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An update has emerged on a Chelsea star’s availability ahead of their clash with Southampton in the Premier League…

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss their clash with Southampton in the Premier League this weekend.

The Saints travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in search of their first win of the league campaign, with Kante now set to watch on from home as he enters self-isolation.

Delight

Southampton fans will surely be delighted to read that Kante will not be facing up against their side this weekend for Chelsea. First and foremost, though, they will be hoping that Kante is healthy and not struggling with the illness, hopefully returning to action for the Blues once his quarantine period ends.

Kante is a top-class midfielder who could have caused a myriad of problems for Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. The French international was recently named UEFA Midfielder of the Year and has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Europa League during his time in England with Leicester and Chelsea.

Last season for the Blues, Kante averaged a whopping 4.6 tackles and interceptions per game, having managed 4.0 the year before. This shows how adept he is at winning the ball back off the opposition and breaking up attacks as they begin to develop.

Earlier this year, Thomas Tuchel hailed the ‘unique’ enforcer and said he finds it difficult to believe just how good he is. He said:

“You have everything that you need in midfield with work rate, intensity, ball wins, skilful play, off the ball, with the ball, dribbling and even a goal. I see this every day in training and it is hard to believe how good he is.“He doesn’t make a foul in ball wins. He plays excellent in every possession game in training. He is a unique guy. There’s no more words needed from me. N’Golo is N’Golo. He is fantastic.”This illustrates the level of quality Kante is able to provide on the pitch for Chelsea, with Tuchel’s effusive praise being backed by his incredible defensive statistics in the Premier League. That is why Saints fans will be buzzing that they will not see their midfield players come up against the Frenchman on Saturday.AND in other news, Ralph howler: Rarely-seen Southampton outcast has seen value plummet 57% since 2019…

Celtic summer signing Liam Shaw isn’t considered a first-team option at Parkhead yet, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Urhoghide’s struggles

Shaw was followed to Celtic Park from Sheffield Wednesday by centre-back Osaze Urhoghide.

The 20-year-old cost less than Shaw at a price of £207,000 and is yet to feature in a competitive match under Ange Postecoglou.

Devlin suggested that Urhoghide has not impressed in training, with 18-year-olds Dane Murray and Bosun Lawal potentially ahead of him in terms of his development.

The Latest: Shaw claim

In Devlin’s story assessing the club’s summer window, he also made a claim about Shaw, who is also yet to make a first-team appearance this season.

It seems as if the defensive midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, is also failing to catch the eye, as, internally, he isn’t considered a first-team option at this moment in time.

The Verdict: Patience required

Neil Lennon was the man in charge when Celtic secured Shaw’s services, and like Urhoghide, the Hoops pipped Premier League competition for his signature.

Parkhead chiefs may not have expected the duo to be first-team regulars straight away, so the Hoops will have to be patient when it comes to their development.

Shaw, who made 24 senior appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, could still be adjusting to life in Scotland, and hopefully, over time, will start to catch Postecoglou’s eye at Lennoxtown.

In other news: Ange’s first January target emerges; Celtic will watch ‘really important’ ace tomorrow. 

Manchester United are reportedly in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his first team squad.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Star, United are one of two Premier League clubs interested in signing the highly-rated 18-year-old, with fierce rivals Liverpool also credited with an interest.

The report states that Dortmund are expected to demand around £80m for Bellingham’s services and that the Merseysiders are currently in pole position for the youngster.

Manchester United fans will be buzzing

Bellingham was first linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but he eventually decided to snub the advances of the 20-time English champions, instead deciding to join Dortmund in a £25m move.

Despite having no previous top-flight experience, the box-to-box midfielder made 46 appearances for BVB in 2020/21, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists in all competitions and earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.

Bellingham’s sudden rise to the senior setup was fully justified following his incredible displays at the Signal Iduna Park, and the national team boss was full of praise for the youthful maestro after his selection.

“Jude is phenomenal. Just in training in the last couple of days, to have a 17-year-old, who wants to compete with senior players, not only has the technique but the competitiveness and maturity… he’s a hugely exciting player,” gushed Southgate.

He has also started the current campaign in fabulous fashion, contributing to four goals in just five outings for Dortmund, before running the show against Andorra in England’s World Cup qualifier over the weekend.

Therefore, reports of United’s interest in Bellingham will surely leave many of the club’s supporters buzzing with excitement.

Paul Pogba has entered the final year of his contract with the Red Devils and could depart on a free transfer in 12 months’ time, leaving a sizeable gap in Solskjaer’s engine room.

However, the arrival of Bellingham would significantly soften the blow of the World Cup winner’s potential exit, allowing Solskjaer to continue his progress at the Theatre of Dreams.

In other news… Man Utd suffer big selection setback pre-Newcastle, Ole will be gutted 

The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty has backed Kyogo Furuhashi to build on the promising start to his Celtic career and follow in the footsteps of club legend Shunsuke Nakamura.

Furuhashi joined the Bhoys from Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe last month, becoming one of new boss Ange Postecoglou’s first signings.

The Japan international headed to Glasgow having been this season’s top goalscorer in his homeland’s top flight.

Furuhashi has taken that goalscoring form to his new club and scored a hat-trick in the 6-0 thrashing of Dundee at the weekend.

The attacker has now found the back of the net four times in his first three outings, much to the delight of Celtic fans and Postecoglou after a tough start to his reign.

Furuhashi has drawn comparisons to Nakamura, who is still playing in his homeland of Japan at the age of 43.

Nakamura scored 31 goals and recorded 36 assists in 145 appearances for Celtic. Haggerty believes Furuhashi is capable of enjoying as much success at Parkhead as his fellow countryman.

He told Football FanCast: “Nakamura came as a relative unknown and left as a God. People seem to forget that he was a gifted, luxury player.

“Kyogo Furuhashi is a more mobile version of Nakamura. He’s the kind of player that Celtic supporters like to see. He will excite them and get them off their seats. 

“He’s 26, so he is coming into his prime and has signed a four-year deal. That’s a commitment from Celtic to him. Everyone wants to see how well he can do.”

Leeds United must enter the race to sign Arsenal starlet Joe Willock amid David Norris’ recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Whites midfielder Norris said: “I think it would be a good signing just from what he’s done and the potential he has got.

“I think it would look a bit like taking a chance at this stage rather than signing someone you know who is tried and tested, and going to come in with some real quality. But I still think it would potentially be a good signing.”

Bielsa would love him

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton last season, Magpies manager Steve Bruce claimed that Willock has the style of play from which his side could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Owen Hargreaves has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier last season.

The former England midfielder said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The £34m-rated ace racked up 11 goals in all competitions last season and went on a real hot streak to end the campaign – he bagged seven in seven in the Premier League, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve that feat, making him a top-flight record breaker.

Partnering him alongside a more natural holding midfielder in Kalvin Phillips could see Leeds have a formidable duo in the engine room, with the latter protecting the back four and Willock breaking forward to be a threat in the box.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…

An exciting claim has emerged over West Ham’s prospective takeover bid this week…

What’s the word?

PAI Capital, the investment group behind a recent £400m offer for the East London outfit, have provided some insight into their offer and plans.

Last month, the Daily Mail first reported the interest, with sources claiming that the proposal would hand manager David Moyes with significant transfer funds, and help transform the London Stadium and the surrounding areas.

This was rejected by the Irons’ majority shareholder David Sullivan. He told The Athletic that the informal approach was “derisory” and “vague”, also suggesting that PAI Capital “had zero interest in the football side and saw it as a property move.”

Now they have broken their silence through a representative, who spoke to Hammers News.

“PAI Capital’s plan is to develop the club within a viable business model that guarantees long term to compete at the top level of English football,” they revealed.

“In case our takeover is successful, there will be a budget allocated to strengthen the squad. The scale of the follow-up investment directly depends on the price we will end up paying for the purchase of the club.

“PAI Capital has an experienced and solid team that developed a clear vision for the club going forward in case our take over is successfully completed.

“We will release more information and the vision in due course.”

Time to go, GSB?

Well, that certainly starts to rebuff the claims from Sullivan, especially with further news likely in due course.

There are a couple of key takeaway points from this statement that should leave many around the London Stadium absolutely buzzing. Firstly, it appears they are very committed to this deal and are likely to pursue it as much as they can – unlike previous takeover bids.

Secondly, whilst they still have a lot to prove, there does seem to be some footballing reasons behind the bid, especially as they would back the manager in the transfer market.

That’s yet to really happen this summer, with the Hammers only signing one senior player, which is amongst the lowest in the division.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

GSB’s relationship with the West Ham fanbase has been rocky for several years now. Last year, fans protested against the board before games against Everton and Liverpool.

Some of the banners read: “Run like a circus – Owned by clowns” and “GSB out – Sold a dream, delivered a nightmare.”

That was a direct consequence of their relegation battle in 2019/20 but by the end of the subsequent summer, the Irons faithful were up in arms against Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady once again following the sale of promising starlet Grady Diangana.

Therefore, if PAI are as serious as they seem to be, then there’s reason to get excited because it’s one foot in the right direction, in terms of finally getting rid of GSB.

The two parties may be far apart in their respective valuations of the club but this is merely the beginning. You can’t help but feel there is plenty more to come in this saga – and that’s certainly a good thing.

AND in other news, Moyes could land West Ham another Antonio in 22-goal “machine” once likened to Mbappe…

Southampton fans are far from happy after a report revealed the Saints’ transfer policy for the future.

The Saints kicked off their Premier League season last Saturday with a 3-1 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park, but they have been somewhat busy recently in the transfer window, bringing in five new players in Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com), Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com), Valentino Livramento, Armando Broja and Adam Armstrong – all of them are below the age of 25.

As per Tom Leach, that is to be Southampton’s transfer policy moving forward. The journalist says the club will look to sign young players, help them develop and then sell them on for a bigger fee in the future.

he Southampton fans do not seem too happy with that news at all, taking this as a sign that the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit see themselves as a selling club with low ambition.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Saints supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the news below

“Sounds like we’ve accepted relegation”

Credit: @dazstevnson1973

“Sounds like the club know where we are heading”

Credit: @JoshSFC13578

“such a dangerous game”

Credit: @Steveba35151963

“That just sounds sad”

Credit: @olliesaints7

“This business model is not sustainable in the long term. Everyone in football knows eventually you run out of good young players to sign and you end up where we are now.”

Credit: @centristjim1

“So we are always a stepping stone, not a destination. OK got it.”

Credit: @DB_247

In other news, Southampton could make a move for this 4-time league winner.

West Bromwich Albion have failed in their bid to bring Famara Diedhiou to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Teesside Live, who revealed that the former Bristol City centre-forward has secured a move to Turkish side Alanyaspor despite being receiving plenty of interest from a number of Championship clubs – including Valerien Ismael’s West Brom.

The report added that the 28-year-old priced himself out of a move to a second-tier side this summer, having already rejected the offer of a deal from Bristol City which the club’s chief executive Mark Ashton dubbed as “one of the biggest contract offers this club has ever made to a player.”

Opportunity missed

With Mbaye Diagne having returned to Galatasaray following his loan spell at West Brom last season, and a deal for the 29-year-old appearing unlikely after the striker admitted that he does not want to move to a Championship club, up front certainly seems an area where Ismael will be looking to strengthen ahead of next season.

With Diedhiou having consistently impressed for Bristol City since arriving at the club from Angers back in 2017, the Senegal international would have certainly appeared to be a fantastic signing for the Frenchman to get over the line this summer.

Indeed, the £2.25m-rated forward scored 14 goals and provided three assists in his first season at Ashton Gate, bagged 13 goals and four assists in 2018/19, registered 14 goals and one assist in 2019/20 and scored 10 goals and provided one assist last season.

As can be seen, despite playing his football for a typically mid-table Championship side, the £20k-per-week hitman consistently returned an excellent amount of goal involvements for the Robins – something which, should a move to West Brom have materialised, would have likely only increased with the number of Premier League-standard players in the Albion squad.

However, now that his move to Turkey has been confirmed, Ismael will be forced to turn his attention in the transfer market elsewhere, with the man who Lee Johnson dubbed an “excellent” player appearing to be a big opportunity missed for the Frenchman and the Baggies.

In other news: Imagine him & Mowatt: Ismael must seal West Brom swoop for “superb” £30k-p/w machine

An update has emerged on Rangers transfer target John Lundstram regarding interest surrounding his services heading into next season.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sheffield Star, interest in the 27-year-old is expected to ramp up upon the expiry of his Sheffield United contract next week. The report claims that Rangers are one of the clubs interested in signing the midfielder, who has rejected the chance to stay at Bramall Lane following the Blades’ relegation to the Championship in England.

Last year, former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder lauded Lundstram as being “exemplary” and praised the example he sets for players around him.

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

He won’t cost a penny

Steven Gerrard must ensure that Rangers win the race for Lundstram’s signature once the interest around the midfielder starts to ramp up. The report suggests that there will be competition for his services, which is why Gerrard must act quickly to swoop for him in order to bolster Rangers’ squad ahead of next season. With his contract expiring, the Gers could pick up a bargain as they will not have to pay a penny in transfer fees for Lundstram and will only need to worry about his wages.

He is a proven player at Premier League and Championship level in England. In the second tier, he played for Yeovil, Blackpool and Sheffield United before finally getting his break at the top level with the Blades after promotion in 2019. He caught the eye with some excellent performances in the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign, averaging an impressive WhoScored rating of 6.70, scoring five times and setting up three goals in 34 appearances.

This suggests that the £25,000-per-week beast has the pedigree and quality to come in at Ibrox and make an instant impact. Lundstram is at the perfect age to instantly improve Rangers’ team, with the 27-year-old in what should be the peak years of his career.

He is not an up-and-coming player who needs guidance and he is not an experienced veteran in the final years of his playing days, which means Gerrard could slot him straight into the team and expect him to perform.

Therefore, the manager should do everything he can to make sure that Lundstram is a Rangers player next season. His contract expires at the end of this month and the Gers need to be the first club he contacts. They must make an offer worth his time to convince him to make the move to Scotland.

AND in other news, Rangers must avoid major error over “non-stop” £33k-p/w beast, Gerrard would be fuming…

West Ham United have been dealt what is potentially a knock-out blow in their bid to bring Youssef En-Nesyri to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca (via Sport Witness), who claim that Julen Lopetegui must sell one of his star players at Sevilla in order to bring in his own targets in the summer transfer window.

One candidate for a summer sale is said to be Youssef En-Nesyri, with Marca referencing West Ham’s interest in the centre-forward as a potential way to raise funds for the La Liga side.

However, it is then claimed that the 24-year-old is not open to the idea of making a move to east London, as he believes that David Moyes’ side are a “second-row” Premier League club, and would much rather remain at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium ahead of next season.

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive En-Nesyri was for Sevilla last season, the fact that the striker appears to be firmly against the possibility of a switch to West Ham this summer is sure to have left fans of the club gutted.

Indeed, over his 38 LaLiga appearances last term, the £36m-rated man scored a whopping 18 goals and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots and making 0.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Terry Gibson dubbed a “world-beater” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Lopetegui’s eighth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football. In the process, he helped his side secure a highly impressive fourth-place finish in the league.

The Morocco international also starred over his eight appearances in the Champions League last season, scoring six goals and averaging a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.33.

As such, with David Moyes in desperate need of attacking reinforcements at West Ham ahead of their upcoming Premier League campaign, the signing of the £49k-per-week man would appear to have been a very good move by the Hammers.

However, with the 24-year-old making it clear he is not in favour of a move to the club this summer, it would seem advisable for the 58-year-old West Ham boss to now turn his attention elsewhere in the summer transfer market.

In other news: West Ham handed transfer boost over “exceptional” Euro 2020 gem, Moyes will be buzzing