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According to recent reports, there is a 75% probability that Tottenham Hotspur go on to sign Marcel Sabitzer this summer.

The report by Bild (via Sport Witness) claims that, with Sabitzer’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2022 and with RB Leipzig aware that the 27-year-old will not be signing an extension, the Bundesliga side could look to offload the midfielder this summer.

Furthermore, it is stated that the Austria international would like to leave the German club in the next transfer window, with a switch to the Premier League being his goal. It is also claimed that, with no release clause present in his contract at Leipzig, Julian Nagelsmann’s side will be demanding a fee of around €42m (£36m) to part with the 27-year-old.

Finally, it is claimed that Daniel Levy will have enough cash to fund a move for the £78,000-per-week midfielder as long as Spurs manage to sell Dele Alli, with Bild claiming that there is a 75% probability that Sabitzer’s switch to Tottenham goes through.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Mourinho thought to be a fan of Sabitzer, while the 58-year-old appears to hold a very different view on Alli – whom he has handed just two Premier League starts so far this season – it is not a difficult scenario to imagine that the Spurs manager will be doing all he can to persuade Levy to get a deal done for the Austrian midfielder this summer.

However, with Levy reluctant to offload Alli in previous transfer windows, as well as Mourinho’s future in north London not appearing to be particularly certain, whether or not the Spurs chairman gives in to the will of the Portuguese manager remains to be seen.

In other news: Levy is set to battle several PL clubs for the signing of ‘the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ – find out more here!

Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper and Sky Sports regular Paul Robinson has touted a north London exit for Cameron Carter-Vickers at the end of the season to pave way for new signings – coming after the same outlet revealed that Daniel Levy is not planning to renew the defender’s contract.

Carter-Vickers, who made his senior debut for the Lilywhites at 18-years-old in the EFL Cup five years ago, has been sent out on loan to Swansea City, Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, Stoke City and Luton Town since then.

Bournemouth are the latest club to take him on a temporary stint away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the USA international shining under new Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate.

Robinson touts Tottenham exit for Carter-Vickers

Despite this, Robinson expects there is no way back for the 23-year-old at Spurs – coming after it was recently revealed by Football Insider that there are no plans to offer him a contract extension.

“I think Carter-Vickers will leave Spurs this summer and I think he will be among others,” explained the ex-Lilywhite.

“The summer is fast approaching and it is a big window for Spurs. There has been a lot of upheaval over the past 12 months and I think this summer will be really important.

“Jose Mourinho has time to assess his squad and look at who he will clear out to make room for new faces. I think there will be a lot of movement in and out at Spurs in the next window.

“Yes, they have a very strong squad but there are a few he would like to move out and that will pave the way for new signings.”

Transfer Tavern take

Described as a ‘fantastic player’ by former teammate Sonny Bradley during his stint at Luton (Luton Today), an exit does seem inevitable for Carter-Vickers given his deal is up come the end of this campaign.

Jan Vertonghen also called him an ‘absolute beast’, and Tottenham fans may be left wondering what might have been if he thrives elsewhere.

In other news: talkSPORT pundit lifts the lid on this ‘amazing’ starlet in ‘good news for Spurs’, find out more here.

With Neil Lennon no longer in charge of Celtic, the club’s hierarchy are on the lookout for a new boss. Whoever is deemed suitable to try and re-energise life at Parkhead may well have their work cut out.

As many as 12 players could leave this summer while they will be expected to work with a completely new structure. The Hoops are on the search for a director of football too, while Dominic McKay is set to replace Peter Lawwell as their new CEO.

With that in mind, trying to decide who should be the next manager could be a messy affair. It’s recently been reported that Martin O’Neill has been contacted in order to get his perspective on who the new boss should be.

The likes of Roberto Martinez, Steve Clarke, Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard have all been mentioned but the freshest name doing the rounds must be at the top of their shopping list.

That happens to be David Moyes. GIVEMESPORT reported this week that he has been sounded out as Lennon’s potential successor.

Moyes is out of contract with West Ham in the summer, a situation made all the more perplexing by their current rank of fifth in the Premier League. They are two points off the Champions League spots and have a game in hand over fourth-placed Chelsea.

This has been an incredible season for the Hammers with Moyes breathing fresh life into what was a tired and bedraggled club.

The Irons were on the verge of being relegated last season but are now close to securing European football. Indeed, it would now be a disappointment if they didn’t see it through.

With that in mind, luring the Scot to Parkhead would surely prove difficult. He’s built a marvellous project in east London, one that will have those in Glasgow rubbing their hands with glee.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-hunt-stories-wagner-marsch-martinez-lennon-news” title=”The last stories on Celtic’s hunt for a new manager!”]

Celtic’s crisis might not be as bad as potential relegation from the top-flight but they are in need of a figure who can grab the players by the scruff of the neck and change the mentality of the whole club.

In the words of The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, West Ham “now look like a quick, young, hungry team rather than a tired, slow, lazy one.”

The final passage there would define Celtic pretty well. Their football has hit a stumbling block and they are lacking a certain cutting edge that’s taken them to the title in nine of the last ten years.

Unlike many managers on the Celtic shortlist, Moyes knows Glasgow. He played for the Bhoys between 1980 and 1983 and the expectations are still the same; beat Rangers.

That’s something they failed to do this season but the 57-year-old coach is capable of reviving their fortunes. The turnaround he’s achieved at West Ham has been miraculous, but it’s no surprise when you consider his qualities.

“David Moyes is a fantastic manager and exceptional man-manager. He’s a really nice guy and his football knowledge is incredible. He’s amazingly hard-working and he knows the game inside-out,” Danny Mills told Football Insider.

“He has a certain style of play,” Mills added before hailing the work-rate he instils in his players.

It’s hard to argue the Hoops players have worked hard enough this season. One of the main criticisms of Lennon’s tenure were his coaching methods. Moyes, on the other hand, knows how to get the best out of players stuck in a rut.

He has an old fashioned style but it would undoubtedly suit the Bhoys. He has to be at the very top of their shopping list when it comes to re-shaping the future of the football club.

AND in other news, Celtic manager search takes fresh twist; it should be good news for Hoops supporters…

According to Wigan Today, Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of bringing Kyle Joseph to Ibrox after Wigan Athletic administrator Paul Stanley insisted nothing would change before deadline day.

What’s the word?

Steven Gerrard’s side have enjoyed a superb Scottish Premiership season thus far as they find themselves far ahead of Celtic in the title race.

Reports have emerged over the past few weeks that Rangers are interested in signing the 19-year-old, who has made 14 League One appearances with five goals and one assist to show for his 12 starts.

Gers chiefs believed Wigan would panic as the deadline drew ever closer and would be forced into accepting a cut-price bid.

But the League One strugglers are refusing to budge, which is precisely why Ross Wilson must renew their efforts to sign the highly-rated teenager before the transfer window closes this week.

Wilson must act now

After former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor suggested that Rangers could be forced to sell Alfredo Morelos after his reckless behaviour in recent weeks, Joseph – who has been tipped for greatness by Leam Richardson – could be just the man to complete Gerrard’s dream attack for years to come with an eye on the future.

Whilst Cedric Itten is also predominantly right-footed and plays upfront, the Scotland U19 international offers far more of a threat in attack, as he has shown his all-round game is solid and he can create chances for his teammates whilst scoring himself. As per WhoScored, he currently averages more shots (2.1) per game and is caught offside on fewer occasions than Itten.

Former Rangers youth academy graduate Kal Naismith recently heaped praise on his young strike partner following his return from injury.

“I really enjoyed it up there with young Kyle Joseph,” said Naismith. “He’ll be a top player, a really, really good player and he works his nuts off not just in the games but all week in training as well, he has a great appetite for the game and a great attitude – I enjoy playing with him, he did a lot of work for me in what was my first game back after not having a lot of training.”

Ianis Hagi, on the other hand, has managed the same amount of shots (2.1) and more key passes (1.2) in the Scottish Premiership, picking up a whopping nine assists so far, via WhoScored.

Signing Joseph could turn out to be a shrewd investment for the future, as having the two of them in the same team and starting alongside each other could cause havoc for any opposition, with Ryan Kent lining up on the opposite flank.

AND in other news, the stats that show why Rangers signed Jack Simpson…

Manchester United play host to Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday night, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side set to play their first league game since they humiliated Southampton at home.

The Red Devils ran riot over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, putting nine goals past the nine-man Saints, with Anthony Martial ending his eight-game goal drought after the Frenchman bagged a brace in the second half.

Unfortunately for Solskjaer, it wasn’t all rosy, as both Edinson Cavani and Luke Shaw were substituted at half-time having struggled with injuries, with Eric Bailly a doubt ahead of the game against the Toffees.

With that in mind, Football FanCast has predicted how United may line up for tonight’s action, which sees Solskjaer make three changes to the team that thrashed the Saints.

Solskjaer’s side are currently second in the table, just three points behind Manchester City, who have built up a tremendous head of steam.

In defence, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should start as usual, with Victor Lindelof and Alex Telles making up the rest of the numbers.

This game may come too soon for Shaw after he appeared to suffer a knock against his former club, so it’s likely Telles will slot into place alongside the club captain instead.

Paul Pogba is likely going to return to the midfield, which means Scott McTominay will be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.

After a goal drought stretching to 12-and-a-half hours, Anthony Martial ended it with a double against the Saints, and his return to form was warmly welcomed by manager Solskjaer.

As such, Solskjaer will have to decide whether to opt for experience and go with the £49.5m-rated Martial and Marcus Rashford out wide or the fresher, younger option in Mason Greenwood on the right wing.

With Cavani expected to be fit to face the Toffees given Solskjaer’s pre-match press conference, the United boss could start the Uruguayan, drop Martial and have Greenwood to his right and Rashford on the left.

It would certainly be a bold call to move Martial to the bench given his double against the Saints, but that was against a side who ended up going down to 9-men.

Solskjaer will recognise that an Everton side who beat Leeds away from home last time out will surely prove a sterner test of their title credentials, and will need his most reliable and consistent players on the pitch, and Cavani has delivered him for whenever he’s played – the Uruguayan has bagged five goals and provided two assists in just 663 minutes of Premier League football.

Predicted XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Telles; Pogba, Fred; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.

AND in other news, Man Utd can find perfect Harry Maguire partner in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane…

At long last, we are about to wave goodbye to 2020. For most teams, it has been a financial disaster but that hasn’t completely been the case with Wolves.

Despite the financial restrictions that this year brought, they still signed two players for over £27m in the summer.

Whether that happens in January, however, remains to be seen.

What’s the word?

Wolves’ biggest focus next month simply has to be on signing a new striker. Raul Jimenez is still recovering from a fractured skull and as a result, they need to sign cover in the Mexican’s position.

Yet, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. The Old Gold haven’t exactly been very consistent in the last few weeks so adding further bodies wouldn’t be a bad idea.

One name now linked with a move to Molineux is Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum.

That’s according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via the Mirror), who suggest that Wolves are contemplating a move for the dynamic Dutchman.

They have joined Inter Milan in the race to sign the 30-year-old who cost the Merseysiders £25m from Newcastle in 2016.

Wolves destroyer

This would be a pretty remarkable coup for Wolves if they were able to lure Wijnaldum to the Midlands.

He has been a pivotal part of Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs in recent years, going under the radar somewhat.

The Netherlands international has contributed to 36 goals in 209 outings for the Reds. One of those goals came against Wolves this month.

He demonstrated firsthand the qualities he possesses as his side utterly destroyed Conor Coady who had a shocker in defence. No wonder he’s been described as a “coach’s dream.”

The defender made an individual error as Wijnaldum ran the Wolves defence and midfield ragged. He pretty much played to perfection as Liverpool won 4-0 and the Dutchman was very much an unsung hero, scoring the second goal.

Wijnaldum completed 98% of his passes – misplacing one of the 42 he attempted – and lost the ball on just three occasions. Furthermore, he only lost two duels and provided a key pass.

The Wolves target was everywhere as he ran the show in the middle of the park. It’s pretty evident why Jeff Shi and co want to bring him to Molineux.

AND in other news, 100% duels won: Wolves gem who “performed superbly” has given Nuno a huge headache…

Speaking in a press conference after his side’s 1-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday (via football.london), Irons boss David Moyes confirmed that GSB and co have attempted to land January signings so far this transfer window – dropping the four-word message that West Ham United have ‘already made big inquiries’. 

The Scotsman, speaking candidly after the Hammers edged past Burnley at the London Stadium, addressed growing speculation surrounding West Ham’s hunt for a new striker.

A plethora of forwards throughout the United Kingdom and Europe have been linked, with Boulaye Dia, Joshua King, Marko Arnautovic and Olivier Giroud arguably the most notable.

This comes after club record signing Sebastien Haller left east London for pastures new earlier this month, signing a deal with Ajax worth a reported £20.25 million (BBC).

David Moyes confirms West Ham transfer inquiries

Given West Ham’s need for more options up front, taking into account Michail Antonio’s fitness issues, Moyes has now confirmed that inquiries have indeed been made by GSB to ease the burden going forward.

“We’ve already made big inquiries and offers for players at clubs, which have not been accepted or obviously we would have signed somebody,” explained the manager, via football.london.

“It is not as if we are not trying to that, we have tried. But I need to get players who I think can make a difference and I want it to be someone who I think can help us.

“If I don’t, then I might need to look short term, just to get me through to get me another player, but if not, then I will use the young players or I will have to try and use someone else from the squad and see how we can do it, but if Mick [Antonio] can gain his real form from where he has been in recent months, then that will be a big thing for us and today, he is getting closer.”

Transfer Tavern take

While Moyes has confirmed that the hunt for new January additions is taking place, he appears to be open to any possibility – whether that be a short term option or someone who can perform consistently for seasons to come.

Who West Ham will manage to land remains to be seen, if anyone, but it will certainly be interesting to find out.

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this update on a potentially ‘amazing’ signing, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur’s name has been swirling around the uncertain Manchester United future of Jesse Lingard. During the summer transfer window, Jose Mourinho and co were reportedly eyeing up a £30million swoop to reunite the pair after the three-time Premier League winner was sacked from his role with the Red Devils.

However, talks fizzled out and The Athletic’s Charlie Eccelshare claimed that Mourinho is not interested in bringing Lingard to north London. In fact, there is reportedly “no chance” that a deal between the England international and Spurs will come to fruition.

Whilst this may be a blow for the player, it’s good news for the Tottenham fans who have been crying out for some creativity in the middle of the park.

Why Spurs were right to snub Jesse Lingard

Despite being an England international and a huge name associated with one of the biggest clubs in the world, Lingard is not a player many clubs would move mountains to sign. At 27-years-old, the attacking midfielder is still yet to wow the world with a sublime season in front of goal. Whilst he may simply have a case of late-bloomeritis, Spurs do not have the time to wait around for a player to show his worth.

The Tottenham engine room is seriously lacking and Mourinho needs a creative player who is going to arrive and immediately make waves. The perfect example is Bruno Fernandes at United, who Spurs will undoubtedly be kicking themselves over not signing a year earlier.

The Lilywhites are currently second in the Premier League table, but they have been resting heavily on Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Between the dynamic duo, they have scored 15 of Tottenham’s 19 goals this season and have assisted ten of them (via BBC Sport). Whilst the pair work wonderfully together, Spurs know all too well how detrimental it is to have one – or both – sidelined through injury.

The club cannot afford to rely solely on the two attackers to find the back of the net. Mourinho will be looking for an influential No.10 who can fill the shoes of Christian Eriksen – it appears that despite being labelled as “unique” by Michael Carrick in 2018, he is unlikely to move to north London.

In 209 appearances for Man United, the England international has found the back of the net 33 times and has assisted just 20 further goals. Lingard scored just one league goal last season and four the term before. Whilst his best return was his eight goals and six assists in 2017/18, he has been unable to replicate these numbers and has fallen drastically down the pecking order at Old Trafford (via Transfermarkt).

Earning £90,000 per week would place the 27-year-old higher than regular starter Harry Winks if Lingard was to join Spurs. An odd thought considering he would be unlikely to start ahead of the fellow midfield man.

In other news, Spurs have perfect chance to offload Dele Alli as Leeds are linked…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former EFL marksman Dean Windass has dropped a bombshell about recently-appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis.

The 62-year-old was appointed as Garry Monk’s successor a little over a month ago, but the ex-Hull City talisman believes he didn’t even want the job despite signing on the dotted line.

On Saturday afternoon, the Owls finally picked up their first win under Pulis, defeating Coventry City 1-0 at Hillsborough Stadium to move off the bottom of the Championship.

Although, his overall record thus far also reads three draws and five defeats.

Wednesday weren’t short on options as the likes of former player Nigel Pearson, ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and even old foe Danny Cowley were linked with the job.

Dejphon Chansiri chose Pulis in the end.

However, Windass claims the veteran wasn’t really keen on taking the helm in south Yorkshire…

He told FFC:

“The chairman obviously decided to have a change, to bring Tony Pulis in.

“I don’t think he really wanted the job, Tony, I think that there were other candidates, but obviously he ended up taking the job.

“It’s been a struggle, they’ve only won one game [under him].”

After defeating the Sky Blues, the Owls moved to within five points of safety, so evidently, there is still a lot of work to be done to salvage their place in the English second-flight.

Since relegation from the Premier League over 20 years ago, Wednesday have twice been relegated to League One but have seen a return within two seasons both times.

The last time coming in 2012 when Dave Jones guided the Yorkshiremen to a second-place finish under Milan Mandaric.

There are now just 26 matches left for Pulis to turn things around at Hillsborough.

AND in other news, Forget Lees: Another Sheffield Wednesday titan stole the show for Pulis vs Coventry…

Former England international centre-back Steve Howey has been sharing his thoughts on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, the recent injury he sustained against Everton and how the club will cope without him in the team for the foreseeable future.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, the 48-year-old had this to say on van Dijk and how the club can move on without him in the team.

He said: “You’ve got to look for [Joe] Gomez and the likes of [Joel] Matip and people like that to step up to the plate. You’re hearing calls now that possibly Jurgen Klopp might have to go into the transfer market to buy and replace him [Van Dijk]. Not that you can replace Virgil van Dijk, but these are the opportunities, this is what happens in football, this is what happens in life.

“Sometimes somebody’s misfortune is your chance to actually shine and grab your chance, so now it’s up to the likes of Gomez and Matip [to step up].

“It’ll be interesting to see how they cope because not only is Van Dijk a fantastic player, he marshalls that back four very well, he is a captain really so it’ll be interesting to see how they cope without him. I think Matip and Gomez are good players  but where would they go really if they get another injury in that position?”

The Dutchman was forced off the pitch in the early stages of Liverpool’s match against Everton after being on the receiving end of a bad tackle from Jordan Pickford, damaging his knee in the process.

Later, the official Liverpool club website revealed that Van Dijk will have to undergo knee surgery and then begin a “rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible.”

Before suffering this injury, Van Dijk was having a pretty underwhelming season for the Reds with WhoScored giving him a season rating of 6.45/10 for his performances in the five Premier League appearances he’s made.

Liverpool’s first game since Van Dijk picked up this injury saw them beat Dutch side Ajax 1-0 away from home in the Champions League.

Although, the club would undoubtedly want the Dutchman back fit and ready for action as soon as possible, this match against Ajax showed that they can perform well defensively and keep a clean sheet without him playing.