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Journalist Tim Spiers has hailed Jonny’s ‘near-perfect’ performance for Wolves away to Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Wolves lose at Burnley

Bruno Lage’s side made the trip to Turf Moor in what was an important game for both sides, with European football still on offer for Wanderers.

It was a cagey game against the relegation-threatened but Burnley took the lead through Matej Vydra midway through the second half and held on for a priceless win.

One player who started proceedings was Jonny, as he enjoyed a good afternoon at the office, despite the result.

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The Latest: Spiers hails Jonny display

Taking to Twitter during the game, Spiers lauded the Spaniard’s impact against Burnley, barring one minor hiccup:

“Jonny’s near-perfect performance is blemished by a stray pass.”

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The Verdict: Impressive return from injury

While the result at Turf Moor was undoubtedly disappointing, Lage can at least take heart from the manner in which Jonny has returned from a serious long-term injury.

The 28-year-old has scored twice in eight appearances since coming back into the side in February, offering attacking thrust but also defensive expertise.

It is heart-warming to see Jonny back to his best after what may have been considered a career-threatening knee problem and he should continue to be a key man moving forward.

In other news, Liam Keen has dropped a key Wolves contract update. Read more here.

Southampton have recently been linked with a move for Metz centre-back Boubakar Kouyate and if he were to arrive at St Mary’s this summer, it could prove to be the catalyst for Jannik Vestergaard departing.

According to French news outlet L’Equipe (via Pink Un), both Norwich City and Southampton are considering a move for the 24-year-old after his impressive debut season with Metz.

The likes of AS Roma and Atalanta are also said to be interested in the young defender, so it seems likely that he could depart Les Grenats this summer.

Since signing from ES Troyes AC in the summer, Kouyate has gone on to make 26 appearances for his new side, contributing one goal.

Across his 23 appearances in Ligue 1, the Mali international has averaged a superb 7.14 rating for his performances, the joint third-best of any Metz player in the French top-flight so far this season, so it is easy to see why he is attracting so much interest.

If the £4.5m-rated defender were to join Hasenhuttl’s side this summer, then you would imagine he would potentially arrive as the replacement for Vestergaard in the Southampton team.

The Danish international has been linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Juventus in recent weeks and considering his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, it is looking more and more likely that he won’t be at St Mary’s past this summer.

Therefore, Martin Semmens needs to start looking for replacements for the former Borussia Monchengladbach man and Kouyate could prove to be the ideal candidate.

The six-foot-three centre-back has averaged 3.8 aerials won per game in Ligue 1 this season, which remarkably is more than the 3.7 aerials won per game by Vestergaard.

He also outscores the 28-year-old defender when it comes to tackles per game (2.4 – 1.7), interceptions (2.4 – 1.5) and clearances (5.4 – 4.1), so it certainly seems as if he could be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s side.

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Kouyate can also operate as a right-back and as a defensive midfielder, so his versatility would definitely be appreciated by Hasenhuttl, so if Vestergaard does depart this summer, Semmens should definitely be looking to bring the Malian defender to Southampton.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl suffers fresh Saints transfer blow over £18m gem with “great potential”, he’ll be gutted

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. 

Aston Villa journalist Ashley Preece says the club ‘like’ Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, who could leave Old Trafford this month. 

The lowdown

Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who sits third in Liverpool’s all-time appearance list, has already done business with one of his former nemeses this January, with Lucas Digne arriving from the Reds’ local rivals Everton in a £27million deal.

Philippe Coutinho has also joined on loan from FC Barcelona, with goalkeeper Robin Olsen making a temporary switch from AS Roma.

At present, it’s relegation-threatened Newcastle United who are ‘pushing very hard’ to land Lingard, though The Red Devils are resisting their efforts to take him on loan. They would prefer a permanent deal for the £18million-rated asset.

Villa have trimmed their attacking ranks this month, allowing Anwar El-Ghazi and Jaden-Philogence Bidace to leave. With Trezeguet also potentially on the way out, you can understand why they might want another body.

The latest

In a fan Q & A, The Birmingham Mail’s Preece was asked whether Lingard would ‘be interested in coming’.

He replied: “Lingard is admired by Villa, I can say that,” before adding in a separate answer that “Villa like him”.

“Philogene-Bidace now heading to Stoke on loan, and Trezeguet looking to be loaned out, there could be scope but Newcastle are expected to step up their interest and take him this month rather than for free in the summer.”

The verdict

Newcastle seem determined to snap up Lingard, but negotiations are proving difficult, so maybe Villa will look to capitalise.

As long as United aren’t overly concerned by the optics of doing business with one of their arch-rivals’ legends, it could be doable.

Lingard may find the move more appealing, knowing that if he joins Newcastle, he could find himself looking for another transfer in the summer if they get relegated.

The Englishman notched 16 direct goal involvements in just half a season at West Ham, and he could help propel Villa into European contention in the next couple of seasons.

In other news, fans loved this confirmation from the club.

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. 

Leeds United target Noa Lang could face a ‘shock’ if he moves to England, former Premier League boss Alex McLeish has told Football Insider.

The lowdown

The report claims that Lang is a ‘top target’ for Leeds in this summer’s transfer window.

‘Preliminary talks’ between the Yorkshire outfit and Belgian side Club Brugge have begun, with the player said to be open to the switch.

The 22-year-old scored 16 goals in 26 Jupiler Pro League starts, and also provided seven assists (via WhoScored).

That tally was enough for Lang to finish in the top 10 in the division.

Leeds are set to sign FC Barcelona’s Junior Firpo and may then turn their attentions to the Dutchman, who’s valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

McLeish warned adapting to the rigours of the English top-flight would be difficult for Lang, who helped Brugge win the Belgian title last season.

“The players who come to England and play in the Premier League will sometimes get a shock,” the Scotsman said.

“The level of speed in the game and the quality of the players, they’re up there with the best players in the world.

“He’s coming in with a winning mentality and a mentality that says he’s going to a higher place.

“You’ve got to bring the level he showed at Brugge.”

The verdict

You’d imagine that Lang, who can operate on both flanks, would come in initially as a back-up to Jack Harrison and Raphinha before mounting a challenge for a starting role.

He wouldn’t be under immediate pressure, giving him the luxury of time to adapt to both the Premier League and Marcelo Bielsa’s intense and specific instructions.

Moreover, Bielsa certainly wouldn’t be interested in any player who looked like they couldn’t cope with the demands of high-intensity football.

In other news, read Noel Whelan’s intriguing transfer claim.  

An Australian agent believes that Celtic are stopping Ange Postecoglou from bringing in his own Hoops backroom staff.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou’s comments

John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan were alongside Postecoglou during his first game as Celtic manager earlier this week. The Hoops defeated Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 in Wales on Wednesday, with Albian Ajeti, Owan Moffat and Odsonne Edouard all finding the back of the net.

Postecoglou made it clear during his first press conference as Celtic boss that he will make the final decision with regards to Kennedy and Strachan’s futures in Glasgow, but one agent doesn’t feel that is the case.

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The Latest: Agent claim

Agent Tony Rallis, talking to the Triple M Real Football Show, as cited by Glasgow Live, had this to say on Postecoglou when quizzed on who his assistant would be.

“My understanding is that Celtic Football Club have told Ange that he has to develop and inherit from within.

“He wasn’t allowed to take any of his staff. Whether that changes in time, I’m not sure but that was the initial programming, that we want you to come in and educate and implement within our own environment, including within our own youths, the promotion of youth players from within our own academies.”

The Verdict: Not so sure…

The single-minded, self-confident Postecoglou seems like the kind of manager who would want to take full control of incomings, departures and his own backroom staff, so we’re not reading too much into Rallis’ bold claim.

The 55-year-old probably wouldn’t have agreed to take over if he were going to be told what he can and cannot do, especially when it comes to the staff with whom he’ll be working.

Hopefully, the manager will either bring in his own staff or make it clear that he is happy with Kennedy and Strachan before the beginning of the new season, as that should then put an end to speculation regarding off-field uncertainties.

In other news: Hoops in talks with ‘quick’ international on £20,000-a-week, find out more here. 

Frank McAvennie has urged Celtic to sign Jota on a permanent deal following his loan spell at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Option to buy

As per a revelation from Sky Sports, the Hoops have an option to buy Jota in the summer for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of just over £6m, following his loan spell from Benfica.

He has enjoyed a fine start to life in Glasgow, scoring three goals and making a further four assists in nine games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: McAvennie on Jota

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celts striker now pundit McAvennie has urged his old team to complete the signing of Jota permanently, after what he has seen of the Portuguese so far:

“He’s a heart-throb, the ladies love him.

“Honestly, I would buy him tomorrow. Get that deal signed, new terms, pay rise, all of it. I would take him, for six million?

“It’s a no brainer, I would take him. He’s only going to get better. Six million is nothing in today’s day and age.

“He seems to be enjoying himself as well. That’s half the battle. He’s always smiling, even when Celtic aren’t winning.

“He symbolises that happy camp that we seem to have now, what a difference from last season.

“It’s all clicking and we’re seeing the best of Jota as a result.”

The Verdict: No brainer

McAvennie could not have put it any better, it is certainly a ‘no brainer’ for the Bhoys to sign Jota after his loan spell ends.

£6m in today’s market is an absolute steal for a 22-year-old with the ability and potential he boasts, and he has already shown that he knows where the goal is.

Jota also ranks highly among his teammates in terms of shots (3.8), key passes (1.8), and dribbles (one) per game in the Scottish Premiership so far this term (Whoscored), proving already to be a key player for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

In other news, find out who Celtic’s worst three players were against Ferencvaros here!

West Ham United fans are eager to sign Breel Embolo after they were linked with a move for the Switzerland international.

This summer transfer window is an important one for the Hammers. Last term, they finished in sixth place in the Premier League table, meaning they will be competing in the Europa League group stages this coming season. However, they have made just one signing so far in Alphonse Areola (whufc.com), and they remain light in the striker position – David Moyes has just Michail Antonio at his disposal in that role.

They are looking at several strikers, it seems, and according to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, the Irons are looking at Borussia Monchengladbach’s £14.4m-valued Breel Embolo (Transfermarkt). He has managed 14 goals and 14 assists in 75 games for the German side (Transfermarkt), while he also impresses for Switzerland at Euro 2020 as his country reached the quarter-finals.

The Hammers fans, it seems, want to capture the former Schalke man, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

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

“Embolo would be an unbreel signing. Was class at the Euro’s and has matured a lot from when we wanted him a few years ago. Smart signing, but not enough to solve our striker problems. He would have to be accompanied by an Abraham”

Credit: @AranNicol1994

“I’d be buzzing if we got embolo thought he looked really good at the euros”

Credit: @Steve_WHU_

“Unpopular opinion : breel embolo from Gladbach would be an underrated signing. His performance at euros sadly have put his price up. But he’s a fighter, RW, ST or AF. Explosive and faster than MA”

Credit: @hammers_dave

“We need someone simular to Antonio, Embolo is like a clone of Antonio he is fast and strong and doesn’t stop running. I would take Embolo ahead of Abraham, I rate him that highly”

Credit: @_WHU_IRONS

“From what I seen in the euros I personally think he would be perfect for us! Get him in on loan and see what he can do”

Credit: @BruckmanLee

“With the addition of those 3, who would you realistically go for? For me, Herrera from Man City, seen him a handful of times & every time he looks like he could add some strength & creativity in the midfield. I’d be happy with Embolo on loan, looked a handful in the Euro’s”

Credit: @joegreene2

“I would be ECSTATIC about embolo”

Credit: @geekedupscotty

In other news, West Ham fans raged at this transfer update.

Many West Ham United fans have been congratulating Irons academy product Conor Coventry for his first Republic of Ireland under-21s goal.  

A video of the 21-year-old’s goal, Ireland’s second of the game as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina, was uploaded by RTE Soccer’s Twitter channel, and Coventry duly shared the footage to his own profile.

The Ireland under-21 skipper was on the receiving end of a well-worked set piece 12 yards out to slot the ball past Belmin Dizdarevic to get their European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign off to a perfect start. 

Aston Villa’s Tyreik Wright opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a foul on Josh Kayode before Coventry sealed the victory as Ireland secured the three points. 

The West Ham midfielder is currently out on loan at Championship newcomers Peterborough United after making 18 appearances in Premier League 2 last season, scoring five goals and setting up another two. 

After playing six minutes in the Hammers’ 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton Athletic last season and being an unused substitute on numerous occasions in the Premier League, Coventry’s performance for his nation at under-21 level may just have grabbed David Moyes’ attention. 

West Ham fans on Coventry’s goal 

These Hammers fans on Twitter heaped praise on the youngster after his goal on the international scene, with one even labelling the precocious midfielder a “certified baller”.

“Well done CC, all Hammers are right behind you” 

Credit: @banterhammer 

“Any chance of you doing a Declan Rice” 

Credit: @DavidHoughton82  

“The lad is a certified baller” 

Credit: @tnulty95 

“The boy does it again! Amazing stuff! We want to see you in Claret and Blue” 

Credit: @Wheeler_Deals 

“Keep proving everyone wrong Conor!” 

Credit: @whueamon 

“Beautifully done, Conor” 

Credit: @Liambright 

In other news: ‘Communicated to joint-chairman David Sullivan’- ‘Unique’ player didn’t want West Ham move