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Pundit Tam McManus has claimed a potential Celtic exit for Giorgos Giakoumakis is all in his hands.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis could leave Celtic

In the past week, it’s been reported by Sky Sports that the Scottish Premiership forward has had a fee of an initial £3m agreed by the Bhoys with Urawa Red Diamonds.

Giakoumakis hasn’t featured in Ange Postecoglou’s last two games, missing the clashes with St Mirren and Greenock Morton.

The Greek forward has fired in six goals and provided one assist in the league for the Hoops from 19 appearances, he also has two goals in the League Cup and one in the Champions League.

The Latest: The decision is up to Giakoumakis

McManus spoke to PLZ Soccer and said that a fee of £2-3m would be poor business from Celtic, while arguing the club could give him an attractive financial offer that could well see him stay in Glasgow.

He said: “I don’t think he’s going to get the money he’s looking for at Celtic.

“If Celtic were to let him go for £2-3m, I don’t think that’s great business.

“I think he’s a better player than that. I think he’s showed, particularly domestically, that he’s a very, very good striker for Celtic.”

“If Giakoumakis wants to stay at Celtic, then I think he will stay, the ball’s in his court.”

The Verdict: Celtic need to find a replacement

Should Giakoumakis decide to call it a day on his time at Celtic, they must find a replacement as he’s been such an important player for them.

Since joining the Bhoys, the forward has netted 26 times in all competitions and assisted on two occasions from 57 matches – when you consider the club paid £2.5m for him, that’s a fantastic bit of business.

We would be gobsmacked if Postecoglou’s side were to allow the player to leave the club for a very similar fee to which they bought him for.

Time will tell on the future of Giakoumakis at Celtic, though they may have to act quickly this month and find his replacement if they decide to let him go, so time is running out to seal a deal.

Southampton are keen on signing Everton defender Michael Keane on loan this month, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Orsic move close

The Saints appear to be closing in on their first signing of 2023 in Dinamo Zagreb attacker Mislav Orsic. The Croatia international was due to have a medical on Thursday ahead of a proposed deal worth around £6m.

It looks as if Nathan Jones is already looking at further reinforcements, with Keane -who is sponsored by Nike – seemingly another target.

The Latest: Southampton interested in Keane

Sky Sports stated in their live transfer blog on Thursday (15:59) that Southampton are interested in Keane.

They claimed that signing a new centre-back on loan is one of the Saints’ priorities in this transfer window alongside bolstering their attack.

The Verdict: Makes sense

Keane has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park this season, failing to make a Premier League start under Frank Lampard. The 29-year-old may therefore be open to the idea of moving to the south coast, provided that he is guaranteed more game-time.

He would add plenty of top-flight experience to Jones’ side, something which could prove handy in the second half of the season, with the Saints already conceding 33 times in just 18 league games as they sit bottom of the table and fighting for their Premier League status.

Keane, who has 12 caps for England, has averaged a rating of higher than 7/10 by WhoScored in three previous Premier League campaigns, so if he could replicate that form at St Mary’s, a loan move would make sense.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Napoli sensation KhvichaKvaratskhelia, albeit with sporting director Dan Ashworth likely to have to table a hefty offer for the Georgia international in the New Year.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who noted that the 21-year-old – who only arrived in Italy from Dinamo Batumi in the summer – is on the Magpies’ radar ahead of the January transfer window, although any deal is set cost far beyond £50m.

The transfer insider stated: “Newcastle keen on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Napoli laugh off £50m asking price.”

In the attached piece for 90min, the report suggests that the Serie A outfit are set to demand in excess of £100m if they are to part ways with the winger any time soon, with previous claims from the same publication suggesting that Luciano Spalletti’s side are confident of securing a contract extension.

This follows a recent report from the Times that also named the Tynesiders as a possible suitor, be it next month or at the end of the season.

‘Football is like Disneyland’

Kvaratskhelia – who has been affectionately named ‘Kvaradona’ in homage to the late great, Diego Maradona – has been one of the standout figures in European football this season, having recorded 13 goal involvements in just 12 games in the Italian top-flight, as well as five goals and assists in just five games in the Champions League this term.

Having been a relative unknown prior to the start of the season, the fleet-footed forward is now shining as part of a side that are surging towards a Scudetto triumph, with Spalletti’s men currently eight points clear at the summit.

Equally, the explosive ace also compares favourably to his European peers, with the one-time Dinamo Tbilisi man ranking in the top 3% among those in his position for assists, as well as in the top 10% for dribbles completed, as a marker of his dynamic brilliance.

Not only has the 6-foot ace been a true potent threat from the flanks in recent months, it has also been the manner in which has performed that has caught the eye, having been notably lauded as “cheeky” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp earlier this term.

A player for whom “football is like Disneyland” due to his pure enjoyment – in the words of former Ruban Kazan boss Leonid Slutsky – the 19-cap superstar has also been praised by the New York Times’ Rory Smith, with the respected journalist stating:

“I genuinely haven’t enjoyed watching someone play football as much as I enjoy watching Khvicha Kvaratskhelia play football for years. He’s instinctive, untamed, anarchic and, most of all, he’s really, really good fun.”

With the St James’ Park outfit believed to be targetting a new winger in the New Year, turning to the in-form asset could be the solution that Ashworth is craving, with such an addition only likely to strengthen the bid for top-four qualification.

Indeed, the Disney-like fun he could bring to the north east would be unparallel.

Newcastle United should sign the ‘excellent’ Antonee Robinson as a potential replacement for Matt Targett, says Noel Whelan. 

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with Robinson

Earlier this month, it was reported that Newcastle are interested in signing the Fulham defender, facing competition from Serie A side Inter Milan.

Having made 13 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old went on to play every minute of action for the USA in the World Cup, making him just one of three outfield players to do so.

And after thriving in Qatar, the Toon’s interest in the flying full-back is getting plenty of backing.

The Latest: Get it done

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, a former top flight forward with Leeds United, had this to say about Robinson and the possibility of him joining Eddie Howe’s side.

“If they went out to get him he would probably be their first choice. I think he fits the bill for what they are now. They are a very attacking unit. From what we have seen from the World Cup, he can do all parts of that game. From box to box defending, he has been excellent.

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“He has got the energy, the pace and that attacking presence when he gets forward as well.

“I think Targett is not that attacking full-back that Newcastle want. He is very steady and consistent but I think Newcastle are looking at that prominence going forward.

“I thought after his World Cup there would be a few people interested because he was excellent and has caught the eye of quite a few people.”

The Verdict: A good signing?

This season has seen Robinson make more progressive passes (32) than any other player at Fulham, in addition to making the second-highest number of crosses (41) at the west London club. This backs up what Whelan had to say about the USA international in terms of his attacking presence.

Then from a defensive point of view, Robinson has the fourth-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (33) at Fulham as well as the second-highest number of blocks (22) and third-highest number of clearances (37) at the club.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Newcastle have got the Fulham full-back on their radar and why we feel they should definitely explore the possibility of signing him.

Manchester United are still eyeing exciting striker Jonathan David and he could leave Lille in January, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: David on World Cup duty

The 22-year-old is at the 2022 World Cup with Canada at the moment, as he looks to make his mark on football’s most global stage of all.

David didn’t manage to score in his side’s 1-0 defeat against Belgium on Wednesday night – he may have done if he had taken the penalty that Alphonso Davies missed – but he will be hoping to change that when facing Croatia on Sunday.

Away from the World Cup, David’s Lille future continues to be a talking point, and a move to United certainly doesn’t seem to be out of the question.

The Latest: Striker could make January exit

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sport journalist Plettenberg claimed that the Red Devils have scouted the youngster intensively and that he could be available in January:

“News #David: Another candidate of #MUFC is the 22 y/o Canadian striker. He was scouted several times and he wants to make the next step. We‘ve been told that Lille would release him in winter for around €50m transfer fee.”

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The Verdict: Superb long-term prospect

David is exactly the type of attacking player United are crying out for now that Cristiano Ronaldo has gone, given how much younger he is, and his ‘incredible’ finishing ability.

The Canadian would likely come straight in as a regular starter, having already scored 41 goals in 111 appearances for Lille, as well as netting 22 times in just 36 caps for his country.

Erik ten Hag needs to be building an exciting young side that can grow into a genuine force, much like Arsenal this season sitting top of the Premier League, and David would be a significant piece of the jigsaw if they could sign him.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that it is going to be ‘very hard’ for Newcastle United to persuade Mykhaylo Mudryk to join, contrary to some reports.

The Lowdown: Mudryk ‘open’ to joining Newcastle

It was reported in late October that Mudryk is ‘open’ to joining the St James’ Park outfit next year, and the Magpies sent scouts to watch him in action away to Celtic in the Champions League group stage.

The Ukrainian is thought to be ‘keen’ on moving to a club in the Premier League in the January transfer window, so Newcastle could be a possibility.

The Latest: Will be ‘very hard’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that it will actually be ‘very hard’ to persuade Mudryk to move to Tyneside, as he will want to join ‘one of Europe’s elite clubs’.

The reporter stated: “For sure they’re in there. It’s going to be very hard, I think, for Newcastle to persuade Mudryk to move to St. James’ Park.

“I’m sure Mudryk will be looking to join one of Europe’s elite clubs right now with the form that he’s shown for Shakhtar, especially in the Champions League this season.

“So, he’s not going to be short of takers, you’ve got the likes of Arsenal and other clubs in the Premier League as well as clubs across Europe who I’m sure are interested in Mudryk.”

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The Verdict: Who else is interested?

As O’Rourke claims, Arsenal are also interested in signing Mudryk, and so are the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool reportedly.

Some big clubs in the Champions League are also poised to come in for the 21-year-old in January, as Shakhtar Donetsk have dropped down to the Europa League.

He lit up the Champions League in the group stage, having scored three goals and supplied two assists (Transfermarkt), including the screamer at Celtic Park which was seen by Magpies scouts.

It could be difficult for Newcastle to persuade Mudryk to sign for them in January, but if they qualify for the Champions League for next season, there is every chance that he could join in the summer.

West Bromwich Albion have been linked with plenty of names for their vacant manager position, and with a game against Reading having loomed over the whole process, it seems that the hierarchy will not be rushed into a quickfire decision.

They seem to have two very distinct brands of football in mind for which way to take the football club, with the likes of Rob Edwards and Carlos Corberan slightly more progressive, and Chris Wilder and Sean Dyche more old-school but proven.

The latter could certainly spark a revival of the club and instil some much-needed discipline into a side that seems unable to attack or defend to any great effect.

Should the former Burnley man come in, it might also mark a chance for Matt Phillips to recapture some of his best form, as the winger would surely benefit from the structured play the 51-year-old would implement.

His Clarets’ side was famed for its play style, offering a no-nonsense tactic that had the wide men deliver at any given opportunity.

Instructing the Scotsman to simply find the channels and cross would remove any element of doubt from his mind, allowing him to know exactly what must be done to ensure a fine performance in his eyes.

Whilst he, and the rest of the team have been poor this season, last year he averaged 0.9 key passes per game down the right flank.

The 31-year-old could certainly improve both this stat and his crossing, where he averages just 0.5 per game, as he has been known to possess a lethal delivery.

Back in 2019, his teammate Charlie Austin lauded him as an underrated talent amongst the starring wingers such as Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira.

The marksman noted:

“Matty offers so much for us. Matheus and Grady are getting praise because they are new whereas Matty has been here for three, four years.

“He is a fantastic player. He will be key for us as well – not just those two.

“He creates so many goals and he’s got three or four already and he is a wide man.”

The £12k-per-week star has always had a keen eye for creativity – Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan once lauded him as a “game-changer” and a “match-winner” – and if Dyche were to get the job, he would strip the 31-year-old back to basics and likely ensure he improves even more. 

Phillips can become the mature stalwart in his attack, similar to Aaron Lennon or Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson at Turf Moor, allowing the younger Diangana to shine just as he did with Dwight McNeil.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch believes that sporting director Victor Orta is happy at the club but can’t rule out an exit, according to journalist Beren Cross.

The Lowdown: Orta exit rumours emerging

The Spaniard has been an influential presence at Elland Road since assuming his current role in 2017, securing a number of successful signings for the Whites from Patrick Bamford to Raphinha.

Orta has been linked with a move away from Leeds this week, with Chelsea eyeing him up as they look to bring in a new sporting director.

It is a worrying rumour for anyone of a Whites persuasion, given the impressive manner in which the 43-year-old has gone about his job to date in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Marsch unsure on Orta’s future

Taking to Twitter on Friday in sharing an article for Leeds Live, Cross confirmed Marsch’s stance on the matter, with the Leeds manager sitting on the fence somewhat regarding Orta’s position at Elland Road.

The journalist tweeted:

“Marsch spoke openly on the Orta links with Chelsea. Couldn’t rule out an exit, but reiterated the director of football is happy in Leeds. Wants him to stay.”

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The Verdict: Would be a big loss

Losing Orta at this point could be a significant blow for Leeds, having only moved on from the much-loved Marcelo Bielsa earlier in the year and with Marsch still in the early stages of his managerial tenure.

The Spaniard’s influence at the club is undeniable, with YouTuber Joe Wainman once describing him as ‘the decent apple in a group of bad apples’, and he could take some replacing.

The fact that Marsch believes Orta is happy at Leeds appears to bode well but Chelsea’s interest is a concern, in what could be an enticing role for him to accept in west London.

Pundit Kevin Campbell has been giving his thoughts on the latest transfer news on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Luiz still keen to leave

Arsenal reportedly made three bids for the Brazilian late in the summer window, with NSWE standing firm and keeping hold of the 24-year-old.

However, Luiz, who is into the final 12 months of his Villa deal, has recently told friends that he wants to move to the Emirates. The Gunners are ‘maintaining a dialogue’ with Luiz’s representatives and have held talks since the window shut.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Luiz still wanting to join Arsenal.

He described it as a ‘problem for Aston Villa’ and suggested ‘a cut-price deal’ could be on the cards in January.

“Here is the problem for Aston Villa, Luiz wanted to go to Arsenal but the club dug their heels in. The deal did not get done.

“When we get to January, there will only be five months of the season left. Arsenal will not pay £20million to sign a player who is out of contract in a few months. It will be a cut-price deal.

“Villa know that they have got to get themselves in a position come January. You do not sell players when you are struggling in the Premier League.

“There is definitely a deal to be done in January if Villa are willing to play ball. If they are not, Arsenal may look to get him on a free next summer.

“We know how quickly things in football can change. Somebody else might become available. We will have to wait and see.”

The Verdict: Big decision

You can see why Villa decided to keep hold of Luiz late in the window, even after bringing in Leander Dendoncker on deadline day, however, they now find themselves with a key call to make ahead of 2023.

Should Luiz’s situation remain the same, the winter window will be the final time Villa could receive a fee for the central midfielder. Arsenal may come in with another bid but will know he may be a free agent in the summer, so as Campbell mentions, a cut-price transfer could be on the cards.

Nottingham Forest have made contact regarding the availability of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Falling out of favour

The centre-back made his breakthrough into Thomas Tuchel’s first team last season, clocking up 20 Premier League appearances, but the recent arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella have pushed him down the pecking order.

It’s been reported that the Blues are willing to let the 23-year-old leave on loan this summer, and following a fresh update, it sounds as if he won’t be short of potential suitors, with attention being drawn from the City Ground.

The Latest: Forest make Chalobah enquiry

90min report that Forest have ‘contacted’ Chalobah’s representatives over a potential move, and would be ‘interested’ in signing him if he enters the market.

The Reds are set to face stiff competition for his services though, with Leeds, Everton, Southampton, Inter Milan and Roma also name-checked.

It’s claimed that a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge would be ‘unlikely’ as a result of him still having four years left on his contract.

The Verdict: Niakhate replacement

Moussa Niakhate has now been ruled out of action with injury for a few months, so it makes sense that Steve Cooper is looking for a central defensive replacement, and Chalobah has all the qualities to be a rock at the heart of the boss’ backline.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, dubbed a ‘monster’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged an impressive 90.6% pass success rate for Chelsea last season, alongside making 2.1 clearances and two tackles per top-flight game, via WhoScored.

The Reds have already signed Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United, and Chalobah could be the next to follow in his footsteps and make the temporary move from a Premier League giant.