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Celtic are waiting for offers for Albian Ajeti in the summer transfer window, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has claimed.

The Lowdown: Ajeti out of favour

There were endless Hoops heroes last season, as Ange Postecoglou’s side not only regained the Scottish Premiership title but also won the Scottish League Cup.

One player who contributed little throughout the campaign was Ajeti, however, with the forward making just seven league appearances and scoring twice.

The 25-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024 but it looks as though he may leave this summer.

The Latest: Get rid

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Joseph confirmed that Celtic are happy to get rid of Ajeti even on a loan-to-buy:

“Ajeti has just not worked out. He signed for £4.5m in the Covid season, he was living in a hotel, not really settling in at Celtic and hasn’t been able to set the world alight under Ange Postecoglou.

“He probably doesn’t fit into the way Postecoglou wants to play and unless he has a really good pre-season, which could happen, if they were to get a loan offer with an option to buy, Celtic would very much entertain that.”

The Verdict: Time to move on

Ajeti has never quite managed to fully convince at Parkhead, scoring nine times in 48 appearances, and it does feel as though now is the right time to sell him.

His aforementioned contract situation means that Celtic would still be able to demand a healthy fee for his services, putting them in a strong bargaining position.

If Ajeti was to stay put, it certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world – he has been described as ‘wonderful’ by Albania president Ilir Meta – but it is hard to see how regular playing time is going to come his way moving forward.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is poised to bring his former Ajax winger, Antony, to Old Trafford.

That is according to a report from The Sun, who state that the United boss is eager to make the Brazilian his first signing in what looks to be a £40m move.

Mahrez 2.0

The signing of Antony makes a lot of sense for ten Hag’s new-look United side, certainly from a tactical point of view.

The Red Devils have been crying out for a left-footed inverted winger for some time, with fans already baited into thinking the problem was solved when Amad Diallo arrived last year. Though he was not given a chance and at this stage, Ten Hag needs established players that he can rely on.

In almost every aspect of their play style under Ralf Rangnick, United were one-dimensional and it was a similar case under Ole Gunnar-Solskjær.

In order to shake up the attack, they can make use of an inverted approach – just like Pep Guardiola utilises when deploying Riyad Mahrez on the right-wing.

The Algerian has endured repeated success in this role, cutting inside in a bid to wrong-foot the central defenders and fire a shot at goal, a style of play that has rewarded him with 63 goals and 46 assists in City colours. An inverted approach adds another dimension in the attack and allows for a wide player to operate almost solely in the half-space, which also results in more space for the centre-forward.

Antony can shine in the “Mahrez” role for United, and has proven his ability under Ten Hag at Ajax, having notched up 12 goal contributions in 23 Eredivisie appearances last season, in the form of eight goals and four assists. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that he’s been described as an “unreal” footballer by Andre Noruega.

It looks as though Ten Hag has a real strategy, with his targets thus far all tailored to his mass-possession philosophy.

United should wrap this deal up pronto.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops “serious” Man United transfer claim that’ll have ten Hag buzzing

According to The Athletic, West Bromwich Albion are willing to listen to offers for forward Callum Robinson this summer.

The Lowdown: An uncertain future

Despite the 27-year-old still having a solid three years remaining on his contract at the Hawthorns, he suffered from a lack of game time last season, a factor which has seen his future with the Championship outfit thrown up in the air.

Amid all the speculation, the winger said last month that he still expects to be a part of Steve Bruce’s plans come the end of July, but after a new update, it seems as though the former Newcastle boss might not have the same idea.

The Latest: West Brom open to Robinson exit

In a new article published by The Athletic, it’s claimed that West Brom are ‘expected to listen to offers’ for Robinson over the coming weeks.

The source states that whilst the boss ‘may decide’ to keep him as cover, he might find consistent opportunities ‘hard to come by’ as a result of being ‘behind’ others in the pecking order, meaning that he ‘could be moved on’ before the end of the window.

The Verdict: Get him gone

With Bruce now looking to revamp his squad ahead of the start of the new season, it’s important that he filters through any deadwood to make way for new summer signings, and Robinson is a name that should be on that list.

The 28-cap international only made 16 appearances in the second tier since the manager’s arrival, netting just two goals during that time, as per Transfermarkt, showing just how out of favour he is under Bruce.

The Irishman has previously been criticised for his lack of effort whilst on duty for his country, and that’s something that fans have recognised has crept into his performances for the Baggies, so it wouldn’t come as any surprise if the club did let him leave the Midlands before the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news… West Brom are now reportedly set to miss out on one of their summer transfer targets.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim involving Aston Villa and their pursuit of Glasgow Rangers defender Calvin Bassey. 

The lowdown: Villans interested

Steven Gerrard took the versatile left-back to Ibrox from Leicester City in 2020 and Bassey has since amassed 65 appearances for the Glasgow giants.

Since then, Villa have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old and it was recently claimed that Bassey was ‘open’ to a move away from Scotland this summer.

After the confirmed departure of Matt Targett to Newcastle United on a permanent basis, Gerrard could now be eyeing up an attempt to lure one of his former charges to Villa Park to fill the void…

The latest: Jones on Targett

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones suggested that the Villans are readying themselves for a strong attempt to lure the three-cap Nigeria ace to the Midlands.

He said: “I think at this stage, Aston Villa seem to be in a good position to negotiate. We’ve already seen Steven Gerrard have a big impact on signings they’ve already got through the door.

“People are speaking very well about him as a person and a manager and Calvin Bassey will be more than aware of what he could bring to his game further so definitely the Gerrard effect could work.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Predominantly operating as a left-back in 28 outings under Gerrard, Bassey is equally adept at centre-back and therefore could feasibly be viewed as a long-term successor and perhaps an immediate alternative to an out of sorts Tyrone Mings, as well as acting as an understudy to Lucas Digne.

During 2021/22, the youngster, who was dubbed a ‘machine’ by Rangers fan and journalist Graeme Hanna, provided six assists in a mammoth 50 appearances across all competitions, underlining impressive durability that would be welcomed to the Bodymoor Heath ranks for what can be a long season, particularly in a World Cup year.

Overall, the enterprising Nigerian defender earned a 6.97 Sofascore rating, winning 6.0 duels and completing 52.3 accurate passes on average per game whilst keeping 13 clean sheets from 29 Scottish Premiership outings.

Despite being valued at a lofty £25million by Rangers, upon receipt of a healthy £15million for the sale of Targett, this is a move that would be a worthwhile venture for ownership group NSWE and Sporting Director Johan Lange.

In other news, Aston Villa are eyeing a Champions League star Gerrard saw up close on a scouting trip

According to a recent report by Portuguese publication Record, Leeds United are interested in a move to bring Brazilian winger Renyer to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that the Santos starlet has been contacted by both Benfica and the Whites regarding the potential of a summer move, with Victor Orta said to have already given “good references” to the 18-year-old in an attempt to convince him of a move to England rather than going to Portugal.

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The next Riyad Mahrez

Considering the sheer amount of hype concerning Renyer’s potential, in addition to Leeds’ current Brazilian wizard Raphinha looking highly likely to leave LS11 ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, it is easy to see why Orta would be keen on a move for the Santos sensation this summer.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the left-footed right winger has already made seven appearances for the Santos first team, the first of which came as a 16-year-old in January 2020. So far this season, the £2.25m-rated talent has also bagged six goals in just three outings for the Brazilian club’s under-20s

Furthermore, with Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig listing the teenager’s strengths as his “pace, acceleration, dribbling, flair, close control, technique and first touch”, it is not difficult to see why Renyer has already been compared to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez – the £36m-rated Algeria forward who scored 11 goals and registered five assists over his 28 Premier League outings this season.

Renyer is by no means the finished article, while the former Brazil under-17 international’s €100m (£86m) buyout clause potentially presents Leeds with a significant obstacle in their pursuit of a deal. However, if Orta believes that he could negotiate a lower fee for the 18-year-old, the Spaniard must then do everything in his power to beat Benfica to the youngster’s signing.

Indeed, should the Santos prodigy go on to fulfil his “world-class potential” – in the words of Kulig – following a switch to Elland Road, Orta could well have landed the Whites the next Mahrez. That is sure to be an extremely tantalising prospect for Jesse Marsch and Leeds supporters alike.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “unbelievable” £70k-p/w signing, imagine him & Kristensen

Tottenham Hotspur are facing stiff competition in their attempts to bring Christian Eriksen back to the club this summer…

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror, Premier League rivals Manchester United have entered the race to sign the Denmark playmaker, with new manager Erik ten Hag joining the north Londoners and Everton in the fight.

The 30-year-old spent seven years at Spurs before moving to Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan for £17m and now could be available on a free transfer this off-season as his contract is set to expire at Brentford, who are thought to have offered him a long-term extension.

Bargain swoop

Conte and co must ensure a sensational return for Eriksen as interest starts to mount heading into next season.

The Lilywhites have suffered for creativity ever since his departure in January 2020, with club-record flops Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, as well as Dele Alli and many more failing to step up to the mark.

None of those three players remained at the club past the recent winter transfer window, leaving the Italian head coach with very few options in the no.10 role.

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Now, Conte’s current system does not cater for an out-and-out playmaker behind Harry Kane but that doesn’t mean it’s never an option.

And deeper in the engine room, he could do with some further creativity as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur are all more defensively sound choices instead.

Eriksen still remains one of the best attacking midfielders across Europe – as per FBRef, he ranks amongst the top 1% of his positional peers for assists (0.38 per 90), expected assists (0.35 per 90), and shot-creating actions (5.08 per 90).

None of the aforementioned trio can match these returns, with Dejan Kulusevski and Kane the nearest with an xA of 0.25, also via FBRef.

“He is so special and we always call him Golazo, because he is capable of scoring unbelievable goals. The recognition from us is massive. It is true he is so quiet, so calm. He is a very relaxed person but he loves football,” once claimed his former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Meanwhile, also lauded as a “wizard” by journalist Josh Wright and “dangerous” by Conte himself after the two teams played out a draw earlier this season.

Considering the £13.5m-rated dynamo wouldn’t cost a penny to chairman Daniel Levy, the north Londoners should be going all out for Eriksen’s signature. He could be a huge addition heading into a Champions League campaign next term.

AND in other news, Conte’s wish list: Gold drops “big” Spurs transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing…

Reports in the last few weeks or so have seen Aston Villa named as one of the clubs who are keeping an eye on developments regarding RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer, with the Austrian ace having just a year remaining on his existing deal.

Despite the Bundesliga side’s desire to keep the versatile gem, that contract situation has sparked uncertainty over his future, with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich one of the frontrunners in the battle to secure his services this summer.

The serial-winning outfit are believed to have proposed a deal for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m), although time is still on Villa’s side to try and steal a march on Julian Nagelsmann and co, with NSWE having already proven their financial muscle with three marquee arrivals already this summer.

One of those acquisitions is Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, although despite having secured the services of the 22-year-old, it would seem as if manager Steven Gerrard is keen to bolster his midfield ranks even further.

Familiar Premier League names such as Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma have been bounded about, although in Laimer the Midlands outfit could well find a more suitable and exciting fit, even if it may appear something of a left-field option to some.

Despite being comfortable on the right flank or in a defensive midfield role, the 20-cap workhorse is most renowned for his all-action displays in a central midfield berth, with his style of play having even drawn comparisons to a certain N’Golo Kante.

That will no doubt pique the interest of those at Villa Park, with the diminutive Frenchman one of the “most outstanding midfielders ever seen”, according to pundit Joe Cole, having won a plethora of major honours at both club and international level over the last half a decade or so.

At current side Chelsea in the most recent campaign, the 31-year-old was again a real force, despite injury, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also netting two goals and registering four assists in 26 Premier League outings.

Equally, in comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, he also remains among the elite, ranking in the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 7% for dribbles completed, illustrating his ability to drive the Blues up the pitch.

Statistically, Laimer is not too far off the World Cup winner, ranking in the top 12% and the top 14% for those two metrics, respectively, while he also ranks in the top 1% for pressures made – with Kante in just the top 39% for the same metric.

In the 2021/22 season, in particular, the 25-year-old also netted three goals and provided three assists in 31 league games, while averaging 2.2 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per game – a superior record to that of the man above.

Having his own version of Kante in tow would make life a lot easier for Gerrard next term, with the “elite presser” – as he has been dubbed by Premier League Panel – seemingly a player that would make an instant impact in a Villa shirt.

The Liverpool legend may also have a trump card to play in the battle for the Salzburg-born star’s signature, as the £23.4m-rated monster previously admitted that he had idolised the Englishman during his youth.

Recent addition Kamara has already hinted at the Villa boss’ pulling power, with Gerrard potentially set to be able to welcome in another midfield diamond in Laimer – a man who could prove to be his very own Kante.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that Liverpool forward Sadio Mane might not sign a new contract at the club unless particular demands are met.

The Lowdown: Huge update from Liverpool source

The 30-year-old has been part of the furniture at Anfield since arriving in a £34m move from fellow Premier League club Southampton six years ago, with an outstanding return of 168 goal contributions in just 268 appearances for the Reds, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite still having just over one year remaining on his current contract on Merseyside, the Senegal star has been the centre of attention recently amid rumours that Bayern Munich have registered interest in his services.

However, in a new update just last week, it was revealed that a Liverpool source told Football Insider that Mane was keen to remain a Reds player. However, whilst FSG want to do everything within their power to keep him, they are not willing to offer him a ‘huge’ pay rise.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor full of praise for Mane

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor admitted that he can’t see Mane committing his future to Liverpool unless he receives what he’s asking for, but the 35-year-old’s was full of praise for the African’s ‘phenomenal’ displays in red.

The talkSPORT pundit said: “I don’t think Mane signs unless he gets exactly what he feels he deserves. If Liverpool doesn’t pay that, I don’t feel he will sign. He knows he will not be short of options.

“He’s been phenomenal this season and since he’s joined Liverpool. I’m sure he will demand what he’s worth.

“If he sees Salah is getting £300,000-a-week, he’ll want £250,000-a-week and he deserves it. With the numbers he’s getting, it’s huge but he deserves it.

“These players will know what other players in the league are getting and they will make Liverpool pay the same.”

The Verdict: Seventh piece of silverware?

The 86-cap Senegal international is such an integral member of Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI and is one of the main reasons why Liverpool have enjoyed so much success over the past few years.

This season alone, Mane has found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions and has provided five assists, showing just how much of a threat he poses in attack for the Reds.

Therefore, while FSG may be looking at the logic of handing big wages to a player who is now in his 30s, Agbonlahor makes a fair point about Mane’s enormous contribution to Liverpool over the years, and indeed during the last few weeks of what has been a hectic and memorable season.

In other news… Liverpool appeared to have suffered a huge blow in the hunt for one of their ‘top’ summer transfer targets

Leeds United will release Kiko Casilla when his Elland Road deal expires, and it looks as if Victor Orta is finally ready to accept defeat when it comes to the goalkeeper.

The Lowdown: Casilla’s Leeds career

Marcelo Bielsa gave Orta the green light to bring Casilla to Yorkshire back in 2019 from Real Madrid. The Spaniard signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Leeds but fell out of favour just over a year into his stay after being found guilty of racially abusing Jonathan Leko, where he was handed an eight-game ban by the FA.

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Illan Meslier took over as first choice and hasn’t looked back, with Casilla making just three Premier League appearances last year. He’s spent the current campaign out on loan back in Spain with Elche, where he has also slipped to second choice, with an update now emerging on his future.

The Latest: Set to be released next year

Sports Witness relayed an update from Diario Informacion regarding Casilla on Tuesday. They claimed that he will return to Yorkshire in the summer and ‘will be released after the end of his contract with Leeds’.

However, Casilla’s deal at Elland Road still has just over 12 months left to run, implying he could soak up wages on the sidelines for another year or return to Spain for another loan spell.

The Verdict: Do it sooner

Leeds could find themselves back in the Championship next season, where a number of big earners could be moved on as a result.

Casilla is amongst them as he reportedly picks up £40,000-a-week. He has been described as a ‘mistake’ by Leeds TV podcaster Oscar Mario and doesn’t seem needed at Elland Road, with Kristoffer Klaesson signing last summer to provide back up to Meslier.

On that basis, it could make sense for Andrea Radrizzani and Orta to sit down with the player’s representatives and look to reach an agreement where his final 12 months of his contract are terminated.

You could say that it was a mistake at the time to hand a ‘keeper a four-and-a-half-year deal back in 2019 when he was already 32, but it looks as if they have finally recognised he is no longer needed on the books, which can only be a good sign.

In other news: Journalist now shares fresh Leeds injury concern from Thorp Arch on ‘perfect’ star pre-Brentford. 

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce recently hinted at the possibility of a significant transfer overhaul taking place at The Hawthorns during the summer.

Having failed to get near a promotion place by the end of the campaign, it’s easy to see why the Baggies manager thinks that some changes to the squad need to be made to put them in good shape to go again next season.

One area of the squad that the club could look to strengthen is their attack, especially after the news that Andy Carroll will not be with them for the 2022/23 campaign.

However, rather than dive into the transfer market and potentially spend millions of pounds on bringing in a new striker, one player to whom Bruce could turn and who wouldn’t cost the club a penny to unleash is Mo Faal.

After joining West Brom’s under-18 back in November 2019, the 19-year-old has gone on to make 50 appearances across the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides. In that time, the young striker has scored 16 goals in total, providing five assists along the way, showing just how much of a danger he is up front.

His latest appearance saw him play an integral role in the recent win over Wolves’ under-23 side in the Premier League Cup final, where he scored an acrobatic equaliser to take the match to penalties.

The teenager has made just one senior appearance for the Baggies, which came back in August during their disheartening 6-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. In his 26 minutes on the pitch against the Gunners that night, the centre-forward made one key pass and one tackle and won two duels.

Hailed by Baggies under-18 boss Peter Gilbert as a player with a “physical presence” who “links the game up well, scores goals and is an aerial threat”, this is the sort of thing that the teenage prodigy could offer to Bruce’s side should he find himself getting a chance to shine on a regular basis in the first team.

Regardless of what transfer business Albion get done in the summer, giving Faal some regular game-time next season should definitely be in the manager’s plans.

In other news – Imagine him & O’Shea: Bruce can form powerful WBA duo by signing “immense” machine