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Kieran Devlin has revealed that Celtic summer signing James McCarthy has been struggling with the intensity of Ange Postecoglou’s Lennoxtown training sessions.

The Lowdown: McCarthy pens four-year deal

McCarthy was one of 12 arrivals at Parkhead over the summer, penning a four-year deal at the beginning of August.

Since then, the 30-year-old has made just one Scottish Premiership appearance, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Ross County last weekend.

He’s also featured in the Europa League and the League Cup for Celtic, but it seems as if he isn’t settling into life under Postecoglou as many would’ve hoped.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin was running a Q&A on The Athletic before the Hoops’ Europa League opener against Real Betis.

He was asked who he thought would replace captain Callum McGregor out of McCarthy and Ismaila Soro, to which he said:

“Think Soro most likely but could be McCarthy. Been told McCarthy has struggled slightly with the pace and intensity of the training sessions as well, but hopefully that is just down to fitness/rustiness rather than a permanent issue.

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The Verdict: Next few months key

As Devlin mentions, McCarthy’s struggles are hopefully due to a fitness issue rather than a long-term problem.

The Irishman started just four of Crystal Palace’s final 17 Premier League games last season and also went a few months as a free agent.

The next few months should give a better indication of where McCarthy fits in Postecoglou’s squad, but at this moment in time, he’s not making positive progress at Parkhead.

In other news: CEO at Europa League side tipped as possible McKay replacement at Celtic. 

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has told Nuno Espirito Santo to play Harry Kane or let him go.

Kane made his long-awaited return to competitive action at Wolves on Sunday – replacing Heung-min Son off the bench for the final 18 minutes at Molineux.

His late cameo appearance came just days after the striker was overlooked for the victory against Manchester City and UEFA Conference League tie against Pacos de Ferreira four days later.

But Santo ignored the ongoing links with Pep Guardiola’s side and cited Kane’s lack of match fitness as the reason for his absence for the opening two games of the season.

It’s unclear whether Kane will start the second leg tie on Thursday evening or the Premier League clash with Watford on Sunday. He has, however, stated that his intention is now to stay at Tottenham.

Santo may not want to change a winning team against the Hornets, but Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast that Kane must return to the starting XI as quickly as possible:

“Harry Kane is a Tottenham player so he should play him. If we’re not going to pick him, then you might as well let him go. He’s the best striker in the world, so play him.

“Don’t keep putting him on the bench, saying he’s unfit, he isn’t going to get fit coming on for 10 minutes.”

Reported Leeds United transfer target Jens Cajuste says he ‘hoped to take the next step’ and move to the Premier League in the summer. 

The lowdown

Swedish publication Expressen reported in July that the Whites had opened talks with FC Midtjylland over a deal for the midfielder. Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace were also credited with an interest.

However, Cajuste will remain with the Danish outfit, who have qualified for this season’s Europa League, until January at the earliest.

The 22-year-old looks to be a hugely talented footballer, with one scout hailing the ‘excellent’ midfielder as ‘the future of Swedish football’. He has two years left on his Midtjylland contract and is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Cajuste told Fotbollskanalen that playing in the English top flight would have been “fantastic fun” and said that he was “disappointed” to be denied the opportunity but has since accepted his situation.

He stated: “I was disappointed and I hoped to take the next step, but I have to accept it and make the best of the situation. I felt that I was ready to take the next step, but that’s how it is in football. I have to accept this.”

The verdict

It was a surprise to see Cajuste miss out on a move to England given that Midtjylland seemed resigned to losing him. They even kept him on the sidelines for their Champions League qualifier against Celtic so that an injury wouldn’t scupper any potential move.

Still, it may only be a matter of time before he ascends the footballing ladder, and Leeds could well remain in the frame. Cajuste could be a strong backup to Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road and maybe even succeed the Englishman if he is lured away should transfer interest re-emerge over the winter.

In other news, there’s potentially bad news on another Leeds transfer target. 

According to a report by Turkish transfer journalist Ekrem Konur, Tottenham Hotspur – and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici – ‘will try’ to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic on one condition.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter Milenkovic negotiations…

As per other reliable sources, like Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, Spurs have recently entered talks to sign Milenkovic following the breakdown of his proposed move to West Ham.

The Serbian colossus was thought to be on the verge of a move to the London Stadium, with some even believing that his suitcases were packed, but Sky Sports claimed that Paratici is attempting a last minute smash-and-grab.

The Latest: Spurs ‘will try’ to sign Milenkovic, on one condition…

According to Konur, while talks for Milenkovic have been held, Spurs will only attempt to complete his transfer on one condition.

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The journalist claims that Spurs will properly move for the 23-year-old if they fail to prise fellow Serie A defender Takehiro Tomiyasu away from Bologna.

“Tottenham will try to complete the Milenkovic transfer if Tomiyasu fails to complete the transfer,” Konur said on Twitter.

“Tottenham have been in talks with Fiorentina about Milenkovic.”

The Verdict: Milenkovic the better option…

Both possessing similar profiles, we believe La Viola’s towering young defender slightly edges it over Tomiyasu in terms of who Spurs should be targeting for the centre-back position.

Journalist Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic believes that Milenkovic could leave Fiorentina for as little as €15 million (£12.7m) this summer and, depending on his possible Premier League performances, he may come with a bit of sell-on value.

The 23-year-old, standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, is arguably tailor-made for the English top flight and Spurs would be snapping up a real bargain, especially considering that he has been called ‘extraordinary’ by Spanish right-back Pol Lirola.

In other news: Offer pending: Tottenham front race to sign ‘very exciting’ player with ‘gigantic buzz’, find out more here.

West Ham manager David Moyes should unleash academy midfielder Conor Coventry as part of his first-team squad this season.

There are less than four weeks until the start of the new campaign and the Irons are yet to complete any business in the transfer market, so the 58-year-old is playing a very risky game.

The East Londoners lack enough depth across the pitch to truly challenge across both the Premier League, Europa League and the other domestic cups. In reality, they could be facing a 50-plus match season with a serious lack of rotation options.

One position that is particularly worrying is the engine room, where an injury to either Tomas Soucek or Declan Rice means it’ll be the retiring Mark Noble next up. And after that, there’s no one.

Moyes may need to look to his academy set-up to find a potential solution, at least for the immediate future, and he should bank on Coventry after his impressive displays throughout pre-season thus far.

The 21-year-old particularly excelled against Reading, even resulting in him finding the net. The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas waxed lyrical about the young midfielder during the game as he tweeted: “Been impressed with Coventry. Composed on the ball and comfortable receiving a pass in tight spaces. Hopefully he will get a chance this season. Only 21.”

Indeed, he has also caught the eye of much of the Hammers faithful, with one supporter even claiming that he is similar to Michael Carrick, who also came through West Ham’s academy system.

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In the past, the Irons have been reluctant to keep hold of their very best youngsters. A notable example being Josh Cullen but. according to Thomas, he may have been allowed to leave to open a clear path for Coventry.

Speaking on the ‘U Irons’ podcast in October, the reporter dubbed him an “exciting talent” and claimed: “Obviously, when I was at the Southend v West Ham Under-23 game, David Moyes was there – and obviously Conor Coventry scored in that match, so he’s definitely someone Moyes is aware of and I think this is one of the reasons why they allowed Josh Cullen to leave.

“They’re looking at it like, ‘hey, we’ve got someone like Josh Cullen, younger, perhaps much better in terms of career prospects. So, we’re putting all our focus on him right now.'”

If that’s the case, then it would make the world of sense to have him involved next season. He should get plenty of opportunities across the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

As a result, Moyes would be saving GSB millions in the transfer market.

Coventry, who has been dubbed the “next big thing” and an “old head on young shoulders”, could learn a lot under the tutelage of Noble, in preparation for his retirement next summer.

By unleashing the 21-year-old gem this season, Moyes can spend his transfer kitty in other areas whilst still finding a solution in midfield.

The youngster will surely add to his three senior appearances for West Ham this season. It certainly makes the world of sense.

AND in other news, Moyes handed huge West Ham transfer boost over £22.5m-rated “beast”, GSB must act now…

According Give Me Sport, Leeds United are looking to sign both Glen Kamara and Ryan Kent from Glasgow Rangers during this summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Gers players to attract interest

The Gers enjoyed a magnificent campaign last term, winning the league for the first time in 10 years without losing a single game in the competition (thefishy.co.uk).

Of course, that means a number of their players are likely to attract interest this summer – two players in particular appear to be in demand.

The Latest: Leeds eye Kamara and Kent

As per this latest report, Leeds are in pursuit of both Kamara and Kent.

The piece also suggests the Gers could be tempted into selling both players.

The Verdict: Will they sell both?

Of course, given the difficulties imposed on all of football by the coronavirus pandemic, the Gers will looking to pick up some extra cash if they can do. Stewart Robertson has previously admitted that the Gers will need to sell players in the future to bring in more funds (BBC).

However, with the season already started and the Gers’ Champions League qualification in the balance, it seems unlikely that the Gers will sell both of them.

With a combined market value of £18m (Transfermarkt), their sales could both be lucrative, but the 55-time Scottish champions must also think about the impact it would have on Gerrard’s squad and preparations – losing one may be profitable, losing both could be damaging.

In other news, Rangers fans rage at this journalist’s tweet.

Sunderland have been dealt a potential boost in their bid to bring Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel to the Stadium of Light this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to a report by 90min, Nottingham Forest have made a move for Boavista right-back Reggie Cannon, with the Reds submitting an undisclosed offer for the 23-year-old defender.

The Championship side also recently confirmed a season-long loan deal for Arsenal right-back Jordi Osei-Tutu, meaning that, should the Garibaldi be successful with their bid for Cannon, they will have four players in the position on their books.

Johnson will be buzzing

The news that Nottingham Forest are actively attempting to recruit a right-back over what remains of the summer transfer window could well mean that the Reds are now willing to sanction the sale of Lawrence-Gabriel, something that would leave Lee Johnson buzzing.

The Black Cats have been heavily linked with a move for the defender this summer, with his potential addition undoubtedly providing the 40-year-old’s hopes of securing promotion from the third tier of English football with a considerable boost.

Indeed, while the 22-year-old has not got off to the best of starts for Forest this season, the £225k-rated right-back highly impressed over his 29 League One appearances while on loan at Blackpool last term, helping Neil Critchley’s side keep ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 4.6 duels per game.

The man Blackpool Gazette journalist Matt Scrafton dubbed an “important” player also impressed in a creative capacity, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.7 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £1.2k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.75, with his performances playing a huge part in Blackpool going on to secure promotion to the Championship.

As such, it would very much appear as if Lawrence-Gabriel would be a fantastic addition for Sunderland to make prior to the closure of the summer transfer window, with a deal now appearing a great deal more likely than previously thought.

In other news: Lost possession 20x: Sunderland’s sloppy £653k-rated ace cost Johnson dearly vs Burton

Southampton have been linked with a move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi recently, and he could prove to be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Southampton are one of several sides taking an interest in the Belgian this summer, with West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Rangers and Celtic also reportedly monitoring his situation at Anfield.

Although he is regarded as a cult hero at the Merseyside club for his brace in the memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League, as well as a late second in the win against Tottenham Hotspur in the final, he was a fringe option for the majority of last season and struggled on his rare appearances in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Would Origi be a good signing for Southampton?

Origi has never really been able to produce consistently good form during his time at Liverpool, with Klopp rarely deviating from his front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

The former Wolfsburg man’s playing time was limited even further last season following the arrival and subsequent good form of Diogo Jota, as he made just five starts last season in all competitions, with a further 10 appearances from the bench.

During his time on the pitch, he would manage no goals and just one assist, so it is no surprise to see him linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, in the hope that regular playing time elsewhere would help him rediscover his goalscoring touch.

The 26-year-old has truthfully never been prolific, with his best goalscoring season coming in the 2014/15 Ligue 1 campaign, as he scored eight goals for Lille in a loan spell, after moving from Les Dogues to the Reds the previous summer.

Since then, the £10.8m-rated striker has featured in 157 games for Liverpool, in which he has managed 35 goals and 14 assists, so would bring plenty of Premier League experience with him if he were to move to St Mary’s this summer.

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Considering his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, it seems clear that he will leave Liverpool this summer, which suggests that Hasenhuttl would be able to bring him in for a fairly low fee, and he could add some much-needed squad depth in attack, challenging Danny Ings and Che Adams for a starting spot in the Austrian manager’s side.

After scoring an impressive brace against Everton in 2019, Phil Neville was full of praise for the forward, saying:

“He’s got a taste for the big games. He has made big contributions in big games.”

Therefore, Origi arguably deserves a chance to show what he can do when afforded regular opportunities in a Premier League side, and given the price of any potential deal, he could prove to be an ideal, affordable option for the Saints this summer, so vice-chairman Martin Semmens should definitely look at bringing him in.

And, in other news… Tom Leach shares Southampton update on CL regular, fans will be gutted

Leeds United are in pole position to sign Huesca star Javi Galan this summer as a fresh transfer update emerges on their pursuit of the left-back.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that the Whites were eyeing up a move for Stade Brest’s Romain Perraud, before Football Insider revealed that the Yorkshire club were unwilling to meet the asking price set by the French side.

The same outlet then claimed that Marcelo Bielsa had turned his attentions towards Huesca’s Galan, with a Leeds source telling them that “the club have approached Galan’s representatives to discuss his situation this summer.”

And now, Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) claim that it’s Bielsa’s side who are favourites to land the player, while AS (via Sport Witness) said that the left-back’s future is closer to Leeds than Sevilla’s.

More dribbles than Raphinha

While he may be a full-back, Galan actually outshone Leeds star Raphinha when it came to taking players on last season – the 26-year-old was second only to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in completed dribbles in La Liga, with the Argentine 113 in total and Galan just behind him with 93.

He managed 3.3 dribbles per game in the Spanish top-flight, with Raphinha way behind on 1.9 – it’s a stat that speaks volumes of the kind of attacking intent and directness that Galan shows when bursting forward from defence.

He was ranked in the 2021 team of the year in the top-flight by Whoscored, while the full-back himself said (as quoted by El Mundo Deportivo): “Seeing you on a table next to Messi always surprises you, but I don’t think about dribbling, but only about helping the team. My game is based on that, on overcoming lines based on dribbling, and that is how I can contribute.”

And, as per La Liga Lowdown: “One of those invaluable full-backs who can cover an entire flank alone, he essentially provides a numerical advantage for his team.

“According to fbref.com, Galán ranks top in tackles won, second for crosses into the penalty area and second for players dribbled past. As football has realised in recent years, it’s hard to negate a full-back arriving at pace. So far Galán himself has proved just that; unstoppable.”

Given that Leeds spent the majority of last season with Gjanni Alioski playing as a converted left-back, the news that they are at the front of the queue to sign one of the best offensive full-backs in Europe last season should surely see fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are eyeing a move for this star…

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa must land Spain star Adama Traore amid David Norris’ transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Whites are interested in signing the Wolves winger, with claims back in December revealing that Bielsa’s side were keen on luring him to Elland Road.

Norris has delivered his verdict on Leeds’ potential move for Traore. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He likes them attacking, exciting players that can create. They still must work hard, but the way he’s been in the last couple of seasons, and how much of a danger he is and how much he an create, I think that would be a great signing. Leeds are looking for top players and I think he’s a top player.”

Game-changer for Bielsa

Dubbed a “machine” and someone who’s “been scaring defenders” by former Leeds defender Rio Ferdinand in January 2020, the £100,000-a-week Traore has the kind of game-changing pace and ability which could terrify the rest of the Premier League just like he has done at Wolves.

Averaging an impressive 4.1 dribbles per game – the highest in the entire Premier League last season – and being fouled 2.3 times per match, the third-most in the division, Traore is a relentless dribbler who’s a nightmare for opposition defences.

Indeed, Bielsa himself has previously admitted to how tough a player Traore is to mark, saying: “It’s better to follow the man than leave him to a team-mate. I believe, fundamentally, Traore likes to play out wide on the wings. If he dominates the ball on his side he’s difficult to start, so whoever’s marking him will need some support.”

Hailed as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following an impressive display against the Reds back in January 2020, the £27m-rated Spaniard is currently at Euro 2020, so a move may only be made once La Roja’s involvement in the competition ends.

If Leeds can pull off a deal for the 25-year-old, they could terrify the rest of the Premier League with one of the division’s most dangerous attackers.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target would be a major upgrade…