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Olivier Ntcham could be about to receive an exit route from his Celtic nightmare, with Greek giants AEK Athens preparing a move.

What’s the story?

According to The Scottish Sun, the 25-year-old midfielder may be about to finally get his wish and depart the Hoops on a permanent basis following a hugely disappointing loan spell in the second half of last season.

The report claims Athens are prepared to offer Ntcham wages of around £20,000-per-week in order to lure him to the Olympic Stadium.

He’s not good enough

Ntcham has been open about his desire to move away from Scottish football in the past, previously claiming to be too good for the Scottish Premiership.

“Celtic has given me a lot but leaving is the best solution for my development. We can do as many matches as we want but, with all due respect for my opponents, if the level in front is not high, you do not progress,” the Frenchman said back in 2019.

However, after joining long-term suitors Marseille on loan in January, Ntcham failed to impress, making just two league starts for the Ligue 1 outfit.

On both occasions, he was substituted at half-time due to his dire displays and he was also hauled off after just 45 minutes during a French cup game against fourth-tier minnows Canet RFC.

Jorge Sampaoli’s men fell to an abysmal 2-1 defeat on the day, but it was Ntcham who took the majority of the flack, being labelled “unacceptable” by local newspaper La Provence (as reported by Sport Witness) after receiving three 1/10 ratings from journalists covering the game.

A summer rebuild is required at Celtic Park following a disastrous 2020/21, where the Hoops finished 25 points behind table-toppers Rangers.

Former Australia national team coach Ange Postecoglou is thought to be close to succeeding Neil Lennon in the Celtic hot seat, but it doesn’t seem as though he will have to deal with an unhappy Ntcham for very long.

The former Manchester City man is a very talented footballer on his day, yet his attitude and application leave a lot to be desired, and the former champions will be better off without the want-away flop. He’s not good enough of a player for Celtic to put up with any of those types of distractions.

And, in other news…Major Celtic transfer news emerges over £2m liability, fans will surely be buzzing 

The South African cricket team is on a high after winning the Test andOne-Day Series against the West Indies, but another high has bowledsome of them.Six South Africans have been fined for smoking marijuana during thecurrent tour of the West Indies, the United Cricket Board of SouthAfrica (UCBSA) announced yesterday in Johannesburg.But team manager Goolam Rajah denied any knowledge of the UCBSAstatement and declared himself unavailable for comment.Whatever you are talking about, I am not aware of it, Rajah said whenpressed for comment by the Saturday Sun yesterday evening.I cannot make a comment on something that I haven’t seen or read.The UCBSA identified Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Adams, Roger Telemachus,Andre Nel, Justin Kemp and physiotherapist Craig Smith as the ones whowere found smoking the drug in a hotel room on April 10 followingSouth Africa’s capture of the Test series in Antigua.The accused all admitted their guilt and the Misconduct Committee(made up of team management and senior players) accepted that this wasa one-off incident, the statement said.The accused all expressed remorse, apologised and gave an assurancethat this would not happen again.Each individual was fined 10000 rand (BDS$2 500) and severelyreprimanded.In the case of Gibbs, it represents his third offence in just over ayear.In the middle of last year, he was banned for six months following hisinvolvement in the match-fixing scandal.Last May, he was also fined 15 000 rand (BDS$3 750) and given a threematch international suspension for unbecoming conduct related to anincident on the eve of a One-Day International against Australia onApril 14.Part of the fine and the three-match suspension were suspended for ayear.The suspended sentence imposed on Gibbs, however, may not be invokedby the on-tour Misconduct Committee of the South African cricket teamin the West Indies as it was not handed down by that committee, theUCBSA said.It was handed down by a Disciplinary Committee convened by the GeneralCouncil of the UCBSA and thus the tour Misconduct Committee does nothave the authority to invoke it.The Misconduct Committee held a second inquiry following an incidentbetween batsman Daryll Cullinan and Telemachus during a match inMontego Bay.The committee recommended that Telemachus be fined 1 000 rand forverbally abusing another player and another 1 000 rand because it washis second offence on the tour. He also apologised to Cullinan.Cullinan was fined 2000 rand for leaving the field of play during amatch without the consent of the captain. Both players were informedof their right to appeal the decision and the UCBSA accepted thecommittee’s recommendation.

During Neil Lennon’s second spell as manager of Celtic, he wasn’t given too many tools in order to improve the Hoops.

The Glaswegian side eventually fell behind their rivals and despite the drab performances and poor recruitment, the backroom staff at Parkhead wasn’t really up to scratch.

Brendan Rodgers was able to bring in a number of fresh faces to the training ground with Kolo Toure, Glen Driscoll and Chris Davies all becoming coaches under the former manager’s stewardship.

Lennon, on the other hand, was handed his own staff by the welcoming hierarchy.

Before a deal for Eddie Howe completely collapsed, Celtic were apparently going to allow him to form his own team of backroom members as well.

Indeed, the same could be allowed for Ange Postecoglou, the club’s current number one target.

One man who may join the coaching set-up is Shaun Maloney. The Scot has played for Celtic and coached the U20s at Lennoxtown before taking up the privileged role of Roberto Martinez’s number two with Belgium.

The Red Devils are the number one ranked side in international football and go into this summer’s European Championships as one of the favourites.

Maloney will have a key hand in their progression throughout the tournament but his experience within this role would be huge if he returns to Celtic.

The 38-year-old is a fabulous young coach and should offer plenty behind the scenes. Speaking earlier this week, Davie Provan was enthused by the idea of him coming back to Glasgow.

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“I would like to see him back at Celtic. I think he’s a really clever boy. Obviously, he was an exceptional talent as a player. And I think the intelligence he showed on the pitch, I think he’s taken off the pitch as well in terms of his coaching career. Anyone I speak to speaks highly of Shaun Maloney. I think he would be a really good acquisition,” he said on Go Radio this week.

The Scot’s arrival would be a welcome one, particularly for a player like David Turnbull.

He was awarded Celtic’s Player of the Season and now has a place in the Scotland squad for the upcoming Euros. Though, based on Maloney’s own position on the pitch when he played, he would be a great source of counsel for Turnbull.

The fact he’s now worked with one of the best midfielders in world football would also prove incredibly beneficial for the young Scot.

Maloney has been able to watch Kevin de Bruyne for the best part of three years now and no doubt will have picked up plenty of tips and tricks from the Belgian magician.

Speaking about the Manchester City star last year, he commented: “I knew these players [De Bruyne and Hazard] were elite but it’s not until you work with them that you fully understand how many attributes they have at an elite level. It’s not just technically, it’s everything. They tick so many boxes but one of the biggest things is how humble they are.”

Turnbull stands proud as the best addition from the last summer transfer window and during an arduous season without a trophy, was a beacon of positivity.

Celtic will need to build their future around the attacking midfielder in the years to come, something that could be helped with the addition of Maloney.

Having seen De Bruyne’s attitude and personality first-hand, it’s something the coach may be able to replicate when he moves elsewhere.

Dominic McKay must do his best to ensure the former Hoop is a part of their plans.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Turnbull: £16k-p/w Celtic gem has to be unleashed under Postecoglou…

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed a week’s time to Dayanand Narvekar and Vinod Phadke, president and secretary of the Goa Cricket Association, to reply to a petition filed by the State challenging the anticipatory bail granted to them by the

Staff and Agencies12-May-2001SC allows time to GCA officials to reply in ticket scam caseThe Supreme Court on Friday allowed a week’s time to Dayanand Narvekar and Vinod Phadke, president and secretary of the Goa Cricket Association, to reply to a petition filed by the State challenging the anticipatory bail granted to them by the Bombay High Court in the ticket scam.A Bench comprising Justice DP Mohapatra and Justice SV Patil, while allowing time to Narvekar and Phadke, gave liberty to the State Government to move the vacation Bench for hearing of the case. Both Narvekar and Phadke were refused anticipatory bail by a Goa Sessions Court which they had moved immediately after the police began its probe into the allegation of sale of fake tickets for the India-Australia one-day international match at Margao on April 6.The Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court had granted anticipatory bail to both but had asked them to surrender their mobile phones and passports to the police and not to leave Goa without the prior permission of the State Deputy Inspector General of Police. The Supreme Court on May 3 had issued notices to Narvekar and Phadke on a petition filed by the State Government seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to them.Inter-Academy tournament on the anvil The Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to organise an inter-academy cricket tournament in August this year, according to former BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur.Speaking at the inauguration of the Central Zone Academy at Kanpur on Thursday, Dungarpur who is also chairman of the National Cricket Academy, said that following the tournament, a match would be played between the National Cricket Academy and a combined team of zonal academies. According to him, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar had suggested that the tournament should be named after a coach who had also represented India in Test matches. "We have accepted his suggestion and find that Col Hemu Adhikari as the fittest person to deserve this honour. Therefore the inter-zonal tournament would be played for the Col Hemu Adhikari Trophy."Dungarpur also praised the chief coach at the Central Zone academy Kailash Gattani who assured the gathering that his trainees would not let them down. "The organisers have provided all the facilities and now the trainees have to make the best use of them," Gattani said.Bournvita Cricket Academy win Under-14 tournamentThe Bournvita Cricket Academy, Kolkata run by former Indian Test opener Arun Lal defeated Vikaspuri School, Delhi in the final by three wickets to emerge champions of the Randhir Verma Memorial Invitational (U-14 years) cricket tournament at the Keenen Stadium in Jamshedpur on Friday.Electing to bat, the Vikaspuri team made 124 for eight in their 30 overs, thanks to an 49-run opening partnership between Tarun Kumar (51, 4×4) and Somik Chatterjee (23, 2×4). For BCA, P Das and Sujoy Das claimed two wickets each.Chasing a modest target of 125 runs, BCA were home by three wickets and an over to spare. BCA lost early wickets. But a quickfire 39 (4×4, 1×6) by P Das helped his side come close to the total before he fell short of the crease going for a quick run. S Das (20 not out) and Kirti Sarkar (18 not out) then sawtheir side through. While Somik Chatterjee bagged two wickets for 22 runs, Kishen, Hitesh Tyagi and Mayank Tehlan claimed a wicket each for the Vikaspuri team.Shiv Sundar Das felicitatedIndia’s opening batsman Shiv Sundar Das was felicitated by a leading hotel group for his performances in Test cricket at a function held in Bhubaneshwar on Friday.Das was presented with a cheque of Rs. One lakh by the hotel at the gathering which was attended by top executives of all the four hotels. General manager of the group, Souvagya Mohapatra said that the chain would organise such functions every year to felicitate budding sportspersons of Orissa in a bid to promote sport in the state. The cricketer was accompanied by his parents Uttam Das and Kanchanbala Das and coach Kishore Mania at the function. Das left from here on Saturday for Chennai to join the conditioningcamp of 26 probables in Bangalore, beginning on Sunday, aheadof India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Some Liverpool fans have been left delighted after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Nathaniel Phillips is fit to face Southampton this weekend.

The Reds are back in action on Saturday evening, with Saints making the trip to Anfield in the Premier League.

It has been a fortnight since Jurgen Klopp’s men were last in action, due to last weekend’s scheduled clash with Manchester United being postponed.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Liverpool simply have to beat Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top four this season – even then, their chances still look slim.

Someone who hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid last month is Phillips, who has been missing though injury, albeit being named in the initial team to face United last Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Klopp confirmed that the 24-year-old is fit, firing and available for selection, with the last week further aiding his recovery.

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Liverpool fans pleased with Klopp’s update on Phillips

These Liverpool supporters have been sharing their happiness at Phillips being available on Twitter.

“NAT PHILLIPS IS FIT YESSSSSSSS”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

” Super news”

Credit: @TheKopiteOFF

“Nat Phillips is fit & should be back in defence. Fabinho back in midfield then. Find your scoring boots guys!”

Credit: @Sakethscribbles

“The Incredible Flying Brick”

Credit: @kevezlowey

“Yay”

Credit: @JacobTaschler

“Yessir”

Credit: @Podgeeeeeeee

In other news, one Liverpool player is set to be offered a monster new deal. Find out who it is here.

Manchester City are once again being linked with a move for Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico ahead of the summer and he could be exactly what Pep Guardiola needs this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City, Leeds United and Inter are all on ‘red alert’ after Ajax revealed they would sell the Argentinian international for just £13m this summer.

The report suggests that Ajax are willing to let the defender go due to his commitment to the club in the past, when he has been targeted by top clubs across Europe.

City have regularly been linked with a move for the 28-year-old in the past and it seems as if this summer could finally see them get their man, however, they will have to see off interest from Leeds United, who are touted as an attractive proposition for the defender due to the pulling power of Marcelo Bielsa.

However, it is also suggested that Tagliafico wants a move to a club playing in Europe next season, which will give Guardiola’s side the edge over the Elland Road outfit.

Whilst City have been superb this season, they have played without a natural left-back for much of the campaign.

Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo have impressed whilst playing there but neither are naturals in that position, whilst Benjamin Mendy has maintained his reputation as a bit-part player in Guardiola’s side.

Therefore, having a solid left-back available, one without the injury problems of Mendy, is certainly something you could argue the Spanish manager needs next season if he wants to improve his side even further.

Certainly, Tagliafico’s performances for Ajax in recent seasons suggest that he would be a quality addition at the Etihad, as this season has seen him average an impressive 7.14 rating for his performances in the Eredivisie, with one goal and three assists to his name in 24 appearances.

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell was full of praise for the defender recently, when discussing his links with Leeds United, saying:

“He is a top-quality player. He’s got lots of experience in the Champions League and on the international stage so I think it would be a smart signing.”

Therefore, given that he is reportedly available for such a relatively small fee, and that he would add quality depth at left-back for City, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking to bring him in this summer.

And, in other news… Guardiola dealt huge blow as “genius” superstar’s agreement edges closer

Leeds must avoid a major transfer nightmare over Danny Rose after Paddy Kenny’s claim about signing him.

What’s the story?

The former Leeds academy starlet sees his contract at current club Tottenham expire in the summer, and the indications are that he will not be expected to renew his deal, with Turkish giants Trabzonspor reportedly after him.

With Gjanni Alioski set to make his own departure from Elland Road, Kenny has insisted that Rose would be a great signing for Marcelo Bielsa’s side to potentially fill that left-back slot.

The former goalkeeper told Football Insider: “If you can get Danny Rose on a free, that’s an absolute no-brainer. His contract is up soon and it doesn’t look like he’ll sign another. He didn’t have much to shout about at Newcastle, but these things happen.

“He’s got a lot of experience at Premier League level. He’d be an excellent player to add to their squad. You can see why he is a top priority for them (Trabzonspor). He’s got quality and sometimes you’ve got to take a step back to come forwards. He’d be a really good signing.”

Bielsa would be making a mistake

While Rose may have a wealth of Premier League and European experience, the full-back just isn’t anywhere near the same level that he was before, with The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas even saying that the 30-year-old is “on the decline”.

Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane blasted him as “dreadful” only last season, claiming that he and Serge Aurier were “Dumb and Dumber” after defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Speaking after a particularly awful display at international level with England, the Manchester United legend said: “Rose gave a performance tonight, my goodness, someone has got to get a hold of that guy. He was shocking, abysmal. I think he’ll be the same in another three or four years. Some players don’t learn from their mistakes, that’s a big problem and at the highest level you will suffer for it.”

The £60,000-per-week ace hasn’t made a single first team appearance all season, while Newcastle decided against bringing him back after a spell on loan at St James’ Park last year.

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Leeds need to be moving forward, not back, and signing Rose would likely be a major nightmare for Bielsa. Paying a big wage packet for a player way past his prime, and whose form and fitness has been widely questioned, just doesn’t seem the right call to make.

It’s not the “absolute no-brainer” Kenny says it is.

Meanwhile, Leeds must finally offload this forgotten man who “Bielsa never trusted”…

أكد ظهير أيمن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان، أشرف حكيمي، على أهمية مباراة ريال مدريد في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا يوم غدًا، الثلاثاء.

ويستضيف باريس سان جيرمان منافسه ريال مدريد في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” في العاصمة الفرنسية وبقيادة الحكم الإيطالي، دانييلي أورساتو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. محلل بي بي سي ينتقد كلوب بسبب مشاركة محمد صلاح وماني مع ليفربول

وتحدث حكيمي عن المباراة في حواره مع صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، وقال: “لا نحاول التفكير في مواجهة ريال مدريد إذا كانت لدينا مباريات أخرى تسبقها، لكنها بكل تأكيد هي الأهم، فهي مباراة ستكون ممتعة بالإضافة إلى أن الملكي فريق دائمًا له مكانة في قلبي كان السبب في تطويري، لكن علينا عدم ارتكاب الكثير من الأخطاء للفوز وتخطي تلك العقبة لأن ريال مدريد يمتلك لاعبين رائعين ومميزين”.

وأضاف: “في باريس سان جيرمان، أشعر ببعض الضغوط ولكن هذا ما يحفزني، لقد لعبت في أكثر من دوري في بلدان مختلفة ولكن يعجبني ما يدور في فرنسا، وأشعر براحة كبيرة في النادي وحب الجماهير لي قبل مجيئي إلى هنا وهذا ما أعطاني الثقة لبذل قصارى جهدي”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “لقد تطورت كثيرًا منذ رحيلي عن ريال مدريد، لقد أصبحت أكثر نضجًا بعد أن لعبت مع العديد من الأندية الكبرى والتي منحتني الخبرة، لكني لا أنسى بدايتي، لكني خرجت على سبيل الإعارة وعدت للنادي ولكنهم لم يفكروا بالاعتمادي علي، كان هناك أيضًا خيار لشرائي بعد انتقالي إلى إنتر ميلان ولم يتم تفعيله، لكنني سعيد بمسيرتي ورغبة الأندية التي تعاقدت معي في الاعتماد علي”.

وعن السبب في انتقاله إلى باريس سان جيرمان: “بوتشيتينو كان له دورًا في ذلك، فهو تحدث معي ومنحني الثقة وأخبرني بما يحتاجه، لذلك ألعب براحة كبيرة جدًا”.

وعن التدريب مع ميسي ونيمار ومبابي: “يجعلوني أفضل، وأساعدهم بكل تأكيد، أنا محظوظ بما يكفي لألعب معهم لأنني أتعلم الكثير”.

هل فاجأوك أم أن هناك لاعب آخر؟ ورد: “من الطبيعي أن تتفاجأ بما يقدمه هذا الثلاثي، لكن الحقيقة، أن اللاعب الذي فاجأني على وجه الخصوص كان فيراتي، فهو هادئ ويجيد التعامل مع كافة الضغوط”.

وراموس: “كان لقاءه لطيفًا للغاية، لقد لعبنا سويًا في ريال مدريد، عاملني جيدًا رغم سني الصغير، لكن رحيله عن سانتياجو برنابيو فاجأني ولكني سعيدًا بوجوده معنا لأنه قائد ومتمرس وإضافة كبيرة لنا في باريس سان جيرمان”.

وعن إشادة مبابي ووصفه بأفضل ظهير في العالم؟، أجاب: “عندما يثني عليك لاعب رائع مثل مبابي، فهذا يجعلك تشعر بالراحة، لأنك تسير في الاتجاه الصحيح بعد كل هذه السنوات من التضحيات”.

وتابع: “لدي علاقة جيدة للغاية مع كيليان، لنرى ماذا سيحدث في مستقبله مع باريس سان جيرمان، أتمنى له كل التوفيق في حياته ومسيرته المهنية، سيقرر ما يرغب في فعله خلال الأشهر المقبلة، لا يزال لدينا عدة أشهر متبقية معًا”.

وعن طموحاته مع باريس سان جيرمان: “هناك الدوري ويتبقى بعض المباريات من أجل الفوز بهذا اللقب، أريد أن أضيفه إلى مسيرتي وكذلك أريد الفوز ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا مع هذا الفريق”.

من الأفضل هجوم باريس سان جيرمان أم ريال مدريد: “لديهم جيس قوي في الهجوم مثل بنزيما، فينيسيوس، مودريتش وكذلك في خط الوسط هناك كاسيميرو وكروس، أسينسيو كذلك لاعب مهم جدًا لذلك علينا الحذر والنسب متساوية في الفوز بين الفريقين”.

وأتم تصريحاته: “لدينا لاعبين رائعين كذلك في باريس سان جيرمان وخاصة ميسي الذي يمنحك بعض الخبرة في تلك المباريات الكبيرة، سعيد لوجوده معنا لأنه أحد أفضل اللاعبين في العالم ويمنحك الحلول بالتأكيد”.

According to reports, Leeds defender Barry Douglas is set to leave Elland Road this summer once his contract expires with the Premier League club.

What’s the story?

The 31-year-old is currently spending the season out on loan at Championship side Blackburn and has been a near-permanent fixture in Tony Mowbray’s starting line-up, making 25 appearances in the league alone.

However, Football Insider now claim that, with his contract at Leeds coming to an end this summer, Marcelo Bielsa and co have no intentions of offering him a new deal to extend his stay in Yorkshire.

The report added that Douglas is set to follow Gjanni Alioski out the exit door this summer.

Ruthless call from Bielsa

Given how Douglas has only made 44 appearances for Leeds since joining from Wolves in the summer of 2018, the time has surely come for Bielsa to wave goodbye to the left-back this summer.

Speaking earlier this season, The Athletic’s Phil Hay hinted that the writing seemed to be on the wall for the £40,000-a-week earning Douglas at Elland Road, saying: “It tells its own story that Stuart Dallas is currently the best left-back at the club. There is interest, Watford are very keen, Blackburn have spoken about him.

“On the basis that he didn’t make the 18 against City, when Jack Harrison was unavailable, if, in those circumstances, Douglas isn’t in the 18 you know he’s on his way.”

Subsequent confirmation of his loan move to Blackburn really painted a picture of just how far his stock has fallen at Leeds, and why the club must make a ruthless call and just let him go as a free agent this summer.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta pulled off an absolute masterclass for Leeds with this signing…

Former Leicester City star Keith Gillespie has told Football FanCast that Jonny Evans has been so good at the Foxes, he has been worth the same £80m fee as Harry Maguire.

The pair played together at the King Power Stadium, making 17 appearances together in the heart of the Leicester defence in 2018/19.

Gillespie played with Evans for Northern Ireland 12 times, and he believes that his countryman has carved out a place for himself as the best defender at Leicester.

So good was he alongside Maguire, he believes that it would have been easy to confuse the pair in terms of their transfer valuations.

Maguire moved to Manchester United for an £80m fee in 2019, a world-record price for a defender.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Gillespie said: “They obviously played together at Leicester and you can sort of look at it when they were at Leicester and go, ‘well, which one of these is the 80 million pound player?’

“Jonny is that good.”

He also believes that while Leicester have a number of excellent defenders, name-checking both Wesley Fofana and Caglar Soyuncu, Evans remains the first defender on Brendan Rodgers’ team-sheet.

Leicester are currently third in the Premier League table, and are a shoo-in to qualify for the Champions League, as they sit seven points clear of fifth-placed West Ham United.

He added: “He’s an important, integral part of that Leicester side.

“Those centre-halves, Fofana, the young French lad, Brendan Rodgers is obviously a big fan of his, Soyuncu has done really well but I think, out of them, Jonny’s the first centre-half on the teamsheet. He’s been very consistent over the years with his performances.”