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Manchester City’s hopes of signing Dusan Vlahovic this summer look to have taken a blow, after Fiorentina’s asking price for the Serbian was revealed.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), Fiorentina have significantly raised their asking price for the 21-year-old striker from €40m (£34.4m) to €60m (£51.6m) ahead of the summer.

City were recently linked with a move for the former Partizan Belgrade striker as they eye up a replacement for the legendary Sergio Aguero this summer, with the Argentinian striker confirmed to be leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Whilst Pep Guardiola’s side have played without a striker on a number of occasions this season, failing to bring in a natural striker in the summer would leave them with just Gabriel Jesus and 18-year-old Liam Delap as options for the Spanish manager up front next season.

Therefore, it seems likely that the Citizens will attempt to sign a striker this summer and after Erling Haaland’s extortionate asking price was revealed earlier this year, Vlahovic could have been a cheap alternative.

Although he would still be significantly cheaper than the Norway international, this news on Fiorentina raising their asking price for Vlahovic will certainly come as a blow to City, and Guardiola will surely be frustrated that teams are asking for so much for young strikers at the moment, especially in a post-pandemic transfer market.

The Serbia international could still prove to be worth the inflated asking price, however, as he has hit 21 goals in 34 Serie A appearances so far this season, earning an impressive 6.93 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Former Serbia striker Darko Kovacevic was full of praise for Vlahovic recently, saying:

“He is just 21-years-old and is showing great things.

“I don’t say this because he is Serbian like me, but because he is a very high-level player and a hard worker.

“If he continues like this, in three, four years he will be among the top five best strikers in the world.”

Therefore, Vlahovic is clearly destined for big things in the future and would have perhaps been an excellent addition to City’s side this summer, but his increased asking price may well discourage Txiki Begiristain and Guardiola from bringing him to the Etihad.

Given teams know that City need a striker and that they are a very wealthy club, selling teams will almost certainly be boosting the prices of their players if the champions-elect come calling and that, understandably, will have Guardiola fuming as he looks to improve his squad.

And, in other news… Man City handed huge boost with “exceptional” PL star, Txiki must deliver

An update has emerged regarding the make-up of new Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst’s backroom staff at Ibrox as he aims to bounce back from the Gers’ crippling defeat last weekend…

What’s the talk?

According to Gazet van Antwerpen, via Sport Witness, the Dutchman is hoping to complete a deal to land Royal Antwerp talent coordinator Zeb Jacobs in the coming days.

The report claims that there is a concrete interest from Rangers in the 26-year-old, who currently works on youth development with the Belgian outfit, and they are looking to finalise a move ‘soon’.

Buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this news as it suggests that van Bronckhorst wants to place an emphasis on youth development at Ibrox. Jacobs is said to have impressed Gers chiefs with his work in Belgium – developing young players and helping them progress into the first team.

This means that he could come in and help to bridge the gap between the academy and the senior team. Whether that means he will come in and directly work with the starting XI with a specific focus on the younger players or in the academy helping the stars of tomorrow push on to reach van Bronckhorst’s side remains to be seen, but it is good news either way for supporters who want to see the next ‘one of their own’ play at Ibrox.

Nathan Patterson is currently part of the first-team set-up and playing a backup role to James Tavernier at right-back and Jacobs’ arrival could potentially help him kick on and nail down a starting berth.

The likes of Juan Alegria, Aaron Cervantes and Tony Weston could also benefit as they attempt to make the leap from academy football to making their Scottish Premiership debuts.

This is why the Ibrox faithful will be buzzing with this news as it could see a number of young players make their way at Rangers, should Jacobs have the desired impact upon his arrival.

They will also be delighted with van Bronckhorst wanting to make this a priority as it shows that he is willing to offer chances to younger players and will not rely on senior heads to get him out of every situation.

It is now down to Ross Wilson and the Dutchman to ensure that they can iron out a deal with Antwerp in the coming days to bring him to Ibrox.

AND in other news, Gio could save Wilson millions with Rangers beast who is a “winner and warrior”…

Celtic have been dealt a late injury blow ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report by The Herald, Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt will be unavailable for selection against Hearts this evening, as the defender does not look to have recovered from a hamstring injury that has seen him miss the Bhoys’ last six fixtures – despite the defender being pictured in training at Lennoxtown on Wednesday.

Postecoglou will be fuming

With the fixture against third-placed Hearts tonight being an extremely important one for Celtic, with a win reducing the gap between the Hoops and the current Premiership leaders to just four points ahead of the busy Christmas schedule, the news that Starfelt will not be available for selection is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou fuming.

Indeed, the Sweden international has highly impressed over his 11 league appearances so far this season, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and winning 6.3 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £2.7m-rated man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.23, ranking him as the Bhoys’ joint fifth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football – of the players who still remain in Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

What makes his time on the sidelines even more problematic is that since his time out, the Hoops are yet to keep a clean sheet in Premiership action, conceding to both Dundee FC and Aberdeen.

As such, the continued absence of the centre-back will undoubtedly come as a major blow to the 56-year-old manager and his side, who will be desperate to secure all three points against Hearts in order to keep pace in the Premiership title race.

In other news: Postecoglou axes £14k-p/w “terrible flop” in 2 changes: Predicted Celtic XI v Hearts

Pundit Frank McAvennie has urged Newcastle to launch a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Alli to leave, Newcastle in contact

A Spurs source has informed Football Insider that the club are willing to move Alli on in the January window, with the 25-year-old not in Antonio Conte’s plans.

Alli has featured in just two minutes of Premier League action under Conte, with Tottenham allegedly open to loan, loan-to-buy or permanent transfers.

Reports from Teamtalk have revealed that the Magpies have been in contact with Spurs regarding a move for Alli and would want an option to buy, as long as they avoid relegation.

The Latest: McAvennie’s claim

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the news on Alli.

He appeared to urge Newcastle to follow through with the approach and launch a move for the attacking midfielder, although he did have one concern in regards to being involved in a relegation battle.

“He’s a good player, there’s no doubting that.

“Going to Newcastle? What an asset he would be to them if he got his form back.

“If he plays as well as we know he can, he is the man to save them.

“What concerns me is whether you want him in the trenches with you.

“Is he going to put his foot in and do the dirty work in a relegation fight?

“I’m not saying he won’t or can’t. We have just never seen it before.

“If the option is there for Newcastle and they have already secured the new defenders they need.

“I think they could do a lot worse than getting Alli in, even on loan.

“He can be phenomenal on his day.”

The Verdict: Sign

A loan with an option to buy next season, as long as Eddie Howe keeps Newcastle in the Premier League, seems to be a smart move.

Howe has just one senior attacking midfielder on the books at this moment in time in Miguel Almiron, with the 27-year-old yet to contribute to a goal in 14 league appearances.

Alli has 88 Premier League goal contributions in 179 games, so would add that attacking threat and experience that could prove priceless in the second half of the season.

In other news, find out which ‘sensational’ signing NUFC are now ‘closing in’ on here!

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has revealed he is not keen to see one man carry on starting at his old club, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

Liam Shaw recently agreed to join Celtic when his contract at Hillsborough expires in the summer and manager Darren Moore has since come out to make it clear that the 20-year-old is still in his plans for the rest of the season.

Palmer, though, does not like the idea of a player who already has one foot out of the door still being an integral part of the team, concerned about the level of commitment that will still be present.

Discussing the matter in an exclusive interview with FFC, the retired Premier League footballer said:

“It’s a problem, I’ve always said that. I said when you sign a pre-contract for a club, you might as well go at that point. You’ve got a big-money move coming up, you’re not going to want to get yourself injured, you’re not going to put yourself on the line – Darren Moore needs everybody who’s committed to the club.”

Speaking on the subject further, Palmer added:

“As far as I’m concerned, anybody that signs a pre-contract, from the time they sign it, effectively they should leave the club. It always happens, they’re not going to be fully committed to the job.”

It is little surprise that Celtic are already planning for next season and have moved for Shaw, with the Glasgow club’s current campaign virtually over.

After falling well short in the title race this time round, they are in need of a rebuild, meaning more additions like Shaw are likely. As well as that, the Bhoys, of course, will also be in the market for a new manager following Neil Lennon’s resignation last month.

With Celtic currently lacking a manager, it’s perhaps a surprise to see so many new players being linked with Parkhead.

That being said, it’s positive thinking from a club who have done very little right this season.

On the chalkboard

The Hoops faithful are right to be scared about their current position. They have just lost the title for the first time in a decade and they didn’t even run their rivals close.

Neil Lennon is no longer in charge and thus, Dermot Desmond is searching for a new manager.

Whoever walks through the door could have to deal with a player exodus. Star striker Odsonne Edouard has long been linked with an exit, as too has Kristoffer Ajer.

Ajer has been a phenomenal addition since joining the club on a free transfer as a 17-year-old. He is now a matured international for Norway and that has undeniably come with its plaudits.

The centre-back was linked with a move to Tottenham last season while AC Milan have been monitoring his situation. If he does leave, it could leave a giant hole in the middle of Celtic’s defence to fill.

Christopher Jullien is out for the next nine months while Shane Duffy is due to go back to Brighton following the conclusion of his loan spell.

The solution

Celtic could well fill that gap with a certain Declan Gallagher. TEAMtalk reported this week that the Bhoys were ready to move for the Motherwell defender this summer.

They face plenty of competition for his signature with Cardiff, Barnsley, Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee in the race to sign him.

Premier League clubs Burnley, Sheffield United and West Brom have him on their radar but it’s been claimed that Gallagher’s head has been turned by interest from Celtic.

At the age of 30, he is a seasoned professional and although the Hoops wouldn’t have much sell-on value, he’d be a fantastic acquisition.

Standing at 6 foot 6, Gallagher is a monster in the air and very rarely does he lose a defensive battle. The defender has won a colossal 3.9 aerial duels this term, a tally that betters every Celtic player apart from Duffy and Jullien.

Having won seven caps for Scotland, he has what it takes to play at a higher level and he’d certainly be able to do that at Celtic. After all, Gallagher possesses a similar never-say-die mentality to Ajer.

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Speaking about the Hoops-linked defender in January, Gary Holt told Radio Clyde: “I used to say we were fortunate to have players who were prepared to get hurt in both boxes. He’s prepared to get hurt. That’s what you like about him [Gallagher]. He’s somebody who’s going to do his job to the best of his ability. He’s kicked on massively since he left Livi.”

How Celtic could have done with more players like that this season. Ajer was been one of a few who were really prepared to put their body on the line for the team.

Therefore, if he leaves, it would be a bitter blow. Replacing him with Gallagher would certainly be no bad idea, though.

AND in other news, Better than Kenny: Celtic must sign “fierce” gem who’s made 89 tackles this term…

Norwich have joined Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Davis at Forest

The 24-year-old left Villa Park to join Forest on loan at the beginning of the year and hasn’t looked back.

Davis, who has scored just six goals in 86 appearances for Villa, has starred in 2022, already netting five times in 13 games at the City Ground.

He has also provided three assists for the Reds, helping them into the Championship playoffs. Unfortunately though, Davis has now been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring problem.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared an update regarding Davis’ future on Monday lunchtime after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claim that Norwich, managed by former Villa boss Dean Smith, are now ready to rival Forest for Davis’ services. A loan or a permanent exit are both options, with Villa expected to be open to offers for the forward over the coming months.

The Verdict: Right decision?

A £4m figure was included in the recent report, with Davis under contract for a further two years. He has shown at Forest that he can become a regular goal scorer, however, things have never really worked out for him in the Midlands under both Smith and Gerrard.

The current Villa boss was thought to be a big fan of Davis when he arrived at Villa Park from Rangers, but he never featured under Gerrard and now looks set to move on.

On that basis, a permanent exit could be best for all involved over the coming months, so it could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Gregg Evans: AVFC chiefs very excited over midfielder now set to sign at Villa Park

Celtic have been linked to several new faces this month as the January transfer window fast approaches. Their disappointing season will have only encouraged Peter Lawwell, Nick Hammond and co to scour the market for some fresh personnel.

However, whilst they have been linked to potential incomings, some Celtic stars could also be on their way out. Kristoffer Ajer is a man who has a lot of speculation surrounding him at the moment and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he bids Parkhead farewell.

AC Milan are one of the latest clubs to show interest in the centre-back and they have an ace up their sleeve to sweeten the deal.

Laxalt for Ajer?

According to Calciomercato, the Italian giants are keen on moving for Ajer this window and would be willing to let Diego Laxalt join the Hoops permanently in return.

The latter joined the Glaswegian outfit last summer and has been one of Neil Lennon’s more impressive players this season. Sofascore reports that he has averaged 2.2 tackles per game so far this term, which is much higher than any other defender at Celtic.

Laxalt has also quickly become a Lennon favourite, thanks to his hard work and balance between attacking and protecting the goal. Recently speaking to the Daily Record, the boss waxed lyrical about the £22,000 per week left-back, labelling him an “aggressive” player who he believes has been a “great addition” to the Hoops.

Indeed, Celtic have come to rely heavily on the 27-year-old. He has played all but one Premiership match this season and contributed an important goal against Hibernian in November, as per Transfermarkt.

Ajer has received a lot of interest recently and Celtic may need to concede the fact that another big side is likely to come in and tempt him to leave. If they are going to lay down their sword and let him transfer, they would do well to at least bank an equally solid defender in Laxalt for their troubles.

Lennon has Christopher Jullien, Shane Duffy and young Stephen Welsh to deploy at centre-back, but appears to only trust Laxalt to get the job done on the left. Losing him would be a huge blow on top of a miserable season in which they will almost certainly give up their crown to Rangers.

In other news, Celtic signing this striker could edge out Leigh Griffiths…

Georginio Wijnaldum’s agent spread baseless reports that the 30-year-old had received a contract offer from Bayern Munich, FCB Inside have claimed.

The lowdown

Wijnaldum is rapidly nearing the end of his £90,000-per-week Liverpool contract and is currently set to depart Anfield on a free transfer this summer.

The Dutch midfielder has won the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Liverpool, but he has been free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club since January.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman, formerly his national team boss for Netherlands, is said to be keen on a reunion with Wijnaldum at the Camp Nou, but it was reported at the end of last month that Bayern would compete for his signature. Julian Nagelsmann, who will be in charge at the Allianz Arena next season, was described as a ‘huge fan’ of the 30-year-old.

The latest

FCB Inside claimed that Humphry Nijman, Wijnaldum’s representative, told the press that Bayern had offered his client a three-year deal.

However, it then emerged the Bayern hierarchy ‘seem to have no interest in a commitment’ for the 30-year-old, with the report stating that Nijman had been spreading rumours about a contract offer from Munich, only for the club’s future CEO Oliver Kahn to shut those down.

The verdict

If the claim is true, then it’s not particularly surprising. It could merely be a ploy from Nijman to extract a better offer from another of Wijnaldum’s suitors.

The player’s disagreement with Liverpool is said to be financial, with their offers failing to reflect his perceived value to the team, but it may be difficult to persuade other clubs to commit to a sizeable multi-year deal when Wijnaldum will turn 31 before the year is out.

In other news, Liverpool have been urged to avoid this potential Wijnaldum replacement.

After helping Inter Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years, Romelu Lukaku is a wanted man across Europe and Steve Howey, who made 100 appearances for Manchester City, exclusively told Football FanCast that the striker would have no doubts about joining the Premier League champions.

Lukaku spent two indifferent years at Manchester United where he scored 42 goals in 96 games but eventually departed for Italy with Inter Milan in a £75m deal as he fell out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Sergio Aguero is set to leave after the Champions League final against Chelsea and there have been reports linking Lukaku with a sensational move to the blue half of Manchester, in a similar transfer that saw Carlos Tevez join City back in 2009.

Lukaku has proved himself to be one of the deadliest finishers in Europe with 28 goals this season and Howey spoke exclusively to FFC about how the Belgian would not be bothered about annoying Man United fans if he joined City.

Howey said: “I think given his experience at Manchester United I don’t think he’ll have any major alliances with Man United. I think some players look at it and think I’m going to go to a rival team and I’m going to make sure I’m absolutely amazing.

“He certainly knows where the goal is and his confidence seems to be sky-high. So, I think if he came back to the Premier League, he would strengthen Man City’s team, no doubt about it.”

The Belgian international won his first league title since 2010 this season when Inter Milan, in the end, breezed to the title and Lukaku’s partnership with Lauturo Martinez has blossomed into a dangerous one as the Argentine looks set to reject Barcelona’s advances and sign a new deal.

Lukaku made a name for himself during his loan spell at West Brom as his goals helped spearhead the Baggies to a respectable eight place finish during the 2012/13 season.