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Celtic reporter Kieran Devlin has had his say on the possibility of any further backroom staff additions at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: McElhone arrival

Ange Postecoglou has been after additions to the sports science department since July, and the Hoops finally added to that area in the week by bringing in Anton McElhone.

The 40-year-old, a former fitness coach at Tottenham and New England Revolution, left Morton earlier this year following a caretaker stint as manager.

McElhone’s arrival was the first backroom addition under Postecoglou, and Devlin has given his view on any more joining him.

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The Latest: Devlin’s comments

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic ahead of Celtic’s League Cup quarter-final with Raith Rovers on Thursday.

He was asked by one fan if there would be any further backroom staff additions, and although he had no new information, he claimed a possible head of recruitment arrival would be an ‘important’ step.

“Hopefully, but I don’t have any info on that myself. Still don’t have a head of recruitment obviously, which would be important for ensuring the January signings actually fit what Postecoglou wants.”

The Verdict: Time is ticking

Celtic are also without a permanent CEO following Dominic McKay’s exit earlier this month, so the Hoops could do with bringing in more off-field members before the winter window.

A new CEO and head of recruitment through the door at Parkhead soon could help Postecoglou in regards to putting a January plan in place, but time is ticking.

In other news: Alison Conroy shares late double Celtic blow for Ange ahead of Raith Rovers clash. 

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has been well short of his best so far this season, according to former Premier League goalscorer Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Bamford makes slow start

Bamford was arguably the Whites’ star man in 2020/21, topping the scoring charts with 17 Premier League goals and even being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The hope was that the 28-year-old would take his form into this season, but it hasn’t quite panned out that way, with only one goal coming his way to date.

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The Latest: Pundit lays into striker

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was critical of Bamford’s influence in recent weeks, also picking out other Leeds players who have struggled to replicate their previous brilliance:

“The problem with Leeds is that certain players aren’t turning up.

“For me, Patrick Bamford has not been good enough this season. He had a couple of chances against Newcastle and didn’t look sharp like he did last season. It looks like his confidence to score is not there.

“Raphinha is the main man, he’s outstanding. Liam Cooper at the back was skinned by Saint-Maximin. Players like him and Klich are not performing.

“As a team, they’re not scaring teams like they used to. Teams have got used to them, teams will know if you run and work as hard as Leeds you can beat them.

“That’s what Newcastle did. Newcastle were the better team against Leeds. They matched them physically and they knew without Raphinha popping up with something, they’ve not got much.

“I think Leeds will be fine but they’re not going to be anywhere near where they were last season.”

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The Verdict: Too early to panic

It is still only September, so there is no need to go over the top with regards to Bamford, even though he clearly hasn’t been as impressive so far this season.

He has still done well at times, assisting twice in the league, and the hope is that his form will improve once the team as a whole goes up a gear.

Bamford was always going to be under scrutiny, as he looked to prove he wasn’t a ‘one-season wonder’ in the top flight, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the coming weeks and months.

In other news, Leeds have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have urged the Reds to sign England international Jude Bellingham after he was linked with a move to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp didn’t do much transfer business during the summer window, only bringing in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.

Meanwhile, the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri headed to pastures new and after the injury to Harvey Elliott the squad certainly feels a bit light in midfield.

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That is looking even more of an issue now that Thiago and Naby Keita are also currently injured, leaving Klopp with a lack of options.

According to Bild [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], Liverpool are interested in signing Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, even though Klopp is unsure about buying players from his former club.

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Liverpool fans love Bellingham rumour

The 18-year-old is arguably one of the hottest properties in Europe currently, so it was no surprise to see these Reds fans excited at the news on Twitter.

“Sign him up Jurgen idc and see if we can get Haaland in the summer”

Credit: @Jhonny_Savage

“Should really swap Keita for him. Keita can withstand the Bundesliga. Keita plus £50/60m and we have one of the best midfield prospects”

Credit: @RizAhmed98

“LFC would go for him….. he’s a Gerrard fan and I’m sure he’d want to bring back memories of Gerrard’s greatness to Anfield. @BellinghamJude please come to Anfield”

Credit: @OkikaJohn1

“Jurgen please, please just do the right thing”

Credit: @lfcjack6

“Oh wow”

Credit: @notnali_

“If there is any chance of this happening we need to make it happen (doubt it will though)”

Credit: @RyanFPL4

In other news, some Liverpool fans have flocked to some latest Reds contract talk. Read more here.

Crystal Palace loanee Conor Gallagher picked up the club’s Player of the Month award for September.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans were quick to react to the confirmed news on social media.

Gallagher won the award in August with 89.2% of fans’ votes and sealed another Player of the Month triumph with over 47% of votes for September.

The 21-year-old played every minute of action last month under Patrick Vieira, registering three assists in as many games. Two of those came against Tottenham in a 3-0 win, with the central midfielder also winning a penalty against Brighton earlier in the week.

Palace pipped Leeds United to Gallagher’s services on a season-long loan from Chelsea over the summer, and that move has proven to be a shrewd one.

Palace fans react

The Eagles posted the news of Gallagher’s consecutive POTM awards on their official Twitter page on Thursday.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling Gallagher as ‘outstanding’.

“Can he come to us permanently now please”

Credit: @JoWillis28215

“I mean there was only one winner… again! Outstanding and only getting better”

Credit: @redandbluesite

“If he stays fit he will win in most months”

Credit: @b3n_br4dy

“greatest midfielder I’ve seen play for us”

Credit: @bentekefan0

“Well deserved. Quality player!”

Credit: @mainstand_eagle

“Pay whatever it takes sign him up”

Credit: @DeeKay__1

In other news: Palace keen on free-scoring midfielder in cut-price move on less money than Mitchell.

Some Everton fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged involving Rafa Benitez.

Writing in his latest piece for The Liverpool Echo, Phil Kirkbride has now revealed that the Goodison Park faithful are not anticipating an approach from Newcastle United for their manager.

The Spaniard has reportedly been linked with a stunning move back to St. James’ Park after the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium was completed, but now it seems unlikely that he will be their next boss.

The news has come as a welcome relief to some supporters of the Merseyside club, given the fact that Benitez has started very well, as his team currently sit in a healthy fifth place in the table in the Premier League at the moment.

Everton fans on Benitez news

These Toffees supporters were left buzzing as the update on Benitez was shared across Twitter, with one Blues fan claiming that it is ‘good news’:

“For once it’s good news Phil”

Credit: @CalumDMoore

“What a time to be alive!”

Credit: @Joe43212525

“Not when he’s got a job 30 minutes from his house. You are going to need dynamite to get him out of this job. Hopefully after many mistakes Everton might be on there way again. COYB”

Credit: @sportingchancer

“Quite right, all those Evertonians panicking yesterday, still feeling the scars of Ancelotti.”

Credit: @MacdoonJnr

“Rafa has proved to be a loyal employee to the clubs he served. The only club, I believe he resigned from was Dalian.”

Credit: @Salemail2010

“More likely we will sign Almiron and Saint-Maximin”

Credit: @flyer_chris737

In other news, find out what club news has Evertonians rejoicing here!

There was a lot to shout about at Southampton over the weekend with the Saints finally managing to secure their first Premier League win of the season with a 1-0 win over Leeds United thanks to a goal from on-loan striker Armando Broja in his first league start of the season.

Even though Southampton have only managed to score six goals in those opening eight league games, it seems as though the club could be in danger of losing one of their attacking assets in the near future.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported that fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Leicester City are monitoring Saints winger Mohamed Elyounoussi with the possibility of a potential transfer deal on the cards at some point in the future.

The report from The Daily Record claims that both clubs see Elyounoussi as a potential cut-price addition to their squads.

Another Ings situation?

Southampton bought Elyounoussi in the 2018 summer transfer window from FC Basel before loaning him out to Scottish club Celtic in the 2019 summer window.

Overall, the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £10.8m according to Transfermarkt, has made 26 appearances for the Saints, scoring four goals and providing two assists in the process.

So far this season, the winger has managed to score one goal in six Premier League appearances; more than the likes of Che Adams, Nathan Redmond and Theo Walcott among others, ultimately earning himself an overall season rating of 6.71/10. That makes him Southampton’s eighth-highest rated player based on his performances according to WhoScored.

In regards to a potential move away from Southampton in the future to either Arsenal or Leicester, we feel this would be a big blow for Southampton to let go of one of their main attacking options, similarly to how they sold striker Danny Ings to Aston Villa over the summer who has now managed to score three goals in eight league games so far this season.

Looking ahead to the future, with Elyounoussi’s current contract at Southampton set to expire in the summer of 2023, we feel that the Saints should consider offering the Norwegian a new one to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future and out of the clutches of other top-flight clubs.

Consider his importance this season and an exit for the attacker would surely leave the manager gutted. He needs all the options he can get if the Saints are to avoid relegation.

In other news: Ralph masterclass: Saints struck dream deal over “very special” £10.8m-rated gem – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Joao Palhinha continues to impress clubs across Europe, so sporting director Fabio Paratici and co may need to strike in January…

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), the 26-year-old’s performances for club, Sporting Lisbon, and country, Portugal, have alerted teams in Europe’s top divisions, particularly in England.

It’s thought that there are several teams interested in securing Palhinha’s signature in January, though it remains to be seen how much the Primeira Liga champions would want, having requested €40m (£36m) in the summer.

Spurs were reportedly keen on signing the nine-cap international just a few months ago but were only prepared to pay half the price at €20m (£18m).

Shades of Neves

Their interest should hardly come as a surprise with Nuno Santo at the helm as he was known for signing plenty of his fellow countryman during his time at Molineux.

In fact, the 47-year-old boss had his eyes on the 6 foot 3 midfielder whilst in charge of Wolves, so he’s certainly a player that he’d love to sign in north London.

And it’s easy to see why, as there are plenty of comparisons to be made to a similar type of player in Ruben Neves, who marshalled that Old Gold engine room frequently under Nuno.

The £18.9m-rated beast has been a standout performer for the Portuguese giants this campaign, ranking as their second-highest-rated player (7.40) thus far.

He has proven to be a major influence at either end of the pitch, not only delivering two goals in eight league appearances but also averaging a squad-high 3.8 tackles, on top of 1.4 shots and 1.1 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, in the two Premier League campaigns before this one, Neves averaged at least 2.1 tackles and 1.6 shots per game, and found the net five times alone in 2020/21, which only goes to show the two players are in the same sort of mould.

It is why Nuno was originally eyeing Palhinha up as a direct replacement for this fellow Portugal international.

Described as a “special player” by current Sporting boss Ruben Amorim to MaisFutebol (via Manchester News Today) and “phenomenal” by Portuguese football expert Marino Peixoto, Palhinha would be an astute addition to Spurs’ current midfield.

However, they will need to act fast as he continues to impress teams across Europe. Paratici could well secure Nuno another Neves this winter.

AND in other news, “Matter of time”: Gold drops big claim on “underrated” Spurs gem, fans will be buzzing…

Injury expert Ben Dinnery says Leeds United may well have misled supporters by suggesting there is nothing to worry about in regards to a knock picked up by Raphinha against Wolves.

The Lowdown: Raphinha injured

Raphinha started for the Elland Road outfit against Wolves last weekend in the Premier League.

However, he was forced off with an injury shortly after half-time, although the club and the player himself said the problem was “nothing serious”.

The Latest: Dinnery doesn’t agree

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery said Raphinha could be out until mid-to-late November. He said:

“We don’t really know what this update means entirely.

“When I hear players and managers talk about injuries as ‘nothing serious’, I always take it with a pinch of salt. It can be kind of misleading.

“I have to admit, when I first saw that injury it didn’t look pretty. This was a forced external rotation of the ankle.

“There was a strong indication that there was a high sprain. There was some suggestion that there could even be a fracture involved.

“So when I saw that update from Raphinha, I took that to mean the bones are intact. That leads me to believe it is indeed a high ankle sprain.”

The Verdict: Calm the situation

Raphinha is one the club’s most important players, scoring three of their eight goals in the Premier League so far this campaign (Transfermarkt), with him now having found the back of the net 54 times in total in his career.

Even with him in the side, they have struggled, winning just one of their opening nine league matches (Sky Sports) – without him, they would surely look even worse.

It looks as though the club may have looked to calm down supporters with this news. If he does not appear this coming weekend versus Norwich City, the fans will know they had the wool pulled over their eyes. It remains to be seen whether Dinnery or Leeds are right.

In other news, this man has been suggested as a potential Bielsa replacement.

An intriguing behind-the-scenes Newcastle update has emerged, regarding Unai Emery’s potential arrival at the club.

What’s the talk?

According to Chronicle Live journalist Ciaran Kelly, some Magpies players have reacted positively to the prospect of the ex-Arsenal man taking the job, with one player said to be wanting a manager with international pedigree.

Another source, said to be close to a key first-team member, was quoted as saying “That would be top!” when asked about the move. This, along with a detail on Emery asking the board why they want him, provides an intriguing insight behind the scenes at St. James’ Park at present.

Excitement

This update will surely excite Newcastle fans as it suggests that the players are set to get behind the Spaniard from the get-go and are happy with his arrival, given the two aforementioned sources.

Emery is a coach with international pedigree as he has won an incredible four Europa League trophies during his career, along with the Ligue 1 title in France with PSG.

The supporters will surely be buzzing with excitement from this insight, simply because of how bad the situation was at the end of Steve Bruce’s reign. Last month, the Daily Mail ran an article detailing the mood inside the camp and it did not make for pleasant reading if you are of a Newcastle persuasion.

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The report claimed that Jamaal Lascelles and Isaac Hayden had a fight in the tunnel after the 3-2 defeat to Spurs and that a number of players questioned Bruce’s tactics in the dressing room.  It also stated that player resentment towards him was intensifying after the result.

This highlights the negative mentality inside the club towards the end of Bruce’s time on Tyneside and emphasises why bringing in a manager who commands respect is key. The Chronicle report suggests that Emery will be the man for the job in that respect, with his C.V backing up his talents.

In 14 years as a manager, Emery has never completed a full season and finished lower than ninth in the table – managing the likes of Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and Almeria, among others. Therefore, the players could be given a reason to show him respect and believe in what he is trying to do.

That could then translate into improved performances on the pitch due to an improved mentality towards tactics that wasn’t there when Bruce was. That’s exactly why supporters should be getting excited at this update.

AND in other news, Craig Hope delivers exciting 9-word NUFC update that’ll leave fans on cloud nine…

Eddie Howe may have been dealt his first big blow as Newcastle manager despite being in the hot seat for just over 24 hours…

What’s the word?

Life is never simple at St James’ Park and despite all of the positivity injected in Tyneside following Howe’s arrival, Amanda Staveley and PIF have been handed their next big blow.

Their first major setback as the owners of Newcastle came when Unai Emery decided to reject them to stay at Villarreal.

They have, at least, found a new head coach now but they are struggling to find a figure to lead their transfer strategy.

Marc Overmars was targeted but is set to stay at Ajax but another of their reported targets, Michael Edwards, won’t join either.

It was claimed on Wednesday that Edwards may well join Newcastle but after confirmation landed that he’d be departing Liverpool, it was revealed that the northeast definitely wouldn’t be his next destination.

The Athletic’s James Pearce tweeted: “Understand Michael Edwards’ next destination definitely won’t be Newcastle – despite recent speculation. That job is of no interest to him.”

Gutting

This is a piece of news that will not only deject Howe but it will also be seen as a negative for the club’s supporters who will likely be left feeling gutted by this development.

PIF are keen to make a statement of intent and luring a figure like Edwards to the club would have been one of their biggest messages yet.

After all, the accomplishments that he guided Liverpool to with all of the expertise at his disposal is to be admired.

Under Edwards’ strategy behind the scenes, the Reds secured their first top-flight title in 30 years and also won the Champions League.

Of course, Jurgen Klopp deserves plenty of praise for his coaching methods but the transfer strategy that those above him devised has to be applauded too.

He helped bring players to the club like Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk in swoops that will go down in the club’s history as some of the best business they’ve ever completed.

An assessment from Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor says it all:

“Edwards has been a key figure in Liverpool’s transformation from challengers to title winners both at home and in Europe,” he began.

“It is easy to point to his many success stories at Anfield, with the sporting director having played a big role in bringing Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Alisson and Sadio Mane to the club.

“At the same time, Edwards was also integral in the sale of Jordon Ibe, Rhian Brewster and Dominic Solanke for a combined £57.5m, helping to provide manager Jurgen Klopp with further transfer funds.”

With that in mind, he would have been an inspired appointment by PIF, one that not only benefited their future expenditure in the transfer market but also helped them make even more money from player sales.

Howe would surely have loved to have worked under Edwards and the fact the duo won’t link up together over the winter months and beyond will surely leave fans gutted.

AND in other news, PIF could fire a warning at NUFC by signing £18m beast who has a “compass in the foot”…