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The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton has dropped an update involving Leeds United and Patrick Bamford.

What’s the story?

David Ornstein had previously revealed that last summer, the 27-year-old signed a new one-year extension to his existing contract at Elland Road, with his deal now running until June 2023.

And now, Crafton has claimed via his official Twitter account that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are “closing on” an extension for Bamford, adding that discussions are progressing well over a renewal.

Leeds fans will be delighted

The striker was an absolute sensation in the Premier League last season for the Whites, banging in 17 goals and providing another eight assists in 38 games.

In fact, only Spurs talisman Harry Kane outscored the Leeds man in the top-flight in terms of the players Gareth Southgate chose for the England squad, while only the Three Lions captain, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish provided more assists than him.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, former Leeds midfielder David Prutton had urged Southgate to take Bamford to the EUROs, declaring: “Get him in there. He’s got no tournament baggage and he’s a great team player who is a hard worker and selfless. He’s performed under pressure at a big club and always rises to the challenge of the questions against him. He’s an all round good egg.”

The fact Bamford was in the conversation for an England spot for this summer is a real testament of just how much he has improved under Bielsa at Elland Road.

Keeping a hold of the core that Bielsa has built over the seasons at Elland Road is crucial to keeping the kind of team spirit that the Leeds boss has helped create, and Bamford has been one of the main reasons why the Whites find themselves in the Premier League again.

Given how Leeds fans were absolutely ecstatic when news emerged from Ornstein that a one-year extension was signed, the update from Crafton that talks are going well over a renewal is surely to delight fans even more.

Meanwhile, Beren Cross has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

When Ange Postecoglou sat down as Celtic’s new manager for the first time last month, he had a promise that will have delighted the supporters.

The Hoops have been scared to blood their young talent over the last few years and that was no more apparent than when Neil Lennon and John Kennedy refused to hand Karamoko Dembele his first senior start.

Postecoglou, however, looks set to change the tide.

During one of his first interviews, the Australian said: “I’m a big believer that, if you can produce homegrown talent and players who have come through the club, there’s extra meaning to represent that football club for the player. For the supporters, they see one of their own out there and I think that’s very important.”

Celtic may not have had much choice in pre-season given their limited options but the head coach has already blooded plenty of young talents.

Dembele netted in the club’s win over Charlton Athletic last weekend, a strike that followed Owen Moffat’s impressive goal-scoring outing just a few days earlier against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Bhoys started nervously in that clash and conceded early on. However, once the young players gained their footing, they looked a different class.

Moffat has been banging on the first-team door for a while now after some vibrant performances for the reserves.

An energetic attacking midfielder, he found the back of the net with a wonderful half volley last week.

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“It’s still no really sunk in that I’ve scored for Celtic. But it was an unbelievable feeling at the time. My phone’s no stopped going since,” he said post-match.

Moffat’s introduction to first-team life has come at an ideal time with their club’s options wearing thin in offensive areas.

The 19-year-old started the game up front before moving to the right of midfield. However, it’s in a number 10 role where the teenager usually thrives.

With that in mind, he could be the long-term successor to Ryan Christie. The Scot endured a torrid campaign in 2020/21, scoring 13 fewer goals than he managed the term before.

His contract expires in January and with Crystal Palace and Sampdoria chasing his signature, the emergence of Moffat could give Celtic license to grant his exit from Paradise.

The youngster is capable of playing in similar areas and already looks wise beyond his years.

Conor McGregor has certainly been left impressed. The Scottish midfielder remarked recently: “Obviously a mention for young Moffatt, his attitude has been first class.

“I remember watching him at the end of last season, training on the astro himself.”

McGregor added: “Every day they would do finishing and I remember thinking ‘he’s got a finish on him’. I wasn’t surprised yesterday when it dropped and he half-volleyed it into the net.”

It’s important not to throw too much hype towards Moffat but it’s vital that Postecoglou continues to hand more minutes to the young players coming through.

It may just save them a small fortune in the transfer market.

AND in other news, Celtic begin talks to sign “extremely dangerous” £6.3m-rated beast, Ange needs him…

Newcastle United have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, the Hoops have shocked potential suitors of the 23-year-old by suddenly increasing their asking price to £20 million, forcing talks to collapse with interested parties.

With Ajer having less than a year to run on his contract at Celtic Park, many sides are unlikely to see the new figure as value for money, making any deal extremely difficult to justify at that price.

Steve Bruce will be gutted

During his five-year stint with the Glasgow giants, Ajer has often caught the eye with his impressive performances, winning eight major trophies with the Hoops.

His standout displays have earned several plaudits, including from former Scotland boss Alex McLeish, who praised the 6 ft 4 beast during the recently concluded campaign.

“I go back to that St Johnstone game, you see sometimes when it’s not going for Celtic, and the game’s in its dying embers, and then all of a sudden you see Ajer striding up the pitch trying to inspire like Roy of the Rovers, ” said McLeish.

“Running from defence, augment the attack and then it leads to a goal – these are inspirational moments, and he is an inspirational, influential player for Celtic. Like Virgil van Dijk, he came to Celtic, and we all know what happened next.”

It, therefore, came as little surprise when the Norway international was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League with Newcastle in recent weeks, with Steve Bruce keen to build on some impressive end-of-season form.

However, the Magpies boss will be gutted at the shock increase in Ajer’s valuation, potentially pricing the St. James’ Park outfit out of a deal.

With the impact of the ongoing pandemic continuing to negatively affect football club’s finances, and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley not exactly known for his free-spending nature, Bruce is expected to be working on a tight budget this summer.

As a result, any move for Ajer may have to be put on hold as a consequence of this latest revelation, handing Newcastle a setback in their plans for the current window.

And, in other news…Ashley must sanction NUFC deal for £15k-p/w “leader”, he’d be an upgrade on Fernandez 

Some Liverpool supporters are frustrated that Harry Wilson could be sold for £10million, having missed the chance to sell him for more last summer.

The Welshman doesn’t appear to have future at Anfield, following a nomadic career to date.

Wilson has enjoyed spells on loan at the likes of Derby County, Bournemouth and Cardiff City, among others, being deemed surplus to requirements by Jurgen Klopp.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

In fact, the 24-year-old has still only made two first-team appearances for Liverpool and now is surely the time for him to leave the club permanently.

According to The Mirror [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Wilson will be available for £10million in the current transfer window, should anyone wish to sign him.

That is less than this time last summer, when Liverpool reportedly turned down a £12million bid from Burnley for the Welshman’s services.

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Liverpool fans react negatively to Wilson update

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to voice their frustration at not allowing Wilson to leave sooner.

“I wish we sold him at the end of last season, he was worth twice as much”

Credit: @mister_mellow

“Edwards screwed up last season by rejecting a bigger offer. Will we even get £10m???”

Credit: @DembeReloaded

“Could’ve got £20m last summer”

Credit: @HLFC__

“We were offered more than that last summer and didn’t take it cos we were overvaluing our scrubs as usual. Michael Edwards eh!”

Credit: @RB_07Ftbol

“A year or two ago we’d have been able to get about £15million”

Credit: @KayethenLFC

“Burnley bid £12m last year you clowns”

Credit: @Ronnie_lfc19

In other news, some Liverpool fans are pleased that one Reds player could be sold this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has successfully completed his medical at Brentford, ahead of a £13.5 million transfer [Daily Mail].

The Lowdown: Celtic face outgoings as 2021/22 gets underway

Finally kicking off the competitive 2021/22 season with a 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Champions League, new Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will be acutely aware of the sizeable rebuild needed at Parkhead this summer.

Outgoings are expected to be a key part of the procedure, with Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham two of a number of players who have been linked with a departure away from Scotland this window.

One man who looks set to imminently move on to pastures new is 23-year-old Ajer following recent reports.

The Latest: Ajer completes Brentford medical, announcement due shortly

Keen to bring in a centre-back before the start of the Premier League campaign, the Bees have been in talks with the Norway international over the last week [Daily Mail].

Now, it is said that an agreement has been thrashed out for his signature, with an announcement expected in due course.

Despite Celtic previously throwing out a £10 million bid for Ajer from Norwich City earlier in the window, he has now got the go ahead to formalise his move to Brentford after passing health examinations in a move worth £13.5 million plus add-ons.

The Verdict: Cashing in on Ajer is the correct move by Celtic

Facing a dilemma at the start of the transfer period, the Celts look to have made the correct decision by cashing in on one of their top assets before his value takes a nose dive.

Looking at the possibility of losing him for dirt cheap in January or even nothing upon the expiration of his contract in summer 2022, Celtic are now set to inherit a handsome profit on the man they paid £500,000 for in 2016 [The Celtic Star].

In 2020/21, the 6ft 6in giant was in excellent form, registering two goals and four assists in 46 appearances [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, he impressed with his awareness to danger in the defensive third, making 3.4 clearances per fixture across the year [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by fellow Bhoys defender Stephen Welsh, the Norway international certainly has the potential to establish himself in England’s top-flight [Daily Mail].

Moving forward, Celtic must now look to use Ajer’s sizeable prospective fee to bring in a suitable replacement.

In other news, Celtic face a blow in a transfer pursuit.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly showing no signs of signing a new contract with the club.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, the 28-year-old is, so far, unwilling to put pen to paper on a fresh deal at Old Trafford after entering the final year of his current contract.

He tweeted: “#MUFC have a problem. Paul Pogba’s contract expires next summer and he shows no sign of wanting a new deal. No surprise, given he’s wanted out for 3 yrs. Do they 1) make an offer he can’t refuse, 2) lose him on a free next year, 3) sell now? (It’s 3 for me)”.

Solskjaer will be absolutely gutted

The latest update regarding Pogba’s future will surely leave Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling absolutely gutted.

United have taken great strides under the Norwegian tactician, finishing second in the Premier League standings last term while reaching the Europa League final.

Although a penalty shootout defeat to Spanish outfit Villarreal in the showpiece event extended the club’s lengthy trophy drought, Solskjaer has been backed in the current transfer window.

The addition of former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has significantly strengthened the Old Trafford outfit’s ranks, and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has also been heavily linked with an imminent arrival.

However, losing Pogba would be a substantial setback in United’s progress. The France international became the world’s most expensive player when the Old Trafford outfit re-signed the midfielder for £89 million back in 2016, although he’s often struggled to live up to that price tag.

How much of that fault lies at Pogba’s door is up for debate, though, and he often splits opinion amongst fans, pundits and members of the media alike.

An apparent lack of work rate has often been an unfair stick to beat the former Juventus ace with, although he’s undoubtedly failed to produce consistent top-level performances expected of a player of his ability.

Nevertheless, Pogba has often found himself surrounded by underwhelming teammates playing in a dysfunctional side under a manager failing to live up to United’s expectations; hardly an environment built for stars to flourish.

It’s no surprise then, that the World Cup winner has produced his best performances in a United shirt under Solskjaer.

The added quality of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Edinson Cavani, alongside the stability and harmony that the ex-Molde boss has brought to the red half of Manchester, has allowed Pogba to produce his best football while on English shores, making his potential exit even more distressing.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano provides exciting Man Utd transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing 

Everton have entered the transfer market under Rafa Benitez with little spending.

It may be somewhat surprising when you consider that the Spanish coach was promised money to splash in the window after arriving at Goodison Park.

On the chalkboard

One player on whom Everton were hoping to spend big was Ben White. They were ready to usurp Arsenal’s bid of £50m for the former Brighton defender but they ultimately missed out on him.

He did indeed join the Gunners, which has left the Toffees to consider other targets. Juventus centre-half Merih Demiral and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly have both been considered as they look to strengthen their ranks.

Everton’s defence wasn’t exactly a pillar of solidity in 2020/21. Although Ben Godfrey proved to be a valuable addition, playing right across the back four, there were some unconvincing displays from the likes of Seamus Coleman and Mason Holgate at times.

Therefore, if Benitez wants to drag Everton towards Europe once again, they will need to pair Godfrey with someone of a higher calibre.

The solution

Another defender on Everton’s radar is Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij. The Dutchman was in the Netherlands squad during Euro 2020 and has proven himself to be a fabulous ball-playing centre-back, just like former Toffees target White.

De Vrij completed 93.8% of his passes last season in Serie A, a higher tally than every player in the Everton squad last term.

He was also tenacious in the air, proving to be a formidable force when the ball was off the ground. The Inter defender won two aerial duels per game in 2020/21, while winning 2.5 aerial battles a match in the European Championship.

That would put him among the best in the Toffees squad, with only Michael Keane and Yerry Mina winning more headed duels in the Premier League among Benitez’s current centre-back options.

Although the Dutch defender earns a massive £124k-per-week in Italy, those qualities show that he would be a fantastic addition to the Everton squad.

As a review from Former Lazio defender Mauricio tells you, De Vrij would offer plenty to Benitez’s squad. The Brazilian said: “Stefan is a great defender and deserves to be at a big club. He’s very tall, he’s strong and fast, he runs a lot – he’s a monster.

“He also has excellent technique and knows how to play the ball like few others, and that’s the difference between him and other players.”

On that evidence, Marcel Brands could strike gold by securing this deal.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for 6ft3 colossus of the “highest level”, he could be their new DCL…

Liverpool could be set to receive a significant boost to their transfer budget this summer after naming their price for Xherdan Shaqiri.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, the Reds are set to demand around £12.75m (€15m) to sell the 29-year-old, who has two years left on his current contract at Anfield.

Signed from Stoke City back in 2018 in a £13m deal, the Swiss winger has reportedly attracted attention from several clubs across the continent, including Sevilla, Villarreal and Napoli.

Liverpool fans will be excited

In a recent interview with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia), Shaqiri outlined his desire to leave Liverpool and claimed that the club are open to his exit.

“My contract (with) Liverpool expires in 2022, in 2018; I signed a four-year deal. The important thing at this moment in my career is to be able to play regularly, but that hasn’t always been the case in the last three seasons,” he admitted.

“This is why I told Liverpool that I feel ready for a new challenge. They accepted my wish and will seriously consider the offers that will come. They will not stop me.”

Therefore, news that the club’s hierarchy are set to demand such a sizeable fee for Shaqiri will surely have Reds supporters excited.

Due to the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic, Liverpool are working on a restricted budget in the current window, and selling their unwanted fringe players is the best way to boost their coffers.

The departures of Marko Grujic, Harry Wilson and Taiwo Awoniyi have already added around £30m to Klopp’s transfer kitty, and Shaqiri’s imminent exit could mean that a move for an exciting new arrival is now on the cards.

During his three-year stay on Merseyside, the diminutive Swiss forward has offered a miserly return of just eight goals and nine assists in 63 appearances, while a string of niggling injuries have seriously limited his game-time over the last couple of campaigns, seeing him start just seven Premier League fixtures in that time.

As a result, most Liverpool fans will probably be happy to see Shaqiri depart Anfield this summer, but they’ll be hoping that director of football Michael Edwards can find an adequate replacement to provide sufficient cover and competition to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

In other news… Journalist confirms Liverpool’s interest in £27m-rated maestro, Klopp would love him 

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden could be perfect for Southampton, Carlton Palmer has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has made it clear he is looking for a new midfielder and Hayden seems to be one that is on his list.

According to The Sun, the south coast club are targeting the 26-year-old in a deal that could cost £10m.

Hayden would bring some bite to Southampton’s midfield, with the Englishman posting some pretty good defensive numbers last season.

As per WhoScored, he averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, leaving him at the top of those two categories in Newcastle’s squad.

On Southampton’s reported interest in Hayden, Palmer told TT:

“Perfect, perfect. He’ll fit into their budget in terms of what they can afford, he is experienced and he can play at that level.”

Given the Saints’ need for more bodies in midfield, Hayden looks a no-brainer, especially at £10m.

Indeed, if they can get a deal done, it could be very good business. Retaining what they already have will also be important this transfer window, though.

Aston Villa have, of course, targeted James Ward-Prowse but have so far failed in their pursuit of the player.

Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder has revealed when the next steps in Newcastle United’s move for Joe Willock could be completed. 

The lowdown

It emerged on Sunday night that Newcastle had agreed a fee in excess of £20m to sign the midfielder from Arsenal.

The 21-year-old spent the latter half of the 2020/21 season on loan at St James’ Park and equalled Alan Shearer’s club record of scoring in seven consecutive games at the end of the campaign.

Willock could prove to be one of the five most expensive signings in the Magpies’ history if the deal goes through – 2019 addition Joelinton currently leads the way on £39.6m.

The latest

Newcastle do still have a hurdle to overcome – agreeing personal terms with Willock. If he is indeed open to the move, he should travel to the northeast within the next 24 hours, according to Ryder.

A medical would then likely be pencilled in for the early part of the week. After that, the 21-year-old could sign on the dotted line and officially become Newcastle’s first signing of the summer.

The verdict

You’d hope that personal terms don’t prove to be a significant issue here. Willock truly came into his own on Tyneside a few months ago and his first team prospects appear far better than they are at Arsenal.

Some Newcastle fans would consider this transfer a minimum requirement, but it’s pretty exciting nonetheless. He brings unique qualities to Steve Bruce’s side, as evidenced by him matching Shearer’s long-standing record, and he should just keep getting better if he is playing regularly at the age of 21.

After an arduous summer of continued takeover delays and transfer inactivity, the Toon Army finally seem to have something to feel positive about.

In other news, check out this intriguing claim on the future of Allan Saint-Maximin.