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Norwich City have joined the race to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

That’s according to a report from The Scottish Sun, who claim that Canaries boss Daniel Farke wants a new centre-back at Carrow Road ahead of the 2021/22 season.

They claim that Ajer is preparing to quit Parkhead in the summer with just over 12 months left on his Celtic contract.

Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber appears to have a close eye on Ajer ahead of the club’s return to the English top flight, with the 37-year-old watching the Norway international in action in recent weeks.

Ajer, who has missed two league games all season, is valued at £3.6m by Transfermarkt, however, reports earlier this month suggested that Newcastle were preparing an £8m offer, so his actual value is likely much more than £3.6m.

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Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if Celtic have a similar situation with Ajer to the one they have with Odsonne Edouard.

The French forward is ready to leave the Hoops over the coming months, regardless of who comes in as the new Celtic manager.

In our view, Celtic may have to cash in on both in the upcoming window, and, in a way, Norwich’s interest could actually help the Bhoys bring in a sizeable fee for the towering centre-back.

The Hoops could be shrewd by playing both Premier League clubs off against each other, which could result in them maximising their profits.

Ajer only cost Celtic £520,000 in 2016, so they look set to make a profit – the question is how much.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops major 11-word update; could be of interest to Celtic and Dominic McKay, find out more here.

Bayern Munich narrowly lifted the league title, but faced stiff competition from a brave Borussia Dortmund side

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  Bundesliga Team of the Season

  Bayern Munich narrowly lifted the league title, but faced stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund and their brilliant performances. RB Leipzig's defensive displays in 2018-19 also mean they are well represented in Goal's Bundesliga Team of the Season, but who made our final XI?

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  Peter Gulacsi | RB Leipzig

  Boasting the meanest defence in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig secured a Champions League place for next season by comfortably finishing in third. Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi was key to their strong showing in 2018-19, conceding less than a goal a game in the league as well as leading the way in clean sheets. The 29 year old kept 16 clean sheets in 34 games, just under 50 per cent for the season.

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  Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich

  The only thing that was inconsistent about Joshua Kimmich in 2018-19 was the right-back's facial hair. As always, the Germany international was as reliable as ever for Bayern Munich, so the only topic of conversation that was any different this season was how the cherubic-faced defender looked week to week. Whether wearing a mustache or not, Kimmich was one of Bayern's key performers, leading all defenders in assists for the season.

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  Willi Orban | RB Leipzig

  RB Leipzig captain Willi Orban's performances at club level finally earned him international recognition, with Hungary convincing the centre-back to switch allegiance from Germany. Germany's loss is definitely Hungary's gain as he has already scored for his new nation. He netted four times in the Bundesliga this season, but was even more impressive at the back, where he kept more clean sheets than any other centre-back despite playing 10 games less than many of his competitors. Orban also ranked in the top five of all positions for headed clearances and was ever-present in the Leipzig lineup for the last four months of the season, aside from a yellow card suspension.

Who are the most decisive young players aged under 23 in Europe? Goal gives you the lowdown with our ranking in conjunction with Opta

Kylian Mbappe has never done things like the others. On Sunday, the 19-year-old showed that once again as he captured the spotlight at Stade Velodrome, where he won the match for Paris Saint-Germain. 

Head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted that he punished the forward by putting him on the bench for the start of the game against Marseille, but just three minutes after coming onto the field, he accelerated like lightning to open the scoring and tilt the match in PSG’s favour.

Since August, he has posted terrifying figures, already up to 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season. But where does he rank in comparison to other players under 23? Goal has taken a look at the most decisive young players – adding together goals and assists – in Europe’s five major leagues since August 2016.

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  25​Franck Kessie

  95 matches, 23 times decisive – 14 goals, 9 assists.

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  24​Allan Saint-Maximin

  86 matches, 23 times decisive – 10 goals, 13 assists.

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  23​Leon Bailey

  65 games, 26 times decisive – 19 goals, 7 assists.

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  22​Kelechi Iheanacho

  69 games, 27 times decisive – 17 goals, 10 assists

The 2017-18 FIFA La Liga Team of the Season has been revealed, with the biggest and best performers getting big ratings boosts

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  Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Barcelona

  85 > 94

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  Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid

  90 > 95

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  Jordi Alba – Barcelona

  85 > 93

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  Gerard Pique – Barcelona

  87 > 93

A number of Liverpool supporters have been calling for Sadio Mane to leave at the end of the season, following a dreadful run of form.

The 28-year-old has been an incredible player for the Reds, joining from Southampton in 2016 and being a hugely important figure ever since.

Mane helped take Liverpool up another gear, and along with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, he has made up one-third of arguably Europe’s best attack in the last three or four years.

For possibly the first time at Liverpool, however, the Senegalese superstar is going through an extremely hard time, playing with no confidence and form whatsoever.

Mane has only scored three Premier League goals since the middle of October and seems to have completely lost his spark for the time being.

His performance against Real Madrid in midweek was particularly poor and supporters appear to be losing faith in Liverpool’s No.10.

Liverpool fans call for Mane to leave

Incredibly, some Reds supporters have taken to a Twitter calling for Mane to leave this summer.

“Time to sell and get Mbappe”

Credit: @mikedyrated

“If someone said to me for Mbappe to come to Liverpool you get rid of Mane I would get rid of him”

Credit: @_Simraann

“Sadio Mane’s been that bad this season I honestly wouldn’t feel too bad if we were to sell him this summer. His performances have been unacceptable. Firmino just as bad”

Credit: @Strictly_Scouse

“He’s off in the summer”

Credit: @jaywhittakerbhp

“Sell Mane”

Credit: @Vic21Mc

“Mane needs to be sold”

Credit: @curtisjonesla

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to a fresh transfer claim. Find out who the player in question is here.

Wolves’ defeat to Manchester City was hardly a shock. Nuno Santo’s men haven’t been their normal selves this term while City have been ahead of the pack in the Premier League by quite some distance.

Though, if it wasn’t for defensive errors then they’d have stood a chance of nicking a point on Tuesday.

Ki-Jana Hoever was given a horrendous night by Raheem Sterling and was then caught out by Kyle Walker for the hosts’ second goal. Leander Dendoncker, meanwhile, scored an unfortunate own goal to open the proceedings.

However, the ever-reliable Jonny also had a night to forget at the Etihad. The Spaniard’s return to fitness last month was a welcome boost to Wolves’ chances but he has played just one set of 90 minutes since coming back.

Clearly, he is not up to full speed and that was all too evident when they travelled to Manchester. Dealing with Riyad Mahrez is difficult on an ordinary day but when you’re not quite up to fitness yet, it was always going to be difficult.

The Algerian spun a web down the channel for City, catching Jonny out with his run for the opening goal. It was lapse defending from the left wing back who was anonymous going forward and ineffective in defence.

He made just one tackle as Mahrez delivered a mighty ten crosses and three key passes. The dazzling winger was also successful with five dribbles; all from Jonny’s side of the pitch.

With that in mind, it was unsurprising that he was hooked after just 52 minutes on the clock. In that time, he made only eight passes of the football, the lowest tally of anyone to start the match.

Furthermore, he also managed just 14 touches of the ball. That happened to be a lower number than not only goalkeeper Rui Patricio but also substitute Fabio Silva.

This was an incredibly poor night for Jonny. That being said, it’s important not to count this as a proper litmus of his abilities. The 26-year-old has been an extremely capable performer since signing from Celta Vigo; Nuno now just needs to get him fully fit again.

AND in other news, Worse than Dendoncker: Wolves liability who lost possession 16x badly let Nuno down…

Arsenal are making a foolish mistake over Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the England international ready to leave the club on loan in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old has only played a bit-part role in Mikel Arteta’s side this season, featuring for just 485 minutes of Premier League football in total.

Now, The Daily Mirror claim that Maitland-Niles is “willing to consider a move in January if it means getting more regular minutes”, with an intention of trying to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s EUROs.

And, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester United game on Saturday, Arteta himself said of the situation: “Yes, it is a concern when there is international football involved as well and the chance to reach that opportunity. I understand that Ainsley wants more minutes and what he needs to do is fight, train and challenge his teammates and show us that he can be one of our starters.”

Foolish mistake from Arteta

After playing an integral role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph last season – the 23-year-old played left wing-back in both the semi-final and final against Manchester City and Chelsea respectively – it seems incredible to think that Maitland-Niles has fallen so badly out of favour under Arteta this campaign.

And with the Gunners boss giving the green light for Sead Kolasinac to join Bundesliga side Schalke on loan, the north London side are desperately short of left-back cover, with right-back Cedric filling in for Kieran Tierney whenever needed.

The £16.2m-rated Maitland-Niles proved last season that he can play that role effectively, and there’s an element of responsibility on the Arsenal boss to try and get the best out of the academy product.

Whilst it might be better for Maitland-Niles himself to go out on loan in this January window, it certainly wouldn’t be the case for Arsenal themselves. A lengthy injury to Tierney (he’s missed the last couple of games with a calf problem so the danger is already there), and even one to Cedric, would leave the Gunners without anyone who could adequately play that left-back role – Bukayo Saka could fill in, but Arteta would surely want his star sensation to play further forward.

The Arsenal manager either should have brought in some natural left-back cover before he allowed Kolasinac to leave, or given Maitland-Niles more of a consistent opportunity to impress – how can you expect some to shine when they don’t start more than two Premier League games in a row?

Once dubbed “the future” by Arsene Wenger, Maitland-Niles’ career this season has taken a step back.

Meanwhile, Arsenal can finally sign ace Arsene Wenger wanted…

Writing on Twitter, club insider and reliable source ExWHUemployee has hinted that a late signing for West Ham United could still be possible as the club confirm Jesse Lingard’s arrival – going on to say there isn’t anyone pending ‘at the moment’ but that could change if a player is ‘presented’ to the club.

Responding to a supporter on social media, ExWHUemployee shared that a late arrival for the Irons this window is still plausible after the signing of Lingard – even if there is nobody imminently joining as things stand.

ExWHUemployee refuses to rule out late signing

Indeed, this is in line with West Ham boss David Moyes’ transfer update from Friday afternoon – with the Scotsman also not ‘expecting’ any more late arrivals ‘at the moment’ as he refused to rule it out entirely (football.london).

ExWHUemployee reiterated that stance but hinted it could change depending on developments – saying no forward is pending to join ‘unless’ there is a ‘late change’ or a decent player is ‘presented’ to the Hammers (Twitter).

Transfer Tavern take

Judging by this claim, it appears there is some hope for supporters who still wish to see a new striker walk through the door at Rush Green – coming after West Ham sold club record signing Sebastien Haller at the start of this month.

Time will tell whether a decent opportunity arises, but the fact a possible late transfer isn’t being completely ruled out altogether could spell late hope for Moyes.

In other news: West Ham are apparently eyeing this ‘exciting’ 51-cap attacker, find out more here.

Celtic supporters haven’t had much to cheer about this season but on Wednesday morning, they received a lovely present courtesy of their former manager at Parkhead.

Neil Lennon finally gave in and left the club, resigning after a torrid season in the Hoops hot seat. The Bhoys may have won the Scottish Cup back in December, but their league form has been woeful.

Rangers are now only seven points away from snatching the SPFL title away from Celtic so for any new manager coming in, it will be a struggle. This isn’t your usual scene in Glasgow.

For so long the green and white side have been the dominant force; something nine league triumphs in a row dictates. Yet, since Brendan Rodgers left them behind for Leicester, they have arguably never been the same.

Who takes over from Lennon remains to be seen. Plenty have been talked about but one of the most outstanding candidates could be Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard currently manages the number one ranked international team in the world – Belgium.

That alone means it’s farfetched for him to come to Celtic but according to Jim White, he’s in the frame for the vacancy.

If he does indeed swap Belgium for Glasgow, then he has the ability to revive Celtic. That’s primarily because he possesses similar traits and characteristics to Rodgers.

First and foremost, he’s dedicated on the training pitch. He is a proper coach, someone who leads sessions and strives for more from his players.

His former defender at Swansea, Angel Rangel once told Football League World the following:

“He’s a very smart person, a very good coach. He loves to work, he would be in the training ground at 6am and the last to leave at around 6/7pm. He wouldn’t show us a match, he would show us a few bits on the pitch and meetings, but we knew he spent hours studying the opposition to give us those three or four points to help us win the game.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-on-celtics-managerial-vacancy” title=”Check out the latest on Celtic’s managerial vacancy!”]

Clearly, Martinez is a meticulous coach. Though, most importantly when comparing the 47-year-old’s methods to Rodgers, he plays with a possession-based model.

Martinez introduced that facet to Swansea and then Rodgers succeeded him in Wales because he played in a similar way. The Spaniard also brought the same style to Everton, taking them to a new level by introducing quick passing football.

Leon Osman revealed the following back in 2014: “This season we are a possession team whether we win or lose. We live and die by that.”

Both managers in question here have been described as flawed disciples of Pep Guardiola. However, no one can deny their quality. If Dermot Desmond wants to revive Celtic’s fortunes, there are few better candidates than Martinez.

He possesses all the qualities that made Rodgers such a success in Scotland.

AND in other news, Christie could be in trouble if Celtic hire 57 y/o coach “reminiscent to Craig Brown”…

When attempting to think of Leicester City’s most creative wideman this season, most minds would go instantly to Harvey Barnes.

That is justified considering that the Foxes youngster has scored 13 times and notched four assists in all competitions this season.

However, there is a player who is actually creating more and he is not actually at the King Power Stadium in 2020/21.

Rachid Ghezzal, who is out on-loan at Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas, is having a wonderful campaign.

Whilst he has only scored one goal, the Algerian managed to rack up 12 assists from the right-flank. It is, in fact, the first time that he has got to double figures in his entire career and he just needs three more direct goal involvements in the closing stages of the campaign for it to be the most productive season of his career.

The turnaround is stark considering that in Ghezzal’s only full season in the East Midlands following his arrival from AS Monaco, he only managed three goals, whilst only registering a solitary strike on-loan at Fiorentina last term.

His form this season could well see Ghezzal catapulted back into contention under Brendan Rodgers next season.

With Demarai Gray having departed for Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window, and Cengiz Under’s loan deal from AS Roma expiring in the summer, Leicester’s wide options will be somewhat limited.

They will soon be left with just Barnes, Ayoze Perez and Marc Albrighton heading into 2021/22, which, with a potential European campaign on the horizon, will simply not be enough.

This may lead Leicester into the transfer market in the summer in order to recruit a wideman but the Foxes could certainly do worse than re-introducing the £8.1m-rated Ghezzal to their squad if he’s able to transfer his form in Turkey to the Premier League.

AND in more news, read how Kelechi Iheanacho has now finally announced himself as a viable replacement for Jamie Vardy…