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Swedish side IFK Goteborg have made an enquiry for Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, Anthony Joseph reports.

The Lowdown: Breakdown with the Blades

Barkas appears to be surplus to requirements at Celtic Park and could become the second shot-stopper to leave the club this month after Conor Hazard.

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The Greece international has featured just twice under Ange Postecoglou and was recently linked with a move to Sheffield United.

However, talks broke down between the two clubs due to Celtic’s demands over a loan move, with the Blades going on to sign Adam Davies instead.

The Latest: Joseph’s post

Joseph took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to share a fresh update on Barkas and a possible late exit.

He revealed details of Goteborg’s enquiry and admitted that Celtic are open to offers for the 6 foot 4 colossus.

“IFK Goteborg have made a loan enquiry for Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.

“It’s understood the Swedish club would need Celtic to pay for the bulk of his wages, if the move was to go ahead.

“The Hoops are open to offers for the Greece international.”

The Verdict: Time to go

Barkas, thought to be on £9,000-a-week, has featured in just two Scottish Premiership matchday squads all season. He clearly isn’t fancied by Postecoglou, so moving him out on loan for the remainder of the campaign could be a good idea.

Allowing him to play regular football could then help the club when it comes to selling him permanently, with Barkas still under contract in Glasgow until 2024.

Celtic may not recoup the £4.5m they spent on the 27-year-old, with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping to just £1.35m, but a solid second half of the season in Sweden may benefit all involved.

In other news: In the coming days – Celtic now eye ‘very clever’ teenager who could go out on loan – journalist.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa could revisit a move for a Southampton midfielder in the January transfer window…

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer had suggested that the Midlands club were keen on signing James Ward-Prowse from St Mary’s, but it appears Gerrard is now also interested in landing Romeu.

During a Q&A for The Athletic, Evans said: “As for the budget… rather than setting an exact figure, Villa will remain flexible to act if either a bargain deal becomes available, or there is a need to top up a certain position, such as in midfield. Sporting director Johan Lange will present midfield options to manager Steven Gerrard, and Southampton’s Oriol Romeu may be looked at after he was tracked over the summer.”

Replacing Idrissa Gueye

Ever since Idrissa Gueye left the club for fellow Premier League side Everton, Villa have searched far and wide for someone to replace the gaping hole that the Senegal international left in the middle of the park.

Marvelous Nakamba has been the closest to doing so, but in Romeu, Gerrard could genuinely find a real monstrous defensive presence.

The 6 foot machine would represent a real upgrade on Nakamba in that holding midfield role – in fact, as per Whoscored, the Saints man’s impressive average of 3.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last season ranked him joint-third in the entire division.

Romeu also averaged 1.4 interceptions per game, numbers which are far better than any of Gerrard’s current options at Villa Park – Nakamba being the closest Villa player to the Spaniard, managing just 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match.

And, when asked about Romeu’s performance against West Brom in a 2-0 victory last season, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “When you see him as a professional, how he reacts when he is not first-choice, he’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever seen.

“Sometimes he is under the radar because he makes the work nobody wants to do – closing the gaps, closing the space, winning duels, being everywhere and when he is in the moment when he can score, it is unbelievable for him.”

The £6m-rated star is exactly what Villa need in that engine room, and could finally be the man to replace Gueye.

Meanwhile, Villa could transform their defence with this star…

An Ibrox update has emerged on Rangers left-back Borna Barisic, regarding his stance on his future at the Scottish club under Gio van Bronckhorst…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Scotland, the full-back has made a big decision as he wants to remain in Glasgow and is not looking to force an exit this month.

The report claims that a £2m bid from Premier League side Watford has been rejected and further offers are expected to come in for him before the window slams shut.

Buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons. For starters, they will be delighted with Barisic’s stance as the player is seemingly committed to the cause and ready to remain at Ibrox, which shows his love for the club and that he is not throwing his toys out of the pram.

This is not a case of the Gers denying a player a transfer and upsetting one of their stars. If that was the case, it could have been a tricky situation for the club as they would be left with a gem who is eager to leave and, therefore, may not put 100% into their efforts in training and in matches. However, that is not what is happening with Barisic and supporters can look forward to him continuing to deliver on the pitch with full commitment in the coming months.

The fans will also be buzzing with this update for the simple fact that it increases the chances of the Croatian’s talents being available to Gio van Bronckhorst in the second half of the season, something that represents a huge boost to the Gers. He is one of the club’s top performers and they will want to see him lining up week-in-week-out in the Premiership as he is an excellent player at this level.

Barisic has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.30 in the league this season. This shows that he is able to deliver consistently brilliant performances for the Gers, which suggests why there is interest in his services in the January window.

His sublime displays in Scotland are why fans will be eager to see him stay as he is a top-quality left-back who could be key to success this term. Van Bronckhorst’s side are vying for trophies domestically and in the Europa League and keeping a player of the £18k-per-week beast’s quality could be a big boost for the side.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Morelos: GvB could form scary Rangers duo with 20 y/o “bag of tricks”…

Providing an update on West Ham United and their transfer plans for January, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has now shared news involving Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

The Lowdown: West Ham looking to January…

As recently confirmed by manager David Moyes, speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, his Hammers side could be active in the winter window (Sky Sports).

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The Scotsman says that, as well as scouring for a new centre-half as emergency cover to the injured Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, his side have been searching for a striker (Sky Sports).

There have been no shortage of links to new forwards already, including the likes of Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek most recently, with Ex now sharing what he knows on the West Ham Way Website.

The Latest: Insider makes Origi claim…

As per his information, West Ham could now ‘make a move’ to sign Origi in the upcoming transfer window – explaining it would ‘not be a surprise at all’ if the Irons swoop for his signature.

The 26-year-old, struggling for consistent game time at Liverpool, has also apparently been ‘very close’ to joining previously as Ex claims he may well be one to keep an eye on.

The Verdict: Good option?

Despite his lack of chances under Klopp, Origi has actually managed to turn it on this season when given the chance.

The Belgium international even scored a brilliant individual goal against West Ham at the London Stadium with Liverpool’s boss holding no shortage of praise for some of his exploits this season.

Klopp lauded the striker as a ‘really quick’ player and ‘monster’ in the air recently (The Mirror), and with Origi’s contract expiring in 2022, the Reds may feasibly be forced to sell for a cheaper rate in January.

Racking up a career tally of 63 senior goals, the 31-cap ace could actually come as an ideal back up striking option for Moyes and someone who can finally end West Ham’s year-long search for a Michail Antonio-alternative.

In other news: Moyes dealt worrying news as ‘another big injury blow’ comes out of West Ham, find out more here.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is reportedly seeking a reunion with Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara in January, with the 41-year-old apparently a “big fan” of the Finland international.

What’s the story?

The Rangers star was managed by Gerrard at Ibrox up until last month and the Englishman is reportedly keen to bring the 26-year-old down to England. This comes after Aston Villa were linked with a move for Rangers winger Ryan Kent.

Kamara, who has been capped by his native Finland 40 times, has apparently been on Villa’s radar for some time, with the possibility of a £6m bid being weighed up back in August before Gerrard’s arrival.

Despite being valued by Transfermarkt at £5.4m, it seems likely that Villa would have to pay well over that figure to secure the 26-year-old’s services, with the Daily Record reporting that the midfielder could cost £15m given that his contract at Ibrox doesn’t expire until 2025.

Furthermore, Kamara has stated in the past that “it would be a dream” to play in the English top-flight, suggesting that it wouldn’t prove a tricky task to lure him to the West Midlands, should Villa be happy to pay Rangers’ asking price.

Kamara would add needed depth

With Steven Gerrard preferring a three-man midfield in a 4-3-3 setup, the Villans could do with extra numbers in the midfielder department as back-up.

It appears as though the 41-year-old has a preferred trio with Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Marvelous Nakamba starting the last three Premier League games together. The more they play together, the harder it would be for someone to break into that partnership.

However, Villa seem light on reserves should one of those three pick up an injury or suspension, with Jacob Ramsey the only other player to have started in central midfield under the Englishman.

According to SofaScore, the 26-year-old has a 90% pass completion rate in the Scottish Premiership this term, averaging 1.4 key passes per game, showing the outstanding attributes he could add to Gerrard’s midfield.

Reports have suggested that Villa plan to invest this coming window and, although links with big-money superstars are exciting, Johan Lange will have to add depth to the squad and a move for a player such as Kamara, who has been previously dubbed “fantastic” by Gerrard would certainly provide more options.

A number of Liverpool supporters were fuming after a report claimed that Jordan Henderson has picked up an injury during the international break.

The Reds are currently on a two-week gap between matches, with Jurgen Klopp’s players off representing their respective countries. Henderson was in excellent form for England on Friday evening, scoring one goal and setting up another as the Three Lions won 5-0 at home to Albania.

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Unfortunately, it appears as though the Liverpool captain has picked up an injury issue since then, with The Times’ Henry Winter confirming on Twitter that the 31-year-old has been sent home “for further assessment.”

It is the latest setback for Klopp, who is already without midfielders Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott ahead of the Reds’ home clash with Arsenal in the Premier League next Saturday.

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Liverpool fans fume at Henderson news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to bemoan the news about Henderson’s injury, the latest in a long line of fitness problems for the Reds dating back to last season.

“At this rate, our midfield vs Arsenal will be: Morton – Fabinho – Balagizi”

Credit: @ac111991

“I can’t do this anymore”

Credit: @morganclee

“Every single time we have international games one of our players what’s come back injured. Gomez, then Trent and now Hendo”

Credit: @ReusProp

“I’m so stressed! Why has it always got to be us!!!”

Credit: @lfcleahx

“Seriously? Just how many midfielders are left now????!”

Credit: @SilentKumar96

“Oh god please no”

Credit: @D66STIEL

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given a key update on one possible Liverpool target. Read more here.

Everton’s season is in need of an injection of positivity following a poor run of results, and the emergence of a homegrown talent could be the ideal solution.

The Toffees have picked up just one point from a possible 12 in recent weeks as Rafa Benitez’s charges have struggled to cope with a lengthy list of absentees, increasing the pressure on the Spaniard.

A lack of goals following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s enforced absence has been a constant source of frustration, but the solution could already be within the club.

Rhys Hughes has caught the eye over the last couple of campaigns for both the U18s and U23s, supplying the grateful strikers with a constant stream of quality crosses and through balls from out wide.

Since the start of 2019/20, the 20-year-old has bagged seven goals and provided a further 15 assists in 50 appearances for Everton, highlighting his top-class potential.

His eye-catching exploits for the youth teams led to Hughes signing his first professional contract in January 2020, before U23 manager David Unsworth lauded his technical ability.

“He’s got ability. What we’ve looked at is where do we play him,” said the tactician in a recent interview. “We felt playing off one of the sides, coming into the pockets, getting on the ball on the half-turn, was probably his best opportunity.”

However, Unsworth then suggested that the Wales U21 international needs to spend another 12 months in the youth setup to improve his physicality, although expressed his excitement at the potential of the dead-ball specialist.

“He has to get quicker, he has to get stronger, he has to develop physically, but this all happens naturally.

“He’s got the ability, he needs to build his stamina and his physicality but if you’re talking a footballer, he is an outstanding footballer with great technique and a great set-ball delivery. Those type of players are worth their weight in gold and after another year of development, we’ll see where we are with him.”

With Alex Iwobi still unable to discover his best form on Merseyside, the opportunity for Hughes to impress could be just around the corner, and his breakthrough may well be the catalyst Everton need to resurrect their faltering campaign.

And, in other news…Everton could find a new Holgate in £50k-p/w dud who’s an “accident waiting to happen” 

Celtic have been handed a major boost regarding Josip Juranovic’s return from injury.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the right-back could once again be available for selection for the fixture against St Johnstone this weekend, as the 26-year-old is in the tail end of his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Speaking about the current condition of the defender, the 56-year-old said: “Juranovic did his hamstring so didn’t go away [on international duty]. He’s been doing rehab here. It’s the tail end so we’re looking at [this] weekend for him.”

Postecoglou will be buzzing

While Anthony Ralston has performed incredibly impressively while filling in at right-back during Juranovic’s absence – with the 22-year-old averaging a rather extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.76 over his seven league appearances – it is nevertheless certain that considering the Croatia international was one of Celtic’s most exciting summer signings, Postecoglou will be buzzing about the defender’s return.

Indeed, over his four Scottish Premiership appearances prior to picking up his injury, the £2.25m-rated man had helped his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 0.5 key passes, one interception, two tackles and winning 3.3 duels per game.

These metrics have seen the player who Bhoys Analytics dubbed a “creative monster” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in the top flight of Scottish football, while the 26-year-old also impressed in his one appearance in the Europa League, getting himself on the scoresheet and earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 against Real Betis.

As such, the news that the defender is nearing a return to first-team action will undoubtedly come as a major boost for Postecoglou and his side, although, the fact Juranovic does not look likely to feature in the Bhoys’ crunch match with Ferencvarosi TC on Tuesday afternoon may be slightly disappointing for the 56-year-old.

In other news: £3.8m out of pocket: Celtic had a nightmare in “magnificent” £12k-p/w dynamo’s sale

An update has emerged on Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, regarding interest from a Premier League club…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa are keen to take the Gers head coach south of the border to replace Dean Smith at Villa Park.

The report claims the Midlands club are also looking at Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, with Villa attempting to land a replacement for Smith before the end of the international break.

Gutted

This is a worrying update and will surely leave Rangers fans feeling gutted as it means more speculation over Gerrard’s head.

He was linked with the Newcastle job last month and Gers supporters had to deal with the uncertainty over his future then, although Eddie Howe has now been officially appointed as Steve Bruce’s successor at St. James’ Park.

Having come out the other side of the Magpies speculation unscathed, Rangers and their fans now have to listen to talk of Gerrard taking the job at Villa. It remains to be seen whether or not the ex-Liverpool man would be interested in ditching Glasgow to go and manage in the Premier League with the Claret and Blues, but the uncertainty could be frustrating for fans – particularly with an international break coming up this week and no domestic fixtures to focus on.

There is little doubting that Gerrard has enjoyed great success with Rangers. He ended Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football by winning the Scottish Premiership last season, going unbeaten in the 38 league matches and picking up 102 points in the process. He was able to set up a resolute side capable of avoiding defeat for an entire campaign, proving his managerial talent.

Overall, he has won 2.33 points per game across 107 Premiership matches in charge of Rangers since arriving from the Liverpool youth set-up. This shows that he has been able to reinstall a winning mindset at Ibrox with the club currently sat top of the table again after 13 games this season.

Therefore, fans will be gutted by new uncertainty over Gerrard’s future with these links to Aston Villa. It could be a difficult couple of weeks for Rangers supporters to get through before they are able to watch their side play in the flesh again.

AND in other news, Possession lost 21x: £6k-p/w Rangers beast with 1 tackle let Gerrard down on Sunday…

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the latest on rumoured ‘approaches’ from Newcastle United for both Mauro Icardi and Aaron Ramsey.

The Lowdown: Rumours circling

There have been rumours circling that the St. James’ Park faithful are targeting both Icardi and Ramsey as potential deals following the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

There have even been reports of contact being made with the latter ahead of a potential move from Juventus in the January transfer window.

The Latest: Romano update

Writing on his official Twitter page, Romano has now revealed that their have been ‘no approaches’ from the new owners for Icardi or Ramsey ‘as things stand right now’.

The Italian journalist and transfer expert also revealed that Icardi is ‘not planning’ on leaving PSG over the next few months, while Ramsey will ‘decide on his future’ in December or January.

The Verdict: Sign both!

Signing both Icardi and Ramsey would certainly be a statement from the new owners that they mean business.

Dubbed as a ‘world-class’ player on his day by Wales teammate Joe Allen after a narrow 1-0 defeat away at eventual champions Italy during Euro 2020, Ramsey of course has played in the Premier League before with Arsenal and has an eye for a goal from midfield, with no fewer than 91 in total in his senior career for both club and country combined so far.

Icardi is a natural goalscorer himself, with 172 senior strikes to his name for both club and country, and would certainly ease the burden off of Callum Wilson.

Nonetheless, their experience of playing at the highest level would certainly elevate the quality in the dressing room.

In other news, find out what ‘great news’ will have SJP ‘bouncing’ against Tottenham Hotspur here!