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[ad_pod ]West Ham fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was revealed on the club’s official website that there may potentially be a few changes taking place at the London Stadium.Those Hammers fans who sit in the lower tier of the Sir Trevor Brooking stand and the Bobby Moore stand could find their section squared off to resemble a more traditional football stadium, whilst their seats may also be moved four metres closer to the pitch.The space between the stands and the field of play has been one of the main talking points since the Irons’ move into the stadium back in 2016, with some fans sitting further back perhaps needing binoculars to see what’s going on most of the time.The potential of making such changes is currently being explored, but fans of the east London-based club are excited by the news, and the fact that they are finally being listened to by the owners…

Celtic have agreed a deal with Gamba Osaka for midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, Yahoo Japan report.

The Lowdown: Busy January in store…

The Hoops look set to have a busy start to the New Year, with Ange Postecoglou after two more Japanese additions alongside Ideguchi in Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.

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There could also be a number of outgoings, with the likes of Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas linked with Parkhead exits.

It appears as if Celtic are making good progress ahead of the transfer window opening in regards to Ideguchi, who has been described as a player who likes to ‘give it out’.

The Latest: Ideguchi deal reached

Yahoo Japan shared a story on Thursday, revealing a fee of over €1m has been reached for the 25-year-old.

They claim that there are still visa issues to resolve, however, Ideguchi is set to fly to Scotland before the end of the year for a medical.

The Verdict: Good news…

Celtic need all the January reinforcements they can get with the number of injuries they are picking up.

Ajeti and Furuhashi were the latest to pick up knocks on Thursday evening, leaving Postecoglou with limited options in attack.

Ideguchi won’t be able to provide cover in attack, however, he’ll be another body in midfield, with Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull relied on heavily by Postecoglou so far.

Hopefully, a transfer will be wrapped up quickly in the New Year, and who knows, should that be the case, Ideguchi could be around for the Glasgow derby on January 2.

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live man reacts as Celtic eye a second Spurs player alongside Carter-Vickers. 

Reported Celtic target Patrick Berg is now set to join Lens instead, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

The Hoops have been working away ahead of the January transfer window, with up to four possible permanent signings in the New Year.

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Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda could make the move to Parkhead, whereas on-loan winger Jota could end up completing a full-time switch.

Celtic were after Berg in the summer and were once again linked with the Bodo/Glimt man in recent weeks, but it seems as if they won’t be securing the 24-year-old’s services.

The Latest: Lens move

Romano took to Twitter on Friday morning to provide an update on Berg’s future.

The transfer expert said that Berg will sign his contract with Lens ‘in the next few hours’, before name-checking the Hoops as a linked party in a second post.

The Verdict: Big news…

Not only is this big news in regards to Celtic’s transfer plans, but it may also have a major impact on Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League Conference opponents.

Berg, labelled as ‘great’ by The Celtic Analysis in the summer, has been a regular for the Norwegian side in recent years, so they could now lose a key man in their captain ahead of the two-legged tie with Celtic in 2022.

You could say the update is bittersweet for Postecoglou, but it looks as if he will bring midfield additions to the club in Hatate and Ideguchi.

In other news: ‘Could be a long time’ – Devlin shares worrying injury update on Celtic ace after bone ‘break’. 

Aston Villa will return to action in the Premier League on Wednesday at Villa Park against Leeds United, and Steven Gerrard will be hoping to pick up where he left off before the winter break by continuing to climb the table in his first few months in charge at the club.

The Villans have been picking up 0.54 more points so far under their Liverpudlian manager since he joined in November, taking 16 points from their last ten games in the Premier League, and there is now opportunity for the side to comfortably secure a top half finish, or even exceed expectations by securing European football next season if they continue at the rate they are going.

With that being said, Gerrard will be wanting to gain momentum as soon as possible as the side return after a few weeks off, especially with the club out of all cup competitions, they really have an opportunity to focus on getting ahead in their Premier League campaign as the new manager has now settled in and completed four new signings in his first transfer window last month.

One player who must be unleashed on Leeds United is Ollie Watkins, who has been a consistent and key player for Aston Villa since he signed in 2020 from Brentford, bagging 21 goals and six assists in just 59 appearances with a goal involvement every 2.1 games so far, as former manager Dean Smith dubbed the star “one of the best” in his position.

After signing Philippe Coutinho, the Villa manager could really boost the striker’s prolific finishing further by surrounding him with experienced creative players who can provide him with more chances, and the Brazilian winger could form a great partnership with Watkins, something the manager should be keen to establish as soon as possible with the Leeds United game a perfect opportunity.

Danny Ings has struggled to find consistent form in the side, with the initially planned partnership between the 29-year-old and Watkins clearly not working as the former Southampton man has only scored once whilst playing with his striking partner out wide on the left.

The 26-year-old who has been hailed a “machine” by Chris Deacon, must seize the opportunity to prove he should start over his competitor in the centre forward role by putting on an outstanding performance against Leeds, as Gerrard will be keen to quickly work out which players are going to fit into his already crowded forward line to squeeze out every last point in the remaining months of the season.

In other news: Lange could repeat mistakes by signing Lacazette

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for Jesse Lingard in 2022…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam, who delivered an intriguing update on the situation live on air on Thursday morning.

“This will get Tottenham fans excited, they’ve been screaming for a creative midfielder, someone to replace Christian Eriksen, someone who can score goals, set up goals, and be really dynamic in that front three.

“And Tottenham fans will like this one, because potentially, Jesse Lingard is on their radar,” he said.

“Tottenham are keen to sign Lingard and they have approached his representatives over the course of this window, potentially with a view to a move in January, possibly, maybe more likely, the summer.

“There has been dialogue opened between Jesse Lingard’s representatives and Tottenham.”

Exciting news?

Indeed, it does appear as if many around north London would love to see Spurs make a move for the Manchester United outcast, and it’s easy to see why.

In reactions sourced by This Is Futbol, several members of the Lilywhites faithful expressed their delight in previous links to the England international.

“Get it done Don Fabio,” claimed one, whilst another said: “yes, a midfielder who scored goals”. A further fan even pointed out that he fits the homegrown quota.

Meanwhile, 73% of over 340 supporters polled by Football FanCast were fully behind the arrival of Lingard.

Lingard has struggled for minutes at Old Trafford this season, being restricted to 272 minutes in all competitions but it was only last season that he proved his credentials during a loan stint at London rivals West Ham United.

He delivered nine goals and five assists across 16 appearances to fire the Irons into the Europa League. This included a goal in their win over Spurs in the Premier League, too.

Those at the London Stadium were desperate to keep him following the spell, with assistant manager Stuart Pearce lauding him as a “special lad” to talkSPORT during the summer.

A career average of 1.4 key passes per 90, including a high of 1.9 during the 2016/17 league campaign, does indeed suggest that Lingard could be the man to fulfil that Eriksen role in N17.

Therefore, McAdam is right – there is plenty to be excited about if you’re a Lilywhites supporter. As evident above, many would love to see him join, either this month or in the summer.

AND in other news, Worse than Ndombele: Conte must axe shocking £70k-p/w Spurs flop, he’s stolen a living…

Newcastle United appear set for a busy month of transfer business as Eddie Howe looks to improve his struggling squad.

The Magpies are currently 19th in the Premier League and have only won one of their 18 matches in the division to date, whilst conceding the most goals out of the 20 clubs.

This is why serious action may be needed in January and that could see a number of players coming through the door at St. James’ Park.

So, how could the side look come February 2022? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that Howe will make five signings, with Keiran Trippier, Sven Botman, Cole Palmer, Darwin Nunez and Florian Grillitsch coming in.

Firstly, Botman could join to strengthen the defence. Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Newcastle are ‘seriously interested’ in the Dutchman, who was dubbed a “leader” by Lille boss Christophe Galtier. The French outfit reportedly want £43m (€50m) for the centre-back, although it remains to be seen whether or not they would be willing to lower their valuation.

Trippier may be another player who comes in to improve the back four. Football Insider reported earlier this month that Newcastle are confident of securing a move to bring him to the club from Atletico Madrid, suggesting that he will be lining up at right-back next year.

In midfield, Grillitsch is a player the club are reportedly interested in. He is out of contract next summer and the Magpies could swoop to snap him up in a bargain deal in January, rather than splashing out on an expensive recruit in the defensive midfield role.

They may also have to make do with a loan deal on the right wing. Manchester City’s Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park and bringing the youngster in on a temporary deal could add some youthful enthusiasm to the team without the risk of a financial commitment beyond the end of the current campaign.

On the other wing, Allan Saint-Maximin could remain despite being touted with an exit in recent months. This leaves the midfield with two new additions, with Palmer and Grillitsch joining Joe Willock and the Frenchman.

Finally, Howe could complete his new-look side with the signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica to partner Callum Wilson at the top end of the pitch. We previously published an article exploring the possibility of him joining the club and explained how he could develop a lethal partnership with the ex-Bournemouth man.

This leaves the likes of Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Fabian Schar, among others, to battle it out for their places in the team and show that they deserve to be playing ahead of any new additions.

AND in other news, “The feeling is..”: Journo drops crushing NUFC transfer blow that’ll leave fans gutted…

West Ham academy starlet Armstrong Oko-Flex is “on the radar” of David Moyes, according to ExWHUemployee on this week’s edition of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast.

The 19-year-old signed for the Irons on a free transfer after his contract at SPFL giants Celtic in the summer, and it appears as if he’s already catching the eye of the Scotsman.

“Oko-Flex has looked really good, he’s been on the bench maybe once this season. He is certainly one that is on the radar. Maybe not this year, potentially next year,” the Hammers insider revealed.

Indeed, the versatile forward, who can play up front and on both flanks, has been in electric form for the U23s this campaign. He’s found the net seven times from 13 appearances across the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy, via Transfermarkt.

When the teenager arrived at the London Stadium, he claimed that the likes of Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay Okocha were major inspirations to him growing up, he told the club’s official website:

“I grew up admiring a few players. Ronaldinho because he was just gifted; Brazilian Ronaldo, who, for a No.9, had everything; and Jay-Jay Okocha, because my parents are originally from Nigeria, and he’s someone I grew up watching on YouTube – he did some crazy things back in the past.

“I also like to entertain, but it’s also about doing it in the right amount. Goals win you games, and I’m an attacker, so goals and assists are very important to me.”

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Elsewhere, former U23 head coach Dmitri Halajko waxed lyrical about his goalscoring ability following a pre-season showing against non-league outfit Aldershot Town.

“When he came on trial from Celtic, that was the first thing that really caught our eye in training, which was his finishing.

“He’s very clinical with really good technique and he’s shown that again tonight. He only had a couple of really clear-cut chances and he certainly made them count.”

The fact that he is being considered by Moyes is certainly encouraging, he could well become a future star and follow in the footsteps of Declan Rice and Ben Johnson.

Moyes’ first-team stars have already seen the club into the next round of the Europa League, and with the FA Cup to come in January, there should be plenty of opportunities to see what the promising teenage gem can offer.

If anyone’s going to become the ‘next Rice’ at West Ham, then Oko-Flex has every chance as he’s clearly catching the eye.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops big transfer claim ahead of January…

West Ham United have been handed a huge boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture this Saturday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Tom Clark’s recent report for Football.London, in which the West Ham correspondent revealed that both Kurt Zouma and Tomas Soucek are back in contention for the trip to Manchester United this weekend, as the duo are set to return to training this week following their respective recoveries from injury and illness.

Central midfielder Soucek has been unavailable for selection for the Hammers’ last two fixtures after falling ill due to the ongoing viral pandemic, while centre-back Zouma has been absent for six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Chelsea in December.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how important both Soucek and Zouma are within David Moyes’ squad, the news that the duo could make a return to first-team football this weekend is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over Zouma’s 11 Premier League appearances this season, the £28.8m-rated defender has helped his side keep two clean sheets and scored one goal, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.6 tackles, 5.2 clearances and winning 60% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as the Hammers’ joint 10th-best player in the top flight of English football.

Meanwhile, over Soucek’s 20 league outings, the £40.5m-rated midfielder has scored three goals, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, three clearances and winning 6.7 duels per fixture.

These metrics have seen the £47k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Moyes’ seventh-best performer in the division.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the return of both players will come as a huge boost to West Ham’s chances of leaving Old Trafford with all three points on Saturday afternoon – a result that would very much strengthen the Hammers’ top-four credentials this season.

In other news: “A deal is there…”: Ex drops teasing transfer claim that will have WHU fans sweating

As per reliable reporter Alasdair Gold, writing for football.london, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of yet another Juventus player in USA international Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s Serie A shopping spree?

Over these final days of what has been a dramatic January transfer window at Spurs, it appears transfer chief Fabio Paratici has set his sights on raiding former club Juve.

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The Lilywhites are apparently in advanced talks over moves for both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile the Old Lady’s on loan striker Alvaro Morata has also been linked with a north London move.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is running out of time to improve his squad and make necessary adjustments as he aims to propel his new side back into the Champions League.

As such, Gold has now shared news on another Juve man who Paratici has made contact for.

The Latest: Tottenham talks held for McKennie…

According to the football.london journalist, the Spurs managing director has ‘also held talks’ in January with the entourage of their midfield maestro McKennie.

However, as explained by Gold, this potential move is deemed ‘unlikely’ despite Paratici being a ‘huge admirer’.

Turin boss Massimiliano Allegri is believed to be resistant over losing McKennie, who has starred for the Old Lady this season.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs?

McKennie would have undoubtedly been a shrewd addition with the versatile 23-year-old possessing an abundance of desirable traits.

The Texas-born ace can play in a variety of roles across midfield including defensive, box-to-box, on either flank and even at centre-half – killing many birds with one stone.

It’s little wonder Juve reportedly value McKennie at around £35m, and if his plaudits are anything to go by, you could argue they’re within their rights to demand a greater fee.

Called an ‘outstanding talent’ by former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner, who managed the player at Schalke, McKennie also lifted the lid on how his old coach in the States branded him a ‘little tank’.

Perhaps he is one for Spurs to revisit in future, but with the window nearing it’s closure, it appears the starlet is out of bounds for now.

In other news: Romano shares late Saturday night development as Spurs table ‘official’ bid for another player, find out more here.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped a promising update on the condition of Josip Juranovic.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by The Celtic Way, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss revealed that the right-back missed the Hoops’ 3-2 victory over Aberdeen on Wednesday evening as a result of illness, before going on to suggest that the 26-year-old could be in line to make a return to first-team action this weekend, and if not, the Europa Conference League clash against Bodo/Glimt next week.

When asked about the Croatia international’s absence, the Greek-Australian manager said: “He’s got an illness mate. [He’ll be back at] the weekend, hopefully, and if not he will definitely be back for the midweek fixture next week.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Celtic squad Juranovic has become since his £2.5m move to Parkhead last summer, the news that the defender does not look as if he will be sidelined for any real length of time is sure to have left the Bhoys fanbase buzzing.

Indeed, over his 20 Premiership outings this season, the £3.6m-rated Croatian has helped his side keep eight clean sheets, scored two goals and created four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.4 key passes, one interception, 1.6 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 3.1 duels per game.

These returns have seen the 26-year-old average a rather extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as the joint tenth-best player in the top flight of Scottish football this term.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the return of the £16k-per-week Juranovic will come as a massive boost to Postecoglou and his side, particularly with the European clash with Bodo/Glimt coming up for the Hoops next week.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “explosive” £12.5k-p/w Celtic dud by unleashing £4k-p/w “athlete”