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According to The Scottish Sun, Filip Benkovic is a “possibility” for Celtic in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Neil Lennon’s side suffered a major injury blow when it was revealed that Christopher Jullien is set to miss the next four months of the Scottish Premiership season with the serious knee injury he picked up against Dundee United.

Now, The Scottish Sun claim that Celtic have drawn up a list of loan options with Parkhead sources claiming that Leicester defender Benkovic, who has of course played for the Hoops previously, being deemed a “possibility”.

The report adds that Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is keen for the 6 foot 4 centre-back to depart the King Power Stadium this month after his loan spell at Championship side Cardiff City was cut short.

Hammond can solve Lennon’s crisis

It was no surprise that after Jullien was forced off against Dundee United, Lennon made no attempts to hide just how big of a blow losing the big Frenchman was, saying: “He’s a very important player. It’s a bad injury, we are going to lose him for a period of time, perhaps three or four months.”

It was a massive statement about how the Celtic boss rates Shane Duffy, that he was more confident in throwing Nir Bitton in the heart of defence in the Old Firm clash against Rangers last time out in the Scottish Premiership.

In Benkovic, the Hoops would be getting a known quantity, with the Croatia international having played 27 times for the club in his time at Parkhead.

And club legend John Hartson was left suitably impressed by the big defender following his early performances for the club after joining on loan, saying: “You have Filip Benkovic in there who looks every inch worth the £13m that Leicester paid for him this summer. I think he has shown already that he exudes composure and confidence at the back.”

Nick Hammond could go a long way to solving Lennon’s big crisis at the back by swooping for Benkovic.

It may be a little late in the season, but Celtic are finally beginning to pick up some form and momentum as they head into the new year.

Neil Lennon’s side started the Scottish Premiership campaign so poorly, but have recently found their groove, winning their last five games in all competitions, including keeping three clean sheets in their last three league games.

And whilst the Hoops boss may be reluctant to make any wholesale changes ahead of the clash against Dundee United on Wednesday night, he should consider throwing in Michael Johnston into the starting line-up.

He came off the bench last time out in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Hamilton, and the 21-year-old could bring some added energy to the attack. The festive period has been a busy one for Lennon’s side, and freshening things up and giving young and fringe players the chance to shine and keep the first-team stars fully fit is key.

Johnston has shown flashes of his talent since making his debut for the Bhoys, and after scoring against Ross County in December 2019, Hoops icon Chris Sutton took to Twitter to declare him a “real talent”, with former Scotland international Billy Dodds adding to the plaudits too.

He said: “He’s special is Michael Johnston. Once he gets himself into the position he just cuts inside, bears down on goal, and my word he’s got the composure. It’s a brilliant finish from a guy who is just on the pitch.”

The youngster – valued at just £900k by Transfermarkt – may offer a bit of unpredictability and fearlessness to Lennon’s side, and with the Old Firm derby coming up on Saturday, could really stake an incredible claim to be a part of that fixture too.

David Sullivan can redefine David Moyes’ West Ham United with a swoop for Olympique de Marseille’s Nemanja Radonjic in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (06/12, p63), Marseille are open to sending Radonjic out on loan in the upcoming winter market after he fell down Andrea Villas-Boas’ pecking order.

Radonjic has only started nine per cent of the Stade Velodrome natives’ Ligue 1 fixtures this season, with his sole opening role coming on matchday one away to Stade Brest before making five substitute appearances prior to sustaining a thigh injury last month.

Radonjic would have hoped to see his opening role in August’s victory over Brest lead to further opportunities to impress Villas-Boas after starting just eight of his 21 top-flight outings last term, but he is now thought to be on his way out.

Marseille are informing any potential suitors of their willingness to strike a mid-season deal, with West Ham and Southampton said to be keen on a temporary transfer.

The 6ft wide man is yet to score and boasts more yellow cards (two) than assists (one) in all competition after eight appearances this term, and had only struck home on six times in 47 games heading into the current campaign.

Chance to redefine West Ham

While Radonjic has struggled to make an impact under Villas-Boas, the 20-cap Serbia international’s potential availability should not be scorned at by West Ham supporters, for he can redefine Moyes’ side if Sullivan gives the green light to a winter deal.

Radonjic enjoyed his best single-season return in front of goal last year despite making 13 of his 21 Ligue 1 appearances from the bench, with the forward finding the net five times before sustaining a groin strain and the campaign being called early amid the coronavirus pandemic.

His strikes included a winning effort against Stade Brest, an equaliser at FC Metz and goals to settle meetings with FC Toulouse and AS Saint-Etienne, too.

The Serbian forward has brought his creativity to the field when given the chance from the bench this season, as well, with SofaScore data showing an average of 0.7 key balls a game despite playing just 24 minutes a match prior to his injury – which is more than Pablo Fornals offers (0.6) at the London Stadium from 82 minutes per Premier League outing.

Moyes could be the one to settle Radonjic down into a regular role and unlock his full potential if West Ham push ahead and sign him, after Angelo Ogbonna recently praised the former Manchester United boss for helping the Hammers to break free of their shackles.

“The potential of the squad here has always been high, always,” Ogbonna told the Evening Standard. “I want to give a big credit to the manager. Since he came in, he changed a lot of things: discipline, hard work and you can see on the pitch. He has a lot of credit on that one.”

AND in other news, a “powerful” West Ham dud has given David Moyes all the evidence in the world to why he will never be trusted.

What makes Marcelo Bielsa a great manager is his ability to improve his players.

The likes of Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips were all mid-table Championship players before El Loco arrived, but now they’re already looking like bona fide Premier League stars.

Bielsa has been able to improve almost every player he has worked with at Leeds, transforming the squad from a team that finished 13th in the Championship to champions of the second division, all while keeping a very similar core of the squad.

However, there is one player that has gone backwards under his tutelage.

Unfortunately, we’re talking about Barry Douglas.

The Scot arrived at Elland Road with one hell of a reputation, having assisted 14 and scored five in Wolves’ incredible promotion season, but since then he’s not come close to those types of numbers.

He’s had just five assists in two seasons since joining Leeds, while he’s still waiting on his first goal for the club.

The most frustrating thing about Douglas’ regression is that we know how good he can be, and if he reproduced his Wolves form he would undoubtedly be a Premier League calibre left-back. For one reason or another however, that hasn’t happened.

It’s rare for Bielsa to fail when it comes to bringing out the best in a player, but with Douglas he’s simply not been able to find the key to unlock his potential. Now the defender is set to head out on loan with his contract expiring in 2021, we may never see his best at Leeds.

Perhaps his incredible season at Wolves was more a testament to Nuno Espirito Santo’s managerial ability than his time at Leeds being a knock on Bielsa’s, but one thing is for sure, he has regressed since joining the Whites.

With no European football on offer this season, Wolverhampton Wanderers go into this afternoon’s clash against Newcastle United well-rested.

Nuno Santo’s side are also in-form having won both of their last two outings 1-0.

Once again, the Midlands outfit find themselves vying with the top six and now they host a struggling Magpies side at Molineux.

But with only Jonny on the treatment table, will the Portuguese boss make any changes to his winning side? Here’s the XI we’re predicting today…

There could be as many as three changes to the side that rocked Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday night.

Summer signing Marcal is in line to reclaim his starting place at left wing-back despite Romain Saiss deputising impressively in recent games, though the Morrocan utility make keeps his place as a centre-back.

That could come at the expense of Max Kilman, perhaps unfairly after picking up a Man of the Match award but he is still only young. It means skipper Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Nelson Semedo and shot-stopper Rui Patricio all keep their places.

There could also be another change in midfield with Ruben Neves coming in to partner Joao Moutinho, he replaces Leander Dendoncker in the two-man engine room.

Whilst in the attack, Raul Jimenez will be the first name on the teamsheet but there’s a decision to make behind him. There are two places for three worthy players.

Daniel Podence could well remain in the starting XI despite being withdrawn during the second half earlier in the week, but £36m-rated sensation Adama Traore gets the nod over Pedro Neto this time around.

Wolves scored within five minutes of the newly-capped Spain international coming on, so it would make sense to start him from the off.

AND in other news, Wolves played a blinder over £90k-per-week Mendes client this summer…

Portsmouth fans have launched a crowdfunding campaign to see Kenny Jackett paid off and out of the club after a poor start to the League One campaign.

The Fratton Park outfit drew the opening League One game of the season against Shrewsbury Town before a similar result against Rochdale put early pressure on the shoulders of Jackett.

That pressure developed following last season’s failure to gain promotion from League One to the Championship in what proved to a second consecutive season.

Approaching Saturday’s game with Wigan Athletic, who were relegated from the Championship last season, getting a win was vital for Jackett but goals from Lee Evans and Thomas James cancelled out Elliot Harrison’s goal for Portsmouth, meaning a 2-1 defeat.

With pressure now on, one fan, Steve Betteridge, from Crookhorn, yesterday created an account on JustGiving with a target of £400,000.

Despite such poor form, The News understands that the manager’s position is currently safe, claiming that the first team’s poor start has little significance when considering the financial worries currently across the English Football League.

Portsmouth will now prepare to face Burton Albion this coming weekend, still in pursuit of their first League One win in 2020/21.

Well, what a statement from the one fan, and it will be interesting to see if anyone joins him. This could act as a huge amount of pressure on the shoulders of Jackett, who seems to be struggling with the pressure at the moment and indeed the club too.

Do you think Jackett should stay or go from Portsmouth? Let us know in the comments section below…

Wolves didn’t have much to celebrate on Sunday evening as they were battered by West Ham United at the London Stadium.

The Midlands outfit were in need of a win after losing to Manchester City last week, but a dismal defeat to the Hammers leaves them with just one win from three to start the campaign.

However, despite the all-round poor showing from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, there was one man who impressed the fanbase, and that was Pedro Neto.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, the youngster did seem to be one of the only bright sparks in the Wolves side, consistently troubling the West Ham defence with dynamic runs, and coming close to levelling the game in the first half with a curling left-footed effort from range.

He once again had a good effort at goal late on, lifting one over the bar from 20 yards, but in a game where Wolves offered next to nothing going forward, that was actually a notable moment.

Unfortunately, Neto’s one-man crusade wasn’t enough for Wolves to get anything out of the game, but despite this, supporters wanted to sound their admiration for him on social media.

There were plenty of fans that were quick to make note of Neto’s efforts, with many saying that he was the only player showing any desire.

It’s hard to disagree with this sentiment, the Europa League quarter-finalist’s usual stars all struggled on Sunday, but Neto was at least putting a shift in.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘not interested’ in selling Tanguy Ndombele this summer, reports say. 

Ndombele has been touted to leave north London and join Inter Milan instead, as the two clubs have reportedly held talks to try to sort out a deal for the midfielder.

According to The Mirror, as relayed by Ricky Sacks, Tottenham have so far insisted that, despite the fact the club’s record signing is keen to move to Milan, he is going nowhere.

The Nerazzurri have offered Slovakian defender Milan Skriniar as part of a player exchange but Spurs have no intention of entertaining the swap deal.

However, they are prepared to open separate discussions with the Serie A side if the 25-year-old is available.

Jose Mourinho rates Skriniar highly and Inter are confident they can persuade Spurs to accept their offer.

The Lilywhites do not want to let the £40.5m-valued French international go as Mourinho is determined to make him a success.

The 23-year-old struggled for consistency last term, having played just two games since the Premier League restart, before being dropped from the squad after picking up an injury.

Daniel Levy could live to regret selling the Frenchman in the summer, as he emerged as one of Europe’s hottest prospects during his time at Lyon.

Ndombele simply needs time to adjust and settle down to life in the Premier League, which is no easy task, as his teammate Son Heung-min found out for himself when he first arrived at White Hart Lane.

He clearly has bags of potential, as he given fans a glimpse of what he has to offer in the Champions League, supplying two assists, making 1.7 tackles per game, averaging one interception, and successfully completing 2.8 dribbles on average (via WhoScored).

For whatever reason, it hasn’t quite worked out for him in north London as of yet, but Mourinho must get the best out of him if Spurs are to challenge for silverware next season. The Portuguese knows he has to be patient after he cited Luka Modric’s early struggles at Real Madrid as an example.

Tottenham fans, do you think Levy should sell Ndombele in the summer? Let us know your views in the comments below!

Royal Antwerp midfielder Frank Boya has revealed that he turned down Glasgow Rangers before making the switch to the Belgian club.

Boya recently made the move to Antwerp, joining on a free transfer from Mouscron, and it appears that he had the choice of several clubs before making his final decision. He has said that he turned down not only the Ibrox outfit but also said no to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen:

“The proof that I did well at Mouscron was the amount of offers I received from big clubs.

“I had no shortage of offers and Rangers and Werder Bremen were the most keen for me to join them.

“So leaving Belgium could have been a solution, but I wanted my future to be settled quickly and none of the teams interested have as much ambitions as at Antwerp.

“As soon as I moved here, I knew it was the right decision. The staff here integrated me from my first day and my new team mates have been a huge help.”

Currently valued at £1.53m by Transfermarkt, it is interesting to see that Boya chose Antwerp because of their ambition, suggesting in the process that the 54-time Scottish champions were not on their level in that respect. The ‘Gers are going for the Scottish Premiership title next term and are currently in the Europa League round of 16 as well.

They have spent money, too, bringing in Ianis Hagi for £3m, for example – there seems to be plenty of ambition at Ibrox. Still, Boya has made his choice, so both he and the Scottish club will have to live with the consequences. If the ‘Gers go on to enjoy a successful 2020/21 season, don’t expect too many regrets over Boya’s snub.

‘Gers fans, were you dismayed by Boya’s decision to turn down the club in favour of a move to Antwerp? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Manchester City have reportedly made a move towards trying to sign Sergi Roberto from Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.

Mundo Deportivo claimed that director of football Txiki Begiristain has made enquiries to the La Liga club about the 28-year-old, with the approval of City manager Pep Guardiola, under whom the versatile Spain international has previously played at Camp Nou.

Roberto, who is valued at £36m by TransferMarkt and has won two Champions League titles with Barcelona, has the vast experience of playing 273 times for the La Liga champions, with 29 of those games coming this season as he has been a regular presence in their starting XI (as per TransferMarkt).

A midfielder by trade, the 28-year-old has been deployed mainly at right-back in recent months – coincidentally the position in which Nelson Semedo, who has also been linked with Manchester City (Sport,via Sport Witness), regularly features.

Roberto has an excellent passing success rate of 91.2%, which puts him ahead of Guardiola’s current right-backs Joao Cancelo (89.4%) and Kyle Walker (88.9%) in that regard. He also wins more tackles per game than the Englishman (1.2 to one), while they both average one interception per game.

However, Cancelo has a far better tackling average with 2.3 per game and also makes more interceptions per match with 1.4. Additionally, the Etihad Stadium duo have far greater attacking instincts than the Barcelona man. Roberto’s match averages of 0.2 shots and 0.5 successful dribbles pale in comparison with the respective figures put up by Cancelo (0.7 shots, 1.6 successful dribbles) and Walker (0.6 shots, 0.9 successful dribbles).

While Roberto would present Guardiola with a versatile option at right-back and central midfield, he does not seem an upgrade on the current right-sided defensive pair of Walker and Cancelo. Indeed, the latter has been reportedly considered as bait in a potential swap deal with Semedo (Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness), which seems difficult to comprehend given Cancelo’s more than respectable statistics from this season.

At £36m, 28 years of age and in a position where Manchester City are already well stocked, the Premier League champions ought to be looking elsewhere to bolster their squad over the summer.

Man City fans, are you surprised that the club are reportedly pursuing a move for Sergi Roberto? Comment below with your views!