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An update has emerged on Celtic’s summer transfer plans, regarding who Ange Postecoglou had been trying to bring to Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Celtic made a move to sign Aaron Hickey from Serie A side Bologna in the summer transfer window.

The report claims Rangers and Aston Villa were also looking at the Scottish youngster, but Bologna rejected interest in his signature and kept hold of him.

Big issue

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou must sanction another swoop for Hickey in the January window after failing to land him in the summer. The 19-year-old could be an excellent signing for the Hoops as he would solve a big issue for the Australian head coach.

FFC published an article earlier this week explaining why Postecoglou must allow Boli Bolingoli to leave the club next summer, or in January. This would leave Greg Taylor as the only senior left-back option at Parkhead, with Hickey potentially coming in to fill the gaping hole in that area of the pitch.

Taylor is currently out injured until the end of November, highlighting Celtic’s dire need to bring in a left-back to either be the first-choice or to compete with Taylor. At the moment, his injury has left them threadbare at the back.

Former Hearts boss Daniel Stendel once compared the £4.5m-rated Hickey to Bayern Munich and Germany icon Philipp Lahm in the way he plays at full-back and can play in midfield. He said:

“Aaron is an extraordinary talent. For such a young age, he is extremely calm and composed on the ball.

“He never panics, never loses his cool and always seems to make the right decisions. Despite being so young, he’s very hard to play against.

“Aaron as a player is like Philipp Lahm. For me at Hearts, he played as a full-back. He not only runs up and down the line, but looks for attacking moves like Lahm once did. And Aaron can also play in the central midfield.”

Lahm ended his career with 517 appearances for Bayern, 113 caps for Germany, eight Bundesliga titles, one Champions League and one World Cup. He played everywhere across the defence and midfield, with Stendel believing that Hickey has the same level of versatility, which indicates that he could become the Scottish Lahm if he fulfils his potential in the future.

Therefore, Celtic must bring him as he could develop into a top player – being compared to Lahm at such a young age – and could solve a key problem for Postecoglou in the full-back position.

Hickey has shown that he can compete at a high level, with an average SofaScore rating of 6.90 in seven Serie A starts this season, which suggests that he could come in and impress for the Hoops at left-back to replace Bolingoli and challenge Taylor.

AND in other news, Celtic disaster: “Outstanding” gem has seen his value soar 275% since leaving Parkhead…

Flocking to Twitter, some West Ham United fans weren’t impressed by the performance of Said Benrahma during their goalless draw with Southampton this afternoon.

David Moyes’ men have now commenced what will be a long and congested season with Europa League fixtures added into the mix.

So far it has been a solid start for West Ham, but things could be about to get slightly complicated domestically following Michail Antonio’s late sending off today.

The Irons will be without their top scorer and August’s Premier League Player of the Month through suspension next weekend, putting a real dampener on their 0-0 draw at St Mary’s.

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Furthermore, some Hammers supporters weren’t particularly pleased with the performance of attacker Benrahma, who gave away possession 16 times before being hauled off by Moyes midway through the second half (SofaScore). His tally of 50 touches was among the lowest in the visitors’ line-up, while both of his shots were promptly blocked down.

Check out some of the verdicts on his “poor” performance from West Ham fans on Twitter below.

West Ham fans slam Benrahma

“Benrahma had a shocker today”

Credit: @JoshHarris44

“Benrahma purple patch over”

Credit: @whubxn

“Benrahma will be the player long term that is benched for Vlasic.

Benrahma offered nothing today”

Credit: @CzechHam

“Its West Ham United not Benrahma FC. He has been poor so we have changed it.”

Credit: @billycurwood1

“Time for Vlasic ? Benrahma missing”

Credit: @FrankJJ92

“Benrahma has been poor today…looks a bit burnt out, he’s just making sloppy errors”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

In other news: West Ham source: Moyes now eyeing ‘unbelievable’ attacker as behind-scenes talks emerge, find out more here.

Former Leeds United star David Norris believes that Junior Firpo can develop into a fine player at the club, having been criticised by some fans following his display against Newcastle United last weekend.

The Whites defender joined the club from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with the club paying £13.5m to secure his signature from the Spanish club.

Firpo has gone on to make four appearances in the Premier League since his arrival from the Liga giants.

The 25-year-old has made three starts in the top-flight, against Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle, and came on as a substitute against Manchester United.

Leeds have yet to win this season, losing to United and Liverpool, and drawing with the Toffees, Burnley, and the Magpies.

Norris is consistent in his belief that Firpo will turn out to be a fine signing for the club, and thinks he has the ability required to become a real star in Yorkshire.

However, he believes that, at this point, he is still adapting to the system at the club.

He said: “From the bits I’ve seen from him, I think he’s capable. He looks like he could be a good player and turn out to be a good signing, obviously he’s not really got going yet.

“He’s not one I would write off yet, I like the little bits I have seen and I think he’s capable of being a good signing still. He just needs a little bit more game time.”

Derek Rae took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to provide Celtic with a boost in their attempts to sign VVV-Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Terms agreed

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old for just over a week now.

Ange Postecoglou personally called the Greece international over a Parkhead switch, with Giakoumakis impressed by the approach.

Terms have reportedly been agreed between the two clubs for the striker, and it now appears as if Werder Bremen are out of the running for Giakoumakis.

The Latest: Rae’s post

Giakoumakis held face-to-face talks with Bremen over a deal, however, the Bundesliga side struggled to finance a move.

The German side were moving on to alternative targets, with Rae revealing details of a transfer for Marvin Ducksch from Hannover, labelling it as an ‘important’ development when it comes to Giakoumakis.

“Important one here for Celtic as well as Werder Bremen fans. Bremen are on the cusp of signing Marvin Ducksch from Hannover. Medical expected tomorrow. This will have the effect of ending Bremen’s interest in Georgios Giakoumakis, as I expected”.

A move for Duksch has since been announced by Bremen.

The Verdict: Time for Celtic to wrap up a deal

With Bremen now seemingly out of the picture, it appears as if the Hoops have the perfect chance to get a transfer over the line.

The quicker the better for Dominic McKay and co, as securing Giakoumakis could then give Celtic the chance to cash in on Odsonne Edouard in the final days of the window.

Should that materialise, Celtic may actually come out of the window with a profit, which could be viewed as a shrewd summer for the Hoops.

In other news: Celtic now looking at late swoop for ‘fantastic’ defender alongside Liam Scales move.  

According to a report by Get French Football News, West Ham United have ‘reinitiated contacts’ and ‘restarted’ talks with Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

The Lowdown: West Ham still hunting centre-half…

The Hammers have earmarked a new central defensive addition as their top priority before signing a new striker according to ExWHUemployee, but time is fast running out to get deals over the line.

August 31, the summer transfer window deadline, is slowly approaching and thus far West Ham have only confirmed one major signing with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola joining on loan from Paris-Saint Germain.

The Latest: West Ham re-start Caleta-Car talks

As per GFFN, the Irons are now in contact with Caleta-Car and are holding talks with the player – but no approach to his club, Marseille, has been made yet.

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Indeed, while West Ham are back in touch with the Croatia international, they are yet to commence negotiations with Marseille or make an official bid to sign Caleta-Car this summer.

However, as per this report, Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma remains West Ham’s priority as a potential central defensive signing.

The Verdict: Milenkovic the better option…

Caleta-Car does arguably have the credentials to be a successful Premier League signing.

The £22.5 million-valued powerhouse, standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, averaged a higher pass accuracy (86.1%) out from the back domestically than any West Ham defender last season (WhoScored).

However, fellow West Ham target Nikola Milenkovic possesses similar physical traits and could leave Fiorentina for as little as €15 million (£12.7m) this summer according to Charlie Eccleshare.

We believe GSB need to secure their central defensive signing as soon as possible and move on to the big issue of signing a striker, so the cheaper and more attainable option in Milenkovic makes a lot of sense.

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘What we’ve been asking for’…West Ham fans flock to official club post, find out more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Leander Dendoncker thinks the squad could do ‘with some more experienced players’.

Dendoncker noted that ‘there were a lot of young players’ on the bench in Wolves’ final pre-season friendly against Celta Vigo and whilst that’s ‘good for them’, he does have concerns (via Birmingham Mail).

With the new season about to begin, the Belgian thinks Bruno Lage’s side might require ‘more depth’.

What business have Wolves done so far this summer?

The Midlands outfit have spent £23.67million up to this point, having shelled out £74.52million in last year’s transfer window.

They’ve struck a permanent deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri, replaced Rui Patricio with Jose Sa, snapped up 20-year-old Colombian centre-back Yerson Mosquera and brought in Francisco Trincao on loan from FC Barcelona.

They were expected to sell either Ruben Neves or Adama Traore to raise funds for further moves, but both players now look set to stay (via The Athletic).

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Dendoncker’s comments, and here’s what supporters made of them.

Wolves fans express concerns after Dendoncker’s call for depth

“Oh dear. Internal conflict”

Credit: @xGJHP

“Dendoncker speaks the truth. 3 experienced players still needed. One each on defense, midfield and forward.”

Credit: @JaredKelsey

“If its bad enough that even the players are calling it out then it really isn’t a great sign”

Credit: @Andyrewjw

“I always found The Donk to be the wise one who would give out advice and guidance to all those who seek it. The man is not wrong on this one”

Credit: @JBanks_cake

“When the players start saying it then it’s a massive sign that we need help quickly…”

Credit: @Sean77B

“So everyone can see it but Fosun?”

Credit: @RealJamesCroft

In other news, fans were buzzing over this transfer update.

Crystal Palace midfielder Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been called up to England’s Under-20 squad.

Matt Woosnam, Palace’s reporter for The Athletic, shared the news, which, as to be expected, had plenty of Eagles fans talking on social media.

Rak-Sakyi only signed his first professional deal at Selhurst Park back in April but has since been handed a first-team debut by new boss Patrick Vieira.

The 18-year-old came on against Chelsea last month for his maiden competitive appearance in Palace’s first-team and has now been called up by England Under-20 boss Andy Edwards.

Rak-Sakyi got the nod after Everton’s Anthony Gordon pulled out of the squad and he will now be hoping to feature against Romania at St George’s Park next week.

Palace fans react

Woosnam posted the news regarding Rak-Sakyi on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with many delighted for the youngster and one describing it as ‘brilliant news’.

“Quality go on the boy!”

Credit: @tyrickmitch

“Brilliant news, deserved too!”

Credit: @cpfcames

“Great news well deserved”

Credit: @mandyswagsta

“Mad”

Credit: @CPFC_Trigs

“Yeeesssss!!!”

Credit: @alex_westry

“This is sick”

Credit: @JoshuaCPFC

In other news: ‘Unreal’, ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Lots of CPFC fans flock to ‘beautiful’ Eze update.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a £20m deal for defender Joachim Andersen, according to The Daily Mail.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their positive thoughts to the update on social media.

The Daily Mail report that Palace are hopeful of concluding a deal for Andersen, who spent last season on loan at Fulham.

The 25-year-old made 31 appearances under Scott Parker last season, captaining the club on multiple occasions.

Patrick Vieira has already bolstered his defensive ranks with the acquisition of Marc Guehi from Chelsea and it seems as if Andersen will be the next through the door.

The report also adds that Palace remain in talks for Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak, despite the development with Andersen.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared The Daily Mail’s update on social media.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one describing a likely move as ‘unreal’.

“Holy moly”Credit: @Kevbartleyy”Oh my god”Credit: @unknownbald”Yessss”Credit: @CPFCH10″Would’ve preferred a loan to buy given how much he’ll cost, but still an unreal signing”Credit: @unIocaIpIa9tic”We’re actually cooking”Credit: @w_cpfc”Oh yes”Credit: @PrideOfSouthLDN

In other news: Alan Nixon’s 4-word admission in Palace and Leeds’ battle for Conor Gallagher; favours one club. 

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that Jesse Lingard could still have a massive impact at Manchester United despite the arrival of Jadon Sancho.

Competition at United was already fierce, hence Lingard’s decision to spend the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, where he absolutely thrived. In 16 league appearances, the 28-year-old scored nine goals and provided four assists.

Following Sancho’s signing, that competition in attack is now likely to be even more fierce, but Windass is still backing Lingard to have a similar impact at Old Trafford this upcoming campaign.

The ex-Hull City star told TT:

“You can play [Marcus] Rashford as a nine, you can play Lingard as a nine, you’ve got Sancho who can play as a seven and 11 in the wide areas.

“So, yeah, I can see Jesse staying and making a massive impact for Man United next year.”

Whatever happens, United will surely end up playing a blinder. If Lingard stays and can replicate the sort of form he showed at the London Stadium, then that is some player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has on his hands.

If not and the England international is sold to the east London club, then United should receive a hefty fee given the season he has just had.

Ultimately, it is hard to see how the Red Devils can lose here.

Everton are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Demarai Gray as Rafael Benitez looks to make his mark on the first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees are set to secure the services of the 25-year-old over the coming days.

He tweeted: “Everton are closing on signing Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen, confirmed. Deal now at final stages, buy out clause around €2m – contract until 2024.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

The former Leicester City forward was a very highly-rated prospect at the beginning of his career and much was expected of him after he made the switch from Birmingham City to the King Power Stadium back in 2016.

However, he struggled for consistency during his time with the Midlands outfit, failing to make over 23 Premier League starts in a single season before Brendan Rodgers cut him out of the first-team setup.

A move to Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen materialised last January after Gray was afforded just 18 minutes of top-flight action in the first half of 2020/21.

After some initial success in Germany saw the former England Under-21 international score once and provide two assists in his opening three appearances for Die Werkself, he struggled to make an impact, and an immediate return to the Premier League looks to be on the cards.

The flying winger would be Benitez’s first signing since taking charge of Everton, and news that they are set to secure Gray’s signature for such a small fee will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

In the modern era, a €2m (£1.7m) price tag for a player with bags of potential who’s yet to hit his prime is an extremely astute piece of business which director of football Marcel Brands should be commended for.

While success is far from guaranteed for Gray, who still has a lot to prove, his age and talent mean Everton should easily be able to make a profit on him, should they decide to sell him in a few years time.

And, in other news…Rafa could discover Everton’s new Leon Osman by signing “special” 34-cap maestro