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An update has emerged on Nantes forward Jean-Kevin Augustin, regarding Celtic’s interest in the attacker.

What’s the talk?

According to French outlet Homme du Match, Celtic are interested in signing striker Jean-Kevin Augustin from Ligue 1 club Nantes this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops are monitoring his situation as they look at potential replacements for Odsonne Edouard, should the French forward depart before the end of the window.

Blunder on the horizon

Celtic must avoid a blunder with Augustin this summer as signing him could be a disaster.

Ange Postecoglou would be facing a nightmare if the club went ahead with a deal for the attacker as he has struggled both on and off the pitch in recent years.

His track record, both in France and in England, is dismal and there is little evidence to suggest that he would be a good signing for the Scottish giants.

Leeds were recently forced to pay £18m for the Frenchman after refusing to sign him at the end of their 2019/20 campaign, despite having an obligation to sign him due to their promotion to the Premier League. He joined the Whites on loan midway through that season and made just three substitute appearances, failing to manage a goal or assist – leading to the club opting against making him a permanent member of their squad.

The £21k-per-week flop then returned to France with Nantes and faced similar issues. He played three games in the league last season and faced criticism from his boss. Nantes manager Christian Gourcuff hit out at the forward’s fitness, claiming that it was at an unacceptable level and citing it as a reason for his lack of involvement in Ligue 1. He said:

“We have now left him out of team training so that he can reach an acceptable level of fitness. He is following an individual fitness regime this week with Cyrille Moine (fitness coach) and that will still be the case next week.

“We integrated him, but we saw that he was not at a sufficient level.”

This suggests that Augustin is not the right character for Celtic to add to their group. He is seemingly not devoted enough to keep himself in shape and he has not been able to score a goal at his past two clubs, suggesting that his talent does not outweigh his lack of professionalism.

Therefore, the Hoops must avoid him at all costs as it could be a disaster of a signing for the club if he continues the way he’s going.

AND in other news, “The kind of calibre Postecoglou wants” – Celtic journalist hails 26 y/o amid confirmed update…

Sheffield United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng, according to The Sun (8th August, page 67). 

What’s the story?

Sheffield United have already been faced with considerable interest from Arsenal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has recently returned to the first-team squad having been away from England on international duty over the summer.

Ramsdale has been with the club since 2020, although it’s claimed that he could be heading for the Bramall Lane exit door in the near future, with the transfer window set to close on August 31st.

Therefore, the Blades are seemingly preparing for his departure by targeting a move for Dieng, who has two years remaining on his current contract with Mark Warburton’s QPR side.

He has made 44 appearances in total for the Rs in total, which includes 43 from the 2020/21 season, as QPR finished ninth in the Championship table.

The Sun report that Dieng could be on the move this summer for a fee in the region of £6million, with the Blades eyeing a move for the 26-year-old.

Dieng has been with QPR since 2016, and kept 11 clean sheets with them last season, as they finished last year’s campaign strongly under the watchful eye of Warburton.

The shot-stopper has previously been attracting interest from West Ham United, and you don’t do that by chance, so that speaks volumes about his ability at this moment in time and the exciting potential he has.

Dieng has shown that he’s more than capable of performing to high standard in the Championship, with the shot-stopper adjusting well to the demands of life in the second-tier, which can sometimes be an unforgiving league.

He had an average Whoscored rating of 6.71 from the 2020/21 season for QPR and he could turn out to be a smart signing by Sheffield United this summer.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side will be looking to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, having been relegated from the top-flight last term, in what was a disappointing campaign for the Bramall Lane faithful to witness.

The Blades haven’t been very active in the summer transfer window, but Ramsdale’s potential departure late into this summer could prompt some late movement, which is certainly needed.

Sheffield United were beaten by Birmingham City in their opener this term, and Jokanovic will be keen to see a positive response from his side in midweek when they return to action against Carlisle United in the EFL Cup.

Dieng made an error against Norwich City last term, but Warburton labelled the shot-stopper as ‘outstanding’ for his performances during last year’s campaign.

“He’s human. There’s no-one in the world [who doesn’t make mistakes]. [Lionel] Messi makes mistakes, [Cristiano] Ronaldo makes mistakes, the very, very best people in the world make mistakes.

“Seny’s had an outstanding season, he’s just human. It’s as simple as that.”

Dieng would be a smart signing by the Blades if they can get a deal over the line to secure his signature, as he’s shown that he’s capable of performing to a more than good enough standard at this level, and it’s a deal that the Bramall Lane faithful should be buzzing about.

AND in other news; Sheffield United also want to sign this in-demand star before the window closes…

David Moyes risks uproar amongst the West Ham United faithful if he makes a move for Phil Jones this month…

What’s the word?

The Irons have been left frustrated by their search for a new centre-back over the past few days after Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma rejected the chance to join the club.

It’s believed that the addition of a new central defender is currently Moyes’ top priority, with Angelo Ogbonna dealing with a pre-season injury problem.

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, the Hammers’ hunt is nearly getting to the point of them considering free transfers, in which forgotten Manchester United outcast Phil Jones could be a target, even if slightly unlikely.

It’s not the first time that the 29-year-old colossus has been mooted with a switch to the London Stadium. Last month, Eurosport reported of Moyes’ interest in working with the centre-back once again.

Massively uninspiring

If West Ham’s options go from the likes of Zouma and James Tarkowski to Jones, then the Scot risks causing fury amongst the Irons faithful and that is the last thing he needs, with supporters group Hammers United already planning to protest before their game against the Red Devils next month.

Whilst Moyes may well think that he could repeat the theatrics of Jesse Lingard’s comeback, it seems unlikely that he can do the same with the 27-time England international.

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Jones has not played a competitive match for United – or anyone – in more than 18 months after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before he picked up a serious long-term knee injury.

The Manchester Evening News claim that the 5 foot 11 defender is effectively ‘unsellable’, and that goes to show just how low the East Londoners would be sinking with a move for him.

It would be one mighty risk to take a punt on someone who has not played at the elite level for so long, especially considering that he is thought to be earning around £110k-per-week at Old Trafford.

Furthermore, when he was in action, he was far from impressive.

Jones was once described as a player who “looks like he’s on roller-skates” and “sometimes he looks like the stunt-man of the team” by Martin Keown to talkSPORT.

Now valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, Moyes would certainly be playing with fire with a move for his former starting centre-back. The Irons faithful will surely be furious if he signs.

AND in other news, West Ham insiders drop major takeover claim, fans will be fuming…

West Ham boss David Moyes is very much behind all of the club’s summer transfer business, according to a reliable club insider…

What’s the word?

ExWHUemployee delivered an exciting claim during a recent episode of his ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, where he revealed that the 58-year-old is a major part of all negotiations.

“I think the fans will like this,” he said.

“David Moyes has said that any negotiations with the likes of Will Salthouse, he wants to be directly involved. He wants no negotiations with agents to go on without him having some say in it, which I admire and I think is definitely the right thing to happen.”

A positive sign

This is another hugely encouraging sign that the Irons are becoming a very differently run outfit.

During an interview with the Daily Mail last year, Moyes delivered a warning to the club’s owners, GSB, that they were far behind their rivals in the recruitment department.

“We have a small recruitment department and that has to be addressed because that is not the situation at any other club,” he claimed. “We have to put that in place. We have to have a professional ethic about how we go about our business.”

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However, since the end of last season, things have started to change, with the Scot being trusted to build his own scouting and recruitment network, in which he has hired his own son, David Moyes Jnr.

In the past, the Hammers have had some calamitous sporting directors like Mario Hussilos, who has been responsible for signings like Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller, whilst there has often been a reliance on GSB’s preferred agents, including clientele, who has a plethora of clientele at the London Stadium.

His agency, Unique Sports Management, has Said Benrahma, Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Ryan. Fredericks and Darren Randolph on the books, so evidently there has been some questionable decision-making.

But now, it seems as if Moyes has been trusted with complete control and this should give West Ham a massive boost from here on out. And as Ex says, it will leave fans absolutely buzzing.

The 58-year-old signed a three-year contract extension in the summer and has been rewarded with actions on his demands.

With the Irons closing in on the signing of Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina, it’s surely a matter of time before Moyes lands his next target, another player he will have undoubtedly asked for personally.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee reveals exciting West Ham transfer twist, fans will surely be buzzing…

Manchester City have recently been tipped to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, and if he were to join Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, we could see Aymeric Laporte depart the Etihad Stadium.

What’s the word?

In an exclusive interview with Football Transfer Tavern, Serie A expert Conor Clancy has suggested that the Citizens should make a move for the centre-back this summer, as he deserves to be playing in a title-challenging team.

He said: “Koulibaly is a player who should not just be competing for titles but winning titles every year.

“He should be playing for someone like Man City. He shouldn’t be at Napoli.”

Should Man City sign Koulibaly?

City have regularly been linked with the Senegal international in the past but it seems unlikely that they will add another centre-back to their ranks this summer unless Laporte were to leave.

Ruben Dias and John Stones look likely to continue their partnership at the heart of City’s defence this season after their superb performances played a huge part in City’s title success in the 2020/21 campaign.

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However, a lack of game-time has reportedly led Laporte to voice his desire to leave City this summer, with Juventus among those linked with the Spain international.

You could argue that, following Eric Garcia’s departure, as well as Nathan Ake’s less than impressive performances in a City shirt thus far, Guardiola would be lacking in squad depth at centre-back this summer if Laporte were sold, which seems likely if the Citizens are to afford a move for Harry Kane.

Therefore, they should perhaps consider a move for Koulibaly, who has established himself as one of the top defenders in the world during his time at Napoli, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina dubbing him “extraordinary” in 2020.

Whilst the powerful centre-back is now 30 years old and valued at £43.2m by Transfermarkt, he could add a lot of quality to Guardiola’s side and would provide serious competition for a starting spot at centre-back next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

If Laporte does leave the Etihad, and a move for Koulibaly is financially viable, then Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider bringing the Senegal star to Manchester City this summer.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Harry Kane update, Man City fans will be buzzing

Celtic’s start to the new campaign has been scintillating as Ange Postecoglou clears the rubble from last term and watches the goals fly in.

There is now a clearer route to goal for the Hoops and their ambitions of winning the league crown bode incredibly well.

What’s the word?

Celtic already look a pretty complete outfit but there’s every chance they could get better before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Josip Juranovic joined their defensive ranks this weekend but they could still sign another forward.

One player they’ve been chasing intently over the last week is VVV-Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis.

However, despite reports that Celtic had a bid rejected for his services, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph delivered an exciting claim on Saturday.

He said: “VVV-Venlo have left striker Georgios Giakoumakis out of the squad again to avoid injury, as he works out his future away from the club. Celtic and Werder Bremen are still in talks with the player, while others have expressed interest.”

Top signing

Touted at a price of around £3m this deal is a complete no-brainer for Celtic.

Although they are by no means struggling for goals, they will need to replace Odsonne Edouard if he finally takes his leave in the final week or so of the window.

The Frenchman has been expected to leave but has been priced out of a move to the Premier League due to his high wage demands.

Edouard has worked himself back into favour under Postecoglou in recent weeks and scored his first league goal of the season from open play in the 6-0 drubbing versus St Mirren on Saturday.

Giakoumakis, though, would be a wonderful successor.

His form in the Netherlands was nothing short of exceptional last term as the 26-year-old ended the campaign as the Eredivisie’s top scorer.

The forward found the net on 29 occasions in all competitions and it was no surprise to see him score with such regularity.

After all, Giakoumakis takes an incredibly large volume of shots from high xG areas centrally inside the 18-yard box.

The Greece international appears to be a dangerous player and has high intelligence in the area, ensuring that very few attempts towards the goal are wasted.

This was an area that Celtic had plenty of problems in last term with the likes of Ryan Christie, David Turnbull and Callum McGregor taking a high percentage of efforts from long-range.

Although that issue has been ironed out this season, the addition of Giakoumakis would help them even more.

Signing a player with plenty of goals in him should also delight supporters. After all, it’s not every day you get linked with a 29-goal attacker; they must relish the idea of his entrance in Glasgow.

AND in other news, £1.8m-rated Celtic gem who won just 28.5% duels let Postecoglou down on Saturday…

Dean Windass has been impressed with Dele Alli’s early season form – describing him as almost like a new signing for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Alli made just seven Premier League starts in the whole of last season following his ongoing rift with former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.

His loss of form and lack of opportunities led to him failing to score in the league for the first time as a Tottenham player – with his three goals all coming in the Europa League.

However, the £27m-rated 25-year-old has got his mojo back under Santo, and after his hard-working display against Manchester City in which he covered the most distance (11.06km), Alli scored the winner against Wolves on Sunday from the penalty spot to continue Spurs’ perfect start to the campaign.

Alli has been playing in a slightly deeper central midfield role compared to previous seasons, and Windass has been thrilled with his all round demeanour.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“I’ve been very impressed with his attitude, it’s unbelievable. I said that he would have been punching the air when Jose left.

“Footballers only love the managers when they’re playing. Out of possession, he works his socks off and he’s like a new signing for Nuno.”

Tottenham Hotspur have had a loan offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Adama Traore rejected, according to The Times. 

The proposed deal would have seen Spurs pay £5million up front and included an option to buy next summer.

Wolves turned it down because only a guaranteed sale interests them. An initial loan with an obligation to buy could, therefore, be a viable option.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has identified Traore as the man to bolster his attack.

Could Traore’s three-year Wolves career come to an end?

The Spaniard has two years left on his contract at Molineux, and it was reported back in May that talks over an extension were ongoing (via The Athletic). More than three months on, though, no agreement has been reached.

Traore joined Wolves from Middlesbrough in 2018 and has gone on to make 133 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists (via Transfermarkt).

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the latest on the possible transfer, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These Wolves fans dismissive of Traore offer

“Is Levy real? He expects Man City to pay 150M for Kane then get Traore on loan, it’s laughable.”

Credit: @W4768721431

“Hilarious…..money would be better spent on paying off some of the debt on that white elephant stadium”

Credit: @salopwolf

“Never change Daniel Levy”

Credit: @Wolvensam

“Perhaps we should offer a loan for Son & Kane in return?”

Credit: @bakes1970

“This is just disrespectful”

Credit: @brendan161_

“The absolute cheek of it”

Credit: @smgriffiths1980

In other news, fans react to this transfer snub.

Charlton are starting to build some momentum after a stunning 6-1 win over Crawley in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

Nigel Adkins’ side lost four of their first five competitive fixtures and picked up one point from those games, a 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day, in a dreadful opening few weeks of the 2021/22 campaign.

They managed to turn things around last weekend with a 2-0 win over Crewe Alexandra, before dishing out a 6-1 hammering to Crawley on Tuesday. Josh Davison scored twice, with Corey Taylor, Elliot Lee and Mason Burstow also scoring, along with an own goal from Crawley’s George Francomb.

There are always positives and negatives that can be taken from games and the latter for this match came in the form of Charlie Baker’s display at right-back.

The teenager full-back was handed an opportunity by Adkins to show that he can come in and perform to a high standard, potentially with the view to him getting more chances in League One this season. However, he was unable to do that as he struggled on the pitch despite the 6-1 win.

Baker was handed a SofaScore rating of 6.6 for his display, whilst eight of the other starters achieved scores of 7.1 or higher. Per SofaScore, the 18-year-old gave away possession of the ball 20 times from 60 touches, which means that he gave Crawley the ball once in every three touches. With a pass success rate of 66%, this suggests that he was unable to offer a reliable option in possession as he consistently failed to find a teammate with his passes and loose touches.

Only three of his seven attempted long passes and crosses came off and he registered zero shots on target or chances created. This means that he was not able to offer a consistent attacking threat down the right flank to support his teammates.

Defensively, the full-back also failed to impress. Per SofaScore, he did not complete a single tackle in the 90 minutes he played, whilst making two interceptions, two clearances and zero blocks. He also lost 60% of his defensive duels, losing five of his eight aerial battles and one of his two ground duels.

He let himself down as he was off the pace at both ends of the pitch. Hopefully, however, he will be given a chance to make up for this howler of a performance in the next round of the competition and show that this display was a one-off.

Taking to Twitter, journalist Toby Cudworth of 90min has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

The Lowdown: West Ham in summer striker hunt…

It is no secret that failing to sign a striker comes as possibly the only down side to what ended up being quite a productive transfer window.

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For the majority of the summer, West Ham had just Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris-Saint Germain to show for their efforts, but in the last hurdle, everything changed.

Indeed, manager David Moyes managed to bring in the likes of Kurt Zouma, Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic very late on – but unfortunately for the Scotsman, his side are still without an alternative to Michail Antonio up front.

The Latest: Cudworth drops Hlozek transfer claim…

Writing on his social media, 90min’s Cudworth explains that West Ham still have their eyes on forward options even after the window’s closure.

One of the options linked with a summer move, exciting young Sparta striker Hlozek, is apparently still very much on GSB’s transfer radar as West Ham continue to scour the Czech Republic.

“WHUFC still very interested in teenage sensation Adam Hlozek, despite not making a move this summer,” explained the reporter.

“I have no doubt agents Soucek, Coufal and now Kral know their mission for current and future Czech international duties.”

The Verdict: Good option?

The teenage sensation, while coming as a very promising talent, can also hold on his own at senior level judging by his goalscoring record last year.

He bagged a quite incredible 15 goals and eight assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances over 2020/2021 and has started this campaign equally well – netting three and assisting another two already (Transfermarkt).

Lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by agent Pavel Paska (Aktualne.cz), Hlozek comes as a very exciting target for West Ham and it will be interesting to see how January pans out.

In other news: ‘Unbelievable’, ‘This is the one’…BBC pundit in awe of what has happened at West Ham, find out more here.