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A major claim has been made on Celtic’s transfer plans, regarding Portuguese attacker Jota’s future at Parkhead…

What’s the talk?

According to journalist Pedro Almeida, the Hoops will sign the forward on a permanent deal from Benfica, with the winger currently on loan from the Liga NOS giants.

He has claimed that they will pay €7.5m, roughly £6.3m, to complete the signing, Tweeting: “Celtic will advance to the definitive signing of #Jota from Benfica for 7.5M€.”

Buzzing

Celtic fans will surely be buzzing by this update as Jota has been in terrific form since arriving at the club and keeping him at Parkhead in the long term could be a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou.

The attacker has racked up an impressive 12 direct goal contributions in 15 games for Celtic, with six goals and six assists. This includes four goals and four assists in eight Premiership appearances, showing his ability to both score and create goals for the side.

Postecoglou admitted earlier this season that he wants to keep the Portuguese attacker at the club in the long term and claimed that the player is loving life in Glasgow. He said:

“He hasn’t had the easiest start to his career, he was out on loan last year and it didn’t work out for him. I think he’s loving life here and my job is to make him the best possible player he can be.

“If he feels that this is the place for his future we’d be more than happy to keep him here but he’s got a pretty good head on his shoulders and he knows that the best way forward for him is to keep playing his football and the rest will take care of itself.”

At the age of 22, he also has the potential to develop further and grow as a player. This means that Postecoglou could improve him over the course of the coming years and potentially turn him into an asset worth far more than £6.3m to the club in the future.

Therefore, with his current contributions and his potential to increase his value, fans will be buzzing to see him stay at Celtic on a permanent deal. If he is able to maintain his current form and build on it, the money eventually paid could soon be seen as a bargain for the club.

AND in other news, Bitton 2.0: Ange could find Celtic’s new midfield beast in 20 y/o who’s “like Petrov”…

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Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed Southampton’s transfer policy, per Sky Sports.

The new Saints manager has managed 10 games at the helm of the Saints and has taken the club from 18th in the Premier League to 15th, but they are yet to make a January signing.

What’s the word?

Hasenhuttl has overseen a few departures from the club this month; Manolo Gabbiadini joined Sampdoria, Wesley Hoedt moved to Celta Vigo on loan, and Steven Davis returned to Rangers.

The departures have not, however, seen the recruitment of replacements in this transfer window.

And Hasenhuttl has insisted that he has seen no reason to strengthen his squad, though he says he is always open to the possibility of recruiting young players who have the scope to improve at St Mary’s.

“The team have shown that they have more potential in them than people thought,” he told Sky Sports. “We didn’t have to immediately bring new players in.

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

“We tried to create potential and quality, and I think we did that. That doesn’t mean we are not looking, because we are looking, but we’ll only do a transfer if it helps us immediately and also for the future.

“It’s a package. If you find a young player who has potential and quality then we’ll think about a transfer. The more important thing in this transfer period is to give players away, to have a committed group that is not too big.”

Sensible managerial decisions

Southampton seemed directionless prior to Hasenhuttl’s appointment and were drifting towards the worst possible fate, relegation.

Now they have a manager with his head screwed on following the departure of Mark Hughes, and his words make an awful lot of sense.

Southampton have made their name when it comes to searching for bargains with huge sell-on potential; the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk have netted the club huge profits, without compromising on the quality of the starting XI.

The Saints are right to wait to enter the transfer market, too, as they have finally hit a period of decent form, and Hasenhuttl appears to have a settled line-up.

His vision will surely start to take shape in the summer if the Saints are to dip into the transfer market but, for now, they are sensible to keep their powder dry and focus on the bigger picture of surviving.

Haroon Lorgat, the ICC CEO, spoke exclusively to Cricinfo about Pakistan’s situation and the ICC taskforce working with the PCB to alleviate the board’s plight

Osman Samiuddin15-Apr-2010After the Lahore attacks last year, a feeling grew in Pakistan and the PCB that they have been isolated from world cricket, both geographically in terms of tournaments being taken away, and otherwise in ways such as their players missing out on the IPL. How does the ICC deal with something like this?First of all it is a very unfortunate feeling because it is devoid of any truth. In fact it is quite the reverse. There is a lot of sympathy, a lot of understanding, a lot of acknowledgement that we need to do something to make sure that we support Pakistan during this difficult phase brought on because of environmental factors and nothing to do with cricket. It is very unfortunate but untrue. It is very difficult for me as the ICC to try and portray anything different other than to say that it is not true.We have put a task team together, we’ve done everything possible, we’ve supported Pakistan through decisions we’ve made. In fact the task team has gone as far as to try and assist in accommodating international fixtures. One thing is very clear in my mind and I think of my own upbringing with South Africa, where there was real isolation and it’s absolutely the inverse here.Just on the IPL issue, Pakistan’s players missed out. The ICC says it is a domestic issue but isn’t that just deflection? Isn’t it a serious concern that the best players of Twenty20 in the world are not playing in the world’s most lucrative cricket league. Should the ICC not take an interest in that and can they really do anything about this?From a regulatory perspective no, but surely when we speak to our friends across all sectors we try to suggest to and influence them to be as transparent and as open-minded about all this, as possible. But in truth those owners decide on who their teams shall or shall not be and we can do no more.Did it disappoint you?There is an emotional response and all of us were disappointed that some of the better players – Pakistan after all had just won the World Twenty20 – had missed out. So there is an emotional disappointment. But if you think about it intellectually, some of the rationale behind it, you have to understand, some owners didn’t want to maybe go through the difficulty and then you can appreciate the reasoning behind it. Intellectually you can begin to understand why they didn’t want to take the risk.Relations between Pakistan and the ICC deteriorated last year after the World Cup hosting issue and there was the threat of a legal battle. How do things stand now?If there is a legal battle ensuing then of course relationships are somewhat different, you are a bit more guarded, a bit more careful. But we are all professional, we know how to handle these things, we worked through it, we managed it very well and here we are. We sorted the matter out. We’ve always said that perhaps Pakistan misunderstood the reasoning behind it, and it wasn’t an attempt to strip them of co-hosting, it was just of location. But I think all of that fell into place and began to make sense. I would say currently people have long got over the issue of taking the locations out of Pakistan. We’ve settled that in August last year, lots has passed since then and people have moved on.What work has the ICC task force done so far in terms of helping Pakistan?The task force was set up before the Lahore attacks and after the Champions Trophy 2008 decision. Pakistan accepted the invitation in January 2009 in Perth to work with the task force. Some of the positives you can see now, the benefits. In that task force there is a support to do something. England in particular has seen the opportunity to host Pakistan Tests there. It is a huge benefit to Pakistan. I’ve always said, I am very clear on one thing, Pakistan must play international cricket. If it cannot play on home soil, that is unfortunate but it should not stop playing international cricket. At best, let’s play on neutral venues until things become a bit different in the home environment and we can revisit that prospect of playing at home.There was talk of a series of world XI games being played against them in Abu Dhabi, Dubai but that hasn’t gone far?It’s going to be very difficult. These are all suggestions that are worked on. You know how packed the calendar is. In fact even Pakistan themselves – which is a good thing, an excellent thing – are so jam-packed. Nothing I suspect will happen this year, in terms of that suggestion but it is one of the possible options.How important is it, with India being such a financial giant, for Pakistan and India to improve ties and be able to play regularly? Is the ICC doing something about that?You explained the economics of how important it is. From the ICC perspective, it is important that all our members have harmonious relationships. They are all members and we want to ensure that every one of them is working on sound relations with the other.The World Cup is less than a year away now. Could there be problems with regards to Pakistan playing in India: the final for example is scheduled for Mumbai and a Pakistan side hasn’t played there for many years.I’m not concerned now because at the central organizing committee level we’ve been very clear in our minds that should Pakistan reach any of the venues they will play at those venues. That includes Mumbai so if they get to the final, they would be very welcome to playing at Wankhede Stadium.What do you see as the roadmap to cricket returning to Pakistan? 2011 was the earliest the ICC said initially, but realistically when do you see it returning?There is absolutely no timeline, and it would be irresponsible to suggest timelines and create expectations. We need to take it a day, a week, a month, a year at a time. It is something we must just monitor. This year Pakistan are sorted out in terms of international fixtures. When next year comes around, we must keep an open mind. As we read reports and get reports, we’ve got security networks in place and we keep monitoring and keep an eye on developments.Has the ICC looked at its own role as far as security is concerned, maybe at least by standardizing security consultants for all series around the world?Yes we have. We established a security task force that really got going after Lahore attacks headed by Lord Condon. That task force had put forward seven recommendations which the board has agreed. One of those is a standardization of required safety and security standards. Another recommendation which the PCB has implemented is for each full member to appoint a full-time security manager including at the ICC. That network of security managers will arrange standard protocol measures. Now those measures are being written so hopefully by June we could have something in place.

Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spinner, was ruled out of the ICC World Twenty20 after aggravating a groin injury during the Super Eights game against West Indies

Sa'adi Thawfeeq08-May-2010Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spinner, was ruled out of the ICC World Twenty20 after aggravating a groin injury during the Super Eights game against West Indies at Barbardos on Friday. Sri Lanka team manager Anura Tennekoon confirmed that the groin strain Muralitharan suffered during the group games had flared up during the match and there was no way he could make any recovery before the end of the tournament.”Muralitharan will be flying home tomorrow and his replacement Thilan Thushara is already here,” Tennekoon said. Sri Lanka took a risk playing Murali in the West Indies game. The bowler sent down his four overs before limping off to the pavilion to seek further treatment.It was evident on the field that Murali wasn’t 100% fit to play, but coach Trevor Bayliss stated on Friday that when a player of his experience tell you he is fit you had to trust his judgement. “You take the word of the player. Murali thought he was right and that he was ready to go,” said Bayliss.The ICC has confirmed the change and Murali is the sixth player to be replaced for the tournament. Sri Lanka, who beat West Indies by 57 runs, play Australia on Sunday and then confront India on Tuesday in their remaining Super Eight Group F matches.

The star forwards put in impressive displays for their sides in the first legs of the round-of-16

The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is starting to take shape now that all of the first legs of the round-of-16 ties have taken place. Inter and FC Porto have the advantage from the latest round of games, while PSV are tied with Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are all square with Barcelona.

Serie A leaders Inter are flying high and took a narrow advantage from their encounter with Diego Simeone's Atletico de Madrid. FC Porto, too, picked up a slender lead as they snatched a last-gasp winner from their home match against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Things are all square between PSV and Borussia Dortmund, as the Dutch side fought back to earn a vital draw after falling behind on home soil, while Barcelona went ahead in Italy before Napoli managed to snatch a draw later in the second half.

It was an interesting week of matches in Europe's most prestigious competition, but who were the standout performers? With the help of the FedEx Performance Zone, GOAL takes a look at the stars of the UCL last week.

Getty ImagesDonyell Malen | Borussia Dortmund | 65 points

Back on home soil against the team that sold him to Borussia Dortmund, Donyell Malen made a huge impression against PSV. The forward opened the scoring just 24 minutes into the UEFA Champions League tie in Eindhoven but he did much more than that. No one had more shots in the game than the Oranje star's five attempts, but he had an incredible four on target – no one else forced more than one save in the entire game. He was absolutely pivotal for his team and was unlucky not to have given them a lead when they left Noord-Brabant.

AdvertisementGettyRobert Lewandowski | Barcelona | 50 points

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was a huge force for Barcelona in their trip to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday. He gave his team the lead on the hour mark, but he was a massive threat throughout the game. The 35-year-old had four shouts overall – all inside the box – and won four aerial challenges over the field, marking him as a big help to Xavi's team leaving with a 1-1 draw.

GettyLautaro Martinez | Inter | 50 points

Inter look devastating in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. They owe much of that to coach Simeone Inzaghi, but perhaps even more to star striker Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine has grown into an unbelievable figure for the San Siro side and that was on show in their match against a brutal Atletico de Madrid team. He did not get on the scoresheet, but the forward was integral as he had a total of seven shots and fought hard to win the ball as Inter managed a 1-0 win.

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Getty ImagesGaleno | FC Porto | 48 points

FC Porto midfielder Galeno has been unbelievable in the UEFA Champions League this season. It was no surprise, then, to see that the late winner in his team's match against Arsenal was scored by the 26-year-old. He had already hit the woodwork in the last-16 tie and with four goals and three assists to his name in the competition before kick-off, he was a man to watch for Arteta's team, yet they could not keep him silent until the end.

Imran Tahir was reflecting on a sudden no-balling problem as he joined the rest of the South Africa squad on a relaxing day at the London Olympics.

Firdose Moonda08-Aug-2012Most of the South African squad are enjoying some down time at the London Olympics but Imran Tahir, the legspinner, would be advised to use the opportunity to work on his no-ball problem with South African women’s’ javelin finalist Sunette Viljoen. Like bowlers, javelin throwers are not allowed to step outside their throwing area, something Tahir has been doing with unusual regularity.He bowled nine no-balls in the Headingley Test match, eight of them in the first innings and four on the fourth morning, when South Africa were going after England’s last five wickets. To add to the eight no-balls he bowled at the Oval, Tahir has sent down almost three extra overs in the series and developed an area of concern that did not affect him previously.”That is the main issue for me at the moment, because I don’t want to carry on like this,” Tahir said with a distressed expression. “I have never been a bowler who bowls so many no-balls in a game. I just don’t know what happened. I need to go and check my action.”Despite the overstepping, Tahir has been among the wickets and has recorded his best results after two Tests in a series. He is South Africa’s joint second-highest wicket-taker, with seven scalps, the same number as Morne Morkel and three behind Dale Steyn, and wrapped up the England tail at Leeds with three wickets in 13 balls.Combine that with the overall numbers: Tahir also has a slightly better average than Morkel and a lower economy rate than Steyn and you may see a sign that he is learning to blend defensive tactics with aggressive ones.”I am trying to be as patient as I can,” Tahir said. “I have always been an attacking bowler but I am trying my best to learn every day.”Failing to rein in over-eager instincts is something Tahir has been criticised for, particularly when he used his variations indiscriminately. He has since become shrewder in deciding when to bowl his googly and he has seen the results. Many of England’s batsmen were unable to pick the delivery as Tahir disguised it cleverly.But he erred by mixing up threatening balls with a assortment of freebies – full tosses and long hops – that he admitted were a poor reflection on his own ability. “I didn’t bowl well the first day. It was hard for me in the first innings,” Tahir said. “I think two or three balls turned in the whole five days. The cracks are very hard, not like at The Oval.”Unhelpful surfaces have been the norm for Tahir, since he made his Test debut for South Africa against Australia in November last year. Although he has seasons of experience in England, on tracks that offer turn, wet weather has prevented them from behaving similarly this time around. Tahir is hopeful that the third Test, at Lord’s, will present him with the opportunity to come into this own.”It has always been a flat wicket at Lord’s and I think it will turn more than at Headingley,” Tahir said. London is forecast to remain dry for the rest of the weekend but rain is predicted for the first few days of next week, before it clears in time for the Test.

A worrying Rangers claim has been made ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window for the Ibrox giants…

What’s the talk?

Football pundit Paddy Kenny has claimed that Celtic are in a healthier financial position to the Gers and has stated that Champions League qualification could be crucial for them ahead of next season.

He has indicated that Rangers will need to move on their ‘sellable assets’ if they fail to qualify for the group stages of Europe’s premier competition.

Kenny told Football Insider:

“I’m sure Rangers are in control of their finances. Of course, there will always be that worry.

“The Champions League is so important to some clubs and I’m sure not making the group stages this season was a blow. Obviously the whoever wins the league this season goes straight into the groups and gets that payday.

“That’s one hell of an incentive, not that you need extra motivation to win the league title. If Celtic manage to win the league and Rangers then don’t qualify for the Champions League groups, that’s the worst-case scenario.

“There is a lot of football still to play but we know Celtic’s finances are better than Rangers’. And, if it comes down to it and the gamble doesn’t pay off, they do have plenty of sellable assets.”

Scary

This claim is a scary one for Rangers fans due to what it implies if the club fails to win the Premiership this season. They could be in a difficult financial position if they end up in the Europa League again and that, judging by these comments, would result in key players departing from Ibrox.

Fans will surely want to see their top players remain, with the likes of Ryan Kent, Borna Barisic and Glen Kamara among those who have recently been tipped with exits. It should go without saying, but losing your top performers is likely to have a big impact on the pitch and could harm Gio van Bronckhorst’s chances of adding further silverware down the line.

Alfredo Morelos is another player who has been linked with a move away this year and his departure would be a major loss. He has 104 goals in 207 matches for the club and has proven that he can score goals on a consistent basis in Scotland.

Therefore, his exit would leave a major hole at the top end of the pitch that would need filling by a new addition and it is impossible to guarantee that Ross Wilson will be able to unearth another player who can score over 100 goals in so few games. This is why supporters will be fretting over Kenny’s claim and may start to think about the ‘worst-case scenario’; who could leave the club next summer.

AND in other news, Wilson can land Gvb’s dream Rangers deal with 24 y/o gem who has “unbelievable energy”…

Manchester United have been reportedly handed a double Galatasaray injury boost ahead of their make-or-break Champions League clash.

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Galatasaray handed double injury blowSanchez and Bardakci out United will be without RashfordWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Turkish publication, the Turkish giants could be without the services of former Tottenham defender Davison Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci. While Sanchez has been ruled out with a strain in his upper left rear muscle, Bardakci could still make it to the matchday squad if he can successfully negotiate a late fitness test.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Red Devils seek redemption against Galatasaray, after a defeat at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, which could help them overcome a troubled Champions League campaign. Sitting fourth in Group A, they are desperate for the three points to boost qualification chances. The defeat to FC Copenhagen in the previous fixture further complicated the math for United who now face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the the knockout rounds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 30 years back, in 1993, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad failed to produce the goods in a do-or-die knockout match in Istanbul as they were held to a goalless draw, following a 3-3 result at Old Trafford. Eric Cantona was sent off and it is believed that the United players got into a tussle with riot police in the tunnel in the aftermath of the shock exit from Europe.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United also have a lengthy injury list as several first-team players are out injured including includingCasemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, and Tyrell Malacia. Mason Mount was the latest casualty as the former Chelsea midfielder picked up a fresh calf injury which will rule him out for the game against Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will miss the game after he was sent off against FC Copenhagen in United's last European fixture. Nonetheless, they might be boosted with the return of Rasmus Hojlund, who has been in fine form in Europe scoring five goals in four matches, as the Danish striker is back in training.

The Arsenal and England winger is setting new standards this season for club and country

Gareth Southgate bit his lip when he was asked after England’s 2-0 win against Ukraine whether there was any other right winger in the world who is playing at the level of Bukayo Saka right now.

“I’m not going to get drawn into where he sits in world football,” Southgate laughed. “That would start to put us in danger of doing all the things that we shouldn’t be doing with him. 

“He’s progressing brilliantly and he’s a joy to work with. We should leave it at that.”

It was as diplomatic a response as you would expect from someone like Southgate. 

But in all honesty, he could have just said that Saka is at the top of the world pile right now because no-one would have argued with him.

Mohamed Salah can step aside, so can the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Rodrygo. Saka is currently the best right winger on the planet. It’s that simple.

GettySpecial Saka

What Saka’s doing for Arsenal this season and what he did for England on Sunday against Ukraine is all the evidence you need to back up that statement.

And while Southgate was probably right not to say it out loud, he doesn’t really need to worry about praise going to Saka’s head because the 21-year-old is not the type of player to let that happen.

That’s what makes him so special. He has the world at his feet and he knows it, but he’ll just take it all in his stride, as he always does.

“His hunger and his humility is what’s got him on a good path,” Southgate said.

“He has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that’s how he’s wired and I don’t see that changing with how he is and with how his family are.”

AdvertisementGetty'He plays with real belief'

Saka’s goal against Ukraine at Wembley was one of a player brimming with confidence.

It was his eighth goal for his country. Only four players – Dixie Dean (16), Jimmy Greaves (16), Wayne Rooney (12) and Michael Owen (10) – have scored more for England at the time of his current age (21 years, 202 days).

When you consider he has done that while playing as a winger, that makes the achievement even more remarkable.

Saka now has four goals in his last six games for his country. He is delivering almost every time he pulls on the Three Lions shirt.

“When he’s in front of goal now he plays with real belief,” Southgate said after the victory over Ukraine. “That’s evident with his club and it’s evident with the games for us.

“You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through. I think that’s been a mentality shift as much as it’s anything technical.

"I think he knows to be a really top wide player he needs goals and assists and without doubt he’s delivered that this season.”

GettyA big-game player

There has been a definite change in Saka this season. He has taken on far more responsibility for Arsenal.

He may be still to turn 22, but he has already firmly established himself as one of the leaders in Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Hale End academy graduate has scored 13 goals in all competitions so far for the Gunners and prior to his brace against Crystal Palace immediately before the international break, every single one of them had either been a goal to put his side on front, or an equaliser.

That shows he has consistently stepped up in the big moments when his side has needed him this season and for a player so young to be doing that so consistently, it shows the level that he is now operating at.

"We obviously have individuals that excel to be at the level that we want," Arteta said after Saka's man of the match-winning performance against Palace earlier this month.

"But Bukayo was really, really good again, affecting the result with his contribution, especially in the opponent’s box. I’m really happy [with him].”

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GettyPlayer of the season?

Many expect Erling Haaland to bag all the individual awards when they are handed out come the end of the season because of the sheer volume of goals he has scored for Manchester City.

But there is a strong argument that, based purely on all-round performance, Saka has been the stand out performer in the Premier League this year.

He has been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 34 appearances for club and country, scoring 16 goals while setting up a further seven. Those are incredible numbers for a 21-year-old winger.

“I am not going to be the guy who is going to judge,” Oleksandr Zinchenko said when asked if his Arsenal team-mate is the best player in England following Ukraine’s defeat at Wembley.

“Definitely, he’s one of them, that’s for sure. He’s an amazing player. We knew that. He’s on fire at the moment.”

Masandawana have already booked their spot in the quarter-finals with a game to spare and they will now face the Sudanese giants on Saturday

Sundowns rested some of their key players during their last game which was a Group A clash against Al Merrikh's Sudanese rivals, Al Hilal Omdurman, on March 19 as the Tshwane giants secured a 4-2 win.

Masandawana will now be looking to end a successful group stage with a win over Al Merrikh.

GOAL takes a look at how the PSL champions could start at FNB Stadium.

BackpagepixGOALKEEPER – Reyaad Pieterse

The towering shot-stopper was given an opportunity to start against Al Hilal and he had a good game between the sticks.

Pieterse is most likely to be handed another starting berth with the club's first-choice keeper Denis Onyango out injured, while the ageing Kennedy Mweene is being rested.

AdvertisementBackpagepixRIGHT-BACK – Thapelo Morena

The speedster has been one of Sundowns' standout performers in the group stage having scored three times in four matches.

Two of his goals came against Al Hilal and he will be keen to continue his scoring form when he faces Al Merrikh.

BackpagepixLEFT-BACK – Divine Lunga

The lanky full-back has impressed whenever he has been given a chance to start for the Tshwane giants this season.

Lunga could be handed a rare start with Lyle Lakay being rested having been part of the Bafana Bafana squad which travelled to Europe for two international friendly games.

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BackpagepixCENTRAL DEFENDER – Rushine de Reuck

Sundowns' first-choice centre back is expected to start having had little game time during the recent Fifa break.

De Reuck featured as a second-half substitute against Guinea for Bafana and he was then an unused substitute against France.