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Adama Traore could be a huge success for Liverpool if he leaves Wolves to join the Reds, according to BBC pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Wolves exit

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield in the January transfer window, which would provide Jurgen Klopp with extra attacking depth.

Traore’s current Wolves deal expires in the summer of 2023 and there is little sign of him extending his stay at Molineux as things stand.

The Latest: Tipped to shine to Liverpool

Whelan believes that the Spain winger could excel in a Reds shirt, telling Football Insider that the 25-year-old could be similarly influential to superstar Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The BBC pundit said:

“He’s a player who can be crucial to winning football matches.

“His pace, his aggression, his direct running – and now his end product, which he’s brushed up after his early days in the Premier League.

“He’s a more complete player now, he can get a cross into the box or a shot off on goal. If you think about it, would he fit into Liverpool’s style of play? Absolutely.

“He can be just as destructive as Salah and Mane in that side.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Losing Traore would be a big blow for Wolves at a time when he is still maturing as a player and should have his best years ahead of him.

As Whelan suggested, the winger is becoming a more polished footballer, winning four Man of the Match awards from WhoScored in just seven Premier League appearances this season. He also has more dribbles per game than any other player in Europe’s major leagues, with a remarkable match average of seven (WhoScored).

That highlights how important he is to Bruno Lage, with his pace arguably the most frightening in the league, giving him a potentially match-winning attribute which Wolves cannot afford to sacrifice too readily.

In other news, Wolves have received a potential boost in their efforts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Steven Gerrard has a key decision to make over the future of Rangers winger Brandon Barker…  What happened?

According to Rangers News, the 24-year-old was expected to leave Ibrox on loan before the end of the summer transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and Football Insider reported that the club told him he could find a loan move or permanent exit on deadline day.

The winger failed to secure a deadline day switch and is now in limbo at Ibrox, having been left out of the Gers’ Europa League squad and not being in Gerrard’s current Premiership plans.

Gerrard faces decision on Barker

Gerrard is now in a position where he needs to take charge and make a crucial decision regarding what to do with Barker. It would be a waste to see the winger kicking his heels and doing nothing until January, so the Rangers boss needs to decide whether he wants to allow him to play for the B team and/or first team or have him do nothing for four months.

Rangers B have an SPFL Trust Trophy clash against Ayr United on Wednesday and Barker is eligible to feature in the game. Gerrard must allow the 24-year-old to feature in it in order to gain some match fitness and show that he has the quality to be a first team option further down the line.

His performance in this game, if he is allowed to play, could determine what happens with him between now and January. Given that he is out of contract next summer, January will be the club’s final chance to recoup some money for the former Manchester City man and giving him some game-time leading up to the transfer window could drum up some interest in his services.

Commenting on Barker and Jordan Jones previously, Gerrard hailed the pair as exciting players who can provide quality in the final third.

He said: “Last year I didn’t feel we had enough in the final third. The idea this year was to build a squad with exciting players who can open the door in different ways.

“Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker open the door in one-v-one situations then provide crosses or cut in to score goals.”

This shows that Gerrard had faith in Barker at the start of his career at Ibrox and maybe he could still have the potential to be a success. He scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 games on loan at Oxford last season, having scored twice in 10 Premiership matches during the first half of the campaign for Rangers.

Giving him a few opportunities in the league between now and January could be worthwhile for the Gers for multiple reasons. Firstly, it allows him to show that he has improved since the start of last season and it could open the door for him to work his way into Gerrard’s plans, but it also gives interested clubs a recent set of performances to analyse and make decisions upon – potentially helping him to secure a transfer.

AND in other news, Rangers flop has seen value soar by 203% since leaving Ibrox, he deserved more time…

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas is set to be approached by two different agencies, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: Barkas under Postecoglou

The 27-year-old, who cost the Hoops £4.5m last season, has struggled in Glasgow.

He’s made just 23 appearances for the club, with just one of those coming this season under Ange Postecoglou.

Barkas played 90 minutes against FC Midtjylland in a Champions League qualifier but hasn’t featured since following a second-half blunder at Celtic Park.

The Greek goalkeeper is currently represented by CJ Pronk Management, but it appears as if that could change fairly soon.

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The Latest: Barkas in demand

Greek reporter Chorianopoulos of Sportime.gr took to Twitter on Monday evening to talk about the £9,000-a-week Hoops ‘keeper.

He claimed that two separate agencies have plans to talk with Barkas ahead of a possible switch.

“Two different agencies have plans to approach Celtic’s Vasilis Barkas. To sign with one of them for his representation”

The Verdict: January exit on the cards?

Should Barkas sign with a new agency, that could well lead to a New Year exit for the shot-stopper.

Postecoglou has Barkas, Joe Hart, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard on the books at Parkhead, so letting one go in January certainly makes sense.

That may well prove to be Barkas, if he signs with a new agency before the winter window, which would then give his team plenty of time to find a new destination.

In other news: Journalist hints 43-cap free-agent for possible Celtic move to bolster Ange’s left-back ranks. 

Former Everton star Michael Ball believes that Denis Zakaria would be a good signing for the club, provided they can secure him for a reasonable fee.

The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has been linked with a number of English clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Zakaria has been with the Bundesliga club since 2017 and has made a total of 128 appearances for them.

Reports have suggested that he was valued at over €40m (£34m) last summer but that price has appeared to drop, with the club cutting his asking price in half to £17m.

Ball believes that the fee is vital when it comes to any deal, and thinks that the club should only rubber-stamp the transfer if the asking price is as low as is being reported.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, the former Everton star said: “I think he was valued at around €40 million maybe 12 months or so ago. I think those fees are unrealistic for Everton but if they can get him for half the price, it could be a good one for the club.”

Zakaria is also a Switzerland international and played for his country at Euro 2020; in total, he has won 34 caps.

Celtic look set to land a former player from their crosstown rivals in Ciaran Dickson after images of the midfielder holding up a Hoops shirt emerged, as reported by Glasgow Live.

The Lowdown: Deadline day business

Dominic McKay has already been extremely busy in his first summer as CEO, bringing in nine new players for Ange Postecoglou.

That looks to increase to 11 on deadline day, with striker Georgios Giakoumakis and winger Filipe Jota set to arrive at Parkhead.

However, it seems as if another player could well arrive in Glasgow in Dickson, who left fierce crosstown rivals Rangers this summer.

The Latest: Dickson’s Celtic image

As reported by Glasgow Live, the 19-year-old has been pictured at Celtic Park holding up a Hoops shirt with his name and number 51 on the back in an apparent signing image.

Dickson was released by the Gers in the summer after penning a three-year deal in January and now looks set to remain in Glasgow with a prospective move to Celtic.

The Verdict: Smart

Celtic appear to be building for the future, with seven of the club’s nine additions this summer 26 years of age or younger. With that in mind, adding Dickson – who Steven Gerrard described as ‘terrific’ – could be a smart move in the long run.

The teenager is a free agent and can play as a central, attacking or right midfielder, so his versatility could come in handy further down the line. It would also be immensely satisfying to snap up a player who had previously looked like being a hot prospect for their fiercest rivals.

In other news: Celtic face competition for another attacking target. 

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce could sign a major upgrade on Jonjo Shelvey in AS Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Magpies are closing in on a swoop for Arsenal starlet Joe Willock, but it seems that Bruce isn’t finished strengthening his midfield this summer.

According to Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Tyneside club have their eye on Diawara, with Roma potentially open to letting him leave as they look to bring in a new central midfielder of their own.

The report adds that fellow Premier League club Wolves are also said to be interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer.

Upgrade on Shelvey

Since his arrival at St James’ Park, it’s fair to say that Newcastle fans haven’t been overly impressed with Shelvey’s performances at the club, and many were particularly critical of him during a Premier League game against Leicester towards the back end of last season.

He managed more yellow cards (seven) than goals and assists (four) in the Premier League, while his passing accuracy was down at a shocking 76.4% – to put that into context, even Jeff Hendrick did better (80.1%).

Diawara, on the other hand, is someone who provides a superb range of passing (he completed just shy of 90% of his passes in the Serie A last season) and also has the defensive tenacity to cover the ground expertly and make challenges – he has averaged an impressive 1.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game over his career, which are both significantly better than Shelvey (1.2 and 0.9 respectively).

The Guinea international also gets dribbled past less often per game and is someone who prefers to keep his passes on the deck, rather than the long-range passes that Shelvey likes to try – he played just 1.2 long balls per game last season compared to Shelvey’s whopping 5.8.

Fabrizio Tazzioli, Diawara’s former coach at Napoli, has waxed lyrical about him, saying: “I saw the guy in training and thought that he is a phenomenon. He is not as strong physically, but better with his feet and has the same presence on the pitch.”

The £17m-rated powerhouse looks clearly better than Shelvey in all the key departments, and with Sean Longstaff’s future at St James’ Park uncertain given his interest from Everton, he could arrive as someone who kills two birds with one stone – an upgrade on Shelvey, and a replacement for Longstaff.

The Magpies must ruthlessly sell Longstaff this summer, with a recent fan poll done on Football FanCast showing that 70% of people thought he should be sold in this summer transfer window (442 votes to 185).

Signing Diawara would give them the perfect chance to do just that.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must ruthlessly sell this ace…

Crystal Palace have opened talks to sign Watford midfielder Will Hughes after he turned down the chance to sign a new contract at Vicarage Road, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Playing a regular part in the Hornets’ successful promotion bid in 2020/21, the 26-year-old registered two goals in 31 appearances across the campaign [Transfermarkt], but he could now be set for a move to south London after being frozen out under Xisco Munoz.

After knocking back a new deal with his current employers, Hughes has now opened talks with the Eagles over a move to Selhurst Park [Daily Mail].

He has been training with the under-23 side at Watford in recent weeks, prompting Palace manager Patrick Vieira to try and swoop for the Weybridge native, who can perform in central midfield, attacking midfield or on either flank.

A BBC profile on him in previous years noted his “trickery and the attacking flair” and also made reference to reported interest from Barcelona at the time, indicating the raw talent that the 26-year-old possesses.

In light of this news, plenty of Crystal Palace fans took to social media to express their opinions on the situation.

Crystal Palace fans react

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet PALACE XTRA on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the club’s reported talks over Hughes:

“I’d be happy as a start with Hughes coming in! We need some bite and tenacity in the middle of the park!!”

Credit: @stephenpengi69″Hughes, Amad/Nelson & Nketiah/Dike and I’m happy”Credit: @ReeceJMT”He takes the place of James McCarthy.”Credit: @oliasofcpfc”We desperately need a winger”Credit: @BRL__18″This to me is a player we are crying out for. I’m all for this signing, if we can get him.”Credit: @EaglesPerchCPFC”Is he any good? Will he be an upgraded on what we have? Where is his best position?”Credit: @HalesKeithhalesIn other news, many Crystal Palace fans react to links with a £37m man. Read all about it here.

Celtic have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Airdrieonians winger Thomas Robert, following news that his trial period at Premier League outfit Burnley has been extended [Daily Record].

The Lowdown: Ange Postecoglou gets busy ahead of 2021/22

Stepping into the Parkhead hot-seat with plenty work to do, newly appointed Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly be doing his due diligence on potential recruits, whether they are from afar or on his doorstep.

However, one man who now looks unlikely to make the switch to the Scottish giants is 20-year-old Robert owing to recent reports, despite extensive links to the Glasgow giants over the last six months.

The Latest: Robert has Burnley trial extended

Initially, the Frenchman looked odds on to put pen to paper at Parkhead following a trial spell earlier at Lennoxtown this year [Glasgow Times].

Despite this, the deal stalled due to structural changes within the Hoops off the field, eventually resulting in Robert making the journey back to Airdrie for the rest of the 2020/21 campaign [Daily Record].

Taking advantage of the dynamic, Burnley decided to take the former Montpellier man on trial at the start of 2021/22, and have now decided to extend his assessment period as well as including him in their B squad for a pre-season tour of Scotland [Daily Record].

The Verdict: Losing out on Robert would be a bitter blow for the Parkhead hierarchy

If Celtic were indeed to lose out on Robert, it would come as a blow to the Parkhead hierarchy due to their lack of depth in wide positions.

Predominantly a right-winger, the youngster enjoyed a productive season last term, registering seven goal contributions in 26 appearances; four goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Albeit probably one for the future, his ability to finish effortlessly has to be admired, not least his excellent effort against Forfar Athletic in November 2020.

Once labelled as ‘brilliant’ by former teammate Leon McCann, Celtic should look to make a move for the tricky winger before it is too late [Daily Record].

In other news, Noel Whelan has dropped his verdict on a Celtic star.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to tie up a deal for Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero within the next week [Mirror print edition via Sportslens].

The Lowdown: Tottenham Hotspur gear up for 2021/22

Careering towards 2021/22, newly appointed Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo has already given plenty of thought to the kind of players he will need in order to mount a challenge for continental football this term.

Finally making movements in the transfer market, the Lilywhites successfully wrapped up a loan deal for goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, who is also of Atalanta [Transfermarkt].

Could the Londoners be set to raid the Serie A outfit for the second time in quick succession following reports?

The Latest: Spurs close to signing Romero after personal terms agreed

Having targeted central-backs during the window, Tottenham look to be edging ever closer to signing their first-choice defensive pursuit in the form of 6ft 1in ace Romero [Sportslens].

As reported by Fabrizio Romano a few days ago, personal terms have already been agreed with the player who is known very well by Spurs director Fabio Paratici, and The Mirror suggest that Spurs now expect to have the deal completed within the next week.

Erik Lamela is believed to have been a key factor in the initiation of the deal, after he recommended the 23-year-old, with whom he shares a dressing room at the international level.

The Verdict: Romero would be an astute addition to the Tottenham Hotspur fold

Fulfilling the need for central reinforcements, Romero would be an astute acquisition by the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hierarchy.

In 2020/21, the 23-year-old had an impressive output going forward for a defender, registering eight-goal contributions in 42 games; three goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

As aggressive as they come, the combative figure managed to successfully win 3.6 aerial duels per game across the piece [WhoScored].

Ready to step into the Spurs rear-guard, Tottenham Hotspur should look to finalise their agreement with Romero as soon as possible so he can be ready for the start of the new campaign.

In other news, Tottenham have opened talks with a 19 y/o wonderkid.

Liverpool could have made a mistake in letting Georginio Wijnaldum run down his contract and leave the club, according to former Premier League striker Marcus Bent.

Wijnaldum’s five-year spell with Liverpool has come to an end and the central midfielder has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

The ex-Newcastle United man played a key role as Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to their glory days, with Wijnaldum claiming the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup titles during his time at Anfield.

However, Wijnaldum has moved onto pastures new and linked up with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino as PSG will look to reclaim the Ligue One title after being beaten to the crown by Lille last term.

Wijnaldum, who scored three goals at Euro 2020 before the Netherlands crashed out at the hands of the Czech Republic at the last 16 stage, opted for a move to France after a move to Barcelona failed to materialise.

It came after the 30-year-old turned down a new Anfield deal earlier this year and although former Everton frontman Bent is confident Klopp has enough options to make up for the loss of Wijnaldum, he feels Liverpool could have done more to keep him at the club.

Bent exclusively told Football FanCast: “Everyone makes mistakes and players deciding to leave could have been down to a number of reasons. It could come down to where you’re living, your nationality, if you can speak the language or if you and your family feel at home. It’s not just about on the pitch, but off the pitch.

“He’s gone to PSG and he could have a whirl of a time. You could see the confidence within his play at Euro 2020. You could see it in his passing, he has a shot on him and can score a goal.

“Will Liverpool be bowing their heads in disgrace that they let him go? I’m not sure they will. Liverpool have an abundance of talent in their squad. Although they’ve let him go, I’m sure they will make up for that somewhere else.”