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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.

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.

Leeds United have been strongly linked with a move for Nathaniel Phillips this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Nat Phillips?

According to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, the Yorkshire giants remain interested in signing the Liverpool centre-back this summer.

As per the report, the journalist claims that although the noise around Phillips' move has fallen quiet, the Whites had made enquiries about the defender earlier in the summer and remain interested in securing his signature.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Will Leeds sign Nat Phillips?

There is no doubt that Daniel Farke is still in desperate need of reinforcements this summer, considering the number of outgoings already confirmed whilst the future is not promised for many others at Elland Road.

Several first-team regulars have left the club following relegation from the Premier League last season including Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Brendan Aaronson, Marc Roca, whilst more recently, Maximilian Wober completed a season-long loan move to the Bundesliga via Borussia Mönchengladbach.

As a result, Farke desperately needs to bolster the defensive depth, quality and experience in the Leeds squad to ensure they have the best chance of competing for automatic promotion in the Championship next season, something Phillips could help the side achieve if he makes the move this month.

Despite struggling to gain consistent first-team football over his career at Liverpool due to huge competition in the centre-back position with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate occupying the starting spots, Phillips became a cult hero during a huge injury crisis at Anfield back in the 2020/21 season.

Over 17 Premier League appearances, the 26-year-old titan scored one goal, delivered one assist, successfully completed 100% of his dribbles and won 61% of his ground and aerial duels combined, as well as keeping seven clean sheets to help Liverpool secure Champions League qualification in the final fixtures of the season.

His successful breakthrough for the Reds led to huge praise from many including ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp who waxed lyrical about the defender in 2021 after he scored a goal against Burnley:

"The second goal really helps and Nat Phillips has had an unbelievable time, he's full of confidence. He's a throwback defender. He wants to make blocks, he wants to make tackles, he's got great anticipation."

Since then, the Bolton-born colossus has been rarely seen at Anfield but was given the opportunity to play regularly and gain more first-team minutes whilst on a six-month loan in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth during their promotion challenge of 2022, so such experience would be massively advantageous in the Leeds squad next season.

Phillips – who has a reported price tag of just £10m – tallied up an 82% pass completion rate, kept eight clean sheets, successfully completed 50% of his dribbles and won 65% of his duels combined over 17 appearances in the second tier, contributing massively to the South coast club's final push for automatic promotion success.

With that being said, the opportunity to sign Phillips should not be missed for Farke this summer, as his strong presence, consistency and domination in the defensive third would help Leeds achieve their dreams of instant promotion back to the Premier League.

In a remarkable end to a dramatic match, Warwickshire skittled Middlesex for 136 at Lord’s to claim their first win of the season in the Specsavers County Championship’s Division One by a thumping 190-run margin.

ECB Reporters Network08-Aug-2017
1:06

County Championship round-up: Warwickshire secure first win

In a remarkable end to a dramatic match, Warwickshire skittled Middlesex for 136 at Lord’s to claim their first win of the season in the Specsavers County Championship’s Division One by a thumping 190-run margin.Chris Woakes, completing a successful comeback from a two-month injury lay-off, took 3 for 38 as he and Keith Barker, who snapped up the first three wickets to fall and finished with 3 for 21, left the Middlesex second innings in ruins.And all this, on a humiliating day for the champions, after Barker and Chris Wright had earlier taken their unlikely ninth-wicket partnership to 97 as Warwickshire, who resumed on 293 for 8, reached 361 in their own second innings to set Middlesex 327 to win on a pitch which had seemingly flattened out following the opening-day carnage of 20 wickets.Gubbins’ England hopes hit by injury

Nick Gubbins’ hopes of an England call-up appear to be over after suffering a hamstring injury during Middlesex’s defeat at Lord’s.
While Gubbins has not enjoyed the best of seasons – he has scored just one Championship century and is averaging 24.91 – he has a reputation as one of the best players of fast bowling on the circuit and is thought to have the game to flourish on the pitches anticipated in Australia.
With Keaton Jennings enduring a grim series against South Africa and Haseeb Hameed struggling for form, Gubbins had been mentioned as a potential replacement in recent days. He played for England Lions over the winter and only just missed out on selection when Jennings was called-up during the India series.
With England’s squad for the first Investec Test against West Indies scheduled to be named on Friday, it seems Gubbins is unlikely to be considered for a call-up. George Dobell

Middlesex, it is true, were hampered by injuries to openers Nick Gubbins and Sam Robson – Gubbins was forced to come in at No 8 after tearing a hamstring in the field – but the way both their batting and bowling fell away in this game will be of great concern to them.Warwickshire, meanwhile, though they may well remain bottom of Division One when this round of matches is done, are now only 31 points behind Middlesex – who began this game in fifth place – with five matches remaining for both counties in this summer’s campaign.Barker ended up on 62 not out from 109 balls, with eight fours, after resuming on 30 and his stand with Wright, who made an 83-ball 41 before being caught behind off Steven Finn, flourished in a morning session in which the Middlesex bowlers huffed and puffed to little effect.Leg spinner Nathan Sowter then earned himself a maiden first-class wicket by bowling last man Ryan Sidebottom for 1, but by then the damage done was not just to Middlesex’s morale. Gubbins, in attempting to take a sprawling catch off a top-edged Barker hook as he ran in from long leg, hurt himself so badly that he had to be helped from the field by Middlesex’s medical staff.Gubbins was unable to open, meaning Nick Compton was promoted to partner Robson, who used Sowter as a runner as he made 19 despite a leg injury before being first out.Middlesex were 20 without loss at lunch but that proved only to be the calm before the storm. The headlong collapse began at the start of the second over after the interval with Robson pinned leg-before by Barker who then, later in the same over, had Stevie Eskinazi taken at second slip for 2.Left-armer Barker struck again in his next over, this time going around the wicket to surprise Compton with a nasty lifter that he touched to keeper Tim Ambrose to go for 3.And 28 for 3 became 28 for 4 when Woakes nipped one off the seam to have John Simpson leg-before for 4. Ryan Higgins, after one extra cover driven four, was also leg-before to Woakes for 5 in the England all-rounder’s next over, and the same bowler soon breached James Franklin’s defences to bowl the Middlesex captain for 1.From 45 for 6 there were a few defiant blows from Sowter, who had been joined by Gubbins and runner on Franklin’s dismissal, before his 37 ended when he turned the first ball of Sidebottom’s second over straight into the hands of short leg.Middlesex’s tail was cleaned up by off spinner Jeetan Patel and right-arm seamer Sidebottom, who added 2 for 41 to his first innings’ 4 for 29 and completed a memorable championship debut by winning an leg-before appeal against Gubbins on 15 to finish the match. Patel had Tom Helm taken at first slip for 15 and bowled Tim Murtagh for 0 to give himself figures of 2 for 19.A last wicket frolic by No 11 Finn and the injured Gubbins, who added a quickfire 48 with Finn playing some superb shots in his unbeaten 31, provided scant consolation for Middlesex, who for much of the first two days were clear favourites to win this game.For Warwickshire, bowled out for just 126 at the start of the match, this was a significant victory – especially as they had lost five of their previous eight games. Bowling out Middlesex for 161 on a helter-skelter opening day kept them in the contest, and then a gritty second innings batting effort on day two took the sting out of Middlesex’s seam attack.When day three dawned, however, with their lead a seemingly middling 258 on an easing pitch, they could not have dreamed of winning so decisively or so quickly. It is a result which could yet have ramifications for the ultimate destiny of both sides this season.

تحدث عامر حسين رئيس لجنة المسابقات بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن أزمة مباراة الأهلي وإنبي في بطولة دوري 2003، مؤكدًا أنه لا علاقة له بالأزمة.

وقال عامر حسين في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “أون تايم سبورتس”: “أزمة دوري 2003 حدثت في وقت سابق مع نادي سموحة ولم يوجد أي نادي على علم بالتزوير، ولجنة المسابقات لا علاقة لها بالتحقيقات”.

وأضاف: “الأمر يعود لشؤون اللاعبين وبعد ذلك الإدارة القانونية هي التي تتحرى عن اللاعب، إجراءات طويلة ليس من السهل أن تجزم بوجود تزوير”.

وتابع: “الأندية لا علاقة لها بالتزوير، اللاعبون الصغار يمكن أن يغويهم أحد والوكلاء يزورون سنهم، والأمر ليس له علاقة بالأندية”.

فريقان يحتفلان باللقب.. تفاصيل أحداث مباراة الأهلي وإنبي مواليد 2003 في دوري الجمهورية

واستكمل: “الإعلان عن نتائج التحقيقات قبل مباراة الأهلي وإنبي ما كانت ستصنع الفارق، كما أن الشكوى مقدمة من يوم 16، وتأخذ وقتها، والمسابقة تستمر وفي النهاية كل طرف سيحصل على حقه، لكن ليس من الطبيعي إن كل من يتقدم باحتجاج نؤجل المباراة التالية لحين الفصل”.

واستطرد: “الخطاب خرج من اتحاد الكرة بفوز الأهلي في الدوري لحين الفصل في الأمر، وهذا الموضوع لا دخل للجنة المسابقات به”.

وواصل: “الأهلي تقدم بشكوى أيضًا بشأن وجود لاعب مزور في نادي الاتحاد السكندري”.

واستأنف: “ليس لي شأن باحتفال أي ناد سواء الأهلي أو إنبي في الملعب بالتتويج بالدوري، أنا ليس لي سلطة على الأندية من يحتفل ومن لا”.

وأضاف: “أيمن الشريعي رئيس نادي إنبي قال إنني أضع الدوري وفق أهوائي، وفي نفس الوقت قال إننا أجلنا المسابقة بسبب منتخب 2007، وتم الموافقة على الإشتراك في بطولة لمنتخب 2007، هل أنا أرفض قرار اتحاد الكرة واللجنة الفنية؟ ما المطلوب مني؟ إنبي أرسل خطابًا بأن الفريق مُرهق وتم تأجيل مباريات لهم، هل بذلك أنا أعاند إنبي؟”.

وعاد ليؤكد: “إنبي قدم شكوى يوم 16 والموضوع لا يخص لجنة المسابقات، الأمر يخص لجنة شؤون اللاعبين، والتحقيقات مع الإدارة القانونية، الأمر لا يخصني، ولن ينتهي في يومين أو ثلاثة”.

وأشار: “ولا أعلم متى ستنتهي التحقيقات هذا أمر لا يخصني، قبل ذلك سموحة توج بالدوري، وبعد شهر التحقيقات أسفرت عن وجود حالة تزوير وتم سحب اللقب منهم”.

وأتم متحدثًا عن جدول الدوري المصري الممتاز “النيل”: “النادي الأهلي يعتب علي ويقول إنني أضغط الفريق في مباريات، والبعض الآخر يرى إنني (أدلع الأهلي) وأوجل له مباريات، أنا لا أعرف ماذا أفعل”.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will look to add to his goalkeeping pool this summer as Illan Meslier's future becomes increasingly uncertain at Elland Road, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Illan Meslier leaving Leeds United?

Last month, Football Insider reported that Leeds United would be open to listening to offers for Meslier this summer and the Whites are said to value the Frenchman at around £30 million.

The report states that Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all previously tracked the talented stopper; however, the latter, Spurs, have already brought in Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli, making a pursuit of Meslier unlikely this off-season, as per Sky Sports.

As per The Daily Mail, they understand that £30k-a-week earner Meslier has a clause in his contract at the Yorkshire outlet that would allow him to leave on loan due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

Several Leeds United players have taken advantage of this unusual arrangement to secure loan moves, including Robin Koch, Rasmus Kristensen, Brendan Aaronsen and Marc Roca, as per Transfermarkt.

Joel Robles has also left Leeds United after his contract expired at the end of last season and has now joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah, who ply their trade in the division below the Saudi Pro League.

Kristoffer Klaesson and Meslier remain the only two senior options Leeds United now have as their last line of defence, indicating that they may need to enter the market to acquire some depth in the goalkeeping position.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones has detailed that work has already taken place regarding a potential new addition to the goalkeeper ranks at Leeds United despite Meslier still being on the books of the club.

Jones stated: “They're all good goalkeepers to be targeting.

"It is a bit of an awkward one though, because Illan Meslier hasn’t actually got a buyer yet.”

Who have Leeds United targeted to strengthen the goalkeeper position?

According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is on the radar as a target to strengthen the goalkeeping department at Leeds United; however, they will have to face competition from Middlesbrough, Bournemouth and Blackburn to land the 32-year-old.

Discussions have taken place regarding the prospect of Darlow heading to Yorkshire to join the Whites as Leedd United plan a major recruitment push now that 49ers Enterprises have officially completed their takeover of the club, as per iNews.

Leeds United are believed to be in the race to sign Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alex Nubel as a potential replacement for Meslier, who doesn't see himself having a long term future under Thomas Tuchel, as per BILD.

Stuttgart are also interested in the 26-year-old; nevertheless, Leeds United are thought to be favourites and are chasing a permanent agreement to secure his signature.

'Internal discussions' have taken place at Leeds United regarding Rotherham United stopper Viktor Johansson, signifying that boss Farke has all bases covered in his search for a new goalkeeper, as per Football League World.

Manchester City have built an unbeatable squad over the last few years and it finally paid off for Pep Guardiola when his impressive side completed the treble, winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season.

It's hard to believe that the Sky Blues would be in the market this summer but the ruthless operation at the Eithad has been a testament to their success as they continue to acquire the services of some of the best talent in the world.

Mateo Kovacic became the first signing of the summer transfer window for City and will hope he can make the desired impact on his move to the North West, but it seems like the former Chelsea star hasn't been the only midfielder that Guardiola has been chasing.

The Premier League champions made an attempt to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, as reported by David Ornstein they made a massive bid to rival Arsenal earlier this week:

However, the Gunners upped their bid which quickly led to Man City pulling out of the race and now the England star is set to complete his move to the Emirates imminently.

Whilst Guardiola is unfamiliar with missing out on transfer targets, he could now be set to seek out a cheaper alternative this summer and recently linked Marcelo Brozovic could be the perfect short-term solution at the Etihad next season.

Should Man City sign Marcelo Brozovic?

The Inter Milan midfielder's future has been up in the air for the last few weeks with not only a move to the blue side of Manchester speculated, but has also earned interest from Barcelona and Saudi Arabian clubs.

Brozovic is now 30 years old and whilst he can't provide the longevity that Rice could have given to City, he could provide a great output in the centre of the pitch that would be valuable at the Etihad next season.

Over 28 Serie A appearances last season, the Croatian star – hailed "unbelievable" by journalist Dean Jones – scored three goals, registered five assists and successfully completed 63% of his dribbles, displaying solid attacking attributes in his versatile role.

When comparing Brozovic's output with Rice in league football over the latest campaign, the pair shared many similarities including their pass completion rate (87.7% v 86.5%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.95 v 2.75) and take-on success rate (59.3% v 55.6%), proving that the Inter Milan midfielder could be a worthy cheaper alternative for Guardiola.

With that being said, if reports are to be believed it would only cost €25m (£22m) to secure the services of Brozovic for next season which would be a steal in comparison to Rice and could make him one to watch for City this summer.

Arsenal are currently leading the chase to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer as Mikel Arteta looks set to strengthen his midfield.

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia to Arsenal?

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are in pole position to sign Lavia during the transfer window after the youngster verbally agreed to join the Gunners.

He will cost around £50m and the north Londoners have jumped ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United with regard to the move, although Manchester City do have a buy-back clause which is active next summer, but the report claims they are undecided on acting sooner.

Will Romeo Lavia join Arsenal?

It is looking increasingly likely that he will arrive at the Emirates ahead of next season and Arteta will be hoping to put Arsenal’s failed Premier League title challenge from last season behind him as the 2023/24 campaign looms on the horizon.

Indeed, the Spaniard is close to signing Chelsea star Kai Havertz for a fee of £65m, as with the added rigours of the Champions League next term, bolstering his options is a shrewd move and could certainly pay dividends.

It is unclear to what position the German will play upon joining Arsenal, as he was mainly deployed as a centre-forward during Chelsea’s underwhelming season, yet with Gabriel Jesus likely to be leading the line for Arsenal next term, he could drop back slightly deeper, perhaps into an attacking-midfield role.

With Lavia coming in and solidifying the midfield, there is potential for a key partnership to be formed which may spur the club onto success next term, with the Belgian’s defensive acumen allowing Havertz the freedom to express his creative talents.

He ranked second in the Southampton squad for tackles made per game (2.1) while also having the second-highest pass success rate (86%) across the whole squad, being able to dictate the play well. The midfielder also ranks in the top 17% across Europe’s big five leagues for ball recoveries per 90 (7.58), suggesting he is effective at sweeping up loose balls in order to move the ball onto more creative talents.

The German could benefit from having someone like Lavia playing behind him. Havertz, across Europe’s top five leagues, ranks in the top 9% for passes received per 90 (34.24) and the top 18% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (5.98), indicating that he is keen to receive the ball as often as possible deep into the opposition half.

Lavia’s passing ability could find Havertz in these ideal positions and they could form a dream duo for Arteta. Reporter Benjy Nurick hailed the teen gem as a “monster” earlier this year and Arsenal must get this move over the line as soon as possible.

Chelsea are expected to have another busy transfer window, as Mauricio Pochettino prepares for his first summer in charge of the Blues.

After spending a figure over £500m in the two transfer windows last season, things failed to click at Stamford Bridge, leaving the Argentinian with a clean-up operation ahead of the next campaign.

The latest drop of transfer news suggests that Chelsea could consider a move for two Premier League aces, with one in particular that could benefit Pochettino’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

As reported by 90min on Thursday, Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is a wanted man in west London.

The report suggests that Chelsea could consider a ‘double swoop’ for the services of Declan Rice and Caicedo.

A separate report from The Telegraph states that the Seagulls will demand a price that could exceed the £70m mark for the Ecuadorian this summer.

What could Moises Caicedo bring to Chelsea?

Lauded as a “monster” by sports scientist Dr Rajpal Brar, the 21-year-old is a player wanted by a host of clubs after an impeccable season on the south coast.

The Brighton ace won an average of 58% of his total duels this season, averaging a monstrous 5.9 per game and asserting himself as one of the league’s best defensive midfielders, via Sofascore.

His presence could be crucial to Chelsea’s midfield, which requires some structure from Pochettino to fully utilise the talents of British record signing Enzo Fernandez, who joined the club in January for £106.8m.

While the talent of Fernandez is undoubted, the Blues are yet to see his full potential, which could be unlocked by having a partner such as Caicedo, who is an engine in midfield.

As per FBref, the two are extremely similar in their capabilities, however, Enzo prevails as a slightly better ball-player than the 21-year-old, averaging a huge 9.25 progressive passes per 90 to Caicedo's 6.28.

A pattern is followed in the Brighton gem’s favour in terms of defensive attributes, averaging more interceptions & tackles per 90 than the Argentinian and a significantly better outlet of aerial protection, with 1.06 aerials won to Enzo’s 0.47 per 90.

Chelsea picked up the ex-Benfica ace for good reason, with the midfielder forming a deadly partnership in Portugal with former teammate Florentino Luiz, lauded as the Eagles’ “anchor”.

Pochettino could therefore get the best out of the 22-year-old by signing Caicedo, who could act as a dominant defensive partner for the World Cup winner in a similar system to how he played at the Amex beside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Billy Gilmour.

But with Arsenal chasing the Ecuadorian in a saga ongoing from January, Chelsea will have to act fast in their efforts to capture the youngster’s signature.

استأنف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك تدريباته اليوم الثلاثاء، استعدادًا لمواجهة الداخلية، في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

يأتي ذلك بعد الراحة التي حصل عليها الفريق، أمس الإثنين، عقب العودة من الجزائر بعد الفوز على أبو سليم الليبي بهدفين لهدف، في كأس الكونفدرالية.

وتعرض أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب الفريق، لإصابة بإلتواء في الكاحل خلال مباراة أبو سليم الليبي، جاء ذلك في الوقت الذي ينتظر فيه الزمالك مباراة هامة أمام الأهلي بنهائي كأس مصر، وذلك في الثامن من مارس المقبل، وقبلها مواجهة الداخلية في الدوري.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب أبو سليم الليبي: الزمالك من أفضل الفرق في إفريقيا.. وأتمنى الشفاء العاجل لـ زيزو موقف زيزو بعد إصابته أمام أبو سليم

شارك زيزو في التدريبات الجماعية للفريق اليوم بشكل طبيعي، بعد تعافيه من الإصابة.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الزمالك مع الداخلية يوم الخميس المُقبل الموافق 29 فبراير، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من الدوري المصري.

Amit Verma scored an unbroken century against his former team•Prakash Parsekar

Group B