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Luke Edwards has revealed that Newcastle United are now considering both Lucien Favre and Frank Lampard to be their next manager.

The Lowdown: Manager search on

It looks increasingly likely that Steve Bruce will be sacked by the St. James’ Park faithful sooner rather than later following the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, with Edwards claiming that it is expected to be done ‘in the next 48 hours’.

Thus, they will have to bring a new manager in, with names like Steven Gerrard being mentioned as potential candidates in recent days.

The Latest: Favre and Lampard considered

Writing in his latest piece for The Telegraph, Edwards has revealed that the North East club are now considering one of Favre or Lampard to be their next boss.

It is not clear when the appointment would be made given that Bruce is still in the job, but the likelihood is that a change will be made sooner rather than later as the Tyneside outfit prepare for their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Verdict: Wait

There is no rush for the new owners to bring a coach in, as whoever they choose must be the perfect candidate to lead them into a new era.

Lampard would certainly be an odd choice, given that he has not won any trophies in his admittedly short managerial career so far, and trophies are something that the owners will want to bring.

On the other hand, Favre has won a few trophies, but none that really stand out in terms of major honours, while his record transfer in terms of players brought in is Mats Hummels at £27.45m, and so the owners may want a manager who has handled much bigger fees given their ambitions.

He has also reportedly not had the best relationship with Allan Saint-Maximin in the past either, apparently wanting to sell him after one training session while at Nice (Get French Football News).

Nonetheless, bigger and better names will certainly emerge as the January transfer window draws nearer.

In other news, find out what ‘great news’ will have SJP ‘bouncing’ on Sunday here!

Celtic may well go on to win the Premiership crown this summer, a deserved title for Ange Postecoglou in his first year with the Hoops.

However, he might have some tricky dilemmas to work out as he heads towards a summer transfer window where a lot of work will need to be done behind the scenes at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Celtic are in danger of losing a few players in the upcoming market with Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers both set to see their loan deal expire.

Talks have begun to keep the latter in Glasgow but the future of Jota, their diminutive and skilful Portuguese sensation, is a lot more unclear.

It’s thought Celtic have a £6.5m option to buy the winger but Postecoglou has been rather coy on whether they’ll look to activate that clause.

Should they opt against it, the Bhoys must revive their chase of Kristijan Lovric.

He’s like Mbappe

Celtic have been interested in the Croat now for a number of years with a bid of £4.5m even believed to have been rejected for his services.

Yet, if they still have the NK Osijek man in their services, they must line up another bid even if he has only just moved in the winter market.

A move to British shores would surely be tempting for the player and if Postecoglou’s recruitment team can stump up the cash, his current side would find it difficult to turn it down given their financial status.

Jota will be an incredibly hard player to replace given his 20 goal contributions this term but in Lovric, they’d have someone who is more than capable.

The 26-year-old found the back of the net on 54 occasions for Gorica and has grown an enviable reputation for being one of the most dangerous players in the Croatian top tier.

Indeed, speaking about Lovric previously, HNTV commentator Damir Petravic said: “He dribbles and scores in the style of Robben, shoots free throws like Pirlo or Pjanic, and knows how to sprint like Mbappe.”

That sounds like an incredibly dangerous attacker, one who judging by his 28 assists, is also capable of creating regular scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Jota has been sublime at points this term but has still had the tendency to run a little hot and cold. In Lovric, however, they may well find a player capable of being more consistent.

It would be a significant deal to complete and a tricky one given his circumstances but it’s evident he’s someone Celtic have admired for some time. This summer could be the perfect chance to head back into the market for him.

AND in other news, Sources: Celtic now in talks over “important” Lennoxtown deal, Ange will be buzzing…

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has heaped praise on Tottenham Hotspur following the signing of Argentina international Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs snap up Romero…

As confirmed by the club, new manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been significantly reinforced by the arrival of Romero from Atalanta as their third major summer signing.

The 23-year-old, who won the 2020/21 Serie A MVP award for best defender, enjoyed a brilliant season at the Gewiss Stadium which prompted serious interest from Spurs.

After long and drawn-out talks, Tottenham announced his signing on August 6, with Hutton now heaping praise on the club for an ambitious move.

The Latest: Hutton thrilled by Romero signing…

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Spurs defender has waxed lyrical over the signing of Romero, highlighting it as a real show of ambition from the Lilywhites and managing director Fabio Paratici.

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“It’s a great display of ambition from Spurs,” Hutton explained.

“It was Paratici who brought him to Juventus from Genoa, so it’s a player he knows really well and trusts.

“It’s a big fee but he’s at an age now where he is playing at a high level as an established first-team player.

“Centre-back is an area that Spurs have been crying out to strengthen, with Alderweireld and Vertonghen departing recently.

“They need to establish a new centre-back dynamic, and that’s why they have spent the money on a very good player who is known by the backroom staff.

“I hope he can adapt to the league very quickly as there’ll be a lot of pressure on him to succeed.”

The Verdict: Huge coup…

Starting 29 Italian top-flight matches last season, Romero made more interceptions per game (3.1) than any Tottenham player did in the Premier League, whilst also winning a superior amount of aerial duels in that time (WhoScored).

These impressive numbers highlight why Spurs brought him to north London and perhaps indicate that he can fix Spurs’ long-time central defensive issues.

Hutton has every right to brand Romero’s signing as an ambitious one and Lilywhites supporters will hope that it ends up being a transformative acquisition.

In other news: Offer pending: Tottenham front race to sign ‘very exciting’ player with ‘gigantic buzz’, find out more here.

Despite signing 12 new first-team players in the transfer window, Celtic’s financial future looks incredibly well set right now.

The Hoops were sensible with their summer acquisitions and did so after receiving some hefty sums for star men Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard.

What’s the word?

Ajer was the first to depart Parkhead a few months ago as the Norwegian centre-half joined newly-promoted Premier League side Brentford.

The transfer fee for him was £17.5m but fresh information claims that Edouard may actually rake in more cash for the Hoops.

At one stage, it looked as though the Frenchman was going to be priced out of a move due to his wage demands but Crystal Palace lodged a late attempt to sign him.

An upfront fee of £14m was gathered but according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, that number could improve significantly.

Speaking on The Celtic Exchange podcast, he commented: “In terms of Edouard, Celtic wanted clauses that were achievable.

“And we understand them to be rising up to £18.5m, and any money now that comes in from the additional clauses will be going directly to Celtic that is not part of the initial fee, which was in the clause with Celtic and PSG.

“It was 40% of the profit from the transfer fee only. And that is from the £14m fee. So anything more that comes in from Edouard, any more riches will be going to Celtic directly.

“Even with this situation of his contract, because people were seeing Celtic were looking to get around £18 to £20m for him. They are still are likely to get that because I’m told that these are very achievable clauses.”

Fans surely buzzing

Despite having just a year left on his contract with Celtic, watching their top scorer over multiple years depart for just £14m almost felt insulting, that’s especially when you consider the sheer amount of money available to Premier League clubs.

However, if that tag does indeed rise to £18.5m then it will provide a significant cash injection to the Bhoys over the next few years.

Ange Postecoglou spent around £20m this summer which means that the club are already in the green by around £14m-£15m after their player sales.

That gives Celtic a sizeable amount of spending power when the January transfer window comes around.

Future bonuses from Ajer and Edouard will only see their profits rise which in turn, should lead to an improved feel around the entirety of the club.

The sensibility with which Celtic are acting right now is a direct contrast to the events of 12 months ago when they spent so poorly on players like Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas.

The former has found the net on just six occasions while Barkas has already been touted with an exit after a nightmare first year in Glasgow.

Under the stewardship of Dominic McKay and Postecoglou, the future of Celtic looks a lot brighter. Supporters should be absolutely delighted right now.

AND in other news, Sold for £12.5m, now worth £5.8m: Celtic struck gold over “fantastic” Lennon signing…

Tottenham Hotspur finally got back to winning ways in the Premier League after they defeated Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Nuno Santo’s men had been thumped in each of their last three outings, the last of which being an embarrassing north London derby defeat to Arsenal a week ago but clearly, the Lilywhites put those ghosts in the past to deliver one of their most impressive performances of the 2021/22 campaign.

Heung-min Son was one major catalyst towards the three points as he provided an assist for both of their goals – the first time that Spurs had scored more than one goal in any league game this term.

Although he wasn’t the highest-rated player on SofaScore.

That acclaim went to Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was graded an 8.0, in comparison to the South Korean’s 7.3.

The 26-year-old even opened the scoring for Spurs with a cool finish from the edge of the penalty box after he received the ball from Son just 27 minutes into the match.

But Hojbjerg’s contribution didn’t stop there as he was a constant thorn in Dean Smith’s side all afternoon.

Only one other player (Emerson, 86) recorded more touches than the £36m-rated powerhouse (84), proving he was an influential figure in the engine room, playing alongside Oliver Skipp and Tanguy Ndombele.

The 21-year-old gem’s involvement has allowed the Dane to have more of an influence in the final third, hence why he was in the right spot at the right time to get himself on the scoresheet.

He made 89% of his 66 passing attempts, which was the best of any Spurs starter, whilst he also managed six successful dribbles from six attempts (100%). It suggests that he played a key role in linking the midfield to the attack.

By comparison, more-attack minded players like Son (three) and Ndombele (one) managed far fewer.

Elsewhere, Hojbjerg still did his defensive duties a lot of justice – as per SofaScore, he managed two tackles, two clearances, one interception and even won nine of 12 duels (75%).

football.london’s Alasdair Gold described the 6 foot 1 midfielder as a “big presence”, whilst the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed he was “tidy on the ball and shielded the back four well from the threat of John McGinn.”

On the above evidence, you could argue that Hojbjerg ran the show for Nuno and Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was different class and deserves just as many plaudits as Son.

AND in other news, Paratici could sign Spurs’ next Dembele in swoop for “extraordinary” £36m-rated beast…

Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes that Dusan Vlahovic may not be ready to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur, should the England captain leave the club.

Kane continues to be linked with a move away from Spurs, with Manchester City trying to do a deal to bring him into the club, having already signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

He would be a very difficult player for Spurs to replace but they have been linked with a number of strikers throughout the transfer window.

One such name is Vlahovic, who impressed at Fiorentina last season, although Sky Sports report that Spurs are interested in a deal regardless of Kane’s future.

The 21-year-old is already a Serbia international and he enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, scoring 21 Serie A goals in 37 games, while also laying on two assists.

Clancy, who is the editor in chief at Forza Italian Football, has his doubts over whether the striker is ready to step into Kane’s shoes, although he thinks he will end up having a superb career regardless of his next transfer move.

He said: “It might be a case of if he goes and replaces someone like Kane now, it might be a little bit too much off the back of one good season at Fiorentina, but he’s definitely got the raw talent there to have a huge career, and playing with Son might be amazing for him.”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been flocking to some transfer news on Danilho Doekhi.

As per Croatian news outlet 24 Sata (via Ibrox Chat), the Vitesse central defender is now set to decide his future, as both the Teddy Bears as well as Dinamo Zagreb have made pre-contract offers for him.

Having already secured John Souttar from Hearts on a pre-contract, the Light Blues do not seem to be messing about when it comes to increasing their centre-back options, especially as  Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun‘s contracts are up in the summer.

Nonetheless, if they both go on a free, then Souttar and Doekhi would be more than adequate replacements, and the latter has already hinted that he would like the move, claiming that he is ‘flattered’ by Gers’ interest, and that they are a ‘very beautiful’ club (de Gelderlander).

Dutch football agent Freddy van der Hoorn believes that his fellow countryman has ‘all the ingredients’ for a good centre-half, as he is ‘aggressive’ at six-foot-three, but also ‘very comfortable’ on the ball (Rangers Review).

Nonetheless, Doekhi would be another solid addition to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad.

Rangers fans on Doekhi transfer news

These RFC supporters flocked to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter:

“Come on big man, come to Glasgow!”

Credit: @Smudgersmith15

“I beg”

Credit: @SaucyGlen_V2

“Hope it’s us”

Credit: @EducatedOranje

“This would be glorious if we could pull it off”

Credit: @EveryOtherSatu1

“Whatever Dinamo are offering, offer them more.”

Credit: @MattG95

“Ok Doekhi. Better choose the Gers though!”

Credit: @Crypto_Kirk86

In other news, find out transfer update was lauded by Gers here!

As per RMC Sport, there has been a transfer update out of West Ham United involving Strasbourg defender Gerzino Nyamsi as GSB set their sights on a brand new transfer target.

The Lowdown: Moyes aims for new centre-back signing…

According to recent reports, manager David Moyes has apparently earmarked the signing of a new defender as one of his major summer priorities.

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The likes of James Tarkowski (Burnley) and Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina) have recently been linked with recent claims even emerging that West Ham are in pole position for the latter man.

Angelo Ogbonna is currently still sidelined through injury and Moyes has had to make do with just Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop as his senior options.

This comes amid their chase for European football next season, and if the Irons make it there again for 2022/2023, they will need more depth in the defensive positions.

The Latest: Hammers officials eye Nyamsi…

According to RMC, a new West Ham target has emerged in Nyamsi, with club officials closely scouting the Ligue 1 ace.

This comes as he could now leave this summer and this report claims we can expect a ‘battle between Italy and England’.

As well as West Ham, Newcastle and Napoli are named as interested parties as Nyamsi stands out in France.

RMC go on to state that English clubs have noticed his statistical superiority as he towers over most central defenders in Ligue 1 – most notably his aerial duels, ball carrying, tackling and recovery (RMC Sport).

The Verdict: Get it done?

While it is unclear how much Strasbourg could demand for Nyamsi, given his meagre £4.5 million Transfermarkt value, it may not be much.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 5, the 25-year-old is a real presence in defence and would take to the physicality of the Premier League like a duck to water.

As a summer battle looms, it’s interesting to see Moyes and co really cast the West Ham net out.

In other news: West Ham make contact to sign ‘one of the top four’ number eights in Europe! Find out more here.

After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town at the weekend, West Brom are back in league action this evening with a clash against Blackpool away from home. 

With club captain Jake Livermore now serving a three-game ban after picking up a red card in the defeat against Huddersfield, he will be unavailable for the next few fixtures. 

West Brom also have the likes of Dara O’Shea and Kean Bryan out with injuries. Taking this into account here is how we feel West Brom could line up tonight with three changes expected.

In goal considering how he’s played in almost every league game so far this season, we can see Sam Johnstone will keep his place in the team on this occasion.

For a back three, we think Baggies boss Valerien Ismael will go for the same trio that started against Huddersfield with Kyle Bartley, Cedric Kipre and Matt Clarke all in to try and keep a clean sheet this evening.

In midfield, with Livermore suspended we think Ismael will go with Robert Snodgrass and Jason Molumby, with Alex Mowatt, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £13k-per-week according to Salary Sport, dropping down to the substitutes bench.

At wing-back, we think Connor Townsend will keep his place on the left-hand side with Taylor Gardner-Hickman also retaining his place on the right-hand side.

For the attack, we can see Ismael sticking with Karlan Grant and Matt Phillips but bringing Callum Robinson, who managed to score in Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 win over Luxembourg during the recent international break, back in with Grady Diangana dropping out after he failed to impress and even have one clear shot at goal against Huddersfield.

West Brom are on an incredibly spotty run of form at the moment with three wins, one draw and four defeats under their belt in their eight previous league outings.

Thus, Ismael and everyone else at the Midlands club will undoubtedly be hoping that the team will be able to produce a strong performance and pick up all three points so they aren’t in danger of potentially missing out on a promotion place by the end of the season.

In other news: Forget Furlong: Ismael must unleash “important” WBA machine, he’d terrify Blackpool – opinion

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has pinpointed one key area which has made Celtic so impressive in the 2021/22 campaign so far. 

The lowdown: Domestic domination for Celtic?

Having relinquished a nine-year stranglehold on the Premiership title in 2021, the Hoops have regained their poise under Ange Postecoglou and appear to be heading towards a 52nd top-flight crown.

A mixture of smart recruitment at Parkhead, along with changes in personnel at Rangers, has meant that Celtic sit six points clear of their Glasgow rivals with five games to go, with the Scottish League Cup already in the bag too.

As the Bhoys prepare to do battle with their fiercest rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, ex-Gers boss McLeish believes that the attacking prowess at Parkhead could ultimately be the deciding factor on Sunday…

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The latest: Too much firepower…

Speaking to Football Insider, the 63-year-old claimed that the wealth of options at Postecoglou’s disposal has been crucial to his success so far at Parkhead.

McLeish stated: “With Celtic, you don’t know where the next goal is going to come from. At Rangers, it’s ‘I wonder when Morelos or Roofe will get that chance’.

“That’s not the case at Celtic. There are five or six different goalscorers every week.

“The thing for Furuhashi is he will probably be wondering how he gets back in. I think he’ll either start or he will come on and that will bring the energy he has so much of. I think he’s ready for that.”

The verdict: Goals from everywhere

Going into the Hampden Park showdown, Celtic have nine players with five goals or more to their name this season, including Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Adaba and Jota with 10 or more.

In addition, January arrivals Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have all hit the ground running in front of goal and will be staking a claim to start in Postecoglou’s side for the crunch semi-final.

Meanwhile, 16-goal top scorer Furuhashi will certainly be in line to make a first start since Boxing Day as Giorgos Giakoumakis faces a race against time due to a hamstring injury.

It’s little wonder, then, that McLeish is in awe of the attacking options at Postecoglou’s disposal.

In other news, one pundit has reaced to Ange Postecoglou’s transfer claim. Find out more here.