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According to reports by Gazzetta dello Sport (via SportWitness), Tottenham are looking at Dušan Vlahović alternatives, leading to the monitoring of Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca.

The Lowdown: Spurs need goals

Ever since Fabio Paratici arrived in London, Spurs have been linked with a move for Fiorentina’s Vlahović. The 21-year-old striker is in fantastic form this season, having scored 15 goals in 17 Serie A appearances, making him the league’s top goalscorer. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that it will take a bid of £59.5m to lure the youngster away from the Italian side.

These links emerged after Manchester City offered £125m for Harry Kane in the summer. Spurs of course rejected this offer, but retrospectively this seems like a hasty decision. Kane has struggled this campaign, having scored just one goal in 13 Premier League appearances.

At 29-years-old, the Englishman is in the prime years of his career. If Tottenham did decide to sell the striker, they may never receive an offer anywhere near this previous sum, and perhaps that is why they are searching for cheaper alternatives to Vlahović.

The Latest: Spurs monitoring Scamacca

According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport (via SportWitness), Tottenham remain extremely interested in the signing of Vlahović.

However, the newspaper claim that Sassuolo’s Scamacca is currently being monitored by a couple of major English teams, and is deemed ‘popular’ in the Premier League.

Tottenham are allegedly one of the teams interested in the player, especially if Kane parts ways with the Lilywhites in 2022.

The Verdict: Sound alternative?

Vlahović is also on Manchester City’s radar, as Pep Guardiola remains without a proper striker. If the Premier League winners decide to not go in for Kane in the summer, it is expected that they will pursue the Serbia international, and perhaps that will take the decision out of Paratici’s hands.

However, Scamacca could prove to be a good alternative. Despite scoring just five goals in 17 appearances this season, the youngster has shown enough potential for Davide Ballardini, one of his managers at Genoa, to liken the 22-year-old to a young Christian Vieri.

The 6 foot 5 Scamacca is described by Whoscored as strong in the air and someone who ‘likes to tackle’, so perhaps he could be the perfect man to spearhead Antonio Conte’s new look Tottenham, performing the sort of role that Romelu Lukaku did for the manager last season at Inter.

Glasgow Rangers dropped what could be two vital points in the race for the Scottish Premiership title at Saturday lunchtime ahead of the Old Firm derby.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team were pegged back deep into injury time by Matthew Wright, after twice taking the lead through debutant Amad Diallo and later Connor Goldson.

James Tavernier had equalised for the visitors after Jordan White and Regan Charles-Cook answered Diallo’s opener with two quick goals before half-time, in what was a really poor defensive display in particular from the Light Blues.

The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the Gers on the day, and they may now be looking over their shoulder regarding their place in the XI against Celtic…

Cedric Itten

Itten ranks third to last as he was given a 6.7 overall rating by SofaScore.

The Switzerland international was hauled off just before the hour mark for Kemar Roofe with the score still level, emphasising the lack of impact he made on the game.

He lost six of his seven duels, and failed with both of his shots on goal, while he also could not manage a single dribble, and lost the ball a total of 10 times.

Itten was the only Gers starter to have recorded fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Allan McGregor, and fans were particularly critical of his display above others in the team.

Calvin Bassey

Bassey had a poor match by his standards, making a silly mistake that led to the second goal being conceded, and justifiably was only given a 5.9 rating.

The central defender lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to block any shots or make any interceptions, while he was guilty of giving the ball away on seven separate occasions.

Allan McGregor

Unsurprising, McGregor was given the lowest rating (4.6) after his two bad errors which both led to goals.

The Scotsman was simply not himself, recording just a 76% pass accuracy, one of the lowest out of his teammates, while he also lost possession six times in total, and only managed to make one save.

In other news, find out what contract update has Gers gushing here!

Rangers take on their Old Firm rivals at Ibrox on Sunday, with Steven Gerrard’s side hoping to continue their unbeaten run in the Premiership this season by avoiding defeat.

After being knocked out of the Scottish Cup last weekend, the Gers will be fully focused on finishing the league season unbeaten, with just three games between themselves and an invincible campaign.

Although they have largely had the better of Celtic this season, the Parkhead club will undoubtedly be out to seek revenge after Rangers denied them a 10th successive title, so they would take great pleasure in handing the champions their first league defeat of the campaign.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Gerrard to line up for the Old Firm derby, with two changes from the team which started against St Johnstone last time out…

Allan McGregor unsurprisingly keeps his place in goal and he will be hoping for a repeat performance of the last time Rangers faced the Hoops, when he saved a penalty and kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

There’s one change in defence as, after Filip Helander was ruled out for the season, Jack Simpson starts alongside Connor Goldson at centre-back, with Leon Balogun also sidelined.

Steven Davis and Glen Kamara start together in midfield, with the £5.4m-rated Kemar Roofe earning a start ahead of them after some strong recent displays.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Joe Aribo moves to the right wing in place of Ianis Hagi, who has struggled recently, whilst Ryan Kent starts on the opposite flank, supporting Alfredo Morelos up front.

In other news… Bye-bye Kamara: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “very good” 22 y/o

Everton will host Leicester at Goodison Park this evening in an important clash that could push Frank Lampard’s side further into safety from the relegation zone if they can take all three points from the game.

In terms of injury news, despite having an almost fully fit squad when Lampard spoke yesterday in his press conference to confirm the return of Yerry Mina and Donny Van de Beek, there has now been a new injury worry in the team that could see a starting player out for the game ahead.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been named as a doubt for selection following a rumoured injury problem according to journalist Chris Beesley from the Liverpool Echo. However, there is no clarity yet on whether he will play against Leicester City and will likely come down to the game itself for official confirmation of the striker’s condition.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up against Brendan Rodgers’ side…

We expect to see three changes in the team that beat Manchester United, with a 4-2-3-1 formation deployed.

The first change we expect to see is Yerry Mina’s instant inclusion in the selection following his long-term injury problems that have kept him sidelined since the beginning of February when he picked up a high-grade quadriceps tendon injury during the game against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Toffees boss confirmed that the 6 foot 3 defender hailed a “monster” by Michael Ball, will “feature” in today’s team, and we predict he will replace Michael Keane to play alongside Ben Godfrey, which will be a huge boost in the back-line.

The second change that we think we will see in tonight’s game is the return of van de Beek but placed in a more attacking role, allowing the Man United loanee to have more freedom to be creative and play a part in troubling the Foxes defence, his attacking attributes are something he is well known for from his time at Ajax.

The third and final change we predict is Demarai Gray coming in on the left wing to replace Richarlison, who will take the centre-forward role in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.

If the rumours are true that the striker is injured again, Lampard will not be wanting to take any chances on his fitness and will likely either bench the forward or remove him from the squad completely ahead of the Merseyside Derby this weekend.

Everton can go six points clear of 18th place Burnley if they can secure their second win in a row against Leicester tonight, and Lampard will surely be hoping his team can carry their confidence from their surprise win over Man United into the game, especially with the added quality re-joining the side in the likes of Yerry Mina.

AND in other news: Lampard must unleash “unselfish” £22.5m-rated Everton star, he’ll terrify Leicester

Celtic are playing the waiting game over any possible deal for Airdrie winger Thomas Robert.

According to the Daily Record, the Hoops will hold off on offering the 20-year-old a contract at Parkhead until a director of football and manager are put in place.

Robert’s Celtic trial

The French winger, son of former Newcastle star Laurent, had a trial at Lennoxtown recently after first being linked with Celtic back in December.

Head of recruitment Nick Hammond watched Robert in action against East Fife towards the end of 2020, but it seems as if Celtic will now delay over a potential summer swoop.

The latest report adds that fellow Premiership sides Dundee United and Aberdeen are now also keeping tabs on the youngster ahead of the summer window and could step in to beat the Hoops to a deal.

Transfer Tavern take

To us, this latest development is a cause for concern in regards to any move for Robert.

With Aberdeen and Dundee United keen, Celtic’s vacant off-field roles could come back to haunt them, should either side make a concrete move.

Karamoko Dembele is also reportedly set to leave the club in the summer, so bringing in Robert to replace the teenager could be a shrewd call in the long run. However, it looks as if they may have to act fast.

In other news: Club in talks with Celtic over deal for £7,500-a-week ace, find out more here. 

Derby County ‘fear they may start next season in League One’ instead of the Championship, with the EFL plotting their next steps regarding the Rams’ financial irregularities.

The Lowdown: Derby future clouded

The Rams have been fined £100,000 for some of their accounting policies and the EFL can appeal against the verdict, potentially leading to a points deduction as well.

That could mean Derby are relegated to League One to the benefit of Wycombe Wanderers, following the latter’s 22nd-place finish last season.

The Latest: Key update provided

A key update has now been provided by Sky Sports‘ Rob Dorsett on Twitter, who states that Derby are concerned that they will be playing League One football in 2021/22.

He also says “I’m told Derby bosses are privately fuming” that next season’s Championship fixture have been confirmed with Wycombe’s involvement in the competiton not ruled out, while the EFL are now plotting a potential appeal against the £100,000 fine.

The Verdict: Worrying news for Derby fans

Wayne Rooney’s side secured safety by the skin of their teeth last month, and while there was positivity in the air after the 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, that has been replaced by trepidation.

The thought of Derby playing in the third tier of English football doesn’t bear thinking about – that hasn’t been the case since 1991/92 – so the hope is that further punishment is avoided.

In other news, Derby have been linked with a summer move for an international player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Robin Olsen, regarding West Ham’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Gianluigi Longari, as transcribed by Transfer Tavern, West Ham have identified Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen as a potential signing following his strong performances at the European Championships for Sweden.

The report claims that Real Sociedad and Lille also hold a strong interest in landing the shot-stopper and that they will be competing with the Hammers to land his signature in the coming weeks of the transfer window.

Moyes needs him

West Ham must sanction a swoop for the experienced goalkeeper this summer to bolster their ranks between the sticks. Lukasz Fabianski, 36, and Darren Randolph, 34, are in the latter stages of their career and the time could be right to bring in a younger shot-stopper to potentially take over from Fabianski or provide tougher competition for his place in the side.

Whilst Olsen is not exactly a spring chicken at the age of 31, he does have five years on Fabianski – who has been West Ham’s number one in recent seasons – and that suggests that he could be the club’s first-choice for several seasons if he arrives this summer. This is why his age, especially in comparison to Fabianski and Randolph’s, should not be a major concern for the club.

His quality should also not be in doubt. The Sweden international enjoyed a terrific tournament at the European Championships, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.80 and earning one Man of the Match award from four appearances for his country. After a stunning display against Spain earlier in the competition, his Swedish teammate Alexander Isak hailed the “incredible” giant and promised that he would give him a hug to say thanks for his superb performance.

He said:

“He was absolutely incredible.

“He was fantastic, he saved us. I am going to give him a big hug and say thank you.”

The £43k-per-week monster could be an excellent addition to West Ham’s squad. In seven Premier League appearances on loan at Everton last season, Olsen averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.70. Fabianski and Randolph, meanwhile, managed scores of 6.62 and 6.52 respectively.

Moyes needs Olsen at the London Stadium. He could be a brilliant signing to come in and compete with Fabianski and eventually be his long-term replacement, as he has shown he is capable of producing a higher standard of performances than the Poland international and Randolph.

Hopefully, West Ham will be able to get a deal over the line and fans can watch Olsen fill up the goal in the Premier League for the Hammers.

AND in other news, The Athletic drops West Ham update on £20m “goal king”, fans will be buzzing…

Eddie Howe isn’t even in the building yet but Celtic are already targeting players with the view to him being appointed.

A couple of players have been linked with joining Howe at the Bhoys, including Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

On the chalkboard

The new manager’s first priority when he walks through the door will be to address the futures of a number of individuals at the club.

Kristoffer Ajer has attracted admirers from elsewhere on a repeated basis while Odsonne Edouard has long been tipped to leave. West Ham came calling for the Frenchman in January, while it’s thought that Liverpool are now also interested in his services.

Losing him would be a monumental blow to Celtic’s chances of reclaiming their dominance of Scottish football. Edouard is their top scorer with 20 goals this term, so trying to replace such a prolific forward won’t be easy.

[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=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Celtic will need to ensure they have contingency plans in place because those behind the Frenchman in the pecking order aren’t particularly full of goals. Albian Ajeti has just six to his name since joining the Hoops last summer, while Patryk Klimala has three goals all season.

Who will his replacement be?

If Howe is given the Celtic job, the Bhoys could welcome Josh King to Paradise this summer. That’s according to The Sun, who suggested that the 43-year-old will look to make the Norwegian one of his first signings as Hoops manager.

King left Bournemouth for Everton in January on a six-month contract and thus could move on a free transfer when the summer window opens.

Capped 54 times by Norway, the forward has plenty of experience at the top level and has a history of scoring goals in one of the best leagues in world football. The 29-year-old is yet to find the net in Everton colours but has 48 Premier League goals to his name throughout his career.

This season hasn’t been great to King but clearly he is a clever striker with plenty of qualities, and you sense that he could thrive in Scottish football. Like Edouard, he has nice feet and is also powerful, using his robust frame to bustle past opponents.

You only need to heed the words from Vidar Riseth, one of his former teammates, for an indication of what he could bring to Glasgow.

“He has all the attributes any striker needs,” the ex-Hoops player began. “I have played with him and against him and I know all about his qualities. If there is a chance for Celtic to get him then they must take it because he would be an incredible signing for them.

“He’d be a great signing. I am talking about a top striker. He has so many qualities and he has done so well for the national team, too,” he concluded.

There may be an element of bias to Riseth’s words, but reuniting King with Howe could be a masterstroke. In terms of replacing Edouard, there would certainly be worse signings than the 29-year-old.

AND in other news, Big twist arises in Celtic manager search, Hoops fans should be buzzing…

It shocked the entire Black Country as well as the whole of the Premier League when Nuno Espirito Santo announced he would be leaving the club this summer. It’s something even Wolves legend Steve Bull couldn’t believe.

Fans were able to give Nuno a good send-off after their game against Manchester United at Molineux as 10,000 Wolves supporters said their final goodbyes to the man who got them out of the Championship and into the Europa League within two seasons.

Fans are obviously feeling a bit empty and sad that he is leaving with some even hanging a huge flag from the Iron bridge in the Midlands wishing Nuno goodbye, good luck and a thank you for everything he achieved at Wolves.

Nuno only signed a new contract at Molineux in October 2020, however, that did nothing to stop him parting ways with the club, something Bull can’t get his head around as he explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I know that the night before he was happy as larry and was absolutely fine, but then the next morning I was getting loads of texts saying he had left.”

The early frontrunner for the job is former Benfica manager Bruno Lage who was also Carlos Carvalhal’s assistant coach at both Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.

Wolves will have to be careful who they appoint as Nuno’s successor because after a poor season this year which saw them finish 13th in the Premier League, a bad manager could see them tumble towards the bottom three next season.

Reported Everton summer transfer target Luis Diaz was on target for FC Porto as they drew 1-1 with reigning Primeira Liga champions Sporting Lisbon on Saturday night. 

Nuno Santos had put Sporting ahead, but with 20 minutes remaining, the Colombian picked up the ball in the top left corner of the penalty area, cut inside two challenges and curled his shot into the bottom right corner to equalise for Porto.

It was his third league goal of the new season following earlier strikes against Maritimo and Belenenses.

Everton’s interest in Diaz

Everton tried to sign the left winger during the summer transfer window as part of a deal which would have seen compatriot James Rodriguez head to Portugal, but the latter’s wages proved to be an insurmountable stumbling block (via Carlos Aleman).

It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will revisit their interest in the £22.5m-rated 24-year-old in a subsequent transfer window.

BT Sport posted a clip of the goal, and here’s what some Everton supporters made of it.

Many Everton fans flock to footage of Diaz goal

“Hopefully we revisit next summer”

Credit: @GraemeMcV

“Here’s what you could have had”

Credit: @AndyBeav96

“Luis Diaz what a player man. Hopefully Everton go back in and land him next summer”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

“Not a chance we are getting him now”

Credit: @barry1878

“Get him signed!”

Credit: @the_street_end

“PAIN”

Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC

In other news, Marcus Bent says this is why Moise Kean’s move didn’t work out.