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Celtic have been working on deals to sign both Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: McKay and Postecoglou’s Wembley meet up

New Celtic CEO Dominic McKay and boss Ange Postecoglou met in person in London on Friday, with the pair continuing to work on preparations for the new season.

The pair were also in attendance at Wembley, watching England against Scotland at the European Championships.

Current Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor played the entirety of the Group D stalemate, and it seems as if the Hoops were also busy on Friday when it comes to getting some new faces through the Parkhead door.

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The Latest: Source shares transfer news

Former Celtic man and Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie was talking to the site about the Hoops’ summer business in a story which was published on Friday.

Within that piece, Football Insider added that the club are working on deals for both Wyke and Ryan after being informed by a Hoops source on Friday.

Wyke is set to be out of contract at the end of month, whereas Brighton are happy to part ways with Ryan this summer.

The Verdict: New additions are needed quickly

Celtic have a month until Postecoglou’s first competitive game as Hoops boss against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifying rounds, so new signings could do with being sealed very soon.

Postecoglou is also set to take training next week after completing his quarantine, so you’d think he’d want his targets through the door as quickly as possible ahead of the new season.

Wyke and Ryan appear to be the two targets Celtic are working on at this moment in time, and hopefully, deals can be reached sooner rather than later, perhaps with a view to getting both players ready to start in Postecoglou’s first competitive XI against FC Midtjylland.

In other news: Hoops expected to make offer for Exeter City ace, find out more here. 

According to a report by Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, speaking to Kiss Kiss Napoli (via Calcio Napoli 24), Gli Azzurri boss Gennaro Gattuso has now been placed on the managerial candidate list for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Italian job…

Another day, another new name emerges from Italy linked with the Tottenham managerial vacancy.

The likes of Maurizio Sarri and Gian Piero Gasperini have previously been linked with the Spurs job, as well as Simone Inzaghi and even six-time title winner Massimiliano Allegri.

Sources closer to home, however, dismiss these reports touting Spurs with the possible appointment of an Italian coach (football.london) – with the media in England and Italy still at odds as they drop conflicting claims.

The Latest: Gattuso emerges as new Spurs candidate

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss (via Calcio Napoli 24), journalist Venerato has dropped a rather bold claim and thrown Gattuso’s hat into the Spurs managerial ring.

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The former AC Milan legend took over from Carlo Ancelotti as head coach of Napoli back in late 2019, but continued speculation mounts over his future at the Stadio San Paolo.

Venerato now believes that the 43-year-old is yet another Italian being eyed by Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy.

The journalist also explains that Levy is a huge admirer of the World Cup winner and has even scouted him personally.

“Lazio and Juventus are on Gattuso, but the news of the day is that Tottenham have put Gattuso on the list of candidates for the next coach,” stated the reporter.

“The English club has been dealing with Conte over the last month, but they also like Gattuso.

“Tottenham president Daniel Levy has seen many Napoli matches and has watched Gattuso closely.

“He was impressed by the quality of the game and the quality of the ideas, seeing the matches against Roma and Milan.”

The Verdict: Bold claim…

When it comes to managers from Serie A being linked to Spurs, Gattuso arguably stands out as fitting most into the mould of Tottenham’s reportedly ideal manager.

Former Milan sporting director, Massimiliano Mirabelli, also lauded the coach as ‘very underrated’ and an ‘innovator’ when speaking to Italian television channel 7 Gold (via Be Soccer).

And it is claimed by the press that Spurs are looking for someone ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ (The Daily Mail), with Gattuso certainly falling into those categories.

One major caveat, though, could be his style.

The former international’s 4-3-3 formation at Napoli is said to be a more defensive version of ‘Sarri-ball’ and this contradicts what Spurs are apparently looking for on the pitch.

Tottenham are allegedly searching for an attack-minded tactician to take the reins in north London (The Guardian), with Gattuso debatably not fitting this label.

However, given the noise surrounding Gattuso’s future, we’re surprised he hasn’t been linked until now.

In other news: Spurs could now be offered this £250,000-per-week star for Kane, find out more here.

A source from Newcastle United has dropped some promising insight on the parties involved in the potential takeover at St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Arbitration date set

The arbitration case between the North East club and the Premier League has been set for July, with the results of it likely to give a much clearer picture over the direction of where the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group is heading.

However, with the opening of the summer transfer window and the start of the new season on the horizon around the same time, it would be ideal for the Tyneside club to know their fate as soon as possible so they can go into it as best prepared as they can.

The Latest: Newcastle source drops insight

As per Football Insider, a Magpies source has shared that all parties involved in the bid are still committed and that there is growing hope that it will be concluded by the end of July, a very promising timeline indeed.

The Toon are privately confident that the top flight will approve the takeover after the arbitration hearing takes place, suggesting that they think that the results will go in their favour.

The Verdict: Promising for potential takeover

The voices coming out of NUFC are certainly promising with regards to the potential revival of the takeover.

However, a lot will hinge on the results of the arbitration proceedings, which despite Newcastle’s confidence, can go either way.

The Magpies will be hoping that whatever the result, they will know their fate before the new season kicks off, so that they can plan ahead with regards to player recruitment among other targets.

Nonetheless, the fact that all of the parties involved in the deal are still committed is a good sign, and if all goes well in arbitration, it is possible that the Toon Army could well see a takeover of their beloved club by the end of July.

In other news, find out what big claim Liam Kennedy has dropped on the potential takeover involving Rafa Benitez here!

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that it would be harsh for his old side to ditch Dean Smith and hire Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Earlier this week, it was revealed by Football Insider that super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Nuno, is looking to move his client to another club with more financial resources like Aston Villa.

Smith has done a great job at Villa since taking over back in 2018, guiding the Villans to the Premier League and helping them to retain their status there. Considering that, Hendrie believes it would be a brutal move to push him aside for Nuno.

Speaking exclusively to FFC on the subject, the ex-Villa player said:

“I feel that it would be a bit harsh if Dean was pushed aside to let in Nuno at this current stage because I feel that Villa have built from last season.

“They have been a little inconsistent, but I do feel that if we can bring in two or three or four players next season, why can’t we be a force next season and push for Europe? I do feel Dean can do that.

“He’s got a good understanding of the players, he’s got a good bond, so if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

Smith has done nothing to warrant a dismissal. Looking at the Premier League table, Villa are sitting pretty after being brought back to English football’s top flight by the 50-year-old in the first place.

Tottenham Hotspur head into the final game of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign knowing they must pick up all three points to stand a chance of qualifying for the Europa League.

But it will be no easy task as they face a Leicester City side who also need a victory in their bid to make the Champions League.

Spurs will need to vastly improve from their abysmal result in midweek, where they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa, and that result leaves interim boss Ryan Mason with plenty to ponder ahead of kick-off.

They looked disappointing in front of goal again, with big names like Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dele Alli all underperforming.

The link between midfield and attack may have been the root cause as the Lilywhites looked far more lively when Tanguy Ndombele’s presence entered the field of play during the second half.

Mason’s decision to opt for Harry Winks in the engine room in recent outings just hasn’t paid off. He is the man holding Spurs back right now as he offers very little going forward nor much defensively either.

Fans were less than impressed with his performance against Leeds, so perhaps it was surprising to see him come back into the starting XI in midweek after missing the win over Wolves.

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old midfielder ranks as the worst performer on the season with an average rating of just 6.33. This should come as no surprise, though, as he’s never managed above a diabolical 6.57 average in any of his Premier League campaigns since his debut.

In terms of attacking output, the Englishman manages only 0.3 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, often resorting to a side or backwards pass – something that is just not needed when the team are crying out for someone to drive them forward from the middle.

Against Villa, he once again failed to create a key chance, was dribbled past twice, and made only one of three long balls. proving to be rather wasteful too.

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Ndombele, however, tried to move Spurs forward in the mere 16 minutes he was on the pitch – via SofaScore, he made 90% of passes, successfully pulled off 100% of his dribbles, and won all of his ground duels, too.

Winks was poor defensively too. As noted by Chris Coleman during commentary, Eric Dier was seen lambasting his teammate during the game.

“You can see there. Eric Dier is having words with Harry Winks,” he said. “He’s saying that the shield in front of himself and Toby Alderweireld is not good enough. Grealish is getting in the space in front of the centre-backs and you don’t want that to happen. Eric Dier is asking for a bit more protection.”

Even the attack-focused Frenchman (1.2 tackles per game) is outdoing the £26m-rated passenger (0.9) with his work rate at the back, and that speaks volumes.

Given the £75k-per-week star has also been linked with an exit from N17 this summer, it would be wise to brutally axe him from the starting XI at the King Power this evening.

Winks has no right starting in a game of this calibre, especially not over a playmaker like Ndombele. It’s time for Mason to show no mercy over his old teammate in his final game in charge.

AND in other news, Mason must unleash “remarkable” £18m-rated beast on Leicester today, could be a game-changer…

Sheffield Wednesday are one of several teams keeping tabs on the progress of Akin Odimayo ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports…

What’s the word?

TEAMtalk claim the Owls are closely monitoring the 21-year-old defender after a string of impressive performances at League One strugglers Swindon Town this season.

Odimayo is also being coveted by Wednesday’s second-flight rivals Preston North End, Stoke City and Derby County, though his current club have a one-year option to take up, meaning a fee would be needed to prise him away.

Imagine him & Iorfa

The centre-back, who can also play on the right, could be the perfect signing the Owls need should they face relegation, which after Tuesday night’s latest defeat is becoming a mere formality.

In fact, that is something which could be confirmed as early as next week, so the Yorkshiremen might as well start planning ahead and finding a new centre-back is a very good place to start.

Darren Moore currently stands to lose as many as three central options in former skipper Tom Lees, Joost van Aken and emerging starlet Osaze Urhoghide as the trio remain out of contract in the summer.

Wednesday will be able to welcome back one of their star players in Dominic Iorfa next season as the impressive 25-year-old should be back from a long-term injury, and he’ll be in need of a defensive partner.

Odimayo’s versatility should please Moore too. Just like Iorfa and Urhoghide, he’s able to play right-back as well as on the right-hand side of a back three, and this is where there could be a glaring gap left behind.

The 21-year-old stands at a little over 6-foot, yet has still managed to average 2.6 aerial duels won, as well as chipping in with 2.3 clearances and 1.2 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, he is more productive in the tackle than Lees and Chey Dunkey and is ahead of Iorfa for clearances.

“I can see why teams are interested,” explained Robins boss John Sheridan. “He’s a young lad who’s learning the game, and he’s got a lot to learn still.”

Given Moore’s track record with developing young talent, this could be a match made in heaven.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Westwood: THIS Owls passenger badly let Moore down vs Swansea…

Charlton Athletic can move into the League One play-off zone with a win over Plymouth Argyle this evening.

The Addicks head to the southwest in pursuit of extending their unbeaten run to a tenth game and to bolster their promotion hopes but will need to improve after a 0-0 draw with fellow rivals Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

But will Nigel Adkins make any alterations to that side? Here’s our predicted XI along with the latest team and injury news ahead of this crucial encounter…

The 56-year-old is yet to lose since taking over from Lee Bowyer last month, though he could make just two changes from Saturday.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Adkins revealed that top goalscoring duo Chuks Aneke (12) and Conor Washington (11) had returned to training after missing the last few matches through injury.

However, this game could come too soon for either to start, so Jayden Stockley is likely to lead the line once again.

The Addicks boss remained coy on the fitness of Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen but having been rested at the weekend, he could come straight back in to replace 22-year-old winger Diallang Jaiyesimi on the right flank, with Liam Millar keeping his place on the left.

In midfield, Alex Gilbey and Jake Forster-Caskey are likely to spearhead the engine room once again but Darren Pratleys’ disappointing display should see him lose his place as there is fellow veteran Ben Watson waiting in the wings.

The 35-year-old would then be the second and final change, which means the back four of Ben Purrington, skipper Jason Pearce, Ryan Inniss and Adam Matthews should remain.

As does Ben Amos between the sticks.

AND in other news, Adkins must resolve Lee Bowyer problem to bolster promotion hopes…

It would be fair to say that Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham’s loan deal to Marseille has not gone as he would have envisaged.

The Frenchman joined the Ligue 1 outfit in January to the exasperation of former head coach Andre Villas-Boas, whilst he has only made five appearances for the club since.

As a matter of fact, he has not played longer than 45 minutes in any of his appearances for his adoptive employers.

Amidst suggestions that his spell in Marseille is not going to be extended beyond the end of the campaign, Football Insider now indicate that Ntcham no longer wants to be a Celtic player.

Certainly it’s now time for the Hoops to cash in on the three-time Scottish Premiership winner.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Check out the latest news and views from Celtic’s manager hunt!”]

After arriving from Manchester City in 2017, the 25-year-old has made 147 appearances for the Hoops, scoring 24 goals. He had previously drawn praise from the likes of former Celtic manager, Neil Lennon who labelled the French midfielder as “fantastic”.

However, his contributions have dried up completely in recent seasons, missing 34 league games alone in each of the last three campaigns due to a combination of injuries, poor form and managers’ preference for others. In that time, Ntcham has contributed just eight goals.

Now rated at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, his value is only going to decrease after his disastrous spell with Marseille and a potential lack of football back with Celtic.

Before any more depreciation occurs, it would surely be a smart move from the Glasgow club to cut their losses on Ntcham and sell him.

After all, the Hoops are not going to feel any benefit of keeping him at Parkhead should he not wish to represent Celtic any more.

It would be a sad end to Ntcham’s stint with the club – and certainly not one that either he or the Hoops hierarchy will have envisaged.

AND in more news, have a look at the latest twist as Celtic aim to find a successor for Neil Lennon…

Many Aston Villa fans have flocked to an update on Ross Barkley that was relayed on Twitter by journalist Ashley Preece.

Preece recently wrote an article about Barkley and his situation at Villa and the journalist shared it on Twitter.

The article from Preece called for more support for Barkley, saying that his confidence has taken a dent over the last few months at Villa and instead of constant abuse, the England international deserves more support from the fans.

The 27-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing to five goals as well. His campaign was disrupted by a hamstring injury – his last start for Villa came back in late February against Leicester (as per Transfermarkt).

As many as 13 Villa players have picked up better average match ratings than him, which shows that his loan stint at the club hasn’t exactly gone to plan, but also that the general standard at Villa Park now is just extremely high.

Preece’s tweet about Barkley drew the attention of many Villa fans, who made their views clear about the midfielder.

What do Villa fans make of Barkley’s situation?

“I think it would be difficult to criticise him if his work rate was high but coming on as a sub late in second half and ambling around like he did really isnt up to scratch. He has to help himself too, being a passenger and not creating chances isn’t going to boost his confidence.”

Credit: @GVillans

“Best of luck to him but can’t have passengers like that at Villa. We’ve worked hard to rid the club of players who lack the desire and work ethic but are happy to pickup vast sums of cash each week – let’s learn from our previous mistakes.”Credit: @GV18271″Ash, I agree that players need backing and support. He has lost confidence and we all know how that feels. But the bare minimum is hard work and dedication, yet he is showing nothing. He has done absolutely nothing to show the fans he wants to make it right. Its his own doing IMO.”Credit: @Chrsmo”There is no doubt that the lad has plenty of ability, but the bear minimum is hard work and one example he should be following is Trezeguet he gets plenty of stick from our fans, but never for his lack of work rate.”Credit: @WayneDawkins2″There’s out of form and there’s lack of effort and that’s simply not on. Even our worst performers look like they care, Barkley doesn’t and I think he’s burned too many bridges now.”Credit: @brummyste”Sorry Ashley I disagree he should practice in someone else’s time not waste ours and at a huge cost to the club. Hard lesson learnt back to Chelsea please. Onwards and upwards.”Credit: @LG23392173In other news, Villa source lifts lid on huge offer expected for ‘brilliant’ £22.5m-rated AVFC star – report

Charlton Athletic will hope to extend their unbeaten run to six games on Saturday as they take on AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane. A win could take them further into a playoff contention spot, potentially jumping above fifth-placed Doncaster.

The Addicks came away with all three points against relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers on Tuesday,  scoring a late goal to seal a 3-2 victory. First half goals from Andrew Shinnie and Jake Forster-Caskey cancelled out their opposition’s two goal lead before Conor Washington found the back of the net in the 84th minute.

It seems as though new manager Nigel Adkins will be without injured duo Ryan Inniss and Marcus Maddison in his first game in charge, but they have no new absentees leading up to this fixture. Adkins was appointed on Thursday after Lee Bowyer left the managerial position for Birmingham City.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Adkins to line his side up against AFC Wimbledon, with two changes from the team which started against Bristol Rovers in midweek…

Ben Amos is expected to retain his place in between the sticks, despite not putting in a great performance on Wednesday. Wimbledon have scored the second fewest goals this season in League One, so he shouldn’t be in for too much trouble tomorrow afternoon.

Their back four is expected to remain the same, with Ian Maatsen, Jason Pearce, Akin Famewo and Chris Gunter all keeping their places in the starting lineup. Out of all the teams in the top of half the league table, Charlton have conceded the highest number of goals, and so Adkins will want his defence to sharpen up if they are to withhold a playoff position.

Jake Forster-Caskey and Liam Millar will most likely keep their places in their midfield, but we could see Ben Watson come back in to add more solidarity and experience. Andrew Shinnie should also start again after an impressive performance in midweek.

Conor Washington has now scored four goals from his last three games and should definitely be in Adkins’ starting XI on Saturday. 27-year-old Chuks Aneke comes in for Jayden Stockley after missing out on a starting place against Reading. Aneke is the club’s top goalscorer in this campaign with 12 goals.