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Reports linking Roy Keane with the vacant Celtic managerial role seem to be gathering pace.

On Thursday morning, Football Insider revealed that the Hoops had ‘sensationally’ opened talks with the Irishman and were ready to offer Keane a return to management 10 years on from his last position.

Fresh Keane update

The Daily Mail, cited by the Daily Record, have now had their say on the former Celtic midfielder.

They also claim that the 49-year-old has held discussions with the Hoops hierarchy, with Keane seemingly interested in becoming Neil Lennon’s long-term successor.

However, the latest report added that Keane is just one of a “number of candidates” in the frame to take over in Glasgow, meaning there could be more twists and turns to come yet.

Transfer Tavern take

With more than one outlet now sharing details of Keane’s reported Celtic discussions, it seems as if the Sky Sports pundit could well be making the move back to Scotland.

If he does, we feel it would be a risk, purely based on his lengthy absence from the dugout.

Yes, it would be sensational – causing huge public interest to shift towards Glasgow – but a 10-year gap from being the main man on the touchline could be a cause for concern.

Perhaps some fans will be hoping that one of those other candidates steals the show.

In other news: Report shares who Keane’s number two could be after Wednesday news, find out more here. 

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a major transfer update on Leeds United’s Jack Harrison.

What’s the story?

The Whites initially signed the 24-year-old from Manchester City on a season-long loan in the summer of 2018, before doing so again for the past couple of campaigns too – only this latest time, with an option to buy included.

Hay has now revealed that a deal to sign Harrison permanently is “as good as done”.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, the journalist said: “Leeds have got the option to take Jack Harrison from Manchester City, and my understanding of that is that it will happen; it’s as good as done, and it will be an £11m deal.

“I feel, having watched Harrison this season, I still think that’s a really good deal; I think that’s worth doing and good value at that price.”

Bielsa surely buzzing

Given that Harrison is now in his third stint on loan at Leeds United, there’s no questioning that Marcelo Bielsa absolutely loves the winger and what he brings to the table.

Speaking just last month, Bielsa said: “Harrison is a very strong player mentally. He is a very dedicated professional. And on occasion, like with all players, I maintain a dialogue with him when I see fit.”

The 24-year-old has played 117 games for the Whites under Bielsa and has been a key performer in his side’s return to the Premier League this season – in 25 appearances in the division, he has bagged six goals and provided a further four assists.

Tying him down to a permanent deal and ensuring his long-term future remains at Elland Road will surely have Bielsa buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star has been Bielsa’s real hero…

Leeds United may not have much to play for between now and the end of the season but it’s hard to deny they haven’t brought great enjoyment to the Premier League.

They press from the front with relentless energy and are swashbuckling in the final third. Strengthening this team, therefore, will be difficult.

What’s the word?

It’s not known how much money Leeds will have to spend during the summer window but one of their first acquisitions could be on a free transfer.

According to The Mirror, the Whites have made Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt a target.

The left-back was linked with Arsenal during the January transfer window with the defender running down his contract at Selhurst Park.

He is still yet to sign a new deal in the capital and as a result, could move on a free transfer in a few months time.

Van Aanholt currently earns a wage of £54k-per-week at Palace, a pretty considerable amount given Leeds’ wage structure.

Bye-bye Alioski

Reports over the last few months have made it pretty clear that Leeds are in the mood to strengthen their left-sided options.

Gjanni Alioski has been linked with the exit door and could move to Turkish shores if his contract runs out in the summer.

With that in mind, they’d be left rather short at left-back. Stuart Dallas has played there but beyond that, they’d have to choose either Niall Huggins or Leif Davis; two young players still making their way in the game.

Brest full-back Romain Perraud has been linked, someone Phil Hay rates highly, but if they’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Van Aanholt fits the bill.

The Dutchman is the definition of an attacking full-back and that would suit Marcelo Bielsa perfectly. In the last three seasons, the 30-year-old has scored 11 goals and contributed five assists in the top-flight alone.

Crucially, he possesses plenty of Premier League experience and has the work ethic to suit Bielsa’s plans.

Talking to The Athletic, his former manager at Sunderland, Gus Poyet, once said: “He’s a very offensive full-back. He has an explosive ability to go forward and help the team to create chances.”

During the course of his career, Van Aanholt has provided 1.2 shots and one key pass per match. For a full-back, those are eye-catching numbers.

If Alioski does leave, signing a left-back becomes a necessity. They could do far worse than the Palace defender in the summer.

AND in other news, Leeds have their perfect Pablo heir in rarely-seen 19 y/o, he’s a “great talent”…

It might have been a nerve-wracking win for Leeds United, but it was a win nonetheless.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side clung onto a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday night, courtesy of strikes from Raphinha and Jack Harrison.

Raphinha in particular looked dangerous, scoring one and then setting up Harrison’s winner with a delightful ball in behind the Magpies defence.

But whilst the Brazilian showed why Leeds spent big money to bring him in from Ligue 1 side Rennes in the summer, it was Illan Meslier who really produced a match-winning display for the Whites.

The Frenchman, who joined on a permanent basis last summer, was in inspired form in between the sticks, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that particularly in the second-half, he was the sole reason why Leeds kept a hold of all three points.

The £10.8m-rated ace made a number of crucial stops, not least an acrobatic stop to tip over a thumping Jonjo Shelvey header from an inswinging corner.

And then, with just ten minutes to go, he made a sprawling one-handed save to deny Fabian Schar from equalising and snatching a point for the home side.

It was a credit to the giant French stopper that he took a couple of hefty blows to the face – including a really painful looking knee to the jaw from Jacob Murphy – and still kept strong.

Writing for The Yorkshire Evening Post, Graham Smyth gave Meslier a match rating of 8, saying: “One or two dicey moments but he made some really important saves to keep Leeds ahead in the game. The one from Shelvey was top class”.

Described as “incredible” by former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford, Meslier once again proved on Tuesday night why he seems to be a “remarkable” piece of business from Victor Orta and co.

Smyth said: “He’s been great, hasn’t he? For a 20-year-old, for £5m, I mean Victor Orta – it feels almost illegal what he’s done getting a player of that quality at that age for £5m, remarkable business.”

Orta must be absolutely buzzing with how his bargain signing continues to fare. Leeds struck a dream deal in bringing Meslier in permanently in the summer, given how cheap they got him for. And after he came back into the line-up against Newcastle, and produced some match-winning saves, it’s so clear that he seems to be worth every penny.

So whilst Raphinha may take a lot of the headlines for being involved in both of Leeds’ goals, but it was Bielsa’s titan at the back that really sealed the Whites three points.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are facing a transfer disaster that could frustrate Marcelo Bielsa…

According to Eurosport, Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.

What’s the story?

Despite strengthening the centre of midfield in the January transfer window with the arrival of Morgan Sanson, it appears Dean Smith is keen on further revamping his options in the middle of the park.

According to Eurosport, Villa are one of the clubs to keep a keen eye on Berge’s situation with the Blades, with the Norway international potentially becoming available if Chris Wilder’s men get relegated from the Premier League this season.

The report adds that Villa are the “early favourites” to land the £16.2m-rated star’s signature.

Could be a Lange masterstroke

Given how Sheffield United are rooted to the bottom of the table and are on a way-ticket to relegation back to the Championship, targeting players from the Blades seems like the shrewd move to make.

The Blades may be forced into selling some of their star players who are intent on playing Premier League football, and Villa’s sporting director, Johan Lange could take advantage of that by making a move for Berge.

And given his potential availability and style of play, Berge seems like he could be a very good signing for Villa.

Taste of Football wrote in their analytical report about him: “On multiple occasions, he is seen skipping past the opposition, either with a flick around the corner or an elegant dribble. Hardly what you expect from such a giant in midfield. Berge also has finesse to his game. Reminiscent of a young Sergio Busquets, a testament to how easy he makes the game look.”

And, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s assistant, Albert Stuivenberg, said about him: “He is already very mature. He is intelligent, reads the game well, and takes the initiative. He has the potential to become a future leader.”

If Lange can fend off the competition and seal a deal for Berge, it could be a masterstroke.

Ciaran Clark was Steve Bruce’s true saving grace as Newcastle United lost 2-1 at home to Leicester City on Sunday.

Wonderful strikes from Foxes midfield maestros James Maddison and Youri Tielemans did the damage for Brendan Rodgers’ side, as they claimed a seventh away win of the Premier League season.

No team has been as successful or better away from home this term than the King Power Stadium natives, who emerged triumphant on Tyneside, despite Clark producing a dominant display on the left of Bruce’s three-strong centre-half line.

Clark, earning his eighth start of the top-flight campaign, started well to offer United hope of claiming a result when he cleared the danger in the fourth-minute after Harvey Barnes was easily able to stroll past Sean Longstaff, on a day for the midfielder to forget.

The £4.5m-rated centre-back continued to provide an important presence in front of Karl Darlow’s goal with key tackles in the first half, and almost struck his second goal of the season after meeting a Matt Ritchie corner midway through the second period.

Newcastle nearly salvaged a point in the closing stages as their winless run stretched to six games across all competitions, after Andy Carroll lashed home a perfectly timed volley eight minutes from time for his first Toon goal since 2010.

It was ultimately not to be despite an improved overall second-half performance from the Magpies, who ended the weekend eight points clear of the bottom three but having played a game more than Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened Fulham in 18th place.

Clark was by far Bruce’s true saving grace against Leicester during the Foxes’ visit to St. James’ Park on Sunday, despite conceding twice as Newcastle tasted a seventh defeat of the season.

The 31-year-old recorded a joint-game high three successful tackles with fellow Toon defenders Ritchie and DeAndre Yedlin, having won each of his attempted efforts, along with one interception and success in a titanic game-high seven aerial duels, per WhoScored.

Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez each only attempted a single aerial duel against the King Power Stadium natives, while also registering fewer touches of the ball than Clark whose 67 touches was a team-high tally.

No Newcastle player offered a higher number of accurate (33) or attempted (47) passes than Clark, either, with the Harrow-born enforcer relied on to play out from the back.

Clark further won four of his five ground duels, never committed a foul and attempted one dribble, per SofaScore, to stand out on a day the Toon offered little in attack.

AND in other news, Newcastle United could move to sign a £14.5m-rated gem who can “make things happen” in January.

Leicester now reside at the top of the Premier league after their victory over Chelsea on Tuesday. While the race for the title is often nerve wracking, and filled with uncertainties. Many believe that this is Leicester’s year to take the title and repeating the success of the 2015/2016 season. The success of the team again is a real possibility and for that reason we cannot rule out the chance that they could repeat the same victories again this season.

We recommend Rated Betting Sitesfor all the best sporting sites and promotions. Particularly if you are feeling lucky about betting that Leicester would actually take the lead title this year! It is all up to fate, but you definitely could walk away with a nice treat, should fate favour Leicester this year.

Leicester are the top of the league currently, just because they have won more games than anyone else this season, so far. The Foxes actually reached the middle game of the season on Tuesday evening, due to them playing the 19th game and making it their 12th win overall. In addition to this, they have managed to score 35 goals this season too, putting them behind Liverpool’s top goal score of 37.

There is no doubt about it, the quality shown in playing by the team of Leicester is of the best currently out there. Their games speak for themselves, and they really do deserve the tops spots of the table, there is no doubt about that at all. Their wins against Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea, have been superior game quality, and a testament to what kind of team they are within the business at the moment. There is nothing we can do or say, that will take away from that, that is for sure.

There has been a question that has popped up in the midst of all the game time we have witnessed this season: why are Leicester losing to less football positioned teams? Despite them conquering the champions of previous seasons, Leicester still manages to lose against Fulham, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. It has proved to be a very recurring theme that cannot be explained for. If Leicester are hoping to really be the big reigning champions of 2020/2021, they will need to squash this character trait for their playing style, and fast. Because one thing is certain, if they wish to progress forward at the top, they cannot afford to lose out on those extra points from lower teams within the league.

Despite the missing presence of Pereira, Ndidi, Perez, Soyuncu and Amartey, Leicester have still managed to use Jamie Vardy heavily for their current success. Rodgers has rested the players without having to sacrifice major points, here and there. They have still managed to attain an abundance of quality play, using a fluidity within the 3-4-2-1 formation strategy. This combination is what allows Rodgers to make the team give rise to the playing style options that they have showcased very recently.

When mentioning the manager, it is clear that many will question the effectiveness of the quality that he brings to the field for the players. However, one thing is certain, he is no stranger to combatting a challenge and making the best out of a scenario that Leicester have faced previously. Rodgers has managed to almost win with Liverpool during 2013/2014, and now with Leicester, he has brought them up considerably during their last four seasons. Other successes to his career include the title win for the Celtic team within Scotland, with two great seasons within Glasgow showcasing his keen eye for attention to details. He’s managed to do a superb job for the King Power Stadium, by keeping the Leicester players consistent overall, especially after they lost key players like Maguire and Chilwell for example.

To conclude, can we say that Leicester have what it takes to take the title again this year, and are they worthy contenders? The answer is, of course, they need to be. They cannot dismiss their chances over small mistakes made earlier. By ploughing forward and maintaining their consistency, they will persevere within the top four positions at least or the top two. The lockdown made them stumble in the pace they possessed naturally, and for that they lost out to the Champions League, due to their defeat to United. One thing we should keep in mind now however, is that the points they total now, actually do line up with their past win during 2015/2016, so this should definitely leave them hopeful of what they can achieve if they persevere with the same discipline.

All we can do now is wait and see what kind of surprises (good ones hopefully), that they manage to bring out of the bag.

Gary Mabbutt has exclusively revealed to Football FanCast that Jose Mourinho has done “a lot of work” behind the scenes to improve Tottenham Hotspur’s defence after their late collapse at home to West Ham United.

Spurs stormed out to an early three-goal lead in the London derby last month, with Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane each lashing the back of the net inside the opening eight minutes.

Kane bagged his brace shortly after as Tottenham dominated the early proceedings but would fail to turn their control into all three points, as Fabian Balbuena, an own goal from Davinson Sanchez and a wonder strike from Manuel Lanzini shocked Mourinho’s men.

West Ham had only enjoyed two shots on target before Balbuena’s 82nd-minute strike found a way past Hugo Lloris, with Spurs resilient with their backs to goal to block four of the visitor’s 10 efforts, per WhoScored.

The Paraguayan’s rare strike, having only scored two goals for the Hammers before, offered David Moyes’ side all the confidence they needed, with the Irons going on to control more of the ball and unleash three times as many shots as Tottenham – who failed to register another effort on target before the full-time whistle.

Mabbutt believes the late collapse forced Mourinho to work tirelessly on the training ground to improve Spurs’ defensive abilities, but continues to have work to do with the north London side still prone to conceding goals they ought to prevent.

“For me, looking at the way we’re playing, I believe defensively, we’ve conceded some soft goals, against West Ham United especially. But a lot of work has been done in those areas,” Mabbutt told Football FanCast.

There is no doubt Tottenham have improved defensively since allowing a three-goal lead to result in just a point at home to West Ham last month, as Spurs responded to the draw with clean sheets at Burnley and West Brom, restricted Brighton to just two shots on target and shut out Manchester City last time out in the league.

Pep Guardiola’s Citizens were even only able to direct five of their mammoth 22 efforts on Lloris’ net, saw 11 blocked and attempted seven of their total shots from outside of the box.

The win saw Tottenham move back atop the Premier League standings on goal difference to title-holders Liverpool, with Mourinho’s men boasting the outright best defensive record having allowed just nine goals in nine games.

Mourinho will need to see a similarly strong defensive showing when Spurs visit his former employers Chelsea on Sunday, as Frank Lampard’s Stamford Bridge natives rank sixth in the division for shots per game (13.2) and third for shots on target (5.7) heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures.

AND in other news, Spurs are in the hunt for a gem who “can do everything” and might not cost Daniel Levy a penny.

Glasgow Rangers go into this weekend’s Scottish Premiership fixtures off the back of their first defeat of the season against St Mirren in the Betfred Cup, with Conor McCarthy scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to dump Steven Gerrard’s side out of the competition.

Now Rangers will be looking to bounce back strongly after their League Cup exit and will want to make short work of the Steelmen, who currently occupy fifth place in the top flight.

A defeat at home to Motherwell could pose some uncomfortable questions for the Light Blues as their lead over their arch-rivals Celtic would start to shrink, which is precisely why Gerrard’s side simply cannot afford to slip up once again.

The visitors also suffered a defeat to St Mirren last time out, whilst they have failed to secure a point from three out of their past four games in a row.

But the Glasgow giants have problems of their own to deal with, as Alfredo Morelos has been hit with a two-match ban by the SFA after Rangers decided not to appeal a charge for violent conduct after he caught Dundee United defender Mark Connolly in the face during the win at Tannadice on Sunday, which means he will miss the Premiership clash with Motherwell at the weekend.

Perhaps it’s about time the Ibrox boss unleashes Jermain Defoe to restore order at the top of the table.

It’s a decision he should’ve been considering for quite some time, especially when you consider the fact that Morelos has failed to score in the top flight since September.

Defoe didn’t even feature against Dundee, so the wily veteran striker will surely be chomping at the bit to stake his claim for a place in the starting line-up, having been handed just a handful of minutes during the midweek defeat to St Mirren.

The 38-year-old has been recently described as a “top professional” by Rangers coach Michael Beale, who also added he is “a role model for younger players.”

Defoe has delivered two goals and an assist in six games in the Premiership so far this season, while he also averages 1.3 shots per game, via WhoScored.

In two games against Motherwell, the former England international has bagged one goal and two assists in the top flight, according to Transfermarkt.

His ability to play short passes and bring others into play could be something Gerrard needs to call upon against Steven Robinson’s side, which is why he must start upfront for the Gers, especially if he is to get the best out of Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe alongside him.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must reward Glen Kamara with a new contract…

Liverpool have highlighted David Alaba as a potential target for next season as they look to fix their defensive nightmares. The reigning Premier League champions have been linked to the Bayern Munich star following a breakdown in talks over a new contract that will keep him in Germany.

It would be a huge coup for the Merseysiders, who are in desperate need of a versatile defender like the 28-year-old. Teammate Joshua Kimmich has been full of praise for Alaba’s abilities and even branded him as “one of the best in the world” in his position when operating as a centre-back (via bundesliga.com).

Fortunately for light-fingered Fenway Sports Group, the club can approach Alaba in January to pitch a pre-agreement deal ahead of the summer window. However, this looks like it would come at a huge cost, despite the nature of the free contract.

According to The Athletic, the defender would be looking for a mammoth £400,000 per week wage packet, which wouldn’t just cost the club a lot of money, but it could disrupt the dressing room.

A transfer warning

One thing Liverpool pride themselves in is their humble players. The highest earner at the club is currently Mohamed Salah on £200,000 per week, with Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk just behind on £180,000 (via Spotrac).

No issues with wages have been raised as Liverpool continue to dominate, but that could all change if a new signing comes in and is immediately handed a bumper salary contract. Not only would this unsettle the players who have worked hard to prove their value under Klopp, but Michael Edwards would certainly not sign off on such a large amount.

The club’s sporting director is impeccable at landing shrewd deals and driving a hard bargain. After selling Rhian Brewster to Sheffield United for £23.5million, despite him never playing a Premier League game before, it’s highly unlikely Edwards will blindly sanction a £400k contract.

However, if Alaba is to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Thiago Alcantara, he may be open to lowering his wages by a substantial amount. According to wageindicator.co.uk, the Austria international is currently earning £173,000 each week at Bayern. Bumping him up to the same wage as Salah would still be a pay rise for Alaba without going overboard and potentially upsetting the other players.

But if Alaba and his agent refuse to play ball, it’s likely to be a non-starter for his rumoured move to Liverpool which would no doubt hurt the Reds’ fans but in the long-run would be the correct call.

In other news, Antonio Rudiger should be serious transfer option for Liverpool in January…