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Paul Stewart believes that the Tottenham faithful would have been angry about the appointment of Italian manager Paulo Fonseca, with the club now turning to Gennaro Gattuso instead in what is a huge twist.

It’s exactly two months to the day since Jose Mourinho was sacked ahead of the Carabao Cup final, with Spurs’ search for a replacement proving an extremely difficult process.

Daniel Levy has missed out on all his top targets, including Mauricio Pochettino, and failed to convince former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte to join the club earlier this month.

Following the breakdown of talks with Conte, Levy turned his attention to Fonseca, who was replaced by Mourinho after leaving Roma at the end of last season.

Fonseca enjoyed success in Portugal and won three consecutive doubles with Shakhtar, but struggled during his two seasons in the Italian capital and failed to get Roma into the Champions League on either occasion.

With such exciting names previously linked to the role, Fonseca would have been an extremely underwhelming appointment, as Stewart exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Spurs ended up targeting a manager that got sacked for Jose, and it looked like he would be first-team coach. The fans are disillusioned after seeing the club go for a manager that got sacked from a Serie A.”

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts has told The Transfer Tavern that if Harry Kane is sold by the club this summer, it will happen in the final week of the transfer window.

Kane has been at the centre of the back pages in recent days following a report from Sky Sports claiming that he has asked to leave the club in the coming transfer window.

There is said to be interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, but any deal to extricate Kane from north London will surely be immensely expensive.

The striker still has to play the final game of the season, against Leicester City, a game in which Spurs could seal qualification for Europe.

He will then captain England in the European Championships, attempting to end the nation’s 55-year trophy drought.

As a result, Roberts believes that if he does leave the club, he will only move in the final days of the window.

Speaking to TT, he said: “But you know, he will give 100% for the football club. He’s got one more game. And then you’ve got the European Championships.

“So, you know, we’ll see what happens. If he is going to be sold, it won’t be until the last week of the transfer deadline.”

West Ham United are one of several Premier League teams eyeing a move for one of the Championship’s emerging stars, and no, it’s not Ivan Toney…

What’s the word?

According to Football League World, the Irons are registering strong interest in AFC Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma ahead of the summer transfer window.

Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton and Wolves are amongst the other top-flight teams mooted with a move for the 24-year-old attacker.

It remains to be seen how much Danjuma would command, and with the Cherries looking at back-to-back seasons in the second tier of English football, they could struggle to keep hold of his services.

Transfermarkt currently value the Dutchman at £10.8m, whilst he’s under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2024.

Benrahma 2.0

If West Ham can win the race for the Bournemouth hotshot, then they could well be onto another winner.

We know that the East Londoners have had plenty of success when luring talent from the lower divisions, in which Jarrod Bowen, Craig Dawson and more recently, Said Benrahma have been a hit.

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In fact, the latter draws some similarities to Danjuma as he’s another player capable of producing something out of nothing – someone with that spark; a bit of magic.

The 5 foot 10 dynamo was in electrifying form this campaign, helping the south coast outfit to the playoffs by providing 17 goals and seven assists, including strikes in both legs against Brentford, But it wasn’t enough to see them into the final.

It’s no wonder that Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate has waxed lyrical about his qualities, via the Bournemouth Echo, he said:

“He seems in a good place. He’s confident. He’s working really, really hard for the team now, which I think is important. If you add that to your game, you can only get better. He’s got a lot of ability,” before later adding: “Sometimes when games are 0-0 and it’s tough and it’s really tight in games, that’s when you rely on people like Arnie, Junior (Stanislas), Dominic Solanke to produce moments of magic. All three can do that.”

Also described as “exceptional,” Danjuma could be the Hammers’ next fine wing addition from the lower echelons of English football. He does have a little bit of experience in big time too, featuring 14 times prior to Bournemouth’s relegation, and has also picked up two caps for the Dutch senior side.

Furthermore, Danjuma’s 1.8 dribbles per game are only rivalled by Arthur Masuaku (2.4), whilst his 2.1 shots per outing are more than both Benrhama (1.2) and Bowen (1.4), so evidently, his skillset is an improvement based on their respective seasons.

This would be an astute signing from GSB and David Moyes, they must get it done this summer.

AND in other news, ÂMoyes set to receive major West Ham transfer boost…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes Celtic are not Eddie Howe’s first choice as he looks to get back into management.

Howe has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth last year following their relegation from the Premier League.

He has since been linked to the Celtic job, with many reports claiming that he is the Bhoys’ No.1 target in their search for a permanent successor to Neil Lennon.

Meanwhile, journalist Alan Nixon has reported that difficulties in assembling his potential coaching team have complicated things.

Hendrie, however, does not think Celtic are No.1 for Howe, suggesting that the 43-year-old is possibly holding out for another club as he continues to leave the Glasgow giants waiting.

On the Howe to Celtic links, the ex-Aston Villa player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“I think Eddie Howe, at the moment in time, I think he’s been linked with this job for so long, that I kind of feel like he’s waiting for something else to come along if you get what I mean. And I feel that’s not his first option.”

Howe has been linked with Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, so perhaps he has told Celtic to wait as he considers all of his options.

Roy Hodgson’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season, meaning a job could soon open up there.

Rangers have been linked with a move for Nimes winger Zinedine Ferhat recently and if he were to make the move to Ibrox this summer, it could be bad news for the future of Scott Arfield in Steven Gerrard’s side.

According to Foot Mercato (via Daily Record), Rangers are keen on adding the Algerian to their squad ahead of next season’s Champions League qualifiers, after his superb season in Ligue 1.

Despite playing for relegation candidates, the 28-year-old currently sits joint-top of the assist chart in Ligue 1, setting up 10 goals for his teammates, whilst he has also scored six times, which is his best ever season from a goalscoring perspective.

The £7.8m-rated star is predominantly deployed on the right-wing by Nimes but has played in a number of positions in his career, suggesting that he could be a really versatile option in Gerrard’s squad next season.

Assuming that Ferhat would be a starter at Rangers next season should he join this summer, his signing would likely be bad news for Arfield, who has already lost his status as a guaranteed starter this season, making just 11 starts in the Premiership, with the majority of his appearances in Gerrard’s side coming from the bench.

When the former Burnley man first joined Rangers he was often utilised as a winger but has moved more centrally as he has got older and perhaps lost a yard of pace, but unfortunately for him, Ferhat has been utilised centrally and out wide throughout his career, so would perhaps get the nod ahead of him next season.

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Gerrard is a big fan of the 32-year-old, and was full of praise for him back in 2018, saying:

“Scott has been superb. He is a great professional and a great lad who is growing each way and contributing really well. He is a really important player and that is the reason we were desperate to get him in the door.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

However, Arfield’s influence has clearly declined this season and the addition of a quality, versatile winger such as Ferhat could well be the final nail in the coffin for the Canadian’s time as a regular starter at Ibrox.

And, in other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for £8m-rated beast, he’s “had a fantastic season”

Many Southampton fans were livid with the performance of Theo Walcott during their 3-0 defeat on Monday evening in the Premier League.

The Saints were defeated by 19th-placed West Bromwich Albion in a very poor display at The Hawthorns. Matheus Pereira, Matt Phillips and Callum Robinson were all on hand to net against the visitors’ defence, leaving Ralph Hasenhuttl with plenty of work to do ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Leicester City next Sunday.

The display of Walcott in particular will have disappointed the Austrian. The 32-year-old landed just 71% of his attempted passses, prevailed in only three of his eight duels (SofaScore) and spent much of the game as a passenger on the right of the midfield four. Given his showing, it was unsurprising to see him hauled off first by Hasenhuttl.

These Saints supporters were far from happy with what they saw, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts. One frustrated fan even branded Walcott as “useless”.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Walcott below

“Sorry to offended all the nostalgia bashers but Theo Walcott is a washed up baller just because he ‘suits our system’ doesn’t mean he plays well in it”

Credit: @JackKnutsen_

“Ask him why he never changed it at half time, also tell him to drop Walcott Sunday, absolutely useless”

Credit: @saintsfcloyal

“Walcott – shockingly bad !”

Credit: @saintcullen70

“Yeah no way we sign Walcott on a permanent, he’s just not it”

Credit: @RahilMajid

“If we give Walcott a contract after his performances this season it just goes to show we have no one at the club with any understanding of how a football club is meant to be run. Good lad, atrocious footballer.”

Credit: @SaintMatt7

“Why sign Walcott! He’s had his day. We need hungry young players. Invisible tonight”

Credit: @COYSaints

In other news, many Southampton fans rage at these Hasenhuttl comments.

If anyone from Leeds had one eye on Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Granada on Thursday night, then they would have been left suitably impressed by the performance of Yangel Herrera.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are interested in signing the Venezuela international, and he put in a star showing despite his side’s 2-0 defeat on the night. As per Sofascore, he won a mammoth nine duels at Old Trafford, which was the second-most of any Granada player on the pitch, despite playing in a more advanced number 10 role.

The 23-year-old also racked up five shots on goal, by far the most of any player on either side, and also completed two of his four dribbles, showcasing a real South American flair with his touch and skill.

La Liga Lowdown’s Heath Chesters raved about the Venezuelan, and in particular his ability to win the ball back for his side and then do something productive with it, saying that he is “full of energy, his movement on and off the ball is excellent”.

Chesters continued: “He’s taken to the jump in levels like a duck to water, and particularly impressive is his reading of the game. Most impressive is his pressing, how he steals the ball and immediately sets his sights on shooting or playing a killer pass.”

La Liga pundit Terry Gibson also lauded Herrera’s knack of timing his runs into the penalty box, which is no surprise given that he has already bagged eight goals in all competitions this season.

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Gibson said: “He’s been outstanding it was a real coup to get him to stay (at Granada). He’s a really athletic, dynamic player who has a habit of getting into the box at the right times. He’s a threat in the air too. He’s a fantastic acquisition (for Granada). He’s shown his talent, he’s really good.”

Given the kind of rave reviews he has earned, and the performance he put in at Old Trafford in a major European tie, Herrera looks like he’s got all the tools in his locker to be a real star for Bielsa at Elland Road.

If Victor Orta had his eye on the match, then he would surely have been left in no doubt that Herrera is a must-sign for Leeds this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally wave goodbye to this liability…

Recently-appointed Charlton Athletic boss Nigel Adkins is probably best known for his spell at Southampton, and interestingly, there are a lot of similarities between then and now.

Both were former Premier League teams who were in rapid decline, both had large potential in terms of support with big all-seater stadia, and both were rescued by foreign investors.

There’s a lot the 56-year-old can take from that reign, which saw the Saints return to the big time after back-to-back promotions. Adkins had several key players, including Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, and the new Addicks may well have players in a similar mould at The Valley.

On the Chalkboard

Just like Lallana, Albie Morgan came through the academy system at Charlt0n, and whilst the Southampton legend had been a regular for the previous two seasons, the 21-year-old has established himself amongst the first team in south London.

He played a big part in both playoff campaigns, with his versatility and ability on the ball proving key to their fortunes. Indeed, These Football Times explained how Adkins ‘relied on’ the attacking midfielder throughout his tenure, whilst in 98 appearances, Lallana played both on the left and through the middle for him, as per Transfermarkt.

Under Lee Bowyer, Morgan had started to lose his place in the starting line-up, featuring in just two of the new Birmingham boss’ final six games in charge, but in 28 total appearances in all competitions this term, the 21-year-old dynamo has already played in seven different positions.

He has shown an ability to contribute goals, both from central midfield and on the right, having provided two goals and five assists so far. Morgan is among their most creative players, averaging 1.4 key pass per 90 minutes – only two other regularly-featuring Addicks players have managed more, as per WhoScored.

That passing ability was something noted by Bowyer, who told the club’s official website after Morgan’s second professional start: “I thought he was outstanding today in and out of possession. He’s 18-years-old, spraying the ball all over the place. I thought he worked his socks off.”

Again, that draws further similarities to Lallana, who has arguably made a career from being able to spray the ball about from midfield.

Perhaps Adkins already knows this – after all, the young academy gem started his first game in charge against AFC Wimbledon last weekend, playing 71 minutes at right midfield.

Dubbed “improving” and “maturing” by Bowyer, Morgan could well soon emerge as Adkins’ next Lallana in League One.

AND in other news, Adkins could find his next Rickie Lambert in £810k-rated beast who can “hold up a house”…

Celtic opened their Scottish Cup campaign last week with a routine 3-0 victory over Falkirk.

It was a nice distraction for the Bhoys as they were able to forget about their horrendous league season for a week and focus on other targets.

The Hoops have lost their grasp on the league title and have one remaining chance of winning some silverware this season. That, however, will be more difficult as they face fierce rivals Rangers in the next round.

This weekend, they are back in league action as they face Livingston at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon. They made a number of changes for their last clash so how will they line up when Livi travel to Glasgow?

We’re tipping Kennedy to make as many as four changes to the side which beat Falkirk a week ago.

That means a return to the line-up for a few of their star men. The £15,000-per-week Leigh Griffiths was handed a rare opportunity to lead the line but Odsonne Edouard is back this week. He’s scored 20 times this term and is their undisputed MVP from a rough-and-tumble campaign.

James Forrest keeps his place on the right flank after scoring his first goal following injury but Ryan Christie is axed from the starting XI. That means Mo Elyounoussi comes back after his impressive display against Rangers before the international break.

The Norwegian scored a wonderful diving header in that clash and deserves another run of starts.

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David Turnbull moves slightly further forward to play behind the striker, while Callum McGregor replaces Tom Rogic in the line-up.

The only remaining change to note is a return for Greg Taylor. Diego Laxalt consequently drops out, with Taylor now having a number of weeks of full training under his belt after injury.

AND in other news, Celtic may sign their best striker since Larsson with move for “powerful” £45k-p/w ace…

West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku has sent a teasing message on Twitter regarding his fitness after undergoing knee surgery for reoccurring pain in that area, with the Congolese international declaring he is ‘almost’ back as many Irons fans buzz over the ‘brilliant news’. 

Masuaku, who was a mainstay for David Moyes before deciding to go under the knife, starting 10 Premier League matches before his lengthy absence, is now nearing a return.

Even though the 27-year-old remained cryptic over his recovery time, he has dropped an enticing hint that his return to action could be imminent for the Hammers, explaining he is ‘almost’ back.

Since his absence, Moyes has been forced to improvise without his first-choice attacking left wing-back, but the revelation that Masuaku could be close to a Hammers return does potentially come as ‘brilliant news’ given their chase for a top four finish.

West Ham may benefit from having him back as an option, and these supporters are certainly excited by his message on social media – find some of the best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans buzz over ‘brilliant’ Masuaku news

“Yessssss!!!”

Credit: @RealHammers

“LETS GOOOOO KING ARTHUR”

Credit: @Dylan_Rudisill_

“Brilliant news, what exactly was wrong with your knee?”

Credit: @Christophercol

“Boom. I can’t wait to see you tearing it up in claret and blue, very soon. COYI”

Credit: @DJBazMati

“That’s it. The treble is wrapped up.”

Credit: @WHUspencer

“Come onnnnnnnnnn”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“Naaaaaaa Prem ain’t ready”

Credit: @WesthamDeku_

In other news: West Ham are reportedly in talks to sign this defender, find out more here.