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According to an update Corriere della Sera, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with yet another name as Daniel Levy’s hunt for a new manager goes on.

The Lowdown: Gasperini emerges as new Spurs candidate

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has now emerged as a new name linked with the Tottenham vacancy with reports only just coming out in the last 48 hours.

Indeed, journalist Duncan Castles first claimed that Spurs have made an approach for the Italian and it is believed that the reply from him was a positive one (Transfer Window Podcast).

Spurs have been linked with a host of names since former boss Jose Mourinho was shown the door, a list which includes Julian Nagelsmann, Brendan Rodgers, Erik Ten Hag, Scott Parker, Graham Potter and Ralf Rangnick (Daily Mail).

However, reports have now come to light of yet another new name in Gasperini.

The Latest: Contact for Gasperini backed in Italy

Now, backing up the claim from Castles, Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera (via Sport Witness) have dropped their own update and also believe an approach has been made by Spurs ‘in the last few hours’ (reported Wednesday evening).

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However, the report isn’t quite as positive when it comes to the 63-year-old being named as the new manager of Tottenham – with an exit from Atalanta looking ‘unlikely’ regardless of Levy’s move to make contact.

It is believed that the only club with enough pulling power to lure Gasperini away from the Gewiss Stadium is Serie A giant Juventus.

The local news outlet, therefore, believe Tottenham could be thwarted in their fresh manager interest.

The Verdict: Spurs should go all out…

Despite this report claiming a move away from Atalanta is unlikely, if Levy could pull out all the stops and somehow make a move happen, there is plenty of evidence to suggest he is a brilliant dark horse for the job.

Winning Serie A coach of the year in both 2019 and 2020 (TEAMtalk), Gasperini has also managed a very impressive 53% win rate since taking charge at Atalanta in the summer of 2016.

It is known that Spurs are on the look out for an attack minded manager and he certainly could fit the bill, favouring the 3-4-3 formation and possession-based football (TEAMtalk).

He has also guided his side to Champions League football in each of the last two seasons and is on course to do it yet again this campaign, an incredible feat for a club nowhere near the size of its competitors in Serie A.

Despite not being ‘young’ or ‘dynamic’, with technical performance director Steve Hitchen allegedly wanting that criteria of boss (The Mail), Gasperini still comes as a very qualified new name to be linked.

In other news: Sky reporter lifts lid on Levy summer plan for Spurs, find out more here.

Many Nottingham Forest fans have been slamming the performance of Gaetan Bong in their 1-1 draw at Reading on Saturday.

Philip Zinckernagel gave the away side a very early lead, but Steve Cooper’s men were eventually pegged back midway through the second half by Scott Dann.

Bong came on around the half-hour mark to replace the injured Max Lowe at left-back, and several Forest supporters were left wishing that he did not after the performance that he put in.

The former Brighton defender lost out on four of his duels and also failed to record a single successful dribble, blocked shot or interception, while failing to make a key pass or cross (SofaScore).

Bong also lost possession of the ball on 13 occasions, the joint-third most out of any Forest player despite not starting the match (SofaScore).

Nottingham Forest fans hammer Bong

These Forest fans slammed the Cameroonian’s performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘liability’ against Reading:

“Was a good trip to Reading, shame about result and if I’m honest first time Cooper made a big mistake by bringing Bong on, waste of a sub because he is awful”

Credit: @AdzL_93

“Leave Bong in Reading please”

Credit: @cookenffc

“PLEASE DO NOT PLAY BONG AGAIN!!!!!!!”

Credit: @Lee_Rev1

“Bong is still absolutely lost, how does he still get a game?”

Credit: @mmearsuk

“Gaetan Bong plays like he’s filming a TikTok”

Credit: @josephpickard

“Bong is a liability. COYR!”

Credit: @ScatmanRon

In other news, find out what club tweet had these Forest fans erupting

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Noa Lang could leave Club Brugge in the January transfer window, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Lang move

Lang, who has been likened to Neymar due to his close control and finishing, was linked with a move to Elland Road a number of times during the summer, but he ended up staying put at Brugge.

The 22-year-old has made a superb start to the 2021/22 season, already chipping in with three goals and four assists in the Jupiler Pro League, while winning the man of the match award in a 1-1 draw against PSG in the Champions League group stages.

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The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Leeds have been boosted in their potential efforts to sign Lang, with Voetbal International [via Sport Witness] claiming that he could move on in January.

Brugge are thought to be ‘realistic’ about the interest in the attacker, with the report adding that he could leave ‘as early as this winter’.

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The Verdict: Ideal attacking addition

Lang is a player with a huge amount of promise, having been described as a ‘phenomenon’ by Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt in the past.

His start to this season shows how much attacking quality he could bring to Leeds’ team, giving them extra guile in central areas but also capable of thriving out wide.

If the Whites managed to snap up the young Dutchman in January, it could give the squad a much-needed injection of class midway through the campaign.

In other news, Leeds could make a move for a defender, according to one report. Read more here.

Celtic face Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park this afternoon, with Ange Postecoglu eyeing his first trophy since taking over at Parkhead in the summer.

The 56-year-old is missing a handful of players, with some facing last-minute fitness tests, so who will make the Hoops’ line-up for the cup final?

This is how Football FanCast predicts Celtic to set up against Hibs later today, with two changes from Wednesday’s starting line-up which faced Ross County.

There are no changes at the back after the midweek 2-1 win, with Celtic having the Premiership’s best defence, having conceded just 11 goals in 18 league matches so far this season.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart has been a significant part of that feat. The 34-year-old has been superb since making the move to Glasgow and will be looking to add another trophy to his impressive CV.

In midfield, Tom Rogic comes in for Nir Bitton after being rested in midweek. The Australian has been key for Postecoglu’s side this season, making 25 appearances in all competitions already, and his experience could be vital if Celtic are to be victorious today. He also boasts a potent presence, with three goals and five assists to his name in 2021/22.

Fellow midfielder Callum McGregor will be eyeing his 16th trophy for Celtic, and his first as captain of the club.

With the chances of James Forest and Kyogo Furuhashi being able to prove their fitness in time for kick-off too close to call, Liel Abada and Josip Juranović retain their places, with Mikey Johnston returning from a knock in time to start on the left. He replaces Adam Montgomery, who did not convince in an unfamiliar wide attacking role in Dingwall.

Johnston’s fitness was in doubt but the 22-year-old was pictured in training on Friday, which suggests that he could be fit to play, whether that’s as a starter or a substitute.

In other news: Postecoglou drops teasing Celtic team news before Hibs showdown, fans will be buzzing

Manchester United have made it clear that one of their transfer priorities is to sign a centre-back in the summer.

It is no surprise, then, that the Red Devils have consequently been linked with a number of Europe’s most promising centre-backs – the latest name in the frame being AS Roma’s Gianluca Mancini.

According to the Daily Express, Manchester United and Premier League rivals Chelsea are interested in making a move for the 24-year-old – and the Italian would be the perfect partner for current United defender Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.

Mancini has certainly had a stark rise in Italian football in recent seasons. Starting his career at Fiorentina, he has also represented Perugia and Atalanta before earning his big move to the Stadio Olimpico. That should stand him in excellent stead should a move to Manchester come to fruition.

Since his arrival in the Italian capital, he has played a key role in their 2020/21 season under Paulo Fonseca, making 23 appearances in Serie A and scoring four goals, as well as keeping seven clean sheets.

When looking at his personal statistics, Mancini seems even more impressive. According to WhoScored, the £22.5m-rated defender is averaging 6.3 defensive contributions per match in all competitions this season – 1.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 2.1 clearances and 0.4 blocks.

This ranks the Italian higher than current Red Devils defender and the man he would likely replace in the starting lineup, Victor Lindelof, who only averages 5.7 defensive interventions per match. His numbers are also just marginally lower than the statistics racked up by Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly this season; 6.8 and 6.4 respectively.

Should Ole Gunnaer Solskjaer elect to bring in a centre-back during the upcoming summer transfer window, the evidence all points to that man being Mancini, a move the club should very much pursue.

In more news, read how instead of signing a centre-back, the Red Devils could potentially turn their attentions to one of their youth options at Old Trafford…

Many Aston Villa fans have been left stunned at the decision by Gareth Southgate not to pick Ezri Konsa for England for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

As per a tweet from the Three Lions, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones have all been picked as options ahead of him in the centre of the defence, as well as his club teammate Tyrone Mings.

Ollie Watkins has also been picked by Southgate for his first senior international call-up, but several members of the AVFC faithful were still left to question why Konsa was not selected with them for the three qualifying games against San Marino, Albania and Poland coming up.

It could have been the perfect opportunity for the 23-year-old to show what he can do ahead of the Euros in the summer, but now it looks more unlikely that he will make that squad given his recent omission.

Aston Villa fan reaction to Konsa omission

These Villa supporters fumed after hearing of Konsa’s omission on Twitter, with one fan saying that they were ‘shocked’ while another branding it as ‘scary’:

“Insane how Konsa didn’t make it but Dier did”

Credit: @ComboedOW

“I hope Konsa chooses Portugal now. Ridiculous he’s not included.”

Credit: @JAnnetts_

“Fully deserved for Watkins – struggling to understand how Dier gets in ahead of Ezri Konsa though! #utv”

Credit: @LeeGibson6

“Well done Ollie, but where’s Konsa?”

Credit: @marls74

“Konsa isn’t that’s shocking. Scary how this man picks his squads”

Credit: @andylynch80

“Shocked to not see Konsa but congratulations Ollie and Tyrone”

Credit: @avfcfanxoxo

In other news, find out what transfer update on one Villa star has left fans talking here!

A ‘substantial’ new kit deal for Liverpool would allow even more money to be generated for new signings, according to Leeds United employee and club ambassador and Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: New kit deal coming?

The Reds’ kit is currently sponsored by Standard Chartered, with their deal running out at the end of the next season and bringing them around £40million a year at the moment.

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Recent reports have claimed that Liverpool are on the lookout for an even bigger deal, however – one that could earn them as much as £50 million every 12 months.

With Jurgen Klopp’s men flying on the pitch, it would be a surprise if the Reds weren’t without suitors, as they look to continue battling for Premier League titles.

The Latest: Whelan makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider, reacting to recent news that Liverpool are currently in talks with multiple companies over a possible big money off-field agreement worth around £50million-per-year, Whelan got behind the idea of a new kit sponsor.

He claims that it’s a ‘no-brainer’ for companies to be attached to the Anfield club and Klopp’s side will ‘for sure’ never be short of options.

“Look, they’re a very marketable football club. One that many, many businesses would want to be attached to.

“Liverpool is a club that pretty much sells itself. It’s like Man United, Man City these days, Chelsea. Those big four sell themselves to companies because they want to be attached to that brand.

“They’re never going to be without a sponsor, that’s for sure, because of how successful they are. Because of the history behind the club, because of the demand worldwide support that they have.

“It’s a no brainer for a company to be attached and have a logo on the Liverpool shirt. It’s one of the biggest selling shirts in the world, not just in the country.

“That is going to be something substantial to the football club that’s going to help bring players in and give them the finances to push further and stay right there at the top of world football.”

The Verdict: Reds in a great place

There was a time when a £50million-a-year deal felt like a pipe dream for Liverpool but Klopp has transformed the club since arriving as manager back in October 2015.

The German has turned them into one of Europe’s best teams on current form, creating a team spirit and togetherness that should appeal to any possible sponsor.

It could be a case of Liverpool taking their pick from those interested in sponsoring their kit from 2023 onwards, such is their position of strength these days.

In other news, a pundit has backed one Liverpool player to sign a new deal. Find out who it is here.

Celtic will look to bank a much-needed three points this afternoon as they host Livingston in Parkhead. The reigning Premiership champions are currently watching their chances of a tenth consecutive title slip further and further away.

Rangers have all but wrapped up this season’s victory, leading the pack by an astonishing 21 points. However, Celtic mustn’t simply throw down their swords, they need to ensure they finish a turbulent season on the highest note possible.

Football FanCast has predicted how they will line up in today’s Scottish Premiership clash…

Due to a mass quarantine, both Neil Lennon and 14 of his senior players are out of action. Christopher Jullien’s positive coronavirus test has forced him and his teammates into a self-isolation period. Gavin Strachan has stepped in, in the absence of Lennon and managed to guide Celtic to a draw against Hibernian last time out.

With a thread-bare squad, a lot of the same players from earlier this week will make returns. This includes youngsters like Cameron Harper and Stephen Welsh.

The former will likely start up front again, with no senior striker available to play. The teen will be supported by Mikey Johnston – who featured on Monday – and Karamoko Dembele, who only made a cameo appearance against Hibs.

Celtic will need all the creativity they can muster up and 17-year-old Dembele could be handed his chance to impress with his first senior start.

With a weakened defence, Strachan may opt to controversially bench Callum McGregor in favour of more defensive-minded Nir Bitton. The latter has played across the back four several times this season and will help his defenders keep the threat of Livingston away from goalkeeper Conor Hazard.

The Lions are currently fifth in the table and can pose a real threat, so Celtic must not underestimate their ability. Strachan and the Bhoys will be hoping for maximum points to raise morale around camp and avoid further embarrassment this season.

In other news, Celtic can punish Rangers by beating them to signing Taiwo Awoniyi…

A number of Manchester City fans are delighted with the news that the Citizens were ready to sell John Stones until Eric Garcia revealed that he wanted to leave the club.

Stones has enjoyed a fantastic campaign after previously coming under fire from many supporters for his performances. He has made 32 appearances in all competitions, including 10 in the Champions League (Transfermarkt). In the 20 Premier League matches in which he has featured, City have conceded nine goals – in the other 15, they have shipped 17 goals.

Meanwhile, the £18m-valued Garcia (Transfermarkt) has been somewhat of a pariah at the Etihad Stadium after he revealed his intention to leave City (Sky Sports)- he will eventually do so on a free transfer. However, he may have redeemed himself in the eyes of some supporters after it was revealed by The Athletic’s Sam Lee that his desire to move on meant that Pep Guardiola kept Stones at the club.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s fans. These supporters took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on this turn of events.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Garcia

“Eric Garcia deserves respect. He literally saved our season”

Credit: @_Delap

“Eric Garcia deserves hall of fame”

Credit: @AK10_03

“Tactical masterclass from Eric”

Credit: @Chal_lerec

“Retire his number”

Credit: @Bernardo20S1lva

“Eric Garcia deserves a statue outside the Etihad along with Aguero, Silva and Kompany”

Credit: @ali_saain

“GARCIAAAAA all is forgiven”

Credit: @Dylan_Parnell2

In other news, some Man City fans are unhappy with this photo of Phil Foden.

Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Josh King would snap up the chance to join Eddie Howe at Celtic.

The pair spent five successful years together at Bournemouth, even though their time on the south coast ended on a sour note following the Cherries’ relegation last season.

But they could be reunited north of the border, with Howe the favourite to be named the new Celtic manager despite weeks of ongoing talks at Parkhead, whilst reports believe that the 43-year-old has already identified the Norwegian striker as a potential replacement for Hoops talisman Odsonne Edouard.

King is currently at Everton, but only on a short-term contract, and having failed to score in 11 substitute appearances following his January move from Bournemouth, appears unlikely to be offered a full-time deal by the Merseysiders.

He’s already been strongly linked with Galatasaray and several Premier League sides, but Windass was asked by The Transfer Tavern whether a move to Scotland might perhaps be the perfect fit, he said:

“Right away. If that was me, if I were Josh King.

“He’s probably got a great relationship with Eddie; he would pack his bags straight away if Eddie gets the job. I can see that.”