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As quoted in a football.london Q&A, Alasdair Gold has some news which ‘will probably upset’ Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Aouar mix…

Multiple reports from France have emerged over the last week detailing Tottenham’s interest in Lyon midfield star Houssem Aouar.

Le10 sport broke news that Spurs had joined the race for his signature alongside north London rivals Arsenal, with the player’s asking price thought to be no problem for chairman Daniel Levy.

This has been backed by Ligue 1 correspondent Julien Laurens on Twitter, but Gold now has some further news for supporters.

The Latest: Gold shares Aouar news…

As quoted in football.london, when asked about Tottenham and the Aouar situation, Gold shared his own update.

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The reporter explained that while it may ‘upset’ Spurs fans who want to see him in north London, there is apparently no ‘concrete’ link to the 23-year-old. He stated:

“I know this will probably upset people who have decided they want him but, at this current moment in time, there does not appear to be anything concrete in that link, just a player the club have looked at in recent seasons.

“As I’ve said before Tottenham are very much focusing on getting central defenders in through the door first and they’re working through that renowned Fabio Paratici method of negotiating for up to 10 players in that position before making the move on one or potentially in this case two of them.

“Whether they come back around for Aouar later in the window is another thing (and whether he will still be available), but he doesn’t sound like a priority right now with any funds being put towards Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence.”

The Verdict: Glimmer of hope?

While this update appears doom-mongering, Gold did not rule out Spurs coming in for Aouar at some point in this transfer window, but of course that all depends on his availability and the state of play at N17.

It is no surprise that Paratici is prioritising Spurs’ defence this summer, given that it has been a problem area for quite some time.

While the French playmaker comes at an enticing price, rumoured to be around €25m (£21.4m), Tottenham are still on a sell-to-buy mission and any available funds must be used accordingly.

In other news: Bid made – Paratici swoops with fresh offer to sign ‘absolute beast’ for Spurs, find out more here.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing a fresh move for Spain and Wolves star Adama Traore this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports back in December suggested that the Whites were interested in signing the Premier League winger, but a deal failed to materialise in the January transfer window.

Now, Eurosport claim that Leeds are “continuing to show interest” in Traore, and that “they are trying to determine exactly how much it will take to sign him. Past indications from Wolves have put the player in the £80m bracket but Leeds would look to pay about half that amount.”

Could light up Elland Road

Part of the Spain squad currently at EURO 2020, Traore has been a real thorn for opposing defences in the Premier League for a number of years now, with former Leeds man Paddy Kenny raving about him earlier this year.

He said: “He’s got pace and power. He might not be as effective this season as he was last year but maybe he can freshen up, go to a new club and be a top signing. He’s an absolute handful. You wouldn’t want to be coming up against him every week, especially if you get in a foot race against him.”

Hailed as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following an impressive display against the Reds back in January 2020, Traore also received praise from Graeme Souness, with the Sky Sports pundit saying: “He is now not only a winger anymore, he keeps the ball, holds the ball and sets up goals, obviously. That makes it so difficult, each ball you lose is 100 per cent a counter-attack and half a goal.”

As per WhoScored, his average of 4.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season ranks him as the most prolific dribbler in the top flight, while he also ranks in the top three for drawing the most fouls per game at 2.3.

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Having an electric player like the £27m-rated Traore could be a real game-changer for Bielsa in giving his Leeds side another potent attacking option to go along with the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison out wide.

He could be the kind of signing to light up Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been handed an exciting boost…

West Brom are reportedly in the race to sign former Brentford midfielder Emiliano Marcondes, as Valerien Ismael eyes up new additions.

The Lowdown: Ismael looks to make his mark

The Baggies are about to embark on an exciting next chapter in their history, following the appointment of Ismael from Barnsley.

He will surely be on the lookout for new signings during the summer transfer window, in order to aid West Brom’s promotion push in the Championship next season with players who fit his system and profile.

The Latest: Marcondes emerges as target

One player who has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns is Marcondes, with The Express claiming that the Ismael’s side have ‘entered the race’ to sign the 26-year-old.

The midfielder made 34 Championship appearances for Brentford last season, helping them reach the Premier League, but his contract is about to expire and he will be a free agent.

Nottingham Forest and Barnsley are both believed to be interested in signing Marcondes, too.

The Verdict: Ideal summer addition

Marcondes could be a shrewd addition by West Brom this summer, especially given his experience of helping a team reach the Premier League.

The Dane scored two goals and registered three assists in the league last season despite making most of his appearances as a late substitute, highlighting his ability to chip in as an impact player off the bench.

Only 14 of his 34 league appearances in 2020/21 were starts – but strong squad depth will only make the Baggies more formidable under Ismael.

In other news, West Brom have been linked with a move for an international defender. Find out who it is here.

With Ange Postecoglou the front runner and undoubted favourite to become the new Celtic manager, all hands are needed on the recruitment front.

The Hoops will have a busy summer ahead of them but as well as improving their first-team options, they can’t afford to hinder the opportunities for young players coming through.

On the chalkboard

One of the biggest sources of criticism for Celtic over the last 12 months has been a reluctance to hand chances to their reserve players.

This was a terrible campaign for the Bhoys, one which ended without a single trophy in their cabinet.

They had lost the league in March but still refused to give regular minutes to those waiting in the wings.

Adam Montgomery earned his first taste of senior football but was restricted to one start while Karamoko Dembele is still waiting for his full debut.

The teenager scored his opening first-team goal against St Johnstone but was bizarrely kept to a place on the bench on the final day.

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They both impressed, however, and should be given larger roles next term.

What’s the recruitment policy?

Celtic are set to welcome young midfielder Liam Shaw to Paradise this summer but a number of other up and coming rising stars from the English Football League could join him.

Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele and Wigan’s Kyle Joseph have both been linked with a switch to Parkhead but there is work to be done before they become realistic targets.

Celtic are at the stage now where they need to move away from experienced campaigners. If this season told us anything it’s that the Bhoys need fresher and more vibrant faces in their squad.

Therefore, the idea of Barry Douglas arriving this summer should be forgotten about.

Neil Lennon wanted to bring the left-back to Glasgow last year but they ultimately decided to sign Diego Laxalt instead.

The Uruguayan has now headed back to Milan so they could revive their chase. The Lancashire Telegraph report this week that Celtic still have Douglas on their radar.

He spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Blackburn from parent club Leeds but the Yorkshire side will release him at the end of June.

As a consequence, the 31-year-old will be available to snap up on a free transfer. That’s a tempting offer for Celtic but given his age, they must avoid it.

After all, Postecoglou will have Greg Taylor at his disposal and will also have Montgomery primed and ready for more first-team action.

Douglas would not only put a halt to the teenager’s development but his best qualities would be limited at Celtic.

Described as “fantastic” by Gordon Strachan, the former Wolves defender has become known as a set-piece wizard.

He’s created a vast number of goals down the years, supplying 15 in one season for the Old Gold. Though, with David Turnbull such an impressive exponent of set-play deliveries, Douglas wouldn’t be needed in that area.

Therefore, the positives of signing him are incredibly limited. Dominic McKay is wasting his time and should ensure Celtic stick with what they have on the left-hand side of defence.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Postecoglou: Celtic can forge dream duo by signing “breathtaking” 29 y/o…

Vitinha saw Premier League starts very limited last season under Nuno Espirito Santo and despite being available for just £18 million, Wolves legend Steve Bull can’t see him being any more than just a backup option at Wolves next term.

Wolves brought in Vitinha under the guidance of both Jorge Mendes and Nuno, and despite being handed just five starts in the league, Wolves are still expected to exercise their option to buy the 21-year old.

He showed glimpses of what he was capable of during his limited appearances on the pitch and the midfielder himself even claimed that he expected to be offered more gametime during his time at Molineux.

If Wolves are to improve and keep moving forward they will surely need to have a ready-made replacement for when Joao Moutinho moves on and that could be Vitinha, even if he is just a backup option until then, which is something Bull explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“We saw some moments of brilliance from him in the FA Cup I think it was, when he showed some good pace and a good touch.

“So for me, I’d like to keep him as a backup option just in case Neves doesn’t come back and then he can just slot in so, I’d like to keep him, but also keep Moutinho as well.”

Just like many of the Portuguese stars that have arrived since Mendes has been a prominent figure at Molineux, many expected Vitinha to seamlessly slot into the Wolves side, but it’s very difficult to dislodge a midfield partnership that has been going strong for three seasons.

If Vitinha does return on a permanent basis he will surely seek assurances from new manager, Bruno Lage, about his game time going forward and what his future will look like in England.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has dropped an exciting update on Leeds United and the club’s plans for the academy setup next season.

What’s the story?

He wrote: “Just like the summer of 2020 the Whites are planning to add three or four new faces to the squad that will take its place in the Premier League 2 top flight.

“Promotion will pit the Thorp Arch youngsters against elite Category 1 academies including this season’s runaway Under-23s champions Manchester City, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United.

“Although their place in the top division will represent a step up in the level of competition and the quality of opposition, some of Jackson’s title winners could spend the 2021/22 season getting first-team experience at senior level in the English Football League.”

Fans must be buzzing

After seeing the under-23s clinch the Premier League 2 Division 2 title, everyone in the academy setup will surely be looking forward to testing themselves against the best youth teams in the country next season.

Crucially, the recruitment of the likes of Joe Gelhardt from Wigan, Sam Greenwood from Arsenal and Cody Drameh from Fulham were all absolutely spot-on, and the trio were key parts of the side which achieved so much success in the 2020/21 season.

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The news that Leeds are intent on strengthening the academy department once again. with a few new faces to supplement Mark Jackson’s squad, should be music to the ears of the club’s supporters and everyone associated at Thorp Arch.

After all, it is these players who represent the future of Leeds United, and given what they achieved over the last few months, that future seems to be a very bright one indeed.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa has taken the first steps towards signing this star…

Speaking to talkSPORT, host and pundit Adrian Durham has told Tottenham Hotspur and Daniel Levy to target Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte over other linked candidates such as Graham Potter and Scott Parker.

Conte, who has just clinched a Serie A title with the Nerazzurri, possesses no shortage of silverware over his managerial career – having won eight major honours as a coach overall (Transfermarkt).

Durham tells Levy to target Conte for Spurs

This includes a Premier League crown during the 2016/2017 season with Chelsea and the FA Cup one year later, and Durham believes Levy should be trying to lure him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the likes of Potter and Parker, who have little experience and silverware by comparison.

In response to Potter’s links to Spurs, Durham explained to talkSPORT:

“I call him Graham Plodder which is a little bit disrespectful. He is better than that, but there is a pedestrian way that Brighton play that some people seem to love.

“I look at the lack of goals and think it’s got to get better than that. Potter, Parker or Eddie Howe – and then I look at Antonio Conte, who’s just won the title at Inter Milan.

“That’s who Spurs should be trying to attract to their football club. If they go with any of the first three, with the greatest of respect to them, there’s no way Kane stays.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is clear that, if Tottenham were targeting Conte, he would stand out as a very illustrious candidate.

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo waxed lyrical over the €20 million-per-year (£17.2m) boss just last year, heralding him as the ‘best coach’ he has ever worked with and a ‘demon’ who is ‘obsessed with victory (FourFourTwo).

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is another who has heaped praise on the 51-year-old, dubbing Conte a tactical ‘master’ after introducing another way to attack with five in defence (Arab News).

However, despite his plaudits, Conte being targeted is arguably very unrealistic given his reported salary, the fact he has just won a title with Inter and the rumours Tottenham are looking for a ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ coach (Daily Mail).

In other news: Tottenham register interest in this midfield maestro, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast that the club must do everything they can to appoint Brendan Rodgers as their new manager.

Spurs are trying to appoint Jose Mourinho’s replacement ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Ryan Mason is in temporary charge of the club at this point but he will surely be relieved of his duties this summer, perhaps receding into a coaching role at the club.

Rodgers has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, although The Daily Mail have claimed that he has turned down the opportunity to move to north London.

Of course, the 48-year-old won the FA Cup at the weekend, guiding the Foxes to a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley.

They lost to the Blues, though, in the Premier League in midweek and are facing a fight to remain in the top four ahead of the final round of fixtures this weekend when Leicester, ironically, face Spurs.

And Roberts believes that the Foxes boss should be the only target for the club in the coming weeks.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I would put all my eggs in one basket now and say I want Brendan Rodgers.

“Whatever it takes, I’m going to get Brendan Rodgers as manager of this football club.”

Derby County are interested in a move to bring Ronan Curtis to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Derbyshire Live, who claim that Wayne Rooney’s side, along with Cardiff City, Reading and Blackburn Rovers, are considering a move for the Portsmouth winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, it is also claimed that Danny Cowley has no intention of allowing the £3.7k-per-week forward to leave Fratton Park any time soon, as Curtis remains an important part of his plans for Pompey moving forward.

Rooney must move

Considering just how impressive Curtis was for Portsmouth this season, it is unsurprising to learn that Cowley is desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old at Porstmouth this summer, as well as why a number of Championship sides are keeping tabs on the winger.

Indeed, over his 42 League One appearances for Pompey this term, Curtis scored 10 goals, provided seven assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the Republic of Ireland international earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Cowley’s best performer in the third tier of English football.

The winger was also in fine form for Portsmouth in the domestic cup competitions, scoring a further four goals and registering three assists over six appearances in the EFL Trophy, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup – taking his total haul of goals to 14 and his assists to 10 in all competitions.

And, considering how lacklustre Rooney’s Derby County side were in front of goal this season, with the Rams managing to find the back of the net on just 36 occasions in the Championship – the lowest amount of any team in the division – the addition of a player with Curtis’ finishing and creative abilities would appear to be essential for Derby this summer, if the 35-year-old wishes to give his side the best possible chance of mounting a push up the second tier table next season.

As such, a move for the Portsmouth winger – whom Cowley dubbed a “fantastic” player – would seem highly advisable for the Rams this summer, as Curtis could well bring with him the attacking spark that Derby so desperately require to get things back on track at Pride Park next season.

In other news: Derby County takeover update emerges that’ll surely have fans buzzing

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been talking about Eagles youngster David Omilabu on social media after another starring display from the teenager over the weekend.

The 18-year-old, who signed his first professional deal at Selhurst Park last month, netted twice in the first half for the club’s under-18 side on Saturday.

Palace defeated Aston Villa 3-1, with Omilabu taking his Under-18 Premier League goal tally to 18 in just 16 games.

Omilabu, who plays mainly as a centre-forward but can also turn out on the wing, has scored 10 goals in his last six appearances for the Eagles’ under-18 side. He scored a hat-trick against West Ham in a 5-1 win earlier this month, and you’d expect that Roy Hodgson is well aware of his excellent form.

Palace fans react

Palace kept fans up to date with live commentary on the club’s official Twitter page on Saturday, and here is what these Eagles supporters had to say after Omilabu’s second goal 29 minutes in, with one describing the teenager as ‘unreal’.

“Star boy coming for golden boot and taking no prisoners”

Credit: @cpfcgoaat

“This kid’s unreal”

Credit: @CPFCRonnie2

“This kid is special”

Credit: @CpfcRowan

“Put him on the first team bench with Rak-Sakyi”

Credit: @Clapham_Grand

“David is a joke. We’ve got a genuine star on our hands.”

Credit: @HLTCO

“Get him in that match day squad”

Credit: @priestley93

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to Eddie Howe update, find out more here.