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The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off later this month and two Celtic players have recently found out that they will not be heading to play in the competition.

Japan have announced their provisional squad for the tournament and manager Hajime Moriyasu has surprisingly omitted Hoops duo Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi from the 27-man list, whilst their teammate Daizen Maeda has made the cut.

Kyogo has scored 29 goals in 45 matches in all competitions since joining Celtic in the summer of 2021 and may be wondering what else he could have done to secure a place.

Whilst those two Hoops stars will be disappointed, another player in Ange Postecoglou’s squad who must now be called up to go to the tournament is USA international Cameron Carter-Vickers, as he has been in phenomenal form since the start of last season.

He was not included in his country’s squad for their friendlies in September and has played more than 45 minutes in just two of the four matches he was involved in earlier this year, failing to come off the bench in one of them.

Carter-Vickers has only been included in two squads and has been capped just three times since 2019 but his performances for the Hoops suggest that he is deserving of a place on the plane to Qatar.

Walter Zimmerman and Aaron Long started ahead of him in the USMNT’s last match against Saudi Arabia and there is a case to be made for the Celtic man to start ahead of them. The former has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 – winning 62% of his duels – in the 32 appearances in the MLS in 2022, whilst Long has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.82 – winning 60% of his battles – in 30 outings in the American top-flight.

Meanwhile, the £20k-per-week Celtic defender, who Jan Vertonghen once described as an “absolute beast”, has averaged a score of 7.09 in the Premiership this season and won 66% of his duels, which shows that he is delivering quality displays on a consistent basis.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the 24-year-old helped the club to keep 17 clean sheets in 33 league matches and showcased his ability on the ball as he completed 90% of his attempted passes in those games, whilst averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.33 and impressively winning 68% of his battles.

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter must now pay attention to the Celtic machine’s form in Scotland and call him up to the squad.

Indeed, his statistics suggest that he could offer more than Zimmerman and Long in terms of his general performances and his physical dominance against opposition attackers.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ potential new manager Julen Lopetegui wants to make Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz his first signing, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Lopetegui back in Wolves talks

Fosun have been on the hunt to find Bruno Lage’s successor following his sacking last month, and despite former Sevilla boss Lopetegui initially turning down the opportunity to work at Molineux, he is now back in talks over a switch to the Premier League.

Indeed, the 56-year-old looks highly likely to be Wolves’ next manager, with Liam Keen stating that talks are “progressing well” and that the club “are hopeful of appointing him before the World Cup break”.

Diaz’s contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire at the end of the season, so the opportunity for a cut-price deal in January, or a free transfer next summer, could well be on the cards for the Old Gold.

The Latest: Wolves eyeing Diaz

According to Spanish reports on Wednesday (via Sport Witness), Wolves have already held negotiations with Lopetegui, who has identified Diaz as the ‘first signing’ he would want to secure at Molineux.

It’s claimed that the 56-year-old would ‘ask’ the Old Gold to make an approach for the forward in the winter market, having previously worked alongside him during his time in charge of Real Madrid in 2018.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Wolves could hold the advantage in the race for Diaz’s signature given his existing connection with Lopetegui; and having been hailed as a ‘real goalscorer’ by Lyon’s former assistant boss Gerald Baticle, this appears a no-brainer of a deal for the Old Gold to try and complete.

During his spell with the French giants, the 29-year-old scored 21 goals and provided six assists in just 48 outings, and he can offer a level of versatility, having also operated as a winger.

Diego Costa hasn’t had the impact at Molineux that supporters will have hoped for when he signed in September, but Diaz is prolific in the final third and could be the ideal target man for which Wolves have been crying out as the Premier League’s lowest goalscorers.

Chelsea are now one of the ‘frontrunners’ to sign Palmeiras striker Endrick, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Endrick profiled

Despite only being 16 years of age, the forward has already made a big name for himself after netting an incredible 165 goals in 169 appearances for his club’s youth sides.

Having since worked his way up through the ranks and into Abel Ferreira’s first team, his performances have caught the eye of potential suitors, and with a €60m (£52m) release clause in his contract, could be on his way to the Premier League.

The Latest: Chelsea in Endrick chase

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Chelsea are firmly in the race to land Endrick, though are set to face competition from two European giants. He wrote:

“Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain & Chelsea. Frontrunners, pushing to sign Endrick.

“Confirmed and still no breakthrough in negotiations with any club.”

The Verdict: Alongside Nkunku

The Blues are reported to have agreed a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku, but it sounds like he might not be the only attacker set to arrive at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian ‘phenomenon’, as hailed by Jacek Kulig, has a remarkable record so far this season having made ten goal contributions in just 13 outings, and is a versatile player with the ability to operate on both flanks as well as at centre-forward (Transfermarkt).

Whilst £52m is a huge sum for a player so young, Todd Boehly won’t be afraid to give Graham Potter financial backing in his first few windows in charge, so this could be one to watch in the near future.

Scottish champions Celtic spent much of the recent window being linked with a move for Bristol City starlet, Antoine Semenyo, with the striker’s agent having even seemingly been in contact with the Parkhead outfit earlier this year.

Despite the Hoops’ potential interest in the promising youngster, no such move came to fruition as the forward ultimately stayed put at Ashton Gate, with the Championship side’s reported £15m valuation a possible sticking point.

Having seemingly opted against a move for the 22-year-old over the summer, the Old Firm outfit could well be tempted into striking a deal in January, amid reports that the Ghanaian could now be worth just £5m amid the impending expiry of his contract with the Robins.

Nigel Pearson’s side are said to be willing to cash in during the winter window in order to avoid losing the three-cap gem for nothing at the end of the season, with Rangers having also now reportedly joined the race for his signature.

Those back at Celtic Park would likely love to steal a march on their Glasgow foes and strike a deal for Semenyo sooner rather than later, with the Chelsea-born sensation having warranted such interest amid his sparkling form over the past year or so.

The 2021/22 campaign proved particularly impressive for the former Newport County loanee as he netted eight times and provided 12 assists in all competitions, having proven himself something of a “nightmare to play against” as a result of his speed and strength, according to his manager.

While the versatile forward – who can play through the middle or on the flanks – has arguably not been as prolific so far this campaign, with just four goals and one assist, that impact was hampered by an early season injury.

Adding the imposing and powerful marksman to his squad could provide Postecoglou with another string to his attacking bow, with the forward line having at times been somewhat one-dimensional with an array of diminutive talents.

The former Yokohama boss himself had even quipped that many of his side “will struggle to get on any ride at Disneyland” due to their small stature, hence the need for a greater focal point such as Semenyo in attack.

The latter man’s addition could also help to shunt fellow forward Daizen Maeda further down the pecking order, with the Japan international having infuriated some with his profligacy so far this season, notably squandering three big chances during the club’s Champions League run.

The 5 foot 8 speedster – who can also feature out wide or in a centre-forward berth – was notably criticised for his display against Ross County in the club’s final game before the World Cup break, with journalist Ben Banks writing that he had shown ‘very little end product’ on the day.

That has seemingly been a theme for the eight-cap menace in recent times, amid his European woes, with securing a quality upgrade such as Semenyo potentially an ideal solution for those at Paradise.

Scottish champions Celtic have enjoyed notable tales of success in the transfer market in the last decade or so, memorably bringing in the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama on the cheap, having proven particularly astute at spotting a rare hidden gem.

That being said, however, there are star talents whom the Parkhead outfit have also foolishly turned their nose up at over the years, with Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic one such figure who the Old Firm giants inexplicably snubbed.

That’s according to former Hoops scout David Moss, who revealed that he had recommended the then-youngster – who was turning out for Vojvodina at the time – to the club’s hierarchy, only for that recommendation to ultimately fall on deaf ears.

The Englishman stated: “I was scouting people like Milinikovic-Savic at Vojvodina before he went on to do what he did. Genk took him, but I watched him three times and pushed for it. Unfortunately, when those higher up watched him live, he had a rare bad game.”

As per GOAL, the Glasgow side would seemingly have been able to strike the deal for a fee of just €600k (£520k), with that now appearing a total snip such has been the towering gem’s impact since then, have gone on to become something of a force in European football.

The 6-foot-5 powerhouse spent just a solitary season with Belgian outfit Genk after joining in 2014, before making the high-profile move to Italian giants Lazio a year later, going on to become a real leading figure for the Serie A side since then.

The dynamic brute been a hugely reliable figure in his playmaking berth over the years, having chipped in with an impressive haul of 63 goals and 58 assists in 314 games for the Rome-based outfit, including a tally of 12 goal contributions in just 20 games so far this season.

A “complete player with great quality” – in the words of current boss Maurizio Sarri – the 27-year-old is arguably one of the most unique assets on the continent as a result of his all-round box-to-box ability, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% in Europe among those in his position for touches in the opposition penalty area, while also offering defensive brilliance as he ranks in the top 4% for aerial duels won.

Such has been the £100k-per-week man’s rise of late, the latest suggestion is that he could now be worth as much as €120m (£104m), with that valuation far beyond what those at Celtic Park could have initially paid for him all those years ago.

The 36-cap menace could well go on showcase his quality on a wider stage for Serbia at the World Cup, with journalist Marco Messina suggesting that the imposing giant could truly “explode” in the tournament this time around.

Should Milinkovic-Savic – who is believed to be a target for Juventus at present – go on to sparkle in Qatar, the Hoops could well be left to rue their previous inaction even further, with the Scottish Premiership side having seemingly had a nightmare by not taking Moss’ advice.

Sunderland return to Championship action on Saturday as they take on Millwall at the Stadium of Light and Tony Mowbray should unleash Ross Stewart.

It will feel like a lifetime for a lot of Mackems since the Black Cats’ 2-1 win over Birmingham City on November 11, their last competitive fixture in the second tier.

Fortunately for Sunderland, the break has allowed some players to return to fitness, with Stewart and Dominic Ballard both back on the training pitch after significant spells on the sidelines, although the latter is unlikely to be fit for this weekend’s fixture.

It is a tough re-introduction to life in the Championship for Mowbray’s side, as they face a Millwall side who currently sit sixth in the second tier after some excellent form ahead of the World Cup break.

The Lions have long been renowned as a tough, physical side and that certainly hasn’t changed this season, as they currently lead the way for aerials won per game in the Championship, averaging a remarkable 26 per game.

Sunderland, meanwhile, sit 20th when measured by the same statistic, with just 15.6 aerials won per game, which suggests that they could be in for a tough battle on Saturday.

While Mowbray has admitted that it could be a gamble to introduce the Scotland international from the start on Saturday, his aerial ability makes him a game-changer for the Black Cats.

No player in Sunderland’s squad has averaged more aerials won per game (4.1) than the former Ross County man so far this campaign, while he is also their top scorer and top performer according to WhoScored, despite only featuring in seven league fixtures.

This emphasises how important the “incredible” striker is to the way that Mowbray wants to set his side up, and if he wants to cause problems for Millwall’s defence on Saturday, then he must select the talismanic forward from the start.

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If reports are to be believed, then Stewart could be heading back to Scotland during the January transfer window, so Mowbray has to take the risk with him now, as he might not have him available in the squad for too much longer.

Liverpool have been boosted by rumours that influential winger Luis Diaz is currently ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury, with former BBC pundit Noel Whelan describing it as ‘huge news’.

The Lowdown: Diaz sidelined through injury

The Colombian has been a superb performer since arriving from Porto back in January, wreaking havoc with his pace and directness out on the left wing.

Unfortunately, Diaz suffered a serious knee injury in the 3-2 defeat away to Arsenal back in October, with a lengthy spell on the sidelines predicted for him.

A new update suggests that Liverpool could be able to call upon his services again in the near future, however.

The Latest: Positive update emerges

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Diaz is ‘on course’ to make his return next month, meaning he could even be back for the trip to Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

He is expected to be back in full training soon and will be available for the mid-season training camp set to take place in Dubai.

Whelan was quick to give his thoughts on the update to FI, saying:

“This is huge news.

“Diaz was in outstanding form before his injury and often looked the best player in the team.

“It will be like a new signing for Jurgen Klopp, who missed him badly when he was out. Perfect early Christmas present.”

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The Verdict: Huge boost for Liverpool

This is a massive boost for Liverpool, with Diaz such a magnificent addition to the squad ever since he arrived, being described as ‘insane’ by Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have missed his natural width and goal threat ever since he got injured and his return could be a catalyst to them enjoying a much-improved second half of the season.

Having Diaz back fit alongside an ever-improving Darwin Nunez is a mouthwatering prospect, especially with Mohamed Salah also in the attack, and such a quick recovery could prove to be significant come May.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in recent times, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to bolster his midfield options.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that the 23-year-old has caught the attention of those at Old Trafford as a result of his performances for the Basque outfit of late, with the player reportedly having a €65m (£56m) release clause in his existing deal.

The suggestion is that price may prove too great for United in the New Year, with the La Liga side unlikely to be open to a lesser offer in the winter window, particularly after having already recouped a hefty fee for Newcastle United man Alexander Isak in the summer.

Transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided an update on the Red Devils’ interest, with the respected source revealing that the Premier League giants are keeping tabs on the Spaniard, albeit while admitting a move in January may be unlikely.

He stated: “I think they might well be tracking him, but I don’t think that this is what they’re looking for in the winter window. I think that they’ve got a reasonable amount of options in there at the moment. I think Ten Hag’s just figuring out his best combinations in there.”

Could be a ‘special’ signing

Despite the arrivals of both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the recent window, it would appear that Ten Hag’s side are still in need of further options in the centre of the park, particularly amid reports that Brazil international, Fred, could be allowed to depart at the end of the season.

Turning to Zubimendi could well be an astute move as far as the Red Devils are concerned, with the one-cap machine having notably been compared to former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich man Xabi Alonso by journalist Sid Lowe, who also lauded the youngster as a “special” talent.

A “key element” for his current club – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – the £50k-per-week ace has enjoyed a particularly impressive start to the current campaign, with one goal and two assists in 14 league games from his holding role, having been rewarded with a new long-term deal in October.

It is the playmaker’s defensive prowess that has particularly caught the eye, however, illustrated by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% in Europe for aerial duels won among those in his position, as well as in the top 9% for clearances made.

Such quality was also evident when the two sides met at the Theatre of Dreams earlier this season in the Europa League, with the 5 foot 11 machine helping his side secure a 1-0 victory after notably winning three of his four ground duels and recording five interceptions, while also losing possession on just three occasions from his 56 touches.

Having seen up close just what the San Sebastian-born starlet can bring to the table, Ten Hag would certainly be wise to step his interest in 2023, with Zubimendi’s special qualities potentially set to freshen up United’s midfield ranks.

Glasgow Rangers could potentially find a solution to their centre-forward problem at Ibrox in the form of Denis Undav, following speculation surrounding the striker.

What’s the word?

The Daily Record have speculated that the 26-year-old could potentially emerge as a target for Rangers ahead of the January transfer window, with the 5 foot 10 ace ‘likely’ to be on manager Michael Beale’s ‘radar’.

The new Gers boss has seemingly kept a close eye on the clinical marksman in recent times, with the Englishman’s former club believed to be one of those who are keeping tabs on the Brighton man.

While Undav – who only arrived at the Amex this summer after sealing a £6m switch earlier this year – still has three-and-a-half years left to run on his existing deal, the report suggests that a loan move could seemingly be a possibility in the New Year.

Solve Rangers’ big issue

A notable issue for the aforementioned Beale at present is the form of contract rebel, Alfredo Morelos, with the Colombian hotshot having scored just three goals in 19 games in all competitions so far this season.

The 26-year-old – who was dropped earlier this season by former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst due to concerns over his fitness and attitude – is facing an uncertain future in Glasgow with just six months remaining on his current contract, ensuring he could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club at the start of next month.

The latest suggestion is that the Light Blues have failed to come to an agreement regarding a new long-term extension for the polarising asset – with the 11-cap brute having demanded a salary of around £45k per week – with an exit now looking like a very real possibility.

That fact should well ensure that the Scottish giants are in need of another centre-forward addition to compete with the league’s top scorer, Antonio Colak, with the aforementioned Undav no doubt a fine option for the second half of the campaign.

While the £20k-per-week man has started just one game for Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season – scoring only once in that time – the ruthless asset has previously proven prolific throughout his career, notably scoring 45 times and laying on 18 assists in just 70 games for former club Union Saint-Gilloise.

That stunning stint in Belgium saw the Achim-born sensation notably net 27 goals and register 13 assists in just 41 games during the 2021/22 campaign, while his overall club career tally stands at a respectable haul of 116 goals in 243 games following previous stints in the lower divisions in Germany.

That record corroborates the player’s own claim that he can simply “score from everywhere”, with such an addition potentially set to be the lift that Rangers are in need of in the quest to close the gap on rivals, Celtic.

West Ham United are now plotting a renewed bid for Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia.

The Lowdown: West Ham target Maia

Having already completed the signing of one Sao Paulo youngster, with Luizao joining the club on a deal until 2026 at the weekend, West Ham now appear to be in for one of his teammates.

90min reported that exploratory talks had been held between the two clubs last week, and now the Hammers are taking their interest one step further, potentially looking at bringing Maia to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

The Latest: Renewed bid?

Relaying information from Brazilian journalist Andre Hernan, Sport Witness state that West Ham initially tried to sign the 20-year-old on a loan deal with an option to buy, however his current club refused to part with him on those terms.

Now, discussions are underway about making an offer to purchase the youngster in January, particularly because interest in him appears to be growing, with Southampton now emerging as rival suitors.

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The Verdict: Make it happen

Not only are the Saints interested in the Brazilian, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has detailed that he is ‘highly rated by Fulham and other European clubs’, while he has also been dubbed as being akin to a ‘mini-Casemiro’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

With that in mind, the Irons should move quickly to secure his signature in January, particularly because of the sensational performances he has produced in a Sao Paulo shirt over the past year, positing an average pass completion rate of 89.6% per 90 minutes, placing him in the 96th percentile amongst players in his position.

Not only that, but the defensive-midfielder has displayed remarkable aerial prowess, despite only being 5 foot 10, winning an average of 1.58 aerials per 90, in the 86th percentile, while 1.58 blocks over the same timeframe ranks him in the 90th percentile.

This defensive prowess would be of great use to David Moyes, especially considering the uncertain future of Declan Rice, with Maia boasting the potential to be a fantastic long-term replacement for the England international.