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Manchester City Football Partnerships and Pathways manager Fergal Harkin no longer looks to be in the frame for the sporting director role at Celtic, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown

An openly kept secret to many, the Celts have made plans for a major restructuring mission at the club after a disastrous 2020/21 campaign. Needing to rebuild the brains behind the operation alongside the playing staff, Harkin was seen as many as the preferential candidate for the role. This is owing to his contacts within the game and high-level experience in Manchester.

Recruitment has especially been a major stumbling block for Celtic in the past twelve months, which needs urgent replenishment. Conscious towards a whole market of talented young players in the Premier League 2 and beyond, the Irishman was reportedly earmarked to play a major role in the Hoops summer renovation [The Scottish Sun].

The Latest

Concerningly, this prospective move has now fallen by the wayside [The Scottish Sun]. Not only that, the Irish Independent state that the former Finn Harps player was never actually offered the position, which is quite the twist seeing as previous reports [Football Insider] went so far as to claim a deal for the ‘massive’ Hoops fan was ’90 per cent’ done.

Celtic are now believed to be tracking other options, with Belgium assistant Shaun Maloney believed to be the firm favourite for the job [Daily Record].

Verdict: Harkin collapse is a disappointing blow for Celtic

News of the proposed deal collapsing is a bitter blow for the Celtic support. Still without a new manager since Neil Lennon’s February resignation, the Hoops face a rather uncertain beginning to the 2021/22 campaign [Irish Times].

Labelled as a “fantastic” potential appointment by pundit Noel Whelan, you can’t help but feel the Hoops could’ve done with Harkin’s big club influence at Celtic Park [Football Insider].

Champions League qualifying is set to commence in a matter of weeks for the Celts [The Scotsman]. Time is indeed of the essence at Parkhead, and the Glasgow giants will need to provide the Celtic Park faithful with some clarity sooner rather than later.

West Ham United are expected to have Angelo Ogbonna available for selection later this afternoon, leaving David Moyes with a decision to make in defence.

The Irons conceded a silly goal against Burnley last Monday but managed to come from behind to secure all three points thanks to a brace from the returning Michail Antonio.

With the 32-year-old Italian – who has played an influential role this campaign – likely to feature, Moyes can bring him in for either of Craig Dawson or Issa Diop, or else switch to a three-at-the-back system.

We’re backing him to do the former as the French centre-back was largely at fault for Chris Wood’s goal and struggled to cope with the physicality on offer from the Clarets.

Some of the Hammers faithful were far from pleased with Diop’s display, with some deeming him to be a “liability” and the only “weak link” in the side. He was also the man to concede an own goal during their defeat to Newcastle United a couple of weeks previously.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-moyes-gsb-london-stadium” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Moyes risks the same happening when Everton come to town in what is a must-win for their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Toffees are hot on their tail and can halve that six-point gap if they win, and they also possess a game in hand.

Carlo Ancelotti’s main threat will be Dominic Calvert-Lewin and he is another aerial beast and prolific goal machine. The England international has bagged 20 goals in 34 appearances, and is averaging 4.4 aerial duels won per Premier League match this term – that’s just 0.1 fewer than Wood’s average for the season.

By comparison, Diop has been a weak presence in the air, averaging only 1.5 successful aerial duels per game, which is behind both Dawson (2.8) and Ogbonna (2.6). Even Antonio (2.9) and Vladimir Coufal (1.6) are better in the air than the Frenchman.

Starting the £18m-rated defender could be a recipe for disaster as Calvert-Lewin could tear him apart, and that would only increase the pressure on Moyes’ attack to deliver once again.

It’s no coincidence that the 24-year-old centre-back did not feature when these two teams met earlier in the season, with Moyes opting for Dawson and Ogbonna, who went on to keep a hard-earned clean sheet at Goodison Park.

The 58-year-old must show no mercy and ruthlessly axe the former Toulouse defender.

AND in other news, Irons struck dream deal with “unbelievable” £35k-p/w gem who’s a “manager’s dream”…

Manchester City are once again being heavily linked with a move for Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and the Belgian could prove to be a dream heir for Sergio Aguero in Pep Guardiola’s side.

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, Guardiola wants the Belgian international at the Etihad next season and even sees similarities between the former Manchester United striker and Aguero, who is leaving City in the summer when his contract expires.

The report suggests that Guardiola believes Lukaku and Aguero share the same goalscoring instincts, whilst they are both effective at linking up play, which would obviously suit the way City play.

Would he be a good signing?

Although Lukaku perhaps wouldn’t be the most popular choice for a lot of City fans due to his time at Manchester United, which many see as a failure, his form in the Premier League with the Red Devils wasn’t exactly poor and you feel that issues behind the scenes at that club played a huge part in him struggling to perform at his best.

In 96 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit, the powerful striker contributed 42 goals and 13 assists, whilst he also impressed in his other Premier League spells with West Brom and Everton.

There were questions over his commitment at times at United but former manager Jose Mourinho was quick to rule that out, saying:

“So when I say to a striker, ‘Go there and do that job for me’, then he is a sergeant. He is a guy that you can trust. His attitude is phenomenal.”

Since his move to Inter, however, he has proven himself to be a truly world-class striker, scoring 61 goals and providing 15 assists in 92 appearances for I Nerazzurri.

This season,n he has managed 21 goals and 10 assists in 33 league appearances, averaging a superb 7.48 rating, which has put Antonio Conte’s side on the brink of the Serie A title, so it seems clear that he has the ability to score goals should he make the move to the Etihad this summer.

If Guardiola desperately wants Lukaku as his replacement for Aguero this summer then City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain should do everything he can to bring him in, as he could prove to be a huge success in the Spanish manager’s side next season.

And, in other news… Forget Torres: £63m-rated Man City beast who played 109 passes stole the show vs Palace

Former England striker Kevin Phillips has hailed Diego Llorente as Leeds United’s ‘lynchpin’ moving forward.

The Whites snapped up the Spaniard for £18m from Real Sociedad last September, with big things expected of him from the off. Llorente has taken time to settle, however, with injury problems making his early months at Elland Road a struggle.

As time has passed, the 27-year-old has begun to make his mark, enjoying eight Premier League starts, including an impressive showing in the memorable 2-1 win away to Manchester City earlier this month.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Phillips heaps praise on Llorente

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips – a scorer of 92 Premier League goals – lauded Llorente’s ability, seeing him as a key player for Leeds for the foreseeable future: He said:

“Llorente is a top-quality player. It is as simple as that. It is just about getting him regular game time. He seems to have got himself fit and now he is finding that consistency.

“Marcelo Bielsa knows a good player when he sees one. Yes, it has taken Llorente a while to settle but now he is putting in good performances consistently and he is the lynchpin for them at the back.

“When you look at that team, they are tough to play against. He is definitely a big part of that now.

“I am not surprised to hear Bielsa is going to build his team around him because you cannot keep quality down. When you get enough minutes, like he is doing now, the consistency comes with it.”

Transfer Tavern take

Llorente is fully deserving of the praise coming his way at the moment, going to show that patience is often required with new signings. As per WhoScored, he has the fourth-best tackling average, fifth-best interceptions average and joint-second best clearances average per game among Bielsa’s squad, consistently proving his worth to the team.

Settling at a new club is rarely easy, especially with fitness issues holding a player back, but the Leeds defender is now looking every bit a seven-cap Spain international.

While the likes of Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk are also strong options for Marcelo Bielsa, Llorente should be a guaranteed regular for the rest of this season and beyond.

In other news, a pundit has claimed that one Leeds player will be ‘disappointed’ at the moment. Find out who it is here.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy could try to offload winger Erik Lamela as Spurs aim to sell six players this summer. 

Levy could offload Lamela

Lamela, who has made the vast majority of his appearances from the bench this season, starting just five times, has been described in the past as the ‘perfect’ Jose Mourinho player, due to his ability to get under the opposition’s skin.

However, with his contract expiring at the end of 2022 and no sign of a new deal yet, the Mail’s report touts Lamela as one of the players Levy could look to offload as he plots a Lilywhites summer overhaul.

While he has attracted plenty of pundit praise this season, with the likes of Paul Robinson calling him a ‘fantastic player’ and Noel Whelan lauding the ‘world beater’ – could this summer be Lamela’s time to leave north London?

Transfer Tavern take

The Argentine’s career at Spurs could perhaps be best summed up by a brief cameo against Arsenal in the north London derby recently.

Coming on for Heung-min Son in the 19th minute, the 29-year-old went on to score a sensational rabona flick before being sent off later in the encounter for a flailing arm (BBC) – brilliance and petulance.

Proving impactful on occasion, the time could still be right to offload Lamela given his age and contract situation – not to mention any funds recuperated could go a long way to fund possible new signings in a difficult climate.

As Tottenham search for a ‘leader’ to marshal their backline (Alasdair Gold), maybe now is the time to wave goodbye and raise a kitty to invest at the back.

Alongside Lamela, Danny Rose, Serge Aurier, Hugo Lloris and Juan Foyth are touted as potential candidates for summer exits.

In other news: Tottenham make enquiry for ‘extraordinary’ star, find out more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to footage regarding youngster Carney Chukwuemeka on social media.

Chukwuemeka, who was attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus just last month, scored on his debut for England’s Under-18 side in a friendly against Wales on Monday.

The 17-year-old picked the ball up from just over the halfway line and exchanged a give-and-go with a teammate before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper.

Fellow Villa youngsters Louie Barry and Aaron Ramsey also featured against Wales for the Three Lions.

Chukwuemeka signed professional terms at Villa Park last October and was included in Dean Smith’s matchday squad for the first time against Leicester City last month.

The midfielder has made 16 appearances for the club’s youth side this season, scoring once and registering three assists.

Villa fans react

@academyavfc shared Chukwuemeka’s goal on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many excited for the future.

“Give this lad some first team football while we having nothing to play for”

Credit: @lew_clamp

“Our academy is here to take over”

Credit: @1874dan

“This lads a talent!”

Credit: @Deankerr04

“this is too good for u18 football”

Credit: @Dpn76

“Very good team effort”

Credit: @Berdan08914685

“Looks like such a strong player”

Credit: @andyvillan1212

In other news: Villa keen on Rangers star ahead of summer window, find out more here. 

Some Liverpool fans have been providing their thoughts on the latest regarding Erling Haaland, with the Reds reportedly interested in signing him.

Jurgen Klopp will be looking to delve into the transfer market this summer, in order to make his squad even more formidable.

While Liverpool have struggled this season, mitigating circumstances such as injuries have been a key reason for it, rather than the quality not being good enough.

This is still a superb squad made up of numerous world-class players, so only a few tweaks should be needed in order to make the Reds contenders again in 2021/22.

Haaland’s future is set to be arguably the biggest transfer story of the summer, with the Borussia Dortmund youngster possibly the most in-demand player in world football right now.

The Norwegian striker is being linked with Europe’s biggest clubs, with his father and agent talking to both Barcelona and Real Madrid on Thursday.

Liverpool are believed to be in the race to sign Haaland now too however, with Mundo Deportivo those representatives will fly to England this Friday and talk to Liverpool over a potential move – it seems as if they are doing the rounds.

Liverpool fans react to Haaland news

These Reds supporters have been reacting to the update on Twitter, with plenty of excitement in the air.

“Oh my”

Credit: @sisenor_9

“It’s all down to Edwards now to sell the idea of Klopp’s vision and the fact we are LIVERPOOL FC. Need I say any more”

Credit: @LeeMc80788467

“Please please please please”

Credit: @MH_Liverpool

“Michael Edwards will do it again”

Credit: @KaanBursa9

“Ah Jesus.. please happen”

Credit: @moustache_and

“It will go off on here when Edwards gets Haaland for Matip and Origi and £4million a year for next 8 years”

Credit: @GaryHart127

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been lauding the international performance of one Reds star. Find out who it is here.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, former Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood has made a claim about Ollie Watkins’ chances of featuring in the England squad for the Euros this summer, and if his claim turns out to be true, then it could well be good news for Dean Smith.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Watkins’ chances of being called up, Harewood said:

“I wouldn’t rule it out. But with the calibre of strikers that we have now, I can’t see him being ahead of the majority of them that can play up there because you’ve [also] got the likes of Sterling and players like that can play up front now.”

Whilst Watkins will undoubtedly be hoping to receive his first England cap in the near future after an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, keeping him away from Gareth Southgate’s squad could allow Smith to hold on to the 25-year-old for a while longer.

Since signing from Brentford in the summer transfer window for a club-record fee of £28 million, the striker, who reportedly earns £75k per week, has been a huge part of Villa’s success this season, contributing 10 goals and three assists in 27 Premier League appearances, resulting in an impressive 7.23 rating.

This includes an impressive hat-trick in Villa’s 7-2 win against Liverpool earlier in the season, with the young striker having also formed an excellent partnership with Jack Grealish this season, with the duo arguably the two most influential and valuable players in Smith’s squad.

If Watkins were to receive an England call-up, you could argue that it would attract the attention of the clubs in the Premier League who are regulars in the Champions League and Europa League, which could lead to Watkins having his head turned.

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for the striker in the summer before his move to Villa and now that he has established himself in the top-flight, perhaps we could see them return for him in the future, especially if he starts performing on the international stage.

Furthermore, the youngster getting a well-earned break in the summer could be hugely beneficial to Villa, especially after such a demanding season.

Therefore, if Harewood’s claim comes true and Watkins is left out of Southgate’s squad for the upcoming friendlies and Euros, then it may well prove to be a boost to Villa.

And, in other news… Tyrone Mings let Smith down with a shocking display vs Newcastle

Crystal Palace are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon aiming to finally rule themselves out of the relegation picture once and for all.

Roy Hodgson’s Eagles host West Bromwich Albion, with the south Londoners eight points clear of the drop zone following their 4-1 humbling at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Whilst it looks unlikely that they will be under any real threat of the drop, three points against the Baggies should as good as rubberstamp another season in the top-flight.

What starting XI will Hodgson select then?

Due to the current injury situation at Selhurst Park, there may only be slight tweaks to the side which was swept aside by Spurs.

The back five should stay the same, with goalkeeper Vicente Guaita being shielded by Patrick van Aanholt, Gary Cahill, Cheikhou Koyuate and Joel Ward.

The two alterations to the team could then come further up the park. The midfield duo of Jairo Riedewald and Luka Milivojevic should remain, with the likes of James McArthur and James McCarthy both being ruled out.

Eberechi Eze will start on the right-hand side despite a quiet game at Tottenham, but a major boost to Palace will be the return of Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian was introduced from the bench in north London but should be fit enough to start. Considering he is the Eagles’ top scorer so far this season with nine goals, he surely has to play in such a crucial game. Andros Townsend drops out as a result.

One final change is likely to occur in attack. Christian Benteke is almost sure to start after his goal against Spurs but should have a different partner.

Jordan Ayew has not scored since early November so it could be time to give January arrival and £13.5m-rated striker Jean-Philippe Mateta a chance from the start.

AND in more news, have a look at why Steve Howey believes it’s time for Crystal Palace to let Wilfried Zaha finally leave Selhurst Park…

Writing on Twitter, West Ham United have confirmed a new deal for number one shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski until 2022 – prompting many Irons to flock in excitement to this news as the Poland international decides to extend his stay in east London. 

Fabianski, who is manager David Moyes’ first choice in between the sticks for West Ham, has now opted to remain at the London Stadium until the end of next season.

The 35-year-old’s deal was set to expire upon the conclusion of 2020/2021, but his one-year contract extension means he will remain a Moyes player for the foreseeable future.

West Ham have a real opportunity to clinch European qualification this season, with Fabianski’s new deal meaning he could be along for the ride if Moyes’ men make it.

Flocking to this news, Fabianski’s decision to sign on has prompted much excitement – with one Iron even calling it ‘amazing news’ – the shot-stopper has been superb since joining from Swansea in 2018.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans erupt at Fabianski new deal

“Amazing news”

Credit: @whuLeo

“Yesssss”

Credit: @whufc_lewis

“Fantastic news just need a quality back up”

Credit: @Ramsgatehammer

“Absolute no brainer. Stability in a position we’ve not had stability in for a long time.”

Credit: @CraigLewis1990

“Big for us, he has been solid”

Credit: @JakeWilliam0502

“Great news, don’t know why people keep discussing bringing in new GKs when he’s performing perfectly fine”

Credit: @henry_hh_95

“Beautiful stuff. Another year of the polish prince”

Credit: @ReganEveringha1

“Great news. Still a fantastic keeper, as we saw against Leeds on Monday. COYI”

Credit: @DJBazMati

In other news: West Ham are eyeing this starlet, find out more here.