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Ange Postecoglou’s reign as Celtic manager has been a bizarre affair with the Hoops appearing to take one step back every time they attempt to move forward.

The Bhoys had won their last five matches in all competitions until they took on Livingston on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the word?

With Celtic stuttering in their bid to reclaim their dominance on Scottish football, it’s become apparent that Postecoglou could do with some new acquisitions in the January market.

The Australian claimed a few months ago that he would like to target the Japanese market again after the successful signing of Kyogo Furuhashi and recent reports suggest he’s set to do exactly that.

The Times claimed that Celtic were chasing Daizen Maeda of Yokohama Marinos, the team that Postecoglou managed before arriving in Glasgow.

Kieran Devlin of The Athletic has since revealed that links to the 24-year-old should be believed.

During a Q&A he said: “They are credible (links to Maeda), yes. Unless something dramatic happens that will need addressing.”

Imagine him & Jota

The idea of signing the Japan international should be music to the ears of Celtic supporters who will no doubt be delighted at the idea of signing such a rampant goal threat.

Postecoglou has had mixed success with his offensive acquisitions since penning terms in Scotland, bringing Kyogo and Jota to the club.

The former has scored ten times in just 16 outings while the latter has seriously caught the eye with eight goal involvements in 12 appearances for the Hoops.

However, deals for Liel Abada and Giorgos Giakoumakis have been less successful. The Greek striker has found the net just once and missed a terrible penalty against Livi on Saturday. As for Abada, his form has dwindled and he now has only one strike in his last seven Premiership games.

With that in mind, signing someone who could be an upgrade on those two players would be extremely handy.

Maeda is a winger by trade and thus, the idea of him and Jota running dominantly down each flank is one that should enthral and captivate supporters.

He has scored 18 goals in Japan this term which is a sizeable tally for someone who has only played through the middle on seven occasions.

A player with that kind of record should excite fans inside the groand judging by the way Kyogo has settled in at Parkhead, fans will be hoping for more of the same here.

AND in other news, Less touches than Hart: Celtic dud who made just 5 passes all game badly let Ange down…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Connor Goldson in their 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen on Wednesday night.

The central defender put John Lundstram into trouble with an early pass, which eventually led to Steven Gerrard’s team conceding the first goal at Ibrox, courtesy of Christian Ramirez.

It was certainly not his best night, as he lost out on four of his duels, failed to block any shots on his goal, and also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 14 separate occasions in the match, the fifth-most out of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Goldson’s contract at the Light Blues is up in the summer, and if he continues putting in performances like these, the the Teddy Bears may want to think twice about offering him a new one, potentially tempting the club to cash in this January.

Rangers fans on Goldson display

These Gers slammed his performance on Twitter, with one RFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he was a ‘nightmare’:

“The mindset of Goldson to even contemplate playing that pass to Lundstram never mind actually doing it is worrying.”

Credit: @ThreeLoyal

“Who is giving a lift to Connor Goldson? I am up for it could be doing with a couple of days away”

Credit: @scottgraham89

“Goldson has been a nightmare yet again tonight.”

Credit: @StegsoSteven

“Connor Goldson should be dropped immediately when Helander is available”

Credit: @joshsmith1872

“That should be Goldson and Tav’s last game in a Rangers shirt”

Credit: @5G_Rfc

“Goldson and Tav were very poor tonight”

Credit: @enakssor

In other news, find out whose first half display was slammed here!

An update has emerged on Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, regarding Manchester City’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Fichajes, Manchester City are lining up a swoop for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips at the end of the season as a potential Fernandinho replacement.

The report claims that Pep Guardiola has asked the club to secure a deal for the England international, who is said to be valued at around £25.6m (€30m).

Fans would love it

Txiki Begiristain must work hard to reach an agreement with Leeds to sign Phillips next summer as he would be a solid addition to Guardiola’s midfield options. The Spanish head coach directly recommending the player also suggests that he has faith that Phillips would be able to come in and make the step up from Leeds, which should give supporters the belief that it would be a shrewd piece of business.

City fans would love it if this deal went through as Phillips has seemingly been identified by Guardiola and he could be an excellent addition to the squad. He has proven himself for Leeds in the Premier League and for England at the international level, recently winning BT England Player of the Year for his efforts for his country.

Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy hailed the 25-year-old as unbelievable and backed him to play in an advanced midfield position. He told TalkSport, via FanBanter:

“To play one season in the Premier League and then build up your international experience while you’re doing that… it’s hard enough adapting just to play in the Premier League.

“I was probably two years at Liverpool before I started even becoming used to and started playing regularly and actually thinking I’m worthy. He’s gone into the Premier League comfortable and confident, he’s just adjusted so easily.

“He’s just taken it all in his stride: unbelievable. Temperament, fitness, quality.

“And I actually think although Leeds play him in that holding role, I like him a bit further ahead with the insurance with someone behind him.”

This highlights the quality the £36m-rated beast has, as he has been able to adapt to playing regular international football for England alongside delivering excellent performances for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa.

He played seven games at the European Championships and averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.82, making 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game.

Therefore, City fans would be delighted with his arrival. He has shown that he can compete in the Premier League and at a major international tournament, suggesting that he has the potential to make the step up to City.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Rodri: Man City can seal perfect midfield by signing Pep’s £80m target…

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has delivered an injury update on Ibrox defender Borna Barisic after their 2-0 victory on Wednesday evening.

What’s the story?

The Gers came out with all three points from their clash against St Johnstone thanks to goals from Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, but the one big concern surrounded Barisic, who was forced off with just over ten minutes remaining.

However, speaking in his post-match press conference following the game, Van Bronckhorst was quick to play down any suggestions of a serious problem with the left-back.

He said: “He’s okay. He was just not feeling well. He’s not injured.”

Huge boost

Make no mistake about it, Van Bronckhorst’s update on Barisic is a welcome relief and huge boost to the Gers in the midst of a busy festive schedule.

The Ibrox side are back in action in a couple of days when they take on Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, before hosting St Mirren at home on Boxing day.

After being out with injury for three games in late October and early November, Barisic has come back into the side and started the previous five matches for the Gers, helping them keep an impressive four clean sheets in that time.

Former Rangers full-back Steven Smith has previously waxed lyrical about the Croatian, saying: “When you have got him on one side and the numbers that Tavernier is producing on the other side, I think when people tell you the numbers it is scary. You are talking about forward players and strikers not even reaching those numbers so the two of them have been outstanding.”

While Barisic has yet to net at all this season, there’s no questioning that when on song, he’s one of the most effective full-backs in the league, and Van Bronckhorst’s update on him should have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Rangers star was outstanding vs St Johnstone…

New Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will be looking to kick off his tenure at the club with an opening day victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Former England boss Roy Hodgson departed the south London outfit following four relatively successful years with the Eagles, and Vieira has wasted no time in making his mark on the playing squad.

Several ageing campaigners have left Selhurst Park on free transfers, while multiple young and exciting acquisitions have taken their place.

It’s an exciting new era for the capital club, but one full of unknowns as they head into what could be a tricky transitional period.

Vieira will be unable to call upon long-term absentees Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson for the short trip from south to west London, and the Frenchman confirmed that Luka Milivojevic and Michael Olise will join the pair on the sidelines.

“Luka is not going to be with us against Chelsea. He’s been missing the last couple of days of training for personal reasons,” Vieira revealed in Friday’s press conference.

When asked about the fitness of summer signing Olise, the former Nice manager replied: “Michael is feeling better. In the next two weeks he will be starting to do some work on the field.”

However, one new arrival in line for his debut is centre-back Joachim Anderson, with Vieira confirming that the Denmark international will be part of the matchday squad.

“We’re going to do our last training this afternoon. He will be part of the squad, yes,” he concluded.

With that in mind, here’s how Football Fan Cast thinks Vieira will line up his side for the tricky trip to Stamford Bridge…

The ever-dependable Vicente Guaita will resume his residency between the sticks for Palace this afternoon, keeping former England international Jack Butland on the bench.

Ahead of the Spaniard, both Marc Guehi and Andersen are set to make their debuts following their arrivals from Chelsea and Lyon respectively. They’ll be flanked by 21-year-old academy graduate Tyrik Mitchell and the experienced Joel Ward at full-back.

In midfield, Jairo Riedewald will provide the base to Palace’s engine room in Milivojevic’s absence, while loanee Conor Gallagher is ineligible to feature against his parent club. That means Jeffrey Schlupp and Cheikhou Kouyate should feature from the off.

Talisman Wilfried Zaha remains at his boyhood club despite openly expressing his desire to seek pastures new and should be partnered by Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew in the front three.

That lineup will see Vieira make four changes from the last starting XI Hodgson selected against Liverpool on the closing day of 2020/21, highlighting the new chapter beginning in south London.

In other news… Imagine him and Gallagher: Parish must sanction Palace swoop for £10m monster 

A tenth-placed finish in the league last season was not good enough for Everton, especially under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian had been brought in to guide the Toffees to Europe’s top table but their chances of doing so have dramatically decreased since he departed Merseyside.

What’s the word?

Everton now have Rafa Benitez at the helm but they’ve struggled to improve their options ahead of the new campaign this weekend.

They have signed three players for a combined £1.7m and it doesn’t look as though they’ll spend too much more.

That being said, they should make a late dart for Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga before the window closes.

Valued at just £18m by Transfermarkt, he was linked with a move to Goodison Park earlier this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy suggested he should have been signed already.

He said: “There’s no competition between Boga and Townsend. Boga is twice the player Townsend is – and then some.”

Must sign him

Like Clancy states, Boga is evidently a better player than one of the players they’ve brought in.

Consequently, Benitez could take his Everton attack to a new level by securing the 24-year-old’s services.

Once of Chelsea, the left winger was described as a “supreme talent” by former Blues coach Michael Beale.

It’s clear to see why too. Boga is a nightmare for defenders and is capable of dominating opponents with his incredible dribbling ability.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the Ivorian completed 3.2 dribbles per match, a number that was only bettered by Rodrigo de Paul in the whole of the Italian top-flight.

If we compare that figure to those already at Everton, it’s streets ahead of anyone. Their top dribbler last season was Richarlison who completed 1.8.

To elaborate on his ability with the ball, Boga ranks in the 97th percentile for dribbles completed by players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

With the attacker displaying a keen eye for goal in Italy, he has the potential to be devastating in the Premier League too. This is a move that would improve Everton’s offensive line significantly.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers worrying Everton transfer update, fans must be fuming…

According to Calciomercato, Everton are interested in signing Juventus defender Mattia De Sciglio this summer.

The Lowdown: Toffees struggling

As we approach the 2020/21 campaign, the Toffees remain in a difficult situation as they continue their search for a new manager after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid (Sky Sports).

It appears that Rafa Benitez is the favourite to take over (The Telegraph), but even though he is not yet confirmed as the new boss, Everton must continue to pursue transfer targets.

The Latest: Everton eye De Sciglio

Calciomercato reported that Everton, along with Villarreal, are eager to sign De Sciglio from Juventus this summer.

The Italy international, who spent last season on loan at Lyon, could be available for as little as €5m (£4.3m) during this transfer window.

The Verdict: True bargain

There is no doubt about it – such a deal for De Sciglio would represent a huge bargain. The full-back has plenty of experience under his belt, making 151 appearances in Serie A (Transfermarkt) and winning the Italian league title on three occasions. He has also earned 39 caps for Italy and, in the past, he has even been compared to Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini (Goal.com).

He has obviously not lived up that huge comparison, but that does not make him a poor player. For such a price, Everton would struggle to find a better performer in the market – even the fee being quoted for De Sciglio is €2.5m (£2.1m) and 33% lower than his €7.5m (£6.4m) market value (Transfermarkt). Marcel Brands should move quickly to try and secure his services amid Villarreal’s apparent interest.

In other news, many Everton fans were fuming over this journalist’s question to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Pundit Kevin Campbell has tipped Celtic to appoint a new CEO before January following Dominic McKay’s recent departure.

The Lowdown: McKay’s exit; five contenders

McKay left the club last week, just 72 days into his Celtic Park tenure. Ange Postecoglou admitted he was surprised at the news, with the Hoops citing personal reasons regarding his exit.

The Herald have since listed five potential contenders to replace McKay, including former defender Ramon Vega and Leicester City’s Susan Whelan.

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The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who has appeared regularly for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Celtic’s off-field situation.

He was asked when supporters should expect a permanent replacement through the Parkhead door, to which he appeared to back owner Dermot Desmond to take action before the New Year.

“I’m sure they have somebody in mind to take over the spot permanently. There should be contingency planning at a club like Celtic. You have to plan for every eventuality.

“Big clubs should have a shortlist of names ready to fill big roles like that. Now it is about going down that list, working through it and coming to a decision on the next appointment as quickly as possible because you need somebody in that role.

“I would think they will have somebody in before Christmas because it’s a vitally important position.”

The Verdict: 98 days…

There are 98 days before Christmas, so that should give Celtic plenty of time in regards to bringing in a new CEO on a long-term basis.

If they don’t, then that could have a knock-on effect in regards to the January window with Postecoglou possibly looking to add to his ranks in the winter window and the communication with those above him.

Who knows, the Hoops could even land McKay’s successor before Christmas, but Campbell’s prediction should be the bare minimum for Celtic’s off-field deadline to avoid any January problems.

In other news: Free-agent Ange spoke about at Celtic still available after comments emerge. 

Aston Villa transfer target James Ward-Prowse could form a superb partnership with Jack Grealish amid reports linking him with a move to the club this summer.

What’s the story?

The Guardian recently claimed that Villa manager Dean Smith is keen on making a move for the Southampton and England midfielder, which would tie in with what he recently had to say about the club’s transfer plans.

Smith admitted that the club would be looking to target players who have played in the Premier League before, as that can help them hit the ground running when joining.

Imagine him and Grealish

While Ward-Prowse didn’t make the cut to be a part of Gareth Southgate’s final England squad for Euro 2020, the prospect of him joining up with fellow Three Lions teammate Grealish at Villa Park next season is a mouth-watering one to say the least.

The £27m-rated star enjoyed an impressive season in the Premier League, bagging eight goals and setting up another seven, including scoring twice in a superb 4-3 win over Villa in November.

His set pieces in particular have become a real trademark of his, and it was something which left Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer raving about it last season.

The Norwegian said: “We played some fantastic football and created so many chances. We must have had five or six clear-cut opportunities but they had Ward-Prowse! You can’t stop him.

“It’s just one of them where you hope you don’t give set-pieces away. He’s got the quality and it’s one of them, you can’t blame anyone.”

Given that he plays deeper in midfield, Ward-Prowse can be the kind of central playmaker who collects the ball from the two centre-backs before playing those progressive passes into Grealish further forward.

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As per fbref.com, Ward-Prowse’s passes in the Premier League last season progressed for more than 10,000 yards, a real indication of how he is always looking to move things forward rather than keeping things simple.

That stat ranks him 49th in the entire division for 2020/21, a pretty impressive achievement considering most of the players above him are goalkeepers and defenders – in terms of midfielders, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Ashley Westwood, Rodri and Granit Xhaka exceeded the 26-year-old’s tally.

Grealish would surely love to have someone who can raise the tempo of a game by playing those key passes in between the lines and into his feet as quickly as possible, and it has all the potential to be a really impressive partnership at Villa Park if Ward-Prowse makes the move.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this 6 foot 5 star…

Karl Darlow could now be the first out of the door at Newcastle United in the summer as some transfer news has emerged.

The Lowdown: Darlow out of favour

The 31-year-old has become out of favour once again at St James’ Park this season, having made just eight appearances in total in the Premier League and none since November (Transfermarkt).

This is in contrast to last term, when he played bench after some impressive performances.

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Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray thought that Darlow was ‘absolutely awesome’ in 2020/21 and even suggested that the goalkeeping spot was ‘his shirt to lose’, while former Tottenham Hotspur and England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson hailed him as ‘exceptional’.

However, he seems to have lost his place again to Dubravka under Eddie Howe.

The Latest: Darlow eyed by Boro

As per The Sun, Middlesbrough are now eyeing Darlow as their new number one ahead of the summer transfer window.

They are also looking at Leicester City shot-stopper Daniel Iversen, but Darlow remains firmly in their radar.

The Verdict: Time up

Unfortunately for Darlow, his time at St James’ Park now appears to be up.

The new owners at Newcastle are likely to go in for a new goalkeeper this summer with their riches, as Keylor Navas has been the latest big name linked with a move to the northeast.

A new arrival would likely push the 6 foot 2 Darlow further down the pecking order, and at 31 years of age, he probably has one more move left in his career which could guarantee him first-team football.

In other news, find out whose Magpies future is also now in doubt