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Celtic’s talks with Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke are progressing well, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Hoops make their move; Wyke ‘very keen’

Celtic aren’t the only side interested in snapping up the 28-year-old on a free transfer.

Championship sides Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Millwall all held initial talks with the free-scoring forward, who his former manager Phil Parkinson hailed as ‘excellent’, however, reports have suggested he is ‘very keen’ to join Celtic.

The Hoops appeared to open talks with the striker on Thursday, and it seems as if discussions are going well.

The Latest: Source shares update

Former Sunderland striker and Football Insider pundit Kevin Phillips was having his say on a potential Hoops move for Wyke and what it would mean for the Black Cats.

In that story, shared on Friday, Football Insider claimed the latest update from a recruitment source is that talks with the Hoops are progressing well.

Phillips claimed a possible Parkhead switch for Wyke would be a ‘massive blow’ for Sunderland.

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The Verdict: A possible shrewd addition

Should Celtic get a deal over the line for Wyke, it could be a solid first signing for new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay and manager Ange Postecoglou.

The pair met in London on Friday to continue preparations for the new season, so Wyke could have been on the agenda for the two.

He scored 30 goals last season in all competitions, more than any other Celtic player. Wyke’s Sunderland deal was also thought to be worth £6,400-a-week, considerably less than a number of Hoops players.

So, on that basis, a free transfer for the Englishman could be a shrewd acquisition going forward.

In other news: Celtic set to miss out to Aston Villa in deal for 6ft 3 defedner, find out more here. 

Crystal Palace will assess the condition of their 20-year-old midfielder Michael Olise ahead of today’s evening kick-off against Leeds United.

What’s the latest?

Friday morning’s press conference (via Football.London) saw Palace boss Patrick Vieira drop a revelation on Michael Olise’s foot injury that saw him prematurely withdrawn last time out against Newcastle United.

Speaking to the media, he said: “With Michael Olise – we were off yesterday and today, so we have to wait until tomorrow. But, yes, we took him off early in the [Newcastle] game as he wasn’t feeling 100 percent.”

A mini-update of sorts was then revealed by producer Conor McGilligan on Twitter who shared he was “definitely a doubt.”

Olise omission

In what is his debut season in the Premier League, Olise has struggled to assert himself as a regular under Patrick Vieira, starting just 34% of the Eagles’ Premier League fixtures.

Though you cannot argue against his impact for Palace this season, with his accumulation of seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in a total of 23 appearances in the league.

The Frenchman’s five assists this season see him rank first in the Eagles set-up, ahead of Conor Gallagher’s total of three assists in the league.

Along the same lines, his chance creation is what Palace will miss the most, with his total of seven big chances created again placing him ahead of Gallagher and ranking him first in the squad.

At just 20-year-old, Olise is an outstanding creative asset for Vieira’s side and in the appearances, he has made, has acted as the glue for his side’s efforts in possession, with his average of 49 passes per 90 and goal-creating actions of 0.62 placing him within the elite category amongst positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year.

For extra context, Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong averages 56 passes per match, so Olise is kicking it with the best of them and it is not going unnoticed.

Vieira will certainly be worried if he has to make do without the French starlet’s brilliance in the side tonight in what will be a real let-off for Leeds United.

In other news: Vieira must finally unleash CPFC’s £15.3m “delight” today, he will terrify Leeds…

Keith Downie has dropped some promising insight on Mike Ashley and the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Ashley accuses Premier League

As per The Shields Gazette, Ashley and the St. James’ Park faithful have accused the Premier League of what they believe to be anti-competitive behaviour in their decision-making process on the proposed deal between the chief executive of Sports Direct and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The are looking to take the top flight to court for this, and have also taken on an anti-competition case given to them by the Newcastle Consortium Supporters Limited (NCSL), with the division given fresh legal papers as Ashley looks to force them to push through the bid.

Ben Jacobs was worried by the developments this week, believing it could be a case of Ashley seeking damages for a losing battle, but Downie has dropped what sounds like a slightly more optimistic take.

The Latest: Downie drops Ashley insight

Townie was reporting for Sky Sports (via Football Daily) with regards to Ashley, saying that “he will leave no stone unturned to try and get this takeover pushed through.”

Given that there is already an arbitration case to be held between the English tycoon and the PL over the failed takeover, on top of what is now another legal battle, Ashley is clearly more determined than ever to get his deal over the line.

The Verdict: Arbitration key to potential takeover

The pending arbitration hearing still holds the key in determining whether the potential takeover still has legs, regardless of what other pathways Ashley tries to take.

A positive result could pave a pathway for the bid to come back to the table, and if the league are found to have been anti-competitive in the takeover process, then that will only add fuel to the fire.

Nonetheless, time will tell if Ashley is successful in finally giving Toon fans what they’ve been chasing for so long.

In other news, find out what big update has been dropped on the potential takeover involving the ‘Big Six’ here!

David Ornstein has dropped a big Newcastle transfer update regarding Joe Willock… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle have reached an agreement with Arsenal over a deal in excess of £20m for midfielder Joe Willock. The England under-21 international has been their priority target throughout the window and they are now closing in on their man.

The report claims that personal terms have not been agreed as of yet, with Newcastle now discussing a potential contract with Willock to convince him to make the switch from The Emirates.

Cloud nine

Newcastle fans will surely be on cloud nine following this update from Ornstein, with Mike Ashley splashing the cash to get this deal done. Willock made a huge impression at St. James’ Park during his loan spell last term and supporters will be delighted that he appears set to return on a permanent basis.

The 21-year-old scored a phenomenal eight goals in 11 Premier League starts for Steve Bruce’s side, only Callum Wilson scored more for the club. This shows that he could be a much-needed addition to the team for the 2021/22 campaign, as it alleviates the pressure on Wilson to score all of the goals as Joelinton was the next-top scorer with just four goals in 31 games.

After making his debut for Newcastle last season, Willock was hailed as a terrific athlete and modern-day midfielder by Bruce. He said:

“It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

Willock also averaged an exceptional WhoScored rating of 7.13 during his time at the club on loan. This was the best score of any Newcastle player in the Premier League last season, suggesting that he was the most consistent, highest quality, performer in the side – ahead of the likes of Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

This is why fans will be buzzing to see him return to the club, as they could now get the chance to watch his outstanding displays again throughout the upcoming campaign. Although, it is now down to Willock to prove that he can do it over the course of an entire year and that he was not an 11-game wonder during his time on loan.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Shelvey: NUFC must pounce on chance to land £100k-p/w “match-winner”…

Crystal Palace have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have been linked to the highly-rated 22-year-old in recent weeks as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to strengthen his engine room options.

O’Brien has entered the final year of his current contract at the John Smiths Stadium, although the Terriers do have the option to extend that by a further 12 months.

However, fellow Premier League side Leeds United appear to have won the race for O’Brien’s signature after agreeing a £7m fee for the player, according to The Telegraph.

Patrick Vieira will be gutted

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, O’Brien has established himself as one of Huddersfield’s most promising midfielders, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 83 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit.

Vieira has already bolstered his midfield engine room options in the shape of Conor Gallagher on loan, but with James McCarthy departing and Cheikhou Kouyate linked with an imminent exit, the former Nice boss may need added reinforcements for the upcoming campaign.

However, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that O’Brien will be the man to solve the south London outfit’s conundrum in the middle of the park.

After missing the opening two matches of the Championship season due to COVID-19, the Englishman returned to action for their 1-0 victory over Preston North End on Tuesday night, putting in a solid display on his comeback.

Palace have been targeting young, exciting acquisitions in the current window, changing the landscape at Selhurst Park in the process, and O’Brien would certainly fit into the makeup of the new-look side.

Therefore, news that Leeds are closing in on his signature will surely leave Vieira feeling gutted. The capital club have also been heavily linked with a move for Watford ace Will Hughes, but reportedly saw an opening offer of £5m turned down by the Hornets.

It leaves the former Nice boss in a rather tricky situation as both of his top midfielder targets are seemingly out of his reach at this moment in time.

With just a couple of weeks remaining before the transfer window shuts, Vieira will be desperate to add the final touches to what’s been a successful summer so far.

And, in other news…Crystal Palace submit bid for “clever” £12m maestro, he’s a big upgrade on Riedewald 

Ange Postecolgou has been asked if he’s been offered the chance to become Celtic’s new manager by reporter Dan Orlowitz.

The Lowdown: A busy few days…

Celtic’s search for a new permanent boss has taken plenty of twists and turns in recent months, however, the last few days have been manic.

The Hoops were thought to be closing in on Eddie Howe, only to see a deal dramatically collapse on Friday afternoon due to budget, backroom staff and personal issues.

Hours on from the development, Celtic were thought to be in advanced talks with Postecolgou, who took charge of Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos on Sunday.

The Latest: Postecolgou’s response

Postecolgou guided Yokohama F. Marinos to a 2-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse to take the club 15 points behind leaders Kawasaki.

As to be expected, he was asked about a potential move to Scotland after the game. This is what Orlowitz posted on Sunday morning, admitting the 55-year-old refused to comment on a move to Parkhead and insisted he was focused on his role with Yokohama F. Marinos.

“BREAKING: In response to my questions, Ange Postecolgou won’t comment on whether or not he’s been offered Celtic job, says he’s focused on his current job at Marinos.”

The Verdict: Not a surprise…

It’s not a shock to see Postecolgou batting off any questions regarding Celtic without a real answer.

It seems as if he may well be the man in the Celtic Park hot seat next season, though, and a deal for the Australian could prove to be a huge gamble by the Hoops board.

Fergal Harkin, who looks set to become the club’s new director of football, maybe the driving force behind a move for Postecolgou. Yokohama are part of the City Football Group, so Harkin, Manchester City’s football partneerships manager, likely knows him very well.

Considering Howe appeared to be Celtic’s main target for a number of weeks, a move for Postecolgou has appeared to gather pace quickly, but after the Howe disaster, the new candidate keeping his cards close to his chest is a good thing.

The Hoops have reportedly been tracking Postecolgou for months, so it seems as if they know just what they’ll be getting, however, it’s obvious he was never the club’s first choice, so it’ll be interesting to see how he may fare in Scotland.

In other news: Celtic still hold interest in Scottish Premiership ace, find out more here. 

Many Everton fans have been left gushing as footage emerged featuring Yerry Mina.

As shared by Toffee TV on their Twitter page, the defender stepped up for Colombia in a penalty shootout against Uruguay in the Copa America and placed his effort nicely into the corner.

He then sucked his thumb and started dancing in celebration, much to the delight of many of the Goodison Park faithful.

Mina was a key player for the Toffees in the 2020/21 season, averaging more clearances (4.5) and shots (0.7) per game and having a higher passing success percentage (90.1%) then Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane (WhoScored).

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Everton supporters will be hoping that he can return from the Copa America fully fit and ready to start the new campaign well under new manager Rafa Benitez.

Everton fans on Mina footage

These Blues were left gushing over Mina as the footage of his penalty and celebration was shared on Twitter:

“Get that lifetime contract out @Everton”

Credit: @JamesPMcCann97

“Somebody slap a lifetime contract in front of him, please”Credit: @LewMelia”I love that man”Credit: @Jordinho88″He’s a treasure”Credit: @trevor_p_malco”Hahahaha boss that”Credit: @jonnysmith1878″What a pen by the way”Credit: @peterlarlewisIn other news, find out what Phil Kirkbride update has left these Evertonians buzzing

Everton slumped to tenth in the Premier League table after goals from Max Kilman and Raul Jimenez secured a 2-1 victory for Wolves at Molineux.

A consolation effort from Alex Iwobi couldn’t prevent the Toffees from slipping to their third consecutive defeat on Monday night, and the visitors could have little complaints after their dreadful first-half showing.

Rafa Benitez’s charges were missing several key players through injury once again, but that was no excuse for their underwhelming opening 45 minutes.

Kilman was allowed a free header at the far post following a Wolves corner after 28 minutes before a horrendous Ben Godfrey back pass was punished by Jimenez just four minutes later.

No Everton player covered themselves in glory bar goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, although some were more disappointing than others.

Godfrey was one of the main culprits but experienced midfielder Allan was one of those who particularly struggled to cope with the home side’s intensity, and he once again looked lost and exposed without the protection of Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Admittedly, his engine room partner Jean-Philippe Gbamin was well off the pace after making his first Premier League start of 2021/22, but the 30-year-old Allan was the one expected to drag his teammate through the evening, not the other way around.

As per SofaScore, the Brazil international received a match rating of 6.4 out of 10, the third-lowest total awarded to any player on the pitch. And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

During the 90 minutes, Allan achieved a measly passing accuracy of just 71%, failed to pick out a colleague with any of his three attempted long balls and lost possession a whopping 17 times.

And the South American was equally as frustrating when trying to stop the opposition’s attacks, an aspect of his game in which he usually excels.

Allan won just five of his 12 duels, was dribbled past on three occasions, and failed to make a single clearance or block a shot.

His improved second-half display will have been some comfort for Benitez and co. but the damage was already done by then, and his poor showing didn’t go unnoticed.

“It was not a great game by the Brazilian’s standards, as it was riddled with plenty of sloppy moments. However, Allan’s hard work and consistent shift throughout the game cannot be faulted,” wrote The Hard Tackle after awarding him a five out of 10.

With Tottenham coming up next for the Blues, Benitez will be hoping his influential midfielder can get back to his best and help put an end to their lengthy losing run.

And, in other news…7 duels lost: Everton lightweight who’s “really struggling” let Rafa down again v WWFC

Manchester United-linked manager Antonio Conte has agreed to take over at Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

As to be expected, a number of Red Devils supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Spurs parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday less than 48 hours after United ran out 3-0 winners in north London. They’ve quickly moved on from that result to target Conte, who was open to moving to Old Trafford at the end of October following United’s 5-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool.

However, United have stuck with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but it seems as if the Italian will get his return to England with Tottenham.

Konur claimed that a deal had been reached on Monday morning, which was shared by @UnitedStandMUFC. Reliable reporters Fabrizio Romano and Matt Law have even gone as far as to say that a deal is now done for the 52-year-old to take over at Tottenham.

United fans react

Here is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many not happy about missing out on a five-time league title winner in Conte and a few urging supporters to protest once again. One fan sarcastically dubbed it a “Woodward masterclass” in a dig at the club’s much-derided executive vice-chairman.

“Do it. Save us”

Credit: @DiaaUTD

“Protest plz I am begging”

Credit: @luffy45499009

“United getting Nuno after the City game. Ed Woodward masterclass”

Credit: @Fishc90

“Please protest again”

Credit: @Chidorrrii

“Utter shambles from United.”

Credit: @MishzzX101

“We are finished”

Credit: @kooren_didier

Rangers had been tipped to sign Harry Wilson earlier in the summer but Steven Gerrard won’t be reunited with the Welshman at Ibrox after he completed a move to Fulham recently.

What’s the word?

Rangers were heavily linked with the Liverpool winger in 2018, with reports claiming that Gerrard was very keen to add him to his squad having managed him during his spell working in the academy at Anfield.

When it became clear that the Reds were keen to cash in on the 24-year-old permanently this summer after a number of loan spells away from the club, he was once again touted as a potential option for the Gers.

Former Rangers man Michael Ball tipped his old club to make a move for the Wales international earlier this year, saying: “Steven’s got that connection with him. He knows of him, so that personal relationship could be a bonus. The money, we’re not too sure what they have to spend, so it all depends if any players move out as well at Rangers.

“If [Alfredo] Morelos moves on, the big money that they’ll get would give Rangers the opportunity to bring Harry and maybe a few others in.”

Should Rangers have signed Wilson?

Wilson has regularly emphasised his class in loan spells away from Liverpool but has never really established himself as a regular in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, perhaps due to the world-class talent that the German has available to him at Anfield.

Last season saw Wilson join Cardiff City on loan and he impressed with his performances in the Championship, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances and averaging a solid 6.96 rating from WhoScored for his endeavours.

It is therefore no surprise that he has earned himself a permanent move to the Championship this summer, with Fulham paying £12m to sign him earlier this week as they look to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

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The “outstanding” winger – as hailed by Roy Keane – could have been an excellent addition to Rangers’ squad ahead of their upcoming Champions League qualifying campaign. Given Gerrard’s relationship with him, you could definitely argue that Ross Wilson should have acted faster to try and bring the Welshman to Ibrox this summer.

In other news… Gerrard set for huge boost with “next level” Rangers beast, fans will be buzzing