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If you believe the newspapers then Celtic’s hunt to bring a manager to Parkhead could be reaching a conclusion.

A number of coaches have been linked with the Hoops vacancy but it’s Eddie Howe who has been the hot favourite.

What’s the latest?

With a deal to bring Howe to Paradise supposedly nearing its end, Celtic will now hope to polish off a deal for a new director of football.

This has been an ongoing saga for the best part of several months now as they bid to replace Nick Hammond.

He left the club this month and thus, there is a glaring hole in their recruitment team.

It’s one that could now be filled by John Kennedy, the club’s interim manager.

That’s according to The Scottish Sun who report that the Scot is in the frame to be appointed the club’s sporting director ahead of Fergal Harkin and Richard Hughes.

The suggestion is that the top brass at Celtic want him to work closely with Howe if he’s appointed.

Big U-turn on the cards

There have been a number of twists and turns in Celtic’s hunt to find a new manager or director of football but this is perhaps the biggest of them all.

The Bhoys initially wanted Manchester City’s Harkin to be inserted into the job. In fact, a deal was reportedly 90% done to bring him to Paradise this summer.

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However, that move was put on hold due to the demands of Howe. The 43-year-old wanted his companion at Bournemouth, Hughes, to join him in Glasgow instead.

That appeared to be the major hold up in deal for the former Cherries boss but it’s now thought that Hughes isn’t as key to proceedings as first thought.

With that in mind, Dermot Desmond is clearly pondering other options.

Celtic’s interim manager had been considered for a permanent position as first-team manager but it looks as though the hierarchy have had a change of heart on that front.

Kennedy has hardly set the world alight since being made manager with the Bhoys crashing out of the Scottish Cup and conceding some particularly sloppy goals.

Supporters will have to hope he’s more qualified for matters behind the scenes because his management of the players has left plenty to be desired.

AND in other news, Move over Howe: Desmond could revive Celtic by hiring “kamikaze” 52 y/o boss instead…

Celtic have reached an agreement regarding a deal to bring Reo Hatate to Parkhead this January.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Japanese media outlet Hochi, who claim that the Bhoys have found an agreement with Kawasaki Frontale regarding the transfer of the midfielder, who now looks set to complete a switch to Glasgow in the coming weeks.

Earlier reports suggested that Celtic and the 24-year-old had already come to an agreement concerning personal terms of his contract with the Premiership side, with the transfer looking as if it is all but officially confirmed by Ange Postecoglou’s transfer team.

Ange will be buzzing

With Hatate having been one of the stars of the J League season this year, the news that Celtic have all but landed the signing of the midfielder is sure to have left the 56-year-old Bhoys boss buzzing.

Indeed, Postecoglou has openly stated that he would be returning to the Japanese top flight in the January transfer window following the success Kyogo Furuhashi has had since his £4.6m move from Vissel Kobe this summer.

And, considering how impressive Hatate was for Frontale this time out, it is easy to see why the Celtic manager is so keen to bring the 24-year-old to Parkhead.

Over his over 30 J League appearances this term, the £720k-rated central midfielder scored five goals, provided two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £625-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as his club’s fifth-best player in the league – while his impressive performances also saw him take a spot in the J League team of the season.

As such, it would appear that Hatate will make a very useful addition to Postecoglou’s current Celtic squad, with the latest news from Japan very much looking to give Bhoys fans the green light to get excited about the 24-year-old’s arrival this January.

In other news: Postecoglou drops 12-word Kyogo update ahead of cup final, Celtic fans will be furious

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Monaco monster Benoit Badiashile…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are plotting a swoop for the defender and are currently in talks with the Ligue 1 club over a deal for him this month.

The report claims that he is valued at £35m by the French side and it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle are willing to meet their demands.

Buzzing

Eddie Howe will surely be buzzing with this news for several reasons. For starters, he will be delighted that the club are actively making moves to strengthen the defence, with talks having already been opened over a transfer for Badiashile.

It shows that they are not willing to waste time and wait until the end of the window to make signings. They want to strengthen the team as quickly as possible and this will please the ex-Bournemouth boss as his team is in dire need of reinforcements.

The Magpies are 19th in the Premier League and have only won one game all season. This shows that the current crop of players have not been good enough for a team that wants to avoid relegation, which is why PIF must splash the cash to improve Howe’s options ahead of the second half of the season.

One of Newcastle’s biggest issues has been their defence. They have conceded the most goals in the division (42) and the signing of Badiashile could improve their backline. The 20-year-old has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.79 in Ligue 1 for Monaco this term, after managing a score of 6.91 in 32 starts last season.

He helped the French side to keep nine clean sheets in the 2020/21 campaign as he won 63% of his duels and made 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game. This shows that he can consistently provide strong defensive performances at the top level, winning the majority of his duels and helping his team to keep shutouts – something Newcastle have struggled with this season as they sit on one clean sheet after 19 matches.

Therefore, Howe will be buzzing with the prospect of Badiashile arriving at St. James’ Park. Not only is he a player with immense potential, given his performances in Ligue 1 at the age of 20, but he has also proven that he can perform in the here and now and the Magpies need the defensive monster in their bid to avoid relegation down to the second tier.

AND in other news, “They are…” – Chris Waugh drops key NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Nathan Patterson may be open to leaving Rangers and joining Everton as he struggles to dislodge James Tavernier. 

That’s according to BBC Radio pundit Noel Whelan, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Patterson has been limited to just two starts in Rangers’ first 20 Premiership matches this season, with Tavernier selected for the other 18. Indeed, more than a quarter of his total game-time so far in 2021/22 has come in the Scottish League Cup.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has written that ‘figuring out how to use Nathan Patterson’ is one of the key challenges facing Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox. The youngster has started just two of the Dutchman’s nine matches in charge so far.

Everton made two attempts to sign the 20-year-old last summer and are expected to renew their pursuit when the January transfer window opens next week (via The Guardian).

The latest

Whelan reckons that Patterson could succeed 33-year-old Seamus Coleman at Goodison Park or even slot in at left-back after Lucas Digne reportedly fell out with Rafael Benitez.

The former Aberdeen striker added that, while the youngster has looked a ‘top talent’, the presence of Tavernier limits his prospects at Rangers.

Whelan told Football Insider: “Obviously we know that Seamus Coleman isn’t getting any younger in that right-back spot. There’s also an opportunity for him on the left with the Lucas Digne situation, he could fill in there.

“He’s played there for Rangers recently. Even though he’s a top talent, it’s bound to be hard to get in the side ahead of the skipper, James Tavernier.

“We’ve seen him really impress for Scotland as well and he’s shown he can be a brilliant attacking talent as well on international duty. From what I know, he’s got a lot of potential.”

The verdict

You can see why Van Bronckhorst may be reluctant to leave Tavernier on the bench or alter his position. The skipper has recorded more goal involvements (14) than anybody else in the Gers squad from his right-back berth.

Indeed, if you go by WhoScored metrics, he has been Rangers’ highest-performing player this season, averaging a rating of 7.79/10.

Intriguingly, Van Bronckhorst managed to fit both players into the team against Dundee United recently by selecting Patterson on the left. Perhaps he’ll need to do that more often in the interests of the youngster’s development and indeed his transfer value.

In other news, many Rangers fans gushed over this Allan McGregor claim

Over the last few seasons, the stats have well and truly been in Liverpool’s favour. A Premier League triumph and Champions League coronation was enough to testify to that.

However, 2020/21 has been a campaign to forget for Jurgen Klopp and his players. They have looked considerably off the pace and their numbers are nothing short of diabolical.

The Reds have lost five games in a row at Anfield for the first time in their history whilst they’ve now gone more than ten hours at home without scoring from open play. Liverpool’s xG of 0.3 versus Chelsea, meanwhile, was their lowest tally at Anfield since they faced Manchester City in 2016.

This, therefore, was a torrid night. Liverpool had just one shot on target and failed to ever trouble a rejuvenated Chelsea side. Thomas Tuchel got the better of his fellow countryman which means the Merseyside outfit now sit in seventh.

Their players look beaten, fatigued and lost for words. No one typifies that more than Sadio Mane.

The forward has been sensational for Liverpool in recent years on his way to finding the net on 92 occasions in 204 matches. Yet, this season, he has been a shadow of his former self.

Mane has scored just seven times in the Premier League this term, a tally that is some way off the normal number we’re used to seeing him produce.

He lacks a cutting edge in front of goal, something we saw at Anfield on Thursday in their 1-0 defeat. He had a wonderful chance to score in the first half when Mo Salah played a ball over the top. As it came towards Mane inside the area he got his feet in a mess and the chance went begging.

It summed up his campaign and indeed an arduous night. So often Liverpool’s go-to man in recent years, he had fewer touches (47) of the ball than goalkeeper Alisson (50).

On top of that, Mane made just 19 passes, the lowest tally of any player to start the game for the Reds. Liverpool’s number 10 failed to have a single shot or provide a key pass either.

It was a surprise that he wasn’t one of the players withdrawn, especially with Salah going off after an hour. If anyone was going to make something happen, it was their dazzling Egyptian. Unlike Mane, he still looks capable of producing magic moments.

The Senegalese seems to be running on empty and should be fearful with Diogo Jota now back from injury. Mane simply hasn’t been good enough.

AND in other news, Great decision: Jurgen Klopp’s gamble with £99m-rated star is paying off for Liverpool…

Crystal Palace have been handed a significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, with Wilfried Zaha back in action.

The Ivorian winger has been missing since early February but Roy Hodgson recently confirmed he is ready for action this weekend.

Following the midweek stalemate with Manchester United, does the winger come straight back in? Here’s the XI we think Hodgson will select for the clash with Spurs.

There’s could be two changes to the Crystal Palace side to travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The back-line should be settled with Vicente Guaita shielded by the likes of Patrick van Aanholt, Gary Cahill and Joel Ward. Cheikhou Kouyate will continue at centre-back in the absences of Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins.

Hodgson has been handed another midfield injury to deal with, James McCarthy suffering a groin strain and joins James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson on the sidelines.

That likely means that Jairo Riedewald will be called into the centre of the park from the start to partner captain Luka Milivojevic.

Despite the blow of McCarthy being out, Palace’s talisman Wilfried Zaha can return. The winger has not featured since early February but is likely to go straight into the starting line-up at the expense of the £55k-per-week earning Andros Townsend.

The attack should have a familiar feel to it with Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke starting in a striking pair.

AND in more news, the Eagles have been rumoured to be making a big-money move for Mostafa Mohamed…

John Beaton has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Rangers at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead

Ange Postecoglou’s side kept up their six-point lead over their rivals on Sunday afternoon, picking up a precious 2-0 victory away to Ross County.

Next up for the Hoops is this weekend’s critical Old Firm derby meeting at Parkhead, with a win for the hosts all but securing title glory after missing out last year.

It is a game that can sometimes be defined by the refereeing performance – Bobby Madden’s display drew plenty of conversation in the cup semi-final – and the man in the middle has now been confirmed for Sunday’s meeting.

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The Latest: Beaton takes charge

It is Beaton who will take charge of proceedings at Parkhead, reports The Scotsman, and based on his own judgement, Hoops fans may not be particularly pleased to see him with the whistle.

Back in 2020, Beaton himself admitted that Celtic supporters would ‘absolutely love’ to get rid of Scottish referees for this fixture, claiming ‘everybody’ except the officials themselves want them replaced.

The Verdict: Unpopular choice

The appointment of Beaton will not go down well with Postecoglou and his players, or the fans for that matter – he has even hinted at preferring refereeing behind closed doors, saying in those comments back in 2020 life was easier without the intensity from the fans.

That said, Celtic need to focus on the task at hand and ignore any controversy – if the Hoops allow the referee to get to them, the only people it is going to affect is themselves, on what is a potentially defining afternoon in the title race.

Essentially, all the pressure is on Rangers, who really have to win the match – the only hope is that Beaton doesn’t end up having a negative say on matters.

In other news, an ex-Celtic hero has taken a dig at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s game. Read more here.

According to Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Preston North End defender Ben Davies.

What’s the word?

Not that they’d like to admit it, but despite keeping a clean sheet against 10-men arch-rivals Celtic in the Old Firm on Saturday, Rangers have looked a bit suspect at the back in recent weeks – especially in the 3-2 cup defeat to St Mirren.

Steven Gerrard’s side have marginally improved but there is still room for improvement at the back as Filip Helander was caught napping several times by St. Mirren, before being dropped against Neil Lennon’s men this weekend.

It seems the Ibrox boss has his heart set on signing a new centre-back and has turned his attention to beating Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic in the race to sign Davies in January, who’s current deal at Deepdale will run out at the end of this season.

Imagine Davies and Connor Goldson

The report claims Celtic have been closely monitoring the contract rebel’s situation but it appears Rangers chief Ross Wilson has other ideas as he plans to lure the 25-year-old to the Govan-based Glaswegian giants.

Rangers have set themselves up rather nicely to regain the Premiership title for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign, as they currently sit at the top of the table, but Gerrard is still keen to strengthen his squad before the end of the season.

It’s believed Preston are willing to listen to offers of around £5m for Davies, who is a by-product of the club’s famed academy.

However, they may be forced to accept a cut-price deal, rather than lose him for free in the summer.

Preston boss Alex Neil has made no attempts to disguise his admiration for Davies, calling him an “excellent” colossus after he made a successful recovery from injury towards the end of last year.

Neil said: “I thought the two Bens were excellent.

“They make a difference to us as everybody is aware, and I thought you could see that today, they were key in us retaining the ball and building in the first half.

“As the game wears on, Pearo’s not done a lot at all, and he’s playing in a position where he’s covering a lot of ground, so we need to protect him. Ben Davies as well, I didn’t feel there was any need for that last ten minutes to take any risks with him.”

Davies has played 14 games in the Championship this season, while he is averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and a staggering 4.4 clearances per game, via WhoScored. In stark contrast, Helander has only managed just 0.8 interceptions and 2.2 clearances on average per game in the Premiership this season, as per WhoScored.

Both comfortable at the back and confident on the ball, his ability to retain possession could prove most useful for Gerrard if Wilson can fend off competition for his services. Get it done, Gers, before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers should reward Kai Kennedy with a new contract…

West Bromwich Albion host their arch-rivals in what could be a pivotal Black Country derby later this evening.

It is a must-win game for Sam Allardyce’s men as they sit 11 points adrift of safety with only five games left to play, so a defeat would all but confirm their relegation back to the Championship.

The 66-year-old, who is yet to have such a dismal feat on his CV, will have to get his team selection spot on and they will be buoyed by the fact that they defeated Wolves when the two teams last met.

After turning a corner defensively since the January transfer window slammed shut, the Baggies have looked awfully susceptible at the back once again, leaking five goals in their last two outings.

The right-side of Big Sam’s back four looked particularly weak in both matches, so the Albion boss must consider a change there with Darnell Furlong surely facing the axe.

The 25-year-old has been inconsistent throughout the campaign, grading as their ninth-best player (6.65) as per WhoScored ratings but in these last two games, he has performed below that mean, picking up a disastrous 6.06 against Leicester City and a 6.61 last time out against Villa.

Against the Foxes, he was particularly wasteful in possession, losing the ball a whopping 25 times – comfortably the most on the pitch – and making only 36% of his 25 passes, as per SofaScore.

This was then repeated at Villa Park, where the former QPR star made just eight passes throughout 90 minutes on the pitch. That’s just one every 11 minutes.

BirminghamLive’s Joseph Chapman claimed that he struggled with the threat on offer by Anwar El Ghazi, and that could happen again with the likes of Adama Traore and Daniel Podence at Nuno Santo’s disposal.

The Baggies cannot afford to keep leaking goals when there is so much ground to cover in so little time. Perhaps it would be a wiser decision to opt for the more defensively sound Dara O’Shea, who is versatile enough to play through the middle and on the right.

Ex-Albion boss Slaven Bilic, who handed the young Irishman his debut, heaped praise on him, once claiming: “Dara is the future, and he can be present. Dara is one of the reasons why when I came to the club we didn’t sign another defender,” via BirminghamLive.

Furlong is currently holding West Brom back, so Big Sam must look to show no mercy and axe the £9m-rated right-back this evening.

AND in other news, “I’ve heard”: Pundit drops West Brom managerial claim, Dowling will surely be buzzing…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, claims the Magpies don’t have the players require to pull of Graeme Jones’ much loved split striker system.

Jones was Roberto Martinez’s assistant at Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, Everton and Belgium before taking his first managerial job at Luton Town which ended up in him being sacked before the season finished.

The split striker system is what Martinez often uses with Belgium, however, it has been strongly discussed on Tyneside by Rob Lee who saw it first hand at Luton where it also didn’t work.

Speaking on what is required to make the system work and why Newcastle won’t be able to pull it off, Howey told FFC:

“A system can work but you need to get your players to, first of all, buy into it and second of all, be capable of actually pulling it off.

“Roberto Martinez uses it at Belgium so I think that’s possibly where he’s [Jones] got it from but Newcastle haven’t got Lukaku or Kevin De Bruyne.

“You’ve got to look at your players and try to pick the best formation which suits your team and players.”

The Magpies have managed to find themselves all but safe from relegation after a recent uplift in form, sitting nine points above 18th placed Fulham with just four games of the campaign to play.