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Player ‘very close’ to leaving Celtic – Brendan Rodgers’ side agree deal, medical on the way

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Major player contract update as Hoops look to tie down star man - Celtic report

Four days ago, reports from Spain indicated that Rayo Vallecano had reached an agreement with Celtic’s Luis Palma and were in the process of finalizing a deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

A new update from Estadio Deportivo suggests that the winger’s transfer to the La Liga club is now in its ‘final phase.’

On Sunday, a fresh development emerged, bringing the Celtic player ‘very close’ to joining Rayo Vallecano during the winter transfer window.

It is reported that Celtic and Rayo Vallecano have ‘already finalized an agreement’ for the 24-year-old to join on loan. Both clubs are now ironing out the final details of the arrangement.

According to Estadio, the Spanish side will have the option to purchase the Honduras international for €2.5m at the end of the season. Palma is expected to travel to Spain this week to complete formalities, including medical examinations.

Brendan Rodgers has given Palma just one league start this season, prompting the winger to seek a January exit. He now appears close to sealing a move to Rayo Vallecano.

Chris Sutton admits he has ‘never understood’ why some have been ‘questioning’ Celtic star

Brendan Rodgers saw Matt O’Riley depart for Brighton in a transfer that was widely anticipated, leaving fans eager to see how Celtic would reinvest the funds to strengthen their squad.

Celtic made significant moves, including breaking their transfer record to sign midfielder Arne Engels. The 21-year-old arrived from German club FC Augsburg and has had a mixed presence in Rodgers’ starting XI since his move to Glasgow.

On Saturday, Celtic secured a 4-1 victory over Ross County, with Engels in the starting lineup. The Belgian midfielder capped off the performance by converting a re-taken penalty during stoppage time.

Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd shared notable opinions about Engels, highlighting the impact of the summer signing.

Celtic boasts a strong squad, with perhaps the most competitive area being midfield. Regular starters Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate dominate the central roles, while Engels, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo vie for opportunities.

Sutton likened Engels’ situation to Nicolas Kuhn, pointing out some lingering uncertainties surrounding him while emphasizing the need for patience. Boyd also praised the young midfielder during an appearance on Sky Sports Football (11/01/25 at 12:20 pm), commending his contributions to the team.

Boyd stated: “You look at Celtic and they could play two upfront. The ball retention they have in the middle of the pitch. They can control it. If they have to work as a partnership. One will go short and the other will go long. When you look at the performances Engels has been putting in recently. He has been impressive. I know he had that time when he was out of the team and Bernardo had come in. But you have got to say, in recent weeks, he has got himself back in there and back amongst the goals as well. It’s just his energy, Chris.”

Sutton then added: “I never understood the questioning of Engels. I think it’s all to do with the price-tag, more than anything.

“We saw Nicolas Kuhn when he came in last season take his time to get up to speed and Engels is doing that.”

Ethan Blake

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Bundesliga

Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund in Transfer Battle as Spurs Target Dibling and Gittens

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Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund in Transfer Battle as Spurs Target Dibling and Gittens

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is targeting Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as part of his strategy to bring homegrown talent to Hotspur Way this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs were highly active in the winter transfer window, securing Mathys Tel on an initial loan from Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, with an option for a permanent £45 million move.

His arrival followed the signings of Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso, the latter joining from Ligue 1 side Lens with a £20.9 million obligation to buy. Postecoglou is working closely with technical director Johan Lange to plan future transfers.

Spurs Set Sights on Dibling and Gittens Deals

Tottenham have earmarked Tyler Dibling and Jamie Gittens as key transfer targets as they refine their strategy to strengthen their homegrown quota for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources report. However, securing both deals may prove challenging when negotiations begin.

Spurs could benefit if Southampton face relegation to the Championship in their pursuit of Dibling. However, the south coast club rejected bids below £55 million during the winter window, determined to retain the 19-year-old winger.

Sources indicate Tottenham nearly reached an agreement for Dibling in January but backed away due to Southampton’s high demands and doubts over the player’s willingness to move mid-season. Gittens is also expected to command a hefty transfer fee.

England U21 international Jamie Gittens carries an £80 million price tag ahead of the summer, having become a key figure in Borussia Dortmund’s plans during a challenging season. Securing his signature would require Tottenham to break their club-record transfer fee.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs ruled out signing Gittens during the winter transfer window, deeming a deal unfeasible at the time. However, their pursuit could face further complications as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the race for the highly-rated winger.

Postecoglou Remains Interested in Guehi Move

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains a key target for Tottenham, despite the club’s frustration in their attempts to secure a deal mid-season. However, Chelsea are currently leading the race for his signature, with additional interest emerging from abroad.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs made a £70 million bid for the 24-year-old in the final days of the winter transfer window, but Palace stood firm. Ange Postecoglou now faces a decision on whether to revisit negotiations in the summer.

The high valuations of Dibling, Gittens, and Guehi present challenges for Tottenham as they look to bolster their homegrown quota. Spurs have been monitoring the situation since last summer and are under pressure to balance their squad.

Additionally, GMS sources recently disclosed that Tottenham explored signing Angel Gomes last month or securing him on a pre-contract agreement before he becomes a free agent from Lille in the summer, as they continue their pursuit of homegrown talent.

Ethan Blake

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English Premier League

Exclusive: Tottenham Want to Sign £135m Duo as Levy Eyes Four Huge Deals

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Exclusive: Tottenham Want to Sign £135m Duo as Levy Eyes Four Huge Deals

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is targeting Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as part of his strategy to bring homegrown talent to Hotspur Way this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs were highly active in the winter transfer window, securing Mathys Tel on an initial loan from Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, with an option for a permanent £45 million move.

His arrival followed the signings of Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso, the latter joining from Ligue 1 side Lens with a £20.9 million obligation to buy. Postecoglou is working closely with technical director Johan Lange to plan future transfers.

Spurs Set Sights on Dibling and Gittens Deals

Tottenham have earmarked Tyler Dibling and Jamie Gittens as key transfer targets as they refine their strategy to strengthen their homegrown quota for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources report. However, securing both deals may prove challenging when negotiations begin.

Spurs could benefit if Southampton face relegation to the Championship in their pursuit of Dibling. However, the south coast club rejected bids below £55 million during the winter window, determined to retain the 19-year-old winger.

Sources indicate Tottenham nearly reached an agreement for Dibling in January but backed away due to Southampton’s high demands and doubts over the player’s willingness to move mid-season. Gittens is also expected to command a hefty transfer fee.

England U21 international Jamie Gittens carries an £80 million price tag ahead of the summer, having become a key figure in Borussia Dortmund’s plans during a challenging season. Securing his signature would require Tottenham to break their club-record transfer fee.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs ruled out signing Gittens during the winter transfer window, deeming a deal unfeasible at the time. However, their pursuit could face further complications as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the race for the highly-rated winger.

Postecoglou Remains Interested in Guehi Move

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains a key target for Tottenham, despite the club’s frustration in their attempts to secure a deal mid-season. However, Chelsea are currently leading the race for his signature, with additional interest emerging from abroad.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs made a £70 million bid for the 24-year-old in the final days of the winter transfer window, but Palace stood firm. Ange Postecoglou now faces a decision on whether to revisit negotiations in the summer.

The high valuations of Dibling, Gittens, and Guehi present challenges for Tottenham as they look to bolster their homegrown quota. Spurs have been monitoring the situation since last summer and are under pressure to balance their squad.

Additionally, GMS sources recently disclosed that Tottenham explored signing Angel Gomes last month or securing him on a pre-contract agreement before he becomes a free agent from Lille in the summer, as they continue their pursuit of homegrown talent.

Ethan Blake

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English Premier League

Arsenal ‘agree summer transfer’ to ease Mikel Arteta’s pain after double Man Utd swoop

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Arsenal's expected XI vs Monaco as Mikel Arteta recalls forgotten man amid injury crisis

Arsenal have secured a deal to sign Scottish prospect Callan Hamill from St Johnstone, according to reports.

The 15-year-old, regarded as one of Scotland’s brightest young talents, reportedly turned down offers from Celtic and Rangers in favor of joining the Gunners.

Having previously trained with Arsenal’s youth teams, Hamill will officially make the move on July 1, after his 16th birthday.

As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal and St Johnstone have agreed on a six-figure transfer fee, with additional clauses that could increase the final amount based on performance-based triggers.

Hamill, who can play both in defense and midfield, is a promising addition to Arsenal’s academy, particularly after the club lost two emerging talents to Manchester United.

Last October, United secured striker Chido Obi, who had broken multiple scoring records in Arsenal’s youth system but was reportedly uncertain about his pathway to Mikel Arteta’s first team. Obi, now 17, has already made his senior debut for the Red Devils.

United also signed 18-year-old center-back Ayden Heaven during the January transfer window. Though his chances of breaking into Arsenal’s first team were slim, he has already been named on United’s bench twice and could soon feature due to injuries in the squad.

Despite these departures, Arsenal’s academy remains strong, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri making significant strides this season.

Lewis-Skelly has logged 631 Premier League minutes in the 2024/25 season and is reportedly on the radar of England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of his debut matches in charge.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Nwaneri has impressed Arteta, contributing to a goal every 94 minutes in the league and delivering standout performances in the Carabao Cup before Arsenal’s exit.

With these young talents paving the way, Hamill can take confidence in Arsenal’s commitment to developing prospects, as he aims to carve out his own future in North London.

Raheem Sterling or Mikel Merino? Paul Merson makes prediction for Arsenal’s clash with West Ham

Paul Merson expects Mikel Arteta to keep faith in Raheem Sterling for Arsenal’s crucial clash against West Ham, despite the forward’s underwhelming display against Leicester.

With Kai Havertz ruled out for the season due to injury, Arteta was forced to adjust his attack at the King Power Stadium. While some speculated that Merino could be deployed as a false nine, the Arsenal boss instead opted for a front three of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Sterling.

However, Sterling struggled to make an impact and was eventually substituted in the second half. His replacement, Merino, made an immediate difference—breaking the deadlock with a well-placed header from a pinpoint Nwaneri cross before sealing Arsenal’s victory with a composed finish in stoppage time.

Merino’s match-winning performance has sparked calls for him to start in the upcoming London derby, but Merson believes Arteta will resist the temptation to alter his frontline.

Given the importance of the match, the Arsenal manager is likely to back Sterling once again, trusting in his experience and ability to deliver in high-stakes fixtures.

‘Arsenal have an advantage this week since they are playing before Liverpool. If they beat West Ham, they close the gap at the top to just five points,’ ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Merson said in his Sportskeeda column.

‘If Liverpool lose to City on Sunday, the title race is wide open! This will still be a hard game for Arsenal, though.

‘West Ham were decent against Chelsea, I liked how they played even though they lost.’

Merson added: ‘Arsenal were poor in the first 70 minutes against Leicester. The football wasn’t free-flowing at all. I was gutted for Raheem Sterling because for some reason he just can’t seem to get going at Arsenal.

‘Despite his goal in the last game, I think Merino will be left on the bench here. I expect Mikel Arteta to use the same front three he used against Leicester.

‘If it doesn’t work out he can always bring Merino on and hope for the same result.’

‘West Ham will come out and frustrate Arsenal in this game, plus the Hammers have the firepower in the form of players who can pick you off,’ he continued.

‘They are also a better team in games where they are forced to rely on counter-attack.

‘Arsenal have a tricky run of fixtures after this game. This is a must-win clash and they must look at one game at a time rather than getting too ahead of themselves. This title is still well out of their hands, though.’

Asked whether the Chelsea loanee may need more game-time to build up his confidence, Arteta responded: ‘Yeah… and, as well, I think from everybody, to step up their game.

‘In the first half, especially in the first 20 to 25 minutes, we weren’t at our standards and it’s very difficult for our front players.’

Ethan Blake

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