Hearts Could Sign Perfect Smith Replacement In £558k Starlet

Heart of Midlothian released Michael Smith, Gary Mackay-Steven and Ross Stewart from the club following the expiration of their contract at the end of last season and considering the latter two made nine appearances between them during 2022/23, they won't be particularly missed in terms of value to the squad.

Smith, on the other hand, will be a tough one to get over, especially with the right-back turning into a club stalwart of sorts since arriving from Peterborough United back in 2017.

The 34-year-old made over 200 appearances for the Tynecastle outfit during those six years and his departure leaves a big void to fill on the right side of the defence. The only senior right-sided full-back is Nathaniel Atkinson and Naismith will be aiming to bring in an heir to the Northern Irishman sooner rather than later.

With this in mind, the 36-year-old is currently targeting a move for Japanese youngster Riku Handa this summer, with the 21-year-old seemingly keen on a move to Europe, despite only joining his current side, Gamba Osaka, in January.

Could Hearts sign Riku Handa this summer?

Given Smith's departure, any potential move will have to be a priority for Naismith, even if it is just a loan move.

He was recently called up to the Japanese national side for their Kirin Cup, yet didn’t make an appearance, however, it surely won’t be long before he makes his mark on the senior international stage for Japan.

Across 17 appearances in the J1 League in 2023, Handa grabbed an assist and averaged 0.9 key passes per game while creating three big chances, showcasing his ability to push forward as often as possible and these statistics are actually an improvement on the numbers Smith generated last term.

Indeed, for context, the former Hearts gem failed to register any assists and made 0.8 key passes per game along with creating two big chances, not much of a difference but Handa played 11 fewer matches.

The Japanese starlet even won more total duels (4.5 to three), made more tackles (2.3 to 1.6) and more interceptions per game (1.8 to 0.8) than Smith last season, underlining that he was just as effective defensively as he was bombing up and down the wing with ease.

Steven Naismith

With the Europa Conference League qualifiers taking place at the start of August, Naismith doesn’t have long to assemble a squad which he hopes can improve on their 4th-place finish in the Premiership last season.

By making a move for the £558k-rated Handa, they will be getting an exciting young talent who can shine at both ends of the pitch and the 5 foot 9 gem could become an ideal heir to Smith in the Hearts backline.

إعلان موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في الدوري الإسباني

أعلن الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا” عن موعد مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، المقرر إقامتها في أبريل المقبل، على ملعب سانتياجو بيرنابيو.

المباراة الماضية بين الفريقين في الدوري انتهت بثنائية مقابل هدف لـ ريال مدريد، بعدما كان الملكي متأخرًا بهدف جوندوجان، لكن بيلينجهام سجل هدفين وقاد من خلالهما الضيوف للانتصار.

طالع أيضًا.. فوت ميركاتو توضح حقيقة عرض باريس سان جيرمان لضم يامال

رابطة الدوري الإسباني أعلنت عبر حسابها الرسمي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “X” تويتر سابقًا، عن موعد المباراة المنتظرة بين الفريقين الأكبر في إسبانيا.

ريال مدريد يحتل صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 66 نقطة، بينما برشلونة ثانيًا برصيد 61 نقطة، بفارق نقطتين عن جيرونا الذي يواجه أوساسونا الآن. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في الدوري الإسباني

ستقام مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة يوم 21 أبريل المقبل، في تمام العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، والتاسعة بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

Manchester United Hold Concrete Interest In £40m-Rated Player

Manchester United have an interest in David Raya at Brentford – but wouldn't want to pay £40m to sign the player according to Sky Sports.

Will Man United replace De Gea?

Raya has impressed at Brentford this season, with the player featuring in all 38 league games this campaign. He conceded only 46 goals during those outings and it is part of the reason why the Bees were able to seal a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

Whilst his goals against rate has gone up from the 2021/22 season – from 1.13 to 1.21 – he has also featured in 14 more games this time around and yet the amount has increased substantially. With a save percentage of 77.7% as well, he has ranked amongst the top eight percent in his position in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for that figure. It shows how capable he is of winning points for his team and keeping the opposition out. He's also adept at stopping aerial balls, with the shot-stopper managing 8.7% of a crosses stopped rate – which puts him in the 93rd percentile.

His showings have now put him on the radar of some of Brentford's league rivals. According to a report from Sky Sports, United do have an interest in the player as a replacement for David De Gea, as do Tottenham for Hugo Lloris.

However, both sides have been quoted a fee of £40m to seal a deal for the goalkeeper and neither of them are too keen to fork out that amount. It means that if Brentford do want to sell him, they may have to reduce their asking price. What may help the suitors however is that the Bees have just signed a new shot-stopper in Mark Flekken from Freiburg.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

Is David Raya joining Man United?

It's been a standout season for the goalkeeper and his stats back that up. With an average of 4.05 saves per 90, he ranks within the top one percent in his position in the 'Top Five' big leagues. That shows that if United did add him to their ranks and the opposition did manage to get through on goal, you would bank on Raya being able to produce the goods for example. That would instill a confidence in the Red Devils' defence for definite.

In addition, former professionals have also praised his ability. Michael Owen for example called the player "top-class," showing just how highly regarded he is in the game right now.

If United did decide to stump up the asking price for him then, he would certainly be worth the money.

فيديو | يانج أفريكانز يهزم شباب بلوزداد ويمنح الأهلي بطاقة التأهل لدور الـ8 بدوري أبطال إفريقيا

حقق فريق يانج أفريكانز التنزاني الفوز على نظيره شباب بلوزداد الجزائري، بنتيجة 4-0، في المواجهة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم السبت، بدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

يانج إفريكانز استضاف شباب بلوزداد، على ملعبه بدار السلام في تنزانيا، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من عمر مباريات دور المجموعات للمسابقة القارية.

ويتواجد فريقا يانج أفريكانز وشباب بلوزداد في المجموعة الرابعة لـ دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بجانب كل من الأهلي وميدياما الغاني.

وسجل أهداف فوز يانج إفريكانز أمام شباب بلوزداد، موداثيري يحيى في الدقيقة 43 من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة، وأضاف الثاني ستيفان عزيز كي بالدقيقة 46 من بداية الشوط الثاني، وعزز بالهدف الثالث كينيدي موسوندا في الدقيقة 48 واختتم الرباعية جوزيف جيدي غنادو في الدقيقة 84.

وبهذا الفوز، يرفع فريق يانج أفريكانز رصيده إلي النقطة الثامنة، ويتأهل بشكل رسمي إلي دور الـ8 لدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وأيضًا بتلك النتيجة، ونهاية مباريات الجولة الخامسة، يكون النادي الأهلي حسم تأهله بشكل رسمي إلى دور الـ8 قبل الجولة الأخيرة من دور المجموعات.

ويتصدر الأهلي ترتيب المجموعة الرابعة لـ دوري أبطال إفريقيا برصيد 9 نقاط، ويأتي يانج إفريكانز في المركز الثاني بـ8 نقاط، شباب بلوزداد ثالثاً بـ5 نقاط، ويتذيل الترتيب ميدياما بـ4 نقاط.

وكان الأهلي قد حقق الفوز على ميدياما بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي أقيمت أمس الجمعة في غانا، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة لدور المجموعات.

وتقام مباريات الجولة السادسة في المجموعة الرابعة يوم الجمعة المقبل 1 مارس، الأهلي يستضيف يانج أفريكانز في مباراة لحسم صدارة المجموعة.

بينما المباراة الثانية، تجمع بين شباب بلوزداد مع ميدياما في الجزائر، وتعد مواجهة تحصيل حاصل، حيث تلاشت حظوظ الفريق الجزائري بشكل رسمي بعد الخسارة برباعية اليوم أمام يانج أفريكانز، وأيضا الفريق الغاني بعد هزيمته من الأهلي. أهداف مباراة يانج أفريكانز وشباب بلوزداد في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

Henry leads NZ fight in Williamson's absence

New Zealand reduced India to 239 for 7 on the first day of the Kolkata Test, making use of a pitch that had a little bit of grass on it

The Report by Alagappan Muthu30-Sep-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details5:50

Agarkar: Eden Gardens pitch gave fast bowlers a chance

Since 2015-16, most of India’s Tests at home have been played on pitches that were prone to turn in the first hour. Kanpur wasn’t as extreme, but there was nothing there for the fast bowlers. New Zealand would have arrived in Kolkata expecting more of the same. The grass on the pitch could well have been arranged to spell “surprise.” Kane Williamson was stuck in the dressing room with a fever, but his men gave him a get well card that read “Skipper, we applied pressure for longer” as they reduced India to 239 for 7.Matt Henry helped them forget they had lost another toss. He courted the outside edge and Eden Gardens was only too willing a wingman. The entire square had been dug up and relaid for the new season and bowling back of a length posed a serious challenge to the batsman because of inconsistent bounce. Henry bowled Shikhar Dhawan in his first over of the match and then dismissed the in-form M Vijay with a beauty. Trent Boult set a trap for Virat Kohli and sprung it before the batsman could reach double-digits.India needed someone capable of playing time. They lost three wickets in the morning session, but with the sun beating down, conditions would change. If a batsman could last the early stages, he could really cash in. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane did for nearly 50 overs, each setting himself up for a century. But New Zealand didn’t let them get to the landmark. In the final session of play, Neil Wagner had Pujara caught at short cover for 87 and Jeetan Patel deceived Rahane with pace to trap him lbw for 77.Part of New Zealand’s success was down to their ability to keep the runs down. Even when they couldn’t pick up any wickets in the second session, they allowed India only 79 runs in 31 overs. By doing so, they were able to make sure India couldn’t bat them out of the Test as they had done in the second innings in Kanpur. Ross Taylor’s captaincy and field placements were important in that regard. He had catching men on the drive and the flick, knowing the pitch was offering extra bounce. His bowlers were either wide outside off stump, testing the batsmen’s patience, or at the stumps, knowing they had protection on the leg side, where India could secure only 12 boundaries. These were either scored off overpitched deliveries – Pujara’s flicks early in his innings – or really good shots – Rahane’s flick in the 61st over after getting on top of a Santner delivery turning away from him.India’s run-rate struggled to get over three, but they had two batsmen who could lay the foundation for a big first innings. The thing was, when they made the mistake, New Zealand pounced on it. Pujara drove on the up, was caught by Martin Guptill, on his birthday, and a 141-run partnership was broken. Rahane was trapped by a quicker ball from Jeetan Patel after he had forced the batsman back into his crease. The 36-year old offspinner had long abandoned hopes of playing international cricket again. He was chosen ahead of Ish Sodhi despite having only a “day and a bit” to acclimatise. But his control of line and ability to drift the ball made him dangerous.Only four batsmen reached double-figures for India. Dhawan’s comeback was limited to 10 balls, Henry making him drag a cut onto his stumps. The 24-year old fast bowler repeatedly beat the right-handers’ outside edge by straightening the ball off the seam and eventually dismissed Vijay by going a bit wider of the crease, although that may just have been a quirk of fortune because Henry had just been warned for running onto the danger area by umpire Rod Tucker.Kohli had come out had come out seeming determined not to let the bowling get the better of him. He had made a point to prepare for the ball bouncing awkwardly and was quite circumspect when Wagner banged it in. He was 5 off 24 balls when, from the other end, Boult presented a full, but not quite overpitched, delivery. It was hit through the covers for four. The width on offer had triggered the run-scoring instincts in Kohli. In trying to repeat the stroke, to a ball even wider outside off stump, a ball that he probably could have left, he nicked to gully where Tom Latham took a super catch over his head.Henry finished the day on a high for New Zealand with the second new ball, pinning R Ashwin lbw in the 84th over, although replays indicated it may have slid down leg. They would know, though, that India’s bowlers are capable of being as disciplined as they were and they have to win without their best batsman to stay alive in the series.

Rashid to the fore as Yorkshire cling on

Yorkshire’s NatWest Blast hopes still hang by a thread – and the margins are getting tighter -victory by one run in a match that was Derbyshire’s for the taking

David Hopps at Derby10-Jul-2016
ScorecardAdil Rashid had a key role to play on his return from England duty•Getty Images

Yorkshire’s NatWest Blast hopes still hang by a thread – and the margins are getting tighter. Five runs in a feverish Roses match against Lancashire, two runs – and a few doubts about that – against Warwickshire on Friday night and now the closest of all: victory by one run in a match that was Derbyshire’s for the taking.Twenty-five off the last three overs with six wickets intact made Derbyshire favourites, even allowing for a sluggish Derby pitch and slow outfield, but they contrived to lose four wickets in 10 balls for eight runs and, by the time Matt Critchley swung the last ball from Azeem Rafiq for six, the match was settled. Yorkshire go fifth, the return from England ODI duty of Adil Rashid, David Willey and Liam Plunkett reviving their optimism. Derbyshire, by losing by one run for the third time this season, are now as good as eliminated.Kane Williamson is fighting fatigue, according to Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon, but one of cricket’s consummate professionals is not the sort to wear his responsibilities lightly. There are few greater loads to bear than energising Yorkshire’s Twenty20 cricket, but he stood up to the challenge, his 65 from 45 balls the guiding force in Yorkshire’s 166 for 6.It has been a difficult season for all of Yorkshire’s T20 batsmen with only Joe Root having passed 50 before Williamson’s intervention. Alex Lees’ own contribution on this occasion was a first-baller, caught at the wicket driving at Shiv Thakor, but his first season as Yorkshire’s T20 captain remains alive and he will take sustenance from that.Williamson will soon depart; the Australian Travis Head has just landed in England. In the NatWest Blast, players come and go so often the county grounds should have their own runway: another alternative perhaps to Heathrow expansion. Thanks to this victory, Head’s involvement will at least have some relevance to it.That Williamson’s efforts almost came to naught owed much to a second-wicket stand of 73 in 49 balls for Derbyshire between two New Zealand compatriots, Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom. Rutherford’s six over extra cover against Willey, who is now contending with shin splints after only just recovering from a side strain, was as good as it got, and with Broom taking a fancy to Plunkett, Derbyshire were 76 for 1 off nine.Rashid intervened in the nick of time, having Rutherford stumped attempting a slog sweep in his first over, and trapping Broom lbw at the start of his third. His return from England one-day duties will also steel Yorkshire’s challenge and his control never wavered, Wayne Madsen outfoxed as he came down the wicket, a second stumping for Andrew Hodd delivering figures of 3 for 20.Only briefly did Yorkshire feel confident. Two towering sixes by Chesney Hughes, with 17 off an over from Tim Bresnan, should have made it Derbyshire’s game but when an outstanding catch at deep midwicket by Plunkett intercepted Jimmy Neesham’s fast, flat pick-up, they still needed 13 off the last over.That over was bowled by Rafiq – and thereby hung a tale. It was Derbyshire who almost signed him after he was released by Yorkshire, only for his action to waver ahead of the season while contractual negotiations were underway. His nerve held here – a yorker off his penultimate ball engineering a drive back by Critchley and the run out of Thakor – and Yorkshire look a better T20 side for having the option of bowling Rashid and Rafiq in tandem.Gillespie was full of praise for Rafiq, who conceded only 28 from four overs. “It takes some nerve from a finger spinner to bowl in the powerplay and the last over of the innings,” he said. “It shows how far he’s come in such a short time. He’s very relaxed, he’s happy in his own skin and I can’t tell you how happy I am to see him have that success after a challenging period for him.”Some will contend that Yorkshire were fortunate to enter the match still with hopes of a quarter-final place. Adam Lyth’s acrobatic last-ball stop at long-on to complete an unexpected victory against Warwickshire at Headingley on Friday night was perilously near to the boundary according to some spectators with a close view. Yorkshire’s supporters celebrated victory, but their reaction might have been more critical if the situation had been reversed.Willey is another man Yorkshire are relying upon to bring fresh impetus to their last-eight challenge. Fourteen in three balls over long-on against Neesham, and 21 off in all off the over, gave Yorkshire’s innings early stimulus, but even he was relatively restrained apart from that, finally dismissed for 33 from 28 balls when he lofted Wes Durston’s offspin to long off.From 42 for 0 off four overs, Yorkshire struggled to make headway, their batting strength undermined by a groin injury to Ballance which has made him doubtful for the first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on Thursday. Lyth was first out, helping a short ball from Andy Carter to third man, and Jack Leaning and Will Rhodes succumbing quickly.Williamson’s innings ended seven balls early, bowled around his legs by his fellow New Zealander Neesham. His seventh-wicket stand of 48 in 27 balls with Bresnan rallied Yorkshire, although as successful as it was, it seems wasteful for a side which struggles to hit long not to find a way to get the potentially destructive hitting of Plunkett into the action earlier.So for the second season in a row, the group stages of the NatWest Blast had reached the final stages with every county still in contention. That will be used as evidence by those dismissive of Twenty20 that it is such a short game that the result becomes more random and therefore is of less value.But it can be perceived in different ways. Those seeking comfort will view it as evidence of the depth, not always recognised in England’s professional game. Those committed to radical change will insist that it is the withdrawal of England players which levels the standards and only their introduction would lead to a tournament of real value. And some, this being England, just blame the whole thing on the rain which has caused 12 No Results and when matches have been played consigned them too often to sluggish surfaces where quality does not always out.Whatever the cause, only a fool would suggest with confidence who might win it.

Manchester United Star Slammed For One Incident Against Wolves

Manchester United winger Antony was criticised for not passing the ball to Anthony Martial prior to the opening goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.

What was the Man United vs Wolves result?

Man United picked up a vital three points in their bid for the Premier League top four this afternoon, with goals from Martial and Alejandro Garnacho proving to be the difference between the two sides.

The result leaves the Red Devils four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, with just three games left to play this season, and with a trip to Bournemouth up next, they are in a very strong position to secure Champions League football for next season.

The Frenchman opened the scoring just after the half-an-hour mark, with Antony getting the assist, however journalist Alex Turk believes United could have been 3-0 up at half-time if the winger was more willing to pass the ball to his teammates.

Mark Goldbridge slammed the Brazilian's decision not to play the striker through on goal, with Beth Tucker of The United Stand fan channel also adding: "Antony not passing that to Martial is actually criminal. The number 9 won’t score if those around him are continually selfish."

How did Antony play against Wolves?

Ultimately, the 23-year-old atoned for his error by playing a crucial part in the opening goal, however it was still an underwhelming performance, missing one big chance, as a result of heading over when he was unmarked six yards out.

Antony-Man-United-Premier-League-Ten-Hag-Rashford

There were some pleasing aspects of the Brazil international's performance, completing all four of the dribbles he attempted, the highest amount of any United player, while also creating one big chance, but in future he must stop being so wasteful in promising areas.

Antony's poor decision-making going forward did not end up costing Man United today, but against better opposition they could have paid a heavy price, and Erik ten Hag will be expecting a better display from him against Bournemouth next weekend.

Leeds Could Lose ‘Special’ £20k-p/w Talent

Wilfried Gnonto could reportedly depart Leeds United this summer, in a transfer which could be more painful for the Yorkshire outfit than last season's sale of Raphinha.

Could Gnonto leave Leeds this summer?

Despite only joining the club in the summer of 2022, the Italy international's rapid rise suggests that he will be a man in demand during the summer transfer window, especially if the Whites suffer relegation back to the Championship.

Although the 19-year-old has been one of the bright sparks in another underwhelming season for Leeds, he has been left out by Javi Gracia in recent fixtures, amid claims that he is keen to depart for a bigger club.

Journalist Alex Crook has suggested this week that the teenager is pushing for a move away, and that could be a factor behind his omission against Liverpool on Monday night.

He said: “The club has been run in a shambolic way this season. What about that dressing room? Gnonto, not in the starting lineup last night. My understanding is that he may well be hankering for a move away.”

Since joining from FC Zurich in a deal worth just £3.8m, the diminutive winger has gone on to make 22 appearances, contributing four goals and three assists.

Leeds' academy manager Michael Skubala was full of praise for the youngster after he scored in the 2-2 draw at Manchester United earlier in the season.

He said: “He’s a great lad, he’s a special player. He’s a credit to Leeds, he’s a credit to himself and he’s a really nice player to work with.”

Would losing Gnonto be worse than Raphinha?

While Leeds fans are yet to see the best of the £20k-per-week Italian, they were treated to some world-class performances from Raphinha in his two seasons at the club, and there was a general acceptance that he was destined to go on to bigger and better things.

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It would be a great shame for Leeds to lose Gnonto before he has really got going, while his electric performances at 19 suggest that he currently has the world at his feet, so it would be disappointing to see him reach his potential elsewhere.

It is Victor Orta who has invested in the Italian's potential and Leeds who have given him first-team opportunities that he might not have received elsewhere, so for that time and effort to go arguably unrewarded would be difficult to take, especially if he were to leave for a cut-price fee following relegation.

Considering he ranks third for key passes and fourth for dribbles in Leeds' squad already, it seems fair to suggest that he would be a big loss despite being so raw, with fans set to be left wondering what could have been should he be sold for a quick profit this summer.

Therefore, losing someone who has the potential to be world-class like Gnonto, rather than a player who was already at the peak of his powers like Raphinha, could be an even bigger blow.

Chelsea Expected To Sign £17.5m Youth Prospect

Chelsea are expected to confirm the signing of Kendry Paez following the Premier League and FA's approval of the proposed deal for the 15-year-old.

Who is Kendry Paez?

It has been a season to forget in west London with Chelsea's seasons leaving a lot to be desired with a huge amount of money spent and nothing to show for it.

Of course, it is still early in the tenure of Todd Boehly, however, the American's arrival at Stamford Bridge has provided a lot of criticism with the Blues sat slumped in 11th spot.

Around £600m has been spent since his arrival and two managers have been sacked by the American owner, but that has seemingly not put him off.

Indeed, it appears the Blues could be set to welcome another new arrival in the form of the 15-year-old midfielder Paez from Independiente del Valle.

The Ecuadorian has been branded as "one of the best youngsters in world football" but the west London side will not be able to play him for a number of years given his age.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Blues are now expected to announce the deal shortly on the back of the approval from the governing bodies:

(3:45) "And then guys, important news for Chelsea for the future because many of you maybe for the present still saying who is this talented guy. You maybe don't know him and it's normal because he's 15 years old. But trust me this is a top talent."

(4:30) "And so what's going on? Chelsea have full agreement with Independiente del Valle for this boy to join in two years when he will turn 18 – due to the rules, of course.

"But what's going on? Now Premier League and FA – the Football Association – have both approved the deal. So everything is set to be signed. They were waiting for this approval. Now everything has the green light and so Kendry Paez will be in England for the medical test, to sign the contract and then everything would be announced."

Is Chelsea a good move for Paez?

A number of the Chelsea academy products have become members of the first team with the likes of Mason Mount a key example of this.

However, it is apparent that the path to the first team will not be an easy one for the Ecuadorian given the club's willingness to splash the cash to improve their side.

Perhaps the money involved in the deal (£17.5m) could suggest that actually he is a player who the club do view as a real prospect for the future of the club.

Todd Boehly watches on from the stands at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play in the Premier League.

And Boehly has not been shy in spending money on young players with Andrey Santos having already been brought into the club for a significant fee.

Chelsea's managerial issue remains hanging in the balance with Frank Lampard the interim manager until the end of the campaign.

And it will be interesting to see whether Boehly's search for a new manager will see someone who provides young players with an opportunity hired ahead of next season.

There is clearly a lot that needs to be resolved on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, however, it does seem as if the long-term future is being planned for by the American owner.

Celtic Accept Offer For Midfielder

Celtic have reportedly accepted an offer from Aston Villa for teenage midfielder Aidan Borland, according to Football Insider.

What’s the latest on Celtic and Borland?

Borland was first linked with a Celtic Park exit last month, with Villa and Premier League rivals Leeds United plotting moves. Labelled a wonderkid and one of the best young prospects to emerge from Celtic’s academy in recent years by Football Insider, Borland has already been plying his trade in the club’s U18 side at the age of 15.

The Daily Record’s Scott Burns provided an update regarding Borland earlier in the week, suggesting that Villa were closing in on a deal and were likely to attempt to strike a deal, something which has seemingly now materialised.

Football Insider shared the latest news regarding Borland and a move to the Midlands, revealing that the Hoops have accepted an offer for the teenager.

Villa look set to pay an initial £300,000 for the Celtic gem which will rise by 300% to £1.2m with add-ons, claiming it is a similar deal to Villa’s move for young Scottish forward Rory Wilson from Rangers last year.

The pull of the Premier League…

Borland isn’t the first Celtic starlet to leave the club for the Premier League and probably won’t be the last, but at least the Hoops will eventually receive a seven-figure fee for his services after add-ons.

The likes of Liam Morrison and Barry Hepburn made the move to Bayern Munich in recent years, while Josh Adam, Ben Doak, Leo Hjelde and Rory Mahady have all left Lennoxtown for England.

Hopefully, Celtic will be able to bring an exciting teenager of their own in Freddie Anderson after they registered an interest alongside two Championship sides, but it looks as if they won’t be keeping hold of Borland heading into the 2023/24 campaign.

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