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Celtic have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Colin Dagba as they step up their search for a right-back, according to reports from French website RMC.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old has made three Ligue 1 appearances this season for Paris Saint Germain but appears to have a real fan in manager Thomas Tuchel, who doesn’t want the promising defender to leave.

It’s claimed Celtic would have liked to sign Dagba, although no time-frame is given for the Scottish champions expressing their interest, however Tuchel isn’t interested in parting with a youngster who recently signed a contract until 2023.

Search continues

France has proved to be a great recruiting ground for Brendan Rodgers. Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham have all advanced their careers as Celtic swooped to a double treble.

That track record no doubt helped Celtic to take Timo Weah on loan earlier this month, so it’s natural the Hoops took a look at what PSG have in reserve for the problem position of right-back.

On this occasion the door seems closed but a lot can happen before midnight on Thursday as Celtic step up their search to bring in a right-back to compete with Mikael Lustig.

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Stade de Reims gem Hugo Ekitike…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies have made the striker their number one transfer target heading into the summer window.

They attempted to land him earlier this year and failed with an offer in the region of £20m. PIF are now in the driving seat to secure his services at the second time of asking ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Ligue 1 side are said to value him at £25m and Newcastle are now leading the race, ahead of their rivals, for his signature.

Forget Wilson

Chris Wood has not had the best of time in front of goal since making his switch from Burnley in the January transfer window. He has only scored one goal in 11 games for the club and this may be causing Toon fans to be anxiously anticipating the return of Callum Wilson from injury.

The ex-Bournemouth forward is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League with six strikes in 14 starts prior to picking up a knock in December.

However, they should now forget about Wilson as Ekitike would be an upgrade on the Englishman and is a player PIF must ensure that they are able to bring to the club in the coming months.

As you can see in the graphic above, Ekitike has outperformed Wilson in a number of key areas. He has a better goal-to-start ratio, scoring once every 1.55 starts, and has been more involved in the build-up play for his team with more key passes and completed dribbles, with both players playing in the top divisions of their respective countries.

This suggests that he would be an immediate upgrade in the number nine position if he is able to carry over his form to England, whilst he also has 11 years on the Toon forward and can lead the line for many years to come.

Ekitike is proving himself at the top level and Howe will surely love to work with him, whilst having Wilson and Wood as back-up options and competition for the Frenchman.

90min reporter Graeme Bailey previously claimed that he can be “the next Mbappe” and his impressive statistics at the tender age of 19 suggest that it is not a completely baseless prediction. He has an impressive goal return considering his team are 13th in the table, whilst the PSG man has 17 goals in 27 Ligue 1 outings – a strike every 1.58 matches. 

PIF must now get this prospective £25m deal over the line…

AND in other news, Wood upgrade: PIF will be having NUFC nightmares after missing out on £20m “cult hero”…

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

That’s according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, and, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa have already made their first marquee addition with Philippe Coutinho joining on loan, with attentions now turning to full-backs, a midfielder and a back-up goalkeeper.

Everton’s Lucas Digne looks like he could be brought in to challenge Matt Targett at left-back, with Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett revealing personal terms will be completed ‘swiftly’ after a fee was agreed for the France international.

Crook then claimed on Monday lunchtime that Randolph is another pending arrival at Villa Park.

The 50-cap Republic of Ireland international may arrive on loan until the end of the season to provide cover for Emiliano Martinez. Randolph, 34, is yet to make an appearance for the Hammers this season and is out of contract in 18 months.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news regarding Randolph on Twitter. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with many seeing it as a shrewd move.

“Great move”

Credit: @Guirkav

“Didn’t see this happening but not surprised”

Credit: @Emi1Martinez

“Quality back up keeper. And more than willing to be sat on the bench”

Credit: @jackMalin

“Very tidy”

Credit: @JayK0165

“Very good business delighted for him. Was so good for Ireland over the years”

Credit: @DaveHin55518309

“SUIIII”

Credit: @VillaWatch1

In other news: ‘This is a shock’ – Many Villa fans ‘buzzing’ as club confirm ‘big’ news. 

Speaking live on talkSPORT radio (January 6), via Read West Ham, reporter Alex Crook shared what he knows on the Jesse Lingard transfer saga.

The Lowdown: West Ham chasing Lingard…

As well known, West Ham and manager David Moyes are eager to reunite with Lingard on a permanent deal this month with the irons earmarking him as a top transfer target.

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Club insider ExWHUemployee believes the club are certain to move for Manchester United’s forward whilst reliable journalist Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard backs their interest.

Talks over a new deal for Lingard at Old Trafford recently broke down, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this season, prompting club to take note of his situation – with West Ham among the suitors for his signatures (ESPN).

Sharing what he knows, Crook has now made a live radio claim on talkSPORT.

The Latest: Crook makes Lingard to West Ham claim…

Speaking to the broadcaster (via Read West Ham), the journalist believes a West Ham bid for England’s attacker is ‘inevitable’ as the club believe they can secure him for a ‘fraction’ of what he would have cost in the summer window.

“West Ham United are looking for reinforcements,” he explained.

“One name mentioned to me that won’t come as a big surprise to fans is Jesse Lingard.

“Clearly not happy at Manchester United, out of contract in the summer. West Ham believe they could sign him for a fraction of the fee quoted in the summer.

“I think it’s inevitable that West Ham will try again. He really needs to leave Old Trafford – that would seem a no-brainer to me.”

The Verdict: A must move?

Homegrown and a proven player under Moyes, having bagged a brilliant nine goals and four assists over 16 top flight outings on loan at West Ham last season (WhoScored), signing Lingard would come as a major boost for West Ham mid-season.

Reports have suggested that the Three Lions ace could be available for as little as £10 million this month given his precarious contract situation (The Sun) – a fee certainly affordable and representing good value for money.

Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently claimed he would be a ‘massive signing’ who could gift the Hammers ‘another dimension’ amid their chase for a top four Premier League finish (Football Insider).

Given his numbers over the second half of 2020/2021, with talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham also calling him the best player in terms of league form at one point last year, we strongly advise West Ham to push the boat out for his capture.

In other news: ‘Tears in my eyes’, ‘Finally’…Many West Ham fans flock to ‘very exciting’ transfer development, find out more here.

With just one win in their past 13 Premier League games and a dismal 2-1 defeat against relegation strugglers Norwich City at the weekend, Rafa Benitez’s time in charge of Everton was brought to an end, leaving the Toffees in 16th place in the league table and on the hunt for a new manager.

In terms of who could come in as the next figure to try and steady the ship, it seems as though Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has one name in mind to come in and replace Benitez and try and get the Toffees’ season back on the rails.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Athletic by Everton journalist Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe, the Merseyside club have identified former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre as a potential candidate to take the reins at Goodison Park.

During his stint in charge of Dortmund between July 2018 and December 2020, Favre took charge of 110 matches across all competitions, winning 68, drawing 17 and losing 25, which is an impressive record to have.

The 64-year-old has had spells at other German clubs such as Hertha BSC and Borussia Monchengladbach as well as having a period in charge of French club OGC Nice and FC Zurich in his native country of Switzerland, highlighting the experience he has in management.

Even though he hasn’t had a job since leaving Dortmund, this would give Everton the opportunity to get him to Goodison quicker than potentially any other manager they see as a possible candidate for the job that is currently working at another club.

In his own words, Favre has said in the past that his players “have to be ready to suffer in training,” suggesting just how much he expects from them. That could be just what Everton need to get the right attitude and work ethic in the squad that can deliver strong performances and positive results on the pitch.

After all, Benitez clearly didn’t get the most from his players but a stern coach such as Favre appears to fit the bill.

Moving forward, Everton should definitely make an approach to the Swiss boss in the coming days and weeks if they haven’t already to see if he would be willing to test his managerial abilities in the Premier League with a side that need a big change in fortunes before the end of the current campaign.

In other news: “As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh EFC manager claim, fans surely relieved – opinion

Manchester United are entering a new era with Ralf Rangnick, and the new manager will be spending the next few weeks sorting out the squad, working out which players are best suited to the future of the team and his own tactical vision.

The German has been rotating a number of players in and out of the squad during his two games in charge so far, with Diogo Dalot getting more game-time and Donny Van De Beek getting his chance to start under Rangnick’s reign for the first time against Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Dutch midfielder made a 90-minute appearance in Rangnick’s heavily rotated team in midweek but was unable to make a substantial impact in the side, which could duly seal his fate at Old Trafford.

In recent weeks, the 24-year-old has been heavily speculated to leave Manchester in January, with a number of Premier League clubs including Newcastle set to battle it out for the former Ajax star’s signature. However, with the arrival of Rangnick, those rumours began dwindle as it seemed possible that Van De Beek could thrive with a new manager.

The Dutchman found himself notoriously out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, spending most of his time at the club on the bench and often not even coming on as a substitute, let alone starting.

Despite being given the chance to shine and impress his new coach, the £22.5m-rated midfielder put in a less than sparkling performance on Wednesday night, when a misplaced pass to Aaron Wan-Bissaka consequently lad to a Young Boys equaliser from Fabian Reider.

Talking to MUFC TV, the 24 year old reflected: “For me, lost the ball in the middle, maybe I should kick the ball away. I didn’t do that. I take responsibility for that. And after that I think it was a little bit difficult.”

Van De Beek is a fantastic player with bags of ability, especially when you look at his Ajax record with 41 goals and 34 assists for the Dutch side in 175 appearances, but this attacking excellence is not reflected in his Manchester United career so far, with a mere four goal contributions in 47 games for his current club.

With multiple of factors hindering the midfielder’s development at Old Trafford, including lack of game-time and talented competition in his position, it seems like time is up for Van De Beek at United, who must let him go to a club where he can integrate into a starting XI and get regular football, allowing his attacking talents to reignite with the consistent game-time that United cannot provide.

In other news: Manchester United remain keen on this La Liga defender

Crystal Palace could seal a dream transfer deal after being linked with a move for Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (as relayed by SportWitness), the Eagles are one of several Premier League clubs keen to acquire the 26-year-old’s services over the coming months.

The report claims that Newcastle United and Everton are also interested in ending Pepe’s nightmare spell at the Emirates Stadium, with a three-way tussle set to ensure for the flying forward.

However, the trio are all favour of a short-term loan move with an option to buy at the end of the season following his recent struggles, and Arsenal are expected to accept those terms given the circumstances.

Steve Parish could seal dream Palace deal

Pepe became Arsenal’s club-record signing after they splashed out a whopping £72m to prize him away from Lille back in the summer of 2019, sparking hope that he could fire the club back to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Despite that, things have not gone to plan for the Ivory Coast international. In his maiden campaign, the pacey attacker fell way below the expectations placed upon him, managing a mere five goals and six assists in 31 top-flight outings.

Last season, though, saw an upturn in fortunes for Pepe as he appeared to finally settle into his new surroundings and become accustomed to his teammates.

The Ivorian racked up very respectable 21 goal contributions in 47 appearances throughout 2020/21 and earned praise from BT Sport pundit Joe Cole following an eye-catching cameo from the bench against Burnley.

“He had an impact,” Cole said in his post-match analysis. “This is the role I think he plays now, he comes on and makes things happen. He came on the pitch, and he had a go, he made a difference.”

Despite his controversial two-and-a-half-year spell in north London, the £31.5m-rated Pepe has perhaps been a victim of his astronomical price tag more than anything else.

A return of 25 goals and 18 assists in 98 games would have been a more than acceptable tally for a player who cost half as much as the fee Arsenal handed over to Lille, something that is ultimately out of Pepe’s control.

Therefore, with the added safety net of the initial six-month loan spell, Steve Parish must try to lure the 6-foot wizard to south London.

Pepe has the ability to be a top-class performer on his day, and if Patrick Vieira can extract consistent performances from him, then it could turn into a dream move for all parties.

And, in other news…“I wouldn’t rule out”: Journo makes bold Palace claim over 21 y/o, fans surely buzzing

Alex Neil’s Sunderland side host Shrewsbury at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening, with a win against the Shrews being imperative if the Black Cats wish to keep their League One play-off dreams alive over the remaining games of the season.

The table is incredibly tight around the play-off places, with Sunderland, Wycombe Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday all currently on 73 points. And, with only seven games left to seal their spot in the top six, the Mackems know they cannot afford any slips ups in the run-in.

Shrewsbury have lost and drawn their last two games, whilst Alex Neil’s side remain unbeaten in their last eight league fixtures, and with their opponents safe from relegation in 16th, Sunderland must capitalise on the fact that Steve Cotterill’s outfit have nothing left to play for this season.

With that being said, selecting a team that will prove most effective in their final push for promotion must be a priority for Neil, with one player who has undoubtedly proven he can deliver when needed being Elliot Embleton.

Indeed, Embleton has been the linchpin in Sunderland’s climb back into the top six, bagging two late goal contributions that have won his team their last two games, providing an assist for Nathan Broadhead’s last-minute winner against Gillingham and bagging an 89th-minute goal against play-off challengers Oxford United last weekend.

The 23-year-old was previously hailed a “nightmare” by former Black Cats midfielder Max Power, who was full of praise for his former teammate an episode of the SAFC Unfiltered podcast:

“He’s someone who sees that pass that other players don’t. He’s a nightmare to play against in training because he can go either way, shoot off both feet.”

The midfielder has contributed six goals and eight assists over his 40 appearances in all competitions this season, while also having been a consistent attacking threat over his 33 League One outings – being successful with 56% of his attempted dribbles, creating four big chances and making an average of 1.2 key passes per game.

Embleton competes for a spot in the team with Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke, however, he has surely proven that he should be one of the first names on the team sheet against Shrewsbury, owing to his contributions of late.

Ultimately, Sunderland must continue their recent run of form and keep the momentum going in order to clear the last hurdle in the push for promotion, and unleashing Embleton in the line-up could reward the Black Cats with a third winning contribution in a row from the 23-year-old sensation.

AND in other news: Neil must avoid disaster on £1.4k-p/w “young Paul Gascoigne”, he’s SAFC’s biggest hope

Tottenham are expected to finalise a new contract for Hugo Lloris very soon, according to reliable reporter Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Two weeks in…

Spurs are yet to make any significant progress during the January transfer window, with no major incomings or departures to report on.

There have been plenty of rumours, though, with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson all linked with a move to north London.

That’s because Lloris is currently set to be out of contract at the end of June, however, it seems as if he is about to extend his stay beyond the summer.

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The Latest: Gold’s claim

Gold shared a link to a story on Twitter on Thursday morning, highlighting a ‘positive update’ when it comes to Lloris’ contract.

Within his report, he stated that talks have finally begun between Spurs and the 35-year-old. The Frenchman’s demands are ‘modest’ and new terms are set to be agreed ‘very soon’.

The Verdict: Good news

Antonio Conte reportedly has his reservations when it comes to loanee Pierluigi Gollini, so should they not exercise their option-to-buy clause for the Italian in the summer, then keeping hold of Lloris appears crucial.

Lloris may end up being the club’s only senior shot-stopper ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, so Spurs may need to dip into the goalkeeping market anyway.

However, if Lloris extends his stay, as appears likely according to Gold, at least Fabio Paratici won’t need to sign two over the summer, and any new signing could arrive without the pressure of being immediate number one.

In other news: Tottenham make contact to sign ‘phenomenal’ attacker who could be sold for just £8.4m. 

West Ham United have taken several academy youngsters to Austria for their Europa League clash with Rapid Wien this evening…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london’s reliable Irons reporter Tom Clark, the likes of central defensive duo Jamal Baptiste and Aji Alese, recent debutant Dan Chesters and young goal machine Sonny Perkins have all travelled with the first-team squad for tonight’s match.

“West Ham have brought a number of youngsters with them to Vienna – Jamal Baptiste, Aji Alese, Dan Chesters as expected and Sonny Perkins who has been in fine form for the U23’s of late,” he revealed on Twitter.

Academy boost

Hammers boss David Moyes is no stranger to handing opportunities to those up-and-coming prospects in the club’s youth set-up, having given out an array of debuts since his return to the London Stadium.

And there will not be a better chance to see what West Ham’s biggest young talents can do in the men’s game than in situations like this as the east Londoners have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

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Of course, the top spot in Group H is still up for grabs, so we may not see some of these names start the encounter but if Moyes’ men can mount an early lead, then there will be no harm in changing things up after the break.

It’s got to be exciting news for much of the Irons faithful, who cannot travel to watch this game live due to UEFA’s sanctions, so many can look on from home with a sense of pride that several more youngsters are being handed a chance to shine at such a level.

Perkins has been in electric form for both club and country this campaign, so he’ll be one to watch, having scored nine goals in 14 appearances across the Premier League 2 and U18s, via Transfermarkt.

Whilst Baptiste and Alese could prove their worth to Moyes, particularly after the recent injury blow suffered to Angelo Ogbonna. There’s a place up for grabs for the remainder of the season in the first-team, so hopefully they can take the opportunity, should they be given it.

All in all, this early news should leave many supporters thrilled heading into kick-off tonight.

AND in other news, West Ham could end striker hunt with 6 ft 1 “monster” who “the chairman really likes”…