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Celtic, Southampton and West Ham are all keen on signing Boavista winger Alberth Elis, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous interest

It isn’t the first time Celtic have been linked with a move for Elis. The Hoops reportedly had a £3m bid turned down in 2019.

Former Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre confirmed the Bhoys were keen on the 25-year-old, and it seems as if they have now reignited their interest in the forward.

Elis can play on either flank or as a centre-forward and appears to be at the top of his game, with his Transfermarkt valuation at a career-high £3.6m.

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The Latest: Recent reports

A Bola shared a story on Monday afternoon, citing Celtic, Southampton and West Ham with an interest in the Honduras international.

Boavista are looking for €10m (£8.6m) if they are to sell Elis, who scored eight goals and registered seven assists in Liga NOS last season, his best individual campaign to date.

The Verdict: A player that is needed at Parkhead?

With Mohamed Elyounoussi returning to Southampton and Odsonne Edouard telling friends he will be joining Leicester City, new Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou could do with adding to his attacking ranks.

You’d expect some members of staff still at Parkhead will know plenty about Elis as well, going off the club’s interest in previous years, however, he’ll now come at a fairly high price.

Should Celtic win the race at Boavista’s £8.6m asking fee, that would make him the club’s second most expensive signing of all-time behind Edouard.

That said, with his versatility and an impressive 15 goal involvements with a side who finished 13th last season in a very competitive league, that could be money well spent.

In other news: Hoops linked with former Premier League midfielder, find out more here. 

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been wishing former manager Dick Advocaat well as he oversaw his last game as a manager before retiring on Sunday.

The 73-year-old spent three years in charge at Ibrox between 1998 and 2001 and had plenty of success with the 55-time Scottish champions. Under his stewardship, Rangers won the league twice, the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup once. The Gers had some wonderful players during his time there, such as Ronald de Boer and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and they were generally a joy to watch.

A few years later, he masterminded Zenit St Peterburg’s 2-0 triumph over the Gers in the UEFA Cup final in Manchester.

The Dutchman’s career has seen him manage all over the globe and his 41-year career in the dugout finally came to an end on Sunday – he went out on a high as Feyenoord beat Utrecht 2-0. A video has emerged of him getting emotional during the match, and that played on the heartstrings of many Gers supporters.

The clip was shared on Twitter by @FootballOranje_, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers fans. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with some dubbing Advocaat an Ibrox “legend”.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Advocaat below

“What a man”

Credit: @GaryFer20897483

“A great manager for sure. Enjoy your well earned retirement Mr Advocaat.”

Credit: @AmiableAlec

“Sad Day!”

Credit: @bill_fyfe

“Thank you Dick Advocaat. What a man”

Credit: @Battlefeverpod

“Broke my heart in Manchester in 2008 but the little general was some manager”

Credit: @stuartmcmullan

“What a legend, a true icon in football”

Credit: @SpeckyRSC

In other news, many Rangers fans are fuming over this politician’s comments.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a crushing setback in their attempts to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club…

What’s the word?

According to ever-reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, Spurs’ attempts to rehire the 49-year-old have hit a “major roadblock,” though the club have not given up hope of securing him.

It’s thought that the Argentine is open to returning to North London, having held talks with chairman Daniel Levy, who sacked him in November 2019 after a poor run of form.

Gold claims that Paris Saint-Germain have no intention of letting Pochettino go, with his “dream” club Real Madrid also keen on him succeeding Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu.

Reports in France, via football.london, suggest that the Ligue 1 giants have even taken up the option in his deal, meaning he would be tied down at Les Parcs des Princes until 2023, meaning the Lilywhites would have to pay a substantial amount in compensation.

Crushing blow

This will come as a gutting blow to many in North London, particularly the Spurs faithful, who had been dreaming of Pochettino’s sensation return since news first emerged last week.

As relayed by This is Futbol, many supporters couldn’t contain their excitement over the 49-year-old potentially coming back to the club. One fan claimed it was “like Christmas Eve” whilst another said he was “salivating uncontrollably”.

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However, their reactions have quickly changed in response to Gold’s latest bombshell, with the Lilywhites’ faithful slamming the board, suggesting that they are “stupid” whilst others deemed the situation “embarrassing”.

It has now been just over six weeks since Jose Mourinho received his P45 from Levy and, in that time, the Portuguese has already found his next managerial position – joining AS Roma – whilst Spurs still appear in limbo.

They have seen many potential candidates come and go, including mooted top targets Julian Nagelsmann, who has swapped RB Leipzig for Bayern Munich, and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, who would rather remain at the King Power Stadium – understandably.

This news over Pochettino means Spurs are even further back in their managerial search and at this stage, that has to be a worrying prospect.

Right now, the North London giants are heading into the European Championships and the summer in a complete mess. They have no manager, Harry Kane wants to leave with three Premier League rivals keen on signing him, and many supporters want both Levy and owners ENIC gone.

The Spurs chairman may now have to turn to some of the uninspiring names left on his reported four-man shortlist, of which Everton failure Roberto Martinez and the inexperienced Graham Potter feature.

Levy better hope he gets this appointment right or he’ll face a wrath of fury from the unhappy Lilywhites fanbase.

AND in other news, Levy can finally replace Jan Vertonghen with swoop for “amazing” £26m-rated beast who once bullied Kane…

Derby County’s relegation rivals have issued a statement regarding the Rams’ potential points deduction.

What’s the latest?

With Sky Sports reporting that Wayne Rooney’s side face a possible points penalty after breaching the EFL’s Financial Fair Play rules, Wycombe Wanderers have spoken out regarding the outcome of the matter.

In a statement on the Wycombe website, the club, who finished the Championship season just one point behind the Rams in 22nd place, claimed that they trust the “correct decision will be reached” by the independent commission who will be determining the outcome of the case, before revealing that they are “not contemplating legal action at this time.”

Worrying news

After securing a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the Championship season that kept the club up, the ecstasy of surviving relegation to the third tier of English football could well be short-lived for Derby.

While it remains unclear whether a points deduction would be implemented on the season just past or on next term – due to the EFL stating that there is “no definitive timescale” for proceedings – the fact that Wycombe have mentioned legal action is likely to come as infuriating news for both the club and their fanbase.

Although, whether or not this will influence how quickly the EFL make their judgement on Derby’s punishment, and subsequently determining whether or not they remain in the Championship or drop down to League One as of next season, also remains unclear.

However, this too brings with it a different kind of threat for Rooney’s side, as attracting players in the summer transfer market will likely be a great deal harder when the club cannot offer assurances of which league they will be playing their football in next year or if they are going to start next season on a minus points total.

As such, the whole situation is something of a mess, and none of it appears to be good news for the Rams.

In other news: Rooney must avoid summer disaster over “fantastic” £17.5k-p/w dud, Derby can do better – opinion

Manchester City signing Lionel Messi this summer is still a possibility according to some reports, although Pep Guardiola’s side would surely have to shell out record-breaking wages in order to bring him to the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season.

According to The Sun, Manchester City could sign the legendary attacker this summer if they are willing to pay him £500,000 per week after tax, as he is open to spending a year away from Barcelona.

The Argentine’s contract at Camp Nou is set to expire at the end of the current season, which means City are free to approach him on a pre-contract deal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, they would have to pay the 33-year-old an extraordinary wage packet, surely the highest ever paid to a Manchester City player, if they were to convince him to make the move to the Etihad.

Considering that City’s top earner Kevin De Bruyne reportedly earns £350,000 per week, it would surely be a record-breaking deal for the Citizens if they were to pay him that sort of money next term – the club set an English record in 2019/20 with the country’s highest-ever wage bill, which amounted to £351m for the season.

However, considering Messi’s legendary status and exceptional performances this term, it might just be worth it.

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Despite Barcelona’s woes in La Liga and the Champions League, the experienced forward has contributed 38 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, arguably solidifying his status as the greatest footballer to ever play the game.

His performances in La Liga have earned him a remarkable 8.52 average rating from WhoScored, which comfortably ranks him as the best player in the Spanish top flight this season, so there is very little doubt that he would be a success in Guardiola’s side at the Etihad.

The Spanish manager is certainly a big fan of Messi as, during his time at Barcelona, the magician contributed 211 goals and 93 assists in just 219 appearances, whilst the manager also labelled the Argentine the best player of all time back in 2015.

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The “incomparable” forward, in the words of the late Johan Cruyff, would certainly be an unbelievable addition at the Etihad; and given the success he would likely bring, Txiki should definitely consider paying Messi whatever he wants if it means he will be wearing a Manchester City shirt next season.

In other news… Txiki heading for huge Man City mistake with Premier League flop, he’s even worse than Mendy

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Marlon Harewood, who made 164 appearances for West Ham, has urged his former side to target Tammy Abraham this summer as they search for a new striker.

Abraham has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel which has seen him linked with a move to the London Stadium if he continues to not get regular game time.

The Hammers sold their record signing, Sebastien Haller, to Ajax in January but David Moyes decided he did not want to replace the striker as he had trust in Michail Antonio to catapult them into the Champions League.

Speaking on why West Ham should be targeting Tammy Abraham and why it is that type of player the Hammers need more of, Harewood told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s proven himself at Chelsea and it’s just a shame he’s not playing at the moment, but he would be a good addition to West Ham’s firepower if they got him.

“Obviously that’s the sort of player that West Ham need to get to improve going forward, players that are young, fit, prepared to work and want to score goals.”

West Ham only signed one new player in the January transfer window as Jesse Lingard arrived on loan from Manchester United, and he’s helped the Hammers continue their push for the top four.

The Hammers will be looking to continue their good momentum when they face Newcastle United on Saturday with the Magpies unbeaten in their previous two games.

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to an update on the future of Nuno Espirito Santo.

As per Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), it is unlikely that the Portuguese boss will be next in line to become the new manager at Tottenham Hotspur after Ryan Mason was given an interim role.

In an interesting revelation, Nuno was reportedly going to take charge of Arsenal to replace Unai Emery before Mikel Arteta got the job instead.

Nonetheless, Jorge Mendes would likely stop him taking the job at Spurs if he was offered it at the end of the 2020/21 term, which has certainly caused some reaction among the Molineux faithful, with some wanting him to go given the poor season that they have had, while others would rather he stayed given what he has achieved with the Midlands club so far in his managerial career.

Wolves fans on Nuno update

These WWFC supporters flocked to the update after it was shared on Twitter:

“YOU’RE MEANT TO BE HELPING US JORGE”

Credit: @PlayA4231

“Nooo he’s meant to help us”

Credit: @tylerwwfc

“Says here Nuno was about to take the Arsenal job. Snake. More reasons to sack him”

Credit: @bestwolvesfan

“The hero becomes the villain”

Credit: @calwwfc19

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Excuse the pun!”

Credit: @peggyja95517835

“Thanks but Nuno won’t leave because, according to him, he has a contract.”

Credit: @Bloseph

In other news, find out what update on a potential Nuno replacement has been slammed by Wanderers here!

Liverpool could potentially be set to bring back Aaron Ramsey to the Premier League, if reports are to be believed.

TuttoMercatoWeb report that the Reds are amongst a handful of English clubs who could be interested in the Welshman – as well as the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Whilst Ramsey would be a fantastic addition for that duo, Liverpool should steer clear of his signature.

After leaving Arsenal on a free transfer in 2019, the midfielder has not yet managed to capture his best form. In 61 appearances for the Old Lady, he has scored just six goals and notched six assists in all competitions.

In that time, Ramsey has started just 32 of the available matches and at the age of 30, only has a limited number of years left in which to return to the displays that made him such a key member of the Gunners’ squad.

After all, former Arsenal boss Unai Emery hailed the 61-cap Welsh international as “amazing” in his final few months at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool though cannot afford to wait for the midfielder to play himself back into form.

The Reds and Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to rectify their woeful performances of the 2020/21 campaign and simply cannot have passengers.

Meanwhile, there is also plenty of competition at Anfield for a midfield spot. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are currently competing for a starting berth. Whilst it’s looking unlikely that Georginio Wijnaldum will be at the club next season, he is still intensifying that competition at the current time.

This would certainly leave Ramsey without a place in the current squad.

Considering that the £18m-rated midfielder would surely be asking for wages similar to that of his £187k per week pay packet with Juventus, it would appear to be a huge waste of resources to bring him back to the Premier League.

Liverpool and Michael Edwards then should avoid signing him at all costs.

AND in more news, take a look at which big-money arrival would be a sign of intent from the Reds…

Glasgow Rangers fans are delighted after it was revealed Bobby Madden will referee the Old Firm derby next weekend.

The Gers are to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup fourth round next Saturday. With the Premiership trophy already wrapped up, the Ibrox outfit can fully concentrate on lifting the cup as they aim to complete a domestic double – if they can get past their fierce rivals, they will be supremely confident of doing just that.

It seems the supporters are buoyed by the news of Madden being selected as the man in the middle. There have been suggestions the 42-year-old used to be a Rangers season ticket holder, and as such, some fans believe he will favour the 55-time Scottish champions against the Bhoys.

The news was shared on Twitter by Clyde Superscoreboard, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Madden news below

“Yass”

Credit: @55TitlesYouKnow

“Good stuff…..”

Credit: @kevshenton

“Yes brother”

Credit: @craigster69

“Yeeessss! Feeling more confident already”

Credit: @darren_cairns

“Yas! Penalty to Rangers”

Credit: @kyleRC_

“1-0 up already.”

Credit: @Samp_Calcio

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this journalist’s comments.

With Manchester United having failed to sign Jadon Sancho last summer, there continues to be links to a number of widemen from across the continent.

The latest rumour to circle is that the Red Devils are interested in current Sporting Clube de Portgual man Pedro Goncalves, according to The Telegraph.

It is easy to see why admiring glances are being cast from Old Trafford towards the Estadio Jose Alvalade considering that the 22-year-old has already hit 15 goals and provided a further five assists in all competitions this season.

They are statistics only bettered in the Manchester United squad by the irrepressible Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Goncalves then would certainly bring some distinct quality to the Red Devils right-flank.

He is not just a specialised winger though. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster is also equally adept at playing in the centre.

It is versality that has certainly seen him praised, with former coach at Famalicao, Joao Pedro Sousa, labelling Goncalves as a “dream”.

Should the Red Devils make a move then, he would certainly relieve some of Fernandes’ burden.

When looking at his sheer statistics, he would also fill a gap in the Red Devils’ squad and give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer far more options to choose from.

According to WhoScored, Goncalves is averaging 2.4 shots per game, that figure only being bettered by Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford this season.

His 1.6 key passes per 90 are also only bettered by his compatriot and surprisingly Luke Shaw, whilst only Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial of United’s current attacking options better his 1.3 dribbles.

Rated at £13.5m but reportedly possessing a £51.7m release clause in his current contract in Lisbon, it might not be cheap for Ed Woodward to acquire Goncalves.

However, he has the exact profile that the Red Devils are looking for and if he can emulate the successes of fellow Portuguese arrivals Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Nani and Fernandes, then he might just be the exact type of winger that the club are searching high and low for.

AND in more news, read how Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire could play a pivotal role at the San Siro on Thursday…