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According to 90min.de, Southampton are among four Premier League clubs interested in signing Matthew Hoppe this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints target a striker

The Saints received a hammer blow earlier in this transfer window when Danny Ings turned down a four-year contract at the club (via Sky Sports) – he will be a free agent next summer (Transfermarkt).

As such, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side may be in the market for a striker this summer, and it seems that they now have one on their radar.

The Latest: Saints eye Hoppe

90min.de reported that the Saints are interested in Schalke 04’s Hoppe.

Tottenham, Newcastle and Wolves are the other three Premier League clubs eyeing a move for the forward.

The Verdict: Unproven but worth a risk

Schalke suffered one of the worst seasons in their history last term as they were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga from the German top tier after winning just three games. During a campaign of disappointment and despair, Hoppe was one of the very few bright sparks in Gelsenkirchen.

The youngster managed six goals in 22 matches and became the first player from the USA to score a hat-trick in the Bundesliga (BBC). He has been compared to Robert Lewandowski (Bundesliga.com) and is still just 20 years old.

Hoppe is valued at £4.05m by Transfermarkt, but with four clubs said to be in pursuit, he may go for a bit more than that. He is generally unproven – last season was his first in the professional game – but he may just be worth a punt for Hasenhuttl and co given his performances in a struggling Schalke side in 2020/21.

In other news, many Southampton fans love this official club reveal.

It’s fair to say that Scotland fans were absolutely buzzing ahead of Euro 2020 and yesterday’s 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic would have put a bit of a dampener on things. The tournament marks the long awaited return of fans in stadiums cheering on their home nation and former Scotland international and icon Ally McCoist sat down with Joe Cole, James Collins and Instagram sensation Munya Chawawa for Just Eat’s Home Advantage video series.

Just Eat’s Home Advantage  looks to bring the best of food and football together, as Munya orders a takeaway with some of the UK’s favourites footballers each week throughout the tournament.

The significance of Scotland’s participation is certainly not lost on former Rangers man, McCoist. Before the tournament McCoist did however voice some concern over the attacking output of the team. “Our lack of goals might be a problem. And I wouldn’t see us playing two up front in many games.”

When asked who we might expect to see some top performances from, McCoist praised Chelsea and Aston Villa youngsters, Billy Gilmore and John McGin. “I would like to see Billy Gilmore get a run. Hopefully John McGinn will be key for us and has a great campaign. If he does, we will be alright.“

Regardless of what happens, McCoist knows how special the tournament can be, recalling some of his favourite moments, the former Scotland international remarked, “As a wee boy, I can remember the original Penenka penalty. I remember him scoring it against Sepp Maier of West Germany. It was unbelievable. And I can also remember Van Basten’s volley against Russia, which was just an absolutely incredible goal. “

It certainly was and we’re sure Ally will be hoping for more of the same. Catch each week’s full episode of Just Eat’s Home Advantage below…

Trevor Sinclair has made a transfer claim regarding Aston Villa’s pursuit of Arsenal forward Emile Smith-Rowe.

What’s the talk?

Former Villa forward Trevor Sinclair has claimed that a transfer to Villa Park could do Emile Smith-Rowe a “whole heap of good” this summer. Sinclair believes that Smith-Rowe would benefit from leaving Arsenal to come and be a star player for Villa, especially if Jack Grealish left the club – although there is no update on that front.

Sinclair has also said that Smith-Rowe reminds him of ex-Arsenal and Villa midfielder Paul Merson. He told talkSPORT, as transcribed by Football 365:

“I think that points me towards the direction that Jack Grealish could potentially be moving away from Aston Villa.

“I have said it before about Smith Rowe. He reminds me of Paul Merson. Before the ball is coming into him, he’s looking to play it around the corner, first time, then get after it and join in.

“I feel he could be a player that could go in, if Grealish did go and develop his game. Start playing Premier League football and do himself a whole heap of good.”

Earlier this year, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta lavished praise on the “extraordinary” attacker Emile Smith-Rowe, alongside Bukayo Saka, as he impressed in the Premier League for the Gunners. He told Sky Sports, as transcribed by the Independent:

“I know what they are capable of doing. They are developing really well, and that’s a merit to them, a merit for their team-mates and everybody that is involved to try to support them and protect them as well.

“But the performances that they are putting in are extraordinary.”

Next Paul Merson

NSWE could land Villa their next Paul Merson if they are able to seal a deal for Smith-Rowe this summer. They have already tested Arsenal’s resolve once with a £25m offer for the young English forward, which the Gunners rejected, and they could yet go in again in an attempt to secure his services.

Even if Jack Grealish stays at Villa, Smith-Rowe could arrive and add an extra threat to Dean Smith’s attacking options. He could field a front four of Emi Buendia, Smith-Rowe, Grealish and Ollie Waktins, which would be an exciting young forward line in the Premier League.

Merson enjoyed an excellent career with Arsenal, Villa, and England. After playing the best part of 300 games for Arsenal, Merson arrived at Villa and played 139 times for the club, producing 19 goals from midfield in the latter stages of his career.

This was after he won two Premier League titles and was capped over 20 times by England. However, with Smith-Rowe they could get a talented player at the opposite end of his career, with the Englishman turning 21 next month.

That said, they both have similar attributes in terms of their attacking game.

On top of that, Villa could be getting the £20k-per-week earner at the perfect time to develop him as a player and allow him to flourish into a top talent at Villa Park, much like Grealish has been able to do in recent years. Smith could have the chance to work with Smith-Rowe and help him hone his skills in the attacking midfield position.

Smith-Rowe managed three goals and seven assists in his first full season for Arsenal, showing that he has the potential to become a top player at this level. This is why NSWE must sanction a deal for Smith-Rowe if they can up their offer and convince Arsenal to part ways with him.

AND in other news, Lange must sanction Villa deal for “outstanding” 65-cap “leader”, Dean Smith needs him…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to the club’s interest in former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

According to The Sun, the Eagles want to talk to Nuno and will offer the 47-year-old the job if he is interested in an instant comeback to Premier League football.

Nuno only left Wolves a week ago, but The Sun believe his next opportunity is now just around the corner. The report adds that Palace will need a quick answer from the Portuguese manager, as they also have Barnsley’s Valerian Ismael and Swansea’s Steve Cooper on their shortlist.

Also, he may well be offered good personal terms by the Eagles hierarchy, as no compensation fee will be required.

Nuno, who prefers a 3-4-3 system, took charge of 199 games as Wolves boss, averaging 1.68 points per game.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the links to Nuno on Twitter on Saturday evening, and it didn’t take long for a number of Palace fans to share their positive thoughts at the update.

“this is literally the best appointment we could make, shame it will never happen”Credit: @steven_palace”Hahahaha yessssssssss come onnn”Credit: @ohjoewalker”Do it”Credit: @RRcpfc”Me like”Credit: @tru_Hamburglar”yes please”Credit: @poltak_cp60″Would defo take him. He’d make some quality signings, has already proven himself in the prem and took wolves to where they are now. Better than most of the other candidates imo”Credit: @kade_bladeSE25

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to Sean Dyche latest, find out more here. 

Plenty of Celtic fans have slammed Neil Lennon on social media after he hit out at a section of Hoops supporters for ‘giving the club a bad name’.

Celtic’s season started off strongly under the 49-year-old, but their 2020/21 campaign quickly deteriorated before Christmas and ultimately ended with no trophies.

The former Hoops manager, who resigned back in February, was talking about protests from some Celtic fans following the club’s 2-0 defeat to Ross County last November. County ended the Bhoys’ run of 35 straight domestic cup wins, with ugly scenes from a section of supporters at Parkhead after the match.

Speaking to The Times, with quotes relayed by the Daily Record, Lennon said:

“Speaking to the players the next day (after the League Cup loss) they were really disturbed and upset by that.

“Literally upset by it. That was the first cup defeat in 35/36 games. It was the end of an unbelievable cycle of success and for them to be treated that way was bewildering. They should have been lauded for it rather than abused.

“They were getting pelted with missiles. It was very sad. There was a new breed of supporters that I had nothing in common with and who belie the values of the club.

“They are the ones that are giving the club a bad name.

“It was definitely a situation like no other. You’re going for the tenth title in a row and that was an obsession for the fans, an unhealthy obsession I felt. And we were in the midst of a pandemic where nothing was normal.

“You are in the game to enjoy it. It was all about the football but this season football took second place to a lot of things.”I wouldn’t say I was hurt, I was more bewildered by it and the lack of time and the lack of faith that people showed in me.”It’s basically fans I’m referring to more than anything else.”I can walk away with 21 medals as a player and a manager, the first guy to do the treble as both a player and a manager. If that doesn’t mean a lot to other people, it means a lot to me.”

Celtic fans react

The Daily Record shared Lennon’s comments on their Twitter page on Saturday morning, and their post unsurprisingly received plenty of interaction.

These Hoops fans were quick to vent their frustrations back at the club’s former manager, with a selection of responses available to view below.

“A manager surely brings responsibility. Trying to deflect, deary me.”Credit: @kevinwalsh1964″I loved Neil Lennon as a player. The fight, desire, passion. As a manager he sat in the dugout with his feet up watching us get beat. Interviews like this, living on the success of previous managers while taking no ownership are insulting and disrespectful.”Credit: @AshleighMeikle”This is so utterly delusional and trying to support his mates on the board that it’s laughable. HE was the main problem- his outdated lack of tactics other than switching wingers was his downfall, not the fans’ fault. This is Pravda trying to be divisive via NL.”Credit: @howlinwhippet”Seriously???”Credit: @K5VVM”bewildered”Credit: @kieranwrigg”He’s at it”Credit: @ccww1967

In other news: Celtic star confirms he wants to leave Parkhead this summer, find out more here. 

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that reappointing Mauricio Pochettino would be the best way to get the Spurs faithful back on side.

The club have come under serious scrutiny this season following the wretched run of results under Jose Mourinho which culminated in his sacking last month.

But the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium fans have pointed their anger towards to Daniel Levy, with protests scheduled for outside the ground this Saturday, 24 hours before Spurs host Wolves in their penultimate home game.

Tottenham are yet to appoint a replacement for Mourinho having missed out on their top three targets.

Their priority, Julian Nagelsmann, ended up taking the Bayern Munich job, Brendan Rodgers rejected any approach from Spurs, whilst Ajax manager Erik ten Hag committed his long-term future to the Dutch champions by penning a new deal.

Scott Parker and Graham Potter have both been strongly linked, but Roberts thinks that the most sensible move to reunite the club would be the return of Pochettino.

When asked if re-appointing the Argentine would help Levy build bridges with Spurs fans after the Super League debacle, Roberts told The Transfer Tavern:

“100%. I think that would be the best thing he could do.”

Writing on Twitter, Manchester City correspondent for Sony Sports and former BBC Radio Manchester commentator Ian Cheeseman has dropped a major claim involving Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Kane saga continues…

Sky Sports broke the news last week that Kane has reiterated his desire to leave Spurs after another trophyless season in north London.

Since then, his transfer saga has dominated discussion, with the striker himself appearing to send Spurs chairman Daniel Levy a very clear message when speaking to Gary Neville on the Overlap.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be the Premier League clubs eyeing a move (Sky Sports), with Cheeseman now dropping a major claim involving Kane and City.

The Latest: Major claim on Kane…

Writing on his social media, the journalist explained how Kane’s possible move to the Sky Blues is a ‘real possibility’ this summer, citing information he has heard from a reliable source.

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“I hear from a reliable source that Harry Kane to #ManCity is a real possibility,” Cheeseman posted on Twitter.

“For a fee of over £100 million – time will tell.”

This possibly contradicts reports of Kane’s price tag being far greater, with Eurosport even claiming that Levy may demand closer to the £200m mark.

The 27-year-old’s price tag will be the subject of heavy speculation but Cheeseman believes it could be in excess of £100m, with Man City a ‘real possibility’.

The Verdict: City overwhelming favourites…

City have just clinched a fifth Premier League title and their third under manager Pep Guardiola, as well as a fourth successive Carabao Cup triumph, with the Champions League final also looming in Porto.

Kane’s desire to win ‘team trophies’ is well known and the forward could do absolutely no better than the Citizens in this regard.

As well as being able to attract the Englishman with their success in recent years, City are arguably one of the only clubs with sufficient financial muscle to lodge a serious pursuit for the 27-year-old.

Spurs supporters won’t want to see him move to a rival club, but given these aspects, it’s hardly surprising that a move to the Etihad Stadium could be a ‘real possibility’ for Kane this summer.

In other news: Spurs could be offered this ‘phenomenal player’ for Kane, find out more here.

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has provided an update on Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe on social media.

The Hoops have been linked with the former Bournemouth boss for what seems like forever now, and despite Howe reportedly verbally agreeing on becoming Neil Lennon’s long-term successor at the beginning of April, a deal is yet to be announced.

Reports previously suggested the 43-year-old was having second thoughts, however, recent stories have now claimed he is finalising his backroom staff ahead of a Parkhead switch.

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked if he had any more information on the situation on Friday evening.

He reiterated that some of Howe’s wanted coaching staff will be busy at Bournemouth, before ending with a telling five-word claim – ‘Celtic seem prepared for that’.

“Said last Sunday that his coaching staff will be busy at Bournemouth for a few weeks yet… it could be a wait… but Celtic seem prepared for that.”

Transfer Tavern take

Nixon’s comment here seems to be the clearest indicator yet that the Howe deal should eventually happen, with the Hoops ‘prepared’ to bide their time to get a deal over the line.

To us, that could be a risk. It seems as if Howe wants a few coaching members from the Cherries, however, should they earn promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs, it could be harder to get them out of their respective deals.

Should that be the case and a deal for Howe break down, that may leave the Hoops in a worrying position ahead of the 2021/22 season.

There have been plenty of rumours that Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer could depart Glasgow this summer, perhaps even Ryan Christie too, via The Daily Record. If those moves happen without a new manager in place, the club could find themselves scrambling around for a replacements who may not even fit the new boss’ desires.

In other news: Manager of European giants talks to Celtic star about summer move, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Daniel Pinder, who is editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, has claimed that Omar Mascarell would be an ideal player to have alongside Ruben Neves at Wolves.

Since Wolves were promoted to the Premier League in 2018, Nuno Espirito Santo has opted for a midfield duo of Joao Moutinho and Neves whenever possible but with the former set to turn 35 later this year, they have been linked with a cut-price £4 million move for Mascarell.

The former Real Madrid midfielder has been at Schalke since 2018 but following their relegation to 2. Bundesliga, the 28-year old is reportedly set to leave the club this summer.

Speaking on how Mascarell is a different player to Moutinho but how he could unleash Neves further forward, Pinder spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“I think Moutinho likes to play a bit further forward, whereas Mascarell likes to sit in front of the back four and sweep up loose passes and he’s a tidy player.

“I think Mascarell sitting alongside him would allow Neves to get further forward, as Mascarell would just sit deep as Neves went forward.”

Wolves have also previously been linked with a move for Josh Brownhill from Burnley as Nuno looks for a younger pair of legs in the middle of midfield for next season.

Nuno’s side have struggled to cope with injuries to key players such as Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto and Willy Bolly this season which has seen them linger in the bottom half of the table for most of the season.

Celtic’s search for a new manager has taken on an exciting lease of life over the last week or so with the Bhoys really stepping up their hunt to replace Neil Lennon.

A number of managers have been touted with taking over but there is one name that’s now seemingly at the top of their list.

What’s the word?

Journalist Alan Nixon reported earlier this week that Eddie Howe was a serious candidate to become Celtic’s new manager.

That information has now also been reported by The Scottish Sun. They claim that Howe is indeed in the frame to take over, but they have also revealed the 43-year-old’s stance on heading to Parkhead.

They state that the former Bournemouth boss is seriously interested in succeeding Lennon in Glasgow.

Howe has even started his own due-diligence on the behind-the-scenes structure of the club and has sounded out contacts within the game who have close ties to Celtic.

Having sought advice from those connections, he is ready to return to management and become the new Bhoys manager.

Fantastic news for Celtic

Over the last week or so the Hoops hierarchy haven’t particularly had an easy time of it when trying to find Lennon’s replacement.

Jesse Marsch has been ruled out of the running to come to Scotland while Chris Wilder is facing pay-off issues and interest from Burnley.

As for Roy Keane, he now looks less likely to arrive after seemingly being the favourite a week ago.

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However, they have received a few boosts in the last few days with Lucien Favre and now Howe reportedly interested in becoming the next Celtic boss.

If those two names are at the forefront of Dermot Desmond’s thinking then fans should be completely delighted. Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes revealed last week that Keane’s potential arrival had gone down like a led balloon among the supporters.

However, Favre and Howe have achieved a lot more and they’ve also not had ten years away from management.

Favre had a win rate of 61.82% before losing his job with Borussia Dortmund in December while Howe’s achievements make for impressive reading.

In two separate spells, he took Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League, cementing themselves in England’s top-flight.

He is meticulous on the training ground and is known for developing and using young domestic talent; something that would undoubtedly benefit the Hoops.

Should Desmond bring him to Parkhead, he’d be a brilliant appointment, one who could breathe fresh life into a decrepit think tank.

AND in other news, Celtic could land Kenny upgrade in 32 y/o who’s “up there as a captain with Maldini”…