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BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has reacted to the news that Celtic duo Sead Haksabanovic and Daizen Maeda have picked up injuries on international duty.

The Lowdown: Injury woes

Haksabanovic was forced off injured during Montenegro’s UEFA Nations League game against Finland earlier this week, as he lasted only 32 minutes of the after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge.

He was treated on the pitch by his team’s physios, but was unable to shrug the tackle off, and so was replaced before half-time.

Meanwhile, Maeda was left out of the Japan squad as they faced Ecuador in a warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November.

He was brought off after the first 45 minutes during Japan’s earlier fixture against the USA, after picking up a knock in the opening half, and was subsequently absent from training in preparation for the clash against Ecuador.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Scottish Premiership defender Hutton has claimed that it is a ‘shame’ to hear that both Haksabanovic and Maeda have picked up injuries, adding that Ange Postecoglou may have started to ‘panic’ when sending his players away on international duty:

“In the last few outings, he’s [Haksabanovic] looked really sharp, he’s looked energetic and as if he can make something happen.

“Celtic do have a lot of options up top, but he was brought in to make them stronger, so you don’t want to lose that.

“I heard Maeda’s possibly got a little injury away on international duty as well so it’s two players in that front line that they won’t want to lose.

“It’s a shame obviously for Celtic and the situation they’re in at the moment. It’s not ideal, I think all managers start to panic when players are getting called away to international duty because this kind of crops up now and then.“

The Verdict: Not ideal

As Hutton claims, it is certainly not ideal for the Parkhead outfit to be sending some of their key players away to play international football, as there is always a risk that they could pick up an injury and thus start to miss club games.

That is happened to both Haksabanovic and Maeda, who may now be doubts for their clash at home to Motherwell in the SPFL on Saturday afternoon.

Maeda ranks joint-second in the Hoops squad for assists (four) in the league so far this season, while new signing Haksabanovic has only played 33 minutes in the division, and so supporters will want to see more of him as the international break is now over.

Aston Villa have been handed a potential injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Ashley Preece’s latest report for Birmingham Live, in which the journalist claimed that, after missing Villa’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend due to illness, the 27-year-old should be available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Leicester – with Preece predicting that the Belgium international’s return date is around September 10.

Speaking ahead of the City fixture, Gerrard said of the midfielder: “Dendoncker’s got tonsillitis, he was a bit rough but he got worse last night so he was unavailable [vs Manchester City].”

Great news for Gerrard

While the argument that it is good news one of Steven Gerrard’s summer signings looks as if he will be able to make his debut for the club this weekend is a rather obvious one to make, it is nonetheless very much the case regarding Dendoncker.

Indeed, despite having secured an impressive point against Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend, in truth, Villa’s campaign so far in 2022/23 has been something of a disappointment, with the club currently sitting 17th in the league standings after taking just four points from their first six fixtures.

Solidity at the back and in the middle of the park has been one reason for this poor showing, with Gerrards’ side having already shipped 10 goals in the league this term – at a rate of 1.6 per game – while the Villans have also not been at their free-flowing best going forwards – having also found the back of the net a total of just five times so far this season.

This is something that, in theory, the addition of Dendoncker will help to improve, with FBref ranking the £25.2m-rated talent in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90, as well as the top 27% for aerial duels won, the top 21% for passes completed, the top 21% for non-penalty xG and the top 40% for pressures over the last 365 days.

As such, with the Belgian quite clearly being an imposing figure in the middle of the park, as well as one who is extremely capable with the ball at his feet and can get into goalscoring positions, the 27-year-old’s return to fitness would undoubtedly increase Villa’s chances of picking up a positive result at the King Power on Saturday – with three points being an absolute must for the increasingly under-fire Gerrard.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with Neal Maupay this summer as they continue to add strength to their new-look Premier League squad, but there has been a new update which could put a spanner in the works.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic, the Reds are joined by Everton and Fulham in their interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion striker this summer.

As per the report, Forest had agreed on terms in principle for Maupay last weekend, but the two other Premier League clubs mentioned are also now pushing for a move for the player.

Italian outfit Salernitana have matched Forest’s £15m bid, and the striker has held talks with Everton manager Frank Lampard.

Marinakis must act fast

With a number of clubs, including some Premier League rivals, eyeing up a move for Maupay, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis must act fast to secure a deal for the Brighton centre-forward if he believes that the player is needed at the City Ground this season.

It’s no secret that Forest have been getting thoroughly stuck into the transfer window since being promoted from the Championship following their victory in the play-off final at Wembley, with 15 new signings secured and almost £110m spent as they set out to retain their Premier League status.

The signing of Maupay would be a great opportunity for Steve Cooper to add some top-flight experience into his attacking setup ahead of their challenge to comfortably compete at this level, with the striker tallying 102 appearances, 26 goals and eight assists in the Premier League so far.

Forest have already signed a new striker this summer with Taiwo Awoniyi joining from Union Berlin, and he opened his goalscoring account with the winner against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, but adding Maupay will give Cooper the opportunity to call upon a fresh impetus in the central role if the team are falling short in their upcoming fixtures.

Over 32 Premier League appearances last season, the Frenchman scored eight goals, delivered two assists and created four big chances, taking 1.9 shots per game and successfully completing 51% of his dribble attempts, finishing the campaign as Brighton’s joint-top scorer alongside Leandro Trossard.

Graham Potter has lavished praise on his striker, with the Seagulls boss hailing Maupay in an interview with Sky Sports as he said of the 26-year-old: “He’s a good lad who really wants to play in the Premier League. He’s young and hungry and wants to take the next step.”

The signing of Maupay would be a great piece of business for Forest, but they will quickly need to convince the goal machine with a tempting offer to make the move to the City Ground as he is certainly a player in demand right now.

Tottenham Hotspur have struck gold with the signing of Dejan Kulusevski.

A much-maligned outcast from Juventus, the Swedish winger has enjoyed an electric start to life in north London and that continued on Saturday afternoon as he was the main star of the show as Spurs defeated Southampton to begin the new Premier League campaign.

The 22-year-old assisted their first goal as he teed up Ryan Sessegnon at the back post to head home the equaliser. He then found himself on the scoresheet just after the hour mark, bagging the fourth in the 4-1 win with a curled effort from 15 yards out.

It makes it six goals and nine assists from 21 appearances in a Lilywhites shirt.

That’s one direct goal contribution every 98.6 minutes, which is effectively one per game – a remarkable feat.

It could have been ever so different, though, as Tottenham were heavily mooted with a move for Luis Diaz, before his move to Liverpool but for chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici, that has been a blessing in disguise.

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In fact, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce, if Spurs did not register interest in the then-Porto star, then the Merseyside giants wouldn’t have made their move. Something that left Levy fuming.

There is no denying that the Colombian winger is an elite-level talent and one that has also done well in the Premier League so far, though it’s nothing compared to the level of Kulusevski.

Diaz drew a blank against Fulham on the same afternoon and has delivered just six goals and five assists across 28 appearances for the Reds, averaging one direct goal contribution every 169 minutes, almost one every two games.

This difference in quality even led The Football Terrace host Terry Flewers to claim that “Dejan Kulusevski was a better signing than Luis Diaz,” whilst verified journalist Alex Mitton has suggested that “There [are] not many wingers in the world I’d take over him currently.”

It should have been somewhat expected, though, given the praise from journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsari prior to his arrival as he dubbed him an “absolute monster” and a “non-stop machine.”

Once dubbed a “great talent” by former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, the Sweden international is becoming something of a household name, not just in N17 but across the Premier League and as such, Tottenham have certainly struck gold with the £110k-per-week star’s signature.

AND in other news, Paratici could finally replace Eriksen as Spurs eye move for £50m “frightening talent”…

Erik ten Hag’s reign at Manchester United so far has certainly been interesting.

Cristiano Ronaldo could leave, Harry Maguire has been booed by fans in America and a lengthy transfer saga has played out.

What’s the word?

That saga revolves around Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

It appears Barcelona and United are ready to strike a deal but it now hinges on whether the Dutchman actually wants the move.

Should it collapse, then it appears ten Hag has other irons in the fire.

That’s the word of journalist Ben Jacobs who taking to Twitter, revealed an alternative in the middle of the park.

He said: “Man United’s interest in Tielemans is genuine, too, and growing. He’s a far cheaper and less complicated option than Frenkie de Jong. Erik ten Hag has put him on a midfield shortlist. Tielemans indicated under Ralf Rangnick he didn’t want to move to MUFC but ten Hag may revisit.”

Forget Frenkie

De Jong would be a pretty perfect signing for ten Hag this summer.

The duo are already acquainted with each other due to their work at Ajax and as a result, reuniting them feels like a no-brainer.

However, at a whopping £63m, United’s money could be better spent elsewhere.

After all, the Old Trafford outfit have religiously thrown the book at players in recent years without too much success.

Turning to Tielemans, who is a classy “phenomenon” in the words of ex-Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg, makes a great deal of sense.

Not only would he be much cheaper than de Jong at around £25m, but with a year left on his current contract, it would be easier to extract him from his current employer; Leicester City.

Arsenal are also in the race for the Belgian and if they can beat their top-four rivals to his signature, it would surely be celebrated by the United faithful.

That said, there is more appeal to Tielemans than merely beating their nearest competitors to the signing.

This is a player with plenty of Premier League experience now and unlike de Jong, is already caught up with the rigours of top-flight life in England.

The Foxes playmaker has shown plenty since his arrival at the King Power, with a haul of seven goals and five assists last term proving he can be an elite performer from central areas at the top of the game.

De Jong is a more defensively sound midfielder than Tielemans but that should not deter the key decision makers at Old Trafford.

The Leicester hero is the real deal and considering his lowly price tag, United would be fools to pass up on the opportunity to sign him.

Combined with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, it would be a creative haven for offensive players during the ten Hag regime.

It’s time to forget about de Jong and move on to Brendan Rodgers’ silky smooth talisman.

AND in other news, Ten Hag can finally axe £50m shocker as MUFC eye “amazing” £30m signing after de Jong…

Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling could leave St. Mary’s this summer, according to Football Insider, with Newcastle United and Chelsea circling for his signature.

The Lowdown: Dibling’s progression

The 16-year-old worked his way up through the academy ranks on the south coast and has created a name for himself, becoming one of the most highly-rated young talents in England.

His impressive performances across the Saints’ various youth sides last season led him to earn a place on the bench with the senior first-team for their Premier League fixture against Brentford back in May, but this attention has come with eyes elsewhere too, with an exit now looking possible.

The Latest: Competition for Dibling

According to Football Insider, Newcastle and Chelsea are ‘battling it out’ to sign Dibling, with the top-flight duo both ‘registering their interest’ in the ‘sensation’, who they view as a ‘star in the making’.

The source reveals that the Magpies have been ‘keeping tabs’ on the maestro ever since he netted a hat-trick of stunning goals against them in Premier League 2 in April.

It’s stated that the Blues, meanwhile, regard the prospect as a ‘huge talent’ who they feel would be an ‘ideal fit’ for their club as they look to freshen their youth system.

The Verdict: Huge loss

If Southampton were to lose Dibling, it would be a real hammer blow considering he seemingly has the potential to go on and become a regular in Hasenhuttl’s starting XI in years to come.

Last season, the youngster, who was once hailed one of the academy’s ‘shining’ stars by the Austrian boss himself, made 13 goal contributions in just 22 appearances across all of the Saints’ youth competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Dibling may feel that making the move to perennial trophy-challengers Chelsea or newly-rich Newcastle is the right next step to take in his career though, which could make it extremely difficult for Southampton to stand in his way.

Fabrice Hawkins has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Arnaud Kalimuendo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the French journalist revealed that both Leeds and Inter Milan are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward ahead of a potential move this summer, with the Ligue 1 Champions believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €22m (£19m) in order to part with the 20-year-old.

Hawkins goes on to suggest that, despite the new PSG manager, Christophe Galtier, previously being eager to sign the France U21 international during his time at OGC Nice, all things still point to the striker securing a move away from Le Parc des Princes ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Arnaud Kalimuendo is well tracked by Inter Milan. His relatives were even invited to see a match in Milan a few weeks ago. Leeds are there too. The trend is towards a departure even if Christophe Galtier wanted to recover him when he was coaching Nice.”

Jonathan David 2.0

Considering just how exciting a prospect Kalimuendo undoubtedly is, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be plotting a move to bring the centre-forward to Elland Road this summer.

Indeed, over his 34 Ligue 1 appearances for RC Lens last season, the £17m-rated talent was in deadly goalscoring form, hitting the back of the net on 12 separate occasions, as well as creating three big chances for his teammates and taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

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Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £6.6k-per-week forward also ranks in the top 28% of centre-forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 1% for passes completed, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 11% for progressive passes received over the past 12 months.

These metrics see FBref compare the 21-year-old to some of the most recognisable centre-forwards in European football, such as LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David, Lazio’s Ciro Immobile and Sampdoria’s Francesco Caputo.

And, with Jacek Kulig dubbing Kalimuendo a “prolific” forward – as well as listing the youngster’s strengths as his “pace, finishing, instinct, movement and technique” – it is easy to see the similarities between the PSG starlet and the 69-goal David – who Leeds were linked with a move for in 2020 and who has more recently been tipped to become Robert Lewandowksi’s heir at Bayern Munich.

As such, considering the fact that the signing of a new forward is reported to be one of Orta’s priorities ahead of the new Premier League campaign, it would appear highly advisable for the Spaniard to do everything in his power to seal to deal for the 20-year-old ahead of Inter this summer – as Kalimuendo could well prove to be the Whites very own David at Elland Road next season.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now given green light for “sublime” £13m Leeds signing, he’s “unstoppable”

Aston Villa have rarely struggled to remain consistent in achieving an adequate number of clean sheets over the course of a Premier League season. It shouldn’t come as surprise, however, when looking at the underrated yet always impressive goalkeepers that they’ve boasted throughout the years.

Just to list a couple of big hitters, David James and Peter Schmeical are among the names to have worn the number one shirt at Villa Park. Meanwhile, the likes of Shay Given and Brad Friedel have enjoyed success in between the sticks of the Midlands club.

These days, the task is left to Emiliano Martinez to keep the clean sheets. And what a job he’s doing. The Argentine has enjoyed some rise to the top since his days sitting on the Arsenal bench. He’s now considered to be one of the best goalkeepers outside of the Premier League’s top clubs.

Martinez will hope to continue his rise next season, and put himself in contention to jump up a few places in the list below – which ranks every goalkeeper to have worn the No.1 jersey for Villa in the Premier League by top flight clean sheets.

Stats revealed by TransferMarkt.

Every Aston Villa No.1 ranked on clean sheets

Mark Bosnich – 51 clean sheets

Thomas Sörensen – 46 clean sheets

Brad Friedel – 35 clean sheets

Brad Guzan – 20 clean sheets

David James – 12 clean sheets

Emiliano Martínez – 11 clean sheets

Shay Given – 8 clean sheets

Peter Enckelman – 8 clean sheets

Peter Schmeichel – 7 clean sheets

Tom Heaton – 4 clean sheets

As you can see from the list above, it is Mark Bosnich who leads the way – the very first number one in Aston Villa’s Premier League history. As it turns out, they started with the perfect goalkeeper, with his tally of 51 clean sheets placing him clear at the top.

Meanwhile, Thomas Sörensen, with 46 clean sheets, is the closest a No.1 has come at Villa Park to surpassing Bosnich. Five clean sheets short, however, Sörensen just couldn’t do enough.

As for the rest, the likes of Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan didn’t have bad spells at the Midlands club, either, keeping 35 and 20 clean sheets respectively.

Now with Martinez, who kept 11 clean sheets in his first season wearing the number one jersey, Villa will look to reach new heights next season. Under Steven Gerrard, Villa feel like a club on the up.

Individually, meanwhile, Martinez will be looking to surpass David James on 12 clean sheets, whilst edging closer to Guzan and Friedel on 20 and 35.

Leeds United have made contact for another signing after Brenden Aaronson this summer, as Victor Orta is not waiting around.

The Lowdown: Aaronson move edges closer

The Whites enjoyed an incredible final day of the season, retaining their Premier League status after a memorable 2-1 victory away to Brentford.

Attention has quickly turned to summer transfer business, however, with Jesse Marsch now looking to bring in his former colleague at RB Salzburg, Brenden Aaronson.

It has been reported that a move is now on the verge of being agreed for the American, with their Premier League survival the big key to the move being completed.

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The Latest: Leeds also want Minamino

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi [via Sport Witness], Leeds also want to add versatile forward Takumi Minamino to their squad this summer, with the Japanese starlet potentially allowed to leave Liverpool.

It is claimed that he has found ‘little space’ for playing time under Jurgen Klopp this season, only managing one league start all season long, and a ‘convincing offer’ from the Whites could prise him away.

Orta and co. have made ‘initial contact’, but face competition from Serie A side Lazio.

The Verdict: No messing around

After a disappointing January window which left the squad disastrously short of depth, Minamino and Aaronson could be perfect summer signings for Leeds, so it’s good to see Orta and Marsch are not wasting any time.

Potentially arriving as more of a first-team player than he is at Liverpool – where he has mostly been used in the cups – Minamino has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Klopp this season.

Despite his lack of minutes, the 27-year-old has managed to chip in with ten goals in all competitions, playing a big part in the Reds clinching both Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory, having scored seven times in the domestic cups combined.

The fact that Minamino can operate as No.10, out wide or as a striker – preferably more of a false nine – means he would provide great versatility for Marsch, too, not to mention the pedigree of being part of a special Liverpool squad.

In other news, one Leeds summer deal is believed to be close. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Memphis Depay to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Sport, who claim that Barcelona are now willing to part with the centre-forward at the end of the current campaign, while the Netherlands international himself is also believed to be happy to move onto pastures new this summer.

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This is sure to come as a huge boost to Fabio Paratici and Spurs, who were reported to have made the LaLiga side an offer for the 28-year-old back in March, with it now appearing as if the Italian sporting director has something of a free run at the former Lyon forward.

Paratici must move

While it is true that, following his June 2021 switch to the Camp Nou, Depay has somewhat struggled to hold down a place in the Barca starting XI, the centre-forward would nevertheless make an extremely impressive addition to Antonio Conte’s current attacking options at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Indeed, over his 25 LaLiga appearances this season – only 18 of which have come as starts – the £42.75m-rated striker has highly impressed, scoring 11 goals, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £158k-per-week forward who Marco van Basten dubbed a “special talent” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.29, not only ranking him as Xavi’s third-best performer in the league but also as the 11th-best player in the division as a whole.

And, with Tottenham having been desperately lacking back up to and competition for Harry Kane in recent years, the signing of a player who possesses Depay’s particular skillset in the final third would very much appear to be something of a priority for Paratici and Conte this summer.

As such, with it being reported that the 28-year-old will be available for a very reasonable €40m (£34m) in the summer transfer window, Paratici simply must take advantage of Barcelona’s willingness to sanction Depay’s sale, as the Dutchman could finally solve Spurs’ lack of depth up top.

AND in other news: “Are interested…”: Romano drops £17m transfer update, he’s perfect for Conte’s Spurs