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Celtic could be handed the chance to sign a former fan favourite this summer who is 'appreciated' by Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

How have Celtic started the campaign in the Scottish Premiership and who has joined?

Celtic have started their Scottish Premiership title defence in typical fashion, recording a 4-2 victory over Ross County at Parkhead and a 3-1 triumph away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie, as per Sky Sports.

In his second stint in charge of Celtic, Rodgers has been proactive in the window, bringing in five signings in the form of Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Maik Nawrocki, as per Transfermarkt.

The Irishman is close to confirming his sixth addition since returning to Scotland, with Elfsborg central defender Gustaf Lagerbielke expected to arrive later in the week, according to Football Scotland.

Speaking to Sky Sports via the outlet in the aftermath of the Hoops' victory over Aberdeen, Rodgers confirmed that he is close to adding another body to his backline, stating: "Very close. I'm pretty sure next week we'll get that done."

Lagerbielke is expected to join Celtic as a replacement for Sweden international Carl Starfelt, who joined La Liga outfit Celta Vigo last week for an undisclosed fee, as per BBC Sport.

Cited by ESPN, former Celtic star Jota has been the only other high-profile player to seek a new challenge this summer after joining Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ittihad for a fee in the region of £25 million.

What has Rudy Galetti said about Kieran Tierney?

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who has been hailed as "outstanding", has been the subject of interest from several clubs this summer and is wanted by both Premier League outfit Newcastle United on loan alongside La Liga side Real Sociedad, according to Telegraph Sport.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has signalled that Celtic are another side in the race to sign the £110k-a-week Scotland international and has indicated that an emotional return to his boyhood club before the transfer deadline is not out of the question.

Galetti stated: "In this moment, Kieran Tierney is the hottest name for Celtic.

"Brendan Rodgers, in his statement, wants to dampen spirits over whether his return to Scotland is possible. But the Arsenal player is, for sure, one of the most appreciated players by Celtic.

"Arsenal have asked for around £25million or £30million to let him go permanently, but a transfer on loan is also considered an option."

What other events are occurring at Celtic?

According to The Northern Echo, Celtic are set to make a 'formal approach' for Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser, who could be available for a knock-down fee as his current employers look to shift him off the books in the North East.

Celtic boss Rodgers is in the market for a winger before the end of the window and Scotland international Fraser has emerged as a 'viable target' that he looks to be pursuing.

As per STV News, Fringe defender Stephen Welsh looks to have been given an unexpected olive branch at Celtic and was praised by Rodgers for his performance off the bench in the Hoops' Scottish Premiership victory over Aberdeen, as he stated: "I thought he was excellent when he came in. I like Stephen. I took him with me one pre-season when he was a young player because I really liked him. For whatever reason, he hasn’t maybe played the games, but he’s a Celtic boy who wants to be at the club. I want him to be at the club."

The Daily Mail report that Celtic are one of a number of clubs keen to acquire Manchester City youngster James McAtee, though they will need to fight off competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Real Sociedad, Southampton, Sheffield United and AZ Alkmaar.

Arsenal are set to be forced back into the market, following the devastating news recently disseminated through the mainstream media…

Who could Arsenal sign to replace Jurrien Timber?

Having hobbled off in the Gunners’ opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest, fans had their worst fears realised on Monday as The Athletic released an article regarding Jurrien Timber’s fitness.

Within, it detailed how the Dutchman’s knee ailment was far more serious than first expected, with his absence expected to be lengthy.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

As such, Mikel Arteta will likely look to add to his summer spending in an effort to offset this hefty blow, with The Express suggesting some potential stand-ins.

One such name is Joao Cancelo, who despite having agreed personal terms with Barcelona, could have his head turned given should the north London outfit offer him a suitable package. After all, they do retain an interest in the Manchester City maverick, who is valued at just €40m (£34m).

What position does Joao Cancelo play?

Despite being a natural right-back by trade, the Portugal international rose to prominence a few years ago when he traded Juventus for the Etihad.

At the time, Pep Guardiola was struggling to nail down a true starter for his left-back spot, and to fill that vacancy he decided to try something new. Slotting the 29-year-old in an unorthodox role, the right-footed gem starred, inverting from defence into midfield and providing plenty contributing to attacks.

His standout campaign arguably came during the 2021/22 season, where he maintained a 7.33 average rating, buoyed by his seven assists, 85% pass accuracy, 1.1 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

There was little he could do wrong, and everything he touched turned to gold as they strolled to Premier League title success.

His Spanish boss led the praise back in 2020: “He played exceptionally, with the ball and without the ball. He is a special talent. Defensively sometimes he needs to be consistent but when he is consistent, his focus is fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy and a football player.”

Former professional footballer Ahmed Elmohamady supported such a claim, outlining just how much the defender had evolved: “PEP has improved so many players over the years but Cancelo became a world-class player."

This kind of creativity, in the role that Arteta likely envisioned Timber fulfilling for the campaign, would have fans speedily forgetting the frustrating injury saga that is set to drag on.

Last term in the Eredivisie, the 22-year-old’s 7.03 average rating was underpinned by his four goal contributions, paired with a 92% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Considering he mainly operated as a centre-back, these were figures sure to improve in the more advanced role set out for him. Especially given, when compared to others in that role across Europe, he still sits in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries all per 90, via FBref.

If they are to be without the former Ajax star for the bulk of the season, it is certainly worth adding to their ever-growing list of big-money signings acquired this window.

After all, it would all be worth nothing if they allowed such a blow to derail what promises to potentially be the year where they finally overthrow the Citizens.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their plans to add another centre-forward to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

According to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats are 'pursuing' a swoop to sign Jay Stansfield from Premier League side Fulham.

The report claims that Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman are eyeing up a loan deal for the number nine to bolster their forward options.

Fellow Championship teams Queens Park Rangers and Millwall have also been named as interested suitors, which means that the club are facing stiff competition to secure the talented youngster's signature.

How good is Jay Stansfield?

Mowbray could land the club's next Ellis Simms by securing a deal for the 20-year-old striker as he could make the step up to Championship football after an impressive spell in League One.

Stansfield went on loan to Exeter in the third tier last term and caught the eye with nine goals and seven assists in 28 starts, which means that he averaged a goal contribution every 1.75 starts.

Simms enjoyed an excellent time on loan at Blackpool in League One prior to his move to Sunderland as he scored ten goals and assisted one in 19 starts – an average of one every 1.73 starts.

After a stint at Hearts in Scotland, the then-Everton finisher moved to the Stadium of Light and impressed last season with seven goals and two assists in 14 Championship starts before being recalled in January.

Stansfield could follow in his footsteps by taking his game to the next level in a move to Wearside after an excellent level of production in League One.

Ross Stewart (ten) is the only current Sunderland player who scored more than nine league goals and only Jack Clarke (12) managed more than seven assists, which shows how impressive the youngster's displays were last term.

Fulham boss Marco Silva claimed that the 6 foot 1 whiz became stronger and developed as a player during his spell at Exeter, which suggests that he could now be ready to take the next leap in his development.

The 20-year-old marksman's form for the Cottagers at youth level suggests that there is a prolific centre-forward to be unearthed there as he racked up a staggering 38 goals and seven assists in 49 U21 and U18 matches combined.

Therefore, the England U20 international has the potential to be a fantastic scorer for Sunderland if he is able to push on and improve upon his performances for Exeter. He now has experience of playing first-team football week-in-week-out and could use that to thrive for the Black Cats.

Stansfield, whose runs were hailed as "powerful" by journalist Josh Bunting, is yet to prove himself at Championship level but neither had Simms when he arrived on Wearside on loan from a Premier League side, which is why he could be the next version of the now-Coventry ace.

It would be a gamble from Mowbray but one that has the potential to result in a huge pay-off for Sunderland if the exciting talent is able to hit top form and make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch.

Aston Villa have plenty of the elements needed for another bright season under Unai Emery, with Ollie Watkins certain to be at the heart of any success earned…

Who else could Aston Villa sign this summer?

The English forward hit a truly rich vein of form last term as the Midlands outfit turned a relegation battle into a European finish, as he most recently hit a midweek hat trick against Hibernian just days before he starred in their win over Burnley.

As he enters the prime years of his career, his Spanish boss will seek to do all he can to ensure the necessary chances are forged for the 27-year-old to thrive.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Therefore, perhaps he could seek to break the bank for one final big purchase of the summer, reigniting their interest in Joao Felix to tempt another star to Villa Park.

With the Portugal international desperate to depart Atletico Madrid, their bargaining power dwindles with each passing day despite the 23-year-old still having four years left on his £240k-per-week deal.

Is Joao Felix going to Barcelona?

With Emery having already used his impressive pedigree to tempt Mousa Diaby and Pau Torres to join his revolution, there is every reason to believe that he could once again work his magic despite Felix being vocal about where he would prefer to be playing.

"I’d love to play for Barça," he noted. "Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça."

However, the well-documented financial troubles of the Catalan giants could force him into the hands of the Villans, who would surely benefit from the addition of such an exceptional creator.

His last full season in Spain saw him record ten goals and a further six assists across all competitions, having shone in LaLiga with his patented silkiness and ability to forge chances for his teammates.

He easily maintained a 7.15 average rating throughout that 2021/22 term, buoyed by the seven big chances he created and 0.8 key passes he recorded per game, via Sofascore.

With an ability to shine as a deeper midfielder or as a shadow striker, as when compared to other forwards across Europe it becomes clear just how big of an impact he could have on Watkins should he translate his fine form to the English game once again.

Epecially given the fact that he ranks in the top 3% for total shots per 90, the top 4% for both progressive passes and progressive passes per 90, and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

It was no surprise to see him lauded by journalist Nick Emms, who arguably offered the highest praise that a Chelsea fan can offer during his loan spell:

"Joao Felix is the first player to excite me like this since Eden Hazard. World-class."

To place that kind of dynamism beside Watkins, who scored 15 and assisted six times last campaign in the league, and Premier League defences would have an impossible task at quelling this double threat.

With pace and power to pair with his bulky 5 foot 11 frame, there is every reason to believe that the former Brentford star could even seek to emulate Erling Haaland, who cuts a similar physical profile despite having broken so many goalscoring records, and whose 29% goal conversion rate is just not too far from Watkins' 17% from last season.

Last season saw him score 52 across all competitions, setting the benchmark for all other strikers to try and emulate.

Manchester United and England great Wayne Rooney has even suggested that "Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world right now" – a notion many would struggle to dispute.

However, should the conditions prove to be favourable for Watkins, and they continue their fine form from last season with Felix supporting him, there is every reason to believe that he could emulate the Norwegian goal machine given how similar their physical profiles are.

There has been a fresh update on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey after he was forced to miss their 3-1 victory over Manchester United last Sunday.

Latest Arsenal news

Mikel Arteta's side are so far keeping chase with last season's treble-winners Man City; winning three out of their opening four league games whilst remaining unbeaten.

Arsenal dropped their first points of the new Premier League campaign at home to Fulham a fortnight ago, courtesy of a last gasp equaliser from midfielder Joao Palhinha.

However, Arteta's men were soon back to their imperious best with their latest win over United at the Emirates Stadium, just prior to the international break.

Goals from Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus cancelled out Marcus Rashford's early opener for the away side; setting them on their way to a crucial three points.

One player forced to miss the encounter was Partey, though; coming after the Ghana international star picked up an injury in training just before the match.

The 30-year-old was one of Arsenal's mainstay players during their title push last season, and has continued in that same vain over 23/24; starting three out of their opening four top flight encounters.

Partey arguably would've started the game against United last Sunday, but his knock meant the player had to watch on from the sidelines.

Now, journalist Charles Watts has shared some news on the African's situation, taking to his YouTube channel with what he's heard.

According to the reliable reporter, Partey could be out for quite some time, and it is believed his injury could be a muscle-related issue in the upper part of his leg.

Watts explained:

“[Partey] obviously missed the game at the weekend with that injury he picked up in training just before the Manchester United game.

“Sort of a muscle injury at the top of his leg, kind of groin stroke, thigh – I haven’t had it nailed down exactly what the issue is.

“But I have been told that six weeks is definitely the sort of timeframe that Arsenal and Thomas Partey and his people are looking towards.”

How good is Thomas Partey?

The former Atletico Madrid star was a crucial member of Arteta's squad over 22/23; ranking among their top five best performers by average match rating per 90 (WhoScored).

He also made more successful tackles per 90 than any other Arsenal player in the top flight that season, with pundit Nigel Winterburn calling him "so important".

"I think [Thomas] Partey has been so important," said the Gunners icon.

"If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit because last season, he had so many injuries.

“But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile."

Meanwhile, La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong has also called Partey a "sensational player".

After this international break, the games will come thick and fast for Arsenal as they battle on four fronts. A player of Partey's experience and quality will be invaluable – once he returns to the fold.

Crystal Palace have unearthed some mighty talent over the years, nurturing some stellar academy stars as well as assisting new arrivals on their path to greatness at Selhurst Park.

Not many talents stick out in south London as prolifically as Wilfried Zaha, who graduated from the academy to go on to make 458 senior appearances for Palace over his 18-year connection to the club.

Now that the Ivorian has bid farewell, it’s time for the new wave of starlets to take centre stage for the Eagles, with Roy Hodgson left with an abundance of talent at his disposal thanks to some smart signings in recent years.

Three years ago, Steve Parish welcomed one bright spark in particular to Selhurst, in a move that has proven to be a huge hit in south London. Step forward Eberechi Eze.

How much was Eberechi Eze worth at QPR?

When Queens Park Rangers signed youngster Eberechi Eze on a free transfer from Millwall in 2016, the R’s couldn’t have expected what the future would hold for both club and player thanks to his talents.

Two years after his arrival, the attacking midfielder broke into the first-team squad sporadically, making 16 Championship appearances in the 2017/18 campaign.

As a result, his expected transfer value (xTV) rose to €3m (£2.5m), as calculated by Football Transfers, telling of the path he would lead going forward.

How much did Crystal Palace sign Eberechi Eze for?

It wasn’t long before the Englishman made it to the big time, sealing a move to Crystal Palace in 2020 for a fee in the region of £20m, £4m of which were to be made up of add-ons.

At the time his xTV sat around the €17.8m (£15.2m) mark, suggesting that Palace overpaid for his services, however, the Eagles would go on to have the last laugh by capturing his signature.

What is Eberechi Eze’s market value now?

After three years and 98 appearances, it’s come to light that Parish struck gold by signing Eze, whose xTV has since rocketed to €35.1m (£30m), showing a mightily impressive £10m rise from the price he was purchased for back in 2020.

At just 25 years old, the growth that the versatile attacker has shown during his rise in the Premier League has earned him praise from beyond the comforts of Selhurst, with him earning two caps for England this year.

Why is Eze worth that much?

Lauded as having the “potential to become a star” by U23 scout Antonio Mango amid his move to Palace, Eze has quickly become one of the best talents in Hodgson’s team.

Last season, the Londoner scored ten goals as well as registering four assists in the Premier League, showcasing his importance to the attack on show in the south of the capital.

The 25-year-old was previously dubbed to be a “different class” by former Palace boss and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, which was supported by Eze registering as the highest-performing player in the Premier League in one decimal.

Indeed, as per FBref, Eze topped the charts in terms of his average of successful take-ons in comparison to other midfielders in the top flight, averaging 2.42 per 90 to show just how much of a menace he is on the ball.

From £20m to being valued at £30m in three years, Parish truly struck gold by signing Eze from QPR, with the future looking bright for both Palace and the England international.

Leeds United former coach Jesse Marsch has been complimented by one of his former players in a recent interview regarding his impact on the youngster at Elland Road, as per latest reports.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, who was speaking on the The Square Ball, Leeds United are likely to sell on-loan Roma defender Diego Llorente to the Serie A giants on a permanent basis.

Hay stated: "He’s gone to Roma and had a couple of loans out there, but Roma specifically didn’t activate the option that they had on him which I think was supposed to be the fee that Leeds had signed him for. Taking him on loan again I think there’s probably a high likelihood that he will go there permanently at some stage."

Meanwhile, Ilia Gruev, who was a late window signing for Leeds United from Werder Bremen, has revealed his preferred position after some appearances at centre-back on international duty, cited by The Yorkshire Evening Post, saying: "I feel much better in midfield. I play where the coach lets me."

As per Leeds Live, both Gruev and his new midfield counterpart Glen Kamara have picked up some valuable minutes during the international break with Bulgaria and Finland and will hope to be raring to go on Sunday when the Whites travel to face Millwall in a much-anticipated clash at The Den.

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Leeds United failed to add depth to their left-back department in the summer despite making an 'aggressive' approach for now-Sheffield United full-back Luke Thomas and also Burnley veteran Charlie Taylor.

What has Sam Greenwood said about Jesse Marsch?

Leeds United youngster Sam Greenwood joined Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign late in the summer transfer window, and is capable of playing in either midfield or across the front line.

Greenwood has recently been speaking to The Northern Echo about his versatility and preferred position, and he also complimented former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch for making him a better player in a recent interview.

The 21-year-old stated: "My actual position is a striker or a 10. I like to shoot, anywhere around the box, I take set-pieces, I'm both footed and create opportunities to score. When I played midfield he (Marsch) saw something different with my passing range and said I was good at counter pressing, so that's why he put me there. But my main position is up-front and anywhere up-top. Playing in different positions can help, even if you don't think it at the time. It (playing midfield) made me a bit better on the ball I think, playing at such a high level out of position."

In his time at Leeds United, Greenwood has managed to chalk up 35 senior appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and five assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Now on loan at Middlesbrough, current Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will hope that he can gain some beneficial first-team experience before returning to Elland Road a more rounded player next summer.

Leeds United have been a club renowned for its questionable transfer moves in recent years, with former Sporting Director Victor Orta having been at the heart of the bulk of them.

The Spaniard had a huge hand in decisions made regarding managerial switches and incoming players, which ultimately doomed them to the drop last year, and allowed the bulk of their squad to easily depart soon after

No less than 15 of their first-team stars have departed, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober all jumping ship despite having signed within the last year.

To see such new faces rush to exit Elland Road only compounded Orta’s failures, who even saw his contract terminated in May in order to usher in the new era.

It took 16 years for them to return to the Premier League after their 2004 relegation, and the hope will be that Daniel Farke can ensure that their current stay in the second tier is not nearly as long.

Given the emphatic summer of spending the German enjoyed, as he sought to offset these exits, the club are certainly in a strong enough position to dream of an instant promotion this year.

In what was their first window in a while without the disgraced sporting director, it was largely a positive one as they fought to quell the tide of outgoings spurred on by various clauses that facilitated an easy exit.

Shrewd signings like Glen Kamara, Joe Rodon and Djed Spence brought top-flight experience to Elland Road, whilst the likes of Jaidon Anthony and Joel Piroe boast numerous years starring within the Championship between them.

However, when viewing both the pedigree they brought and their recent performances, Ethan Ampadu must stand out as their marquee addition.

How has Ampadu performed at Leeds?

Preying on Chelsea’s desperation to offload the bulk of a heavily bloated squad, the Wales international had got lost amongst the talent they boasted. At one point last season Graham Potter was forced to play two matches in training due to the sheer number of players they had at Cobham, so for the 23-year-old returning from a largely uneventful loan spell in Italy, he was unlikely to break through.

Dropping down a division offered plenty to both parties, and given his start to life in Yorkshire, it is already working out well.

Although their start to the season has been somewhat patchy, Ampadu has stood out as one of their shining lights, with his 7.28 average rating in the league the fifth-best within the squad. Such a fine figure is buoyed by his 85% pass accuracy alongside one key pass, 2.3 tackles and 2.5 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Farke would rush to laud the man who has already lit up the Championship: “I'm pretty pleased with the signing of Ethan Ampadu. I think today he has showed some glimpses and in the many periods why wanted him so much. He's a young player with much potential, also more to come, but already an experienced player so he was quite crucial in the first half.”

It seems that a run of games could help the versatile star finally grow into his once-promised potential, as former Northern Ireland international Paul McVeigh once lauded: “Footballing world, take note of this young player. Ethan Ampadu. He's going to be very special."

How much did Leeds pay for Ethan Ampadu?

As if his performances alone did not vouch for the coup the Whites earned by signing Ampadu, it is worth outlining just how cheap the deal for the 6-foot maestro was.

After all, with the aforementioned issues in west London, their desperation to sell clearly fed into the cut-price nature of the deal.

Either unaware or uninterested in his future, it was astonishing to see the Stamford Bridge outfit sanction his exit at a mere £7m.

How much was Ethan Ampadu worth at Chelsea?

Given he spent six years in London, it should be no surprise that the value of the former Spezia loanee fluctuated throughout his time there.

Sat at a mere €800k (£689k) in 2017 when he made the move from Exeter City to the Premier League side, leaving the club that handed him a senior debut at just 15 years old, immediately expectations were astronomically high.

Reaching a peak of €17m (£14.6m) in 2022, as per Football Transfers, such a figure has slowly declined as chances have become scarcer. Fortunately, the former England U16s international is already on his way back to such a level since moving to Leeds.

What is Ethan Ampadu’s market value now?

Football Transfers help to outline the growth of such an integral figure for Farke across the three months that the midfielder has been at the club, with their month-by-month expected Transfer Value tracker.

Given that it has once again started on an upward trajectory, the €15.6m (£13.4m) level he has now reached is one only certain to continue soaring with each passing month.

To compare that figure with the initial sum spent to sign Ampadu, and across just two months already his value has risen by a whopping 91%. Come the end of the campaign, it is a truly enthralling prospect to imagine just how high it will have risen.

Why is Ethan Ampadu worth that much?

All the aforementioned glowing testimonies help to emphasise why the Welshman is valued so highly, alongside the figures that showcased a truly bright start to the league season.

However, what has not been noted is his versatility, with the ability to easily slot into centre-back a hugely important factor that will surely aid Farke throughout what promises to be a gruelling year.

Ethan Ampadu

23

89

6

Glen Kamara

27

150

36

Patrick Bamford

30

102

0

Daniel James

25

106

15

In fact, during his most recent loan spell in Serie A, Leeds’ number four would feature predominantly at the back, with his 6.91 average rating the highest in the entire squad. Although they would fall to relegation, the supplementary figures of 1.2 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and three clearances per game (via Sofascore) help suggest that it had nothing to do with the performances of Ampadu.

The hope will be that the fine start to life at Elland Road is one which can be maintained throughout a season where promotion is a must, helping skyrocket that value to new heights.

Crystal Palace are exploring a move to sign an in-demand “versatile” new player in the New Year, according to recent reports.

Who did Crystal Palace sign this summer?

The Eagles and Roy Hodgson were relatively quiet in the summer, bringing in just four new players during the transfer market. Big fees were paid for Matheus Franca and Dean Henderson from Flamengo and Manchester United respectively, whereas Rob Holding arrived from Arsenal late in the window and Jefferson Lerma made the switch to London on a free transfer after leaving Bournemouth.

On the pitch, Palace have made a relatively solid start, picking up eight points from their first six Premier League games. However, chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman already seem to have one eye on the January transfer window, and a new target has emerged at Selhurst Park.

TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are one of five top-flight clubs who are now exploring a move to sign Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko.

Alongside the Eagles, Burnley, Everton, Sheffield United and West Ham are also keen on the Ukraine international, whose representatives are looking at possible options ahead of 2024.

Who is Mykola Matviyenko?

Matviyenko can play anywhere across the back four but is primarily a central defender who has made 175 appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk after progressing through their academy.

The left-footed defender would therefore offer plenty of versatility to Hodgson’s backline, should a move go through, and that attribute has been picked up in the media.

Journalist Andrew Todos recently described Matviyenko as a “versatile” player who “can be world-class when he plays in a formation with three defenders” following links of a move to Brighton, highlighting his pace and ball-playing ability as some of his main strengths.

"Matviyenko is a composed and experienced centre-back, who comes across as very assured, especially when playing alongside younger teammates. As he started his career as a full-back, he's got more pace than an average centre-back and this aids him quite a lot in recovery challenges.

"He rarely goes in for wild tackles that might result in bookings or penalties and one of his main strengths is blocking crosses or goalbound shots. He's also very good at playing balls over the top, playing out from the back, and he's versatile.

"In my opinion, he can be world-class when he plays in a formation with three defenders. If he plays in a back four, he should play alongside a tall defender who can help him. He is good as a centre-back but the best matches of his career were when he was in a back three and he played next to wing-backs."

The 27-year-old appears to be in his prime with Transfermarkt valuation standing at €20m – the highest figure of his career – and it looks like a move to England could be possible.

Whether or not that will be at Selhurst Park remains to be seen, but a move could be one to watch over the coming months where Matviyenko may end up coming in to rival the likes of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

Manchester United are a club synonymous with transfer failures, with their desperation to return to the top often leading to misguided decisions in the market that have racked up over time.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2012 retirement, the entire progression of the club has been around returning them to that level at any cost.

However, so many top managers have now been and gone at Old Trafford, with the likes of David Moyes, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and many more all failing to make the Red Devils realistic challengers once again. It is worth noting that they surpassed the £1bn mark when it came to transfer spending since the legendary Scotsman's departure, and that was three years ago. That is a figure certain to be much higher now.

Erik ten Hag is the latest to take a swing at it, but even he seems to be struggling after an admirable first campaign in charge.

Whilst there are too many failed acquisitions to outline them all, with the likes of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria marking just a couple of the most lucrative, one of the biggest disappointments actually came with Eric Bailly, who promised much following his £30m move, but ultimately failed to deliver.

How good was Eric Bailly?

Given how dominant the Ivory Coast international had been for Villarreal despite his youth, many assumed that the centre-back would mark a fine investment set to star in the present and for the long-term future.

After all, he boasted all the necessary attributes to thrive in a modern-day defence, as a strong, powerful and aerially-dominant ace capable of playing out from the back with ease. As such, in his final year in La Liga, he would maintain a 77% pass accuracy and a 94% dribble success rate, partnered with 2.6 interceptions and 4.7 clearances per game.

He would then translate such form into a fine debut year, as his 7.25 average rating was facilitated by an 86% pass accuracy, 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game as well as five clearances per game, via Sofascore.

However, that was arguably his only impressive season with injuries then ravaging a promising career, taking away the speed that made him so useful, and the confidence that oozed through him when he first emerged onto the world stage.

The 29-year-old would then fail to make more than 11 league starts in the five seasons that followed, emphasising such persisting ailments.

Bailly would endure seven torrid years with the Red Devils, overseen by four different permanent managers, and yet would only muster up an abysmal 113 total appearances. He has since joined Besiktas on a free transfer, but not before journalist Sam Tighe outlined just how bad a potential signing it could have been for Newcastle United: "Eric Bailly might genuinely be the worst signing they could possibly make. Just absolutely no case for it whatsoever."

One particularly woeful afternoon for the 49-cap flop came in 2021, as the talkSPORT team sought to dig him out for his role in helping Manchester City win yet another derby. Pundit Trevor Sinclair would first note: "What is Bailly doing? That is poor defending. If you can’t divert it away from goal, don’t touch the ball! See if you can let it run. We’re not surprised, are we? He’s a rash defender and he seems like he’s always got a mistake in him and he’s got it out the way early.

2021/22

3

2020/21

10

2019/20

1

2018/19

8

2017/18

11

2016/17

24

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks and the ship has sailed for Bailly. He'll never be the composed defender Man United need."

Then, former United assistant Steve McClaren would pile on, claiming: "Bailly on both occasions is the culprit. Mistakes, bad bad defending."

If one performance could sum up Bailly's Manchester United career, then that was it. Mistake-prone and riddled with injuries, resulting in a costly waste of money.

What was said about Eric Bailly when he first signed?

However, as aforementioned, expectations were high after he had first signed, with many rushing to praise such business.

Mourinho, the man who tempted him to Manchester, would laud the potential and progression of his newest signing in 2016: "Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around. We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."

However, it was a piece written by the Manchester Evening News that has truly aged poorly, as they suggested that the centre-back had all the attributes to be the club's new Nemanja Vidic.

Such a comparison was born from Bailly's claims after joining, as he had suggested: "I like John Terry, but, especially, Vidic. I watched them both on television when I was in Spain. They are very strong and powerful, like I try to be. Terry plays well and plays the ball well but Vidic was more hard and played really hard. He was my favourite player at Manchester United and in the Premier League. I want to be like him with my performances for United."

Having won all there was to win with United across his eight-year tenure there, it should come as no surprise that a young defender aspired to reach the level of a man who made it into four different PFA Team of the Years and kept 23 clean sheets during the 2008/09 season, conceding just 16 goals.

He was a defensive rock and someone who earned huge praise from Ferguson for his warrior-like personality: "How many centre-halves can you name who actually like defending? Vidic liked it. He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him".

Then, former teammate and partner Rio Ferdinand would supplement such a claim: "He became a defender that was feared. He could fight with the most physical, he crunched into tackles, he attacked the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen. But as he will tell you with a smile, he could also play with the ball too, which made him complete and a great defender."

Ironically, whilst the Serbian destroyer remains a legend around Old Trafford, he too endured an injury-hit spell with Inter Milan before calling time on a glittering career. Perhaps, in the end, Bailly did turn out like the 41-year-old. Just not in the way he had hoped.