Southampton journalist Jacob Tanswell has shared an update regarding the current fitness situation of James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the news?

In a recent tweet prior to the Saints’ 0-0 pre-season draw against Austria Klagenfurt, The Athletic journalist shed some light on the matter.

He said: “No James Ward-Prowse again for #SaintsFC this evening as he sits out through injury. Coaches felt it was best not to take the risk. Understand the injury isn’t too bad and he is likely to start training in the coming days, either tomorrow or when the team return home.”

Last season once again showed just how vital Ward-Prowse is to Southampton on the pitch. With 36 Premier League appearances to his name and more minutes played than anyone else in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad, the Englishman also ended the campaign with more goal contributions (15) than any of his team-mates.

In fact, the 27-year-old also topped the list for the number of shots at goal (51), shot-creating actions (113) and progressive passes (135) at the south coast club.

His overall performances in the league earned him a solid season rating of 7.01/10, making him the highest-rated player at Southampton according to WhoScored.

Now that this update has emerged regarding the Saints captain and his current fitness situation, it will surely be great news for Hasenhuttl and Southampton fans to hear that the injury is not serious.

Bearing in mind how the Saints will begin the upcoming Premier League season with a tough away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, having Ward-Prowse fit and ready to play could be crucial for them in potentially getting their campaign off to a positive start.

Before that, Southampton still have two pre-season friendlies left to play at St Mary’s against Watford and Villarreal.

If the England international can get some minutes under his belt in either of those two matches, this should put him and the rest of the team in a good place to attack their opening league game of the season in north London.

Moving forward, the best thing that everyone at Southampton can hope for is that Ward-Prowse overcomes his current injury issue and gets up to speed in terms of his fitness ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

AND in other news – “Southampton have…”: Teasing summer claim should leave Saints supporters excited

There has been an update regarding the future of Celtic defender Stephen Welsh…

What’s the word?

According to Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, while the Parkhead outfit have been approached by Toulouse regarding the 22-year-old, the discussions have not progressed past an initial enquiry.

Writing on Twitter about the situation, the respected source stated:

“As for Stephen Welsh, for those asking, there was a call made by Toulouse but that’s as far as it’s gone.”

This follows a report from Sky Sports which revealed that the Ligue 1 side had enquired about taking the Scotsman on loan for the upcoming campaign, albeit with manager Ange Postecoglou said to be unwilling to let the youngster depart.

The promising centre-back – who still has three years remaining on his existing deal – had been the subject of interest from Serie A side Udinese in January, although the offer was rebuffed by the Hoops.

Huge relief for supporters

That news will no doubt come as a huge relief to supporters, with it a welcome boost to know that there has been no real development in Welsh’s potential move to France, heightening the possibility that he will remain at Celtic Park this summer.

In truth, it would seemingly make little sense to sanction the loan departure of a player who had been a valued figure under Postecoglou last term, making 24 appearances in all competitions as the Old Firm giants claimed the league title.

While he was unable to dislodge the “immense” first-choice defensive pairing of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers – as described by Chris Sutton – for much of the season, the £3.6k-per-week gem solidified his status as the third centre-back option, maintaining that role even after Christopher Jullien’s return from injury.

The recent arrival of German defender Moritz Jenz has undoubtedly provided increased competition, although ahead of a campaign that will see the club juggle domestic and European duties once again, having quality depth could prove integral.

Welsh, then, still seemingly has a key role to play next season for the champions, with it not beyond the realms of possibility that he could usurp one of his teammates in the starting XI, having averaged an impressive 2.2 clearances and 1.7 interceptions per game from his ten Scottish Premiership outings last term, recording three clean sheets and winning a solid 63% of his aerial duels.

A player who will seemingly only progress in the coming years, supporters will no doubt be desperate to see his development continue Postecoglou, rather than be shipped out on loan elsewhere.

At present, it looks as if there is no need for concern, with a departure not looking likely.

AND in other news, “Celtic were..”: Sky Sports journalist drops transfer claim that supporters will love

Everton have been continually linked with a move for Conor Gallagher this summer, and a reliable source has now given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Everton reporter Greg O’Keeffe, the Merseyside club remain interested in signing the Chelsea youngster during the current transfer window.

In a report for The Athletic discussing the Toffees’ transfer targets, O’Keeffe stated that Frank Lampard is a long-term admirer of the midfielder, and that a greater provision of goals from the centre of the pitch is a priority for the Everton manager.

Gallagher fits the profile of player that Lampard wants, but Everton will reportedly need to compete with many other interested clubs for the 22-year-old, while there is every chance that Thomas Tuchel will want to keep the player at Stamford Bridge.

Moshiri must seal Gallagher deal

It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need for reinforcements this summer following a troubling season in which the Toffees finished on their joint-lowest points-per-game total ever, so Farhad Moshiri must seal a deal for Gallagher in order to spark an improvement.

The Merseysiders must utilise this transfer window to bring in players who can add quality and instantly have a positive influence on the team. Gallagher could certainly deliver that if he can emulate the form that he displayed over his season-long loan at Crystal Palace last term.

The 22-year-old midfielder scored eight goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances, making 1.1 key passes and two tackles per game, while also completing the majority of his dribble attempts (57%) across 34 Premier League appearances.

It is clear that the Chelsea academy graduate is bursting with potential and talent, something that Lampard could fine-tune if he is given the opportunity to reunite with the player at Goodison Park this summer. The Everton boss could use his own experience as a potent, attack-minded midfielder to get the best out of Gallagher.

However, it will likely be difficult to convince Tuchel to part ways with his £50m-valued sensation for another year, especially after he dubbed the young talent “extraordinary” and “outstanding” during last season (via The Athletic).

The Chelsea boss said of the 22-year-old: “His development is extraordinary and outstanding. I believe Conor can be a part of our squad and can play a role with us.

“We need to speak after the season with everybody, speak after the season about what Conor wants. We need to see what the situation is and what role we have for him that he can fight for.”

All things considered, the signing of Gallagher (even on loan) would be a fantastic piece of business for Everton, but it would only be a short-term fix to their problems as it seems highly unlikely that Chelsea will consider selling him as he continues to develop and thrive in the Premier League.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid to sign 6 ft 2 “serious talent”, imagine him & Tarkowski

Glasgow Rangers got their 2022/23 Premiership campaign off to a solid start on Saturday afternoon, securing a 2-1 away victory in their opening game of the new season.

The Gers found themselves behind with just five minutes on the clock after Joel Nouble opened the scoring for Livingston.

Things were starting to look worrying for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s outfit as they were still without a goal by the 70-minute mark.

However, in the space of two minutes, Rangers got themselves ahead thanks to goals from Scott Arfield – after he replaced Glen Kamara in the second half – followed by a goal from captain James Tavernier, who saved the day for the Light Blues.

Despite the victory, there will have been aspects to the game and his side’s performance that Van Bronckhorst will not have been pleased with.

One example could be the performance of summer signing Antonio Colak, who made his league debut for the club following his £1.8m arrival from PAOK earlier this month.

Having played the full 90 minutes of this afternoon’s clash, the striker only managed to have nine touches of the ball in total, which is 20 touches fewer than goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin had.

In those nine touches, the 28-year-old could only register one shot at goal and complete three of the four passes he attempted.

He also managed to catch himself offside on one occasion and commit a foul that saw him pick up a yellow card.

Even though he’s a centre-forward, the Croatian didn’t make a single tackle, interception, block or clearance for his new side.

This debut display ultimately earned the summer arrival a disappointing overall match rating of 6.4 from SofaScore, making him the joint-lowest Rangers player to step foot on the pitch, alongside John Souttar.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the striker failed the first test given to him by Van Bronckhorst.

However, with it still being extremely early into the season and his time at the club, Colak has time ahead of him to improve and show the Rangers support why the club chose to sign him in the first place.

Although, if he continues putting in performances like he did today and barely gets a touch of the ball, he could well find himself out of the team.

AND in other news: “New deal..”: Reporter drops transfer claim that’ll leave Rangers supporters gutted

Rangers are ‘in negotiations’ for Besiktas left-back Ridvan Yilmaz and the 21-year-old is keen on a move to Ibrox, according to journalist Fraser Fletcher.

The Lowdown: Experienced youngster

The defender has already made 62 appearances for the Turkish giants; an impressive figure for a youngster who came through the academy.

Of this total, 27 appearances came in the Super Lig last season, with the player adding three goals and four assist to his name.

He even featured twice in the Champions League, with minutes against Ajax and Sporting CP.

The Latest: Fletcher’s claim

Fletcher has shared the latest news linking Yilmaz with a move to Ibrox.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed:

“Rangers are in negotiations for left back, Ridvan Yilmaz. The capped Turkish international is the in final year of his contract and keen to move to Rangers.

“The clubs are still apart in fee and Rangers are awaiting Besiktas new proposal, reports of agreed proposal incorrect.”

The Verdict: Good signing

The 21-year-old was Besiktas’ joint-second top assister for the 2021/22 league campaign, while he also averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 0.8 dribbles per game (via WhoScored), showing an impressive well-rounded skill-set.

With Giovanni van Bronckhorst on the lookout for another option at left-back after Calvin Bassey’s departure, the youngster could prove to be a strong long-term option for the Light Blues.

If Rangers can get the Turkish outfit to reduce their demands for the player, this could be a good signing for the club.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has shared an update regarding Hoops midfielder Reo Hatate after he was taken off through injury during the Parkhead club’s recent 2-0 win over Aberdeen.

What’s the news?

Speaking (via The Scotsman) after the match that saw the Bhoys secure their first win of the new season thanks to goals from Stephen Welsh and Jota, the 56-year-old had this to say about Hatate.

“He copped a couple of hard knocks, to be fair. He was a bit sore after the game.”

This seems to imply that the midfielder was not too badly injured during the match, despite being substituted off after 66 minutes following a blow to the mouth, in addition to needing treatment for a knock he took in the first period of the game.

Despite not completing the entire game, the Japan international still managed to show how significant he is to the Hoops as he racked up three key passes against Aberdeen as well as having two shots at goal and making one tackle and one interception.

Celtic fans will be buzzing

The 24-year-old showed after his arrival in January just how useful he is for the Hoops as he ended the previous SPFL season with 29 shots at goal, 23 crosses delivered, 12 interceptions and seven successful tackles.

As well as this, the January recruit managed to score four goals and provide three assists in 17 league appearances.

With Postecoglou implying that there wasn’t any serious damage done to Hatate during Sunday’s clash, this should relieve Celtic fans and leave them hoping that he’ll be fit enough to play in the Bhoys’ next game against Ross County on Saturday.

While the midfielder may have some recovering to do from his battle against Aberdeen, he still has the next few days ahead of him to train and get prepared for the next clash as Celtic look to continue their solid start to the campaign with another victory.

With Saturday’s clash with County in mind, it’s safe to say that given what Hatate offers the team in the middle of the pitch, Postecoglou will be hoping that the player can shake off the knocks he picked up and be available for selection.

AND in other news: Postecoglou could seal big CCV upgrade with Celtic bid for “tremendous” 25 y/o target

Talks are ‘ongoing’ in West Ham United’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt ace Filip Kostic, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Interest in Kostic

According to Sky Sports, the 29-year-old has already turned down two offers from clubs playing in the Champions League.

However, it is believed that the Serbia international would consider a move to the London Stadium if an agreement is reached.

Kostic is represented by the World Soccer Agency (WSA) – the same agency that looks after new Hammers signing Gianluca Scamacca.

As a result, founders Alessandro Lucci and Alessio Ceccarelli are trying to broker a deal between the clubs and also with the player, with a first bid reportedly made earlier this week.

The Latest: Taylor’s news

Taylor has shared an update on West Ham’s progression with the Kostic deal.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist revealed the Hammers are a few million short:

“West Ham continue to work on Filip Kostić deal but will have to raise opening £12.8m offer to £16m in order to strike agreement. Talks ongoing on personal terms.”

The Verdict: Great signing

When looking at the left midfielder’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why David Moyes is so keen on wrapping up a deal for the player as soon as possible.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Kostic ranks in the 99th percentile for shots, assists, expected assists and shot-creating actions.

Former Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter was extremely complimentary of the 29-year-old, saying he shows “outstanding qualities on the field and off it”, making him a fantastic addition to any squad.

If the Irons are able to secure a deal for Kostic in the coming weeks, this could be a very shrewd signing for Moyes’ side.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a move for Napoli midfielder, Fabian Ruiz, according to reports coming out of Italy.

What’s the word?

As per Il Mattino (via Sports Witness), the Hammers are said to have ‘never stopped thinking’ about the Spaniard – as well as teammate Piotr Zielinski – as manager David Moyes plots a new midfield recruit.

The suggestion is that the east London outfit are yet to tempt the Serie A side into a sale with their offers thus far, with previous reports having revealed that the 26-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m), with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

Despite having already brought in Flynn Downes from Swansea City so far this summer, the Premier League side are in need of further additions in the centre of the park following the retirement of long-serving skipper, Mark Noble, having also opted against signing Alex Kral on a permanent deal.

Thiago 2.0

Dubbed an “artist” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ruiz is a gloriously gifted playmaker who simply oozes class when in possession of the ball, helping to keep things ticking over while also providing a cutting edge in the final third.

The £48k-per-week menace enjoyed a particularly impressive campaign last time out in Naples, netting seven goals and providing four assists in 32 league games for Luciano Spalletti’s side, while also averaging an impressive 90% pass accuracy rate per game.

Formerly of Real Betis – whom he left to join his current side back in 2018 – the 15-cap international is comfortable both in a deep-lying or more advanced midfield role, proving himself a hugely versatile and flexible asset who could well thrive in Moyes’ side.

Not only a star at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the £49.5m-rated gem also compares favourably among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, notably averaging 5.74 progressive carries and 5.35 progressive passes per game, while also ranking in the top 3% for attempted passes.

That quality with the ball at his feet sees the “spectacular” ace – as described by former Betis boss Quique Setien –  bare a striking resemblance to that of compatriot Thiago Alcantara, with the pair sharing several statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

That comparison will set pulses racing at the London Stadium such is the immense talent of the Liverpool man, with the 31-year-old simply a master of his craft and one of the most delightful footballers to watch when in his stride.

Although Ruiz has some way to go to match the consistent brilliance of the former Bayern Munich man – who averages a stunning 9.74 progressive passes and 8.39 progressive carries per game – the signs are that he is a player of similar ilk, with the Irons potentially set to have a real gem on their hands if a deal can be struck.

AND in other news: Moyes can now form “unreal” duo as WHU given green light for “limitless” £13m signing…

Everton have reportedly made an offer to sign former Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj, and the Belgium international could be an excellent addition to Frank Lampard’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain, both West Ham and Everton have made offers for the 27-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad.

They report that he is currently training in Malaga as he aims to find a new club, and is desperately hoping to be part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad for the World Cup later this year.

The Toffees will also face competition from the likes of Napoli and Sevilla, with the report suggesting that he wants European football, which suggests that Farhad Moshiri will have to make him an excellent offer if he is to make the move to Merseyside this summer.

Lampard would love him

Januzaj is no longer the young inexperienced player we saw at Manchester United nearly 10 years ago.

The winger, who reportedly earned £76k-per-week at Sociedad, is now 27 and has more than 100 La Liga appearances under his belt. During his time at Sociedad, he has made 166 appearances in total, contributing 23 goals and 21 assists.

Therefore, for Kevin Thelwell to potentially sign him on a free transfer would represent excellent business by the Toffees, and would be a step in the right direction after several years of over-paying in transfer fees.

Following the departure of Richarlison, Lampard needs to add some quality to his attack and would undoubtedly be getting a talented player in Januzaj.

Considering Everton’s lack of goals last season, the Toffees need some creativity in their side if they are going to have a better campaign this time around. Januzaj would contribute 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 last season, which emphasises his ability to find teammates in promising situations.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was full of praise for the Belgian forward in 2021 after he impressed in a Europa League game, saying:

“He’s been brilliant tonight. I never understood why it didn’t work out for him because he had such talent, but it didn’t.

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“He’s gone on to good things and tonight he’s been excellent.

“I knew this kid had ability and he’s showing it.”

Therefore, if Lampard can get some consistent form out of him, he could be a quality addition, so the former Chelsea boss will be hoping that Moshiri can secure a deal for him.

AND, in other news: “Close to agreement..”: Ornstein drops big update, Everton supporters will be gutted

Celtic not only managed to end their previous season with the Scottish Premiership title in their hands, but they also managed to rack up the best defensive record in the division.

With 38 games played, the Hoops only conceded 22 goals in total, which is nine fewer than their Old Firm rivals Rangers conceded.

One player that had a massive part in this aspect of the Hoops’ impressive campaign was Cameron Carter-Vickers.

After joining on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur in the 2021 summer transfer window, the centre-back went on to make 46 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, with 33 of them coming in the league.

Having now secured the American on a permanent basis, this proves just how impressive he was last year and how eager the Parkhead club were to bring him back.

Even though the Hoops have also signed Moritz Jenz to help strengthen their squad, the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window could see the Bhoys add some extra depth and quality to their backline.

One player that has been mentioned with a move to Glasgow that could also be an upgrade on Carter-Vickers is KAA Gent defender Joseph Okumu.

Last season saw the 25-year-old make 49 appearances for the Belgian club after joining from IF Elfsborg in the previous summer window.

To compare his debut season in the Belgian league with Carter-Vickers’ efforts in the SPFL last year, the Gent star racked up more interceptions and successful tackles than the Celtic defender, despite making six fewer appearances than him.

Okumu also committed fewer fouls than the former Spurs figure, showing that he isn’t as much of a potential liability as the Celtic defender.

Hailed as a “tremendous” player by Dan Egner, the Gent star would definitely be a useful addition to Ange Postecoglou’s squad at the back, especially if Christopher Jullien ends up leaving, and could even rival Carter-Vickers for a place in the team.

Moving forward, with Jullien and Stephen Welsh being linked with moves away from Parkhead, should either of them do so, launching a move for Okumu should be at the top of Celtic’s priority list for the remainder of the transfer window.

AND in other news: “On the radar”: Journo drops behind-scenes transfer claim Celtic supporters will love