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Celtic captain Callum McGregor has hailed Anton McElhone’s impact at Parkhead, Celts Are Here report.

The Lowdown: McElhone’s arrival

Postecoglou highlighted the need for a Head of Sport Science addition in Glasgow and brought in McElhone back in September.

The former Morton caretaker, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 system, has previously worked as a fitness coach at Tottenham and with MLS side New England Revolution.

Celtic have never officially confirmed McElhone’s arrival, so some might not even know he was at Parkhead, however, Postecoglou’s first backroom staff signing appears to be settling in nicely.

The Latest: McGregor’s comments

McGregor, who has been a regular this season, was quizzed on McElhone’s impact in a press conference on Tuesday, relayed by Celts Are Here.

This is what he had to say in reply, with the Hoops regular labelling the head of sports science as ‘a great personality’.

“It was a position that we were looking for throughout the summer in terms of trying to recruit the best type of people that we could get in the building with good knowledge.

“Anton’s certainly got that. He’s been at Spurs – worked in America – and he’s come in and been a great personality. He’s just helping the good work that’s been done as well.

“There are a lot of good guys in the building that are desperate to do well and get the boys fit and hungry on the pitch.

“Anton’s certainly come in and helped on top of that with the ideas that he’s brought from Tottenham and America.”

The Verdict: Good signs

McGregor has clearly been impressed by what McElhone has brought to Lennoxtown, and results have also been on the up in recent weeks.

The Hoops are unbeaten in six domestic games, winning their last four, and hopefully, things will only get better under Postecoglou and McElhone in the background.

There seems to be a feel-good factor at Celtic Park at this moment in time, which may have a lot to do with the work the likes of McElhone and others are putting in.

In other news: Nicholson may be close to Celtic signing with electric speed and the player has now spoken. 

An update has emerged regarding Rangers winger Ryan Kent and his future at Ibrox… 

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the 25-year-old is attracting interest south of the border and is currently available for a fee of £20m due to a release clause in his contract.

The report claims that the Gers want to tie him down to extended terms to ensure his future at the club, with Leeds United now preparing to swoop for the forward.

Marcelo Bielsa was said to have been a huge admirer of Kent during his time at Elland Road but his departure has not ended the Whites’ interest in the player as they remain keen on a deal.

Disasterclass

Ross Wilson must now avoid a major Rangers disasterclass with the attacker, as the Ibrox chief must not allow Leeds to activate that release clause.

Whilst there is nothing in place at the moment to allow him to stop the Premier League club if they came in with an offer of £20m today, what he can potentially do is remove the clause by negotiating a new contract. Football Insider claimed that the board wants to tie Kent down to fresh terms, so this is the perfect opportunity to remove that £20m option, duly stopping any prospective suitors from activating it.

Journalist Andrew Dickson recently dubbed the 25-year-old “completely unplayable” for the Gers, and his form this season reflects that. The Englishman has provided three goals and 13 assists across the Premiership and Europa League in 30 appearances this term.

This means that he is contributing directly to a goal just over once in every two games. He has been consistently brilliant throughout the season with his creative skills from out wide, while his direct play surely excites fans as he likes to run with the ball to create chances for himself and others.

Kent has completed 2.2 dribbles and 1.8 key passes per game in the Premiership. This illustrates how he wants to play football as he brushes past players with the ball at his feet before delivering a pass or a cross in an attempt to create a goal.

He is a crucial player for Gio van Bronckhorst because of his talents in the final third, and that is why Wilson must not allow Leeds to snap him up. The sporting director must avoid a disasterclass by negotiating a new contract which removes the release clause and ensures Kent’s future in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Forget Morelos: “Beautiful” gem who’s “unplayable” could fire Rangers to the title…

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas doesn’t want to return to Greece, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos. 

The Lowdown: Barkas’ summer

Barkas who cost the Hoops £4.5m last summer, made a costly mistake against FC Midtjylland in the first leg of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier and hasn’t featured since.

Celtic have signed Joe Hart this summer from Tottenham and were reportedly happy to let Barkas depart either on loan or in a permanent deal.

However, it seems as if the player doesn’t fancy leaving the club late in the window.

The Latest: Chorianopoulos post

Greek reporter Chorianopoulos was asked by @aboutceltic for an update over a possible exit regarding Barkas late on Monday evening.

He replied, admitting the goalkeeper’s agents have worked for an offer with PAOK interested. However, Barkas doesn’t want to return to Greece at this moment in time, according to Chorianopoulos.

“No sign at the moment that Barkas will leave Celtic. Even though his agents worked for an offer, at the moment nothing concrete. PAOK were interested, but Barkas doesn’t want to come back. Let’s see…”

The Verdict: One to move on?

With Hart arriving earlier in the window and establishing himself as first choice under Ange Postecoglou, it could make sense to move a goalkeeper on.

At the minute, Postecoglou has Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard all sitting around at Parkhead, so moving one out on loan or on a permanent could be the right idea.

However, that doesn’t look as if it will be Barkas at this moment in time.

In other news: McKay may land ‘giant’ defender for Celtic and Ange on deadline day; same agency as Griffiths. 

A number of Rangers supporters have been reacting to Ianis Hagi’s social media post after his much-needed return to first-team action.

Steven Gerrard’s side haven’t had things all their own way this season, with plenty of good results achieved but also a few more clouds than last term’s resounding success, particularly in Europe.

The Gers clinched a 2-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish League Cup in midweek, however, with Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos scoring the goals.

It was Hagi who helped change the game, coming on at half-time and producing an influential performance, having been missing through illness in recent weeks.

The Romanian took to Twitter on Thursday to reveal his happiness at being back in the fold and he is sure to be a key player for Gerrard in the coming weeks and months.

Rangers fans react to Hagi post

These Rangers fans reacted to Hagi’s update on Twitter, with supporters ‘delighted’ by his return.

“My boy back balling man, what a feeling”

Credit: @PipoSilvia

“Well played Ianis. You made the difference”

Credit: @Roderic49819096

“The man”

Credit: @AndrewGrimshaw_

“King”

Credit: @JAndersonRFC

“Fantastic display last night . Got to be in that starting 11 from now on”

Credit: @kilcoyne_brian

“Delighted that you are back”

Credit: @AlanC_44

“Superb Ianis just shows how integral you are too the team , keep it going young man”

Credit: @Aldolees1872

“Hagi you will always be my favourite player”

Credit: @WeirThom

In other news, Rangers have suffered a potential big injury setback. Read more here.

Lucas Digne has taken to Instagram to offer an apology to Everton fans after they were beaten at home by Watford on Saturday. 

The Toffees went down 5-2 to the Hornets at Goodison Park, having conceded four goals in the space of 18 minutes, and back-to-back defeats have seen Rafael Benitez’s side slip to eighth in the Premier League table.

Digne wrote that there was ‘no excuse’ for the loss and that all he could say was ‘sorry’, adding that Everton’s players must now ‘work hard’ and ‘show you our real face’.

How did Digne play?

If you go by SofaScore’s ratings, Digne was actually one of the Toffees’ better performers on the day.

Only Michael Keane, Richarlison (7.2 each) and Tom Davies (7.3) bettered his score of 7.1, while he won eight of his 12 ground duels and five of his seven aerial battles. Going forward, he was able to create three chances for team-mates.

However, he was also guilty of losing possession 23 times over the course of the game, and given that Watford were given just an 18% chance of winning beforehand, you can certainly understand Everton supporters’ overriding anger.

Fan feed Toffee TV relayed Digne’s post, and here’s what some supporters made of it, with one irate Toffees fan calling the Frenchman a “fraud”.

These Everton fans rip into Digne

“He was pants. Responsible for the equaliser with a daft, needless foul, was caught out of position for one of the others. Woeful. He should say sorry. Must do better. Much better.”

Credit: @petermorris1878

“Hmmm, he was really poor yesterday defensively. We have heard these sound bites before and it wont change anything”

Credit: @Byrdsman75

“Meaningless, empty words”

Credit: @TimBlueKangaroo

“Well you can’t play any worse or can you !!! But you are not alone… Keane and Rondon”

Credit: @johnsonk62

“Not seen his real face for over 18 months”

Credit: @jayjones33

“Means nothing, straight from the Phil Neville and Jags book of excuses”

Credit: @gary2monty

“Should be sorry for the last 2.5 seasons, the fraud”

Credit: @DannoJ21

In other news, the figures show that these three players were Everton’s worst performers on Saturday

Football Insider have shared the real reason why Richard O’Kelly has left his role at Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Club announcement

Villa, who have already lost John Terry this summer, confirmed last week that O’Kelly left his position as Aston Villa assistant manager.

The 64-year-old, hailed as an ‘unsung hero’, departed just days before Villa’s Premier League opener, with no real reason as to why he parted ways with the club.

Dean Smith was coy when quizzed on the announcement, with Villa now expected to appoint a new assistant to work alongside Smith and Craig Shakespeare with interviews ongoing.

The Latest: Source shares insight

Football Insider shared a story on Wednesday after being informed by an Aston Villa source.

They revealed that O’Kelly quit after the club tried to demote him to coaching Villa’s Under-23 side.

O’Kelly had no intentions to depart Bodymoor Heath prior to Villa’s U23 plans and offered his resignation after learning the news.

The Verdict: Strange

With Terry leaving earlier in the summer, you’d have thought that Smith would have relied on O’Kelly, who he has worked with for ten years, even more during the upcoming campaign.

That was obviously not the case, going off the latest report, so it’ll be interesting to see who the club bring in to replace O’Kelly – if they were planning to demote him, perhaps they already had an alternative for the first-team lined up?

Villa have already added a set-piece coach in Austin MacPhee this summer and it appears as if another backroom staff addition will materialise soon.

In other news: ‘We’ll win the league’ – Lots of AVFC fans flock to Ward-Prowse update. 

Celtic appear to be edging closer to the signing of Daizen Maeda in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Dan Orlowitz, with the Japan Times journalist and J League insider stating in a post on Twitter that the Yokohama F. Marinos centre-forward’s proposed move to Celtic appears to be all but done, with the 24-year-old looking set to join the Bhoys on an initial loan deal with a €2m (£1.7m) purchase option to be exercised this summer.

In his post, Orlowitz said: “Multiple Japanese outlets reporting in the last 30 minutes that Daizen Maeda is expected to join Celtic on loan with a €2m purchase option to be exercised this summer. Based on [the] variety of sources I’d say this is done.”

Postecoglou will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Maeda was in Japan this season, in addition to the fact that Ange Postecoglou is rather short of strength in depth up top, the news that the club’s deal to sign the striker looks to be all but complete is sure to have left the 56-year-old buzzing.

Indeed, over his 36 J League appearances this term, the £990k-rated forward scored a highly impressive 23 goals, provided three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the Japan international earn an excellent seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as his club’s joint sixth-best performer in the league, as well as the joint top scorer in the division.

And, with all three of Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti and Giorgos Giakoumakis suffering from various injuries this season, it would very much appear as if Postecoglou could use an extra body in attack ahead of the restart of the Premiership season next month.

As such, the news that the Maeda deal is close to completion will undoubtedly come as a major boost to the 56-year-old Bhoys manager, who will certainly be hoping to deploy the 24-year-old when Hibernian visit Parkhead on January 17.

In other news: Forget Jota: Ange can land the next Eriksen with Celtic swoop for £12.5m-rated machine

Leeds United are ‘very likely’ to sign Brenden Aaronson this summer, with the Whites readying a £25m offer.

The Lowdown: January bids for Aaronson

The 21-year-old emerged as a key transfer target for Leeds in January, with the club making two offers for the attacking midfielder.

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The second was thought to be worth £20m, but as we know, Aaronson remained with Red Bull Salzburg, which left Leeds with no senior signings in January.

However, it looks as if he is still a key target and could reunite with fellow countryman Jesse Marsch over the summer, having made 25 appearances under the 48-year-old during the Leeds manager’s time in Austria.

The Latest: Twitter claim on Aaronson

Leeds Radar, a Whites news feed, made a claim regarding Aaronson on Twitter. They suggested that the 21-year-old is ‘very likely’ to make the move to Elland Road, with a £25m bid to RB Salzburg now ready.

Aaronson already shares the same agent as six Leeds players – one of whom is Adam Forshaw, who penned a new deal in January – so you’d expect that they will already know Andrea Radrizzani well.

The Verdict: Aaronson is needed

Providing that Marsch steers Leeds to safety, the club need midfield reinforcements, and Aaronson appears to be a smart target.

He starred under the 48-year-old in Austria, contributing to 12 goals in 25 games and can also play in a deeper role or on the left. Aaronson ranks in the top 1% of players in terms of distance covered, so should slot right into Marsch’s pressing system and attempts to catch opponents on the break.

A £25m move would make him the club’s third most expensive sighing of all time, but this season has shown that Leeds could do with more numbers and quality in midfield, especially with Kalvin Philips sidelined for large periods of the campaign.

In other news – 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is reportedly hoping to land Belgian youth development specialist Zeb Jacobs to the club.

It has recently been claimed that the Gers are attempting to prise him away from Royal Antwerp to bolster the Dutchman’s backroom staff, with his background consisting of work with the progress of young players.

His potential appointment could indicate a desire from van Bronckhorst to integrate more academy prospects into the first-team set-up, as Jacobs could come through the door and speed up their progression.

Goldson 2.0

FFC published an article explaining why Tony Weston could be an academy player who breaks through into the first-team under the former Feyenoord coach. However, he is not the only promising talent coming through the ranks, with centre-back Leon King another who could have a bright future in Glasgow.

Gio could unearth Connor Goldson 2.0 in King, with the club potentially needing a replacement for the ex-Brighton man at the end of the season. His contract is up next summer and it remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension.

Therefore, bringing through the 17-year-old, King, in the next few months could be perfect timing for the Dutch manager. He could potentially shine in the first-team and be the natural successor to Goldson, taking his place at centre-back if he is able to show consistency and quality in the Premiership.

Ex-Gers player Mark Hateley once tipped him to be massive in the future, saying: “If you look at that [our bench at Livingston] there is only Leon King there you’ve got that question mark, but Leon King is going to be massive.”

Steven Gerrard also previously dubbed him as “superb” after handing him a first-team debut in the Premiership, showing how highly the current Aston Villa manager rated the youngster.

These quotes suggest that the potential is there for King to make his mark at first-team level for Rangers. Whether that time is now, at the age of 17, or not is a question that cannot be answered until he is given an opportunity to show what he can do by van Bronckhorst.

Therefore, the 46-year-old must offer him a chance in the first-team, whether that comes in the Premiership, Europa League or in the cup. If he is able to step in and perform, then Rangers could have their next Goldson on their hands.

AND in other news, Big boost: Gio hands Rangers massive injury lift pre-Hibs, fans will surely love it – opinion

Earlier this week an old tweet was shared from the Leeds United Twitter account from a time when Pascal Struijk was signed by the Whites.

Outrage poured out on social media as the Yorkshire side decided to spend their money on yet another U23s player, rather than on faces ready to help them achieve promotion.

As it happens, Leeds have signed plenty of young individuals in the last few years, something that has coincided by not only reaching the promised lands of the Premier League but the rapid development of Struijk.

The Dutchman is now one of the key cogs in Marcelo Bielsa’s wheel, boasting great versatility as a defender and midfielder.

He has been joined in the first-team by the likes of Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville this term, but arguably, no young player at Elland Road has more talent than Joe Gelhardt.

Affectionately known as Joffy, the teenager is a hot topic of debate at the moment, but after breaking into the senior set up in recent weeks, has sadly been dealt an injury.

That said, his progression this term has been wonderful, winning the Man of the Match award after featuring as a late substitute against Wolves and winning a decisive penalty.

Gelhardt hasn’t been seen since but there is a great sense that he’ll have a huge role to play under Bielsa in the coming years.

One player he’d surely relish linking up with at LS11 is Stuart McKinstry. Like Joffy, he was brought into the club externally and has been rapidly rising through the ranks.

He made his senior debut in the EFL Cup this term, even scoring a penalty in the second-round shoot victory over Fulham.

That appeared to be a landmark moment for the 19-year-old who the manager hailed for his “personality and character.”

Bielsa doesn’t hand opportunities out lightly and the very fact he’s not been seen since is a reflection of that.

Yet, like Gelhardt, he could save the club millions in potential transfer fees. McKinstry is capable of not only playing out on the flanks but also through the middle as an attacking midfielder.

It’s safe to say that Leeds are particularly light on options in the middle of the park with Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips their only natural central players.

However, with Klich now aged 31, a replacement will be needed before too long.

McKinstry could be their man, especially when you consider the traits at his disposal. Speaking of his qualities, Phil Hay once commented: “He’s a very confident ball carrier, he’s physically strong, good upper body strength, excellent feet, good at beating his man and creative. In his head, he probably feels he can play in other positions up front as well.”

A stunning review from Motherwell academy director Steven Hammel perhaps paints an even vivid picture of the young Scot.

He said: “I’m sure Stuart will do wonderful things and become a household name in the next three or four years – but I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young man!”

With that in mind, the teenager and Gelhardt very much feel like two players who could be unleashed together in the not too distant future. Providing the former delivers the goods, he could dissuade the club’s hierarchy from spending money in the window too.

AND in other news, Graham Smyth drops major 49ers claim that’ll leave Leeds fans buzzing with excitement…