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Former Manchester City defender Steve Howey has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that Erling Haaland would be a better option than Harry Kane for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Kane continues to be linked with a move away from Tottenham, with The Athletic recently claiming that the England international has his “heart set on a move to Manchester City” this summer.

Meanwhile, 27-goal forward Haaland is thought to be interested in a move to Chelsea, even if he has to wait a year before leaving Borussia Dortmund for the European champions.

Discussing the two strikers, Howey told TT:

“He [Haaland] certainly knows how to score goals. He would be a better option than Kane for me, even though Kane’s a class act, because this lad’s still got years and years ahead of him.”

Haaland is still only 20, turning 21 next month, so it is a very good point. However, getting him out of Dortmund before next summer, when his release clause becomes active, is looking like mission impossible.

The German club continue to insist that Haaland is going nowhere, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl telling Sport1 (via The Telegraph) last month that their talisman will still be wearing black and yellow once the new season starts.

According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Paul Gilmore, via Football Daily, one foreign club is ‘extremely interested’ in a move for Harry Kane – coming after Sky Sports broke news that the Englishman has confirmed his desire to leave Tottenham.

The Lowdown: Kane tells Tottenham he wants to leave

The Lilywhites’ star striker has been at the centre of much speculation in recent weeks after another season of no silverware at Tottenham.

Kane, according to a big development by Sky, has even now reiterated his desire to leave north London with Spurs making enquiries to sign replacement forwards.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all apparently been in touch with the 27-year-old’s representatives as Tottenham brace for a possible summer saga (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Kane attracting interest from abroad…

When asked if a European giant could swoop for Kane, including, potentially, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino at Paris-Saint Germain, journalist Gilmour stated:

“That is interesting, because we were told yesterday that one foreign club is extremely interested and has been in touch as well,” he explained on Sky Sports (via Football Daily).

“We haven’t been told the identity of that club, but of course Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, have all been mentioned in the past around Harry Kane.”

The Verdict: Europe the best option for Spurs…

If Kane does leave this summer or if Tottenham are indeed forced to sell their prized asset, Lilywhites supporters would surely want to see the striker move abroad as preferred to a domestic rival.

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The likes of Man City, Man United or Chelsea potentially acquiring the Spurs fan favourite would not only be a blow sentimentally, but his presence for one of their top six rivals could also hamper Tottenham’s chances of competing.

Therefore, if Spurs do have to let Kane move on, a move abroad could be the most appealing option.

In other news: Tottenham hold discussions with this Champions League-winning boss, find out more here.

Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a huge blow to their chances of keeping Osaze Urhoghide at Hillsborough this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that it appears increasingly likely that the centre-back will reject the Owls’ offer of a new deal, as interest is growing in the 20-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Both Xisco Munoz’s Watford and Mick McCarthy’s Cardiff City sides are reported to be extremely keen on a move for the £270k-rated defender this summer, who, unless he signs a new contract with Wednesday, will become a free agent next month.

Moore will be gutted

Having made a handful of appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, Urhoghide went on to establish himself as a regular part of the Owls first-team squad in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

Over his total of 16 Championship appearances this term, the youngster put in a number of solid performances for Darren Moore’s side, helping the Owls to keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game – with these metrics seeing the centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.63.

However, while this is by no means mind-blowing form, it must be said that being thrown into the heart of a defence that is in the midst of a relegation fight is no easy task, let alone as a player with so little first-team football behind them.

Indeed, the 20-year-old is extremely highly thought of at Hillsborough, with Yorkshire Live’s Dom Howson referring to the former AFC Wimbledon man as a promising prospect with a big future at the club, while Darren Moore has claimed Urhoghide is “immense” and “absolutely rock solid” in defence.

As such, the prospect of losing the centre-back this summer will likely come as a gutting blow for the 47-year-old Owls boss, who has claimed that he will be building a side based upon the club’s most talented youngsters for their upcoming campaign in League One.

In other news: SWFC handed major transfer boost over “adaptable” £3.7k-p/w gem, Moore will be buzzing – opinion

Celtic may be on the verge of finally hiring their new manager but that hasn’t stopped external claims for other names.

Eddie Howe is reportedly close to taking over at Parkhead after a number of stalling points but the Bhoys still have time to consider other options.

What’s the word?

Despite talks being at an extremely advanced stage for Howe, there are still doubts over whether he’s the right man to take Celtic forward.

That’s the view of pundit and Dumbarton manager Jim Duffy.

He was speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard this week and said: “Until you’ve got something signed, sealed and delivered, that speculation is going to continue. Other names are going to be mentioned like Jack [Ross]. I think Jack is a progressive young manager and has a lot of potential.”

Duffy added: “I’m sure he would have learned from his experience at Sunderland which is a huge club. I think he will be on the radar of clubs, not that Hibs isn’t a top club, but even bigger clubs provided Hibernian continue to progress.”

Desmond must consider him

Ross might be one of the most eye-catching managers coming through the Scottish game but you have to doubt his credentials at a top club.

He has guided Hibernian to third spot in the Premiership season but the fact of the matter is that his spell at Sunderland was pretty disastrous.

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The Scot crumbled under the pressure of a big fan base and was left with no answer as he tried to navigate them to promotion from League One in England. His team reached the EFL Trophy final but lost to Portsmouth and then they lost in the play-off final too.

That said, if Dermot Desmond is looking for a manager that’s like Brendan Rodgers, they simply have to consider him.

After all, the Northern Irishman absolutely adores him and he’s already familiar with Lennoxtown and Parkhead.

Speaking to Open Goal (via Glasgow Times) last year, Lewis Morgan commented: “Brendan Rodgers loves him and used to invite him to Lennoxtown all the time. He’d taken his Alloa team to Parkhead and done well and he’s got a similar coaching style, that’s his coaching idol. He loves him. All our team talks or analysis it would be like what Brendan was doing at Celtic.”

Regular dialogue has occurred between the two and plenty of Ross’ tactics and methods are right from the Rodgers playbook.

Lennon attempted to continue the Leicester manager’s drills during his second stint with the Hoops but it simply didn’t work.

Having someone familiar in his ways, therefore, should be highly beneficial to Celtic. Ross has failed at one big club but he should have learnt from those experiences.

He is evidently a far better manager and coach now.

AND in other news, Tierney 2.0: Celtic can forget about Laxalt by signing 18y/o with “enormous potential”…

According to a report by journalist Kevin Palmer, via Anfield Watch, the form of defender Nathaniel Phillips over these last few months has done enough to convince Liverpool he has a big role to play next season – prompting many Reds to react as one called it ‘brilliant news’.

Phillips has been forced to stand in for injured first team figures at the back like Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and the colossal Virgil van Dijk (inews).

The 24-year-old has started 13 Premier League matches under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as a result, making the most clearances per 90 (4.6) out of any Reds player in the squad (WhoScored).

Palmer now reports that Phillips has done enough to convince the club he can play a big role next season as the Reds seek to rebuild after what has been a title defence to forget.

While some Reds lavish this update, with one calling it ‘brilliant news’, others were also sceptical that Phillips is ready for a bigger role under Klopp next season.

Find all of their best verdicts from social media down below.

Liverpool fans flock to Phillips news

“Wow. Big respect for what he has done this season. But I’m not sure about using him next season. He is very good at winning headers, which is good when LFC face teams like Burnley and palace. Not up to the mark in passing though. But Klopp is a person who believes in training”

Credit: @SociallySober

“Great to hear, we still need to sign Konate but Phillips has absolutely earned his place in the squad”

Credit: @X29Fred

“He absolutely deserves it! Well earned! Can’t wait to see him next to Big Virg, a formidable defence in the making.”

Credit: @JaeTask

“He’s done the job well, very happy to see him be rewarded with a role for next season.”

Credit: @Adam1Marj

“Madness…. sell him while he’s at his highest, u make Him play 4th fiddle his value decreases massively.”

Credit: @pete8837

“Defo excellent player not just for the future but the present YNWA”

Credit: @roysie55

“Yeah he’s been outstanding”

Credit: @EdoFirst

“Buzzing to see this very well deserved”

Credit: @leightxn1

“Are people actually slating him? He’s been a solid 7-8 out of 10 for pretty much all season and it’s his first season in the prem? I think this is brilliant news that he’s gonna play a part next season!”

Credit: @cal_smxth

In other news: Liverpool fans now want this ace out of Anfield, find out more here.

Rob Lee has exclusively told Football FanCast that Newcastle having a prolific goalscorer like Callum Wilson in their squad gives them the edge in their fight for survival.

Newcastle have failed to win any of the seven Premier League games Wilson has missed following a hamstring injury he suffered in early-February, although the England frontman could return for their trip to Burnley this coming weekend.

Wilson, who reportedly earns £46,000-a-week, has scored 10 goals in 21 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, with five of their seven league wins coming when the ex-Bournemouth striker has been on the scoresheet.

Steve Bruce’s team did collect a valuable point late on against Tottenham on Sunday to move three points clear of the relegation-zone, but with Fulham hosting Wolves on Friday, the Magpies could find themselves below the dotted-line by the time they arrive at Turf Moor.

But Lee believes that Wilson’s imminent return will give Newcastle a major boost in their battle to avoid the drop.

Lee told Football FanCast:

“But as I said before, Wilson’s back. I hope he lives up to all the praise I am giving him. He makes a difference, it’s genuinely that simple. Out of all the clubs down the bottom, no one has got a goalscorer.”

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing defeat when they head to Everton in the Premier League this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side know that a loss at Goodison Park will see them leapfrogged in the standings, and that would subsequently make their hopes of breaking into the top six an arduous task, let alone the top four.

It means that the Portuguese must get his team selection and tactics spot on, and one decision could prove to be the difference-maker…

On the Chalkboard

Some of Spurs’ best football in recent months has come with Real Madrid loanee and fan favourite Gareth Bale in the starting XI.

After providing an assist from the bench during their 2-1 defeat to West Ham in late February, the Welsh winger was trusted to start their next three league outings, from which Tottenham emerged with three straight victories. Bale contributed substantially, picking up four goals (two braces apiece) and a further assist, as per Transfermarkt.

His hour against Arsenal was far from inspiring, but you couldn’t name a positive Spurs performer across the pitch that day, so snubbing him for Aston Villa, Newcastle and then Manchester United seemed a tad unfair.

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As ever, Harry Kane largely carried the north Londoners through those matches with his goalscoring exploits, but Mourinho’s side looked devoid of confidence in attack after throwing away another lead.

It’s now 18 points lost from a winning position this season and, whilst that largely comes down to defensive mistakes, those errors wouldn’t be so glaring if Spurs could put teams out of sight – and that is why Bale must start in a match as big as this one tonight.

He’s a game-changer, someone capable of producing something out of nothing. The same can’t really be said for any of Mourinho’s other options on the right flank.

The £18m-rated star may have only started six league games but he finds himself among Spurs’ most consistent performers (6.96), as per WhoScored ratings. In Tottenham’s squad, only Kane (19) and Heung-min Son (14) have found the net more often than Bale (five) in the Premier League this term.

By comparison, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn – the alternatives – have combined for just four goals. That’s a rather damning return.

If Bale’s recent omission wasn’t strange enough on that basis, it was only at the start of March when Mourinho claimed the Madrid loanee was “better than ever.”

The 31-year-old has even been lauded for his impact off the pitch, too. “His behaviour as a team guy is incredible, his behaviour as a Tottenham guy is remarkable,” revealed the Spurs boss back in October.

Mourinho must not make Bale the scapegoat for their recent failings, so ahead of kick-off tonight, he must make a U-turn and seek to start him alongside Kane and Son in attack.

It could certainly help Spurs to get back on track with a result at Goodison Park.

AND in other news, Levy could save Spurs millions with swoop for the next Ibrahimovic…

Loads of Everton fans have been left to hail a transfer update involving their former player Oumar Niasse.

As per the official Twitter page of Huddersfield Town, the Senegal international has signed for the EFL Championship club.

Several members of the Goodison Park faithful still have some fond memories of Niasse and so flocked to the post to show their appreciation for the 30-year-old.

He scored nine goals and made a further four assists in 42 games in total over all competitions across four separate terms for the Merseyside club (Transfermarkt), but now the striker will want to write a new chapter in his footballing story with the Terriers as they look to ease off any potential fears of relegation down to League One come the end of the 2020/21 term.

Everton fan reaction to Niasse transfer update

These Toffees hailed the transfer update on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that they were ‘absolutely delighted’:

“Love this. Go on Oumar lad”

Credit: @adxm1878

“Absolutely delighted for the lad. Gives his all every game and will do well in that league.”

Credit: @B3Bell

“Made up for him”

Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC

“Yesssss Oumar !!!!!”

Credit: @Ryanlowe1878

“Oh my the prince has arrived”

Credit: @Kie36117663

“Get in Oumar.”

Credit: @Stirla1878

In other news, find out what EFC man has been slammed by fans as transfer news has emerged here!

Noel Whelan is confident that Leeds United will spend up to £100m this summer as they look to go up another level in the Premier League.

The Whites have enjoyed a good first season back in the top flight, currently occupying 11th place in the table and arguably never looking relegation-threatened.

Marcelo Bielsa will know that he can’t afford to rest on his laurels, however, with new signings expected to be made in the summer transfer window.

The hope will be that Leeds can jump from being a mid-table team to pushing towards the European places in 2021/22, but only with reinforcements will that be likely to happen.

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Whelan expects Leeds to spend big this summer

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds striker Whelan said he firmly believes the plan is to spend up to £100m in order to meet those aforementioned goals. He said:

“I’ve heard about this big investment from the 49ers. That’s not gone on the field, it’s gone to balance the books and cover expenses.

“So the losses don’t worry me. Everyone’s posting big losses. Some are going to be double ours, quite frankly.

“I don’t think it will have much impact on transfer plans in the summer.

“The board realise they are going to have to spend £80-100m each season if they are going to be successful, if they are going to break into that top six. That’s the plan.”

Transfer Tavern take

This summer feels like a pivotal one at Elland Road, with Leeds in a position where they can really push on, assuming they do the right business.

Failure to build upon this strong campaign but would be hugely disappointing, but having funds available to make new signings should only be a good thing for the Whites.

In other news, one pundit has made a big claim ahead of Leeds’ clash with Fulham on Friday night. Read more here.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has laid into Diego Llorente, picking out one particular ‘terrible’ incident against West Ham.

The Whites were beaten 2-0 at the London Stadium on Monday evening, as their Premier League season threatens to peter out a little.

It’s now four defeats in the last five league outings for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who are 11th in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit of Chelsea.

Llorente comes in for criticism from Whelan

Someone who had a bad night at the office against the Hammers was Llorente, with the centre-back at fault for Craig Dawson’s goal.

The Spaniard joined Leeds from Real Sociedad back in September, but has made just four starts in the league to date, struggling badly with injuries.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan didn’t hold back in his criticism of Llorente, saying much more is needed from a player with so much experience:

“You are looking at a centre-half who is a Spanish international.  You have to do your homework beforehand. I knew that Dawson was their most dangerous, aggressive player from set pieces. In the second-half Bielsa rectified that mistake because he made Liam Cooper mark him instead.

“When you look at Dawson’s goal, it’s terrible defending. It’s weak and too easy. You do not expect that from a Spanish centre-half.

“He gave Dawson so much room and freedom inside the penalty area. You cannot do that. It was a free header at the far post.

“We have been like this all season. Set pieces have once again been our achilles heel.”

Transfer Tavern take

In fairness to Llorente, his aforementioned fitness woes have made it difficult for him to settle at Elland Road, so Whelan’s judgment is slightly harsh.

The 27-year-old’s pedigree is undeniable, with six caps to his name for Spain, and he likely just needs a run in the team in order to find his feet.

He will though be forced to defend better when the Whites square off with a red-hot Chelsea side or things could turn ugly.

In other news, Patrick Bamford revealed his feelings towards divisive referee Mike Dean!