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St Johnstone starlet Ali McCann isn’t ‘ready’ to make a move to Celtic, Frank McAvennie has warned.

The lowdown

The 21-year-old made 31 Premiership appearances for St Johnstone in the 2020/21 season and also helped them win the Scottish Cup earlier this month.

The Northern Irishman averaged 2.7 tackles per game in the league, the joint-most alongside Kilmarnock’s Gary Dicker and Hamilton’s Scott Martin (via WhoScored). He also recorded 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 key passes and 0.9 shots per game from his central midfield berth, earning a nomination for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year Award.

The Daily Record reported last week that Celtic have identified McCann as an option ahead of the summer transfer window. He has two years left on his contract and is valued at £630,000 by Transfermarkt.

The latest

McAvennie reckons the move would come too soon for McCann, and he feels that Celtic need to focus on bringing in more established names.

The 61-year-old told Football Insider: “To be honest, I don’t think he’s ready for Celtic. He’s one for the future.

“Celtic are going to try and sign players who can walk into any team and stay there. That’s my problem with that move. I just don’t that he’s good enough, unfortunately.

“Celtic have too many players who are just bit-part players. They need to recruit better.”

The verdict

Despite McAvennie’s misgivings, Celtic could easily sign McCann as ‘one for the future’ rather than relying on him straight away. He doesn’t necessarily have to be at the forefront of their summer business. Instead, he could be a shrewd, long-term addition for a relatively low fee.

Yes, Celtic need to be ambitious, but that doesn’t mean they should bypass the opportunity to pick up one of the most impressive young talents lower down the division. Indeed, they signed Kristoffer Ajer as a fledgling 17-year-old in 2016 and he has grown into a first team regular, playing 176 times so far for the Hoops. Who’s to say McCann can’t do the same if he comes to Parkhead?

In other news, this serial trophy-winner apparently wants the Celtic manager’s job.

Journalist Keith Jackson has suggested that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could deploy Joe Aribo as a false nine on Thursday. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to travel to Germany for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week, where they will take on RB Leipzig.

They already knew they would be without top scorer Alfredo Morelos, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing thigh surgery, but now second-top scorer Kemar Roofe has picked up a knee injury which will also sideline him against the Bundesliga outfit.

With those two missing, Fashion Sakala led the line for Gers on Saturday as they won 3-1 at Motherwell.

Aribo is predominantly a central midfielder who is also capable of operating on the right but, according to Transfermarkt, he has never played as a centre-forward or a second striker in his senior career.

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The latest

Jackson said in The Daily Record’s Monday Jury that Van Bronckhorst has his ‘work cut out’ to deliver a ‘tactical solution’ to Rangers’ centre-forward problem.

The journalist has pondered if Aribo could ‘operate as a false nine’ and said that, in the circumstances, it would be a ‘huge’ achievement if the Gers leave the Red Bull Arena with ‘the semifinal still alive’.

The verdict

This is certainly a bold call from Jackson, given that Aribo has no experience in the position, although you could argue that it’s exactly the kind of thing which could catch Leipzig out, as Domenico Tedesco’s side probably won’t be prepared for it.

Aribo is certainly a goalscoring midfielder, having bagged eight over the course of the season. Incidentally, that is more than Sakala (seven), although the Nigerian has played 10 more matches.

If Rangers are to take this gamble, then it’s important that Van Bronckhorst trains the revised shape all week so that his players are able to adjust as best they can ahead of Thursday night.

In other news, Ally McCoist tears into one ‘really poor’ Rangers player

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Bernard will leave the Toffees this summer.

The Brazilian was a regular for former manager Marco Silva during his first 18 months at Goodison Park following his free transfer move from Shakhtar Donetsk, but he has slipped down the pecking since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti.

In fact, Bernard has started just 11 Premier League games under the Italian, only three of which have come this season.

His lack of opportunities have led to speculation surrounding his future, with ex-Manchester City and West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini reportedly keen on bringing him to Real Betis to play in La Liga.

Bernard has just over 12 months remaining on his current Everton deal, and Bent informed Football FanCast that he has heard that the attacker will be moved on this summer:

“They’re basically saying that he just doesn’t have the physicality for the Premier League. He’s technical, but not physical enough, so that’s why they’re going to offload him this summer.

“Some players will play in a team with physical players or the smaller not as physical players and he’s very technical.

“So he needs someone alongside him to take the blows and punches for him to progress.”

West Ham manager David Moyes likes Brentford defender Rico Henry, journalist Jack Rosser has told Football FanCast.

Currently, Moyes has Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku to choose from when it comes to the left-back position.

However, the latter is sometimes used further forward, while he has also had a few injury problems during his time with West Ham, so the Hammers could perhaps do with a new left-back coming in.

According to Rosser, that is something they have been looking at, with Henry one name in particular that has caught Moyes’ attention.

“It’s somewhere they’ve always liked to strengthen,” the Evening Standard reporter said. “They’ve looked at a few left-backs in the past and Moyes likes Rico Henry at Brentford, but he’s not alone in that.”

Henry played a huge role in Brentford’s promotion-winning campaign last term.

The 24-year-old made 30 league starts as the Bees went on to beat Swansea City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to earn a place in English football’s top flight.

Given that, Brentford will not want to sell the Englishman this summer. However, West Ham look in need of a left-back, so they should at least try test the water with a bid for Rico.

Italian football expert Conor Clancy believes highly-rated teenager Aaron Hickey would be interested in sealing a return to Celtic this summer.

Hickey, who enjoyed time in the Scottish giants’ academy, is currently plying his trade at Serie A club Bologna having joined from Hearts last September.

The Glasgow-born left-back’s first season overseas did not go to plan as extended periods on the sidelines, thanks to injuries and contracting coronavirus, resulted in him being restricted to just 12 appearances.

Celtic and their manager Ange Postecoglou, along with Italian outfit Fiorentina, are courting the 19-year-old according to Italian media outlet La Nazione, via the Scottish Sun.

Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino, via the Daily Record, claim Bologna are seeking a minimum of £8million for Hickey as they want to see the hot prospect remain on their books.

Clancy, the editor of Forza Italian Football, feels being involved in European football could sway Hickey in favour of heading back to Parkhead rather than remaining in Italy.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “He seems content enough in Italy. But if Celtic come knocking, as a Scottish person, that is a big draw. Obviously, Celtic have more of a possibility of offering European football than Bologna.”

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Daniel Pinder, who is editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, has claimed that Emmanuel Dennis would offer a different way to attack if Leeds United signed the striker.

Dennis had previously been linked with a move to Leeds when he was at Club Brugge but since his loan move to FC Koln in January, the striker has played 10 games scoring just one goal in the DFB Pokal.

Leeds have relied on Patrick Bamford this season for goals and thankfully for Marcelo Bielsa, the striker has not missed a game this season through injury or suspension and his 14 goals have helped the Lilywhites to a solid debut Premier League campaign.

Speaking on what Dennis would bring to Leeds that Bamford doesn’t do and how he would fit into a Bielsa side, Pinder exclusively told FFC:

“He definitely offers something different to Bamford as he plays on the shoulder of defenders, and if the defence is playing a high line then he’ll happily make runs in behind them.

“Bielsa likes his strikers to press from the front and Dennis does this well and he’s shown some good finishes during his time with Club Brugge, so I think Leeds could be a decent fit for him.”

Bielsa has established a front three of Bamford, Raphinha and Jack Harrison at Leeds this season, a trio set to play Premier League football again next term.

It appears unlikely that FC Koln will make the 23-year old’s loan deal a permanent one considering he is yet to get off the mark in the Bundesliga.

Crystal Palace are set to appoint former Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre as their new manager after he agreed terms on a three-year deal.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have been searching for Roy Hodgson’s successor for over a month, but the pursuit appears to be drawing to a close after the 63-year-old held positive talks with the club’s hierarchy over the weekend.

According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, sources close to Favre revealed he is impressed with the plans put forward by the south London outfit and hs appointment is expected to be announced in the coming days after securing a work permit.

Fans will be buzzing

The retired Switzerland midfielder was identified as the primary target by Palace chairman Steve Parish after negotiations with ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo collapsed at the last minute.

Favre will be just the second overseas manager in the capital club’s history after the nightmare 77-day spell of Frank De Boer back in 2017.

Hodgson replaced the Dutchman and brought stability to Selhurst Park throughout his four-year stint at the helm, but the arrival of Favre will be a much-needed boost.

With over a dozen players set to become free agents at the end of the month, talisman Wilfried Zaha angling for a move away, and creative force Eberechi Eze out injured until the new year, a daunting task awaits the tactician.

However, Favre’s appointment will be seen as a major coup by Parish and co. He’s cultivated a solid reputation for playing an exciting, attacking brand of football and has overseen the development of several top young talents.

After guiding French outfit Nice to a highly impressive third-place finish in Ligue 1, he took charge of Dortmund, recording consecutive second-place finishes in his only two full seasons at the Signal Iduna Park.

In a managerial career spanning three decades, Favre has racked up 796 games in charge of various sides, achieving a win rate of 49%.

Therefore, the Palace supporters will surely be buzzing at his imminent arrival. The combination of exciting football, experience and a history of developing young players is an ideal cocktail for the Eagles, and he should bring a new wave of hope and optimism to south London.

And, in other news…Pundit drops intriguing Palace transfer claim over 48-goal gem, fans would be buzzing 

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa were open to selling Douglas Luiz in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer suggested that Serie A giants AS Roma were interested in signing the Brazil international, but a move failed to materialise.

Now, Evans has delivered an update on what went on behind-the-scenes at Villa Park.

He said: “They expected more interest in Douglas Luiz, too. Strong messages that Manchester City were ready to activate a buy-back clause found their way to members of the Villa hierarchy, and for some time they were preparing for such an outcome.

“Villa were also open to moving Luiz on elsewhere and at the right price, but there wasn’t enough interest. Roma continue to be linked with Luiz and if they come in strong during the January window, Villa will be in a good position to get a higher transfer fee should his form remain at this high level.”

Then, in response to a question from a fan, Evans added: “Multiple sources confirmed that Villa would have listened to offers for Luiz at the right price. They would have had to move on a midfielder if Ward-Prowse arrived.”

Villa fans will be worried

While last season was a bit of a difficult one for Luiz – as per Whoscored, his average match rating of 6.67 was only good enough to rank him 15th in the entire Villa squad – his start to the current campaign has been outstanding.

In fact, his average rating of 7.08 is the best of any Villa player, and he continues to be a cornerstone of Dean Smith’s midfield. – last year saw him play 33 out of the possible 38 Premier League games last term, as the Midlands club finished just outside the top ten.

As Evans himself suggests, given the kind of “high level” his form is at right now, it would surely be ludicrous from Villa to be selling him in the January transfer window, even if his market value would be at its highest.

In fact, in a recent poll done by FFC, 73% of Villa fans who answered said that they would not sell Luiz this summer (1180 votes to 66) – an indication of just how concerning it would be were the Brazilian to make the move to Roma or somewhere else.

Evans’ latest update is sure to have Villa fans worried about Luiz potentially making an exit in January.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered an Aston Villa update on Emi Martinez…

Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Kalvin Phillips will sign a new contract with a release clause of £60m at Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Phillips in demand

After shining for Leeds in the Premier League and playing an important role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, Phillips has attracted plenty of interest.

Tottenham (via The Yorkshire Evening Post), Manchester City (Daily Mail) and Liverpool (The Liverpool Echo) in particular have been linked with his services, but he has so far remained at Elland Road.

The Latest: Agbonlahor makes Phillips claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, 35, believes Phillips will sign a new deal but with a release clause. He said:

“Jack Grealish signed a contract at Aston Villa to help the club receive a fee. He put a fee in there, a release clause, to help the club.

“Maybe Kalvin Phillips will do that, sign a new contract so the club get a better fee for him.

“If he signs a new contract for four or five years and puts in a release clause of £60million, £50million then he knows Leeds are going to get a good amount of money.

“That’s why he’s probably looking at signing a new contract.”

The Verdict: Strong position

Phillips currently has a deal lasting until 2024 (Transfermarkt), so there is no rush to get him to sign a new deal. However, given the increased interest in his services, Phillips may be looking for new terms that he may feel he deserves, and an extension would put Leeds in a more comfortable position too.

A deal with a release clause would make their situation easier. While they will not want to lose the midfielder, with a release clause everything clear – Phillips would remain at the club unless another outfit matched that sum, whether it be the £60m Agbonlahor suggests or something even more impressive.

In other news, Noel Whelan is delighted by these Leeds plans.

An update has emerged on Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos, regarding Porto’s attempts to sign him…

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Rangers have turned down a £10m (€12m) offer from Portuguese giants Porto for forward Alfredo Morelos. The Gers have rejected Porto’s opening salvo and are said to be in no rush to cash in on him.

Konor adds that Porto are not the only team interested in signing Morelos, although he has not dropped any specific names in terms of other clubs.

Disaster

Steven Gerrard must avoid a disaster for Rangers with Morelos this summer. The ex-Liverpool man cannot afford to be bullied into selling the attacker for less than he is worth to the club and rejecting this first bid from Porto is a promising first step in the transfer window.

Morelos has been a prolific scorer since joining the Scottish giants and has proven his worth over a number of seasons. The Colombian international has scored an impressive 94 goals, and provided 43 assists, in 182 competitive appearances for the club.

If a club has the finances to come in and blow Rangers away with a very attractive bid, then Ross Wilson and Gerrard will need to hold their hands up and realise that that money could go a long way to improving the squad. They could spend it on several additions and round out the overall strength of the squad to make up for the departure of Morelos.

The £33k-per-week dynamo leaving would be a blow to Gerrard’s squad and that is why they need to hold out for as much money as possible. Not only does he have a fantastic goalscoring record, but his peers are also full of praise for him. Speaking anonymously to The Athletic in 2019, a Scottish Premiership player labelled Morelos as “non-stop” and praised the way his movement made him difficult to defend: “In my experience, he is just non-stop.

“There’s never a time when he’s walking about or not interested in the game. He’s always involved, whether that’s taking you away or dragging you closer to the ball.

“He’s kind of dropping deep now and going out wide. That’s a nightmare for defenders because he’s your player that you’re meant to be man-marking but then you’re dragged out of position and you’ve got midfield runners taking his space. That means you need to start talking to your full-backs and centre-mids to start swapping players, which makes it a lot more difficult.”

Rangers have done well to reject Porto’s opening offer, they must stick to their guns and only allow Morelos to leave if a club makes a significantly larger offer. Selling a proven goalscorer on the cheap would be a disastrous move for the Gers.

AND in other news, “Better for his career” – Exclusive: Pundit drops verdict on £43k-p/w gem who snubbed Rangers…