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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.

Ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League Final between West Ham United and Fiorentina, early team news has begun filtering through on how David Moyes’ side will line up for the decider in Prague.

It’s a huge night for both West Ham and Fiorentina.

The London side are looking for their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1980, while the Italians have not won a major trophy since their Italian Cup triumph in 2001 and their last European trophy was all the way back in 1961.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio expects Moyes to stick to their regular formation of 4-2-3-1 for Wednesday’s final, with no major surprise inclusions or omissions.

Who will be in the starting XI for West Ham in the Conference League Final?

The Hammers boss has implemented the 4-2-3-1 formation in 23 games this season, per FootballCritic. Wednesday’s final will likely see the formation played for the 24th time, according to DiMarzio.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is expected to start in goal for the Hammers.

The Frenchman has been West Ham’s No.1 in cup competitions this season, starting all 12 of the club’s Conference League fixtures this season. Per Transfermarkt, Areloa has conceded just seven goals in those games, keeping six clean sheets.

A central defensive pairing of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd is expected, with Aaron Cresswell at left-back and Vladimir Coufal at right-back.

Declan Rice will captain the side in what could be his final appearance for West Ham, with reports linking the England International with a summer move away from the London Stadium with Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich all interested in his services.

Rice will make be joined in midfield by Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek, who has been in only 33% of the Hammers' starting XIs in this season’s Europa Conference League.

Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma will start on the right and left flanks, while Brazil international Lucas Paqueta will start in the No.10 role behind striker Michail Antonio up front.

Full starting XI: Areola; Cresswell, Aguerd, Zouma, Coufal; Rice, Soucek; Benrahma, Paqueta, Bowen; Antonio.

Has Moyes got his team selection correct?

This is a West Ham side that picks itself for the final, and no inclusions or exclusions will be of huge surprise for Hammers fans.

Thilo Kehrer may consider himself unfortunate to miss out on a starting spot after a strong performance in the semi-final second leg away to AZ Alkmaar, but Moyes has instead opted for the experience of Coufal.

Indeed, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace registered the joint-third highest Sofascore rating in the West Ham team that day, which is hardly a surprise given he registered two clearances, two interceptions (joint-most) and one block, whilst Coufal, 30, could also have the home support behind him, being back in his home country – the Czech Republic.

With the injury to Gianluca Scammaca requiring surgery, Antonio is Moyes' best option up front.

With six goals in eight games in this competition, Antonio could have a big role to play for his side in tonight's final.

Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness) has provided an update on the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ pursuit of Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes. 

The lowdown: Hot property

A reported target for Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and a host of other elite clubs this summer, Nunes has certainly caught the eye with an astronomical path to stardom in Portugal so far.

Born in Brazil, the stylish midfielder has made 99 first-team outings for Sporting and recently became a fully-fledged Portugal international, having flourished for the Lisbon-based outfit.

Despite the eye-opening interest from across Europe, the Wanderers could now be set to win the hotly contested race to sign Nunes…

The latest: Offer ‘prepared’

As per Record, translated by SW, Wolves are now ‘prepared’ to make an offer worth €45million (£38million) plus €5million (£4million) in bonuses to make the deal happen.

It’s claimed that all parties have ‘everything forwarded’ to see a switch to Molineux come to fruition as Bruno Lage attempts to bolster the ranks and prepares for life after the highly sought-after Ruben Neves.

The report also states that the ‘process should really advance’ over the coming days as the Old Gold look to tie up a transfer for the man dubbed ‘tenacious’ by football analyst EBL, who holds a Master’s degree in Sports Performance Analysis.

The verdict: Sensational signing

Given the levels of illustrious interest, if the Wanderers can indeed beat the competition to his capture then Lage will have added a bonafide superstar in the making to the mix at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.

Predominantly operating as a box-to-box midfielder, last season the eight-cap Portugal ace scored four times and provided five assists in 50 appearances, highlighting an eye for goal as well as durability that would be a welcome addition to the Molineux ranks as another long, truncated, campaign looms.

When compared to Neves in the 2021/22 campaign, Nunes, two years younger than the 25-year-old, earned a higher average rating than his compatriot (7.08 vs 6.85), completed more successful dribbles (2.5 vs 0.8) and was booked on five fewer occasions having made an identical number of league outings (WhoScored).

Already seemingly an adequate replacement for Neves, if Nunes replicates the wantaway fan favourite and continues on his career trajectory then Wolves may have landed a player with the ability to become a force on the biggest stage possible in years to come.

Everton have been heavily linked with James Tarkowski for a long time as they are attempting to bolster their defence following a disappointing Premier League season, and a fresh update has now emerged in that regard from a reliable journalist.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, the Toffees have now submitted a formal contract offer for the 29-year-old centre-back.

The Daily Express reporter tweeted: “Everton also hopeful of wrapping up signing of James Tarkowski on free transfer after submitting formal contract offer.”

Supporters will be buzzing

There is definitely a need for defensive reinforcements in the Everton team, so the news that Tarkowski is seemingly closer to sealing a move to Goodison Park will surely leave supporters buzzing.

The Toffees struggled in the Premier League this season and their back-line came under severe scrutiny for their lacklustre performances, with Jamie Carragher labelling the defence a “Championship back four” following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Spurs in March.

Not only have the performances been poor, with Frank Lampard’s side conceding the fifth-most goals in the Premier League this season (66), they have also been plagued with injuries to some of their most consistent and experienced defenders.

Both Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina have suffered multiple injury problems this season, so signing a consistent and reliable centre-back in Tarkowski would be a major coup and amazing business on Moshiri’s part especially – they would sign him on a free transfer as he is out of contract with recently-relegated Burnley.

Tarkowski has proven with his performances this season that he deserves to play Premier League football despite the Clarets’ relegation woes.

As per SofaScore, the 29-year-old scored one goal and delivered two assists in the recent top-flight campaign, whilst making 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 5.2 clearances per game. He won the majority of his duels (68%) and was successful with 71% of his dribbles, demonstrating that he has been a solid force and would likely be a great addition to the Everton team.

With that in mind, Moshiri and Frank Lampard could be on to a winner if they complete the signing of the defender, and it would be a great first summer signing for the Toffees to set the standard for the changes that the club want to make ahead of next season.

AND in other news – “I know…”: Journalist drops huge Everton transfer update that supporters will love

The Athletic have now shared a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving long-time target Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Conte re-joins race…

After club chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte’s recruitment meeting in Italy on Friday, The Daily Mail broke news that January target Traore, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Barca from Wolves, has re-entered Spurs’ sights.

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This comes after the Premier League side chased him for the majority of their last transfer window, even agreeing personal terms at one point before Xavi’s side hijacked their move.

The Spaniard could now be at the centre of Tottenham’s interest again with The Athletic sharing what they know on the situation.

The Latest: Athletic make Traore claim…

According to the reliable outlet, Spurs are indeed ‘considering going in’ for Traore this summer as they weigh a third attempt to sign him.

This comes after Conte personally viewed the winger as a makeshift right-wing-back option earlier this year.

The Verdict: Third time lucky?

While his temporary spell at the Nou Camp was hardly a success going by his lack of game time, we believe he could still do a job at Spurs if Paratici decides to push forward with a bid.

No Tottenham player managed Traore’s phenomenal rate of successful take-ons per 90, which was among the best in England before he completed a switch to La Liga.

An obvious attacking threat when at his very best, the 26-year-old has been called the ‘perfect fit’ for Conte and a potential ‘game-changer’ pundit Noel Whelan.

It isn’t unreasonable to believe Traore could hit major heights again under Tottenham’s elite manager, considering he was once valued at a staggering £100 million.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Cotne call ‘in recent days’, find out more here.

West Ham United are believed to be keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, ahead of a potential deal this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Scotland international – who is currently gearing up for a crucial World Cup playoff clash against Ukraine – is ‘among the options’ that David Moyes is considering in the upcoming window, as the Hammers boss seeks to strengthen his ranks.

The east London outfit will be able to offer the 27-year-old European football next term following their Europa Conference League qualification, although the report suggests that the deal will prove ‘difficult to pull off’ such is his importance to Villa.

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A new midfield recruit is seemingly on the cards amid doubts over Tomas Soucek’s future at the London Stadium, with McGinn potentially an ideal replacement should his reported valuation of roughly £45m be met.

The next Joe Cole?

Should the £70k-per-week gem trade one claret and blue jersey for another in the coming months, he could well prove to be something of a talisman for the Irons, with the 44-cap gem potentially set to provide a real sense of magic to the club’s midfield.

A dynamic, relentless presence in the centre of the park, the former Hibernian man has proven a real favourite at Villa Park since his £2.75m switch back in 2018, having been dubbed “unreal” by fan and presenter Ty Bracey last year.

Not only does he offer the ability to drive his side up the pitch, acting as something like a midfield “throwback” for his all-action approach – as per former boss Dean Smith – the £27m-rated gem also can provide the cutting edge in the final third.

The versatile midfielder has netted nine goals and recorded 12 assists in his three Premier League campaigns to date, having already scored 12 goals for his country since making his senior international debut back in 2016.

Lethal from range – with all three of his top-flight goals in the 2021/22 campaign having come from outside the box – the Glasgow-born maestro is a simply unique asset in both midfield and attack, with his quality in the final third evoking memories of a certain Joe Cole.

Although McGinn has often played in a deeper role at club level, on the international stage he has thrived in a more advanced starting berth, carving out opportunities for his teammates with a dynamism that is akin to the aforementioned Cole.

The Englishman rose to prominence at Upton Park after bursting onto the scene at the tender age of just 17, having been tipped for a bright future throughout his time in the Hammers academy.

The playmaker – who was comfortable both on the wing, in a number ten role or in central midfield – quickly cemented himself as the club’s leading light, eventually being named captain just four years on from his first-team debut.

The creative magician is something of a cult hero at his boyhood club – having returned for a second, albeit less successful stint in the latter stages of his career – with the hope being that McGinn can replicate that talismanic presence under Moyes next term, should GSB meet the asking price.

As has been illustrated by the likes of Cole, Paolo Di Canio and Dimitri Payet, among others, the West Ham faithful thrive on seeing moments of sheer brilliance from their players, as well as witnessing those who can simply take the game by the scruff of the neck. The Villa man is of a similar ilk.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Everton’s Nathan Broadhead has addressed his future after his successful loan-spell at Sunderland.

What’s the word?

As per Evertonfc.com, Broadhead, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, says he “learned invaluable lessons” from the experience.

After helping Sunderland achieve promotion back to the Championship, the 24-year-old reflected on the feat, saying:

“It’s been a stop-start season for me. I got COVID in pre-season, came back and had two weeks training, then I went up to Sunderland.

“In the first game I got injured and I’ve had a couple of others [injury issues] this season, but I never give up. Every game I play, I’ll give 100 per cent.”

“Now I’m just looking forward to getting back to 100-per-cent fitness and having a full pre-season. We’ll see what happens next.

“I’ve been learning every day from experienced players and that’s part of it. Of course, I want to be in that environment and playing senior football.”

The next McGeady?

With ten goals in 20 League One appearances, Broadhead has finally managed to replicate the form that saw him bag 11 times in 18 appearances in Premier League 2 with Everton U23s and transition it into senior football. This season’s efforts have now boosted his career tally to 33-goals.

His potency in front of goal this season has seen him finish as the Black Cats’ second-highest goal scorer and, considering his ability to play either out wide or through the middle, he can be compared to Aiden McGeady – who hit 11 goals in his first season in League One.

It’s easy to forget that McGeady also played for Everton, making 43 appearances before moving to the Stadium of Light on a free transfer, where he has enjoyed a rollercoaster of emotions.

Broadhead, who has been dubbed “brilliant” by Patrick Boyland, has found himself with Sunderland as well, and having played a big part in their promotion to the Championship, Alex Neil should be snapping up the 24-year-old who’s contract with Everton ends next summer.

A free transfer, like McGeady, may well await in the summer of 2023 but until then, they must make an effort to bring him back on loan next term.

In other news: SAFC can save millions with one of the “hottest talents”, imagine him in the Champ 

Liverpool are among the current favourites to sign exciting Birmingham City youngster Jobe Bellingham this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Jobe shines for Birmingham

At just 16, Bellingham is already making waves at St Andrew’s, much like his brother Jude had done before he traded Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund.

The youngster has admittedly made just two appearances this season, totalling 21 minutes, but that is impressive in itself given his tender age.

Big things are predicted for Bellingham and it looks as though top clubs are already circling for his signature, including Liverpool.

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The Latest: Reds in Bellingham transfer hunt

According to The Mirror, the Reds are among the front-runners to snap up Bellingham during the summer transfer window, with Manchester City and Newcastle United also expressing an interest.

The teenager is ‘free to sign a contract’ away from Birmingham because of his age, with the Championship club offering him a scholarship, although it remains to be seen what his decision will be.

The Verdict: Sign both brothers?

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Jobe’s older brother Jude and this update is hugely exciting, with the brothers both clearly prodigious.

The younger Bellingham has already broken into Birmingham’s first team before turning 17, while the elder has made 90 appearances for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and won 12 England caps prior to his 19th birthday.

It would be heartwarming to see the Reds sign both eventually – allowing them to settle in easier – with Jude a potential target at the end of next season, at which point he may be looking for a fresh challenge away from Dortmund.

Jobe could equally be seen as one for the future – similar to Harvey Elliott, who Liverpool signed as a 16-year-old in 2019 – as Jurgen Klopp looks to continue building a dynasty at Anfield well into the future.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Philip West has lavished Sunderland ‘warrior’ Bailey Wright with praise after they reached the League One play-off final. 

The lowdown

Sunderland beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate to secure a shot at promotion to the Championship. Lee Gregory gave the Owls the lead at Hillsborough in the 74th minute, and the game appeared set for extra-time before Patrick Roberts scored a dramatic goal three minutes into stoppage time to send the visitors through.

Alex Neil’s side have set up a winner-takes-all meeting with Wycombe at Wembley on Saturday 21.

Wright played the full 90 minutes on the right side of a back three that also included Danny Batth and Dennis Cirkin.

The £720,000-rated ace has played every minute of league and play-off football dating back to mid-February.

The latest

West, a writer and podcaster at the Roker Report, applauded Wright for continuing to play even through injury.

He feels that the defender’s commitment epitomised the values of Sunderland as a football club.

“Bailey Wright, what a warrior,” he tweeted. “Bloodstained shirt, blood trickling down his face, but he was an absolute rock tonight. That’s what playing for this club is about. Heart of a lion.”

The verdict

The stats reflect Wright’s battling performance. He won six of the eight duels he contested on the night (75%), including five of his seven aerial battles.

It’s also worth acknowledging team-mate Batth, who sat at the heart of the back three. He too was an ‘absolute rock’ for the Black Cats, prevailing in ten out of 14 duels and also coming up with three blocks and seven clearances.

Both players deserve to be guaranteed starting places come the final.

In other news, Kieran Maguire reacts to big behind-the-scenes news. 

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a deal to bring Lautaro Martinez to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent Gary Jacob report for The Times, with the journalist claiming that, after seeing a €90m (£75.5m) bid rejected for the Inter Milan centre-forward last summer, Antonio Conte’s side are once again interested in a move for the 24-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

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Jacob goes on to state that the Serie A side would be willing to part with the Argentina international this summer for a figure between £60m-£70m, however, it is claimed that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the striker ahead of a potential move of their own.

The final piece of Conte’s puzzle

Considering just how impressive Martinez has been for Inter in recent years, in addition to the fact that Conte already has a relationship with the 24-year-old, it is unsurprising to learn that Tottenham remain interested in a move for the centre-forward this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Serie A appearances this season, the £101m-rated forward has been in electric form for the Nerazzurri, bagging 17 goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of three shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £177k-per-week Argentine average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Simone Inzaghi’s 11th-best player in the Italian top flight.

Furthermore, over the 97 fixtures in which Martinez featured for Inter during Conte’s own two-year spell at the San Siro, the centre-forward scored a quite remarkable 40 goals, in addition to providing his teammates with a further 19 assists – averaging a direct involvement in a goal every 116 minutes of football played under the 52-year-old manager.

As such, with Tottenham in rather desperate need of a forward who can provide both competition and backup for Harry Kane this summer, the 24-year-old sensation would very much appear to be a signing the Spurs boss would love to get over the line ahead of Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign – as Martinez could well be one of the final pieces in Conte’s puzzle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “average” £43m dud as Spurs plot £16.75m bid for “young Gareth Bale”