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There has been an update regarding Celtic’s pursuit of Lanus defender, Alexandro Bernabei…

What’s the word?

As per journalist Mark Hendry, the Hoops are still pursuing a deal for the 21-year-old, despite having been rebuffed with an initial offer for the Argentine.

Asked about any developments regarding the Bhoys’ interest in the young left-back, the transfer insider revealed that the Scottish champions are still pushing to get an agreement over the line: “Things are now with the hierarchy to get a deal done. Celtic had an offer rejected but both clubs still willing to work on it.”

This follows a report from Football.Scotland that a deal is ‘close’ for the 5 foot 7 gem, with the emerging prospect having been ‘lined up’ as a suitable competitor to Greg Taylor.

Tierney’s heir

A move for the £2.97m-rated ace could finally see the Glasgow side secure an heir to former star Kieran Tierney, with the Scotland international having yet to be suitably replaced since his £25m departure for Arsenal in 2019.

That is the view of journalist Pete O’Rourke – speaking to Football FanCast – with the insider agreeing that Bernabei could be the long-term replacement to the former Hoops man.

Asked whether the youngster can be the man to finally the void left by Tierney, O’Rourke stated that: “He possibly could be or Celtic are hoping that he might be. Kieran Tierney’s not an easy act to replace and Celtic have found that over the last few years after his big-money move to Arsenal.”

The current Gunners machine rose through the youth ranks at Celtic Park before developing into a key player following a breakthrough 2015/16 campaign, going on to rack up 170 appearances for the club over the next few years in all competitions, chipping in with eight goals and 37 assists in that time.

A key part of Brendan Rodgers’ ‘Invincibles’ side from the 2016/17 campaign, the 32-cap brute swept a plethora of major honours prior to his departure for the Emirates three years ago, while he’s since impressed many with his form in the Premier League, having been dubbed “special” by manager Mikel Arteta.

As O’Rourke alluded, the £75k-per-week man has proven a hard act to follow since his exit – with the aforementioned Taylor still yet to truly convince – although in Bernabei the club have identified an exciting young talent who could finally fill the vacancy.

Labelled “dangerous” by one journalist, the Lanus man has been particularly impressive in this year’s Copa Sudamericana – the South American equivalent to the Europa League – chipping in with two goals and one assist from his six outings in the competition, recording three clean sheets and averaging 1.2 interceptions and 3.3 tackles per game.

With 84 senior club appearances under his belt thus far – in which he has provided four goals and ten assists – the starlet already has a wealth of experience to call upon, with the Celtic boss likely to enjoy helping him to blossom even more over the coming years.

After the dismal days of Boli Bolingoli and Diego Laxalt, if given the chance Bernabei has all the tools to potentially prove himself to be Tierney’s long-awaited successor.

In other news: Ange can land his own Van Dijk as Celtic eye bid for “tremendous” £4.05m-rated machine

Rangers have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Berke Ozer recently and if the shot-stopper were to arrive at Ibrox this summer, it could prove to be the end for Allan McGregor in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

According to Turkish news outlet En Son Haber, the Teddy Bears have made an offer to sign the 22-year-old ‘keeper, with the report claiming that he would be open to a move to Rangers this summer, as he eyes regular first-team football away from Fenerbahce.

The youngster is set to leave the Turkish giants on a free transfer this summer despite making 19 appearances last season, in which he conceded 20 goals and kept six clean sheets.

Ozer has played regularly in Turkey’s youth sides and has also featured in the Europa League, so isn’t short of experience despite his age, and he could be an excellent long-term addition to Van Bronckhorst’s side, especially since Rangers can sign him for nothing.

Given his age, experience and lack of transfer fee, Van Bronckhorst would surely love to have Ozer as part of his squad for the 2022/23 campaign, as the Gers look to regain the Scottish Premiership title and continue to progress in Europe.

If he were to arrive at Ibrox ahead of next season, it may well be the catalyst for McGregor departing, with the 40-year-old certain to leave with legendary status after amassing 445 appearances for the club across two different spells.

The former Hull City man is yet to agree to a new deal at Ibrox and despite being first-choice for the majority of last season, Van Bronckhorst seems to be eyeing up a younger alternative to the Scotsman in between the sticks.

McGregor’s last appearance was a one-minute cameo in the Scottish League Cup final win against Hearts, which certainly felt like an opportunity for the Rangers fans to thank the veteran goalkeeper for his service, so the signs suggest that he won’t be at Ibrox in a playing capacity next season.

Therefore, with Jon McLaughlin also in the latter stages of his career at 34, it is no surprise that Rangers are being linked with a younger option such as Ozer, and the 6 foot 3 stopper could be the ideal heir to McGregor at Ibrox.

And, in other news… GvB can land the next McCoist as Rangers eye summer swoop for “superb” £5m gem

Celtic centre-back Christopher Jullien looks increasingly likely to leave Parkhead this summer, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has revealed.

The Lowdown: Jullien’s struggles at Celtic

The 29-year-old’s Hoops career has become a hugely frustrating one after he showed early promise, with serious injury problems curtailing his progress greatly.

Jullien was limited to just one solitary Scottish Cup appearance for Celtic last season, as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt forged a great understanding at centre-back in his absence.

The Frenchman’s current deal expires in 2023 and it looks highly likely that he will move on to pastures new this summer, with Carter-Vickers penning a permanent deal to confirm his place in the pecking order.

The Latest: Joseph shares latest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sky Sports’ Joseph confirmed that there is interest in Jullien and that he will almost definitely leave if a good offer arrives:

“If a French club – and I know there’s some interest in France for him – were to put in a bid of maybe £3million or £4million, I think Celtic would listen to that, definitely.”

The Verdict: Time to move on

Now is the perfect time for Celtic to sell Jullien, with the defender still fetching a fee at this point in his contract, rather than losing him for nothing next year.

At 29, he still has plenty to offer after hopefully overcoming his fitness woes, and a return to his homeland could be ideal for him during the latter part of his career.

Jullien has undoubted quality, having once been called ‘excellent’ by Neil Lennon, but it is a natural time for his Celtic career to come to its conclusion.

There is a feeling that Ange Postecoglou has moved on without him since becoming manager and that he isn’t part of his future plans, and a move now would feel like a win win for both parties.

Aston Villa are reportedly pressing ahead to sign Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.

The Lowdown: Gomez links

Villa were heavily linked with a move for Gomez during the January transfer window, however, as we know, a deal never materialised.

Rumours have continued throughout the year, though, with Steven Gerrard thought to be keen on a move once again last month.

Labelled as a ‘sensational’ player with ‘outstanding speed’ by Jurgen Klopp, Gomez is still yet to pen new terms at Anfield and is into the final two years of his contract, and it looks as if Villa are still keen to take advantage of his situation.

The Latest: Transfer update

The Daily Express relayed a report from The Daily Star on Wednesday evening regarding Villa and Gomez.

They claimed that Villa are now ‘pressing ahead’ in their pursuit of the defender after Gerrard gave the club the green light over a potential deal.

The Verdict: Versatile

Gomez, who turned 25 last month, has experience of playing anywhere at the back and has even been compared to new Villa signing Boubacar Kamara by Football Transfers.

Villa now have five senior centre-back options after a move for Diego Carlos, however, they are short at full-back, meaning Gerrard may have to rely heavily on Lucas Digne and Matty Cash at left-back and right-back respectively.

Therefore, bringing in Gomez, who can play on both sides, would give the Villa boss another option in both areas, and it looks as if the club will push to finally get a move over the line for the defender who has experience at the highest level for club and country.

The summer transfer window has almost two months left to run and Rangers have made one first-team signing to date at Ibrox.

Central defender John Souttar, who agreed his move to Glasgow in January, is the only senior addition made by Ross Wilson and Gio van Bronckhorst.

90min recently reported that the Gers have been offered Harry Winks by Premier League side Tottenham this summer.

Spurs are looking to ship the central midfielder on and Wilson could consequently help the gem to revive his career in Scotland.

Ryan Jack 2.0

Rangers must now seal a swoop for the midfielder as he can be Gio van Bronckhorst’s new Ryan Jack at Ibrox next season.

The Scotland international’s last two seasons have been hampered by injuries and bringing in Winks would provide an excellent alternative in the number six role.

Both players are metronomic and dynamic midfielders who can control games with their play in possession. The Englishman, who has been valued at £20m by his club, has plenty of experience at the top level and could be able to slot straight into the team – having played in each of the last six Premier League seasons.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson previously showered the 26-year-old with praise, saying:

“For me, I think Harry Winks is one of the best of the bunch. He dominates the game, defensively and offensively he offers you both and his ball retention, the stats speak for themselves.

“A fit Harry Winks is an important selection for England.”

Across his career for Tottenham and his country, the England man has a pass completion rate of 89.7% and this backs up what Robinson said about his ability to keep hold of the ball for his team.

In the English top-flight last term, Winks completed 88% of his passes and made 3.04 tackles and interceptions per 90. This shows that he has the tenacity and defensive awareness to win possession, whilst also having the composure to retain it by finding a teammate.

Jack, meanwhile, completed 88% of his passes for Rangers in the Premiership and racked up 2.87 tackles and interceptions per 90.

These statistics suggest that they have similar qualities and that Winks may have a slight edge when it comes to the defensive side of the game.

Both of them have the ability to operate as deep-lying midfield players; recycling possession, winning the ball back, and setting the tempo, which is why the Light Blues must now bring the Spurs man in to be a viable alternative to Jack and push him for his place.

AND in other news, Gvb plotting Rangers swoop for £1.3k-p/w gem who “rarely misses”, imagine him & Kent…

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to journalist Rudy Galetti. 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

The 23-year-old signed for Sporting in 2019 and has since become a star performer for the Primeira Liga outfit. The Portugal international has directly contributed to 15 goals in 99 first-team appearances, playing a part in the club’s Portuguese top-flight success in 2020/21 and two Portuguese League Cup victories.

Heavily linked with a move to Wolves, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain already this summer, it now appears as though the Reds could be considering Nunes as an option…

The latest: ‘In the crosshairs’

Taking to Twitter, Galetti – a journalist for Calciomercato among other outlets – has claimed that the Reds are among the suitors for the eight-cap Portugal midfielder.

He stated: “#Liverpool and #Chelsea have put in the crosshairs Matheus #Nunes. The #SportingCP midfielder is also followed by #ManCity: to date, no clubs have made an official bid yet. The race is open.”

The verdict: He’d be a top signing

Beating high-level domestic rivals to any signing would not only be another feather in the cap of sporting director Julian Ward so early in his tenure; snapping up a midfielder of Nunes’ calibre would also be a sensational piece of business from Liverpool.

Although the Reds are relatively blessed in terms of numbers at Anfield, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Thiago and Naby Keita have all either had their fitness issues or are struggling to perform throughout a gruelling campaign.

Nunes – who was branded an ‘absolute monster’ by football commentator Маnuel Oyola – scored four goals and provided five assists in a mammoth 50 appearances across all competitions last season. He earned a stellar 6.95 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.5 duels, completing 36.5 accurate passes and successfully carrying out 2.5 dribbles per game – higher than Mohamed Salah’s 1.5 per match when it comes to the latter metric.

That form, combined with a wide range of high-class attributes, showcases Nunes’ all-around ability as a box-to-box midfielder and would make the £31.5m-valued Portuguese sensation an incredible addition to Jurgen Klopp’s ranks.

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has provided an update regarding his current contract situation…

What’s the word?

As per NottinghamshireLive, the 42-year-old revealed he was unsure as to any potential progress regarding a new deal, with just a year remaining on his existing contract at the City Ground.

Asked for an update regarding any extension, the former Swansea City boss stated: “I don’t know. It’s not something I think about too much, if I’m being honest.

“I think about the team, I think about the staff and just being the best club we can be on a day to day. My real focus is on new players coming in and building on from where we left off at Wembley.”

The previous suggestion has been that an agreement could be close regarding a new long-term deal, although the promotion-winning coach appears to be giving little away – a fact that will only serve to enhance anxiety among the club’s supporters.

Supporters worried

The Forest faithful will no doubt be fearful of seeing these contract talks drag on into next season, with the club seemingly not wanting any unnecessary distractions ahead of a campaign that will see them compete in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

Cooper’s stock is no doubt high following his pivotal role in steering the two-time European champions out of the second-tier after over two decades of hurt, with there perhaps concerns that the highly-rated manager could be poached by a top club – hence the urgency to get a new contract sorted.

The Midlands outfit had been in disarray prior to the Welshman’s arrival back in September, having found themselves at the foot of the table after recording six defeats in their opening seven Championship games of the season under Chris Hughton.

With relegation on the minds of most, Cooper’s appointment sparked an almost instant reversal of fortunes, with Forest going on to only narrowly miss out on an automatic promotion berth, before shaking off that disappointment to edge past Huddersfield Town in the play-off final.

Since then, the one-time England U17 coach – who led the Young Lions to World Cup glory in 2017 – has been backed substantially by owner Evangelos Marinakis, with the club having already made six summer signings thus far.

Arguably the most important piece of business this summer, however, could be tieing the Pontypridd-born gem down for the long-term, with the club unable to afford to lose what is arguably their prize asset.

The longer it takes for Marinakis to act, the more worried that supporters will become.

AND in other news – Imagine him & Awoniyi: Cooper can form deadly duo by signing “stunning” £10m star

Liverpool were linked with a move for Carney Chukwuemeka earlier in the summer transfer window, and now a new update from a reliable source has given the club the green light to advance on their interest.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Aston Villa youngster Chukwuemeka’s future.

Romano tweeted: “Aston Villa are now open to selling Carney Chukwuemeka – they have set an asking price around £20m for the player who’s in the last year of his contract.”

Liverpool’s very own Bellingham

Liverpool have been heavily speculated to make a move for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham next summer, but what if the Reds could sign and develop their very own £103m star at the fraction of the price?

Rarely-seen Villa youngster Chukwuemeka has been attracting attention from many of the biggest clubs in Europe this summer, with Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Juventus all named as potential suitors for the player.

Liverpool legend and Villa boss Steven Gerrard had hoped the 18-year-old would become a “big player” in his project when speaking out on the midfielder last season.

“Hopefully he is going to be a big player for Aston Villa,” he said. “We want him to stay here long-term. We believe this is the best place for Carney. I hope that situation progresses in a positive way.”

Since then, Chukwuemeka has been left out of the squad that travelled to Australia for pre-season this summer, amid a lack of progression in the player’s commitment to a new contract that would extend his stay at Villa Park beyond next summer.

The young midfielder hailed a “massive talent” by journalist James Hendicott has been impressing on the international stage with England U19s – most recently in the U19 Euro competition, scoring three goals and delivering two assists over five appearances – as well as bagging a goal in the final against Israel to win the tournament.

Jurgen Klopp once said “I don’t buy stars, I make them”, so instead of breaking the club’s record yet again to sign Bellingham next summer, the German coach could simply develop his very own generational talent at Anfield with the signing of Chukwuemeka this summer.

AND in other news: Klopp plotting Liverpool bid for £50m “huge talent”, it could be bye-bye £125k-p/w dud

Nottingham Forest are interested in a deal to bring Maxwel Cornet to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by The Times, who claim that Forest have now joined the race for the Burnley forward in the summer transfer window, with Everton and Fulham also believed to be keen on a move for the 25-year-old winger.

The report goes on to state that, despite having only joined the Clarets in a €15m (£12.9m) deal 12 months ago, the Ivory Coast international will be available for a figure of just £17.75m in the current market due to a release clause written into his contract at Turf Moor.

Imagine him & Lingard

With Nottingham Forest also being linked with a surprise move for Jesse Lingard this summer, the prospect of the Garibaldi landing both the former England international and Cornet ahead of the 2022/23 campaign is sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for both supporters and Steve Cooper alike.

Indeed, despite Burnley’s struggles in the league last season, the £13.5m-rated forward nevertheless managed to impress over his 26 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £44k-per-week talent who Alex James dubbed “the best summer signing” average an eye-catching SofaScore match rating of 6.84 – an extremely impressive feat while playing for a team who scored just 33 goals all season.

As such, the prospect of Cornet and Lingard – who also returned a quite remarkable nine goals and five assists during his last extended run of games in the Premier League during a loan spell at West Ham United back in 2021 – lining up on either flank for Forest next season is an incredibly exciting one – leading us to believe that Cooper must do everything in his power to get a deal for both players over the line this summer.

AND in other news: “It’s true”: Taylor reveals NFFC closing in on 7th signing, supporters will be buzzing

Standard Liege are ‘interested’ in signing Celtic youngster Mikey Johnston, as are a number of other clubs, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Johnston not a regular at Celtic

The 23-year-old is a talented young figure at Parkhead but playing time has been hard to come by over the past 12 months or so.

Johnston played very little part in Celtic’s Premiership title triumph last season, making only three starts in the league and having to accept playing a peripheral role.

A move away from the Hoops has been mooted recently, and it looks as though it could easily happen before the summer transfer window ends.

The Latest: Johnston attracting transfer interest

Taking to Twitter, the reliable Joseph confirmed Standard Liege’s interest in Johnston, adding that Celtic are willing to let the 23-year-old leave on loan for the season.

The reporter tweeted:

“Standard Liege are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Celtic winger Mikey Johnston. The 23-year-old is attracting interest from the top leagues in Belgium & The Netherlands & also the English Championship. No offers have come in yet. Celtic would be open to a loan.”

The Verdict: Loan move only?

A loan move away makes complete sense for Johnston this summer, with Ange Postecoglou unlikely to guarantee him regular playing time for Celtic.

Instead, the winger could continue his growth as a player elsewhere, starting regularly, honing his all-round game and returning to Parkhead a more rounded footballer.

A permanent exit at this point would feel like a risk, given Johnston’s potential – he has been described as ‘sensational’ by Callum McGregor  – but a year away from Parkhead would probably be beneficial for all parties.