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Celtic have now got the ball rolling on their summer transfer activity, with players already moving in and out of the club.

Last week, the Hoops announced that they had secured a permanent transfer for Cameron Carter-Vickers after his successful loan spell at Parkhead last season.

In terms of the players going the other way, having already said goodbye to Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, the Hoops also released a raft of young players including Luca Connell.

One other midfield player that the Bhoys should be looking to offload this summer is Ismaila Soro.

With only 19 appearances under his belt across all competitions last term, the 24-year-old played a mere three minutes of league action between October and the end of the campaign.

This shows just how far down the pecking order the £10.5k-per-week Ivorian has fallen and why it could be the best option for all parties if Ange Postecoglou gives the green light for him to leave the club this summer.

In terms of who the Hoops could look to bring in to take Soro’s place in the squad, one man with whom club have been linked and who may be a good option is Vinicius Souza.

Labelled a “warrior” on the pitch by football scout Mikail Serin on Twitter, Souza is currently valued at £4.05m by Transfermarkt.

The 23-year-old is currently owned by Belgian club Lommel, although he spent last season on loan with fellow Belgian side Mechelen. With 27 league appearances to his name, the Brazilian ended the campaign with more interceptions (64) and more tackles won (66) than any other player at the club.

This highlights just how solid a unit he can be in midfield, which is something Celtic haven’t had with Soro, as he only made four interceptions and failed to win even one tackle in his eight league games in 2021/22.

Should the Ivorian find himself following Rogic, Bitton and Connell out of Parkhead this summer, securing a deal for Souza should be at the top of Postecoglou’s to-do list before the new season kicks off.

In other news – “Celtic would like…”: Anthony Joseph drops Lennoxtown transfer claim, Ange will be thrilled

According to reports in Italy, Southampton have officially tabled a bid for Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg ahead of a potential summer move to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Svanberg heading for the exit

The 23-year-old first joined the Serie A side in a permanent deal from Malmo FF back in 2018, and has since gone on to become an integral part of Sinisa Mihajlovic’s starting XI, having made 123 appearances during his four-year spell to date.

The Swedish starlet has just over 12 months remaining on his contract at the Renato Dall’Ara, but could be heading for the exit door in the coming weeks as the Italian outfit look to raise some transfer funds.

The Latest: Saints make opening bid

In a new article published by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), it’s claimed that Southampton have ‘made an opening offer of €10m’ (£8.7m) for Svanberg.

The likes of Spurs, Everton and West Ham also named as potential suitors.

It’s reported that Bologna are ‘not set’ to offer their man a new deal, after he has openly spoken about his desire to make the move elsewhere and start a new challenge.

The Verdict: Partner for Ward-Prowse

Svanberg is currently valued at a career-high £13.5m, and so if the Saints could agree a fee for their target below that amount you would have to call it shrewd operating, taking advantage of his contract situation.

The 21-cap gem has been a regular feature for the Serie A team this season, scoring three goals and providing the same number of assists alongside averaging 1.1 shots and one key pass per game, via WhoScored.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is clearly on the lookout to find the perfect partner for James Ward-Prowse in the middle of the park, and if this bid gets accepted, we could be seeing Svanberg in the red and white stripes at St. Mary’s at the start of the new season.

In other news… Southampton are reportedly considering re-signing a former fan favourite.

Manchester City will be welcoming two new attacking players to their ranks in the coming weeks in the shape of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.

With the summer transfer window set to open in a matter of days, the Citizens have the chance to make it a hat-trick of attacking recruitments.

Last month, one journalist revealed on Twitter that City had started talks with Jorge Mendes, the agent of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, some weeks ago over a potential summer switch to the Etihad Stadium.

The recently crowned Serie A champions signed the winger from French club Lille for a fee of £32m.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to score 27 goals and deliver 21 assists in 115 appearances across all competitions.

Labelled as a “diamond” by Paolo Maldini, the £45m-rated youngster has also been praised for his “spectacular” performances on the international stage by Rolando Bianchi.

In 34 league appearances this season, the Portuguese attacker scored 11 goals and provided eight assists for his teammates, leaving him with more goal contributions than any other Milan player including Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

To further highlight his attacking talent, no other player at his current club managed to make as many successful dribbles (95), shot-creating actions (105), goal-creating actions (21), shots at goal (97) and shots on target (38) as the youngster.

His overall performances earned him an impressive season rating of 7.37 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at his current team and the second-highest rated player in the entire Italian top flight.

The winger has also been likened to Brazil’s legendary striker Ronaldo in terms of his “pace, technique and the quality of his finishing,” according to Leao’s former youth coach Tiago Fernandes.

Taking all of this into account, the prospect of giving Pep Guardiola his own version of Ronaldo alongside the likes of Haaland and Alvarez could be a frightening prospect for City’s opponents in the future.

While it would be safe to assume that the Serie A champions would rather keep hold of their star winger, City should do all they can to convince Milan to sell Leao and give him the chance to shine in the Premier League.

In other news: Pep can replicate Walker masterclass as Man City plot bid for £18m-rated “class act”

Wolves look set to complete the signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha in the coming days, if recent reports are to be believed.

What’s the word?

According to Jordan Davies in The Sun, the Portugal international will join Bruno Lage’s side in a £20m deal this summer, with the 26-year-old likely to be confirmed as an Old Gold player in the near future.

With Ruben Neves seemingly on his way out of Molineux, Lage has worked quickly to bring in a potential replacement for the 25-year-old midfielder, with Wolves seemingly once again taking advantage of their Portuguese connections to secure a deal.

Wolves supporters will be buzzing

Palhinha has been a virtual ever-present for Sporting Lisbon in the past two seasons and has regularly produced excellent performances for the Lions, averaging an impressive 7.03 rating from WhoScored for his performances this term.

At 6 foot 3, he could add some steel to Lage’s side and may offer a different, more physical option to Neves alongside fellow Portuguese maestro Joao Moutinho in Wolves’ midfield.

The former Braga man averaged three tackles per game in the Primeira Liga this season, which was more than any Wolves player in the Premier League, which goes to show just what the 26-year-old could add at Molineux.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim will certainly be disappointed to lose one of his most consistent midfielders, as he was full of praise for the 12-cap international this season, saying: “I tell Palhinha many times that he is very good without the ball and with the ball. More than tactical-technical, I get it into Palhinha’s head that he is a special player.”

While potentially losing Neves will undoubtedly be a blow for Wolves, considering his excellent performances for the club since joining from Porto in 2017 – he was their third-best performer to start more than 10 league games this term, as per WhoScored – supporters will undoubtedly be delighted that the Old Gold have quickly sought out a replacement in Palhinha.

If the 26-year-old can replicate his performances from Portugal in the Premier League, then he would surely prove to be a success in Lage’s side next season.

In other news… Tim Spiers has dropped this exciting transfer hint

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in making a controversial summer move for Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence.

The Lowdown: Lawrence off this summer?

The 28-year-old has been a key player for the Rams over the years but he was unable to prevent them from being relegated from the Championship in 2021/22.

Lawrence is out of contract at Derby at the end of next month, at which point he will be able to leave on a free transfer ahead of next season.

It feels highly unlikely that the midfielder will be content with playing League One football in 2022/23 and a new report suggests there is plenty of interest in him.

The Latest: Forest preparing for PL

According to TEAMtalk, Forest are one of a whole host of clubs interested in signing Lawrence this summer, including Premier League pair Southampton and Leeds United.

Steve Cooper will have to battle several top flight sides to secure the signing, with his side’s potential promotion surely key given the interest from above.

The Verdict: Wouldn’t go down well

Should Lawrence trade Derby for Forest, there is no doubt that it would be controversial, given the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

It would certainly be a bold move by the Welshman, who was once described as a ‘wonderful player’ by Gary Bowyer during his time on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

A tally of 90 goal contributions (50 goals and 40 assists) in 264 Championship appearances speaks volumes about his pedigree, though, and it seems Forest are already plotting for life in the Premier League, as they are willing to go head-to-head with Southampton and Leeds, not to mention Scottish Premiership pair Celtic and Rangers.

In other news, a Nottingham Forest bid for one player is expected this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are ‘monitoring’ Manchester City pair Ko Itakura and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to reliable journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Busy summer for Ange

The Hoops have completed a triumphant 2021/22 season, having won both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup, with transfers now taking centre stage.

Ange Postecoglou will be eyeing up a host of names who he believes will make his squad more formidable, with a return to the Champions League on the horizon.

While established players need to come and enhance the options at Postecoglou’s disposal, it is also important that emerging talent is added.

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The Latest: Ange ready to strike

According to Joseph on Twitter, Celtic and Ange are keen on signing City pair Itakura and Harwood-Bellis this summer:

“Celtic are monitoring Manchester City duo Ko Itakura and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.”

Itakura has spent the season on loan at Schalke, and is 25 years of age, while youngster Harwood-Bellis (20) has been at Stoke City on a temporary basis.

The Verdict: Planning for the future

Whether or not these would be permanent moves remains to be seen, but signing both players could prove to be shrewd business by Postecoglou.

Ikatura made 30 starts in the Bundesliga II in 2021/22, shining at centre-back, while fellow central defender Harwood-Bellis enjoyed 22 Championship starts for Stoke, averaging three aerial duel wins per game.

With Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt set to be first-choice next season, if the former signs permanently, these two could be strong backup options.

In other news, Joseph has also dropped a Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.

Leeds United are making moves to sign a ‘Premier League centre-forward’, The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports. 

The lowdown

Leeds can now put their summer plans into action after confirming their Premier League status with a final-day victory over Brentford.

Jesse Marsch will be overseeing his first transfer window at Elland Road, having taken over from Marcelo Bielsa at the start of March.

They’ve already agreed a fee for RB Salzburg’s Brendan Aaronson, who’s consequently poised to be their first summer signing.

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The latest

In addition to Aaronson, Marsch wants to strengthen his defence and his frontline, reports Hay.

The club have been ‘working on’ a move for Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay as well as a top-flight striker.

The verdict

Why do Leeds want to bolster their no. 9 options?

Well, Patrick Bamford may have enjoyed a fine 2020/21 campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists, but he was ravaged by injury this time around.

The Englishman spent three lengthy spells on the sidelines and was only able to start seven Premier League games.

Leeds looked to Dan James to fill the void, but he’s predominantly a winger and he was only able to score four goals.

Joe Gelhardt is an option too, but perhaps the Whites are reluctant to potentially rely on the 20-year-old at this early stage of his career.

In other news, Phil Hay reacts to what he saw Raphinha do on Sunday.

West Ham United could face a Manchester City side in the Premier League this afternoon without Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho with both players nursing injuries.

What’s the latest?

As quoted by City Xtra, City boss Pep Guardiola stated: “They are in treatment, two days. We will see tomorrow, which players can play on Sunday. Until the day of the game, we will not be able to decide.

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“I said many times we have to handle these absences. If it was many months a big problem but one or two games. We saw against Wolves, we get through.”

Laporte had to be withdrawn after colliding with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez as Guardiola’s men won 5-1 at Molineux on Wednesday evening whilst it appeared as though Fernandinho sustained a hamstring injury.

Hammers will be buzzing

Getting a result against Manchester City with the Premier League title on the line will be a very tall task for West Ham. However, their chances will certainly be improved slightly if Laporte and Fernandinho do not make the game.

Without Laporte, Nathan Ake will be the Citizens’ only fit centre-back which could cause Guardiola a major issue as his side look to all but secure their fourth Premier League title under the Spaniard.

With a victory in east London, City will go six points clear of Liverpool with one game to go with the Reds’ penultimate game of the league season coming on Tuesday night with a trip to Southampton.

However, the absences of Laporte and Fernandinho, who have made a combined 73 appearances this term will be a major boost for West Ham who still have targets of their own.

A win today would see David Moyes’ side leapfrog Manchester United into sixth place going into the final day, with a second consecutive top six finish still very possible.

Although unlikely, the Hammers could still finish outside of the European places with two defeats in their final games of the season if Wolves were to beat both Norwich City and Liverpool.

Moyes’ men were victorious against City when the North-West outfit made the trip to the London Stadium in October for the EFL Cup fourth round, losing on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

Therefore, the Irons can take confidence from their previous meeting at the London Stadium as well as potential injury woes in the defensive department for Manchester City.

AND in other news: Forget Lanzini: Moyes must now unleash “renowned” £49k-p/w West Ham hero vs MCFC…

As per West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, there has been an exciting update regarding on-loan Southampton striker Armando Broja. 

The lowdown: Breakthrough campaign

Since joining Southampton from Chelsea at the start of the 2021/22 season, Broja has caught the eye on the south coast, scoring nine times for the Saints.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old Albania international as his parent club go through a protracted off the field takeover turmoil.

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Having previously been tentatively credited with an interest in the powerful youngster, it now appears that the admiration from east London could be turned into something more tangible…

The latest: C&H make a big claim

Reputable Irons insider C&H have claimed that West Ham are ‘considering a potential loan swoop’ for Broja this summer.

The report states that the Hammers have a ‘very real interest’ in the 12-cap ace and will look to put together a package that includes the option to buy at the end of a temporary spell.

Furthermore, it’s suggested that Chelsea ‘might be willing’ to allow the man dubbed ‘dangerous’ by Ralph Hasenhuttl following a goalscoring display against Brentford to leave on loan once again.

The verdict: Make it happen

David Moyes, alongside recruitment chief Rob Newman, desperately need to address the current lack of a natural understudy for Michail Antonio at the London Stadium during the upcoming window.

Whilst on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem in 2020/21, Broja netted 11 times and registered three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, so he has now shown in multiple leagues he knows where the back of the net is.

Goals aside, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse has won 4.8 duels and taken 1.5 shots on average per game this term whilst earning a 6.69 rating (Sofascore), highlighting a willingness to complete against defenders and attacking prowess that would make him ideally suited to bolster Moyes’ attacking options.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham meet with club chief as he offers chance to sign five players! Find out more here.

Liverpool have made contact with AS Monaco regarding the possible transfer of Aurelien Tchouameni, according to a report from 90min. 

The lowdown: Hot property

The 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom in France having graduated from the FC Girondins Bordeaux academy before making the switch to Monaco in 2020.

Tchouameni has already made 128 senior outings in France and has recently become a regular for Didier Deschamps’ national side following a debut against Bosnia during World Cup qualification.

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Now, seemingly almost the finished article having honed his skills in Ligue 1, the powerful French youngster could be ready for the step in his promising career, with Paul Joyce of The Times confirming interest from Anfield last week.

The latest: Reds make contact

As per 90min, Liverpool and UEFA Champions League final opponents Real Madrid have both ‘spoken with Monaco’ regarding the eight-cap ace.

The report also claims that Chelsea are ‘keen to agree a deal’ but that move would be hard to foresee given their off-field issues at present.

That leaves the path clear for the European giants who will face off in Paris to battle it out for the midfielder who has been dubbed as an ‘octopus’ for his ability to dictate a game from a holding midfield role.

The verdict: Win this race

Not only will Jurgen Klopp be vying to beat Real to European glory, but also the capture of the £36million valued starlet who is regarded as one of the hottest talents on the continent.

So far this season, Tchouameni has scored three times and provided two assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.27 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.8 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and winning a staggering 7.6 duels on average per game in the French top flight.

Those statistics are born out by the Frenchman’s very strong aerial and tackling ability (WhoScored), as well as a stylistic likeness to Real Madrid ace Casemiro and Anfield’s own Thiago, when using FBref’s player comparison tool.

With calibre and performances such as this despite his tender years, new Reds transfer chief Julian Ward would be instantly heralded should he deliver the Frenchman into Klopp’s squad following the remarkable signing of Luis Diaz in January.

In other news: Liverpool interested in Bundesliga sensation, find out more here.