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According to a report by the Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur held a video call with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag before he signed a new contract and he could yet come back on to the club’s radar.

The Lowdown: Spurs manager chase…

Spurs have suffered repeated managerial blows over this last fortnight.

Firstly, the Athletic broke news of Tottenham and their talks with former boss Mauricio Pochettino – but his current club PSG refused to budge on their stance of letting the Argentine leave.

Afterwards, Spurs turned their focus to former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte, but those talks eventually broke down – leaving the Lilywhites back at square one.

The Latest: Spurs could turn to ten Hag…

Now, the Telegraph claim that Erik ten Hag could still come back into focus amid Fabio Paratici’s impending appointment as sporting director/general manager.

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Indeed, Spurs will apparently be starting fresh with a new shortlist and the Italian is said to be overseeing it.

One man who could retain his place as a Tottenham managerial target, though, is ten Hag – with journalist Matt Law stating that Spurs held a video call with the Dutchman before he signed his new deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Even though a new candidate list will need to be drawn up amid Paratici’s arrival, it is believed ten Hag could still come back on to Tottenham’s radar.

However, if they are to make a move for him, Spurs would now be forced to pay compensation.

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

After blows involving Conte and Pochettino, you could make the argument that ten Hag is now Tottenham’s best possible managerial solution factoring in chairman Daniel Levy’s requirements. 

Even though pundit Kevin Campbell has doubts over whether he would succeed in the Premier League, despite calling him ‘brilliant’ in his role at Ajax, ten Hag does have one big admirer in Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Indeed, Klopp dubbed him ‘one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football’ (Planet Football), and it’s hard to argue given his impressive career average of 2.07 points per match (Transfermarkt).

He may just be Tottenham’s best hope.

In other news: Tottenham ‘monster’ now ‘open’ to north London exit this summer, find out more here.

Celtic have seen a significant number of players join the Parkhead club over recent years, either on loan or permanent deals.

While the club have been active in the transfer market, this always increases the chances of having the occasional deal not go as well as they may have hoped.

One particular deal that looks to have been a let-down for the Hoops is their 2020 swoop for midfielder Ismaila Soro.

During the January transfer window in 2019/20, Celtic secured a four-and-a-half-year deal for the midfielder worth £2m from Israeli side Bnei Yehuda.

Despite signing in January, the Ivorian didn’t end up making his debut for the Bhoys until September 2020, in a 5-0 SPFL win over Ross County – having been out with a knee injury in the months prior.

Overall, the 23-year-old has made just 43 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, scoring just one goal and providing one assist in the process.

Back in February last year, former Celtic manager Neil Lennon admitted that the midfielder was “struggling with a bit of fatigue” as a result of the number of games he was playing at the time.

This doesn’t seem to be the case this season under Postecoglou, as the midfielder has only started six of the 19 games he’s appeared in across all competitions.

According to Transfermarkt, Soro’s current market value stands at £810k, which is significantly lower than the £2m that the Bhoys splashed out to bring him to Celtic Park.

Given his lack of action in this campaign, it’s hard to suggest that he’s been justifying that transfer fee.

Even when he has been given the chance to play in the league, the midfielder hasn’t done much to convince Postecoglou he has what it takes to be a regular member of the team.

With eight league appearances to his name, Soro has earned himself a rather underwhelming overall WhoScore match rating of 6.25, making him the lowest-rated Celtic player to play in more than two league games.

Taking all of this into account, unless the 23-year-old can turn his fortunes around sooner rather than later and start helping the team out, then the club will start to have some regrets over bringing him to Parkhead in the first place – with his signing already appearing to have been something of a nightmare.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Celtic suffer major injury setback, it’s terrible news for Postecoglou

Tottenham are interested in signing Barcelona’s Riqui Puig, according to Tribal Football.

Spurs eye Puig

The 21-year-old has had to make do with a bit-part role under Ronald Koeman so far this season, making just 21 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

It seems that Spurs are now interested in the midfielder, but they are not the only side in pursuit – Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan have all been mentioned as potential suitors, as per Tribal Football.

Top talent

While Puig is clearly not a core part of Koeman’s plans at the moment, he is still a player tipped to have a big future. He made his debut for Barca during the 2018/19 campaign and has now played 36 times for the club.

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien was a fan, calling the 21-year-old an “extraordinary” talent (via barcablaugranes.com), while he has even compared to club legend Andres Iniesta (via Goal.com).

Koeman’s failure to utilise him could therefore see Puig depart, and Tottenham should be jumping at the chance to sign the midfielder. He has a market value of £16.2m (Transfermarkt) – far from an outrageous valuation – and still has plenty to prove. It remains to be seen whether Daniel Levy and co follow up with a concrete offer in the summer, but they would be silly not to at least have a go.

In other news, Steve Hitchen has suggested this man as the next Tottenham manager.

West Ham have ‘in recent hours’ shown an interest in Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Left-back options

West Ham have been hugely reliant on Aaron Cresswell for many years to hold down the left-back position. The defender has made an astonishing 239 appearances for the Hammers in the league, placing him second in the Irons’ table for most Premier League appearances, behind Mark Noble, who totals 407 matches.

However, Cresswell is now 32 years old, and he has just 18 months left on his contract.

Arthur Masuaku is the club’s alternative option at left-back. The 28-year-old has made 11 top-flight appearances this season, seven of which have come off the bench. Despite this, fans would likely be reluctant to see him replace Cresswell in the starting XI, as the player has received some criticism for his recent performances.

Pundit Ian Wright singled Masuaku out for the ‘poor game’ he had in the Hammers’ defeat to Southampton, suggesting that he is a defensive liability.

As Cresswell doesn’t have long left on his current deal and with Masuaku failing to show why he should play a part in David Moyes’ starting XI, it is clear to see why West Ham have been searching for a left-back to bring into the club.

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The Latest: Hammers interested in Kurzawa

According to Foot Mercato journalist Aouna, West Ham have ‘shown interest in recent hours’ for PSG defender Kurzawa.

The Frenchman has not played any part in the current season for PSG; with just one appearance in all 2021/22 competitions, which was off the bench for nine minutes in the Trophée des Champions.

Therefore, this could be ‘a way out’ for the left-back, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in the player.

The Verdict: Poor choice

Kurzawa was previously linked with a deal to fellow London club Arsenal, with reports suggesting that he even agreed a deal to move to the Emirates Stadium in January 2020.

However, with the deal failing to materialise, questions have been asked as to the reason why. The 29-year-old has a lengthy injury history, which has seen him sidelined for weeks at a time; the longest of which was a herniated disc which kept him out for three months.

With suggestions that he also has a bad attitude, this does not seem like the sort of player that Moyes should be pursuing, even despite the player’s incredible trophy haul of 18 domestic competitions won in Paris.

In other news: West Ham United: Phillips bid officially rejected

Dean Windass has sensationally claimed Newcastle United could be the perfect move for £400,000-a-week man Aaron Ramsey to revitalise his career, even if a huge cut in wages would be required.

The Welshman left the Premier League for Juventus two years ago, but following a disappointing two seasons in Serie A, has been linked back to England this summer.

Ramsey enjoyed a successful period with Arsenal and has a proved record of 40 goals and 46 assists in the top-flight, but has found the net just six times in more than 60 appearances for the Old Lady.

Despite links with Tottenham and Arsenal, according to Goal, the Magpies have made a shock move and asked Juventus about Ramsey’s availability as they look to improve on their 12th-place finish last season.

Newcastle are already on the verge of re-signing Ramsey’s former Arsenal teammate Joe Willock on a permanent deal, and Windass doesn’t see any reason as to why the midfielder would turn down a move to St James’ Park, especially with fans returning this season.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Newcastle would suit him. Why wouldn’t he go there? It all changes, the supporters coming back, get your career back on track. He will play in that attacking midfield role.”

Leicester City have enquired about the availability of Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to reports.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Sega Diallo has revealed on Twitter that Brendan Rodgers’ side are interested in ending Keita’s three-year nightmare spell at Anfield, with the Reds open to his sale.

The 26-year-old has endured a torrid time since arriving on English shores back in 2018, suffering multiple injuries that have restricted the Guinea international to just 32 Premier League starts for his current club.

Keita hasn’t been seen on domestic duties since March 15th and has failed to make any of Jurgen Klopp’s last three matchday squads, despite there being no news of a fresh fitness concern.

His absence from Liverpool’s first-team set-up has only fuelled talk of an imminent exit, and the Foxes are reportedly one of several sides offering the former RB Leipzig man a way out of Merseyside.

Leicester must swoop

Leicester could complete one of the most impressive seasons in the club’s history if they secure a Champions League qualification spot following their maiden FA Cup triumph over the weekend.

A place in Europe’s elite cup competition would elevate the Midlands outfit exponentially on and off the field and could attract some of the continent’s top talent to the King Power Stadium, as well as convince those that are already there that their future lies with Leicester.

If Rodgers wants to compete on two fronts next season and maintain his side’s impressive Premier League form, then further strength in depth is going to be required.

Although Keita hasn’t kicked on as he would’ve hoped at Liverpool, he’s undoubtedly a top talent on his day, and Virgil van Dijk’s glowing assessment of the hard-working midfielder showcases the potential that he possesses.

“I think he is world-class; if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball, the smart moves, the smart intelligence. It’s just incredible to see, and I’m very happy for him,” revealed the Dutch defender to Liverpoolfc.com back in 2020.

Therefore, a move for the £120,000-per-week workhorse would make perfect sense for Leicester. Keita could play alongside Tielemans, or allow the Belgium international to be rested for certain games and also ease the creative burden on James Maddison.

It’s a move that could be perfect for both parties, and the Foxes must sanction an audacious swoop for Liverpool’s unwanted man.

And, in other news…Leicester handed a huge pre-Chelsea injury blow, Rodgers will be gutted – opinion

Steve Howey has warned Newcastle United to be cautious when looking to seal a fan favourite’s return to the club.

Jetro Willems is a free agent after turning down a new deal with German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The left-back previously enjoyed a season-long loan on Tyneside and quickly became a firm favourite among the Toon Army.

Willems, 27, made 20 appearances during his time with the Magpies and scored three goals.

However, he has opted to move on from Frankfurt after failing to make a single appearance last season.

The former Netherlands international is believed to be holding out for a move back to St James’ Park, where he struck up a good relationship with team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin both on and off the pitch.

Steve Bruce is looking to improve his options ahead of a third season at the helm but Howey, who was on Newcastle’s books for more than a decade during his playing days, has warned Willems may not be the perfect financial option.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Howey said: “It could be seen as a no-brainer but sometimes players and their agents think because you’re not paying a transfer fee, the wages should go up. I think parties involved have got to be sensible about it.

“Newcastle can’t be a club trying to get a player for nothing and therefore giving him nothing weekly wage-wise. By the same token, you don’t want a player saying you’re getting me for nothing so I want astronomical wages.”

Newcastle United should look to sign Wolves centre-back Conor Coady in January, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Coady shines at Wolves

Coady has been a fantastic servant for Wolves, making 286 appearances for the club and fully deserving his role as captain.

The 28-year-old’s leadership has shone through at Molineux and he has been a model of consistency at the heart of the defence, both in the Championship and the Premier League.

The Latest: Captain tipped for January exit

With Newcastle receiving an influx of money after their recent takeover, however, they could be looking at signing various players in January.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed Coady would be an ideal addition to the Magpies’ squad:

“He’s a brilliant defender and consistency is what you will get from him.

“Newcastle have struggled defensively for a number of years now, so getting a defender like him into the spine of that side will be massive.

“That’s the first place I’d be looking. You have Wilson, Saint-Maximin and Almiron in the attack, so you have enough there but the frailties are at the back and at centre-half, for me.

“Conor Coady is a player you would be more than happy with at your football club. He’s got the leadership qualities, he’s an England international now and he is a very consistent performer for Wolves.”

The Verdict: Potential huge blow

Coady might not necessarily be the most athletically gifted footballer around, but he has a huge influence at Wolves, both on and off the pitch.

For that reason, the thought of losing him doesn’t bear thinking about, with the Englishman very much the heart of the squad and almost a second manager on the pitch.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will make a bid, but Wolves should demand huge money if they do.

In other news, some Wolves fans love a tweet about a Premier League landmark. Read more here.

West Bromwich Albion have approached former Liverpool goalkeeper Andy Lonergan over a potential return to the Hawthorns [The Athletic].

The Lowdown: West Brom build ahead of 2021/22

Looking for a fresh start after unfortunately suffering relegation last term, newly appointed Baggies manager Valerien Ismael will be keen to acquire the personnel necessary to initiate a 2021/22 promotion bid.

Making strides in terms of recruitment, the Frenchman has sanctioned moves for free agent Alex Mowatt alongside Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Matt Clarke [Transfermarkt].

However, West Brom could be about to take the unusual step of releasing and then re-signing a former player owing to recent reports.

The Latest: West Brom approach Lonergan over return to the Hawthorns

Searching for a third-choice goalkeeper, the West Midlands outfit have seemingly turned back to Lonergan to fill the position [The Athletic].

Of course, the 37-year-old is no stranger to the Hawthorns faithful, having spent the second half of 2020/21 on the books of the Baggies before subsequently being released earlier in the window.

Nevertheless, he may now be drafted in to bridge gaps within the West Brom goalkeeping department, in order to allow youngster Josh Griffiths to be farmed out on loan to the EFL to gain experience [Manchester Evening News].

The Verdict: Lonergan return would be sensible move by the Baggies

Low risk to say the least, bringing Lonergan back to the club would be a sensible and presumably inexpensive move for the Sky Bet Championship side.

Having plied his trade at no fewer than 14 clubs across his career, the former England Under-20’s international picked up a Premier League winners medal at Liverpool during his brief stint on Merseyside, but is no stranger to playing a support role.

All in, the Preston-born keeper has completed 409 appearances throughout his time in football, keeping 92 clean sheets [Transfermarkt].

Likely to pass on some of his expertise to younger figures at the club should a deal be formalised, West Brom could do a lot worse than to re-hire Lonergan for another campaign.

In other news, a West Bromwich Albion ace is linked with a Premier League giant.

The transfer window slammed shut just under 48 hours ago but Celtic and Ange Postecoglou are already planning their next signings ahead of January.

The Hoops signed no fewer than 12 first-team players in the summer market but as they should be, they’re looking at further ways to improve and get ahead in the market.

What’s the word?

One area of the squad that Postecoglou has been keen to improve is the younger options available to him.

Liam Shaw, Liam Scales and Osaze Urhoghide all arrived this summer while Joey Dawson and Bosun Lawal also became Celtic players.

However, the Bhoys won’t stop there in order to improve their youth ranks.

According to The Irish Independent, Celtic are keeping tabs on Sligo Rovers forward Johnny Kenny.

They have planned a scouting mission for Friday when the 18-year-old’s team will take on Drogheda United.

Ange will love him

When Postecoglou was first given the Celtic job, he revealed just how important young players would be to his plans.

The Australian said: “I’m a big believer that, if you can produce homegrown talent and players who have come through the club, there’s extra meaning to represent that football club for the player. For the supporters, they see one of their own out there and I think that’s very important.”

He added: “The first step of that is to make sure the talent is being produced and nurtured at the club. I want to get really involved in the Academy process and see where they’re at. They’ve produced some fantastic footballers in recent times.

“My job is to give those footballers an opportunity and make them realise their potential. For me, age is irrelevant.”

Those quotes came within days of him taking the role and he has so far lived up to that promise with the sheer number of teenagers he’s signed.

Furthermore, he has already made moves to include academy players in the matchday squad on a regular basis with Dane Murray and Adam Montgomery earning game time in the early moments of the season.

Therefore, if you consider Kenny’s qualities and CV to date, Postecoglou should love him.

Speaking about the Irishman earlier this year, Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley commented: “He’s a top talent. We pulled him into the first-team group this year from the start – he jumped in and he’s not looking back.”

Buckley concluded: “His finishing is really good.”

Six senior goals in just 23 senior outings at his age is an impressive haul and he opened his account for 2021/22 by scoring a goal for his team in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers against Icelandic opposition FH Hafnarfjördur.

With so many vibrant young players walking through the door, the future looks bright at Parkhead; the addition of Kenny will also improve that.

AND in other news, Celtic may have just repeated their John McGinn howler…