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Paul Robinson has offered his thoughts on what Celtic should be doing with Vasilis Barkas this summer…

What’s the talk?

Former England international Paul Robinson has called on Celtic to sell goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas following his mistake against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League this week.

Robinson has said that the Greek international wasn’t good enough for the Hoops last season and has urged Ange Postecoglou to cash in on him and sign a replacement.

He told Football Insider:

“Barkas had a really poor season last year.

“A mistake like that last night and the criticism that has followed, it is going to be difficult for him again. He is already on the back foot going into the season. Barkas wasn’t good enough last year and Bain wasn’t good enough last year. They have not replaced Fraser Forster.

“If they have any chance of winning the title next year they need a new goalkeeper. You need a top goalkeeper to play in big games.

Fans would love it

Celtic must now ruthlessly axe Barkas from the club in the coming months. Supporters would love it and it could potentially improve Postecoglou’s team if they could replace him with a better player.

Back in January, Barkas’ statistics for Celtic were incredibly worrying. He posted a save percentage of 65%, the fourth-worst in the Premiership. At that point, Jon McLaughlin and Allan McGregor – both at Rangers – had saved over 80% of the shots they faced in the league, showing the gigantic drop-off in quality between the goalkeepers of the two clubs.

Earlier this year, former Rangers and Aberdeen player Richard Foster hit out at Barkas’ performances and lamented his displays in relation to his £5m price tag. He said:

“He should be coming in as a number one goalkeeper. If you’re getting signed for £5m you should be commanding, you should be dictating to your defence what you want them to do.

“We haven’t seen any of that from Celtic, defensively they’ve been all over the place at times and that comes from having a goalkeeper who clearly doesn’t speak. Or if he does, he doesn’t tell the players the right things.

“They’ve lost so many goals at set plays. All the best goalies I’ve worked with are usually the loudest guys on the pitch.

Therefore, fans would be delighted to see the club move him on in the coming weeks. The comments from the two pundits and his statistics from last season align with the view that he is not good enough for Celtic.

AND in other news, Celtic could repeat their Shane Duffy nightmare by signing “superb” £8m ace…

Ange Postecoglou will arrive at Celtic, following his quarantine, with a certain set of habits.

The Australian will bring high pressing intensity to Parkhead and an attacking brand of football capable of frightening any opposition.

He also has a tendency to employ the younger stars of tomorrow. During the 2021 J-League campaign, Postecoglou unleashed three teenagers for Yokohama Marinos.

For a Celtic side who have neglected their reserves, this bodes well.

That’s especially if you consider the words of the 55-year-old on his first day in the job.

Speaking in his opening interview with the Bhoys, Postecoglou said: “I’m a big believer that, if you can produce homegrown talent and players who have come through the club, there’s extra meaning to represent that football club for the player. For the supporters, they see one of their own out there and I think that’s very important.”

The new boss added: “The first step of that is to make sure the talent is being produced and nurtured at the club. I want to get really involved in the Academy process and see where they’re at. They’ve produced some fantastic footballers in recent times.

“My job is to give those footballers an opportunity and make them realise their potential. For me, age is irrelevant.”

This term, Neil Lennon failed to ever really bring through many young players with Karamoko Dembele playing just 71 minutes under the Northern Irishman.

John Kennedy made more of an effort to include the younger players in the squad with Adam Montgomery making his first-team debut.

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Dembele also had a chance to prove himself, scoring his opening goal in senior football on the penultimate weekend.

The lively winger has been the darling of the Celtic academy for some time and if Postecoglou is true to his word, he will finally get an opportunity for regular minutes next term.

The 18-year-old has had to wait patiently for opportunities but they haven’t been truly forthcoming. He made his debut as a 16-year-old but has still only played on eight occasions, failing to make a start.

This was a troublesome campaign for the teenager who was alienated from the squad for a period of time after refusing to go out on loan and develop his game.

Despite that disruption, he’s still a fabulous young talent, a player capable of beating defenders for fun.

Speaking after his first-team breakthrough, Ruud Gullit called him an “exceptionally good” performer.

That’s high praise from such an illustrious figure in the world of football, but it demonstrates why he needs to be given a bigger platform at Celtic. Hopefully, Postecoglou will finally give him that.

AND in other news, Postecoglou could revive Celtic with summer swoop for “phenomenal” 30-goal “machine”…

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Atalanta left-back Robin Gosens this summer have taken a blow after Barcelona joined the race to sign the German defender.

Man City have regularly been linked with the 26-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window and the latest report from Spanish news outlet Sport claims that he has now attracted the interest of La Liga giants Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman’s side look set to sell back-up left-back Junior Firpo this summer and need a suitable long-term replacement for Jordi Alba, who has maintained a starting spot at the Nou Camp this season but will turn 33 next year.

Gosens could be the ideal fit with the Catalan side, considering he is very much an attacking left-back, who can also feature in midfield, which would suit Barcelona’s long-standing style of attacking full-backs in the mould of Alba and Dani Alves.

However, his performances this season have been sensational at times and he could also prove to be an excellent addition to Pep Guardiola’s side, especially as left-back is one area in which the Citizens could definitely add some more depth.

Whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko has performed extremely well in recent weeks, and Joao Cancelo has performed well as an inverted wing-back at times this season, they both feel like short-term solutions in that position.

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The Atalanta star could be the man to replace Benjamin Mendy in this City side, with his various injury problems meaning he is no longer the player he once was, which has left the Citizens missing a marauding natural left-back such as Gosens.

The most recent season in Serie A saw the former Heracles Almelo man contribute a superb 11 goals and six assists in 32 appearances, averaging an excellent 7.19 rating from WhoScored.

He was similarly impressive last season, scoring nine and assisting eight in 34 appearances in Italy’s top-flight, so it was perhaps no surprise when former Lazio defender Roberto Cravero suggested that he had a “better” season than Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite the Englishman being pivotal to the Merseyside outfit’s first Premier League title.

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If the German could match the Liverpool man’s form in the Premier League with City, then he would surely prove to be an excellent addition to Guardiola’s side this summer, so it is unfortunate, therefore, that Barcelona have now entered the race to sign the £31.5m-rated defender, as it may prove to be a major blow to City’s chances of bringing him to the Etihad.

And, in other news… Man City massively missed out on £36m-rated PL beast, Pep dubbed him “one of the best”

It was a transfer saga with a predictable ending – a top Premier League player forcing a move to Spain. This time it was Philippe Coutinho, however his £142 million move has not worked out and he’s now linked with a return to Anfield, something that former Reds star Paul Stewart believes could be a snip at such a cheap price.

Coutinho has been somewhat of a bit-part player during his time at the Nou Camp having managed just 23 goals in 90 appearances for the Catalonian side and with Barcelona in financial ruins, they’re looking to flog him back to Liverpool.

This all comes down to Barcelona struggling to pay the remaining fee on Coutinho’s deal, therefore if he returns to Anfield then they will no longer have to keep paying the Reds the previously agreed fee.

Coutinho does not appear to be a natural fit into Jurgen Klopp’s current side but after finding goals a struggle to come by for large parts of last season, the Brazillian may be something Klopp is looking for and Stewart believes that Liverpool may not need him but that he could be a great option at a small price, as he told Football FanCast exclusively:

“Will he be able to have the same impact that he had when he went for over 100 million? I don’t think so. He certainly hasn’t done much at Barcelona and he’s been very much a fringe player.

“I think he could be a decent player for £35 million because you would have to say that it would be a snip.”

Coutinho was a fan favourite at Anfield before he started agitating for a move away to Barcelona, which saw his relationship with the Liverpool faithful turn sour.

To highlight just how many financial problems Barcelona are in, their four summer signings at the moment are all set to be free agents in Sergio Aguero, Georginio Wijnaldum, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay.

Fabio Paratici is looking to leave an instant mark on Tottenham Hotspur if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to InterLive, Spurs’ newly-appointed director of football is planning a double raid on Serie A champions Inter Milan, identifying Stefan de Vrij and Marcelo Brozovic as key summer targets.

It’s thought that the Italian is prepared to offer €47m (£40m) for the pair of them, with €25m (£22.5m) of that being on the Croatian midfielder Brozovic, who is out of contract in 12 months time.

Shades of Modric

Spurs are pretty stacked in the midfield department right now but the futures of several fringe players are up in the air, with the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks mooted with departures.

Brozovic would certainly be an upgrade on both of these players, so it’s no surprise to see Paratici interested.

The 28-year-old has been compared to legendary Premier League midfielder Frank Lampard due to his playing style, something that has since been reinforced by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho as recently as this week.

Inter’s industrious dynamo can start from deep in the engine room and make late runs into the box but also carries enough aggression and ability to be a nuisance for the opposition’s attackers.

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Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Croatia’s Euro 2020 opener with England, Mourinho claimed:

“Brozovic is the top of the top. He’s a fantastic player,” he said. “Aggression but at the same time, great technique and arrival in the box and coming from a more defensive position.”

Brozovic provided two goals and six assists, and averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.4 key passes per game this season, via WhoScored – further highlighting just how good a box-to-box playmaker he is.

He has been said to have a “compass in the foot” by former boss Luciano Spalletti, so perhaps Spurs would be getting their next Luka Modric or at least a player of that ilk.

It’s hard to recollect a time that either of Winks or Sissoko turned a game on its head with pinpoint passing and vision, something that the Croatian brought to White Hart Lane for many seasons and what Brozovic would undoubtedly add to the current squad.

Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, Paratici must look to sanction this move this summer and if he does, Spurs’ team would once again be graced with the presence of an excellent Croatian midfielder, just like it was when Modric was running games at White Hart Lane.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal a dream signing in Spurs swoop for £45m-rated “monster”…

Rangers have reportedly made an approach for Nimes winger Zinedine Ferhat ahead of the transfer window, which could prove to be a huge boost for Steven Gerrard ahead of next season should the 28-year-old complete a move to Ibrox this summer.

Rangers were initially linked with the Algerian by French news outlet Foot Mercato earlier this month and it has now been claimed that the Ibrox outfit have made an official approach as they look to prise him away from the Ligue 1 side, who recently lost their battle against top-flight relegation.

A source has claimed [via Rangers Vital]: “I was able to approach a source at Nimes. The source at Nimes asked not to be identified (understandably) and confirmed that the report from Foot Mercato was legitimate. Rangers have definitely made an approach for Ferhat.

“However, the midfielder already has other teams in France interested in him, and according to him, Rangers will need to make a substantial offer to get him. The plus side for any team approaching is that the player’s contract will expire next season, and there is a chance Nimes is relegated to Ligue 2.”

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The 28-year-old winger has enjoyed a superb campaign in the French top flight but he was unable to save Nimes from relegation, which suggests that he will likely depart Stade des Costières this summer.

In 33 league appearances, Ferhat contributed an impressive six goals and 10 assists, helping him earn an impressive 7.21 average match rating from WhoScored.

This has been his best goalscoring season to date, with just 29 senior goals in his career. However, he has consistently shown that he is capable of getting assists, contributing 20 for Le Havre in the 2017/18 season, so he could definitely be a threat in Gerrard’s side if he moves to Ibrox.

Transfermarkt currently values Ferhat at £7.2m, which suggests that he won’t come cheap, but Gerrard will undoubtedly be looking to add players with Champions League quality to his side ahead of next season. Given that Ferhat is joint-top of the assists chart in Ligue 1 this season, despite playing in a relegated side, it seems that he would be a stellar addition at Ibrox.

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Therefore, if Ross Wilson has indeed made an official approach for him, then Gerrard could be on track to receive a huge boost to his squad in the coming weeks.

In other news… Rangers linked with 21 y/o wonderkid likened to Sadio Mane

A number of Liverpool fans have been bemoaning Nathaniel Phillips’ ongoing injury absence, with the centre-back missing training on Wednesday.

The Reds’ problems at centre-back have been scarcely believable this season, playing a huge part in an extremely frustrating campaign.

Jurgen Klopp has had to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the majority of 2020/21, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson forced to play in defence at times.

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The relatively untested Phillips has also had to come into the back-line, and while he has performed admirably, he is unlikely to ever be a long-term regular at Anfield.

Even he is now injured, however, having not featured since the goalless draw at home to Real Madrid midway through this month.

Phillips wasn’t seen in training on Wednesday, as per Anfield Watch, suggesting he will miss Sunday’s must-win Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Liverpool fans frustrated as Phillips misses training

These Liverpool supporters provided their thoughts on the situation on Twitter.

“Pain”

Credit: @48Wildo

“This is one way to break my heart”

Credit: @yxsminkhalil

“Shame. That means Fab will revert back into the defence which means we’ll probably lose. Really wish the boss had given Davies a chance against Newcastle”

Credit: @IWoods196

“Another match with Fabinho at CB. I hate this”

Credit: @AbdulKalema

“That’s our chance of beating United gone then”

Credit: @Hammaad_54

“Same old story”

Credit: @oluwadhamendra1

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign a Bundesliga star this summer. Find out who it is here.

Former Rangers star Michael Ball has told Football FanCast that it is no surprise that Premier League clubs, including Leeds United, are considering a move for Ryan Kent this summer.

The 24-year-old has played primarily as a left winger under manager Steven Gerrard, with Rangers winning the Scottish Premiership title at a canter.

They are currently 20 points clear of second-placed Celtic and have yet to lose in the league, with three games of the campaign remaining.

Kent has scored 12 goals in all competitions and has also registered 13 assists, and he has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks.

The Sun have reported that Leeds are interested in a deal to bring Kent to the Premier League, with a bid of around £15m mooted.

Leeds made a bid for the player last summer, of £11m, per the report, and Marcelo Bielsa is said to remain keen on a move for the former England U20 international.

Asked about the prospect of him moving to Elland Road, Ball told FFC: “It’s no surprise that big clubs in the Premier League are looking at him but Rangers will want a big fee, he’s a key player for them, they won’t let him walk away cheaply.”

Rangers have been heavily linked with Nimes’ winger Zinedine Ferhat in recent weeks and after his asking price was cited as just €2m (£1.7m), Ross Wilson should definitely look to bring him to Ibrox this summer, as he could be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

Rangers were first linked with the Algeria international by Foot Mercato earlier this month and it seems likely that the 28-year-old will be keen to depart following Nimes’ relegation to Ligue 2.

Whilst Transfermarkt values the wide man at £7.2m, a recent report from Midi Libre (via @Fleck_Scout), suggests that he would be available for as little as €2m (£1.7m) this summer.

Considering Ferhat enjoyed a superb season in the French top-flight, contributing six goals and 10 assists for Pascal Plancque’s side, it is something of a surprise that he is seemingly available for such a low fee, and therefore, he could prove to be a bargain option for Rangers this summer.

The Algerian’s performances in Ligue 1 earned him an average rating of 7.21/10 from WhoScored, which was the best of any player at Nimes, whilst it would be enough to rank him as the sixth-best performer in Gerrard’s squad if he had produced the same level of performances at Rangers this season.

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Gerrard will be very keen to add depth and Champions League quality to his squad ahead of next season and given that Ferhat managed more assists than global superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 in the most recent season, he would certainly fit the bill.

Whilst Rangers shared the goals around effectively this season and ran away with the title, only James Tavernier (20) boasts more goals and assists in the league than Ferhat this season, with the likes of Ryan Kent (15), Ianis Hagi (15) and Alfredo Morelos (14) just falling short of the Algerian’s impressive return.

Given that the 28-year-old was able to contribute those sorts of numbers in a side which managed just nine wins all year, he could prove to be devastating in a side such as Rangers who will surely be favourites to make it back-to-back title wins next season given their dominance this campaign.

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Therefore, if Ferhat is indeed available for as little as £1.7m this summer, Wilson should definitely be looking to bring him to Ibrox.

And, in other news… Forget Ferguson: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “top player”, he won’t cost a penny

Writing on Twitter, journalist Oliver Kay has claimed that Tottenham superstar Harry Kane is ‘running out of patience’ and is ‘preparing’ to push for a summer move if they don’t qualify for the Champions League, which could come as a potential blow for Spurs. 

Tottenham dealt potential Harry Kane blow

Describing the development as ‘big news’, Kay shared on social media that the 27-year-old is now strongly considering his future in north London as he harbours ambitions of Champions League football.

The Englishman, who has arguably been Spurs’ best player this season, is heavily linked to leaving the club, with destinations like Manchester City being touted in the media (The Times).

Kane himself recently admitted that he could decide his future after the upcoming European Championships (Sky Sports), with Kay now sharing the ‘big news’ that the striker will push for an exit depending on whether Tottenham qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season.

Coming as a potential blow for Spurs, one possible silver lining is that the situation remains ‘complicated’, which could lead to changing developments between now and after the Euros.

Transfer Tavern take

Given his outstanding goal contribution in the Premier League this season, losing the 27-year-old would be a huge hit to take for Spurs manager Jose Mourinho.

While Kane’s possible stance is a worry, chairman Daniel Levy could price interested parties out of a move, with the Daily Mail recently reporting that Tottenham want an enormous £150m before even considering a sale.

In this financial climate, we think it’s very unlikely that any club will be willing to pay such an amount, but it will still be interesting to see how the Kane saga unfolds over the summer transfer window.

In other news: Tottenham in pole position to sign this ‘amazing’ colossus, find out more here.