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When it became apparent that Celtic were going to completely renovate the top officials at Parkhead, one member of the Hoops team will have been fretting the most.

That will have been Nick Hammond. Celtic’s head of recruitment was reportedly facing the sack earlier this year but he has now left of his own admission. The thought process is that the Bhoys will hire a new director of football.

They should be fortunate that he’s departing too. After all, the business he helped the club conclude last summer was rather abject.

Hammond helped to bring Albian Ajeti to Paradise in a deal worth £5m. Since signing, he has found the back of the net on just six occasions.

A deal to bring the calamitous Vasilis Barkas to Celtic has hardly gone down well either. He cost £4.5m but has been rather error-prone and now can’t even get in the team.

The goalkeeper was particularly bad against AC Milan in the Europa League and he has cost his team dearly in the league as well.

Scott Bain has also been guilty of mistakes this term while Conor Hazard, the hero on penalties in the Scottish Cup final back in December, was incredibly poor during normal time in that game.

Therefore, Celtic have every right to regret signing an adept stopper last summer. They tried to bring Fraser Forster back to Glasgow after his successful loan spell in 2019/20.

He is a man mountain between the sticks and standing at 6 foot 7, covers plenty of the goal. Unfortunately for Hammond and co, Southampton wanted him to fight for the number one jersey south of the border.

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Forster has played on only ten occasions for the Saints this term but would have been a valuable asset for Celtic.

The £70k-per-week earner was a stalwart under Neil Lennon last season and earned them points on his own. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast a few weeks ago, Frank McAvennie claimed:

“Forster won the league for Celtic last season, he won the cup – they were battered by Rangers and Celtic won it 1-0. When you have got a good goalkeeper, that’s what happens. He was worth the money, I don’t know why they didn’t spend it.”

Dubbed an “exceptional goalkeeper” by Kevin Campbell, a player of Forster’s capabilities could have lifted Celtic to a far greater season than they’ve endured.

He saved no fewer than four penalties in the 2019/20 campaign and made 11 stops – including one from the spot – in the League Cup final against Rangers that same season.

Forster made an immense impact at Celtic and as we’ve seen with Allan McGregor at Rangers this term, those between the sticks are often key.

Speaking to FFC, McAvennie added: “He’s (McGregor) basically won the league for them, and I’m not being disrespectful to the rest of the players.”

In a season where defensive and goalkeeping errors have been rife for the Hoops, Forster could have made an enormous difference.

It’s a huge shame they didn’t bring him back to Glasgow.

AND in other news, Celtic may be on the verge of repeating Deila’s costly blunder, fans should be fuming…

Leeds United are ‘not expecting’ Ezgjan Alioski to remain at the club beyond this season, having rejected a new deal at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old has been a strong performer for the Whites since joining in the summer of 2017, scoring 22 goals in 165 appearances.

Alioski’s future has continued to be up in the air throughout this season, however, with a move to Galatasaray strongly rumoured last month.

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Alioski expected to leave Leeds

According to Football Insider, the left-back is now approaching the final months of his time at Leeds, with his exit all but confirmed. It is reported that the the club have ‘given up hope’ of retaining the North Macedonian’s services, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.

A move to Galatasaray still seems to be on the cards, with his pre-contract agreement set to become permanent in the near future.

Transfer Tavern take

Alioski will be a loss for Leeds, but at 29, it could be argued that his peak years are now behind him.

Marcelo Bielsa will need to delve into the transfer market to replace him, with Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico appearing a strong option, considering he has won 27 caps for Argentina and boasts Champions League experience.

Leeds youngster Leif Davis isn’t yet ready to be a regular starter – he has played just 31 minutes of Premier League football this season – so it makes perfect sense to replace Alioski with a similarly established left-back such as Tagliafico.

In other news, a pundit has been talking up Leeds’ possible move for an experienced international player this summer. Read more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are livid at comments from Charlie Nicholas, who slammed the Gers’ achievements this campaign after their Scottish Cup defeat at the weekend.

The Gers romped to the Premiership title this term – they remain unbeaten in the league (BBC) – but they were unable to match that level of success in the cup competitions. A run to the Europa League round of 16 was impressive, but defeats to St Mirren and St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup and Scottish Cup respectively will no doubt have disappointed Steven Gerrard.

However, while the Ibrox outfit managed to get their hands on their first major trophy in 10 years, Nicholas has called the 55-time Scottish champions “chokers” and suggested that Gerrard must make things right at the club (Daily Express via Daily Record).

As you can imagine, his comments did not go down well with some Gers supporters. These fans took to social media platform Twitter in their droves to criticise the former Scotland international’s quotes, wich one Ibrox supporter called “drivel”.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Nicholas’ comments

“Whit??!!! Kent in particulars had a great season. If we had held on and won the other night he’d be singing their praises!”

Credit: @nicol_euan

“53 Goals and Assists between them this season, is he alright???”

Credit: @Robleghorn

“The zoomers are out in force today”

Credit: @matalihan123

“Printing drivel like this is why they don’t get access to the Rangers players & manager”

Credit: @AHW140

“Something else man honestly”

Credit: @DuckStaunch

“Defenders and goal our best players? I agree to an extent, but 81 goals scored in the league to say Morelos and Kent has been poor is embarrassing given they’ve both contributed to 53 goal involvements with goals and assists”

Credit: @Ross90141394

In other news, Rangers are eyeing up this in-demand winger.

Crystal Palace face the ultimate Premier League test this weekend as they face off against Manchester City.

It goes without saying that the Eagles will certainly need their best players if they stand any chance of earning victory against Pep Guardiola’s champions in waiting.

One of the inclusions in the starting line-up must be on-loan Chelsea man Michy Batshuayi for Jordan Ayew.

Having hit nine goals for Roy Hodgson’s men last season, the Ghanaian frontman has got nowhere near those numbers this time around having scored just once – that goal coming in a 4-1 victory against Leeds United all the way back in November.

Meanwhile, whilst Batshuayi has not been much more prolific, having only found the net on two occasions since returning to Selhurst Park for another loan spell, he has managed that count in just under a third of the time, having made just seven Premier League starts this season compared to Ayew’s 21.

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One aspect of his play which might also come in useful against City is his retention of the ball. According to WhoScored, Batshuayi is dispossessed on 1.3 occasions per match whilst having an average of 1.4 unsuccessful touches. These numbers are dramatically lower than Ayew’s 2.1 and 2.7 respectively.

Coming up against Manchester City – who will attempt to dominate the ball – having a reliable forward who can hold possession could be key.

The Belgian is also in better form than Ayew. He recently scored a late equaliser against Everton at Goodison Park. only to be cut from the squad for Palace’s clash against his parent club Chelsea due to the terms of the loan agreement – a game in which the £9m-rated forward might otherwise have started.

Hailed as “top-class” in the past by former Blues boss Frank Lampard, it could be suggested that Palace need some kind of inspiration along those lines.

The Eagles have won just one out of their last seven Premier League games. losing their last two, and are in real danger of letting their season fizzle out in the closing stages.

In order to avoid that from happening, Batshuayi must start against Manchester City today.

AND in more news, find out why Palace have been handed a boost in their future plans…

After a major announcement on Tuesday afternoon, with AS Roma officially appointing ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho for the 2021/2022 season, journalist Dan Kilpatrick has reacted on social media whilst claiming it is ‘potentially good news for Spurs’ (Twitter).

Journalist reacts as ‘potentially good news for Spurs’ emerges

Mourinho, who was sacked by the Lilywhites last month after nearly a year and a half in the job, was then placed on gardening leave and the club could have been forced to keep on paying his reported £10.5 million-per-year salary for up to 18 months (football.london).

However, in an announcement which could greatly benefit Tottenham financially, AS Roma have announced that they have hired Mourinho for the 2021/2022 campaign – with the Portuguese’ time on gardening leave now set to be short.

Journalist Kilpatrick, of the Evening Standard, was stunned by the promptness of the appointment and also believes this comes as a boost for Spurs – writing an emphatic message on Twitter in reaction to the major news.

“Wow – Jose wasting no time getting back in work,” he explained.

“And potentially good news for Spurs in terms of a payoff.”

Transfer Tavern take

In uncertain times, chairman Daniel Levy and the club will be grateful for any financial break given the toll caused by coronavirus over this past year.

Spurs announced an ‘irrecoverable’ £63.9 million loss late last year (Evening Standard) and still haven’t found a lucrative deal for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium naming rights – with chief commercial officer Todd Kline understood to be working behind the scenes (football.london).

Tottenham will apparently only have to keep paying Mourinho’s full salary until he starts the job at Roma this summer, and it certainly comes as a boost given his wages would have been a considerable drain on the club’s kitty until next summer.

In other news: Tottenham enter race for this electric defender, find out more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have heaped praise on Prince William on social media following the Duke of Cambridge’s visit to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training centre.

His Royal Highness, a Villa supporter, formally opened the new ‘high performance centre’ at the club’s base and met a few Aston Villa players along the way, as reported by Birmingham Live.

The Prince spoke to injured star Jack Grealish and striker Wesley Moraes and was shown around by co-chairman Nassef Sawiris and chief executive Christian Purslow.

William paid a touching tribute to Dean Smith’s father during a speech at Bodymoor Heath and also threw in a quick dig at Birmingham City fans.

Villa’s rivals currently sit 18th in the Championship, whereas Villa are sitting pretty in 10th position in the Premier League.

The Duke of Cambridge, when talking about receiving coronavirus vaccines, said:

“I can’t think of a cooler place than Villa Park to be vaccinated – unless you’re a Birmingham City fan.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared those comments on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

Their post received plenty of interaction, with many finding William’s comments on the Blues amusing.

“Kinggggg”Credit: @ombella”W”Credit: @Billiam40″Pure class your highness”Credit: @Chardrocknroll”Get this man a crown”Credit: @ThassosF”Prince William is a legend”Credit: @ReubenOwen_”Well he ain’t wrong is he”Credit: @will_avfc

In other news: Villa plotting move for Manchester United man, find out more here. 

Southampton have been linked with Nice striker Evann Guessand and the 19-year-old could prove to be a superb option for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ahead of next season.

According to the Daily Mail, both Southampton and Newcastle United are keen on signing the teenage forward this summer after his impressive performances on loan at Lausanne in Switzerland.

Guessand has contributed seven goals and five assists in 32 appearances in the Swiss Super League this season, which included a scorpion kick finish against Zurich back in March, earning him comparisons with legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Whilst the Saints have a number of young forwards on their books already, with the likes of Nathan Tella, Dan N’Lundulu and Michael Obafemi all challenging for a spot in Hasenhuttl’s side, Guessand’s impressive record this season suggests that he could definitely challenge in Southampton’s side in the future.

According to Transfermarkt, his contract with Nice is set to expire in the summer, which suggests that Southampton could sign him on a pre-contract deal ahead of next season, meaning they wouldn’t have to pay a transfer fee.

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Although Guessand’s age suggests that the Saints may have to pay a compensation fee, you would imagine that it would be well worth the risk to try and sign him this summer, as he appears to have a bright future.

Danny Ings and Che Adams have formed a strong partnership at times this season but Southampton have struggled when either has missed a game, which suggests that they need to add some quality depth in that position ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, so Guessand’s signing would make a lot of sense.

Therefore, given the 19-year-old’s obvious potential, Southampton vice-chairman Martin Semmens must try and bring him to St Mary’s this summer, as he is someone who could definitely benefit the Saints on the pitch and from a financial perspective in the future.

In other news… Hasenhuttl headed for Saints disaster with £5.4m-rated flop, his form has vanished

With another season done for Celtic and the transfer window rapidly approaching, they could really do with a new manager.

They still have no permanent boss in the Parkhead dugout while the Bhoys are also missing a director of football.

Proceedings are never handled easily at Paradise, are they?

What’s the word?

Celtic have been searching for a new manager since the end of February but because of a number of complications, John Kennedy is still in interim charge.

A deal to bring Eddie Howe to Glasgow is edging closer to completion and those thoughts are echoed by The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

Amid interest being revealed in former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, it still looks as though Howe is the number one choice for Celtic.

Nixon took to Twitter after being asked whether the ex-Bournemouth boss would be given the reins.

He responded emphatically with two words; “Strong chance.”

Exciting news

All Celtic supporters want is something to take their mind off this arduous and troubling campaign.

At the moment, the thought of losing their grasp on the title to their biggest rivals, Rangers, is still stinging significantly.

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They weren’t just beaten to the Premiership crown but they were absolutely slaughtered, finishing 25 points behind Steven Gerrard’s men.

After being so far ahead of the pack for years, Celtic have suddenly found themselves a couple of campaign’s behind the Gers.

Their squad is ageing and could now do with a massive facelift. However, if players like Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer head for the exit door it’ll set them back even further.

That said, the arrival of a new manager, particularly one of Howe’s stature would go a long way to curing the pain. It would also demonstrate that Celtic are on the right track to be revived.

The 43-year-old’s CV is impressive for what he did at Bournemouth, but he was initially in charge during an even tougher set of circumstances than Celtic find themselves in.

He first took over the Cherries in 2008 when they were on the brink of relegation from League Two. They’d been deducted 17 points right at the start of that campaign after going into administration.

Howe not only saved them from dropping into non-league but in 2009/10, they achieved promotion to League One despite being in the middle of a transfer embargo.

It was a miraculous achievement and if he can revive a team from the doldrums like that, he can certainly rescue Celtic.

To hear that the Englishman is so close to completing his move will be music to the ears of the Green Brigade. He can’t arrive soon enough.

AND in other news, Big update emerges in Celtic’s Eddie Howe chase, Dominic McKay will be elated…

Celtic have not terminated the contract of Olivier Ntcham, contrary to reports suggesting that they would do so. 

That’s according to Scott McDermott, the chief football writer at the Sunday Mail.

The lowdown

The midfielder joined Ligue 1 outfit Marseille on loan at the end of the winter transfer window, with the deal containing an option to buy for £4.5m. However, Ntcham found himself immediately engulfed in controversy after then-manager Andre Villas-Boas publicly stated that he had not approved the signing.

The 25-year-old went on to make just four league appearances before the end of the season, playing a grand total of 118 minutes (via Transfermarkt).

The Frenchman’s £15,000-per-week Celtic contract runs until June 2022, and Football Insider reported on Saturday that the Hoops had no intention of welcoming him back to the fold and decided to rip up his contract to allow him leave on a free transfer.

The latest

McDermott got in touch with the club for a response to the reports and he was told that, as it stands, Ntcham’s Parkhead contract remains in place.

In the early hours of Monday morning, he tweeted: “Despite online reports, as of this afternoon, Celtic say the contract of French midfielder Olivier Ntcham hasn’t been terminated…”

The verdict

Even with a new manager set to come in at Parkhead, it would seem a surprise if Ntcham were to revive his career in Glasgow, considering how Celtic found him dispensable this season and given his glaring lack of match action in recent months.

Still, given that he’s valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, it makes sense to try to offload him this summer rather than simply letting him walk away for nothing next year. Even a small transfer fee could make a valuable contribution towards the club’s possible summer rebuild, so hopefully the reports of Celtic cancelling his contract are wide of the mark, as McDermott has suggested.

In other news, Alan Nixon answers Eddie Howe announcement question. 

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), journalist Kaveh Solhekol has dropped an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino. 

The Lowdown: Pochettino talks held by Spurs

On Thursday morning, the Athletic broke seismic news of Pochettino’s talks with Spurs whilst also lifting the lid on his desire to make a return to north London.

However, the BBC also report that no such contact has been made with his club, Paris-Saint Germain, with the general consensus being that they will fight tooth and nail to keep him in the French capital.

As such, chairman Daniel Levy may face a serious fight to appoint him.

The Latest: Reporter drops Pochettino update

Sharing an update, Sky Sports reporter Solhekol has claimed he has ‘some more information’ and confirms that ‘this is not a done deal’.

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“We’ve just been able to get some more information in the last ten minutes or so,” he explained to the broadcaster (via Football Daily).

“I’ll just run through it quickly for you.

“First of all Spurs would love to have Mauricio Pochettino back as their manager, but this is not a done deal.

“One source this morning was telling us it very close to being done, another source just now saying that it is still some way off at the moment.”

The Verdict: Managerial merry-go-round…

As reports emerged on Thursday morning of Pochettino’s interest in taking the Spurs job and vice versa, they were quickly followed by reports from France dismissing them entirely. 

This latest claim from Solhekol, whilst offering no encouragement of Tottenham appointing Pochettino imminently, at least reiterates interest from the Lilywhites in his sensational return to north London.

Spurs have apparently been looking for a new boss in the image of Pochettino to put the Jose Mourinho era behind them, and they won’t hire a boss any closer to that mould than the former fan favourite himself.

However, PSG’s firm stance and the fact he still has one year left on his deal at the Parc des Princes mean this move could be difficult to pull off.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.