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Manchester United are reportedly still interested in sealing a move for Monaco defender, Axel Disasi, with manager Erik ten Hag eyeing potential defensive reinforcements ahead of the start of next season.

What's the latest on Disasi to Man United?

Following previous rumours regarding a summer move for the 25-year-old, The Sun are now reporting that the Red Devils remain on 'alert' in case a deal for the Frenchman does become a possibility, despite potential concerns over the player's price tag.

With United seemingly wary of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations – while also enduring a lingering takeover saga – the report suggests that it may prove 'difficult' to land the former Reims ace, despite the fact that Ten Hag 'wants' him.

If the Old Trafford outfit are to snap up the 6 foot 3 rock over the coming weeks the belief is that any deal could cost in the region of £34m, albeit with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea also ready to pounce with an offer of their own.

How good is Axel Disasi?

This search for a new central defender comes amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire's future at the Theatre of Dreams, with the 30-year-old having recently been stripped of the captaincy after starting just eight Premier League games last season.

The former Leicester City man has been heavily linked with a departure following that slide down the pecking order under Ten Hag, hence why the Dutchman is seeking a figure like Disasi to help provide competition for the likes of Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Hailed as "complete" and "dominant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Monaco machine could prove to be an "amazing signing for any top Premier League club" as he was simply "born to play in England" – as per Kulig.

If United are to get their man – despite the hefty rival interest – then it could allow Ten Hag to find his answer to another exciting Frenchman in the form of William Saliba, with the latter man currently thriving for the Gunners after also making the transition from life in Ligue 1.

The 22-year-old was initially snapped up by the north Londoners on a £27m deal from Saint-Etienne back in 2019, albeit while only forcing his way into the first-team picture at the Emirates last season, after spending the previous few years back on loan in his homeland.

Despite that delayed start to life in English football, the 6 foot 4 gem has been simply "exceptional" over the past 12 months or so, according to manager Mikel Arteta, having started 27 league games as part of the club's ultimately unsuccessful title charge last term.

Likened to a "young Rio Ferdinand" by United legend, Gary Neville, Saliba is certainly a player that the Red Devils would wish to have on their hands, hence snapping up their own version of the Bondy native with the addition of Disasi.

The two men both seemingly share an innate composure in possession, with Saliba ranking in the top 7% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for pass completion, while his compatriot ranks in the top 4% for both progressive passes and progressive carries, proving himself adept at playing out from the back.

In a defensive sense, the pair are also seeming alike, with the Arsenal starlet having averaged two tackles and interceptions per game in the league last term as a sign of his ball-winning prowess, while Disasi is only just ahead after averaging 2.3 in that regard from his 28 Ligue 1 appearances.

That likeness between the two towering titans would suggest that the United target could perhaps adapt to life in England just as smoothly as his international colleague has of late, with it looking as if Disasi could very well prove to be Ten Hag's answer to Saliba next term.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has claimed that new Tottenham Hotspur player James Maddison is a better signing than Mason Mount, who recently joined Manchester United.

The former Leicester City midfielder made the move to North London this summer, after the Foxes suffered relegation to the Championship. Signing for a reported £40m, Maddison will hope to hit the ground running under Ange Postecoglou.

Meanwhile, Mount completed his move to Old Trafford for a reported £60m deal, in a transfer that saw over a decade at Chelsea come to a ruthless end.

Between the two England internationals, although he said it was close, Parlour believes Maddison just about edges it, and is a better signing this summer.

The former Gunner knows what he's talking about when it comes to quality, too, after a stellar career at Arsenal. Indeed, it was in North London that he won three Premier League titles, including as part of the famous 2004 Invincibles side, as well as four FA Cups and one League Cup.

So, his verdict on Maddison is certainly high praise.

What did Ray Parlour say?

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, in partnership with Genting Casino, Parlour said: “I'm interested to see how Maddison does…

"But Maddison, £40m, I’m thinking… well, if you keep Harry Kane, with Son [Heung-min], [Dejan] Kulusevski on the left. You know, they've got a decent strike force there.

“And I hope it all goes wrong, if I'm being honest, I hope he starts going out in London, I might try to get him on the debrief [drinking session] with me and Alan [Brazil].

“But that's a good signing for 40 million quid. You know, Mason Mount, £60m. Who would you rather have, Mount or Maddison?

"It’s a close one, isn’t it? I’d probably go towards Maddison a little bit more, with free kicks and all that sort of stuff.”

How did James Maddison and Mason Mount perform last season?

After the Arsenal legend's verdict, it's only right to take a look at how Mount and Maddison performed in the Premier League last season.

Both were part of seasons to forget for their respective sides, as Chelsea finished in the bottom half, and Leicester were relegated.

That's not to say they didn't perform on an individual level, however, especially Maddison.

The recent Spurs arrival scored a total of 10 league goals in a struggling Foxes side last season, whilst also assisting a further nine, tallying up to have an incredibly impressive 19 goal involvements.

Mount, meanwhile, struggled to have a hand in such a high number of goals, scoring just three times, and recording just two assists.

Last season's numbers certainly suggest that it was Spurs who got the better deal this summer, but only time will tell whether that rings true this time next year.

After splashing the cash on the respective players, both clubs will be hoping to see their summer business pay off next season, where they'll be hoping to secure Champions League football and challenge for silverware, at the very least.

For now, fans will be eagerly anticipating their official debuts come the start of the campaign in August.

Liverpool are 'interested' in making a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch this summer and could be emboldened in their pursuit as the German champions may need to sell players to fund a move for Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane, according to journalist Christian Falk.

Is Ryan Gravenberch joining Liverpool?

Talking live on talkSPORT Radio via TEAMtalk, journalist Dominic King claimed that Gravenberch is a player that is on Liverpool's radar, stating: “Ryan Gravenberch at Bayern Munich who they’ve had a long-standing interest in. They were of the belief that Bayern Munich wouldn’t want to let him go; they think an awful lot of him. “But I think the fact that they’re still looking at him at Liverpool suggests that he’s somebody that they could (move for)."

As per The Guardian, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho looks to be edging nearer to a £40 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad and it has been suggested that the Reds could turn to one of Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat or Bayern Munich bit-part player Gravenberch to succeed the Brazilian enforcer in the holding role.

Negotiations have also progressed regarding club captain Jordan Henderson and his prospective move to the Gulf region to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, as per Football Insider, signifying that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will need to dip into the market to acquire more depth in the engine room.

Melissa Reddy, who is a reporter for Sky Sports, revealed numerous midfielders that Liverpool are assessing as potential additions on Twitter, writing: "Lavia and Gravenberch have long been considered by LFC (regardless of current situation), with their reps spoken to. Other players they've looked at: Nicolo Barella, Khephren Thuram, Florentino Luis, Joao Palhinha, Teun Koopmeiners… They do love a surprise, stealth signing."

Gravenberch, who is "better than Bellingham" according to Rafael van der Vaart, was predominantly used as a substitute last term for Bayern Munich, registering one goal and a solitary assist in 33 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Falk has signalled that Bayern Munich could let Gravenberch go following a change of circumstances regarding his status within Thomas Tuchel's squad and also to help raise funds to land Tottenham striker Kane.

Falk stated: “They are interested. There were talks in the past. But they got feedback that Bayern Munich currently don’t want to sell.

“After that, Bayern will have to sell players because if they want Harry Kane, he’ll be expensive. So, this could be a topic in the next few weeks.

“Currently, Bayern Munich will see everybody in training, including Goretzka and Gravenberch. Marcel Sabitzer was also at the medical test.

“They must sell if they want to get money from a club. In this case, it can be interesting.

“Gravenberch’s management has already held talks with AC Milan. There was also a meeting in Amsterdam about how they plan the future. So, this topic is still hot.”

Who else could help to reshape Liverpool's midfield if not Ryan Gravenberch?

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made no bones about his desire to strengthen his engine room this window and has already added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton & Hove Albion and RB Leipzig, respectively.

Southampton star Romeo Lavia is on the German's radar at Anfield, though Arsenal are seriously interested in the Belgium international and will push the Reds to the end to try and acquire the youngster, according to Football Insider.

The same outlet have surprisingly thrown Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure into the ring as another potential signing and they are believed to be 'exploring' a move for the Mali international.

CaughtOffside revealed that Rennes winger Jeremy Doku is attracting interest from Liverpool amid competition from Aston Villa to sign the 21-year-old.

Right-back is seen as "a priority" position for Newcastle United in the transfer window amid reports linking the Magpies with Tino Livramento, according to Pete Graves.

Is Livramento going to Newcastle?

As Newcastle prepare to embark on a first European campaign in two decades, Eddie Howe knows what he has to do in the transfer market to keep the Magpies competitive.

Not reinforcing his current squad would be nothing short of negligent as Newcastle ready themselves to juggle the Champions League, Premier League and domestic cups next campaign.

One area which Howe is keen to strengthen is his defence. Newcastle boasted the sternest backline in the league last season, alongside Manchester City, and conceded just 33 goals in 38 matches.

However, Howe could largely rely on playing the same back four every week, something which will not be possible next term.

According to Sky Sports' Graves, Newcastle will prioritise signing a new right-back this summer to deputise for Kieran Trippier, with the Magpies eyeing Southampton defender Livramento.

Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, Greaves said: "I think they're looking for defensive reinforcements. Some of the fans are confused as to why a left-back isn't a priority and I really think they're targeting a right-back.

"Newcastle last year played Dan Burn predominantly at left-back. He is obviously a centre-back by trade but he did a good job at left-back. They've got Matt Targett there who barely played last season but was brought in of course by Eddie Howe after a really successful loan spell from Aston Villa. They've also got Jamal Lewis still there at the club by the way, who's a left-back as well."

He added: "I think they want a right-back because if anything was to happen to Kieran Trippier, there isn't much cover at right-back. Javier Manquillo I think will be one of the players who may leave and move back to Spain. They've got Emil Krafth who can play right-back but he's still recovering from an injury and isn't going to be playing in pre-season.

"They brought in Harrison Ashby who I'm not sure they quite believe is Premier League ready yet and he might go on loan. So, they like Tino Livramento at Southampton and we know that there has been an offer there and we know talks have continued. But he's in that, we talked about it right at the start of the show, in that bracket of fees I think is getting into ridiculous [numbers]."

Graves suggests that Southampton are looking for £30m for their 20-year-old full-back, while Newcastle are only wanting to pay somewhere between £15-20m.

Livramento could serve as a useful deputy to Trippier but his injury concerns make him a somewhat risky signing. The youngster has only played 30 Premier League games in his entire career so far and is still very inexperienced at the top level.

Whether a deal for Livramento is pursued or not remains to be seen but it appears Howe is prioritising a right-back regardless.

How good is Livramento?

Having only managed one full season at Southampton, it is difficult to gauge how good Livramento really is, but at 20-years-old he is certainly a player with great potential.

One of Livramento's best qualities during the 2021/22 season was his ability to support the attack, often bombing down the right wing to offer an overlap option, or driving the ball forward himself from deep.

Compared to other full-backs in the Premier League in 2021/22, Livramento ranked in the top 11% for progressive carries per 90, the top 14% for carries into the final third and the top 24% for carries into the penalty area.

Considering this was his debut campaign at the top level and he was playing for a struggling Saints side, these are fairly impressive numbers for Livramento to have achieved.

Trippier's sensational attacking output from right-back means the player brought in to share his minutes will need to have a similar level of creativity. Livramento certainly has the potential to be Trippier's heir, but whether he is up for the task right now is questionable.

Manchester United remain in talks with Italian outfit Atalanta over striker Rasmus Hojlund, however, both sides are apart on their valuation.

Why are Manchester United in the market for a striker?

The Red Devils are looking to add a new number nine to their squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, with the clubs only recognised number nine option currently being Anthony Martial.

The club brought in Dutch international Wout Weghorst on loan last January, however, after zero Premier League goals in 17 appearances the Manchester side decided to not make his loan move a permanent one.

United struggled on the goalscoring front last campaign, being the third-lowest scorers out of the top 10 in the division. Marcus Rashford had a fantastic league campaign scoring 17 goals, which was 29% of the clubs goals last season, suggesting that should the England international struggle in front of goal for a prolonged period, the side may struggle in front of goal period.

Atalanta's Denmark international Hojlund appears to be one of the Red Devil's top targets for the position as the club look to add to the signing of Mason Mount this window.

The 20-year-old is not the only striker on the clubs shortlist, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt's French forward Randal Kolo-Muani also being an option that is being explored, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sheth confirmed United's interest in both players, and revealed that the club remain in talks with the Italian outfit regarding the transfer with both sides apart in their valuations.

"United remain in talks with Atalanta over their striker Rasmus Hojlund, the Denmark international. Again, a gap in valuation exists in that one but United continuing to work on that deal. Another option is the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Kolo-Muani."

Should Manchester United sign Rasmus Hojlund?

Hojlund is one of the most highly rated striking prospects on the planet, with his play style, attitude and looks drawing comparisons to Premier League golden boot winner Erling Haaland

Following his move from Sturm Graz in Austria last summer for a fee of €17.2m (£14.5m), the Dane really made his mark and grew his reputation, making 34 appearances and recording 10 goals and four assists across both the Serie A and the Italian Cup.

The forward is incredibly threatening in the final third, with his 0.47 non-penalty xG per 90 putting him the top 16th percentile of all forwards in that category. The players 0.44 non-penalty goals per 90 being a fine indicator of his lethal finishing, with their being just a 0.03 underperformance of xG per 90.

A part of Hojlund's game that will be appealing to manager Erik ten Hag will be his ability to play as a target man. The 20-year-old is an incredible presence in the box, with his 6.53 touches per 90 in the attacking penalty area ranking him in the top 7%, whilst his 10.99 progressive passes received per 90 putting him in the top percentile among company such as Kylian Mbappe.

The strikers tactical profile is incredibly desirable, and compares very well to some of Europe's elite from the past decade including Robert Lewandowski and Romelu Lukaku, and with so many years ahead of him yet, it's no surprise why Manchester United want to get this deal done and see Hojlund devlop his game at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have been slowly building year-on-year under Mikel Arteta, with that culminating in last season's unexpected title charge to which they were narrowly edged out by Manchester City.

Their rivals were vastly more experienced in such a situation and in the end it showed, as Pep Guardiola's team finished five points ahead of the Gunners, before going on to win the FA Cup and the Champions League.

Whilst many factors aided such a historic campaign for the Manchester club, undoubtedly one of the most important was the decision to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

How many goals has Erling Haaland scored?

The Norwegian forward had lit up the Bundesliga following an imperious spell in Germany where he scored 86 goals in 89 games for the club, and his switch to the Etihad cemented his rise to the top. However, few could have expected the 22-year-old would come to dominate English football with such speed.

He would finish the term on 52 goals across all competitions, having broken the league's scoring record alongside numerous others.

Shifting from playing with no striker to a 6 foot 4 one was drastic for Guardiola, but ultimately it proved to be the difference.

Now, in an effort to emulate such success and once again seek to replicate the style that his former mentor has made, Arteta could replicate this by turning their rumoured interest from this year in Dusan Vlahovic into a reality.

Are Arsenal signing Dusan Vlahovic?

Although his €80m (£70m) price tag might put many off given what the north London outfit are already set to spend this summer with their various ongoing deals, if he was to have a similarly revolutionary effect like Haaland, it would be more than worth it.

After all, the Spanish head coach had reportedly made it clear that a taller, more aggressive striker was an important target for this summer back in March.

Given that the Serbia international stands at 6 foot 3, just one inch shorter than the Citizens' striker, he immediately ticks that box.

Not to mention he is also blessed with that same frightening speed that makes Haaland such a physical marvel and allows him to pin defenders, bully them in the air and run them in behind.

Given he is just 23 years old, the future remains bright for this young finisher to continue his development which has seen him also shoot to the top of the game.

In what was his true breakout year for Fiorentina, where many took note of this hulking forward, the left-footed star notched 21 league goals before earning his move the year following.

However, despite switching to Juventus mid-season, he would still record another 24 goals in Serie A to supplement his ever-growing reputation.

Podcaster Tom Rooney sought to outline his qualities back in 2021, forecasting such a high-profile transfer: "I thought Vlahovic was just exceptional tonight before Mitrovic came on, surely on the move from Fiorentina in the summer? Plays with proper bite, uses his size but can really play ball too."

With a freakish physique, blistering speed and an uncanny ability to find the net with regularity, there are few in world football who profile as close to the relentless Haaland.

Perhaps under Arteta, he could reach new heights and set up a new striking rivalry for the ages.

Leeds United “hope to keep” Wilfried Gnonto beyond the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Graham Smyth.

When did Wilfried Gnonto join Leeds?

Gnonto only arrived at Elland Road last summer from FC Zurich and throughout the reigns of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, was a regular feature of the first-team having made a total of 28 appearances during his debut season.

The Italy international still has another four years remaining on his contract, but having impressed in his opening campaign in Yorkshire, The Mirror report that he has attracted the attention of Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham and Everton in the Premier League.

However, after suffering relegation to the Championship, Claudio Vigorelli, the winger’s agent, has confirmed that his client will hold “talks” regarding his future with the Whites and stated that there will be plenty of “options” on the table should he not want to remain.

Is Gnonto leaving Leeds?

Taking to Twitter, Smyth revealed that despite interest, Leeds are yet to receive any offers for Gnonto and claimed that the 49ers are looking to retain his services ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Willy Gnonto is off making headlines with Italy Under-21s, while headlines get written about him in England. Leeds United have had no bids for the winger and hope to keep him at Elland Road this summer.”

Should the 49ers keep or sell Gnonto?

Leeds will know that most of their prized assets will likely want to leave and join a club that are competing at the highest level but Gnonto has been an exciting addition to the squad since his arrival so the hierarchy need to do everything they can to hold onto him beyond the summer.

The LS11 outfit’s “unpredictable” left-sided winger, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, posted six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in 24 Premier League outings last season and over the course of the term, recorded 50 shot-creating actions which was the fourth-highest throughout the whole of the team, as per FBRef.

The Verbania native, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions across the grass, also only pockets £20k-per-week so he’s not a big earner to keep on the books compared to the likes of Rodrigo who receives the highest on a whopping £100k-per-week, via Capology, therefore making this a decision that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about.

Manchester United could be about to let one of their first-team players leave on the cheap, with The Daily Mail reporting that Jadon Sancho is available for just £45m during this summer transfer window.

How many goals has Sancho scored for Manchester United?

The forward has been with the Red Devils for two seasons now and goes into the close season on the back of his best campaign in terms of his goal contribution numbers for the club.

Whilst not hitting the same numbers he produced in Germany with Borussia Dortmund – in fact, the England man has yet to hit a double digit tally at Old Trafford – he still had six goals and three assists in the Premier League this term. That came in just 21 starts and led to a goal contribution per 90 rate of 0.48 – nearly double the rate he managed in 2021/22.

The 23-year-old though has not produced the same level of performance he produced in the Bundesliga. He bagged 38 goals and 45 assists in the league for Dortmund, but with United has only nine goals and six assists in 55 top flight games.

It hasn't put teams off from wanting to sign the winger, with Tottenham considering a swoop of their big six rivals, and an update has now emerged on how much he would cost.

Are Manchester United selling Sancho?

According to a report from the The Daily Mail, the player is not up for sale so to speak, but would be sold if the right offer comes in, much like Harry Maguire.

The report states Sancho's price tag is a cut-price fee of £45m, and if a team did come in and stump up that cash, then a deal could be done. It's a £28m loss on the £73m they paid for Sancho two years ago.

If United did decide to flog Sancho, then they would be losing a player that has previously been brilliant for Dortmund and has even received high praise during his time at Old Trafford. Football journalist Josh Bunting for example stated that the forward was "brilliant" at one point this season, adding that he looked "revived" and "full of confidence" during one game earlier in the 2022/23 season.

Even though it would raise funds and free up space in the squad then, it could still be a blow for the side to lose the attacker this transfer window.

Leeds United are reportedly set to enter the final stages of their manager search this week and appointing the right man for the job will be essential in the club's pursuit to make an instant bounce back to the Premier League.

The Whites dropped back down into the Championship after suffering relegation on the final day of their 38-game campaign under Sam Allardyce's management and will now need to show strong resilience as they battle in the second tier to emulate Burnley's achievement of earning a return to the top flight in just one season.

Following a takeover, the 49ers will be working hard to make their first hugely important move to appoint a manager which will likely represent the first impression they give to the Elland Road faithful, so there is a lot of pressure riding on acquiring the right manager.

Daniel Farke, Scott Parker and Carlos Corberan were named by The Telegraph as short-listed contenders for the role last week, whilst speculated candidate Brendan Rodgers has now agreed to reunite with Celtic – thus whittling down the options available.

Marcelo Bielsa's former assistant, Corberan, would likely be the most favoured option for many Leeds supporters this summer as the manager is extremely familiar with the club culture and has already built relationships with many members of the squad.

Now the West Bromwich Albion boss could offer his former club a great asset this summer beyond his experience at the club, with his midfielder, Jayson Molumby, a potential transfer target for the West Yorkshire club this summer.

Should Leeds appoint Corberan?

Since leaving Leeds in 2020 to manage local rivals Huddersfield Town, the Spanish coach has gone from strength to strength in his step-up to first-team managerial roles.

Corberan – lauded for his "unbelievable desire" by West Brom chief Ian Pearce – famously led the Terriers to the Championship play-off final last summer against Nottingham Forest during his first season in charge but just fell short of promotion at Wembley Stadium, before a fleeting 11-fixture spell at Olympiacos.

Now the 40-year-old is delivering his attacking-minded philosophy in the Midlands with West Brom and since his arrival in October has transformed the club's fate from relegation contenders under Steve Bruce to finishing just three points shy of a play-off place last season – collecting 56 points, 17 wins and five draws over 33 games in charge.

Should the 49ers be able to convince Corberan to reunite with Leeds this summer, it could not only be a huge asset to improving the consistency of the attacking presence at Elland Road, but he could also bring Molumby with him.

The 23-year-old midfielder – hailed "very ambitious" by Graham Potter – has thrived under the Baggies boss; scoring four goals, registering four assists and tallying up an 86% pass completion rate over 43 league appearances, making him an ideal prospect to bolster the presence in Leeds' midfield ahead of next season.

With that being said, if Leeds can secure the signatures of both Corberan and Molumby this summer it would be a real statement of the 49ers ambitious intent to get the club back in the Premier League and playing attractive attacking football once again.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Odin Thiago Holm to Celtic?

According to Norwegian outlet Nettavisen, the Hoops are in talks with Eliteserien outfit Vålerenga as they close in on a deal to sign defensive midfielder Odin Thiago Holm.

The report claims that the two clubs are discussing the details around a transfer that would send the 20-year-old to Scotland ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and that a switch is imminent barring any late setbacks.

It states that an offer in the region of 30m kroner (around £2.2m) is on the cards from Celtic, who will also give up a percentage of their profit from any future sale to sweeten the deal.

What is Odin Thiago Holm's style of play?

The young battler is a defensive-minded ace who has the ability to win possession back for his side on a regular basis whilst also having the quality on the ball to function in a progressive system.

Holm could be the club's next Nir Bitton, who left Parkhead at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, by coming in as a strong no.6 with excellent passing.

In his last season with the Hoops, the Israel international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 across 24 matches in the Scottish Premiership and made 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game and completed 91% of his attempted passes.

The 6 foot 5 stalwart, who made 271 appearances for Celtic, also won 54% of his individual duels that year, which was after he came out on top in 62% of his battles in the division in 20/21.

This shows that the experienced ace was a reliable passer who also bullied opposition players to win the ball back for his team and prevent them from creating chances in the final third.

Holm, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Eliteserien in 2022.

The youngster, who won 60% of his physical contests, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 22 outings and managed to complete 88% of his passes and made two tackles and interceptions per match.

These statistics suggest that the 20-year-old gem, who plays in the same position as Bitton, could come in and replicate the former Celtic enforcer's success in Scotland as a strong defensive midfielder who can make an impact in and out of possession.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described the Norway U20 international as a "huge talent" and cited his defensive reliability and ability to dictate games with his passing quality as some of his biggest strengths, which is backed up by his form in the Norwegian top-flight.

Therefore, Holm could come in as Bitton 2.0 for the next Celtic manager ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and his arrival, based on his impressive statistics at such a young age for Vålerenga, could be an excellent first signing of the summer for the new head coach.