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According to a report by the Daily Express, Tottenham Hotspur have now identified Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo as a possible heir to the under fire Jose Mourinho.

Santo, who has apparently attracted ‘major’ admiration from chairman Daniel Levy, is the latest managerial candidate to be linked with a possible appointment at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham now want Santo

The 47-year-old was hired by Wolves nearly four years ago and has since guided them to previously unprecedented European qualifying spots.

However, as the Molineux outfit’s season suffers due to injury problems, including a serious blow for star striker Raul Jimenez, reports apparently emerged that Santo had instructed his agent to search for another job.

Now, as per the Express, he has entered the radar of Spurs amid growing pressure on manager Mourinho.

As well as guiding Wolves to the Europa League quarter-finals last season and two seventh-placed Premier League finishes, he has also received plenty of plaudits.

Transfer Tavern take

Hassan ‘Kouka’ Ahmed opened up to the BBC over Santo’s management style and experience working under him, with the Egyptian labelling him a ‘fantastic coach’.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is also on his list of admirers and believes Santo is an ‘excellent manager’ (Express and Star), and regardless of Wolves not quite hitting their previous heights over 2020/2021, you can hardly argue with what he has achieved.

While Santo is undoubtedly a good candidate, we believe Julian Nagelsmann should be the number one target if Mourinho is sacked – especially considering he has been hailed as the ‘most exciting coaching talent in Europe’.

In other news: Tottenham make enquiry for ‘extraordinary’ find out more here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has tipped John McGinn to become central to Dean Smith’s plans if Jack Grealish does end up leaving Villa Park this summer.

Grealish has been Villa’s go-to man this season but continues to be linked with a move away from the Midlands club, with Manchester City said to be extremely interested in acquiring his services.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in the current Premier League campaign, making him a player that would undoubtedly be hard to replace.

Internally, though, Hendrie expects £25.2m-rated McGinn to take on more responsibility and perhaps be the individual who Smith builds around if Grealish does depart.

When asked who is Smith likely to turn to in a Grealish-less Villa side, the retired midfielder told FFC:

“It’s a good question. McGinn’s one of our best players by a million miles. He’s certainly a seven, eight out of 10 without a shadow of a doubt every other week, if not better.”

While you would expect Villa to dip into the transfer market and bring in a like-for-like replacement for Grealish, McGinn is certainly a player who can help the Villans to move forward.

Last season, the Scotland international averaged 1.9 dribbles per league game, second only to his English team-mate, and made 1.3 key passes per league game – again, out of the players currently in Villa’s squad, only Grealish managed to record a better average (via WhoScored).

Leeds are still in to sign Wigan starlet Sean McGurk this summer amid continued speculation linking him with a move.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent months had suggested Marcelo Bielsa’s side were eyeing up a move for the 18-year-old, who has yet to make a single appearance for the first-team with the Latics.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, Phil Hay said: “The incomings are quiet, and that was what we expected. I never rule out academy signings at Leeds, because they seem to be recruiting on that front all the time. McGurk, the youngster over at Wigan, again, that you mentioned is somebody Leeds are still interested in.”

Now, journalist Alan Nixon has provided a major update on the situation surrounding the Whites’ move to sign McGurk, with him insisting that he’s “not heard different” when responding to a question on Twitter.

Imagine him and Gelhardt

After the success of Leeds’ U23s in clinching the Premier League 2 Div 2 title last week, there’s a real feel-good nature to the club’s academy side at the moment, especially with burgeoning talents like Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt.

The latter will know all about McGurk given that he too made the step up from Wigan to Leeds last summer, and it may well be just a matter of time before he’s reunited with the 18-year-old.

Able to play in central midfield or out on the right, McGurk has delivered signs of his potential, even scoring in consecutive games in the FA Youth Cup last season, including against Manchester United.

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And, speaking earlier last year, Wigan’s U18s coach, Peter Murphy, said: “Sean (McGurk) was brilliant, he’s been amazing. He had a slow start to his scholarship with an injury in the summer, but since he’s been fit, he’s got himself into the team and stayed there. He’s so effective in games, he sets things up, he scores goals and he’ll always do that because of his ability.”

With both McGurk and Gelhardt just 18, there’s a real chance for the duo to develop their previous off-pitch relationship at Wigan into an on-pitch partnership, especially given they play more offensively.

McGurk could well be Bielsa’s next protege at Elland Road if a move eventually gets finalised.

Meanwhile, Leeds must make a ruthless call on this “massive flop”…

Ryan Christie’s former Inverness teammate Danny Williams has recently talked about the Celtic star’s future.

Christie has been linked with a move to the likes of Nice and Burnley in the past and his former teammate Williams has made it clear that the Scotland international could be playing in the Premier League before long.

Premier League ‘might appeal’ to Christie

Williams, who shared the dressing room with Christie at Inverness, has talked to Daily Record about his former teammate. Williams believes that Christie is easily at the level of John McGinn and Stuart Armstrong and even though he loves Celtic, the Premier League might appeal to him.

Here’s what Williams had to say in full: “I reckon he could easily play in the Premier League. I look at players like James Maddison, who played in Scotland and is now in the Premier League, and I don’t think there’s any difference.

“He’s easily at that level. I played against the likes of John McGinn and Stuart Armstrong. They are top players as well and you see how well they have done in England. Ryan is every bit as good, if not better.

“It will be interesting to see what happens this summer. I’m sure he loves playing for Celtic and they are a big club.

“There is the challenge of the Premier League, which might appeal to him. There’s bound to be interest. Ryan will be at the Euros this summer with Scotland and that’s the biggest stage in the world. If he does well, then the phone will be off the hook. The world will be his oyster.”

It was recently reported that Christie’s contract at Celtic runs out in January 2022 rather than next summer, which means that he would be able to discuss terms with other clubs in the next winter window and leave for free later that year.

Celtic should cash in on Christie

While Christie has done well for the Bhoys this season by contributing to 21 goals in all competitions, he has actually declined since he bagged a remarkable 20 goals and 16 assists last campaign.

While this suggests that he is an important player for the side, the Hoops can’t afford to lose Christie on a free transfer, and if his level drops again next term it will be impossible to make a profit in January if he has not signed a new deal.

There have been no concrete reports of him signing an extension anytime soon, and if the Hoops are looking to raise some funds for their summer rebuild, cashing in on Christie after a hopefully impressive Euros could be the perfect place to start.

In other news: Tottenham confirm injury news with 58-cap ace set to miss Carabao Cup final

Newcastle United are pressing ahead with their attempts to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

That’s according to a report from the Daily Mail, who suggest that the 23-year-old is interested in a move to St James’ Park and is determined to leave Parkhead this summer.

The Magpies are thought to be preparing an £8m offer for the Norwegian, however, Celtic value the versatile defender at a whopping £25m, a 68% gap in valuations.

Ajer, who has made 173 appearances for the Hoops, is valued at just £3.6m by Transfermarkt because he will only have 12 months remaining on his Celtic contract in the summer.

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Transfer Tavern take

Celtic’s valuation of £25m, in our opinion, is a big ask, and should any side meet their demands, Ajer would become the club’s most expensive departure of all time – eclipsing Kieran Tierney’s move to Arsenal in 2019.

However, with Ajer wanting a move away and thus unlikely to sign a new deal, this summer appears to be the final chance the club will have to receive a sizeable fee for his services.

Should his situation remain the same going into 2022, he could speak with sides outside of Scotland in regards to a pre-contract agreement, leaving the Hoops with nothing.

In our view, it may make sense to accept a cut-price figure and then reinvest ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The Hoops only paid £540,000 for the defender in 2017, so they’ll be making a huge profit should they accept the reported £8m bid.

In other news: Alan Nixon provides Eddie Howe to Celtic latest; Hoops ‘prepared’ for issue with coaching staff, find out more here. 

Many Everton fans have been left to flock to a very interesting transfer update involving the son of Jamie Carragher.

As per The Times, the Goodison Park faithful are interested in signing his son James Carragher from Wigan Athletic, and talks have already taken place between the two clubs.

The 18-year-old’s scholarship is ending at the Latics and he has been offered a professional contract.

However, the Merseyside club have been tracking him since he impressed in a match against them and would bring him into their U23’s set-up.

It is understood that one offer has already been turned down, but the Toffees could come in with another offer.

Given Jamie Carragher’s allegiance to Liverpool, even though he grew up as an Evertonian, it would certainly be an interesting signing to bring in his son, but if he turns out to be as good as what his father was, then the young central defender could be a great addition for the Blues.

Everton fans on Carragher transfer update

These EFC supporters flocked to the update after it was shared on Twitter, with some very interesting responses:

“If he’s as good as his arl fella, take him”

Credit: @eddgrundy

“Imagine”

Credit: @blueray1978

“Hahaha no way”

Credit: @_EFCCarlos_

“If he’s good enough it’s good enough for me”

Credit: @BradleyNolan2

“Just for the fume, do it.”

Credit: @deanoiskeeno

“Are people really saying no just cos of who his Dad is, the lad might become a top class player for us”

Credit: @steefcGT4

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Toffees buzzing here!

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has tipped Rodrigo to shine for the Whites next season, despite a tricky first year at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Tough first season

The 30-year-old arrived at Leeds last summer as the most expensive signing in the club’s history, joining for a sizeable £27m from Valencia.

Big things were expected of Rodrigo, but he has experienced an underwhelming season, scoring just four goals in 25 appearances. One of those did come in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Tottenham, though, suggesting that he may have rid himself of his injury problems and rediscovering his confidence.

The Latest: Rodrigo backed to come good

Whelan is confident that Rodrigo will turn things around at Elland Road, telling Football Insider that he could explode next season. He said:

“It was a brilliant finish from a brilliant player on Saturday. It was emphatic and you could not tell that he had been out for that long.

“If anyone deserved something to go right for him it was Rodrigo. I think he really needed that goal, more than anybody in that squad. He needed that for his confidence, his self-belief and his general happiness at the club.

“He has been in and out this season because of Covid, injuries etc. There is nobody that needed it more than him.

“I really hope he now kicks on until the end of the season. If he finishes strongly, I expect him to show everyone why we broke our transfer record to sign him.

“He needs to prove to the fans that £29million was well spent. Come next season I expect to see a lot more from him and that is what we need. If you are going to be the top earner at a club and the record signing, you have got to prove you’re worth it.”

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The Verdict: Plenty more still to come

Assuming Rodrigo stays put this summer, there is no reason why he can’t be a key player for Leeds next season. His pedigree speaks for itself, with eight goals in 25 caps for Spain, not to mention being prolific in La Liga, enjoying 100 goal involvements for Valencia.

Patrick Bamford needs competition in attack to ease the burden on him, and a fit Rodrigo could battle the 27-year-old in 2021/22, hopefully justifying the money spent on him (along with Whelan’s faith) and also meaning that Leeds won’t need to sign another striker.

In other news, one pundit has been talking up the prospect of Leeds signing a left-back this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic’s hunt to find a new manager has almost become as tiring as their season itself.

The Bhoys have endured an utterly dismal campaign where they relinquished their nine-year-long grasp on the league.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the Hoops will now end the campaign without a single trophy or a manager.

The ownership is being questioned and they also have a vacant director of football role to fill. To suggest things are a mess would be putting it lightly.

That said, they do appear to be moving closer towards the appointment of Eddie Howe.

The 43-year-old has been in advanced discussions with Celtic for over a month now and the sooner they get him through the door, the quicker than can prepare for next season.

A couple of new signings have already been touted with the likes of Josh King and Steve Cook, former players under Howe, linked with Parkhead.

Though, Celtic have also been mentioned in the same breath as Young Boys forward Jean-Pierre Nsame.

A natural-born goal scorer, he’d be a fabulous first addition for Howe if everything worked out.

Odsonne Edouard could well leave for the Premier League in a few months time and if he does indeed depart, Nsame would be a wonderful replacement.

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In the words of his manager, Gerardo Seoane, he’s been “extraordinary” for the Swiss champions in the last few years and in 2020/21 alone, he’s bagged 25 goals and registered ten assists.

That record is one that nearly matches up with Edouard, someone who has 21 strikes and six assists this term.

The Celtic forward has long been their talisman but crucially he’s able to provide a service line for his teammates too. Last season for instance, the Frenchman racked up a mighty haul of 19 assists.

His attitude has been questionable of late but thankfully, Nsame could provide the Bhoys with not only goals but added professionalism.

Speaking last year, Seoane said: “Jean Pierre (Nsame) is a great personality, with a great character and mentality. He is also present and hard-working and put his all for the team. He is not egoistic. He always puts the team first, that’s what I like so much about him because it is a big human quality and above all he is very humble.”

Commenting about his qualities on the pitch, the manager added: “He is very physical, with an unbelievable ability in front of goal.”

With all that said, it’s clear that Nsame would offer a great deal to Celtic.

If he’s not scoring goals, he’ll be running the channels and motivating his teammates to do better, something his potential predecessor hasn’t done lately.

The 28-year-old could definitely help Howe, if he is indeed the man Celtic hire, to settle in and make an instant impact. The goal tally alone is enough to make Hoops fans drool.

AND in other news, Celtic interview “outstanding” 63 y/o for manager role, Hoops fans should be buzzing…

Noel Whelan has given his reaction to the news that James Rodriguez may be able to play for Everton against Sheffield United on Sunday evening.

The Lowdown: Rodriguez may be fit

As per the Toffees’ official website, Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that the Colombian is set to be fit and available to play against the Blades this weekend.

The former Real Madrid star has missed the Merseyside club’s last three games in the Premier League, and so it will come as a welcome relief to have him back as they chase European qualification.

The Latest: Whelan gives Rodriguez reaction

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan – who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City in the past – highlighted just how important Rodriguez is to Everton and admitted that he did not think the 29-year-old would play again this season. He said:

“They’re a weaker side without him in.

“He’s the one that can open the door, it’s a brilliant news to have him back. He can be that go to man when you need something to happen. When he’s not in the side, they lose a little bit of creativity.

“That’s known, it’s seen. When he’s in the side, a lot goes through him. You’re looking for him all the time. Those cross-field passes, that eye, that something that other players don’t have in the side.

“That’s why Ancelotti brought him to Everton, for that little bit of brilliance that can change the momentum in a game. They need him fit, they need him back. I thought next season would be the next time we’d see him.”

The Verdict: Rodriguez comeback vital

The comeback of Rodriguez could well be vital if the Toffees are to achieve European qualification this year. In his recent absence, Everton have dropped five points in two meetings against Aston Villa.

The Colombia international has scored six goals and supplied a further nine assists in 25 matches over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), offering a creative spark in midfield to help make chances for his attacking team-mates.

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As Whelan has hinted, Rodriguez may be crucial in unlocking the door for Everton against a stubborn Blades team who lost narrowly to the Toffees back at Christmas.

In other news, find out what Aston Villa image has left these Everton fans fuming

Mick McCarthy has been handed a huge boost in his bid to bring Jonson Clarke-Harris to Cardiff City this summer.

What’s been said?

In a recent interview with This Is Futbol, Peterborough United’s director of football Barry Fry revealed that his club will simply not be able to afford to keep the 26-year-old centre-forward at London Road this summer, as they cannot match the potential contract offers of interested Championship suitors such as Cardiff City.

The 76-year-old said: “Without divulging, the player’s not on a fortune. At our level, you don’t get a fortune and at Peterborough, you don’t get a fortune.

“Throughout the last 25 years, we’ve put players in there, we’ve developed players, and the owners have put so much in, and it’s my job to sell a player to offset the losses. We’ve done that very, very successfully – over the last 15 years in particular.

“How we attract players in, we say ‘look, you’re not going to become millionaires with us, we’re little Peterborough United, but what we will do is give you a stage and if you perform, then people will buy you off us and they’ll give you lucrative contracts.'”

Fans must be buzzing

The news that Clarke-Harris looks rather certain to leave Peterborough this summer is likely to leave many Cardiff fans buzzing, as the striker -whom Posh value at around £8m – has proven this season that he is a goalscorer of the highest calibre.

Over his 45 League One appearances for Darren Ferguson’s side, the £225,000-rated predator scored a whopping 31 goals, registered three assists and created 11 big chances for his teammates. That’s in addition to averaging one key pass and hitting the target with 1.3 shots per game, culminating in a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.24 – ranking him as the club’s second-best performer in 2020/21.

As such, Clarke-Harris appears to be following the footsteps of former Peterborough United hitman Ivan Toney, who bagged 24 goals and provided five assists over his 32 League One appearances for Posh in their 2019/20 campaign before securing a £5.04m move to Championship side Brentford.

Toney has actually improved on his returns from that campaign, scoring 31 goals and registering 10 assists over his 45 Championship fixtures in the season just gone, and he is now one step away from securing Premier League football with the Bees after firing Thomas Frank’s side to the play-off final.

As such, if Clarke-Harris can indeed replicate the form of Toney following a potential move to Cardiff, the Bluebirds’ chances of securing a play-off spot next season could receive a huge shot in the arm, leading us to believe that McCarthy should be doing all he can to get a deal over the line this summer for the man who Ferguson dubbed a “leader”.

In other news: Major £15m Cardiff transfer development emerges which is sure to have fans buzzing – opinion