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One of Tottenham Hotspur’s mooted managerial candidates has been linked to a rival Premier League job this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun’s former chief football writer Ian McGarry, Spurs are interested in recently departed Lille head coach Christophe Galtier, as revealed on a recent episode of his ‘The Transfer Window’ podcast.

He said:

“Spurs have been heavily linked with trying to get Mauricio Pochettino to return to London as their manager.

“However, it’s also the case that we understand here at The Transfer Window podcast that Lille, newly crowned champions of Ligue 1, have received a note of interest from Tottenham in their coach Christophe Galtier, who Spurs are interested in on the basis that it may be the case PSG will be recalcitrant, and certainly difficult to deal with taking Pochettino back.”

But they now face competition from top-flight rivals Everton, who have been linked to the 54-year-old following Carlo Ancelotti’s shock return to Real Madrid.

Even Galtier’s former director of football Luis Campos has thrown his weight behind the move, claiming to Sky Sports News that he “has all the qualities to coach in England.”

“Technically he is very astute and is extremely detailed in his planning when preparing a team,” the Frenchman said. “He likes a 4-4-2 system, which would fit with the Premier League and he is a fantastic motivator in the dressing room. He likes to build a side with quality and youth, he is someone that can develop a team ethic, and he is also a fantastic human being.”

Dream for Paratici

After suffering further setbacks over Pochettino and Antonio Conte, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would be silly to not consider the man that pipped his former coach to the Ligue 1 title in sensational fashion this season.

Even more so now he’s available for nothing – free to join whoever he wants.

Galtier steered Lille to their first league triumph in a decade, defeating Paris Saint-Germain by one point, having also ended the campaign with the best defensive record in the division.

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Spurs are close to sealing another landmark appointment, with former Juventus director Fabio Paratici expected to become the club’s first sporting director since 2015 in the coming days.

And the French veteran could be the perfect boss to work in tandem with the Italian.

Lille have become renowned for unearthing the next big talent and then selling them on for profit, with Nicolas Pepe, Victor Osimhen and Gabriel all recent examples. They all benefitted from Galtier’s coaching.

Meanwhile, Paratici played a major part in the Serie A giants clinching 19 trophies in 11 years through his own recruitment.

In 2012, he nabbed Paul Pogba from Manchester United on a free, aged just 19, whilst Kingsley Coman, Paulo Dybala and Federico Chiesa were other young names he signed during his time at the Allianz Stadium.

Galtier’s record is even more impressive as he’s only ever been in charge of two clubs – Lille and Saint-Etienne – where he amassed a whopping 232 wins from 513 matches (45%).

Both Paratici and Galtier could be a match made in heaven for Levy, going by the above evidence so he ought to do what he can to bring the two together this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs handed fresh twist on their “ideal candidate” that’ll surely leave fans buzzing…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in midfield gem Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, PIF are planning a bid to sign the Denmark international from Tottenham at the end of the season.

The report claims that they want to add the defensive midfielder to their team as he is high up on their transfer wishlist and are plotting a £30m swoop for his services.

Eddie Howe must get it done

The Magpies head coach must seal a deal for the former Southampton man as he would be a fantastic addition to the squad.

He is not a flashy, skilful, player who will get fans off their seats – like Allan Saint-Maximin – but he can be as important to the team, if not more so. Hojbjerg is a player who can provide a solid base for the attack-minded players to work from and has proven his quality at Premier League level.

Jose Mourinho, who knows a thing or two about winning in England, previously lauded the Dane’s style of play as he said:

“Physically he’s very, very strong and technically he’s much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel. The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful. But these are not my words. These are words from coaches of 30, 40 years ago. Simplicity is genius.

“And the guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball. And I think he’s a phenomenal player. Congratulations, Mr. [Daniel] Levy [Spurs chairman].”

Hojbjerg, who has also been dubbed a “monster” by Morten Bisgaard, has been exceptional in the Premier League this season as he has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.16 for Spurs. The 26-year-old has made an impressive 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game whilst completing 89% of his attempted passes, showing that he is reliable on the ball and excellent at winning possession back for his team.

He has racked up 178 appearances in the top-flight for Southampton and Tottenham combined and this means that he has experience as well as quality. Hojbjerg knows what it takes to perform in the division, as shown by his statistics this season, and he still has room to improve at the age of 26.

This is why he would be an excellent, sensible, addition to bolster Howe’s midfield. The midfield destroyer would be the ideal equaliser to the panache Bruno Guimaraes shows off in the middle of the park, with his simplicity, and the Magpies must now get this deal over the line.

AND in other news, Keith Downie drops exciting £50m Newcastle transfer claim that’ll delight supporters…

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager is now into its tenth week as the Hoops desperately try to find a replacement for Neil Lennon.

Their wretched end to the season has only elevated the need for a new head at Parkhead, particularly after being drubbed 4-1 by their biggest rivals on Sunday.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been in advanced discussions to bring Eddie Howe to Glasgow for over a month now.

A deal is thought to be reaching its final stages and that could be down to the progression in their search for a director of football.

Nick Hammond left his role in the recruitment at Paradise in March and they are now looking to fill the role by opening up a new position.

Fergal Harkin has been at the top of Celtic’s list but Howe was trying to stall things and bring Richard Hughes, his companion at Bournemouth, on board instead.

However, in a surprising update that seemingly contradicts those initial reports, it’s been claimed that the 43-year-old manager will have absolutely no say in who the boardroom are preparing for the director of football position.

That news was revealed by The Sun’s Alan Nixon on Twitter this weekend.

After being asked by a Celtic supporter whether Howe had a say, he commented: “A manager is an employee … if the club want a director of football who is there for the long term that is up to the club to choose and decide.”

Desmond finally getting things right

The club’s majority shareholder has been relentlessly criticised and bemoaned by segments of the Celtic fan base this season.

Mass protests occurred outside Parkhead towards the end of last year against the club’s ownership but in a revealing interview a few months ago, Dermot Desmond said he wouldn’t be selling his shares.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/celtic-manager-transfers-eddie-howe-jesse-marsch-ryan-christie-siriki-dembele” title=”Read the latest Celtic managerial updates, transfer news, rumours and gossip!”]

For those who protested so staunchly, this came as a bitter blow. After all, the few years or so of his current tenure at the top of the Celtic hierarchy has been a disastrous one.

In fact, it rather stems back to when they hired Neil Lennon. The Bhoys received nearly £10m in compensation for Brendan Rodgers but used it to bring in a dispiriting replacement.

Finding the right successor on this occasion, therefore, is absolutely imperative. The appointment of Lennon has now set them back considerably but after the appointment of Dominic McKay, it looks to have kicked some sense into proceedings.

They are now closer than ever to Howe and they have taken the bold but sensible approach to leave the appointment of a director of football to themselves, rather than Howe.

If they’d let the former Bournemouth boss take over things and appoint Hughes, it could have been disastrous. Harkin has been labelled a transfer guru but the latter’s track record hardly sets the world alight.

For instance, Hughes spent £15m on Jordon Ibe only to see him score five goals in 92 appearances before leaving the Cherries on a free transfer.

What Celtic need right now is someone who is going to maximise the transfer window, not a figure who spends needlessly and poorly.

Desmond is absolutely correct to leave this in his and McKay’s hands and not be tempted to give the new manager any say in who is hired above him, which earlier reports indicated that could happen.

AND in other news, McKay can form dream Celtic duo by hiring 42y/o and signing “unbelievable” 97-goal gem…

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has completed a move away from The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Express & Star, who claim that the 18-year-old has rejected the offer of a generous professional contract at West Brom in favour of a move to Aston Villa.

The report goes on to mention that the central midfielder has been with the Baggies since the age of eight, also relaying the highly-rated youngster’s farewell message to Albion fans, which read: “I would like to say thank you to everyone at West Bromwich Albion who’ve helped me on my development as a footballer.

“You have all given me good times and memories I will cherish forever. Now my time has come to an end and I am looking forward to the next chapter. I wish the best to all my teammates and the coaches I’ve been with. It’s been an amazing 10 years.”

The Express & Star also cited the comments of Aston Villa academy boss Mark Harrison reflecting on the signing of Iroegbunam.

He said: “Tim is an athletic midfielder who is technically very good. He has the ability to play as a holding midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder, who can contribute in both penalty areas. Tim has a lot of potential and we look forward to seeing him develop over the next few years.”

Fans will be fuming

Considering just how much raw talent Iroegbunam appears to have, the 18-year-old’s departure from West Brom before even having the chance to make an appearance for the first team is sure to have left fans of the club fuming, particularly as he has gone to a Midlands rival in Aston Villa.

Last season, the 5 foot 8 midfielder was named as the club’s Marc Darcy Academy Player of the Season, having scored four goals and provided four assists over 28 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, Premier League 2, FA Youth Cup and EFL Trophy.

The youngster impressed so much that Sam Allardyce opted to include him in his first team squad on the final day of the Premier League season, although Iroegbunam failed to make it onto the pitch in Albion’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

However, following his switch to Villa, this occasion was the first and last time that West Brom fans will see the 18-year-old in and around the Baggies’ starting XI, something which will undoubtedly be hugely disappointing considering that the Championship club have nurtured Iroegbunam into the player he is today over the course of the last decade.

In other news: Reliable journalist drops West Brom transfer development, Ismael will be gutted

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell reckons that new Celtic signing Joe Hart can become an important figure during his time at Parkead.

The Lowdown: Ange Postecoglou gets used to life in the Parkhead dugout

Ange Postecoglou has made a solid start to life at Parkhead after registering two consecutive victories against Jablonec and Dundee respectively, although the Champions League qualifying exit to Midtjylland in late July was his first big setback.

Making inroads on the transfer front, the 55-year-old has sanctioned deals for seven players in James McCarthy, Liel Abada, Osaze Urhoghide, Kyogo Furuhashi, Carl Starfelt, Liam Shaw and Hart [Transfermarkt].

The Latest: Campbell tips Hart to be ‘massive’ for Celtic

Speaking about the English goalkeeper in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, former Everton striker Campbell was very complimentary with regards to the potential impact that Hart could have at Parkhead, as he stated: “The great thing about Joe is that he has that experience”.

Campbell then added: “That big club experience matters, especially going to a club like Celtic.

“Hart has won the Premier League, he was England’s number one, he will relish the chance to play for Celtic.

“He can be massive for them. He will prove himself up there, I’m sure. It’s a big opportunity for him.”

The Verdict: Hart looks to be an astute signing for Celtic

Citing his experience and previous exploits, Campbell builds a strong case for Hart to succeed in Glasgow. Having made two appearances for the Hoops since his arrival, the England international managed to record his first clean sheet in a 6-0 rout of Dundee last Sunday [BBC], playing in both of their wins so far under Postecoglou.

Having been on the periphery at former club Tottenham Hotspur last term, he made 10 appearances in north London but still kept five clean sheets [Transfermarkt]. As Campbell stated, though, Hart has huge experience at a high level, playing almost 550 club career games, winning five major trophies and representing England 75 times.

At 34 years of age, his shelf life as a goalkeeper could see him play on for a good few years at Parkhead. Judging by his start so far, he looks to be an ideal fit between the sticks at Celtic and could yet fulfil Campbell’s hope of him becoming a “massive” presence for Postecoglou.

In other news, Celtic have re-opened talks with a midfield ace.

Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe is now over six weeks old but we are finally coming towards a conclusion in this drawn-out saga.

The Hoops saw Neil Lennon resign back in February and since then they’ve been trying to convince the 43-year-old to come to Glasgow.

What’s the latest?

It was reported towards the end of last week that Howe would become the new manager of the Bhoys by talkSPORT.

However, we’ve heard no official word from Celtic yet that the former Bournemouth man will arrive in Glasgow.

That being said, the hierarchy have now received a massive boost in their bid to lure Howe to Scotland.

The Englishman was one of the favourites to succeed Roy Hodgson as manager of Crystal Palace but he reportedly flopped during the interview process.

Though, in a fresh update from the Daily Record, it’s claimed that he isn’t even interested in becoming the new manager at Selhurst Park.

McKay will be elated

This is a considerable boost to Celtic’s hopes of ensuring Howe is in the dugout at Paradise next season.

Up until this point, it looked as though the former Cherries boss was leaning towards a Premier League return.

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His agent had convinced him he could get another job in England and with Hodgson leaving Palace, it seemed like the ideal opportunity, one he couldn’t really turn down.

You can hardly blame him either. The top-flight of English football is notoriously known as the best division in the world while the sheer amount of money involved in transfers would have been mouth-watering.

As Celtic know, it’s hard enough to convince their players to stay in Glasgow, let alone convince a sought-after manager to reject England and sign on the dotted line in Scotland.

With Howe wanting to bring a number of Bournemouth’s backroom staff with him, the Hoops will have to wait until their play-off campaign is done and dusted.

Once that’s concluded, it should be nothing more than a formality for McKay to conclude a deal.

After all, the biggest obstacle of them all – the chance to manage in the Premier League – has been eradicated.

Celtic chiefs should be able to rest a little easier now.

AND in other news, Forget Hickey: McKay can save Celtic millions by unleashing “tricky” rarely-seen 18y/o…

Manchester United are set to offer Jesse Lingard a new three-year contract with the club, according to a recent report from The Daily Star. 

The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with West Ham United and caught the eye with a number of impressive performances as the Hammers finished sixth in the Premier League. The on-loan midfielder scored nine goals and was on hand to provide five assists for David Moyes’ side, and it was believed that the Irons were keen on making that loan spell a permanent move this summer.

However, Manchester United are set to offer him a new contract as they look to tie him down to a new deal at Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming league campaign, which is set to get underway in August. It is claimed by The Daily Star that West Ham are struggling to meet the Red Devils’ valuation of Lingard, which could result in his parent club offering him a new deal at Old Trafford despite him barely featuring for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in 2020.

Plenty of West Ham supporters took to social media to react to the news that Lingard could be set to sign a new contract with Manchester United ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below, with one fan believing the 28-year-old would be an “idiot” to commit his future to the Red Devils given how peripheral a figure he became under Solskjaer….

“Is it that bad a miss? Pretty rank his last 8 games for us. Mind you pretty magic in his first 6.”

Credit: @DuncanMcWillid

“Lost all respect for him.”

Credit: @stackzinho21

“Offered”. Not accepted.”

Credit: @KillerHeels_UK

“Just to stay in the bench and flop again.”

Credit: @Harry_WHU_

“Pereira it is then.”

Credit: @KieranLDN

“Heartbreak.”

Credit: @LoganJH__

“Oh well look elsewhere now.”

Credit: @Dyer1Adam

“If he stays at United then he is an idiot.”

Credit: @CharlieWestHam0

In other news, West Ham discover the asking price for one of their summer transfer targets.

West Brom were relegated back into the Championship last season as they were unable to retain their Premier League status. It was a disappointing year which saw them finish 19th, 13 points off safety.

The Baggies were second in the Championship in the 2019/20 campaign. It is a division they know very well. This time the club will be hoping they can claim the title as well as promotion back into the lucrative land of the Premier League.

The Midlands club have made a positive start to their season. They have won seven of their opening 13 matches, which leaves them second in the standings, behind only Bournemouth. West Brom have English Championship betting odds of 17/10 for the title. They are odds-on at 2/5 in the promotion betting, such is the confidence behind them.

Valerien Ismael’s side have lost just two games so far through the opening three months of the Championship season. They lost 0-1 to Stoke in a tight Midlands derby, while more recently they were defeated by Swansea City.

Summer Signings Have Bolstered The Squad

West Brom did some smart business during the summer and they have added players who have not only strengthened the squad, they have also added depth in all areas. Alex Mowatt was one of their new additions. He arrived on a free transfer from Barnsley to hook up with his former head coach again.

Mowatt has been impressive for the Baggies, scoring three goals in the league. He has scored two fantastic goals, both of which could be contenders for the goal of the season. Those strikes came from outside the box and have been on the volley. They are a great example of how technically gifted the midfielder is.

Another notable signing for the Baggies came through the loan market. They signed Norwich’s Jordan Hugill until the end of the season. The forward played an instrumental role in helping Norwich win the Championship title last year. He played 31 games for the Canaries during their promotion campaign.

Goals Spread Amongst Team

Unlike some of their promotion rivals, West Brom have shared the goals amongst their squad so far this season. This means they are not reliant on one player. Karlan Grant leads the way with six Championship goals. He is a striker who is proven in this division as the last time he played in the second tier, he scored 19 goals for Huddersfield.

Callum Robinson and Matt Phillips have both had good starts to the season. They have supported Grant well, operating as a front three in many games. Both players have lots of experience of playing in the Premier League so should find this level much easier.

At the other end of the pitch, West Brom did well to retain goalkeeper Sam Johnstone over the summer. He was their Player of the Year last season. If they can make a quick return to the Premier League, he will get to prove himself again as one of the best ‘keepers in England.

Promotion is the minimum aim for West Brom this season but if they can do it as the champions this time, it will be the cherry on the cake at the end of the campaign.

For clubs like Crystal Palace, being effective in the transfer market is imperative to their future success, but the south London outfit’s endeavours haven’t always been that productive.

The likes of Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke have arrived for hefty fees without producing much on the pitch, but the club’s hierarchy have struck gold over a handful of deals in recent years.

One of Palace’s more fruitful purchases was undoubtedly Dwight Gayle. The striker joined the Eagles back in the summer of 2013 for £4.5m after enjoying an impressive surge up the football pyramid.

Gayle was in the Essex Senior League with Stansted until 2011 and was on loan at Bishop’s Stortford in 2011-12, but his outstanding displays certainly caught the eye.

Having scored 57 goals in the 2010/11 season for ninth-tier Stansted, Gayle got his first break in professional football after being snapped up by League Two outfit Dagenham & Redbridge.

However, he was immediately loaned out to Bishop’s Stortford in the Conference North, and the diminutive forward bagged a further 42 times in all competitions the following campaign.

Gayle signed a new contract with Dagenham upon his return to the club, yet he was shipped out on another loan to Peterborough United soon after, and the Posh snapped him up on a permanent deal just six months later.

And his meteoric rise wasn’t finished there. Peterborough were relegated from the Championship despite the now 31-year-old notching up 13 goals and six assists in 29 league appearances, prompting Palace to make their move.

“The chance came, and I had to grab it because I might not get another,” Gayle said upon his unveiling as a Palace player.

“To be playing in the Premier League from where I’ve come from is a big achievement really. I’m just really looking forward to it, and hopefully, I can take the opportunity with both hands and do well.”

But things didn’t quite go to plan for Gayle during his time at Selhurst Park. During his three-year spell with the capital club, he scored just 15 top-flight goals in 64 outings, ultimately leading to his return to the Championship with Newcastle United.

The Magpies paid £10.8m for his services in 2016, earning the Eagles a healthy profit, and that deal has looked better and better for Palace chairman Steve Parish ever since.

Gayle has failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis in the Premier League throughout his career, and as a result, his market value has plummeted to just £3.6m despite him still being in his prime years.

This shows Parish was right to release the Englishman when he did, banking a tidy fee for his services in the process.

And, in other news…Signed for £9.45m, released for free: Palace endured transfer nightmare over 31y/o ace 

Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher is the kind of player Crystal Palace have got to be looking at this summer, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern.

While West Brom, where Gallagher spent last season out on loan, had a difficult 2020/21 campaign, it was still a campaign the 21-year-old can draw positives from.

After loan spells with Swansea City and Charlton Athletic in the Championship, it was his first taste of Premier League football, which he got plenty of.

In total, Gallagher made 30 appearances and scored two goals as he continued his development in the men’s game.

Palace are now thought to be keen on bringing the midfielder in and reuniting him with Marc Guehi, with The Athletic reporting on the club’s interest, and Palmer believes it would be the right decision.

“He did really well at West Brom,” the ex-Baggies player said. “He’s proved he can play at that level, so with funds going to be limited at Crystal Palace, you’ve got to be looking at a player like that to come [in on loan] and be part of your squad.

“He’s got lots of ability and I’m sure with Patrick Vieira taking over at the helm of the club that these players want to play for him.”

Bringing Gallagher in may not be straightforward, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in the England U21 international.