability of Inter Milan machine Nicolo Barella, and the reported interest from the north London outfit, could see them reignite the rumour and secure his services.

After all, there is precedent to believe that the £50m-valued maestro has all the attributes to emulate the success earned with Martin Odegaard, with perhaps some added defensive know-how.

How good is Nicolo Barella?

Having signed the out-of-favour Norwegian from Real Madrid, an unassuming loan spell before joining had few inspired by their 2021 acquisition.

However, it is fair to say that he has proved everyone wrong.

It has taken no time at all for the creative 24-year-old to skyrocket to the top of the Premier League's star men, with his exploits even leading to Arteta naming his captain.

He would then lead his side to an outstanding title charge, falling short late on. His 7.35 average rating was the highest within the squad that year, as he forged 14 big chances, via Sofascore.

nicolo-barella

He would post 15 goals and a further eight assists, as one of his club's two top scorers in the league. His manager sought to laud him:

"That’s the way he is. More humble and more hungry, a good combination. At 23 he has already had a lot of experience and a lot of pressure, especially individually. He’s played for Madrid and knows what it’s about. He does it all natural, nothing worries him, and he’s developing that even more."

So, it should excite fans that Odegaard appears on Barella's 'similar players' list, with FBref also outlining his starring attributes.

When compared to other midfielders across Europe, he sits in the top 6% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 18% for progressive passes per 90 and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90.

This fed into his stellar Serie A campaign last term, where he posted a 7.08 average rating. This was a figure buoyed by his 12 goal contributions, 85% pass accuracy, 1.6 key passes and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

It is no surprise to see his steeliness praised as well as the classy play style that led to such fine offensive figures, as talent scout Jacek Kulig branded him a "little warrior".

Although wildly different from Odegaard with regard to the actual role they employ, it is clear that their shared leadership, quality and tireless work ethic have led to such a comparison.

Should Barella trade the San Siro for the Emirates, and he proves half as impactful as the former Los Blancos star, this could prove another outstanding piece of business certain to take them ever closer to the elite honours.

Newcastle Eyeing Move To Sign £51m "Sensation" – Report

Newcastle United are considering a move for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, but an approach will only be made on one condition, according to reports.

Where does Goncalo Inacio play?

Inacio is naturally a centre-back who has played his football at the Jose Alvalade Stadium since his childhood days having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first team back in 2020, and he’s gone on to become a regular feature of the senior fold, making 124 appearances to date.

The Portugal international’s contract isn’t set to expire for another four years, but having delivered a consistent high level of performances under Ruben Amorim last season, he’s been highlighted as a transfer target by PIF and Eddie Howe.

Back in July, Football Insider reported that the Magpies were exploring a move for the 22-year-old who they believe fits the profile of player that they are looking to bolster their ranks with, and there could already be a vacant position waiting for him at St. James’ Park.

Sky Sports presenter Dharmesh Sheth recently claimed that Besiktas are plotting a swoop for Jamaal Lascelles who is open to an exit due to his lack of game time, so if he were to depart, the boss may have already found his captain’s replacement in the form of the colossus over in his homeland.

Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.

Are Newcastle signing Goncalo Inacio?

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle could “revisit a move” for Inacio, though any deal is dependent on the severity of the injury to Sven Botman who was forced off the pitch during the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

The Sporting CP star’s deal is believed to include a €60m (£51m) release clause, which is the fee that will need to be paid in order to prise him away before the end of the window.

With Jurgen Klopp’s side and Manchester United having also been linked, as per the same outlet, it’s claimed that the defender is eventually “expected to make a move” to England, though which club he’ll be signing for yet remains to be seen.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

Standing at 6 foot 1, Inacio poses a strong physical presence in defence and there’s no doubt that he could tighten up Newcastle’s ranks even more, so should he sign on the dotted line before the deadline, it may well be a massive coup for Howe.

Read The Latest Newcastle Transfer News HERE…

The Almada native, who is naturally left-footed, was averaging 1.9 aerial wins and clearances per league game last season, alongside recording a 90% pass success rate which was higher than any of the players achieved in the northeast, showing that his calmness and composure on the ball would be an upgrade on the boss’ current options.

Sporting’s “sensation”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also provided three assists and scored one goal himself during the previous campaign in Liga Portugal so is even capable of contributing to efforts in the final third, therefore possibly making this a no-brainer of a deal to pursue, and by the looks of things, it could be one to watch.

Man City: Sky Blues Star Sent Back From International Duty

Manchester City superstar Jack Grealish has pulled out of the England squad for their upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland.

After starting two of the first three games for the Champions League winners this season the 27-year-old dynamo was a surprise omission from the squad that beat Fulham 5-1 over the weekend.

But it has since come to light that in the build-up to Saturday's game, Grealish had picked up a thigh injury, per Manchester Evening News.

Why won’t Grealish be available?

After Saturday’s victory City’s assistant manager Juanma Lillo clarified that he didn’t know if Grealish would be part of the England squad, he said:

"It’s going to be difficult for Jack to make it, but I’m not a doctor and it will be difficult for me to explain."

Following this statement, Grealish did actually report to St George's Park but after an assessment from the national side's staff, he has had to withdraw from the squad.

The FA subsequently released a statement saying:

"Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been ruled out of England’s September fixtures.

"The pair reported to St. George’s Park on Monday but have since withdrawn from the Three Lions squad following checks on injuries sustained prior to camp.

"There are no further call-ups expected as Gareth Southgate’s squad prepare for Saturday’s UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Wroclaw and Tuesday’s 150th Anniversary Heritage Match with Scotland in Glasgow."

How big of a loss is Grealish to England and Manchester City?

The dynamic winger, who cost a British record £100m, will undoubtedly be a massive loss for Gareth Southgate’s upcoming fixtures.

Since making his England debut in September 2020, Grealish has played 32 times, scoring two goals and providing six assists.

The £300k-per-week whiz has been on electric form for Manchester City – last season, Grealish had a Sofascore rating of 7.34, which was the fourth highest in the squad, only 0.02 behind PFA Players’ Player of the Year Erling Haaland.

In the last year, the Aston Villa youth academy product has ranked in the top 3% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe for goal-creating actions per 90, as well as the top 6% for touches in the attacking third per 90, via FBref, proving what a monumental loss the talisman will be for England and Manchester City.

Speaking on BT Sport this year, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said:

"He has times when he takes his time. When he changes the rhythm of the game, slows it down then speeds it up and releases, he is almost unplayable when he does that.

"When he slows it down and plays one-paced, it allows defenders to come across. He is a super talent and he is starting to get goals and assists and impact big games. Long may it continue.”

Last season the Birmingham-born winger played 50 times for his club, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists.

Thankfully for Manchester City fans, and maybe to the dismay of West Ham fans, Grealish could return from injury before their game on September 16th.

However, if he doesn't return in time it could mean he also misses City's first Champions League game this season against FK Crvena Zvezda just three days later, which would be a frustrating blow for both Pep Guardiola and the Etihad Stadium faithful.

Celtic suffer international injury blow to "undroppable" player

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is now in a predicament as he looks set to miss one of his key first-team stars for a period of time due to an injury he picked up on international duty, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Celtic?

Celtic are in a good place at the minute and sit top of the Scottish Premiership on ten points from four matches, as boss Rodgers begins to show why he dramatically returned north of the border earlier this summer.

Last weekend, The Hoops got the better of their arch-rivals Rangers in front of a packed Ibrox Stadium, courtesy of a well-struck volley from Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi. Former Celtic and Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish has lavished praise on Furuhashi in a recent interview with The Sunday Post, cited via 67 Hail Hail, stating:

“I need to commend the winning goal from Celtic’s Kyogo. It was an outstanding strike and just reaffirmed again what a wonderful talent he is. At a transfer fee of around £4m, he is one of the transfer bargains of the millennium.

He then added:

"Last Sunday showed, once again, that Celtic are the team to beat and will not give up their title lightly. They have quality players and a winning mentality. Led by captain Callum McGregor, they know what it takes to be successful."

As per Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Denmark Under-21 international Matt O'Riley is expected to be offered an improved contract at Celtic following interest from Leeds United, who had a £10 million bid turned down for the ex-MK Dons playmaker late in the window.

Serie A side Bologna and Championship outfit Southampton were also keen to offer O'Riley an escape route from Parkhead; however, he could now commit his future to the Scottish champions and end any speculation surrounding his next career steps.

Who has suffered an injury at Celtic?

As per The Daily Record, Celtic winger Liel Abada has suffered an injury in training on international duty with Israel and will be sent for a scan to find out more information after feeling a "pinch in his muscle", according to Israel boss Alon Hazan.

Israel drew 1-1 with Romania on Saturday and are pencilled in to take on Belarus in Euro 2024 qualifying on Tuesday; however, Abada will now no longer be able to participate in the fixture and it remains to be seen how long the 21-year-old will be out of action for.

Since then, it has been claimed the player has a quad issue and could be out for a month as a result, missing three league games and the Champions League opener.

Celtic winger Liel Abada.

Abada, who has previously been labelled "undroppable" by journalist Kieran Devlin, has been a key figure for Celtic since joining the club in 2021 and has gone on to make 106 appearances in total for the Hoops, registering 29 goals and 21 assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Starting 2023/24 off in fine fettle, Abada has managed to average around 1.5 shots taken per match in the Scottish Premiership, according to WhoScored. Despite his initial bright start, Celtic may have to turn to alternative options for the time being as they wait for Abada to return.

Aston Villa transfer news: "Rash" £90k-p/w flop free to leave immediately

Aston Villa have told a first-team squad member that he is free to leave today, and a fresh report has revealed the club that are looking to make a late move to secure his services.

How have Aston Villa started the season?

In the Premier League, Unai Emery’s side have had a mixed start to the new campaign where they currently find themselves sitting tenth in the table on six points having secured two wins but also suffered the same number of defeats during their opening four games.

Having signed Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres, Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet over the summer transfer window, via Transfermarkt, the excellent competition for places has meant that some of the existing players have been pushed further out of the picture, one of those being Leander Dendoncker.

The Belgium international has only made 22 appearances since joining from Wolves last summer and he is still yet to feature in the top-flight this term, and the fact that he’s so low down in the pecking order has already seen him linked with an exit.

Fabrizio Romano previously reported that the Midlands outfit were open to offers for the defensive midfielder despite being rated by the manager, and whilst a departure failed to come to fruition before September 1st, there’s still a chance that he could be on the move.

Is Leander Dendoncker leaving Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, Fenerbahce are "readying a last-gasp move" for Dendoncker, who is "free to quit the club" having been told by chiefs that he has no long-term future at Aston Villa.

The Turkish transfer window closes on Friday, September 15, and the player's admirers have added him to a shortlist of options, with the hierarchy open to either a loan or permanent departure.

The Super Lig outfit have already held initial talks with their target's camp, and whilst an official offer is yet to have been tabled, it's stated that a "deal is possible" before the end of play this evening.

Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker.

Aston Villa recently named Dendoncker in their Premier League 25-man squad for the remainder of the season, but due to him being a “rash” player, as labelled by members of the media, not to mention that he’s on the fringe of the action, the board would be making the right decision to let him go.

The Wasserman client ranked as Emery’s overall 21st best-performing player out of 26 squad members last season, alongside listing 13th defensively, via WhoScored, whilst he’s also failed to make an impact at the opposite end of the pitch, recording zero goals or assists since his arrival.

Furthermore, Passendale’s native, who is sponsored by Nike, currently pockets £90k-per-week which is more than the likes of Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz, as per Capology, so Villa chiefs need to get him off their wage bill as soon as possible and use this money to generate funds towards bringing in potential fresh faces in the new year.

"Could leave Southampton" – Pundit says "exciting" star may exit St Mary’s

Southampton could lose an “exciting young talent” in January, with one Premier League club showing an interest.

Who left Southampton this summer?

The Saints and new manager Russell Martin lost a number of players in the summer, bringing in just under £160m through sales.

Big money was brought in for Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento, James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Tella, with Mohammed Salisu, Moussa Djenepo and Mislav Orsic also bringing in fees.

The club are currently going through an extremely tricky period back in the Championship following a relatively solid opening few weeks. Three wins from the opening four games gave plenty of belief around St Mary’s, however, the Saints have now lost their last four, leaving them in 15th place.

One player who began the campaign as a regular was Carlos Alcaraz, starting three of the first four, but he has been limited to appearances from the bench in recent weeks and was an unused substitute last time out against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Newcastle United made an enquiry for the Argentine in the summer and are keeping tabs on his situation ahead of the January window.

BBC pundit Carlton Palmer, talking to Football League World, addressed the rumours regarding Alcaraz and Newcastle, suggesting he could leave Southampton in the New Year.

"Newcastle United have made an enquiry about Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz in the summer transfer window and have continued to keep tabs on the player.

"(Eddie) Howe is keen to add to his squad in the January transfer window as they're in four competitions and there's a lot of games ahead of them.

"Alcaraz could leave Southampton in the January transfer window – certainly in the summer – if Southampton are not promoted and he's not getting game time.

"Alcaraz scored four goals in 18 Premier League games last season after his £12m move from Racing Club, he's certainly an exciting young talent and he's got a lot of praise from former-managers, one being Harry Redknapp – who knows a player or two – who said 'he's got a really bright future ahead of him'".

Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz.

How good is Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz?

Alcaraz, a central midfielder who can also play out wide if needed, appears to be a player who could make a big impact in the Championship. Over the past 12 months, as per FBref, Alcaraz has ranked in the top 1% for midfielders when it comes to shot-creating actions, xG, total shot and successful take-ons.

He’s also ranked highly for key passes, passes into the area and progressive passes, showing how he can make an impact on the ball, with plenty of the data recorded during last season's Premier League campaign.

Therefore, statistically, it isn’t a surprise that a team like Newcastle appear to see plenty of potential in the 20-year-old, so a move to St James’ Park from St Mary’s could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, and it'll be interesting to see if he soon returns to Martin's starting XI.

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