Celtic have been handed a major blow in their pursuit to land Eddie Howe as their new manager.
According to a report from Give Me Sport, the 43-year-old’s representatives have convinced him he can still get a job in the Premier League this summer.
The report adds that agents have been involved and Howe is refusing to commit to the Hoops as a result.
Crystal Palace have spoken to the Englishman about potentially replacing Roy Hodgson and Brighton are also keeping tabs on the former Bournemouth boss.
Transfer Tavern take
It seems as if it is all getting a bit messy when it comes to Howe and Celtic.
He verbally agreed on a move to Parkhead, however, he has now had second thoughts on a Glasgow switch.
In our view, that is due to two factors. Firstly, Howe reportedly wanted to bring Bournemouth director Richard Hughes with him, but it seems as if the Hoops are closing in on a deal for Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin.
Premier League interest could also be a reason for Howe’s Hoops U-turn, and it seems as if his representatives are in his ear over his return to the English top flight dugout, which could see him at a club with more funds available to make the signings he wants and perform a rebuild similar to the one he did on the south coast.
In other news: Hoops open to signing 28 y/o this summer, but it could cost them Edouard, find out more here.
According to a report by Claret & Hugh, West Ham United manager David Moyes is set for a decision over striker Joshua King this summer as the Norwegian looks likely to become a free agent at the end of the season.
King was reportedly at the centre of intense Hammers interest before his move to Everton in January, with talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook claiming Moyes was working on a deal ‘behind the scenes’.
Moyes set for West Ham call over King
The 29-year-old was also ‘desperate’ to join the east Londoners according to Crook, but Moyes now looks set to pass on the international striker as he turns his attention to younger and more talented targets, according to Claret & Hugh.
Despite being lauded as an ‘exciting player’ by pundit Noel Whelan before the new year (Football Insider), King hasn’t managed to replicate that tag for the Toffees since signing for them from Bournemouth on a six-month contract (Sky Sports).
This has resulted in Moyes withdrawing his West Ham interest despite being heavily linked both before and during January, with the King saga looking set to end this summer.
Transfer Tavern take
Premier League suitors for the forward are apparently in short supply, and West Ham have now chalked their name off the list with Moyes set for this transfer call.
Despite his possibly soon-to-be free agent status, this could be a good move by Moyes – with the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri and Abdallah Sima debatably better options.
In other news: West Ham are eyeing this 6 foot 3 powerhouse, find out more here.
Aston Villa fans were far from happy with the performance of Bertrand Traore during their 0-0 draw with Brighton on Saturday night.
It was a tough evening for the Villans at the AMEX Stadium – the Seagulls managed 26 shots to their four, while the hosts amassed 58% possession. Emilianio Martinez, with a SofaScore rating of 9.4, was easily the man of the match as he kept Dean Smith’s side in the game on a number of occasions.
Traore struggled in particular. He won just one of his six duels and completed a poor 75% of his passes. After this display, Smith will likely be deliberating whether he deserves to start the next game, against Leicester City on Sunday.
These Villa fans were angry with his showing, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the £11.7m-valued 25-year-old (Transfermarkt).
Let’s see what the fans had to say about Traore below
“I am very disappointed with Barkley AGAIN!! and Traore!!! Absolutely disgusting performances. I love my club and to watch them play like that is not acceptable. If I was lucky enough to pull on the claret and blue jersey, I would give everything I could to win!!”
Credit: @IronhideRage
“Why is Traore still on the pitch? Busing me this, he has been utter tripe tonight”
Credit: @SeamusORobson
“Just in the interests of fairness, Traore has also been absolutely appalling tonight too.”
Credit: @Alex_Berwick
“Barkley does not deserve a start firstly. IMO Luis has been average (at best) for weeks. When Traore is bad, he absolutely stinks. Too many with a lack of the basic effort required tonight. Changes in the starting line up required. Earn your place.”
Credit: @villahagler69
“Yeah absolutely. Not so much Watkins, difficult if you get no service at all. Jack has to get smarter, teams will see how to play him. Traore useless when we’re on the back foot. Nobody is convincing me Barkley on recent performances deserves a start because he’s Ross Barkley!”
Credit: @stevejsimkins
“You have to wonder. Utter rubbish. Grealish, Barkley, Traore, McGinn looked like they were on Blackpool beach. Leaving Watkins totally out of it.”
Credit: @WorrallLes
In other news, this former Villa player provides an injury update on man not yet seen this term.
Speaking to the press, as relayed by correspondent James Pearce, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has shared that Diogo Jota has come back to training in a ‘very positive’ way – with Reds reacting to this update and some believing he should be given the nod to face Sheffield United on Sunday.
The summer signing has been out of action since early December after picking up a knee injury against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League, but he has recently resumed training as Klopp shares another update on his progress for Liverpool.
As relayed by Pearce, the Portugal international has come back to training in a ‘very positive’ way – but Klopp admits a decision needs to be made over when it ‘makes sense’ for him to play again.
Understandably, the Liverpool manager doesn’t want to reintroduce him too soon at the risk of aggravating another injury – with supporters flocking to this update as they share their thoughts.
Some can’t wait for his return and wish to see a cameo against Sheffield United, find all of their best comments down below.
Liverpool fans react to Jota update
“Great news!”
Credit: @koponpodcast
“The time is now. No more firmino”
Credit: @hulaimi
“Please klopp make it make sense for him to play this weekend I beg”
Credit: @emmanuelbobby16
“Immediately”
Credit: @jonlfc12
“Sunday pls!”
Credit: @AidanW_03
“IT MAKES LOADS OF SENSE”
Credit: @sazzam31
“Spot on”
Credit: @LFCfanNewsMU
In other news: Kylian Mbappe has reportedly issued demands, find out what Liverpool fans thought here.
Many fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed Sam Lee’s article regarding the future of Erling Haaland.
In his article for The Athletic, Lee claims that City representatives have been in contact with Haaland’s father in recent weeks, meaning that the “wheels are in motion” regarding a move for the £141,000-per-week centre-forward this summer, in addition to the fact that the club have “sanctioned” the potential transfer.
So far this season, the £99m-rated 20-year-old has been in astonishing form for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 21 goals and providing four assists over his 21 Bundesliga appearances, as well as bagging 10 goals and one assist in just six Champions League fixtures.
After City Xtra relayed Lee’s report on Twitter, these fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be ecstatic at the prospect of Pep Guardiola’s side landing Haaland this summer.
So, what exactly did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Erling Haaland?
“This is genuinely happening.”
@OliverBoisen
“OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.”
@SilkyCyrus_74
“Wow.”
@Vrishab05777495
“He’s coming home.”
@CityJoul
“SAM LEE? This is becoming serious man.”
@agboladephilip
“This is what we like to see.”
@alexpaolo9
“OHHHHHHHH.”
@Prince_Ederson
“IT’S HAPPENING! IT’S REALLY HAPPENING!!”
@Citizenani06
In other news: loads of Manchester City fans loved this news about a former Etihad hero – find out more here!
With Aston Villa still having yet to play a single game since their kids did them proud in the FA Cup against Liverpool, it’s no doubt given Dean Smith plenty to think about heading into the second-half of this season.
The Villa boss saw his club’s academy talents really take the game to the reigning Premier League champions, and whilst they eventually succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, it was no reflection of their efforts.
And in central midfield, debutant Arjan Raikhy really held his own as he came up against the likes of established Champions League winners like Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
The 18-year-old won four out of his seven ground duels, with only centre-back and captain for the night Dominic Revan winning more with five. Raikhy showed he could put his foot in and not be intimidated by the array of glittering stars on the opposite side to him, making two tackles as well – again, only Revan and fellow centre-back partner Mungo Bridge had more with three.
And writing his post-match ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece said: “I thought Raikhy was excellent. Pinched possession off Liverpool on numerous occasions to start attacks and worked tirelessly for the team. A proper No8 this kid is who’s still playing for Villa’s under-18s. A proud night for him and his family, that’s for sure. The teenager’s got a great future in the game.”
Co-founder of fan group, Punjabi Villans, Ricky Cheema raved: “Listen, Raikhy won so many supporters being on that pitch. They all played out of their skins, matched Liverpool to the 60th minute. I’d say when Raikhy came off the game changed but that’s another question!
“Honestly, it was incredible. It was ground-breaking, that’s what it was. Ground-breaking to see a lad play at the top level. So may it continue. This is the start and he played in our beloved claret and blue. It’s just poetry.”
With reports in recent days and weeks claiming that Villa will allow Conor Hourihane to depart the club on loan in this January transfer window, and Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson could join, it’s looking like all change in the engine room.
What’s undoubted is that there’s nothing more satisfying for a football fan than seeing ‘one of your own’ make their mark on the first-team, and with Smith looking to revamp his midfield area with Hourihane’s departure and Sanson’s arrival, there’s a real opportunity for Raikhy to be brought into the fold more often too.
As a new signing Sanson would understandably bring some hype with him, but Villa should keep more than a close eye on Raikhy too.
Meanwhile, Villa could have their next Tyrone Mings in this academy starlet…
According to The Athletic, Arsenal transfer target Dominik Szoboszlai’s release clause must be paid in one installment, and that any bids must be lodged by the end of this month.
What’s the story?
One of the hottest properties in European football right now, the RB Salzburg starlet has been in scintillating form for his side this season, bagging eight goals and providing nine assists in just 18 games.
Arsenal’s interest in the Hungary sensation has long been reported, and now The Athletic have offered a huge update on what the future potentially holds.
It’s suggested that there is a stipulation in the attacking midfielder’s release clause that “Szoboszlai must give notice by December 15 of his wish to depart and bids must be lodged by December 31”.
Can be Arteta’s game-changer
After another demoralising defeat in the Premier League at the weekend, this is undoubtedly the lowest moment in Mikel Arteta’s short tenure at Arsenal.
The Spaniard’s successes in winning both the FA Cup and Community Shield just a few months ago have been quickly forgotten, with a 2-0 loss to Spurs on Sunday the latest blow to the club’s hope of bigger and better things.
The Gunners have scored just ten times in their opening 11 Premier League games this season, and they are crying out for someone to bring a bit of creativity and energy to their attack.
And in the £22.5m-rated Szoboszlai, they can find exactly that. The Hungarian, described by his Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch as being the “modern-day David Beckham”, is an incredibly exciting talent.
Capable of unleashing long-range rockets and shining on the biggest stage too – he’s netted twice in the Champions League this season including against Atletico Madrid away from home – Szoboszlai can provide the kind of spark that Arsenal desperately need.
Stan Kroenke must surely open up his cheque-book and give Arteta the player that could hold the key to turning their fortunes this year.
Steve Bruce has landed a huge boost ahead of Newcastle United’s meeting with Liverpool on Wednesday night with Jonjo Shelvey set to make his return.
The Toon were without Shelvey for their 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on Boxing Day after Bruce opted to omit the 28-year-old from his travelling squad, with the midfielder showing signs of serious fatigue following last week’s Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Brentford.
But according to The Northern Echo, Shelvey should only miss the Citizens affair with the former Liverpool beast expected to be fit and ready to go for when Newcastle welcome the Reds to St. James’ Park.
Shelvey’s return will be a welcome boost for Bruce as he looks to orchestrate United’s first Premier League win in four games at home to the champions, following defeats to Leeds and Man City while settling for a point with newly-promoted Fulham.
Shelvey has started all eight of his top-flight appearances thus far this season and captained the Magpies on four occasions, but endured a horror show against Scott Parker’s Cottagers while his struggles at Brentford have since been put down to his chronic fatigue.
Nonetheless, the £13m-rated midfielder has been among Newcastle’s most influential players across the Premier League campaign, with only Matt Ritchie (1.6) playing a higher number of key passes per game than Shelvey (1.4) to date, per WhoScored.
Shelvey, who plays the most total passes per game (54) by Newcastle players, additionally ranks second only to goalkeeper Karl Darlow for accurate long balls with 6.5 a game, almost double third-ranked man Fabian Schar (3.3).
Bruce lauded Shelvey for his passing range toward the end of the prolonged 2019/20 season, with the Magpies chief only able to wax lyrical over the 6-cap England international.
“He can see a pass that other people can’t, he can deliver a pass, he can score a goal,” Bruce said, via quotes by the Chronicle. “Physically and mentally, he’s bought into everything we’ve tried to put over to him and fair play to him.
“At the minute, he’s reaping the benefits of how good he looks, and of course he’s playing at the top of his game, which is always good to see because he has been outstanding in the last few games.”
If Shelvey has overcome his fatigue with a week’s rest, Bruce should expect to see the 28-year-old’s recent struggles fade away and be able to utilise his ability on the ball against Liverpool.
AND in other news: Steve Bruce has been dealt a huge blow, leaving Newcastle United with a titanic task vs Liverpool.
According to L’Equipe, Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in signing Marseille left-back Jordan Amavi.
What’s the story?
With Sead Kolasinac’s long-term future at Mikel Arteta’s side up in the air given that he joined Schalke on loan in the January transfer window, the Gunners are without a natural left-back as cover for Kieran Tierney.
The Premier League side have chopped and changed between Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric as the Scotland international’s back-up, so it’s no surprise that French publication L’Equipe claim that Arsenal have joined the likes of Napoli and Crystal Palace in the race to sign Amavi.
The Frenchman is out of contract at Marseille come the end of the season and would thus be able to join on a free transfer, with the report adding that the Ligue 1 side’s negotiations with Amavi over a new contract have stalled.
Arsene Wenger wanted him
Being French and a rising talent in Ligue 1, it’s no surprise that former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was reported to be interested in Amavi back in the summer of 2015 (Mercato365 via The Hard Tackle).
The Gunners eventually lost out to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa for his signing, where the left-back played for just a couple of seasons before moving on to current side Marseille.
Since then, Amavi has been a consistent performer week-in and week-out for the Ligue 1 giants, averaging a Whoscored match rating of over 7 in three out of the four seasons – in fact, this campaign has seen him average an impressive 7.17 match rating, which ranks him first in the entire Marseille squad.
Speaking back in 2017, the Frenchman himself said about his permanent move to Marseille: “I will bring my aggression and some speed. I like to battle, and my attacking play. I will do my best in the offence, but first of all in the defence. I want to win as many duels as possible and get the ball as much as possible.”
Given that he will be available on a free transfer, Amavi would represent a bargain signing for the Gunners as they look for a back-up to established first-choice Tierney.
Amidst the financial situation facing most clubs around the world, the Kroenke family will be very pleased if Arsenal can address a key issue in their squad without actually having to splash the cash.
Meanwhile, Arsenal can sign their next Ashley Cole in this Premier League starlet…
Tottenham Hotspur have not quite enjoyed the dream start to the season but Ange Postecoglou is coaching his side well and there is more than enough there to expect promise across the year.
Last season, Tottenham created 90 big chances in the Premier League and only Liverpool (102) Manchester City, and Newcastle United (both 97) created more.
This year, we can read into the opening matches of the term and determine that Spurs still play slick and stylish football and have myriad tools to carve opponents open. Their 48 shots taken are surpassed only by Nottingham Forest (53) at this early stage.
The Lilywhites' 68.3% average possession also underscores the tactical ethos under Postecoglou's wing, with bold ball-playing efforts at the front and centre of the squad's style. Despite all this, Tottenham have collected only four points from nine available.
1.
Tottenham
68.3%
2.
Southampton
68%
3.
Manchester City
64.7%
4.
Brighton
57.3%
5.
Liverpool
57%
It's clear that the bar needs to be raised in regard to clinical shooting, and while big bucks were spent on landing a shiny new striker during the summer months, there's one existing centre-forward who's not hitting the mark.
Why Spurs signed Richarlison
The man in question is Richarlison. Tottenham signed the dynamic Brazilian forward from Everton for £60m in July 2022, confident that they had purchased one of the most menacing forwards competing in English football.
Tottenham forward Richarlison
His debut campaign was a miserable thing. Tottenham ebbed and flowed but ultimately languished to an eighth-place Premier League finish following the acrimonious departure of Antonio Conte, and the star attacking signing hardly helped matters, scoring one goal across 27 Premier League matches – and that goal came during a sickening late defeat at Anfield.
Last year, he improved, enjoying a brilliant purple patch throughout the winter months that saw him post nine goals from just eight matches in the Premier League, though he then blanked for seven fixtures before scoring in a loss against Liverpool in April, his last appearance that season as he picked up an injury.
Throughout the summer, despite the upturn in fortunes, there was plenty of rumour surrounding the 27-year-old, with GIVEMESPORT even revealing that the north London side were keen on offloading their struggling forward, with Saudi Pro League outfits sniffing around, exploring a deal.
Why Spurs should've sold Richarlison
Once hailed as "relentless" by journalist Joe Strange, Richarlison improved last year but it would be hard to claim that he's lived up to the price tag. Of course, the fee paid for his services lay out of his hands but there is still the point of the Brazilian's overall level under Postecoglou, and whether he's likely to earn a regular starting berth this year.
Dominic Solanke leapt over Tanguy Ndombele to become Tottenham's club-record signing this summer, joining from Bournemouth for a reported £65m, and though he's missed the past few weeks after picking up an injury following his debut, the 27-year-old is the new out-and-out striker.
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke
In his absence, Heung-min Son has reprised his finest displays of the 2023/24 campaign by lingering up top, and while he was subdued at St. James' Park, a two-goal performance against Everton proved his high-class finishing once again.
Richarlison missed out against Newcastle due to injury but he's already stirred the pot of detractors this term after missing an excellent chance off the bench on the opening day. It was an opportunity that, if taken, would have handed Postecoglou the dream start.
You could even make the case for selling Richarlison and bringing another striker in, as well as Solanke. Jonathan David was linked with a move away from Lille (for the fourth year running, it seems), with Tottenham among the suitors.
LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David
Football Insider reported in July that Spurs were closing in on the Canadian, who has now entered the final year of his contract and whom Lille's president said could leave the club with negotiations at a standstill.
He'd been transfer-listed for a cut-price £20m fee, and so it's difficult to see why he wasn't purchased by one party or another, especially as he's scored three goals and assisted two more across seven outings so far this season.
2024/25
7
3
2
0.86
2023/24
47
26
9
0.74
2022/23
40
26
4
0.75
2021/22
48
19
0
0.40
2020/21
48
13
5
0.37
David is a sharp goalscorer and an able creator; his playmaking skills are improving year on year. But moreover, he's crisp and intelligent, with link-up play that would see him dovetail into Postecoglou's system, ranking among the top 4% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion (81.4%), as per FBref.
This would have been an excellent way to deepen the dynamism within Spurs' attacking outfit, with the Londoners boasting plenty of pace and electricity down the flanks but not so much at no. 9.
Brennan Johnson for Tottenham
The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare commented that Tottenham had "missed his physical presence" toward the backend of last season, and perhaps they did. However, Solanke is the perfect focal frontman, remarkably winning eight of his ten contested duels against Leicester on the opening day of the term, as per Sofascore.
From a financial standpoint, Richarlison's reduced role does not align with his pay packet either. According to Capology, he earns £90k per week, which is below several of the most prominent figures down N17 but does stretch well beyond the earnings of players such as Yves Bissouma (£55k per week) and Micky van de Ven (£50k per week).
Micky van de Ven for Tottenham
Bissouma has not enjoyed plain sailing at Tottenham either but he is the toughest-tackling and most effective holding midfielder at the club. When at his best, he purrs, keeping the engine room together.
And Van de Ven… well, what is there to say? Signed from Wolfsburg for £43m last summer, the athletic centre-back is breathtaking, offering a unique take on the defensive game that could yet see him establish himself as one of Europe's foremost stars in the backline.
Had Saudi Arabian clubs received more of an indication that Richarlison could have been on the move, Spurs might just have succeeded in offloading the South American, and given that he earns quite the pretty penny and a suitable replacement in David was available, this could prove to be a missed opportunity for chairman Daniel Levy to have progressed the club further.
Poch sold Spurs flop for £4.5m in 2019, now he's outscoring Richarlison