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An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Ousmane Dembele regarding interest from elsewhere in the Premier League…

What’s the talk?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United and Tottenham have both joined the Magpies in the race to land the French international.

The report claims that Barcelona want to keep hold of the 24-year-old and will offer him a contract extension to avoid losing him for nothing.

ASM 2.0

Eddie Howe could find Newcastle’s new Allan Saint-Maximin by sealing a deal for Dembele either in January or at the end of the season. He is out of contract in 2022 and the Magpies could land him on a pre-contract in the winter window to sign him on a free next summer or they could look to strike a cut-price deal to have him for the second-half of the campaign.

Like Saint-Maximin, Dembele is a tricky winger who can use both feet and likes to dribble with the ball to create openings for himself and his teammates. He has a career average of 2.5 dribbles completed per game, whilst the Magpies forward has a career average of 3.6 per game.

The Frenchman has also shown that he has the quality to provide end product at the top level, with 51 goals and assists in 121 games for the Spanish giants.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed last year that the forward is a better player than PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, saying: “I like Ousmane Dembélé, for me it’s clear: he’s better than Kylian Mbappé. He wants to stay and we want him to stay here”

This is high praise from Laporta and highlights the natural talent of the £45m-rated beast. Mbappe has 141 goals and 74 assists in 192 games for PSG, showing his immense quality in the final third, with more than a goal contribution per match.

If the Barcelona president feels that Dembele has the ability to be better than the 22-year-old, then Newcastle could be landing a sensational player. However, at his current level he could still be a fantastic addition and excite supporters with his dribbling skills.

He has shown that he can pop up with goals and assists for Barcelona whilst regularly taking players on with the ball at his feet, much like Saint-Maximin does for Newcastle, and Dembele could get fans off their seats by committing defenders and opening up space to drive forward at the top end of the pitch. It is now over to Howe to ensure that he can get a deal over the line…

AND in other news, “Among leading NUFC targets”: David Ornstein drops transfer update which will excite fans…

Some Liverpool supporters are hugely excited after the Reds were linked with a summer move for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Another potentially busy transfer window awaits for Jurgen Klopp, as he eyes up reinforcements to make his squad even more formidable.

Liverpool have lost Gini Wijnaldum, leaving a gaping hole in their midfield, so the hope is that they look for a replacement this summer.

Someone who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Milinkovic-Savic, having starred for Lazio in recent years, making 247 appearances for the Serie A giants.

The £63million-rated Serbia international is reportedly wanted by the Reds, with La Lazio Siamo Noi [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] claiming that they have been tracking him for some time.

It is stated that Liverpool could make an offer for the 26-year-old in the near future, as they look to make further additions, following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate.

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Liverpool fans keen to sign Milinkovic-Savic

These Reds fans took to Twitter to show their happiness at the rumour.

“Yes. Please”

Credit: @futebolbaseroom

“Throw in Naby + £10m and you have a deal”

Credit: @12Jaai

“I’d be all over this”

Credit: @_Riddxck

“Yo adding him to our midfield is illegal. Sign him now”

Credit: @LFC_purpose

“OH PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE”

Credit: @RitsonLFC

“He’d actually be class”

Credit: @JL_LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to a transfer update regarding an exciting young player. Find out who it is here.

Jonjo Shelvey has hit back at doubts over his work ethic in a Newcastle United fan Q & A.

A supporter asked the the former Liverpool midfielder why he is lazy, to which he was adamant that his running statistics are up to standard and that he couldn’t ‘get away’ with doing less than his teammates.

Shelvey tells critic to ‘be quiet’

“I think I give off this thing with my body language – the way I run,” he said.

“The way I am – I’m quite a laid back character but listen it might look that but the stats say different and as long as I’m doing it, being recorded and monitored, you can’t get away with not running.

“If I’m going to be honest, I’ll take not running at all and win the game comfortably, keep the ball and play possession football, but you can’t get away with anything these days.

“You need to roll your sleeves up, run and I feel that’s what I’m doing and the proof is in writing so Davy can be quiet.”

Shelvey ever-present for Newcastle since mid-January

Shelvey looks to be one of Steve Bruce’s most trusted lieutenants at this moment in time. He hasn’t missed a minute for Newcastle since the 1-0 loss at Sheffield United on 12 January, when he was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

With Jamaal Lascelles sidelined in the last two matches, Shelvey has donned the captain’s armband.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Shelvey’s place in the starting line-up has come under external scrutiny. Before Newcastle’s trip to Burnley, for instance, The Athletic correspondent Chris Waugh pondered whether it was ‘time to drop Shelvey’.

One of the players he is keeping out of the XI is Arsenal loanee Joe Willock, who has come off the bench to earn Newcastle four crucial points in their games against Spurs and West Ham.

It’s certainly intriguing to see such a critical question included in a club-run fan Q&A. As journalist Liam Kennedy suggested on Twitter, though, that it sounded like ‘something the player wanted to address’.

Still, it’s tempting to wonder whether Shelvey’s prospects at St James’ Park might be dealt a significant blow if they part company with Steve Bruce at the end of the season, as the former Aston Villa boss is seemingly a big fan.

In other news, this defender is said to be destined for Newcastle United.

Dermot Desmond’s self-sustaining ownership model at Celtic is a perfect example for other clubs to use, according to financial expert Dr. Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Desmond’s successful era

The Irishman is the majority shareholder at Parkhead, fulfilling a lifelong dream by owning the club he has supported since childhood.

During Desmond’s tenure, Celtic have racked up Scottish Premiership titles galore, among numerous other domestic trophies, and another league crown looks to be coming their way this season.

The 71-year-old has run the club in shrewd fashion too, ensuring they are in a healthy financial situation and not getting themselves into worrying amounts of debt.

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The Latest: Expert hails Celtic owner

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley praised Desmond’s model at Celtic, saying other clubs should take a leaf out of his book:

“It’s always a plus if you can stand on your own two feet. They are set up so they can manage themselves in their own right. We see it too often where a club is solely dependent on one owner.

“If the owner is in trouble, the club’s in trouble. It’s very different at Celtic. You have to class that as a benefit that they aren’t too worried about the owner’s finances.

“This is a blueprint for all clubs. Make them more self-reliant so when the owner does take a hit, they aren’t collateral damage.”

The Verdict: Credit where it’s due

Desmond deserves undoubted credit for the manner in which he has kept Celtic afloat, running the Hoops far more intelligently than some of the more reckless owners elsewhere.

Liverpool owners FSG are a good comparison to use in some ways, with their supporters not always enamoured by a lack of mega-money transfers but the Reds in a strong financial position compared to some of their rivals.

Supporters will always be critical of Desmond – it is the nature of a football fan to never be happy – but he may only be fully appreciated when he eventually sells up.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is in awe of one Celtic player’s development. Find out who it is here.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes Ezgjan Alioski will leave Leeds United this summer, which could allow Marcelo Bielsa to make new signings.

The 29-year-old played all 90 minutes of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea in what was an impressive result for the Whites.

Alioski has featured in 26 of Leeds’ 28 league games this season, but his future at Elland Road is in serious doubt, having not yet agreed to sign a new deal at the club.

The North Macedonian’s current contract expires at the end of this campaign and there have been rumours of a potential move to Galatasaray.

Phillips tips Alioski to leave Leeds

Someone who thinks Alioski moving on would be for the better is ex-Premier League Golden Boot winner Phillips, who told Football Insider that it makes sense for the left-back to depart Elland Road before the start of next season:

“They’ve had their time together, Leeds and Alioski. It’s time for club and player to move on. He’s been a good servant. He’s played at left-back at times this season and that’s not his position so he’ll probably go somewhere where he can play in that natural role.

“It’s the right time for Leeds to free up a wage as well and that will help them to bring someone else in during the summer.

“You shake his hand to say well done and thank you for your efforts and both parties will move on.”

Transfer Tavern take

Alioski has been a good servant for Leeds over the past four seasons, making 161 appearances and helping the Whites return to the Premier League, but perhaps it is time for him to leave, as Phillips has suggested.

At 29, he isn’t getting any younger as a player and there are more youthful alternatives who could offer more in the long run, such as 21-year-old Leif Davis, who only has two substitute appearances to his name in the league this term.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly looking to sign a Premier League stalwart this summer. Find out who it is here.

Following the appointment of Fabio Paratici as director of football at Tottenham Hotspur, a fresh update has been given on their managerial search.

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who features for the Guardian and Sky Sports, has claimed that talks are still ongoing over a move for former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.

The 48-year-old emerged as the clear candidate for the incoming Italian last week but it seems that a deal is yet to be brokered, though it’s believed he will be offered a three-year contract.

Writing on Twitter, Romano said:

“Official. Fabio Paratici joins Tottenham as new director of football until June 2024. ‘The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Paratici as Managing Director, Football, with effect from 1 July 2021’.

#THFC Talks ongoing to appoint Paulo Fonseca as new manager.”

Saga rumbles on

Spurs’ search for their next manager has lasted nearly two months after Jose Mourinho was sacked on the week of their Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City.

In a strange twist, he was the man appointed to replace Fonseca at AS Roma and now it appears the Portuguese will be arriving in North London to take over from the ‘Special One’ in some sort of weird swap.

What will leave many concerned is the fact that this is far from done and dusted.

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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has already suffered many a setback during this process, so much so that Fonseca is reportedly his sixth choice for the role.

Bayern-bound Julian Nagelsmann and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers were two early favourites before both were ruled out of the running.

Then there were talks held with Mauricio Pochettino over a sensational return before ex-Chelsea manager Antonio Conte appeared to be one step away from being hired before doubts crept in from both parties.

The longer the wait goes on over Fonseca’s potential arrival, the more further worries creep in.

There is also the matter of the Spurs faithful being against this appointment, so there aren’t many in North London going to be excited by this latest update.

“This club is hilarious,” claimed one fan. “What a come down,” another added, whilst a further supporter begged the club to not go ahead with the move.

Either way, this fresh claim from Romano will leave many in N17 fuming for more reason than one.

AND in other news, Fonseca can save Levy millions this summer by unleashing £16m-rated Spurs “big talent”…

Aston Villa are ‘on pole’ to sign Aaron Ramsey this summer, according to Outlet Sportmediaset, via tuttomercatoweb and Birmingham Live.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts on the links on social media.

Villa have already signed Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young this summer, with NSWE sensing a real opportunity to catch and leapfrog the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham with their off-field business.

Ramsey, who wants to leave Italy this summer, is one of the latest players to be linked with a move to Villa Park and isn’t in Juventus’ plans.

The Wales international, currently at Euro 2020, is thought to be on £187,000-a-week in Turin and has two years remaining on his deal.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the links to Ramsey on Twitter during Thursday, with their posts receiving plenty of interaction from Villa fans.

This is what some had to say on the rumours, with one questioning whether he could be next season’s Ross Barkley.

“This would be a fantastic signing – I really believe Ramsey would be the key to trophy success for Villa – really hope they can convince him to come.”Credit: @rlancaster1″Super player, would be a great addition.”Credit: @DavidKe24236510″Is Ramsey next season’s Barkley?”Credit: @rlancaster1″In a heartbeat”Credit: @ged_egan”Only one Aaron Ramsey in my book who already plays for us”Credit: @johnchurchley”In Deano we trust”Credit: @MartinSkel_

In other news: Vila have big-money bid turned down for English midfielder, find out more here. 

Frank McAvennie has backed Eddie Howe to take over at Celtic and says it’s time John Kennedy left the club to ‘cut his teeth’ elsewhere.

Kennedy is currently in interim charge at Parkhead after Neil Lennon resigned in late February.

He has overseen three matches so far, following-up a win over Aberdeen with draws against Dundee United and Rangers.

Over the weekend, though, Howe emerged as the new favourite to be Lennon’s long-term replacement.

The 43-year-old left Bournemouth at the end of last season following their relegation to the Championship.

He had, of course, taken them from the depths of League Two to the Premier League, where they impressively remained for five seasons.

McAvennie says ‘Celtic need a total clearance’

For him to have the biggest impact in Glasgow, McAvennie says the slate would have to be wiped clean.

“I think Eddie Howe is a great coach, he’s done wonderful at Bournemouth, but he would have to bring his own backroom staff,” the ex-Hoops striker said in an interview with Football Fan Cast.

“Celtic need a total clearance. John Kennedy is up there with one of the favourites, but I don’t think the fans will want John to be the manager.

“He’s been there for four managers, but I think it’s time John went away and got a manager’s job. Celtic is too big a club for him to cut his teeth on.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

What’s interesting here is that McAvennie has taken a different line to former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who worked of course with Kennedy.

Rodgers said earlier this month: “One thing is for sure, John being in the club is very important. If he didn’t get the job and another manager went in there, to have John Kennedy by your side is a great move.”

The Leicester City boss did go on to express his confidence that the 37-year-old would ‘go on and manage one day’ though, ‘whether with Celtic or another club’.

And it may be that Kennedy, now in the spotlight, sees an opportunity to launch his managerial career elsewhere rather than retreat into the background at Celtic.

In other news, Rodgers also weighed in on the captaincy debate at the club.

Sheffield Wednesday stalwart Sam Hutchinson is set to stay at Hillsborough for another season, having triggered a clause in his contract.

The Lowdown: Great servant for the Owls

The  31-year-old has been a great servant for the Owls, making 176 appearances and scoring seven goals for the club, impressing with his tenacious style, both in midfield and at centre-back.

With Wednesday relegated to League One, they could lose a number of key figures in the summer transfer window, acting as a further blow to their hopes.

The Latest: Hutchinson set to extend stay

Hutchinson looks set to remain at the club, however, with the Sheffield Star reporting that the one-year option in his contract has been triggered.

The clause relates to the midfielder playing an unspecified number of game since re-joining in January.

The Verdict: Key to promotion push

At 31, Hutchinson may not represent the future for Wednesday, but his experience will be key in League One, as Darren Moore’s side look to return to the Championship as quickly as possible.

His professionalism, quality and leadership all need to come to the fore, especially if the Owls potentially lose other influential figures, such as Barry Bannan.

Hutchinson will now hopefully reach a milestone of 200 appearances for Wednesday, assuming he can remain injury-free – something that has been such an issue in the past.

In other news, one Sheff Wed player is being tipped to leave the club this summer. Read more here.

Norwich City have reportedly made an official bid to sign Schalke 04 centre-back Ozan Kabak this summer as Daniel Farke looks for defensive reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Kabak impressed for Liverpool

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool in order to help their defensive injury crisis.

Kabak performed well for the Reds, making nine Premier League starts and helping Jurgen Klopp’s side finish an unlikely third in the table.

The Latest: Norwich linked with move

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Norwich have tabled a bid for the 12-cap Turkey international after talks with Torino hit an impasse.

Kabak is expected to leave Schalke on Monday, but it remains to be seen if the Canaries will beat other suitors to his signature.

The Verdict: Great potential signing

Kabak could be a superb signing for Norwich, aiding their Premier League survival chances and acting as a long-term acquisition at Carrow Road given his youth.

He looked the part at Liverpool, catching the eye during a tough period at Anfield and averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the English top flight. The Reds’ assistant manager Pep Lijnders said of the Turkey international: “Ozan is a big talent, so much progression is still possible. He adapted fantastically inside our club from a context like Schalke and had an immediate impact with Liverpool.”

Despite his tender years, Kabak could be a leader at the heart of Norwich’s defence at a time when they are without a point in their opening three league matches.

In other news, Norwich are also reportedly keen on signing an international midfielder. Find out who it is here.