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Celtic are now on the brink of completing a deal to sign Lanus full-back Alexandro Bernabei, according to Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo. 

The lowdown: Hoops’ interest

The Hoops have been heavily linked with a move for Bernabei for a number of days and it now appears that the switch to Celtic Park is closer than ever.

Having flown to Glasgow from Buenos Aires last week, the 21-year-old is expected to sign a five-year deal at Parkhead as Ange Postecoglou seeks competition for Greg Taylor.

After completing the signing of Ben Siegrist and Cameron Carter-Vickers already this summer, the Scottish champions could be entering the final stages of another deal…

The latest: Medical completed…

Taking to Twitter, Merlo has confirmed that the player has undergone a medical in Scotland and is therefore edging towards becoming a Bhoy.

He stated: “Alexander Bernabei has already had a medical check-up in Scotland. Celtic are preparing the contract for him to sign in the next few hours until June 2027. Lanús sold 90% of its record.”

Previously it’s been reported that the Hoops will pay £3.75million to sign the attack-minded full-back who was recently tipped as a player with a ‘big future’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The verdict: Almost there

All being well over the coming hours at Lennoxtown and Bernabei – – who boasts impressive dribbling, finishing and defensive contribution attributes (WhoScored) – should be part of the squad that flies out to Austria on Monday for a pre-season training camp.

During the ongoing 2022 South American season, the Argentine has scored twice and provided two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions and should arrive into Postecoglou’s squad fit and raring to challenge Taylor for the first-choice left-back berth.

Overall the energetic Argentina youth international has earned a sensational 7.57 Sofascore rating whilst winning 7.2 duels, making 1.2 key passes and 1.2 interceptions on average per game in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana.

Recently dismissed after 70 minutes against CA Colon, Bernabei may still face suspension at the start of the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership campaign and will likely take some time to settle into life in a new environment and indeed a whole new style of play under Postecoglou having predominantly operated in a back four of a 4-4-2 in his homeland.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Gabriel Jesus.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite the Manchester City centre-forward being heavily linked with a move to Antonio Conte’s side this summer, Arsenal are now in advanced negotiations with the 25-year-old, with the Gunners hoping to tie up a reported £50m deal for the Brazil international in the coming weeks.

The transfer insider goes on to state that both Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain remain interested in the former Palmeiras starlet, and are waiting to see how Arsenal’s talks with the striker develop before potentially making a move of their own.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Gabriel Jesus deal update. Arsenal are working on it and negotiations are very advanced – Arsenal will now need to be fast on final, key details involving player/agents to get the deal done and avoid twists. Tottenham & PSG, still waiting to see the end of this story.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how talented a player Jesus undoubtedly is, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a centre-forward who can also operate on the left being one of Conte’s primary targets this summer, Romano’s claim that Arsenal now look to be closing in on a deal for the Brazilian is sure to have left both the 52-year-old manager and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful gutted.

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Indeed, over his 28 Premier League appearances in 2021/22 – 13 of which came on the wing – the £60m-rated attacker was in extremely fine form for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring eight goals, registering eight assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £110k-per-week forward average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.18, ranking him as Manchester City’s ninth-best player in the league last time out – playing a key role in his side’s triumphant Premier League campaign.

As such, it is clear to see just how impressive an addition Jesus would make to Conte’s current attacking options in north London, with the added blow of potentially seeing the 25-year-old line up for Tottenham’s most fierce of rivals next season sure to be a thought that will devastate both Conte and supporters of the club.

AND in other news: Paratici could seal “unreal” signing as Spurs now plot late bid for £225k-p/w target

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has given his reaction to the links to bring Sunderland striker Ross Stewart to Ibrox. 

The lowdown: Gers’ interested

This comes as Rangers are heavily linked with a move for Stewart should Alfredo Morelos leave Ibrox this summer.

The 25-year-old frontman enjoyed a stellar campaign in League One and was an integral part of the side that earned promotion to the Championship via the playoffs.

Stewart is fast approaching the final 12 months of a deal in the North East of England and one invested onlooker has had his say on the potential move to Glasgow…

The latest: Hutton on Stewart

Speaking to Football Insider, regular BBC pundit and Rangers TV man Hutton suggested that the Scotsman could be a worthwhile addition but only alongside further transfers.

He said: “You’re going for Champions League football, that’s how high the bar is at this moment in time. Can he play to that level? We’re unsure. Of course, he was outstanding in League One but we’re talking about elite level. Only time will tell if he can reach those heights.

“I’m pretty sure Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have sights on a few different players. Stewart is a particular type of number nine. He’s a big guy, he’s not the usual profile that Rangers go for.

“So they might look to bring in another type of attacking threat as well.”

The verdict: Two needed

With a remarkable 164 goal involvements in 224 appearances for Rangers, losing a player of Morelos’ quality this summer would leave a huge hole in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad that cannot be filled by the addition of Stewart alone.

That’s despite netting 26 times in 49 league and play-off games during a breakout 2021/22 season following a switch from Ross County, earning an outstanding 7.25 Sofascore rating whilst winning 7.6 duels, making 1.3 key passes and finding the target with 1.2 shots on average per game.

However, having left Scotland on the back of just three-goal involvements in the Scottish Premiership in 2020/21, Van Bronckhorst would be wise to avoid pinning all the responsibility and expectation on Stewart and Kemar Roofe when it comes to replacing Morelos’ output.

In other news, Rangers have a potential Alfredo Morelos replacement in mind

Newcastle United brought in a number of new players during the January transfer window who ended up helping the club to avoid relegation and finish 11th in the Premier League.

Now that the summer transfer window has opened for business, this could see another flurry of business being conducted at St James’ Park.

In terms of potential outgoings, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen up his squad, one man who we feel shouldn’t continue with the Toon is Ciaran Clark.

Getting just 13 league appearances in 2021/22, the 32-year-old’s final squad inclusion came back in January when he made a 21-minute cameo in the 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. This doesn’t say much for his chances of playing regularly under Howe next season.

Whenever the Irishman did get a chance to play, he was more often than not a liability for his team, as Jamie Carragher made clear when he slammed the centre-back for his “shocking” defensive error against Manchester City just before Christmas. In the same month, he was given a red card nine minutes into Newcastle’s home clash against Norwich City.

In terms of who could come in to replace Clark, one player who has recently been linked with a £17m move to Tyneside and who could fit the bill is Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.

Having made 138 appearances for the German club across all competitions, the 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and delivered nine assists, showing that he can be a rather useful goal threat at times.

In terms of his defensive capabilities, the centre-back has racked up a total of 114 successful tackles, 221 blocks, 161 interceptions and 473 clearances for the Europa League holders.

To further highlight how imposing he is at the back, the Frenchman ended his latest Bundesliga season with the highest average of clearances per game (4.1) and the joint-highest average for tackles (1.9) and interceptions (1.6) at his club.

This shows that he certainly has what it takes to be a solid defensive unit and why he could be a great long-term option for Newcastle given his young age.

Labelled an “enormous” player by Frankfurt journalist Christopher Michel, Ndicka should definitely be in the Magpies’ transfer plans should they get rid of Clark this summer.

In other news: Howe could land big Longstaff upgrade as Newcastle now plot bid for £228k-p/w “wizard”

According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future

Amid rumours of an exit from the Etihad Stadium, the Ukraine international decided to put discussions over his future on hold as his nation pushed for World Cup qualification.

Following an unfortunate defeat to Wales in the play-off final, clubs are now hoping to find out in the near future exactly what the 25-year-old’s next move will be.

Rumours of a City departure have arisen, with the defender understood to be eager to secure more regular game-time, having made just 15 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: Collings’ update on Zinchenko

It has been recently reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the Ukrainian this summer, as they look to add versatile depth to their ranks.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from the Evening Standard, Collings has now shared the latest transfer news involving the 25-year-old, as he claimed: “Arsenal and West Ham two of the clubs interested in Zinchenko.”

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

With first-choice Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell now approaching his 33rd birthday, West Ham could be looking to sign an adequate replacement this summer.

At just 25 years old, Zinchenko is already Premier League proven, given his 76 appearances in the English top flight and the 11 trophies he has won at the Etihad.

Also, compared with Cresswell, the City left-back had a greater passing accuracy rate and more tackles, interceptions, crosses and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes during the 2021/22 season, as per FBRef.

Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and person by his manager Pep Guardiola, the Ukraine international would be an asset to many top teams, given his versatility to play as a full-back or in midfield.

When combined with his outstanding attitude and work ethic, Zinchenko’s prospective arrival at the London Stadium would be a great signing for David Moyes.

In other news: Irons now close to agreement for this transfer target

Sunderland ended their four-year spell in the third tier of English football as they won in the final of the League One play-offs last month.

The Black Cats will now be competing in the Championship next season after Alex Neil guided the team to a 2-0 win over Wycombe at Wembley.

Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart scored the goals in the final after the club beat Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the semi-finals.

Neil and Kristjaan Speakman will now be plotting deals to improve the squad with a view to being competitive in the second tier next term.

They have already been linked with a number of players and one gem who has been touted with a return to the Stadium of Light is central defender Dion Sanderson.

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing him from Wolves, on a temporary or permanent basis, after his loan spell in the 2020/21 campaign.

Imagine him & Bailey Wright

Journalist Josh Bunting has claimed that he would be a “perfect” signing for Neil’s style of play. He is a defender who is comfortable in possession and this means that he can build up the play for the Scot from the back.

During his time with the Black Cats, the centre-back completed 83% of his passes, 93% in his own half, and completed 75% of his dribbles as he stepped out from the backline to start attacks.

Neil can pair him with Wright to form a solid defence in the Championship as their respective qualities can complement each other. Whilst the current Wolves man has the technical ability to be a ball progressor from centre-back, the Australian enforcer is a strong defender who can get stuck in.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the ex-Bristol City gem won an impressive 65% of his duels and made 3.2 clearances per game as he showcased his strength and positioning.

That is not to say that Sanderson is not a good defender, though, as he caught the eye for the club in the past. Josh Bunting dubbed the centre-back “absolutely superb” and his statistics for Sunderland in League One back that up. In 26 third-tier outings, Sanderson averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.92 whilst playing for Lee Johnson.

The 22-year-old made 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game as he won 61% of his duels, showing that he – like Wright – has the quality to defend his own goal.

Now, imagine both of them lining up in Neil’s defence next season…

This is a deal the Scottish boss must get done in the coming weeks, whether that is on a permanent basis or on loan from the Premier League side.

AND in other news, Speakman plotting Sunderland swoop for “massive” 6 ft 3 colossus, Neil would love him…

Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Lawrence relegated with Derby

The Rams suffered relegation to League One after a spirited Championship campaign, with Wayne Rooney’s side unable to make up the points deductions suffered before the season started, as another was even added mid-way through.

Lawrence was a shining light throughout 2021/22, however, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in the league, as he tried his best to help his side pull off an impossible survival act.

It seems likely that the 28-year-old will depart imminently, with his contract expiring next month.

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The Latest: Hoops linked with move

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are one of the clubs monitoring Lawrence’s situation, as they eye up a potential free transfer for him.

Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers are also thought to be in the conversation, however, as are Southampton and Leeds United, among others in England.

The Verdict: Strong summer addition

There is clearly going to be plenty of interest in Lawrence in the coming weeks, meaning Ange Postecoglou could find it tough to bring him to Celtic.

The 23-cap Wales international could be an inspired signing if the Hoops managed to pull it off, though, with Rooney hailing him as ‘excellent’, having known him since their Manchester United days.

A record of 37 goals and 25 assists in 185 appearances for Derby shows how much end product he could give Celtic from midfield, giving them an added threat in the final third.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with another midfield signing. Find out who it is here.

Celtic ended their 2021/22 SPFL season with the best defensive record in the league having conceded just 22 goals in 38 games.

To further highlight their defensive strength, the Hoops faced fewer shots on target (76) than any other side in the top flight.

One figure that played a big part in Celtic’s title winning campaign at the back was Carl Starfelt.

Signed during the previous summer transfer window from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £4m, the centre-back quickly became a prominent figure for Postecoglou.

Throughout his debut campaign, the Sweden international made 49 appearances across all competitions and played more minutes in the league than any other outfield player.

With the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30) to his name, Starfelt also had the joint-second highest average of clearances (3.5) and joint-highest average for aerial duels won per game (4.2) in Celtic’s ranks.

This highlights just how much of a capable defender he is and how significant he was for the Hoops this term.

Now that the campaign has drawn to an end, the summer transfer window will give Postecoglou the chance to potentially make some more changes to his squad so they can progress.

One figure that could potentially fit in the side well and possibly make a formidable defensive duo with Starfelt is Mohanad Jeahze.

The Hoops were linked with a reported £2m move for the Hammarby left-back, who has been labelled as a “class” player by Darijan Bojanic, last month.

With eight league appearances to his name this season, the defender has racked up the highest number of interceptions (18) and second-highest number of tackles (13) in Hammarby’s squad.

This shows how much of a tough defender he is and how he could be a solid fit next to Starfelt to make Celtic stronger on the left side of the defence.

Despite the current Celtic defender already showing his defensive talents, having another defensive full-back next to him, such as Jeahze, could make Postecoglou’s side an even tougher side to play against.

Taking into account how the Hoops will be facing off against some of Europe’s top teams in the Champions League next season, having some extra defensive reinforcements would not be a bad thing for the Parkhead club as they’ll be aiming to regain the SPFL title as well.

In other news: Better than Edouard: Celtic eyeing “feisty” 51-goal dynamo, supporters surely buzzing

Manchester United look set to finalise terms between Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, who will become some of the first arrivals under the Erik ten Hag era.

What’s the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed news surrounding their arrival at Old Trafford.

Taking to Twitter, Romano said: “Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren will be part of new Man United coaching staff, confirmed. Full agreement at final stages and set to be signed with both of them.”

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With the Ajax managerial position now filled, as Alfred Schreuder gets set to take over, the logistics surrounding Van der Gaag’s switch to United are much simpler.

Key Arrivals

The acquisition of Van der Gaag is astute, though ten Hag has only worked with the 50-year-old for the last season, in what has been successful in fairness to both. However, with that in mind, he will surely be delighted to welcome him through the door.

As for McClaren, it’s another big coup and establishes familiarity for both the Dutch coach and the foundations of Manchester United – considering that the 61-year-old worked with ten Hag at FC Twente and bearing in mind that he was Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two also.

One of the biggest mistakes that David Moyes made was jettisoning Ferguson’s backroom staff and bringing in his own, in a move that saw him dismissed before the end of the season.

With these additions to the backroom staff, the new head coach has hit a beautiful balance between new school and old school, laying the foundations in the form of McClaren and building them higher through Van der Gaag.

This is why it is essential that a manager, especially of this calibre, has their say on who they want to work with.

The first two signings are entirely positive for United but have arrived in the slightly unusual form factor of two coaches.

Player signings will of course follow.

In other news: In “talks”: MUFC plotting swoop for “reliable” £30m dynamo, ETH would love him