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AC Milan have identified Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard as a possible centre-forward target, Italian outlet Tuttosport reports.

They claimed that the Rossoneri have decided to dip into the market amid the fitness struggles of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The legendary Swede has 483 career goals to his name, including 14 in as many Serie A games this season, but the 39-year-old is currently in the midst of his third injury lay-off of the campaign. Separate muscle injuries had already kept him out of action for a combined six weeks before an abductor tear at the end of February (via Transfermarkt).

Milan’s other forward options, Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic, have just 10 league goals between them this term.

Milan draw up striking shortlist

Meanwhile, Edouard has found the net 16 times in Scotland in the current campaign. Overall, the France under-21 international boasts an impressive record of 81 goals and 35 assists in 161 Celtic appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Milan do have other options in mind, according to Tuttosport. The alternatives are Fiorentina’s 21-year-old, 12-goal hitman Dusan Vlahovic and Torino’s Andrea Belotti, a seasoned Serie A goalscorer.

Transfer Tavern verdict

It’s no surprise to see Edouard attracting reported interest, and it seems inevitable that he’ll leave Celtic in the next year or two.

Earlier this month, Champions League-chasing Leicester were said to be intent on reuniting the striker with Brendan Rodgers (via Daily Mail). Edouard has one year left on his contract, so Celtic aren’t in a particularly strong position.

John Kennedy dismissed the Daily Mail’s suggestions that the 23-year-old would be allowed to leave for £15m, but you wonder whether an offer closer to £25m would tempt the Hoops, who could then reinvest in strengthening their squad.

In other news, Kris Commons has warned Celtic about allowing this midfielder to leave.

The Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy will have a major decision to make this summer.

No, that’s not whether Jose Mourinho should be sacked, nor is it over keeping hold of Gareth Bale but what to do with forgotten superstar Dele Alli.

As Football FanCast outlined earlier this week, the 24-year-old’s transfer value has plummeted at an alarming rate since the turn of 2019.

Transfermarkt had him valued at £90m, but now his value sits in the region of €30m (£26m) as per CIES – that’s a decrease of 71% and undoubtedly a lack of game time has contributed towards that.

He has played just 964 minutes this term, and only half of his 22 appearances have been starts, largely in the Europa League against lower quality opposition too.

Now, chairman Daniel Levy blocked his departure to Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain in January but will have to consider any approach in the summer, otherwise, he risks losing out financially – quite substantially too, if the above is anything to go by.

Football Insider believe Spurs will let him go this summer and PSG returning with interest is a possibility.

That would subsequently leave Mourinho needing another attacking midfielder this summer.

However, there are far bigger needs amongst the current squad – he could finally find that ‘transformative’ centre-back signing he’s been longing for all season, and will need to resolve the Matt Doherty issue at right-back.

These defensive problems must be his top priority, so perhaps the Spurs boss could look from within to replace Alli, and there’s a clear candidate out there.

Dilan Markanday.

The 19-year-old has been involved in first-team training frequently and even earned a call-up to their Europa League squad for the second-leg knockout stage encounter with Wolfsberger AC.

He did not feature that night, but Mourinho hinted that he’ll play him soon, he said (via football.london): “Was not possible for Dilan [Markanday] today but one day it will come and for many more.”

Markanday described as a ‘clever attacking midfielder’ by the official club website and can play a multitude of positions, including on the right flank and at full-back. As per Transfermarkt, his 16 appearances for the U23 squad have come in four different roles this season alone.

That’s no mean feat either, to be some four years below the cut-off age and be playing for the cream of Spurs’ academy crop.

The teenage maestro signed a new contract earlier this year, keeping him at the club until 2022, so his time will certainly come in due course, and if Spurs are needing a creative and ‘clever’ replacement for Alli, they should look no further.

He’d save Daniel Levy from spending millions in the transfer market, that’s for sure.

Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold believes Markanday has a similar style to that of Marcus Edwards.

Speaking during the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium test event, he said: “Markanday has looked bright today. Have always felt he has a very similar running and dribbling style to Marcus Edwards,” adding to his previous remarks when Spurs’ U19s faced Inter Milan in 2018.

“Inter are struggling to deal with Dilan Markanday. His dribbling and passing ability is pulling their defence and midfield all over the place.”

Getting Markanday more regularly involved in the senior set-up before then should be a priority, and that will only help build the case towards him being groomed into a natural – and perfect – Alli replacement, should his departure come.

AND in other news, Forget Ings: Spurs should sign 6 ft 3 “model professional” who idolises Kane…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have hit out at the club’s official Twitter post regarding Jack Grealish.

Villa shared Dean Smith’s comments ahead of Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, with the manager confirming Grealish has now suffered a ‘setback that will probably put him back a couple of weeks’.

The 25-year-old has missed the club’s last seven games with a shin injury, and it seems as if he’ll be missing at least a few more following this latest update.

Villa have struggled without the attacking midfielder, picking up eight points from a possible 21 without their talisman.

Grealish also missed out representing the Three Lions during the recent international break, and this latest setback may impact his chances of going to this summer’s European Championships.

Villa fans react

Villa shared Smith’s comments on Grealish on Friday morning and it didn’t take long for hundreds of supporters to have their say.

These fans weren’t impressed, with one labelling the update as ‘ridiculous’.

“Something fishy going on here”

Credit: @seantk83

“logging off.”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“This is just getting ridiculous now”

Credit: @JamieBenFord2

“Why won’t the club tell us what the injury is then? Which will then stop the rumours circulating.”

Credit: @gazswain

“I’m not even surprised anymore. He won’t play again this season& won’t go to the euros”

Credit: @tom_avfc1

“So disappointing. I was so excited to see Jack play loose now that we’re guaranteed safety and I really think he would’ve exploded leading up to the Euro’s. I just hope his long term health is okay and he can still get to the Euro’s.”

Credit: @VikingsAndVilla

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at John Percy update regarding £65k p/w star, find out more here. 

Neco Williams was handed a rare chance to impress when Liverpool faced Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

It was his first start since Wolves came to Anfield way back in December (via Transfermarkt).

Difficult afternoon for Williams

However, the Welshman found the going tricky against the Cottagers as Ademola Lookman was able to torment the Reds down his side of the pitch, while going forward he struggled to create chances for Liverpool’s attackers.

One hopeful ball did tee up Diogo Jota, but that proved a flash in the pan for a player who lost possession no fewer than 26 times – the most of any Liverpool player (via SofaScore) as he was replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold for the final 15 minutes.

After the game, Williams took to Instagram with a rallying call, writing: “We have to stay together and keep pushing, no excuses.” A screenshot of the post was later shared on Twitter by Anfield Watch.

Liverpool have fallen to six consecutive home defeats, slipping from title contenders to European outsiders.

Some supporters have grown tired of Williams’ social media messaging, demanding evidence of his commitment on the pitch instead.

Williams post offers Reds fans little consolation

“Hearing the exact same thing from the players after every loss, it’s ridiculous. Nothing is changing, they need to be better not just on the field, they’ve lost their desire to win.”

Credit: @AymonBertah

“Not gonna lie. Getting a tad annoying hearing this from the players. Every week now with no change”

Credit: @GavinDoyle18

“All our players should just keep quiet. Every time, same story…”

Credit: @IreOluwadiran

“Takes him 10 minutes to put in a cross.”

Credit: @moosavarachia09

“Need to sell him this summer”

Credit: @BPangsatabam

“The chronic lack of effort chasing back made him stick out like a sore thumb. He’s got a future, but not at Anfield.”

Credit: @jamesm_s

In other news, James Pearce reacts to the dismal Fulham defeat.

Following the injuries to Joel Matip and Fabinho earlier this week, Liverpool now incredibly short of centre-back options in their side, with reports suggesting that Jurgen Klopp is desperate to add to his squad before next Monday’s transfer deadline.

One centre-back to be linked with a move to Anfield is New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long, who could prove to be an ideal short-term option for the Reds, whilst the likes of Matip, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez recover from their injuries.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, the Reds are considering a loan move for Long this month, with the 28-year-old having established himself as one of the best defenders in the MLS in recent seasons.

America’s top-flight is currently suspended until March at the earliest because of the current viral outbreak, which suggests that New York Red Bulls would be willing to send the 6 ft 2 star out on a short-term loan.

Would he be a good signing?

In 2018 the centre-back, who former New York Red Bulls boss Chris Armas described as being a “big voice” in the team, would make 38 appearances in the MLS, averaging an excellent 7.08 rating, with three goals and two assists to his name.

2019 saw him average a solid, if slightly less spectacular, 6.87 rating, although he did win an impressive 4.7 duels on average per game, which is more than the likes of Matip and Van Dijk have managed this season.

Considering he would likely join on loan, this could prove to be an excellent piece of business by Liverpool. It could help steady the ship in defence, considering Jordan Henderson and young Nathaniel Phillips were paired together in the second half against Spurs recently, which is certainly not a long-term solution for Klopp.

FSG were seemingly unwilling to back Klopp with a new centre-back earlier in the window due to a lack of funds, so a loan move for the £3.15 million-rated Long would surely be an attractive proposition for them, even if New York Red Bulls did include an obligation to buy, as he surely wouldn’t be anywhere near as expensive as some other options.

If we compare Long’s performances from 2019 to Rhys Williams’ performances in the Champions League this season, where we have seen the most of the 19-year-old, then it seems clear that Long would be a better option in Klopp’s side than the academy graduate.

Long averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 5.3 clearances and 0.8 blocks per game in the MLS in 2019, compared to Williams’ 0.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 2.2 clearances and zero blocks per game in the Champions League this season.

WhoScored also suggests that the 28-year-old’s strengths include his ability to win aerial duels, and suggest that he doesn’t dive into tackles – something which Williams was certainly guilty of in the recent FA Cup defeat against Manchester United.

From a purely defensive point of view, therefore, it seems as if Long would be an upgrade on Williams in this Liverpool side, so it may be worth bringing him to Anfield.

Whilst Long has no experience outside of the USA, he is a regular in their international side, and was named MLS defender of the year in 2018, so he could be a cheap solution for the Reds this month and would likely prove a good addition if he could continue his form from the MLS in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Edwards can end five-year LFC nightmare by axing £25k-p/w flop this summer

According to a report by journalist David Ornstein of the Athletic, Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is being considered for an international call-up by both England and Portugal – with the 23-year-old eligible for either as Villans flock to this claim. 

Konsa, who has been in form for Dean Smith’s side this season as reports continue over potentially extending his contract, is now also attracting interest internationally as both England and Portugal eye possible call-ups for the youngster.

Indeed, he is eligible to feature for both nations with a potential decision on the horizon, but the fact he is being acknowledged at the very top level is music to some supporters’ ears.

Lauding his form as ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ this season, plenty of Villa supporters flocked to have their say on the ‘brilliant news’.

Find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Aston Villa fans rejoice at Ornstein claim

“Whoever he chooses to represent, he entirely deserves the call up. He’s been excellent this season.”

Credit: @AVFCJono

“Rightfully so, he’s englands best centre back”

Credit: @avfc_jf

“Fully deserved too, Konsa has been outstanding since last March”

Credit: @Davidomahony18

“Makes sense he’s a rock! Reads the game so well!”

Credit: @LukeCarberry2

“England’s best cb, should be a given that he’s in the next England squad”

Credit: @tom_avfc1

“Deserves it”

Credit: @CallumG_Fitness

“Brilliant news! Well deserved”

Credit: @helena_geary

In other news: Aston Villa fans hammered this star against Brighton, find out more here.

Liverpool earned a slender victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday evening, in a match that was unfortunately overshadowed by an injury to Rui Patricio.

The goalkeeper sustained a head injury late on, with the game eventually being sealed thanks to a goal just before half-time from former Wolves man Diogo Jota.

The Portuguese winger did excellently to combine with Sadio Mane before directing a shot into the near post.

Despite proving to be the match-winner at his former stomping ground, Jota’s contribution did not just end with his goal.

The £36m-rated forward was a constant thorn in the side of his ex-employers, having two shots and getting each of them on target, according to WhoScored.

A further dribble added to his game, whilst the home side were only eventually able to stop him by unfair means, with Jota winning two fouls throughout the game. Only Thiago Alcantara and Adama Traore were fouled on more occasions than the Reds’ match-winner.

His excellence on the ball continued throughout the game, as he proved to be a creative influence, providing another key pass, whilst he was also hugely reliable on the ball, only getting dispossessed on just one occasion.

Regardless of his attacking contributions, Jota was also key as Liverpool aimed to hold onto their slender lead.

Against his former club, he contributed a clearance, a tackle and two interceptions, whilst also committing just one foul. Meanwhile, he also won a huge four aerials, which for a player standing at just five foot and eight inches, is a remarkable figure, and the highest on the entire Liverpool team.

With Roberto Firmino still suffering with injury, more outstanding performances similar to that at Molineux will certainly stand Jota in good stead if he has hopes of continuing to lead the line for the Reds.

AND in more news, read why despite getting back to winning ways, the Reds have to forget about the Premier League this season…

Dropping a two-word January message, quotes via The Daily Mail, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has revealed his stance on an exit this month for midfielder Harry Winks – going on to say there is ‘no chance’ he will be departing following his resurgence. 

Winks, who has been repeatedly linked with a move away since the last transfer window, mainly due to his lack of game time alongside the likes of Dele Alli, looks like he will now stay at Spurs, for the remainder of the season at least.

Winks stance revealed in two-word message

The midfielder’s resurgence into the Tottenham team is an arguable cause for this unwavering two-word message from Mourinho, with Winks featuring in each of the last three games after missing the previous eight in a row (The Daily Mail).

Ahead of a long and congested fixture calendar, a few niggles to key players in the middle like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko could result in Mourinho being heavily reliant on the 24-year-old.

Winks will also be relieved as he returns to contend for a Spurs starting place, coming after he was given the cold shoulder consistently earlier in the season.

He admitted it has been ‘difficult’, especially with the re-arranged Euro 2020 looming, but Mourinho could now be set to utilise Winks far more regularly after confirming that he won’t be going anywhere.

Transfer Tavern take

In this big January update, during a month where many outgoings are just as possible as new signings, Tottenham look as if they definitely won’t be offloading Winks.

Mourinho’s two-word message has made that abundantly clear, but whether or not he becomes one of the first names on Spurs’ team sheet this season, still remains to be seen.

In other news: Tottenham are eyeing swoop for this £130,000-per-week star after his teasing four-word hint, find out more here.

According to an update by BILD football chief Christian Falk, via onefootball, Spurs are monitoring the situation of Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng alongside north London rivals Arsenal – with Daniel Levy and co still on the hunt for a new centre-half. 

Boateng, who has enjoyed a decorated career at the Allianz Arena, will be out of contract at Bayern next summer – with the player and club still yet to agree terms on a potential new deal.

Boateng on the move?

As the January transfer window looms, if Boateng does not put pen to paper, he could sign a deal to leave as a free agent in the summer with no profit going towards the Bavarian giants.

Bearing this in mind, selling the 32-year-old could be an ideal course of action, with both Spurs and Arsenal having a better chance than ever to finally secure him.

Tottenham have monitored the defender since 2017, and now Levy could sign the 6 foot 4 colossus who is valued at a bargain £10.8 million by Transfermarkt. 

Transfer Tavern take

Jose Mourinho failed to sign a top-class centre-half over the summer window, with talks breaking down over a deal for Milan Skriniar, and Joe Rodon is largely seen as one for the future.

Spurs could have a stable quick fix in Boateng despite him reaching the twilight stages of his career, and he dropped a huge hint over potentially moving clubs.

As reported by the Guardian, Boateng claimed he ‘would not say no’ to a Premier League move – with Tottenham among those who could snap him up after that declaration.

If Mourinho manages to land this ‘excellent’ ace, it’s safe to say he would provide some much-needed solidarity and experience.

In other news: Spurs fans reacted to Mourinho’s strange comments, find out more here. 

Carlton Palmer, while speaking exclusively to Football FanCast’s Tom Ward, has backed Dean Smith to deliver the impossible dream and guide Aston Villa into Europe this season.

The Villans staved off the threat of Premier League relegation on the final day of last season, but have turned their fortunes around drastically this term to sit just two points behind fifth-placed West Ham United after the opening 10 rounds of fixtures.

Villa hold a game in hand over the London Stadium natives, too, which with a win could see Smith move the Birmingham-based outfit into the top-four with the claret and blue side boasting a better goal difference than Brendan Rodger’s fourth-placed Leicester City.

Palmer has lauded Smith for the work he has carried out to change Villa’s fortunes for the better after a challenging debut campaign in the top-flight, with the 49-year-old now in charge of a well-organised unit.

“I think Villa could push for a top-six, top-seven finish this season. I think they really could. I think they’re hard-working and they’re very well-organised now,” Palmer told Football FanCast.

Aston Villa ended the 2019/20 campaign just a point above the drop zone with a final day draw at West Ham United enough to force AFC Bournemouth to join Norwich City and Watford in falling into the Championship.

Smith struggled to establish Villa as a top-flight side during his first season as a Premier League head coach, with the Villans allowing the second-most goals (67) in the division with only the basement boys Norwich shipping more (75). Only the Canaries (27) and Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth (22) lost on more occasions (21), too.

Villa have been an almost entirely different unit defensively since the summer, with league-leaders Tottenham Hotspur (9), plus Chelsea (10), Manchester City (11), West Ham (11), Wolves (11) and Arsenal (12) the only sides to have allowed fewer goals than Smith’s men (13) in the new campaign thus far.

The Birmingham-based side also rank 11th in the division for the highest number of shots allowed per game this season with 11.9, the same as Spurs who top the table with 21 points having lost just once in ten games.

In fact, Smith’s work to better organise the Villans backline has seen the claret and blue side earn WhoScored’s best defensive rating of the season so far at 6.97, thanks to registering an average 12.4 tackles and 10.4 interceptions, catching the opponent offside 1.9 times and committing just 11.3 fouls a game.

That’s a distant cry from last season, which saw Villa rank 17th with 16 shots allowed per game while recording fewer tackles per game than all bar Manchester City and Bournemouth.

AND in other news, Dean Smith must demand more from his “erratic” £75,000-per-week Aston Villa favourite.