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Wolves winger Pedro Neto could make his long-awaited injury return at some point in January, according to manager Bruno Lage.

The Lowdown: Neto missing for months

The young Portuguese star hasn’t featured at all yet this season, as he continues to recover from a fractured kneecap suffered back in April.

Neto had arguably been Wolves’ standout player in the 2020/21 campaign prior to that setback, scoring five goals and registering six assists in the Premier League.

It appears as though his return is edging closer all the time, however, acting as a boost for all concerned.

The Latest: Lage gives injury update

Speaking in his pre-Everton press conference on Friday [via The Athletic], Lage confirmed that he expects Neto to return to first-team action in mid-January, after undergoing his own pre-season schedule:

“The good news is everything is OK with his injury. Now he will start to work harder than he has.

“I think maybe he’ll start with the team in one more month. After he’ll need to do a normal pre-season, for two or three weeks, to work and be fit to play in this competition.

“Maybe in the middle of January we’ll have him in the stadium to start to play with us. He can work harder now, this is the good news.”

The Verdict: Play the long game

Any Wolves fan is going to be desperate to see Neto back on the pitch as soon as possible, but it is vital that the club handle him with care.

Rushing him back too soon could end up having dire consequences further down the line, so an element of caution is required with a player so young and full of potential.

Having Neto back from injury will feel like an almighty boost, though – pundit Adrian Clarke has described him as ‘brilliant’ – adding quality and goal threat to a team who are already thriving at the moment, grabbing ten points from their last four games.

In other news, Tim Spiers has delivered a key Wolves injury update. Read more here.

Crystal Palace were linked with a move for former Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma over the summer, and the club’s hierarchy may be ruing not signing the 24-year-old just a few months on.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, the Eagles were amongst Danjuma’s potential suitors in the previous transfer window after he put in a string of impressive performances in the Championship last season.

The Netherlands international was one of the second tier’s standout performers in 2020/21, bagging 15 goals and laying on a further seven assists in 33 appearances for the Cherries.

However, despite Danjuma adding a further two strikes to his tally during the two-legged play-off semi-final against Brentford, his efforts weren’t enough to see off the capital club, meaning Bournemouth were consigned to another year outside of the Premier League.

It led to a tussle for his signature between multiple clubs, but it was Spanish side Villarreal who stumped up the £21.3m asking price to secure the wing wizard’s services, and he’s been in scintillating form ever since.

One of Parish’s biggest Palace mistakes

Since arriving in La Liga, Danjuma has quickly established himself as one of the division’s most exciting attacking talents, bagging four goals in just seven league games, and adding another strike and two assists in three Champions League outings.

His eye-catching performances at club level have also earned to versatile forward a recall to Louis van Gaal’s national team setup where he scored in the 6-0 thrashing of Gibraltar.

It was Danjuma’s first cap for the Oranje since 2018, but it’s unlikely to be his last after his standout showing from the substitutes bench earned glowing praise from the Dutch coach in his post-match interview.

“This was a spectacular substitute by Danjuma,” Van Gaal said. “He deserves to be praised because what he showed was very clever.

“On the left, we have plenty of options; on the right, we don’t. He deserves to be praised. Danjuma had nice, good dribbles. His fellow players were not quite ready for his hard crosses yet.”

Although Palace have made a promising start to the current campaign, no winger within Patrick Vieira’s first-team squad has hit the back of the net from open play.

Wilfried Zaha has bagged two penalties, while Jordan Ayew continues to search for his first goal since November 2020, and although Michael Olise has notched his first goal for the Eagles, he prefers to play through the middle.

Therefore, not signing the £22.5m-rated Danjuma will surely have to go down as one of Steve Parish’s biggest transfer mistakes during his tenure as Palace chairman.

The versatile forward could have been a mainstay of the south London outfit’s attack for many years to come, but now Vieira is left still searching for the final piece of his forward line.

And, in other news…Vieira could unearth the next CPFC prodigy in 20 y/o beast, he’s “one for the future” 

Many Everton fans do not want the club to sign Serge Aurier after they were linked with a move for the now out-of-contract right-back.

The Toffees were busy on the final day of the transfer window, bringing in Salomon Rondon from Dalian Professional. However, many Toffees supporters may well have wanted a new player for the right side of defence given Seamus Coleman’s injury problems.

They have started the season well, winning two and drawing one of their three Premier League matches (Sky Sports), but with the 32-year-old right-back picking up an issue while on Ireland duty, Rafael Benitez may have a problem.

The Merseyside club have been linked with a move (The Daily Express) for £18m-valued Aurier (Transfermarkt), now a free agent after leaving Tottenham, but even though he is available, a number of Everton supporters do not seem to want him.

It appears they are not convinced by him after his spell at Spurs, during which Jamie Carragher labelled him “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football”.

The news has been doing the rounds on Twitter, and it has attracted plenty of attention from Everton supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these Everton fans had to say about the Aurier link

“He’s an accident waiting to happen that Serge Aurier btw. He’ll give away at least 1 penalty a game. It’s a no from me”

Credit: @PaulBrownEFC

“Hope not, he’s dross, there’s a reason Spurs wanted shot”

Credit: @malblu1

“Seeing the odd post about Aurier… He is awful and wouldn’t be low wages, NO THANKS”

Credit: @ITalkEverton

“Game of opinions but I think he is awful. Can’t cross, can’t defend. He’s a liability. If we play a back 3 I’d have Townsend as the wing back”

Credit: @paulsteenalbo

“I know we’re desperate for a RB but have you seen Aurier? Like really actually watched him? I’d honestly rather have Kenny.”

Credit: @EvertonPlague

“Aurier? When was the last time a club thought so little of a player who cost millions to buy that they happily terminated his contract by mutual consent? He’s awful. Kenny and Holgate are better options at RB in a flat back 4, especially with Townsend in front of them in a 442.”

Credit: @kieran_balmer

In other news, this man spoke to Everton in regards to a transfer before a move was vetoed.

Liverpool have had a solid start to their latest season under manager Jurgen Klopp and owners FSG by planting themselves firmly in the Premier League title race with 15 games played as well as winning all of their Champions League and Carabao Cup games.

One figure that has played a part in their current season that may be searching for a bit more of a look-in at the Merseyside club is defender Joe Gomez.

The Englishman has only had 13 minutes of Premier League action from two substitute appearances this season in addition to the three Champions League and two Carabao Cup games he’s played in.

Taking this into account, it’s come as no surprise to us that the Englishman has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks.

In addition to this, it has recently been claimed by Noel Whelan that Gomez could hold talks with Klopp and the club regarding his long-term future at Anfield, which would make sense given his lack of regular minutes this season, particularly in the league, even though he has been out with an injury in recent weeks.

Since joining Liverpool back in the 2015 summer transfer window from Charlton Athletic in a deal worth a reported fee of just £3.5m, Gomez has made a total of 128 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, helping them win the Premier League and Champions League in the process.

Despite being at the club for such a long time, the £85k-per-week Gomez, is still only 24 and has a lot of years ahead of him in his career, which Klopp and co will be hoping he spends at the Merseyside club.

With this in mind, it would be in FSG’s best interest if they make sure Gomez doesn’t end up leaving either in January or the next summer transfer window. Otherwise, not only would they be losing an important potential long-term player but they would also be risking the wrath of Klopp who has a big admiration for the defender after calling him “sensational” back in January last year.

Even though his current contract isn’t set to expire until 2024, the Anfield outfit must offer him a new contract and convince him that his future should be spent at Liverpool. After all, he stands a fantastic chance of eventually replacing the senior centre-backs of Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.

In other news: Edwards must seal LFC swoop for £43m gem who Klopp dubbed “one of the biggest talents” – opinion

Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe is likely to cost Aston Villa big money if they decide to make another move for him next summer, says the Express & Star’s Luke Hatfield.

Villa tried to bring Smith Rowe to Villa Park this summer but failed in their attempts, watching two bids, including one worth around £30m, get rejected by Arsenal.

It was not too much of a blow for the Midlands club, however, who have still managed to bolster their attacking options in this transfer window, though they have lost Jack Grealish.

Wingers Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia were both brought in from Bayer Leverkusen and Norwich City respectively, which should help soften the blow Grealish’s move to Manchester City has dealt.

And in the near future, Hatfield believes manager Dean Smith could try to improve his attack even further by making another play for Smith Rowe, though the Aston Villa journalist has warned any deal is unlikely to be cheap.

“The fee’s likely to be much, much higher,” Hatfield told FFC. “Considering they already had two pretty big bids turned down this summer when they were in the middle of a contract dispute so to speak, you’d imagine the fee would be incredibly high next summer. But it might be one they revisit.”

Villa seemed like they desperately wanted Smith Rowe going into this season, so it certainly would not be a surprise to see them target the English youngster again.

Celtic unveiled new signing James McCarthy on Friday afternoon after he penned a four-year deal at Parkhead.

As to be expected, a number of Hoops supporters were quick to share their delight at the news via social media.

McCarthy was announced as a Celtic player alongside Joe Hart on Tuesday afternoon, with the latter making his Hoops debut on Thursday against Jablonec. The Irishman didn’t travel with Ange Postecoglou’s side for the 4-2 Europa League qualifier win but was unveiled at Celtic Park 24 hours after the match.

McCarthy will wear the number 16 shirt in Glasgow, with the central midfielder describing the deal as a ‘dream come true’.

The 30-year-old is a boyhood Celtic fan and becomes the club’s latest number 16, following on from Lewis Morgan in the 2019/20 season.

Celtic fans react

Celtic posted the news regarding McCarthy on their official Twitter page on Friday. These Hoops fans were buzzing, with one describing a deal for the midfielder as ‘big’.

“My whole timeline is gonna hate me but I’ve honestly never been happier with Celtic”Credit: @Danielle_McG4″Tasty”Credit: @EuanCampbell_05″Big signing”Credit: @darrand_02″A brilliant signing, can’t wait to see him play for us”Credit: @Marion1888″Excellent signing, bring it home James”Credit: @Sligodamo32″Content I love to see”Credit: @currancharles1

In other news: Hoops linked with new right-back amid Aurelio Buta delay, find out more

The Athletic have dropped a worrying update on West Ham target Joe Worrall…

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Paul Taylor has dropped a concerning update for West Ham in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest centre-back Joe Worrall. The Hammers are reportedly keen on signing the English defender this summer, but he does not appear to be in any rush to leave the Championship outfit.

In a Q&A this week, Taylor revealed that Worrall is not demanding to leave Forest and the club will only cash in on him if the right offer comes in for his services. The Athletic reported earlier this summer that it would take a fee of £10m, paid largely upfront, to prize him away.

He said:

“A few weeks ago, the answer to this would have been a definite yes. Now it does not feel 100 per cent certain. You still get the sense that, if the right offer comes along, Forest will give serious thought to selling — but it would have to be the right offer.

They have already turned down offers for Brennan Johnson, although they were at a low level and the suggestion is that Joe Worrall is not kicking down doors demanding to be given the opportunity to move.”

Moyes will be gutted

David Moyes will be gutted by this latest update as it could negatively impact West Ham’s chances of being able to land Worrall this summer. If the Englishman is not willing to push for a transfer away from the City Ground then the Hammers will not be able to negotiate a better deal with Forest as they will be unable to use the threat of them keeping an unhappy player. This news seemingly shows Forest that they can keep Worrall at the club without him kicking up a fuss, which could allow them to be tough in negotiations.

The Hammers have an ageing group of central defenders at the club. Issa Diop is Moyes’ only option in that area of the pitch who is below the age of 29, with Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson in their 30’s and Fabian Balbuena turning 30 next month. Therefore, signing a talented young centre-back, like Worrall, could be a shrewd piece of business by the club.

He only turned 24 back in January and could add some much-needed youth to the ranks. However, despite his young age, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard once hailed Worrall as a “leader” during his time on loan in Scotland and claimed that he will captain any team he plays for in the future.

He said:

“He will be a captain of whatever team he plays for.”

“He is a leader and he stepped up today.”

This goes some way to showing that Worrall has the mentality and quality to come into the London Stadium and be a good addition to Moyes’ squad and that is why the Scot will be disappointed by this update.

Hopefully, the situation changes between now and the end of the window and the club are able to snap him up for a reasonable price.

AND in other news, Moyes must act swiftly to land “explosive” goal machine, West Ham fans would love him… 

Lots of Manchester City supporters have been buzzing with the latest rumours linking Jude Bellingham with a move to the club.

The 18-year-old has impressed at Borussia Dortmund since moving to Germany in July 2020 and he could eventually follow the path of former City academy star Jadon Sancho and return to England in the future.

Bellingham already has more than 50 appearances for BVB and was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad as England reached the final, with the Stourbridge-born midfielder making three substitute appearances at the tournament.

According to the Daily Star [via City Chief on Twitter], Pep Guardiola has identified the teenager as ‘being the best potential candidate around Europe’ to replace Fernandinho, who is now 36.

Bellingham’s performances in the Bundesliga have caught the eye of the City manager, with the teenager featuring in every game so far this season, scoring and assisting in the 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim.

With Jack Grealish being City’s only major signing over the summer, Bellingham – who is valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt – could be the perfect future transfer for Manchester City.

Man City fans want Bellingham

These City fans have taken to Twitter to react to the rumours of Bellingham’s links with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

“I approve this transfer”

Credit: @jaycity316

“Better than Rice”

Credit: @riszuan17

“God I hope this is true! Gonna be a star”

Credit: @LeoriPetrou

“Excellent talent, hope we can get him”

Credit: @R_Jeeem

“Get Jude and Haaland and we’re sorted”

Credit: @dasilvarito

“make it happen”

Credit: @rkmcr6

In other news, former City defender claims club never attempted to sign world-class star. Find out more here.

A major update has emerged on Atalanta’s transfer plans and it could lead to Ross Wilson striking gold for Rangers with a £7.65m-rated ace.

What’s the talk?

According to TuttoSport, the Serie A outfit are closing in on a €20m (£17.15m) deal to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners ahead of next season. Atalanta are on the verge of agreeing a deal with the Dutch club and that could come as a major boost to Rangers.

Both clubs are reportedly interested in signing Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman. The Scottish Sun claimed that the duo are keen on the central midfielder, with Atalanta now opting to pursue a deal to sign his compatriot Koopmeiners instead.

Former Rangers forward Michael Mols has described Veerman as being “perfect” in possession. The Dutchman said that the 22-year-old is a great player, although he has cast doubts over whether or not he could adapt to the physical nature of the Scottish game.

Mols told the Daily Record: “He is perfect with the ball and in possession, he’s a really great player. His passing and movement with the ball is really relaxed in a good way.

“But in Scottish football, there is a lot of emphasis on duels and fighting for the ball. I’m just not sure that would suit his style. He would maybe find it a little bit difficult to adapt.”

Wilson could strike gold

Rangers’ director of football Wilson could strike gold with a deal for Veerman. The Scottish champions have been handed a gigantic boost in the race for his signature with Atalanta seemingly pulling out of the race to secure a deal for Koopmeiners as they finished third in the Serie A. This means that the Bergamo club can offer the prospect of Champions League football to potential targets, whilst Rangers must go through two rounds of qualification to reach the group stages of the competition.

Veerman enjoyed a spectacular season with Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. He recorded a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.40 across 31 appearances in the competition, registering seven goals and 10 assists from midfield.

This shows that he was impressively consistent throughout the campaign, whilst being able to chip in with direct goal contributions to add an extra attacking threat from midfield for his side. Therefore, he could be a brilliant addition to Rangers’ squad, as he has proven he can perform to a very high level at a good standard in his homeland.

Mols has cast doubts over the physical side of the 22-year-old’s game, but his defensive numbers were solid in the Eredivisie for Heerenveen. The £7.65m-rated ace averaged three tackles and interceptions per game, along with 1.2 clearances and 0.7 aerial battles won. However, even if he is lacking in physical strength, his technical quality could allow him to stand out if he moves to the Scottish Premiership.

If he is able to manipulate the ball perfectly, as Mols suggests, then opposition players may not be able to get anywhere near him to stop him from scoring or creating goals. This is why Wilson could strike gold by bringing him to Rangers this summer to bolster Steven Gerrard’s squad heading into next season.

AND in other news, Rangers land major boost with £6.1k-p/w “leader”, Wilson could strike gold for Gerrard…

KV Oostende have moved to activate Celtic defender Jack Hendry’s release clause, as reported by the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Hendry has went from zero to hero in the last two years

Hendry has become something of a forgotten man at Parkhead in recent years after being signed by former Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers in 2018 for £1.44m [Transfermarkt]. The 26-year-old has not kicked a ball in Celtic colours since a cameo appearance against Partick Thistle in the 2019/20 Betfred Cup [BBC].

Out of nowhere, the defender has enjoyed an unexpected rise to prominence. He linked up with KV Oostende on loan in 2020 following a brief loan spell at Melbourne City.

Incredibly, the Scot has went on to rack up 30 appearances for the Belgian outfit in 2020/21 [Soccerbase], winning the prestigious Sport Voetbal Player of the Year award in the process [Sport Voetbal], so there is little wonder that KV Oostende have now moved to make his stay in Belgium a permanent one.

The Latest: Release clause activated; Hendry will be a KV Oostende player

Celtic look set to make a profit on Hendry, with De Kustboys paying a rumoured fee of around £1.75m for him [Daily Record]. This is due to the release clause included in his deal, which gave the Belgian Pro League outfit first option on the Glaswegian [Daily Record].

Intriguingly, KV Oostende could look to sell him on immediately to the highest bidder for a considerable fee. Subject to interest from England, the likes of Leeds, Burnley and Newcastle are all keeping tabs on the centre-back [Daily Record].

The Verdict: More disappointment for Celtic in their time of need

On assessment, Celtic may feel slightly miffed at the circumstantial realm in which they find themselves with Hendry. Alhough they will make a profit, £1.75m seems a measly amount for someone who scored his first goal for Scotland in a friendly against the Netherlands last week [BBC].

Described by KV Oostende boss Alexander Blessin as someone who ‘has a lot of qualities’ [Celtic Star], Celtic could’ve missed out on a potential solution to their lack of depth in the centre of their defence.

Nonetheless, the Hoops must now move on and put the fee for Hendry towards acquiring a suitable replacement.

In other news, Celtic have agreed a fee to sell their talisman.