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Southampton are eyeing a move for Olympiacos right-back Omar Elabdellaoui, according to the Daily Mail.

Cedric Soares left the club to join Inter Milan on loan, per BBC, earlier this month and the Saints are now trying to recruit a replacement before the transfer deadline on Thursday.

On the chalkboard

The aforementioned Mail report claims that the Saints are ready to pay £6million to sign Elabdellaoui, who previously played for Hull City on loan in the second half of the 2016-17 season.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is said to believe that the full international has more experience than current right-back Yan Valery, but it remains to be seen if the Norwegian will be able to dislodge the 19-year-old from his starting position.

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

The 27-year-old, who has won 34 caps for Norway, made just eight appearances in the Premier League, per Transfermarkt, and was on the winning side twice, in a shock win over Liverpool and a 2-1 victory over Swansea City.

Elabdellaoui also played 90 minutes on the final day of the season, as Hull lost 7-1 to Tottenham Hotspur.

Just for depth?

Previous showings do not bode well for Southampton, here.

His last performance in English football saw his side ship seven goals, and this may merely be a move for a back-up.

Elabdellaoui has been almost ever-present for Olympiacos this season, missing just one Turkish Super League game, but his history in English football is such that it is difficult to foresee him being thrown straight in by manager Hasenhuttl.

Valery has impressed when given the chance to play at St Mary’s and can only benefit from an extended run in the first-team, regardless of transfers.

Hasenhuttl would be wise to place his faith in the 19-year-old, and use Elabdellaoui as little more than cover.

Celtic have been pretty consistent when it comes to spending money to bring new players to Parkhead throughout previous transfer windows.

However, as happens with a lot of clubs, not just in Scotland but in other leagues across the world, not every deal ends up being a successful one.

One prime example of a less than fruitful transfer from a financial point of view for the Hoops is their 2019 move for defender Hatem Elhamed.

Signed from Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva in a deal worth a reported £1.6m three summers ago, the defender ended up making just 30 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions. In February 2021, Celtic sold the 31-year-old back to his previous club for a fee of £800k, half of what they originally paid for him.

The 2019/20 season saw the Israel international make just 15 appearances then came in the first half of the 2020/21 campaign before his eventual return to his homeland.

His eight Premiership appearances last term saw the defender, who is currently valued at £450k, earn a middle-of-the-road overall performance rating of 6.9/10 from WhoScored. In addition to his underwhelming performances, the former Hoops player was struck with numerous injury issues which resulted in him missing a total of 43 games according to Transfermarkt.

Speaking about Elhamed’s exit from the club, former Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: He said: “He was going through a really difficult time, his wife and son were back in Israel and he was here on his own. He was really struggling with life away from the training ground and stadium.”

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Elhamed’s transfer to Celtic just didn’t work out and was not a good move for anyone apart from Hapoel Be’er Sheva, who ended up banking quite a lot of money for him.

From Celtic’s point of view, it can be said that a grand total of £2.7m from his original transfer fee and £14k-per-week wages ended up going down the drain.

In other news: Ange must now seal Celtic deal for “magic” £21.5k-p/w ace, he’s an “absolute dream”

Newcastle United travel away to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League today as they look to bounce back from successive defeats.

The Magpies lost to Chelsea and Everton, both by a 1-0 scoreline, prior to the international break and now have the opportunity to get back to winning ways in the top-flight.

Eddie Howe may look to change up his team in order to avoid a third defeat in a row and one change he will be able to make is the return of Jonjo Shelvey, with the midfielder back in training after dealing with an illness.

Ahead of the match, the head coach spoke about his options in the middle of the park, saying: “Midfield has been a key area for us. We’ve had a really good mixture of technical & physical quality. If we decide to play with three, I need to pick which three & it’s a difficult choice but nice one to have.”

Unleash him

Howe must now unleash Shelvey in midfield against Tottenham as he is a crucial player for the Toon and will be key to their chances of picking up all three points.

The ex-Liverpool man was absent against Chelsea and Everton as both games ended in defeat for the Magpies. They missed his guile in the number eight role, with the club’s form before those losses highlighting his influence.

Prior to those games, he was one of only two outfield players – along with Fabian Schar – to play every single minute of the exceptional nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

The £70k-per-week gem averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.01 across those nine matches. This shows that he was consistently delivering quality performances to help the team on the pitch, as he played a key role in the unbeaten stretch.

Issac Hayden dubbed him a “Rolls Royce” of a player last month and Matt Ritchie once claimed that he “could play for Barcelona”, which illustrates how highly he is rated by his peers.

His displays on the pitch have been deserving of praise as he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.91 in the top-flight this term – a score only Allan Saint-Maximin can better out of the players who have been at the club since the summer.

His passing will be important to Howe’s side against Tottenham if Antonio Conte’s side look to dominate the match as he has the ability to hit long balls on the counter-attack.

He has completed 61% of his long passing this term, making 4.9 per game, and can use his quality on the ball to set the likes of Ryan Fraser and Saint-Maximin away in space if Spurs press up high and leave space in behind. This is why Howe must unleash him from the start today.

AND in other news, Howe must finally unleash “breathtaking” £93k-p/w Newcastle gem, he’s what they need…

Newcastle United managed to scrape a narrow 1-0 win at home to Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night, despite the visitors dominating the ball.

Offensively, the hosts did manage to record 12 shots on goal compared to the Wanderers’ five, but both sides were largely wasteful in attack in an underwhelming encounter.

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As such, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the North East club at St. James’ Park, should these men be worried after their chances under Eddie Howe?

Miguel Almiron

Given a 6.6 rating, Almiron, who had to come on in the 13th minute for the injured Ryan Fraser, ranked as the Tyneside outfit’s third-worst player on the night.

The Paraguay international lost out on four of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on target, accurate cross or long ball, giving possession away six times in total.

Linked with a move away this summer and starting just 13 times in the league, might this have been the pacy attacker’s last chance to impress?

Matt Targett

Targett was ranked as the Magpies’ second-worst performer with a 6.5 overall rating.

The left-back lost eight duels, and made no successful dribbles, clearances or key passes, while he was also dribbled past a team-high three times.

He lost the ball on no fewer than on 20 separate occasions in total, the joint-second most out of any player on the pitch, but one would think he’s done enough this year to convince Howe to sign him permanently.

Allan Saint-Maximin

With a 6.4 rating, Saint-Maximin ranked as the Toon’s worst player on the night.

The French winger was unsuccessful in a staggering 15 of his individual duels, by far the most out of any player, while he also failed to score with his four shots at goal, and managed no key passes or accurate crosses.

Dribbled past twice, Saint-Maximin was also guilty of giving the ball away 23 times, again the most of any player on the pitch, in what was a disappointing night for the fan favourite winger.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ club-record deal NUFC could now complete here!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication La Razon (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite the Villarreal centre-back having rejected a move to Spurs last summer, Fabio Paratici will once again launch an offensive for the 25-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

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The report goes on to state that, now the Spain international has fulfilled his dream of playing in the Champions League with his boyhood club, Unai Emery will agree to part with Torres in the summer transfer window – as long as an offer of around €60m (£50m) is submitted.

Paratici’s next De Ligt

Considering how impressive Torres has been for Villarreal this season, in addition to it being reported that Tottenham will prioritise the signing of a left-sided centre-back this summer, it is easy to see why Antonio Conte and Paratici would be interested in a move for the Spaniard ahead of 2022/23.

Indeed, over his 28 LaLiga appearances in the current campaign, the £58m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of Emery’s defence, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.3 clearances and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of 65% – per game.

The £126k-per-week defender has also impressed in an attacking and creative capacity, scoring four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing 55.2 passes, 4.5 long balls, 3.8 chipped passes, 0.9 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who journalist Simon Collings dubbed “classy” and Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average a fantastic SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Villarreal’s third-best player in the Spanish top flight.

The 25-year-old has been equally as impressive over his ten Champions League outings this season, helping his side keep three clean sheets, scoring one goal and creating two big chances, with these metrics seeing the left-footer average a SofaScore match rating of 7.08 – with the centre-back playing a crucial role in the Yellow Submarine’s run to the semi-finals of the competition.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Conte’s current defensive options at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leading us to believe Paratici must do all he can to get a deal over the line for the Spaniard this summer – especially if he is available for a figure of around £50m.

And, with the managing director having been the man behind Juventus’ €75m (£67.8m) capture of Matthijs de Ligt back in 2019, Torres could very well prove to be the Italian’s next seismic centre-back signing.

AND in other news: “Tottenham could consider…”: Romano drops huge transfer claim, Conte would love him

Glasgow Rangers have made an offer to bring Andreas Skov Olsen to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Ibrox News), who claimed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have submitted a €6m (£5m) offer for the Bologna right winger.

Previous reports had suggested that Gers were considering a bid for the Denmark international this month, and it would now appear that Ross Wilson has pulled the trigger on a move for the 22-year-old.

Rangers’ next Prso

Following his £5.4m move to Bologna in 2019, Skov Olsen has not enjoyed the most successful spell of his career, but the forward nevertheless proved during his time at Nordsjaelland that he could make an excellent addition to Van Bronckhorst’s current options out wide.

Indeed, over his £5.85m-rated wizard scored an astonishing 22 goals and registered five assists, directly contributing to a goal every 114 minutes of league football he played that season.

Furthermore, the £28k-per-week winger also bagged one goal over two outings in the Sydbank Pokalen, as well as netting three goals and providing one assist across six Europa League qualifying matches, taking his total to 26 goals and six assists over 44 outings during that campaign.

As such, should Skov Olsen go on to rediscover such form following a potential switch to Rangers this month, Van Bronckhorst could well have the club’s next Dado Prso on his hands. The legendary Croatian centre-forward – who also operated on the right wing – boasts a similar seasonal-best record to that of the 22-year-old, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists over 42 appearances in all competitions for Rangers back in 2004/05.

Indeed, should the Gers be able to get a “groundbreaking” deal for the Danish talent over the line this month, it would undoubtedly provide their chances of going on to win the Premiership title this season with a considerable boost, an outcome which would delight everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Jordan Campbell drops huge January transfer update which will have Rangers fans buzzing

West Ham United will take on a Chelsea side without Antonio Rudiger and Mateo Kovacic in the Premier League this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, as quoted by Football.London, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel stated: “For Sunday, both of them [Kovacic and Rudiger] are not back, but there are no other new injuries.”

Rudiger missed Wednesday evening’s 4-2 defeat to Arsenal with a groin injury whilst Kovacic couldn’t manage 30 minutes in the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, withdrawing with an ankle injury.

Moyes will be buzzing

Of course, they can’t let their heads drop, however, Chelsea’s chances of finishing third in the Premier League look pretty secure whilst the Hammers will have plenty to play for.

The Irons will leapfrog Manchester United into sixth with a victory at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with the gap between the two sides now just two points after Ralf Rangnick’s men lost 3-1 at Arsenal yesterday.

David Moyes’ men are very much in contention of securing another top-six finish, whilst qualification for Europe is also still possible with a Europa League triumph, with the east London side taking on Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday.

However, in order to guarantee European football via the league, there is now very little room for slip-ups for the Hammers, with Wolves very much in the picture too.

Both Rudiger and Kovacic are major absentees for the west London outfit, with the duo making 47 and 40 appearances this term for Tuchel’s side respectively. Rudiger, in particular, was a big absentee in midweek when Chelsea’s defence were error-prone and mistake-riddled on their way to a 4-2 defeat versus Arsenal.

West Ham must take confidence into their meeting with Chelsea from the fact that they ran out 3-2 victors in the reverse fixture whilst the Blues’ home form of late has been woeful, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid and 4-1 to Brentford in their last two matches at Stamford Bridge prior to the Arsenal crushing.

Moreover, the fact their London rivals will be without two key players will have Moyes buzzing.

AND in other news: Forget Diop: Moyes must now unleash West Ham wonderkid who’s “seriously good” today

As per French news outlet RMC Sport, there has been an update on West Ham United’s hunt for a new striker involving Senegal forward Bamba Dieng.

The Lowdown: Hammers in final week rush?

Irons boss David Moyes has earmarked the signing of a new striker as one of his transfer priorities over the last month, but they have had no luck getting a player through the door so far in January.

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Bids have been lodged, with Flamengo star Gabriel Barbosa once the subject of intense West Ham interest as they made an 18-month loan offer for him at the beginning of January (Sky Sports).

They have also been linked with Adam Hlozek of Sparta Prague recently but, with just a few days left of the transfer window, they’re fast running out of time to make a decision.

The Latest: West Ham make contact over Dieng…

According to RMC Sport, West Ham have now made an inquiry to sign Marseille’s Dieng and are one of the English clubs to return to the charge alongside Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Burnley.

It is believed that the Hammers and their Premier League rivals have informed the 21-year-old’s entourage of their interest in signing the attacker, and while no concrete offer has been made just yet, this could change in the ‘coming days’.

Marseille are ‘ready to sell’ their starlet by ‘the end of the winter transfer window’ and it will cost GSB €10m (£8.3m) to reach an agreement for him.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Still an unknown quantity despite receiving some worthy plaudits from legends of the game, a move for Dieng could be a gamble.

While Chelsea icon Didier Drogba has hailed the 21-year-old as a ‘skilful’ player, the Senegal ace has still only netted four goals and supplied one assist in 14 French top-flight starts at club level this season.

This isn’t exactly a prolific record, and while there may be bags of potential on offer for just £8.3m, Moyes and West Ham recruitment chief Rob Newman should arguably target players who are more proven at the top level as this month’s transfer window draws to a close.

In other news: BBC reporter says West Ham have made an offer to sign ‘amazing’ ace whose club value at ‘£50m’, find out more here.

ExWHUemployee has dropped an update on West Ham United’s bid to secure a deal to bring Jesse Lingard to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on The West Ham Way, the Hammers insider suggested that, following reports claiming that the Manchester United attacking midfielder is nearing a move to Newcastle United, the 29-year-old’s return to East London looks increasingly unlikely, either this month or in the summer.

In his post, Ex said: “I have tried to get a clear answer on the Jesse Lingard situation. Rumours are that he is set to join Newcastle on loan after they agreed to match his £100k a week salary (and more) as well as paying a fee. Whereas Manchester United will not agree a deal with us due to being in competition with them for a Champions League spot.

“I spoke to a couple of club sources about what was happening with Jesse and all I got back was, ‘It’s Jesse’s call.’ It is clear that Lingard wishes to become a free agent in the summer where he will obviously be able to command a large wage and signing on fee, hence why loans are the option until then.

“There does appear to be a contradiction in messages coming out regarding the deal. Lingard’s side believe West Ham have not made contact (despite Moyes making it clear he wants him back), whereas West Ham are saying it is up to the player. Clearly, there is a difference of opinion between the two parties and unless something changes quite dramatically it appears he won’t be returning before the summer, if at all.”

Fans will be fuming

Considering how much of a success Lingard was during his short-term loan spell at West Ham last season, in addition to the fact that David Moyes has made it clear that he would like to bring the England international back to the club this winter, the news that the 29-year-old now looks unlikely to make a return to the London Stadium will undoubtedly leave fans fuming.

Indeed, over his 16 Premier League outings last term, the £18m-rated man was in remarkable form for the Irons, scoring nine goals, registering five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £75k-per-week forward earn a quite spectacular seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as the club’s best player in the English top-flight last time out.

As such, while it seems there is some ambiguity as to whether or not West Ham have made an approach for Lingard this winter, should the versatile midfielder go on to join a side who are currently second-bottom in the Premiership standings as opposed to one who currently sit fourth, West Ham fans will quite rightly be livid.

In other news: Moyes must now launch WHU bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon” as key transfer twist emerges

Celtic are willing to sell Stephen Welsh for just €2m (£1.7m) amid interest from Serie A outfit Udinese, according to Messaggero Veneto. 

The lowdown

Udinese are looking for a replacement after their Brazilian defender Samir joined Premier League side Watford, and they believe that the 21-year-old Parkhead academy graduate fits the bill.

The Hoops have allowed to two youngsters to leave already this month, sending Euan Henderson and Liam Shaw on loan to Hibernian and Motherwell respectively.

The latest

As per Messaggero Veneto, Udinese owner Gino Pozzo has apparently been making ‘phone calls’ to the ‘Celtic headquarters’ as he looks to strike a deal for Welsh.

He has reportedly asked if there is any room for manoeuvre on Celtic’s aforementioned valuation, and that request allegedly indicates that the player ‘likes’ the potential move.

The verdict

If these reports are accurate, then Celtic’s valuation seems surprisingly low.

First and foremost, Welsh is under contract in Glasgow for another three-and-a-half years. He has also become an increasingly important member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad this term, making 19 appearances overall and starting Celtic’s last two Premiership games and their last three European ties.

His potential to develop even further is quite evident, too – he has amassed six caps for Scotland at under-21 level, while Celtic youth coach Martin Miller has hailed the ‘fan favourite’ as ‘phenomenal’.

It feels like selling Welsh for £1.7m – barely putting him in the club’s top 30 sales – could backfire horrendously.

In other news, Celtic are close to sealing their next transfer