Noel Whelan has backed Celtic to solve their centre-back issues by completing the purchase of heavily linked Hadjuk Split defender Mario Vušković.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for the 2021/22 campaign

As the Celts get their ducks in a row ahead of 2021/22, many onlookers will be keen to see what Ange Postecoglou has up his sleeve, with the new manager seeking to build a side capable of reclaiming the Premiership title at the first attempt.

Already busy in the transfer market, the Hoops have completed deals for English duo Joey Dawson and Liam Shaw from Scunthorpe United and Sheffield Wednesday respectively [67 Hail Hail].

The Latest: Whelan issues glowing Vušković verdict

Now mooted to be close to signing Croatia under-21 international Vušković [Daily Record], BBC pundit Whelan has issued a glowing response to latest developments.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, the former Aberdeen striker stated:

“Celtic’s scouting network has always been excellent.

“Last season they changed it up a bit and went for experienced loan signings but it didn’t work out.

“They lacked something at the back last season so hopefully Vušković can solve that problem if he comes in. It was their biggest problem.

“Whether it was formation or personnel they could never find that happy medium at the back.

“They have made big profits off young players in the past and perhaps Vušković could be the next one.

“It could be a transfer that benefits the club both on and off the pitch if he comes in and does well. They need to get that wheel turning again.”

The Verdict: Vušković would be an excellent addition for Celtic

Whelan rightly alludes to the problems that Celtic suffered within their defence last season. They shipped a whopping 19 goals in six Europa League group matches and conceded more than twice as many as Rangers in the Premiership.

Primed to hopefully resolve the issue, Vušković made 33 appearances for Hajduk Split in 2020/21, managing four goal contributions in the form of two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Possessing pace in abundance and comfortable on the ball (Daily Record), the 6 foot 1 colossus looks to be well-stocked with the capability to function within the high-octane style of football that Postecoglou prefers to execute.

With their season kicking off in just three weeks’ time in the Champions League qualifiers, Celtic should look to finalise a deal for the talented central defender without delay.

In other news, Celtic are plotting an ambitious swoop for a Serie A midfielder.

MatériaMais Notícias

A polêmica do ‘caso Victor Ramos’, que movimentou o noticiário esportivo no final de 2016, ganhou um novo episódio nesta segunda-feira. Segundo o clube gaúcho, o Tribunal Arbitral do Esporte (TAS), que tem sede em Lausanne, na Suíça, atendeu ao pedido da diretoria do clube e marcou o julgamento para o dia 4 de abril.

Coincidentemente, a data é a mesma do aniversário de 108 anos do Internacional e tem a aprovação da diretoria colorada, já que é antes do início do Brasileirão, seja da Série A ou B.

Dependendo do resultado, o time gaúcho pode se salvar do rebaixamento e empurrar o Leão para a segundona. Se o Vitória for punido no TAS, uma outra confusão entra em campo: o Estatuto do Torcedor prevê que o regulamento de uma competição seja registrada com até 60 dias de antecedência.

A principal competição de clubes do Brasil começa no dia 13/5.O Colorado já tentou recorrer à CBF e ao STJD, em vão. O Tribunal, aliás, sequer aceitou o pedido do Inter para o julgamento do Vitória.

O clube gaúcho tenta provar no Tribunal a suposta escalação irregular do zagueiro Victor Ramos, ex-Vitória, durante jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro da última temporada. Com este processo, a intenção é conseguir uma vitória jurídica visando a anulação do rebaixamento colorado à Série B.

RELEMBRE

​A denúncia por parte do Internacional está relacionada à transferência de Victor Ramos, ex-jogador do Palmeiras, para o Vitória. Na ocasião, o atleta estava emprestado ao Verdão pelo Monterrey, do México, e, quando acertou com o Rubro-Negro, procedimentos da negociação não seguiram as recomendações do TMS, sigla que remete ao Sistema de Mercado de Transferências.

O Internacional ainda alegou a que o registro do jogador foi feito de forma irregular, porque o empréstimo de Victor Ramos do Monterrey para o Vitória aconteceu como se fosse transferência nacional, já que o Certificado de Transferência Internacional (ITC, sigla em inglês) estava ainda no Brasil, uma vez que, na ocasião, o defensor defendia o Palmeiras.

O time gaúcho, que brigava com o Vitória contra o rebaixamento, trouxe o caso à tona, mesmo com o assunto tendo sido “enterrado” no começo do ano passado, quando o Bahia também questionou a condição de jogo de Victor Ramos.

O Colorado juntou um documento no STJD alegando má fé do Leão. O Inter também pediu a perda de pontos da equipe baiana no Brasileiro. A procuradoria do STJD ouviu as partes envolvidas, inclusive a CBF, e concluiu que não havia irregularidade. O caso chegou ao conhecimento da Fifa, que também deu aval ao Vitória para continuar escalando Victor Ramos.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalPintou o 7! Relembre jogos com grandes goleadas nos últimos anosFutebol Nacional20/03/2017InternacionalNo 350º jogo de D’Alessandro, Inter sofre mas vence o São Paulo-RSInternacional18/03/2017

قال محمد الشناوي، كابتن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، إن مباراة الذهاب أمام وفاق سطيف أصبحت ماضيًا وانتهى، وأنهم لديهم الخبرات الكافية للتعامل مع مثل هذه المباريات وعدم الانشغال بنتيجة الفوز بالقاهرة برباعية نظيفة.

وأضاف كابتن الفريق خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بالمباراة: “مباراة الإياب أمام وفاق سطيف ستكون قوية.. نتيجة الذهاب لن تشغلنا غدًا”.

وأوضح الشناوي أنه سبق أن لعب في الجزائر من قبل ومن المؤكد أن حضور الجماهير سيكون دافعًا قويًا لفريق وفاق سطيف لكن لاعبي الأهلي سبق لهم اللعب في مثل هذه الظروف، وقادرون على التعامل معها والتغلب عليها.

وأكد الشناوي أن الأهلي هدفه تسجيل الأهداف في مباراة العودة، وعدم السماح للفريق الجزائري بالتسجيل.

طالع أيضا.. سامي قمصان: قد يعاني الأهلي مما حدث لـ وفاق سطيف في القاهرة.. والانتقادات ضدنا غير منطقية

وواصل: “نريد أن نصنع تاريخا لأنفسنا من خلال الفوز بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا للمرة الثالثة على التوالي والـ11 في تاريخ النادي، وفاق سطيف قوي، ونحن حالفنا التوفيق في مباراة الذهاب، لكن يظل الفريق الجزائري من الفرق القوية في قارة إفريقيا، والأهلي في حالة من التركيز لمباراة العودة المقرر لها مساء غد السبت”.

وتطرق الشناوي للحديث عن استقبال الإخوة الجزائريين لبعثة الأهلي قائلا: “جئت إلى الجزائر ثلاث مرات من قبل.. وتم استقبالنا بصورة أكثر من رائعة تعكس علاقة الأخوة بين الشعبين المصري والجزائري”.

وأشاد كابتن الأهلي بمستوى حارس وفاق سطيف سفيان خدارية، مؤكدا أنه قدم أداء قويا في البطولة وأنه من الحراس الكبار في قارة إفريقيا.

واختتم الشناوي تصريحاته مؤكدا أن هناك الكثير من الأشقاء الجزائريين الذين يعشقون الأهلي، وفي مصر كانت الروح الرياضية بين الفريقين هي السائدة.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Porto and Glasgow Rangers are not in negotiations over a transfer for Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: Morelos linked with Porto

The Colombian has been heavily linked with a move to Porto, with the 25-year-old even reported to have agreed personal terms with the club (Antena 1).

There had been reports of a €17m (£14.6m) agreement (A Bola), but there has now been another update on the 25-year-old which very much appears to contradict that stance.

The Latest: No deal agreed

As per this latest update from Record (via Sport Witness), the two clubs have not come to an agreement at all in regards to the Colombia international – as of yet, there have not even been any negotiations.

While Morelos is said to have opened the door to a move, Porto have not made a concrete approach to sign the forward.

The Verdict: Who knows what to believe?

Every day there appears to be an update on Morelos’ situation. Many supporters may well have been resigned to losing him this summer after it had been suggested that he was close to a move, but they will now have been given hope that he could remain at Ibrox.

One thing is for sure – this is a saga which is likely to go on throughout the summer, just like it did last year when he was said to be on the way to Lille (Sky Sports). That comes with the territory of being one of his club’s most dangerous players, and all Steven Gerrard and the Ibrox hierarchy can do is make sure that the speculation does not damage the Gers’ plans for the new season.

In other news, Steven Gerrard has provided an update on this 24-year-old.

Newcastle United are in discussions with Southampton over a potential swap deal involving midfielders Isaac Hayden and Mario Lemina.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are set to demand around £12 million for Hayden while the Saints value Lemina at £4m, due to the Gabon international only having one year remaining on his contract.

The report also claims that French outfit Nice are interested in acquiring Lemina’s signature, meaning Bruce may have to move quickly in order to secure his man.

Fans will be gutted

News of Hayden’s potential departure from St. James’ Park may come as a shock to the club’s supporters, given he signed a new six-year contract just 12 months ago.

Despite initially struggling to settle in the North East of England, the 26-year-old has endeared himself to the Newcastle faithful over the last couple of campaigns, and the fans will surely be gutted to hear this latest revelation.

His importance to Steve Bruce’s side was clear for all to see throughout 2020/21 as the Arsenal academy graduate provided a solid base in midfield from which to build on.

As per WhoScored, Hayden recorded 2.2 tackles per league game last term and made 1.8 interceptions, outperforming his teammates on both metrics, highlighting his importance to this Newcastle side.

While Lemina is undoubtedly a talented player, swapping him for Hayden appears to be a significant mistake by Bruce.

The dynamic midfielder matched the Newcastle man’s 2.2 tackles last season, but managed just 1.1 interceptions and was ultimately unable to prevent Fulham from returning to the Championship.

Therefore, it’s a transfer that makes little sense for the St. James’ Park outfit.

On Sunday, Hayden posted on Instagram: “5 Years today defending the @nufc badge. What a journey it’s been, wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Looking forward to the season ahead. #NUFC” indicating he’s happy on Tyneside, and not the driving force behind this potential deal.

After a strong end to 2020/21, Newcastle fans would have been hoping to see their side strengthened over the summer, building on the momentum Bruce’s charges created. However, selling Hayden would risk losing that feeling, and Bruce needs to think carefully before proceeding with this deal.

And, in other news…Newcastle suffer blow in pursuit of “inspirational” £20m gem, Bruce will be gutted 

HOBART, Nov 25 AAP – Stuart Clark took six wickets to bowl New South Wales to a heart-stopping 22-run win over Tasmania and earn the gratitude of anxious captain Simon Katich in the Pura Cup match in Hobart today.

Don Woolford25-Nov-2002HOBART, Nov 25 AAP – Stuart Clark took six wickets to bowl New South Wales to a heart-stopping 22-run win over Tasmania and earn the gratitude of anxious captain Simon Katich in the Pura Cup match in Hobart today.Katich admitted to some heart flutters as Shane Watson threatened to hit the Tigers to an unlikely victory.”Heartstoppers are better than getting flogged, but you don’t want to have them too tight,” Katich said.”Once it got into the twenties you start to wonder, you think it only takes four or five good shots.”But it was Clark who ended Watson’s death or glory charge to finish with 6-84 as, with first innings destroyer Don Nash injured, he shouldered a disproportionate workload.Katich said Clark had done a wonderful job while also praising Nathan Bracken and Stuart MacGill.Tasmania began the final day at 3-98 and needing another 167.It never looked like getting them after Michael Di Venuto (52) and Dan Marsh (39), who’d batted stubbornly for 90 minutes last night, were both dismissed in the first half hour.Watson stayed, but no-one could stay with him and when Damien Wright went to the last ball before lunch, the Tigers were 8-190. That became 9/199 when Shane Jurgensen was run out.But Watson wasn’t finished and in Adam Griffith, though he played and missed at Clark innumerable times, stuck like a limpet.Watson farmed the strike and started to attack, once smashing Clark out of the ground, and the target steadily shrank.But he went for the big one once too often and skied a hook which Brad Haddin ran about 30 metres to take and it was all over. Griffith stayed 47 minutes for four.Watson made 75, the best score by a Tasmanian batsman this season, which largely explains why last year’s finalist is pointless after four matches — its worst start to a season.Nash injured his foot while taking 6-48 in the Tasmanian first innings and Katich said that was one of the reasons he didn’t enforce the follow-on despite a 169 lead.He bowled six relatively ineffective overs in the second before leaving the field. X-rays showed he had a broken bone and Katich said he’d probably be out for about six weeks.However he was named man of the match, for his bowling and his lusty 50 as the NSW first innings tail wagged damagingly.Disappointed Tasmanian captain Jamie Cox found some positives – particularly the superb bowling of Wright and Jurgensen to dismiss NSW for 86 in its second innings and give the Tigers a realistic target and Watson’s return to form.The boom allrounder seems to have had trouble adapting back to the four-day game after becoming part of the Australian one-day team.But Cox found no consolation in the tightness of the match.”Losing by 20-odd runs may as well have been 200,” he said.”In fact 20-odd runs makes you feel worse because we know we were competitive and had a fantastic opportunity today, but with the exception of Watto (Watson) we weren’t good enough with our batting.”

COLOMBO – Australia is working on a plan to reverse New Zealand’s recentdominance in trans-Tasman one-day cricket clashes and avoid yet anotherearly exit from the Champions Trophy tournament.Australia meets New Zealand, the defending champion, in its Trophyopener on Sunday.Captain Ricky Ponting, commenting on Australia’s first-round exit in theprevious two editions of this tournament when it was a knock-outcontest, joked that “at least we get two games this time”.But with the second game for both teams against minnow Bangladesh, ithas essentially come down to a knock-out match between the two oldrivals for a place in the semi-finals.”All our work and training over the next few days is geared around NewZealand,” Ponting said.New Zealand had it all over Australia in last summer’s one-dayinternationals, winning three of four matches in Australia – and onlylosing the other after a Michael Bevan Houdini act with the bat whenAustralia was down and out in Melbourne.Asked if Australia had done any work to address the questions raised byNew Zealand last summer, coach John Buchanan said: “The answer’s ‘yes’but not that we’re going to elaborate here.””Certainly New Zealand played to a very good game plan and theycertainly challenged the way we played and we didn’t necessarily respondto that very well through that series.”That’s one of the issues we’ll focus on ahead of this game and we’llhandle that a lot better this time.”New Zealand beat Australia by casting a spell over the top order batsmenwith Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Damien Martyn and Ponting all averagingless than 16 against the Kiwis last summer.Australia also failed to adapt to New Zealand’s tactics as accuratebowling and precise field placements undid the batting line-up.The Australian selectors responded by axing the Waugh brothers while IanHarvey was another fixture who would eventually be removed. Australiahas since played dynamic cricket under Ponting, with 10 wins, a tie, ano result and three losses in the past 15 games.New Zealand, on the other hand, has struggled for form – winning onlythree of its past 15 games, and will be missing key all-rounder ChrisCairns, who is injured.New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said tactics and planning wouldagain be the foundation of New Zealand’s efforts.”We respect them as a cricket side and you have to be at the top of yourgame to compete well with them, but we back ourselves to do that throughhard work and good planning.”New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming admitted the loss of Cairns couldhurt his side.”The absence of Chris Cairns has affected the balance of the sidebecause he is a world-class all-rounder, but it has given an opportunityto younger players and they have come to the fore.”Also out is pugnacious batsman Craig McMillan, who refused to tour forsafety reasons.New Zealand has had a tough time in Sri Lanka in recent years, withtours coinciding with terrorist attacks in 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2001.Fleming singled out fast bowler Shane Bond and all-rounders Scott Styrisand Jacob Oram – New Zealand’s answer to big Tom Moody – as the playersto look out for.”Shane Bond is an exceptional talent, a fast bowler with genuine pacethat we are very lucky to have. Jacob Oram is an exciting all-rounderand Scott Styris had a successful tour of the West Indies.”

Aston Villa have completed the signing of West Bromwich Albion youngster Triston Rowe.

Rowe, an England Under-15 international, follows Tim Iroegbunam in leaving the Baggies’ youth set-up for their Midlands rivals.

Iroegbunam was fast-tracked to the Under-23s last season, and his performances earned him the Academy Player of the Year award (via Birmingham Mail). Villa will have to pay six-figure compensation after striking the deal.

And a third West Brom starlet could yet make the switch. Football Insider reported earlier in July that Villa had reached an agreement with 20-year-old midfielder Finn Azaz, and that move could be tied-up ‘soon’.

West Brom are back in the Championship after their Premier League return lasted just a single season. They amassed only 26 points over the course of the 38-game season, leaving them a full 13 points adrift of safety.

Fan feed WBA Report relayed the news about Rowe, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These West Brom fans as another youngster lured to Villa

“Brilliant, at this rate we’re not going to have any youngsters to develop”

Credit: @Matthew31241

“What on earth is happening to our academy?”

Credit: @Timmy_Tierney

“You can thank Luke Dowling for this, about 7 players and 8 academy staff gone to the Villa because of him!”

Credit: @MattHill821

“May as well close the academy and save the money, pointless wasting money on it at this rate!”

Credit: @ParsonsJR91

“Horrendous!!!…Villa youth team should be called WBA B team”

Credit: @gillpind

“At this point just close the academy”

Credit: @joecox1999

In other news, West Brom have approached a former ‘big six’ man. 

Emiliano Buendia is not a replacement for Jack Grealish, says Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield.

Villa signed the Argentine winger from Norwich City last month in a deal said to be worth £40m, a club-record fee.

Considering that, you could forgive fans for wondering if he had been bought to replace Grealish.

The Villa captain has been linked with a move away from the Midlands club for a while now, with Sky Sports reporting that Manchester City are readying a bid.

However, according to Hatfield, that is not the case. Instead, Buendia has been brought in to complement Grealish.

“It’s an interesting one and a lot of fans have kind of put two and two together with that,” the Express & Star journalist said as he discussed Buendia and Grealish in a chat with FFC.

“Buendia’s come in, obviously plays a similar position, albeit off the right as opposed to Grealish playing off the left. Villa are very much in the camp that he was brought in to be an addition to Jack Grealish and not a replacement.”

It will come as a relief to Villa fans, who will not want to see their chief creator, who provided 10 assists in the Premier League last season, leave this summer.

Of course, a lot could still happen before the transfer window closes, especially with Manchester City sniffing around. But the signs indicate that the Villans want to build around Grealish rather than sell him off for big money.

HOBART, Nov 21 AAP – New South Wales captain Simon Katich is hoping for his first big score for his new team while Tasmanian skipper Jamie Cox simply wants a big score from someone when the two meet in the Pura Cup cricket match starting here

Don Woolford21-Nov-2002HOBART, Nov 21 AAP – New South Wales captain Simon Katich is hoping for his first big score for his new team while Tasmanian skipper Jamie Cox simply wants a big score from someone when the two meet in the Pura Cup cricket match starting here tomorrow.Apart from an unexpected outright loss to South Australia at the SCG last Sunday, NSW has had a good start to the domestic season, trailing Pura Cup leaders Victoria and the Redbacks by just two points after two outright wins from four matches.But Katich said he hoped that 27-run loss to the Redbacks would be a good wake-up call for his team.The classy lefthanded batsman would also be looking for a catalyst for his own form.Katich averages 48.24 from 78 first class games, amassing more than 5,500 runs but since moving from Western Australia this season, times have been tough.Katich is yet to make a big score for the Blues despite being tipped as a future Test batsman.”I’m not disappointed with the way I’m hitting them, but I’m disappointed I haven’t converted,” he said.In his Warrior days, he regularly plundered the Tasmanian attack on Bellerive Oval.But he expected batting to be harder in this match.”Bellerive isn’t the same batters’ paradise it used to be,” he said.While NSW has made a strong start to the season, Tasmania, a finalist last season, is pointless after three away losses — including one to the Blues when Brett Lee, fired up after being dropped for the first Ashes Test, took 10 wickets for the match.The Tigers can at least be grateful that Lee is in Adelaide as Australia’s 12th man rather than Hobart this week.Cox said he’d been trying to figure out for 15 years why Tasmania always made poor starts to the season.”I’d like to have more to show at this stage, but we haven’t deserved more,” he said.”We haven’t been dreadful, but we haven’t had anyone make a big score or be a multiple wicket taker.”Katich was kinder to the Tigers.”They’ve had a slow start to the season and had less cricket than the NSW players,” he said.”Cricket is a confidence game. When you haven’t been playing a lot or getting the results you want, then it’s tough.”Teams (12th men to be named tomorrow morning)NSW: Simon Katich (c), Matthew Phelps, Michael Slater, Corey Richards, Michael Bevan, Michael Clarke, Mark Waugh, Brad Haddin, Stuart MacGill, Don Nash, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark.Tasmania: Jamie Cox (c), Sean Clingeleffer, Michael Dighton, Michael Di Venuto, Xavier Doherty, Adam Griffith, Shane Jurgensen, Scott Kremerskothen, Dan Marsh, Scott Mason, Shane Watson, Damien Wright.