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Antonio Conte is reportedly in talks with Spurs over their vacant managerial job…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh update on Twitter.

He wrote:

“Tottenham have contacted Antonio Conte as candidate for Spurs job – not done but talks ongoing about potential project, contract and salary. Conte is one of the options in #THFC list.”

It comes just a day after the Guardian and Sky Sports journalist appeared on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel, where he discussed the prospects of the former Chelsea boss being appointed in North London.

“He could be an opportunity for Tottenham if something happens in the next few days. He’s available on the market. He’s ready to train immediately after his separation from Inter [Milan],” said Romano.

“In my personal opinion, he would be perfect for what Spurs want. He has a habit of winning, he’s a serial winner. He’s fantastic wherever he goes.

“But he always wants, what I would call, an important participation from the club. You need to invest, you need to sign players that he wants. You need to go 100% together with this.”

Statement of intent

This would certainly be a massive statement of intent from Spurs as Conte has a proven track record of success in England, so much so that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claimed he was a “tactical master.”

Indeed, the 51-year-old Italian arrived at Chelsea with the club in a mess following their lowest finish since 1996 and in the very next season, he clinched the Premier League title before going onto win the FA Cup a year later.

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It’s quite remarkable that Conte has left Serie A champions Inter Milan just weeks after securing their first title in 11 years but one team’s loss is another’s gain, and Levy should be drooling over the prospect of adding a coach of his calibre to his club.

As Romano claims, if the Lilywhites chairman was to appoint the former Juventus boss, then it would surely suggest that he’s prepared to back him in the transfer market, only further suggesting that the North London strugglers mean business this year.

On the above evidence, Spurs and Conte will only come together if the 51-year-old can spend and boy will he need to invest wisely as this current squad is in dire need of an overhaul.

There is also the matter of Harry Kane’s future to work out after he expressed his desire to leave the club this summer, so perhaps the funds will be there after all.

It’s not every day that a nine-time major trophy winner is on the market. Levy must push ahead with plans to hire Conte, he seems perfect for the club.

AND in other news, How Levy can build Pochettino his dream Spurs squad with £170m spending spree…

Celtic are weeks away from potentially lifting the SPFL trophy if they continue to put points on the board under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

With 34 league games played, the Parkhead club have won 27, drawn four and lost three, giving them a six-point gap over their Glasgow rivals Rangers in second place.

While the Hoops boss won’t want to disrupt the rhythm that his team are on, having not lost a league game since September, one potential change to the team that we think he should consider, either for the remainder of this season or for their next campaign is to unleash Karamoko Dembele.

They have already lost the services of one promising young player in Ben Doak of late and with Dembele’s own future in doubt, proving to him that he has a pathway to regular first-team minutes is of vital importance.

As a product of the club’s youth system, the 19-year-old has made just ten senior appearances for the Bhoys, scoring one goal in the process.

His first senior appearance came all the way back in 2019.

Having spent most of the season out with an ankle injury, the attacker was an unused substitute for Celtic’s two final league games in February before making his first appearance in their 2-0 win over St. Mirren last month where he came on as a late substitute.

Since then, the teenager has not been involved in a senior matchday squad.

Earlier this month, Dembele’s performance in a youth game against Rangers B caught the attention of talent scout Jacek Kulig, who took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the young Celtic figure.

He said: “Been a while since I last saw him live. Still far from being a physical monster but his dribbling skills, trickery, and flair are on a very high level.”

Even though Kulig said that the youngster may not be at his peak physically, we feel the best way for the attacker to improve this side of the game is to get as much experience of playing senior football as possible.

Given the position that Postecoglou’s side find themselves in at the top of the league table, now could be the ideal time to give Dembele a consistent run of games to see if he can set himself up to be a regular first-team figure in their next campaign.

Also, if the Hoops are not able to work out a permanent deal for current loan star Jota, having a player like Dembele to unleash could be an ideal option for the 56-year-old moving forward.

In other news: Time to go: Ange must finally axe Celtic’s £2m Parkhead flop, he’s stealing a living

According to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown, writing on Twitter, Tottenham Hotspur have ‘already begun’ approaching managerial alternatives to Julian Nagelsmann and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

Indeed, Nagelsmann was recently announced as the new Bayern Munich boss in a big blow to Spurs whilst Sky Sports report that Rodgers is more than likely to stay at Leicester.

Journalist says Spurs have ‘already begun’ approaches

The Star journalist says that chairman Daniel Levy has already begun scouring managerial alternatives and always considered Nagelsmann a tough ask.

These names include Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag and Ralph Rangnick, with the former having a glowing reputation when it comes to developing young stars.

Tottenham will need to quickly move in their hunt for a new boss as the club seek to put a forgettable 2020/2021 season behind them.

Spurs are facing a fight to qualify for Europe this season and are out of all cup competitions having recently lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City at Wembley.

Transfer Tavern take

Interim boss Ryan Mason, in the meantime, is set to stay in charge until the end of the season but Spurs apparently want a more experienced manager in place for next term.

The priority is allegedly an attack-minded coach who can re-install an exciting brand of football, and the Lilywhites should go no further than Ten Hag.

He has been compared to Pep Guardiola in the past for his Johan Cruyff-ian philosophy (AS) and so could be the perfect alternative to both Nagelsmann and Rodgers.

In other news: Alasdair Gold drops stadium naming rights update, find out more here.

Southampton striker Danny Ings will find the chance to play up front with Harry Kane at Tottenham attractive, claims Evening Standard journalist Jack Rosser.

With Kane continuing to be linked with a move to Manchester City, it looked like Ings could be brought in as a replacement.

However, according to The Telegraph, the 29-year-old has been earmarked as someone who can come in and play alongside the England captain.

The same outlet also claims that Ings is Tottenham’s top target this summer, so you would expect the north London club to do everything they can to sign the Southampton man. And Rosser is convinced he would relish the opportunity to partner his compatriot in attack.

“It’d be attractive for any striker,” Rosser said in a chat with TT when discussing the topic of Ings potentially playing next to Kane at Tottenham.

“A lot of strikers have turned down Spurs because they don’t want to be stuck behind Harry Kane, which is completely understandable because he’s someone who wants to play every minute.”

While Kane is obviously an elite goalscorer, he also proved to be a very good playmaker last season. No player provided more Premier League assists than the 27-year-old’s 14, so Ings must be licking his lips at the prospect of playing up front with his countryman.

Carlton Palmer has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that it’s the right time for Everton to cash in on Andre Gomes.

The 28-year-old joined from Barcelona in 2018, initially on loan before signing permanently 12 months later, but hasn’t been able to live up to expectations despite arriving with a huge reputation.

Whilst a serious ankle injury following a tackle from Heung-Min Son in November 2019 saw the midfielder miss more than nine months, his record with the Toffees has been less than inspiring.

In 81 appearances, Gomes has scored just once and provided only five assists despite generally being a regular during his three seasons at Goodison Park.

Gomes, who reportedly earns around £110,000 per-week, which makes him Everton’s highest-paid player, has several years remaining on his contract, but is already attracting interest from Benfica and looks set to be one of many to leave Merseyside this summer.

Palmer exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s not lived up to the hype and he’s earning an awful lot of money.

“So, I think it’s one of those, if they can get him out of the building, recoup some money, get him off the wage bill and use that wage bill more productively then it’s a good time to cash-in.”

During the last few years, Wolves have had a phenomenal record of beating the biggest and best teams in the Premier League.

This season alone, the Old Gold have defeated Arsenal on two occasions and also swatted aside Chelsea at Molineux, while they did the double over Manchester City last term and beat Manchester United twice in three weeks in 2019.

Therefore, they will have every right to feel confident when they face Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

On the chalkboard

One player who has had a habit of destroying teams in the top flight is Adama Traore.

The Spaniard has had a particularly disappointing season by his high standards and has scored just two goals all term. That’s a far cry from the 13 goal involvements he managed throughout 2019/20.

Traore has been so off the boil that he didn’t even start against Brighton last time out. Nuno Espirito Santo instead decided to look towards the future as he started Vitinha, Fabio Silva and Morgan Gibbs-White in attack.

After going 1-0 down, Nuno turned to the swashbuckling winger, and he had a devastating impact during his 30 minutes on the pitch.

Traore crashed home the equaliser and completed all three of his dribbles. His ability to be a nuisance also wreaked havoc with the Seagulls defence as they seemingly had no answer to his speed, trickery and strength.

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They aren’t the only team to feel his wrath. Once dubbed “unplayable” by Jurgen Klopp, the £46,000-per-week attacker is one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League.

Despite his measly goal tally this term, no player has completed more dribbles in the top flight than Traore’s 140. That’s 52 more than the next best player in the division, Fulham’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

With that in mind, the 25-year-old could terrify Tottenham on Sunday afternoon. Instead of starting on the bench, Nuno needs him playing from the off and causing havoc, rather than relying on someone like Daniel Podence, who last scored a full five months ago.

The Spaniard’s mesmerising impact against Brighton last weekend proved that, even when he’s not completely in form, he has to play. Traore is capable of producing moments of magic from absolutely nowhere which against one of the sides aiming for European football, could be crucial.

He scored against the Lilywhites last term, too, running riot by winning ten ground duels and completing all five of his dribbles.

Nuno will need the speedy Spaniard at his best on Sunday.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Neto: Wolves must sign “spectacular” £32m beast, he’s shades of Ronaldo…

Celtic’s work in the transfer market is beginning to gather pace ahead of an intense pre-season that’ll involve the Hoops’ European qualification campaign.

With full competitive fixtures approaching in just a matter of weeks, Ange Postecoglou needs to act quickly.

What’s the word?

One of the biggest uncertainties at Celtic right now is the future of Odsonne Edouard.

The Frenchman looked set to join Leicester in a £15m deal but that move has now fallen through.

Consequently, he’s weighing up his options this summer and could yet stay at Paradise for the remaining year of his contract.

If he does move then Celtic will need a new forward. That’s the opinion of Charlie Nicholas who stated this week that the Bhoys should consider a move for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah.

He said in The Scottish Daily Express (29/06, p57): “I still think they need another striker, even if they re-sign Leigh Griffiths and continue with Albian Ajeti, I believe they still need another one, especially if Odsonne Edouard goes.

Nicholas added: “I would try and get Eddie Nketiah from my old club Arsenal. He has been linked with West Ham United and teams in the Bundesliga and he is a really quick and exciting talent. He had a spell on loan at Leeds cut short because of injury but he is back fit and he is one I would look at either on a loan or a permanent contract, if that could be done.”

Bye-bye Edouard

Like Celtic’s star man, Nketiah’s future is also rather uncertain at Arsenal.

He was severely limited in first-team opportunities towards the end of the campaign and with the Englishman yet to sign a new deal, he could be granted an exit by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

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An arrival at Celtic, either permanently or on loan, would be a captivating one for Postecoglou.

Nketiah is the very definition of a poacher, using clever movement and quick thinking inside the penalty area to outsmart defenders.

Noel Whelan once commented: “He plays off the shoulder, very dangerous in the box. He’s a player you can’t take your eye off because his movement’s so good.”

His record of 18 goals at senior level isn’t the most exciting tally but he’s found regular starts hard to come by.

The 22-year-old’s tally at youth level speaks volumes, however. He racked up 28 goals in 39 outings for Arsenal’s U23s, while he’s the record scorer for England U21s with 16 strikes in 17 matches.

Dubbed a “goal machine” by Michael Owen, a move to the Premiership could be exactly what he needs to kick start his career.

Nketiah has pace in abundance and is a ruthless goalscorer when afforded regular minutes. Crucially, he would also suit Postecoglou’s system.

The Arsenal forward is already used to an attacking style and intense press from his time under Arteta in the English capital.

AND in other news, £15k-p/w liability must never play under Ange at Celtic, Lennon dubbed him “stupid”…

West Bromwich Albion are set to have a fight on their hands to keep goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at the club over the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract at the Hawthorns and has already reportedly attracted the attention of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

And now, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, fellow Premier League outfit Southampton have joined the race for Johnstone’s signature, with the Saints keen to secure his services over the winter window.

The report states that: “They (Southampton) are willing to pay rather than wait until he becomes a free agent in the summer. But Johnstone, 28, is settled at the Championship Baggies and looks ready to wait until the end of his contract to decide on his next move.

“And the fact he is now No. 2 in the international squad while playing in the second tier means there is no need for him to jump ship sooner. Both West Ham and Tottenham have pencilled in offers for Johnstone if he leaves, while West Brom have let him know there will be a lucrative deal to stay.”

Ismael concerned

Despite the report stating that Johnstone is likely to remain at West Brom for the remainder of the campaign, Baggie’s boss Valerien Ismael will still be concerned at this latest revelation.

Johnstone has started ten of Albion’s 11 Championship fixtures so far this season, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just seven goals.

But perhaps more importantly, the Manchester United academy graduate has adapted to Ismael’s style of play with relative ease.

A recent article published by The Atheltic revealed Johnstone has completed 31 keeper-sweepings and has made six-headed clearances already, which is the same as his last three campaigns combined.

Alongside this, he is also down on saves per game and catches per game as he has been forced to become a more modern goalkeeper and appears to be coping well with the change.

Therefore, Ismael will be worried that Johnstone’s potential departure could derail West Brom’s promotion push, condemning them to another campaign in the second tier of English football.

After all, he is one of their most important players and is now a prominent member of the England set up too.

And, in other news…West Brom set for big injury boost ahead of Birmingham, Ismael will be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur aim to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of a promising EFL talent, according to reports this week…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claim that Spurs are keeping tabs on Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar ahead of the January transfer window, but they are merely one of many top-flight teams eyeing up a move.

It’s thought that the Lilywhites’ recruitment team have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old defender on several occasions this season.

Aston Villa are one of the teams also mentioned with interest and the Potters are bracing themselves for bids in the coming months.

It remains to be seen how much the five-cap Australian international would cost, especially having signed a new long-term contract extension earlier in the year. Transfermarkt value him at just £3.6m, whilst ex-Stoke man Mike Pejic believes he’s worth more than £20m.

Rodon 2.0

Spurs are no strangers to signing players from the lower divisions, with Dele Alli perhaps being the biggest success story, Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke less so.

However, this potential swoop has all the hallmarks to be a similar one to that of Joe Rodon, who signed for £15m from Swansea City a year ago – almost to the day.

Whilst he is yet to properly break through in the first team, the Welsh international is a very promising talent and one who could play a major part in the club’s future for years to come.

It’s Jose Mourinho who deserves the credit for that, having taken a wild punt on Rodon last year.

Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici could look to repeat this trick with Souttar, who has been touted for big things by those around him throughout his short career to date.

During a loan spell at Fleetwood Town, his former manager Joey Barton lauded him as “outstanding”, whilst Potters boss Martin O’Neill once described him as a “player blessed with great natural attributes” with “good game intelligence”, via The Stoke Sentinel.

Furthermore, he has also been dubbed a “Rolls-Royce of a defender” by the club’s legendary defender Ryan Shawcross, earning comparisons to the likes of Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk.

Rodon, who excelled at Swansea before joining Spurs, was likened to both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, so Souttar would certainly add another interesting element to the future of Tottenham’s backline, especially when considering the pair have been praised ever so highly.

Standing at 6 foot 5, the Stoke man is a colossal aerial presence and he has won an average of 4.6 headers per game in the Championship this term, on top of 2.1 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per match, via WhoScored, which backs up O’Neill’s claims over his football intelligence.

All in all, a move for Souttar would be quite a shrewd one, though Nuno would need to find space for him in the squad.

Paratici must look to repeat Mourinho’s masterstroke with Rodon with a swoop for the Potters giant this January.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 89% duels won: “Phenomenal” Spurs beast has now handed Nuno a huge dilemma…

Some Everton fans have been left begging for the signing of Allan Saint-Maximin as a transfer update emerged.

As per The Daily Mirror, Rafa Benitez could make a £50m move for the Newcastle United star if Richarlison ends up going to Real Madrid to reunite with former Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Saint-Maximin is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, having recorded the second-most successful dribbles (3.8) per game in the Premier League last 2020/21, bettered only by Wolves speedster Adama Traore with 4.1 (WhoScored).

£50m is admittedly a lot of money to pay, especially for Everton, but the Frenchman is more than capable of bringing the X-factor to Merseyside. Also, at just 24 years of age, he could turn out to be a solid purchase for several years to come.

Everton fans on Saint-Maximin transfer update

These Everton supporters begged the club to sign Saint-Maximin as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one fan calling the winger an ‘incredible talent’:

“PLEASE”

Credit: @JoeyDeAngelis11

“I don’t want Richy to leave but Saint-Max is EXACTLY what we’re missing”

Credit: @SmithGotMuscles

“Yessssss pleaseeeeee”

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

“Yes please.”

Credit: @Matt_Wolfson

“I love this, Maximin has incredible talent. But how about Richarlison and Maximin? With James playing the 10?”

Credit: @Sir_Vincent

“PLEASE”

Credit: @ParrettGost

In other news, Everton are eyeing this Champions League colossus