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Celtic are reportedly interested in a move for Derby County defender Lee Buchanan as their recruitment drive intensifies, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Ange Postecoglou eyes quality additions

Facing a large-scale rebuild at Parkhead this season after a disappointing 2020/21 campaign in Glasgow’s east end, new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will be looking to add quality where necessary to breed trophy-winning success.

Wasting no time in the transfer market, he has brought in five new players in key areas in need of strengthening as Kyogo Furuhashi, Carl Starfelt, Osaze Urhoghide, Liel Ababa and Liam Shaw have all joined over the summer [Transfermarkt].

The Celts now look set to pursue another target, according to latest developments.

The Latest: Celtic eye young sensation Buchanan

Eyeing reinforcements at left-back, Celtic are said to be keen on a move for 20-year-old Buchanan, as per the Daily Record.

His club Derby County are currently under a transfer embargo due to financial irregularities, potentially opening the door to a move away from Pride Park.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly the first club to test the waters with a bid for the 1.75m (5 foot 9) ace, although their bid of around £1.2m for his services has been rejected.

The Verdict: Buchanan would be an astute signing

Youthful, potentially available for a knockdown fee and already a regular first team operator, Buchanan would seem an astute potential signing by the Parkhead hierarchy.

In 2020/21, the Mansfield-born defender made 37 appearances for the Rams, registering three assists [Transfermarkt]. He also showed his bravery within the backline, winning a commendable 2.9 aerial duels per game across the season for Derby [WhoScored].

Once labelled a ‘top player’ by his manager, none other than Premier League legend Wayne Rooney, the England under-21 international has a bright future in the game which Celtic should capitalise upon by completing a deal for his signature.

In other news, one Hoops defender is in advanced talks over a Parkhead exit.

Steve Howey believes that selling Aymeric Laporte would leave Manchester City short at the back.

£57m man Laporte was City’s best defender during their title-winning campaign two years ago, but a serious knee problem saw him miss the majority of last season, whilst the arrival or Ruben Dias from Benfica last summer saw the Frenchman lose his place in the team.

With that in mind, he made just 16 appearances in the Premier League last term and didn’t play a single minute in any of City’s last five Champions League games.

They’ve have already lost young centre-back Eric Garcia to Barcelona on a free transfer, whilst Laporte also has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

But should City move Laporte on this summer, it would leave Nathan Ake as the only back up to regular pairing Dias and John Stones.

And therefore Howey told Football FanCast that it would be a mistake:

“Who else have that got after Stones and Dias? I don’t really know. And that’s kind of leaving them a bit short unless he’s got a replacement.

“It wasn’t that long ago Laporte was the main man, and everyone was raving over him. For one reason or another, he lost his place in the team, Stones came in alongside Dias and that was it.”

Aston Villa have been watching Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia closely, according to a report from The Athletic.

The 24-year-old isn’t viewed as a replacement for Jack Grealish, but rather someone who could be deployed alongside the England international.

Villa are looking to strengthen in forward areas, with Trezeguet out long-term and Ross Barkley’s loan spell at its end, but it will apparently take more than £40m to prise the Argentine away from Norwich, who were recently promoted back to the Premier League.

Both the player and the club are believed to have accepted that it is the right time for him to leave, although Villa could face competition from Arsenal, who view Buendia as an alternative to Martin Odegaard should the latter return to Real Madrid.

Buendia coveted after fine season

Buendia led the Championship for assists last season with a total of 16, four clear of his nearest challenger, Reading’s Michael Olise. He also scored 15 times during the campaign, enough to finish in the league’s top 10 scorers.

Fan feed The Villa Report relayed the information, and naturally many supporters reacted excitedly, imploring sporting director Johan Lange to do all he can to bring the 24-year-old to Villa Park.

Villa fans buzzing at strong Buendia links

“If Lange gets this done I’ll give him my first born”

Credit: @AVFC__Alex

“Next to Jack this would be an unbelievable signing – we have the money, spend it”

Credit: @AvfcU

“Get it done.”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“I beg of you”

Credit: @BlackCountry_AV

“Ohhhhh myyyyy”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“Oh now this is what I’m talking about”

Credit: @BackpostTrez2

In other news, read this ex-Villa star’s incredible claim about Emi Martinez.

West Ham United are one of the teams interested in signing Gerard Moreno this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim that after an impressive campaign with Villarreal, the 29-year-old talisman is attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A.

It’s thought that three teams have come forward with interest, including the Irons.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Jose Mourinho’s new team, AS Roma, are the other two mentioned in the report, whilst it remains to be seen how much of a fee Moreno would command.

Transfermarkt and CIES Football Observatory both value the ten-cap Spain international at £36m. He cost the Yellow Submarines €20m (£18m) in the summer of 2018.

Best since Di Canio

David Moyes is in desperate need of a new striker this summer, so it’s hardly a surprise to see the East London outfit linked to an array of names, of which the likes of Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham and Czech sensation Adam Hlozek have been mooted.

You could forgive fans at the London Stadium approaching this situation with caution as the Hammers have had a sordid past when it comes to bolstering their frontline.

For many, many years they have signed questionable options – the latest being Sebastian Haller, who left after just 18 months, with GSB making a £20m loss on his services.

Jordan Hugill, Simone Zaza, Nikica Jelavic, Mauro Zarate, Marouane Chamakh, Modibo Maiga and Andy Carroll are several examples of the club messing up such a vital position.

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

Moreno, who has been in career-best form this campaign, can buck that trend to potentially become West Ham’s best forward since Paulo Di Canio graced the pitch at the Boleyn Ground.

Of course, there have been fleeting signs since then, with the likes of Demba Ba and Marko Arnautovic doing the Hammers a sterling job whilst Michail Antonio is probably the best contender for such a tag, though he was never an out-and-out frontman until recently.

The Villarreal striker has been immensely prolific this term, providing ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery with a whopping 30 goals and 11 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Such form has led to La Liga expert Sid Lowe dubbing him ‘arguably Spain’s best player right now’ in April this year.

His ability to play anywhere through the middle, deeper or more advanced, is hugely appealing too – almost in that sort of Harry Kane role for arch-rivals Spurs.

In fact, during his time at Espanyol, he drew comparisons to Karim Benzema.

“Early on, he was in and out of the team, but under Quique, he became more like a 9.5 – like Karim Benzema, and it allowed him to become our goalscorer, but also our playmaker,” explained Geoff Gillingham to La Liga Lowdown.

“Gerard Moreno is Lionel Messi. Only from “Villarreal” is how El Pais described him earlier in the season and the glowing endorsements do not stop there either.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig believes he’s “perfect” and “capable” of adapting to different conditions.

Indeed, only Messi outscored (30) and outranked (8.52) Moreno in the Spanish top-flight this season but it’s clear that the 29-year-old talisman has an ideal mix of skills to be a hit in the Premier League.

Each game in La Liga this term, he averaged 1.9 aerials won, displaying his strength and power despite only being 5 foot 11, as well as 2.9 shots, 2.2 dribbles and 1.3 key passes, proving to be a dual-threat up top as he can also be a major source of creativity, via WhoScored.

All in all, these are all characteristics that bolster his claims to be the Irons’ best striker since the enigmatic Di Canio.

David Sullivan and co must look to sanction a swoop for the Spanish monster, whatever the price.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Ogbonna: GSB must seal £20m “diamond” who’s “very keen” to join the Irons…

Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is a shock target for Arsenal, as reported by The Sun.

The Lowdown: Sheffield United eye 2021/22 redemption

Sheffield United will be looking to immediately bounce back to the Premier League in 2021/22, in the wake of their unfortunate relegation to the Sky Bet Championship [Guardian].

Though player incomings may will be a crucial part of kick-starting their promotion push, keeping hold of their assets may take precedence for newly appointed boss Slaviša Jokanović [BBC].

In recent times, Blades midfielder Sander Berge has been linked with a move to Arsenal [Yorkshire Live], meanwhile Wolverhampton Wanderers have previously shown an interest in striker Oliver McBurnie [GIVEMESPORT].

Surprisingly, it may turn out to be a different player who departs Yorkshire for the Gunners according to latest stories.

The Latest: Ramsdale an Arsenal target; £20 million fee quoted

As Bernd Leno’s future becomes exceeding unclear between the Emirates sticks, Ramsdale has emerged as a potential acquisition for the Londoners as they restructure their squad [The Sun].

Sheffield United are said to be holding out for around £20 million for the 23-year-old [The Sun], who has replaced Dean Henderson in England’s EURO 2020 roster, after the Manchester United stopper sustained a hip injury [Guardian].

Arsenal are also said to be interested in Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who may prove to be a more financially prudent alternative in the last line of defence [Daily Cannon].

The Verdict: Losing Ramsdale would be a bitter blow for the Blades

Without question, losing Ramsdale would come as a bitter blow to Sheffield United as they set out to conquer the English second-tier.

In 2020/21, Ramsdale was ever-present for the Bramall Lane outfit, making 42 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Though he endured a tough campaign last time out, there is no doubt that he has the ability to become a top-class goalkeeper at Premier League level in the coming years, evidenced by his call-up to Euro 2020 duty.

Once described as ‘simply outstanding’ by former Trinidad and Tobago international Shaka Hislop [Bournemouth Echo], Ramsdale has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the last few weeks [HITC].

Continuity is key to breeding success in football, and losing his commanding presence would be a sore setback to the Blades as they prepare for next term.

In other news, a pundit exclusively gives his take on Sheffield United star Oli McBurnie.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been giving their reaction to a behind-the-scenes update on the club’s search for a new manager.

The Eagles announced earlier in the week that Roy Hodgson will leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires, with the 73-year-old’s final home game in charge coming on Wednesday with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Attention is now starting to turn to the club’s hunt for a new boss, and according to Football Insider, chairman Steve Parish and director of football Dougie Freedman are torn over who that man should be.

A Palace source informed Football Insider that Parish wants to bring Frank Lampard to the club, whereas Freedman is staking his claim to bring Barnsley boss Valerian Ismael to London.

Parish was ready to offer Lampard a contract, but Freedman’s pursuit of Ismael appears to have thrown a spanner in the works.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news on social media on Wednesday afternoon, and, as to be expected, the off-field news had plenty of supporters talking.

This is what some had to say…

“omg”Credit: @RRcpfc”It’s getting heated up in here”Credit: @CPFCMax03″YES DOUGIE!!!!!!!!!!”Credit: @SaucyZaha”Dougie Freedman still thinks we’re a Championship club.”Credit: @Wheddsta”Heart says Ismael Head says Dyche Parish says Lampard”Credit: @Phillyconcarne”Listen to Dougie, Steve.”Credit: @Nick_CPFC

In other news: Palace in advanced talks with versatile forward, fans react, find out more here. 

Newcastle could sign their new Demba Ba in Young Boys striker Jean-Pierre Nsame.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have once again found goals hard to come by in the Premier League this season, with top scorer Callum Wilson only on ten amid an injury-hit debut campaign at St James’ Park.

TEAMtalk have now claimed that Steve Bruce’s side have their eye on Nsame, although they are set to face significant competition for the Cameroon international’s signature. The report added that the likes of Southampton, West Ham and Celtic are all interested in him as well.

A new Demba Ba

Barring the recent arrival of Wilson, Newcastle haven’t really had a proven Premier League striker in their ranks since Demba Ba was lighting up St James’ Park.

The Senegal international developed into a real fans’ favourite at the club, bagging an incredible 29 times in just 58 games in all competitions, including a real knack for scoring some sublime acrobatic goals. In Nsame, they could find something quite close to their former hero.

Speaking last year, Young Boys manager Gerardo Seoane raved about the 27-year-old’s ability, saying: “Jean-Pierre Nsamé has had an extraordinary season. He has really progressed especially in terms of taking responsibility in the team.”

“He is very physical, with an unbelievable ability in front of goal. He is very present in the penalty area and all the balls that comes, he puts them in the back of the net, thanks to his technique and strength.”

That combination of “technique and strength” is exactly what marked out Ba as a real Premier League force, and why Chelsea ended up luring him to Stamford Bridge.

With 129 goals to his name in his professional career, Nsame has become an incredibly prolific striker at Young Boys, with his impressive haul of 32 goals last season seeing him become the Swiss League’s all-time top scorer in a single campaign.

With another 25 goals to his name this year, the striker is just continuing where he left off and it’s no surprise that clubs across Europe have sat up and taken notice.

Mike Ashley must be all over a deal for the Cameroon forward this summer.

In other news, Rob Lee has hailed one Newcastle ace as a game-changer.

A new name has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job this week…

What’s the word?

According to Duncan Castles and Ian McGarry on ‘The Transfer Window’ podcast, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is a manager that Spurs have on their radar to replace Jose Mourinho, who joined their Serie A rivals AS Roma on Tuesday.

“We also understand here at the Transfer Window Podcast, that another manager who is of great interest to Tottenham and indeed who they have inquired about – and ironically is also in Serie A – is Gian Piero Gasperini who has been in charge of Atalanta, who have become something of a surprise club in European football in the past few years.

“Gasperini is not the young and dynamic coach which Tottenham have effectively described to agents as their preference. However, he is a very experienced manager and he’s certainly an interesting character who is dependent on a hyper-offensive possession-based style of play. He likes to pressure teams in the same way Jurgen Klopp does with Liverpool.”

“It is our information that a high-profile agent in Europe has informed Gasperini of Spurs’ interest and he has responded positively.”

Exciting appointment

The vastly experienced 63-year-old has done great things at La Dea since his appointment in the summer of 2016. Across 234 matches in charge, he’s accrued a 53% win rate, but more impressively, has averaged a whopping two goals per game whilst competing against Italian giants Juventus and both Milan clubs.

By comparison, Mourinho was thought to have “sucked the culture” out of Spurs with his defensively-minded tactics and boring training sessions, despite winning 52% of his matches in North London.

Supporters were equally frustrated by the Special One’s seemingly dated playing style, with some brandishing him a “dinosaur” and “washed-up” after defeat to Liverpool this year, via talkSPORT.

It’s no wonder Levy is targeting an attack-focused successor and in Gasperini, there cannot be many better candidates as his Atalanta team are one of the most attacking and relentless in Europe.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-managerial-update-levy-mason-mourinho-sacked” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, managerial gossip and more!”]

As described on the aforementioned podcast, the Italian’s playing style is “hyper-offensive” and “possession-based,” which places focus on scoring goals, work rate off the ball and quick tempo passing rather than the defensive side of things – a stark, stark contrast to Mourinho.

His fluid 3-4-3 system utilises wing-backs to great effect as they are practically wide midfielders and that could suit the likes of Sergio Reguilon and Matt Doherty in the current Spurs set up.

Gasperini has caught the eye of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who seemingly adores the Atalanta boss after he claimed to be a big fan of his when the two teams met earlier this year.

“Gasperini has done a great job. He was the coach of the Primavera youth team at Juventus when I was there. I really like him as a coach,” explained the three-time UCL winner. “Atalanta have proved themselves on the pitch, changing two or three players this year to improve even more. It’s going to be difficult and we have to prove that we’re a strong team.”

The 63-year-old has transformed Atalanta, qualifying for the Champions League in three straight seasons, and that has earned him the Serie A coach of the year award for a second successive campaign.

Spurs have not featured on the big stage since their final heartbreak in 2019, so perhaps Gasperini could steer them back on track and at the same time, bring some much-needed excitement and entertainment back to the Hotspur faithful.

AND in other news, Levy could banish a four-year problem by signing £18m-rated “special player” who “gives 100%”…

Liverpool fans feared the worst as they struggled at the back earlier this season but after a consistent run of games, Nat Phillips established himself as the number one centre back for Jurgen Klopp, and Paul Jewell believes that the 24-year old won’t be happy sitting on the bench next season.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expected to be fit for the start of next season, Klopp is likely to select his trusted centre back pairing whenever possible, despite Phillips showing his ability to lead and be a threat in both boxes.

Since Liverpool clinched a spot in the top four, reports have emerged that they are willing to sell Phillips this summer if any club is willing to pay £10 million for a 24-year old who has only played 36 league games in his career.

Phillips became a fan favourite during his run in the first team and he won’t be happy to go back to the reserves or just settling for cup appearances, something Jewell explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“This is the scenario that Nat has where he was on loan last year in Germany, he’s done well in the Liverpool side but it’s likely that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will come back into the starting line up next season. That’s the problem that young players have once they’ve had a taste of playing regular football.

“He won’t be happy to sit on the bench every week so that will be a discussion for him and Liverpool to have and if he’s not going to play regular football at Liverpool, does he go and seek regular first team football elsewhere?”

The £64,615 per week had established what appeared to be a reasonable partnership with on-loan signing Ozan Kabak, but it appears that the Schalke defender won’t be staying at Anfield when his loan deal expires this summer.

Recently, Van Dijk confirmed that he would miss the European Championships this summer so that he can be fully fit for the start of next season for Liverpool.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Tottenham defender Graham Roberts has claimed that Gareth Bale does not want to play for Jose Mourinho.

Bale has had some difficult moments under Mourinho this season, with the Welsh forward barely featuring at the start of the campaign.

Things have since improved, though, as Bale reminded everyone what he is capable of with braces against Crystal Palace and Burnley last month and in February.

Despite this upturn in form, Roberts is convinced Bale is still not happy with life in north London — largely because of Mourinho.

In an exclusive interview, the Tottenham legend told FFC:

“If Gareth Bale played the next nine games, I think we would see Gareth Bale at his best. But I’m not sure that Gareth Bale wants to play for this manager. I’m not sure a few of them want to play for this manager, but the manager is in charge, so he makes the decisions.”

Even if Mourinho is not at Tottenham next season, Bale looks set to leave the north London outfit.

The Wales international recently made it clear that he plans to return to parent club Real Madrid after his loan spell ends, putting an end to any hope Spurs may have had over a permanent deal.