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According to a report by Spanish outlet Sport, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur superstar Harry Kane allegedly ‘wants to leave’ north London – with this update coming as a potential blow for Spurs as he enters the Barcelona ‘agenda’. 

Tottenham dealt potential Harry Kane blow

Indeed, as explained by Sport, Kane believes his ‘cycle has ended’ at Tottenham as La Liga giants Barca eye a move for the Lilywhites mainstay.

Ronald Koeman’s side allegedly see the 27-year-old as a realistic alternative to Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland – who is currently being watched by several top European clubs and commands a large price tag for this summer.

As a result, Kane has entered the ‘agenda’ of Barca despite Haaland being their priority target – and if a move for him fails, the Catalans could well turn to Spurs’ most important player.

The Lilywhites striker’s name has emerged in Spain due to his apparent desire to leave Tottenham – but it remains to be seen whether this report does in fact bare danger for Spurs.

Transfer Tavern take

Manager Jose Mourinho losing his most crucial asset this summer does come as a potential worry, but it may depend on how Spurs finish the season.

If his side fail to clinch silverware, or indeed a place in Europe, more reports could emerge similar to this one that Kane will be seriously considering his future.

Having scored a wonderful 17 goals whilst providing 13 assists in the Premier League alone (WhoScored), the prospect of him leaving Tottenham is definitely a worrying one.

In other news: Tottenham want this 6 foot 4 ‘leader’, find out more here.

According to Bristol Live, Southampton are said to be interested in Bristol City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Saints eye Bentley

The Saints are believed to have been scouting three Robins players in Bentley, Antoine Semenyo and Tyreeq Bakinson.

However, Ralph Hasenhuttl is interested in the former in particular as he reviews his goalkeeping options ahead of next season.

Cheap option

Valued at £3.6m (Transfermarkt), Bentley would likely be a cheap option for the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit. That, though, does not mean he would be a poor purchase for the club. He has been close to an ever-present for Bristol City this season, appearing in 36 of their 38 matches in the Championship. Despite a couple of recent mistakes, he has still been reliable between the sticks for much of the campaign, and he was labelled as “incredible” by Dean Holden earlier this term (via sportsmole.co.uk).

At the moment, Hasenhuttl appears to be undecided on his goalkeepers. In recent weeks, he has chopped and changed between Fraser Forster and Alex McCarthy, even though the former’s time on the south coast appeared to be up after spending last season on loan at Celtic. Could Bentley be the man to resolve the boss’ dilemma? That remains to be seen. Southampton, though, could do an awful lot worse than the 27-year-old shot-stopper.

In other news, Sevilla eye this Southampton ace.

Football Insider pundit Alex McLeish believes Celtic won’t be happy with the delay of announcing Eddie Howe as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Howe agrees move, delay down to Bournemouth

According to talkSPORT, Howe has agreed to become Neil Lennon’s successor and will be in the Parkhead dugout for the 2021/22 season.

The delay in regards to an official announcement on the 43-year-old is thought to be due to Bournemouth’s involvement in the Championship playoffs.

Howe wants to bring some coaching staff members from the south coast to Scotland, with the report claiming the Englishman could be forced to look elsewhere, should the Cherries return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

The Latest: McLeish’s claim

Talking to Football Insider regarding that update and possible complication, McLeish, 62, believes Celtic could feel second-best due to the long process of getting Howe through the door.

“If Celtic have got to wait on Eddie, it’s not something the big clubs like to do.

“If they’re seen to be doing that then, if you finally get the manager or the coach, it feels second hand and he’s looking for something else. They will be unhappy about that. At the end of the day, they know the level they have to bring to Celtic to win trophies.

“They have successfully done it over the years. Celtic famously stopped Rangers doing ten-in-a-row one of the years. They brought the right manager in at the time. Now they have to do that again to stop Rangers, launching an onslaught.

“One of the other important things, of course, is recruitment. It would be up to that coach who comes in, with the vision, to see who should come to Celtic.”

The Verdict: Celtic shouldn’t feel second best

In our opinion, the Hoops shouldn’t be feeling like they are Howe’s second choice, should a deal go through.

Yes, it’s not ideal with having to wait until the Cherries’ season is complete, as that may run until the end of the month.

However, should Howe officially put pen to paper on a Celtic contract, there should be no comments on him taking the job half-hearted, as he revealed back in November his next position in management needs to be one that ‘really motivated’ him.

Hopefully, the club will announce Howe as their new boss over the coming weeks, bringing to an end a two-month process following talks with the Englishman at the start of April.

In other news: Odsonne Edouard closing in on Celtic exit, find out more here. 

Newcastle must look to sign Joe Willock on a permanent basis after Steve Bruce’s update on his situation.

What’s the story?

The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation since joining the Magpies on loan until the end of the season, popping up with some vital match-saving goals for the Tyneside club in recent weeks against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against the Gunners on Sunday, Bruce once again confirmed his intentions to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

He said: “He doesn’t like being called super sub by the way, and – if we can get him for next year, he won’t be a super sub, he’ll be playing. I’m pleased for Joe, he has the football world talking about him. We’d love to keep him if we can.”

Bruce’s priority

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton earlier in the season, Bruce admitted that Willock has a the style of play from which the Magpies could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

When you look at the rest of the Magpies’ midfield, Willock really does solve a major Bruce nightmare. The 21-year-old’s four goals from midfield is already more than what the rest of Newcastle’s midfield options have scored this season, with Jeff Hendrick the next closest with two in the league.

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Arsenal legend Martin Keown has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier this season.

The ex-Gunners defender said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The £26m-rated Willock is the man Newcastle need to sign this summer.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could finally wave goodbye to this Newcastle liability…

Charly Musonda was such a valuable signing to Celtic that the Bhoys tried to bring him to Parkhead twice.

In the summer of 2017, he nearly joined the Hoops on loan before his parent club decided to keep him at the club instead.

He became part of Chelsea’s Premier League squad and played nine times in all competitions for the Blues that term. In the process, he picked up an assist in Europe and also in the top-flight.

Though, after a lack of first-team opportunities Celtic ultimately got their man in January 2018.

After penning temporary terms, Musonda said: “I feel really good. Massive club, really looking forward to it. I’m very lucky to be here and I’m very happy to be here. It’s going to be unreal to play at Celtic Park. Hopefully I can do well for the team.”

Unfortunately, despite Brendan Rodgers’ desire to see him thrive, it was an unsuccessful stint in Glasgow for the Belgian.

Upon signing for an initial 18 months, the former Celtic boss cited Musonda’s “wonderful ability.”

Rodgers added: “I’ve known him for a few years. A big thank you must go to Chelsea. He’s a shining light in their academy.”

Musonda would eventually play just eight times for the Bhoys, being recalled in May after Chelsea lost their patience. He failed to score during his time in Scotland and it was unsurprising they recalled him; he wasn’t even in the squad during the end of his stay.

Since he departed Paradise, his career has fallen off the wagon in one of the worst ways possible.

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The attacking midfielder headed to Vitesse in the Netherlands but after making four appearances early in the 2018/19 season on loan, he’s not been seen on the field of play since.

Musonda has been through his very own version of hell and he’s not in the clear yet either. He picked a cruciate ligament injury in his knee and hasn’t played for the best part of 19 months.

Speaking in December he said: “It’s been four years since I played back to back professional games, three years since I last played for my club, two of those last four years, I’ve been injured with the post cruciate ligament of my knee.”

The midfielder continued: “Doctors told me going through surgery after being out for so long would be the end, an impossible mountain to climb, were the exact words. This is my story and how I keep training and staying ready, despite the odds, one day I’ll be back.”

Now 24, Musonda has returned to light training with Chelsea and has hired his own personal fitness and conditioning strength. He is still yet to appear for the Blues since resuming light ball work in what has been a nightmare two years.

Is the end in sight for the midfielder? Time will tell. Described as a “big talent” by Rodgers, the £42k-per-week earner once had the world at his feet.

Another prodigy off the Chelsea production line, his lack of opportunities has been through complete misfortune, rather than some of the other reasons academy graduates have been handed throughout the years.

Just as his career was beginning to take off, it was effectively ripped away from him. Musonda undoubtedly deserves a second chance.

AND in other news, Big U-turn emerges in Celtic manager search, it’s great news for supporters…

Rangers have been linked with both Joseph Okumu and Danilho Doekhi recently, but who would be the better addition to Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox this summer?

Joseph Okumu

According to Football Insider, Rangers are considering a move for the Elfsborg centre-back, who has impressed in Sweden since joining in the summer of 2019.

The 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt, has gone on to make 38 appearances for the Allsvenskan side but has certainly earned himself a lot of plaudits during his brief time there, with Elfsborg sporting director Stefan Andreasson full of praise for him recently, saying:

“We understood that this was a very good player, then he showed maybe the whole of Sweden last year, and also Europe. It is clear that Okumu is one of the best.

“I have said it once before, that he is the best centre-back that has ever been in the Allsvenskan – you can say that sometimes.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Okumu could be a very good addition to Gerrard’s side this summer if they can win the race to sign him.

Danilho Doekhi

According to a report from the Netherlands, via Glasgow Live, Rangers are also keen on the Vitesse centre-back and are willing to offer him a contract.

The 22-year-old is also attracting interest from Fulham and Newcastle United, having played a key part in Vitesse’s impressive season in the Eredivise, making 30 appearances and averaging a solid 6.90 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Netherlands U21 international is currently valued at £1.8m by Transfermarkt but it seems as if Vitesse will be forced to cash in on him this summer, so he could prove to be a bargain option for Ross Wilson.

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Doekhi’s manager Thomas Letsch was full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:

“Danilho is extremely important. He is one of the best centre-backs in the league.

“He already played fantastic last year and this season he has performed at the highest level in every game.”

Who would be better?

Although both could prove to be excellent options for Gerrard next season, Doekhi has more experience playing at a higher level and is younger than Okumu too, so, for us, he would be the better option for the Gers this summer.

The fact that he’s already played at a better level than Okumu, and has flourished at that level, should give Gerrard the confidence that he is better equipped to succeed if he does take the step up to join Rangers. We think the Ibrox boss would love to work with such a talented, promising young player.

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Therefore, Wilson should forget about signing Okumu for now and instead focus on bringing the in-demand Doekhi to Ibrox ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

And, in other news… Rangers dealt big blow amid huge claim on “top talent”, he could leave Ibrox

Leeds must keep Illan Meslier at all costs in this upcoming summer transfer window, amid reports of interest from PSG.

What’s the story?

The goalkeeper only signed for Marcelo Bielsa’s side on a permanent deal last summer but has enjoyed an impressive first season at Premier League level, keeping nine clean sheets in the top-flight alone.

That form has seen clubs across Europe sit up and take notice, with the latest rumours indicating that Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG are keen on luring the £26m-rated titan back to his native France.

According to The National, the French giants have identified Meslier as a more attainable option than the likes of Hugo Lloris and David de Gea, and are considering making a bid for the Leeds man this summer – it’s added that a switch to Paris could well tempt the 21-year-old.

Bielsa would be fuming

Since ousting former first-choice goalkeeper Kiko Casilla in between the sticks at Elland Road, Meslier has developed into a very impressive young player – in fact, after his shut-out against Southampton last month, he broke Joe Hart’s 14-year record of keeping the most clean sheets in a single season for a shot-stopper before the age of 21.

The Frenchman has already earned rave reviews from across the board, with former Whites striker Jermaine Beckford hailing: “The kid is incredible. I was watching the game (against Everton) and there were a couple of moments, (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James (Rodriguez) had chances, but Meslier stood in their way. His distribution is one of the best in the Premier League.”

Meslier’s willingness to come for crosses has also been praised by former England shot-stopper David James, who said earlier this year: “Meslier – I love him. I went on social media, I was watching a game and he went for about 10 crosses (v Burnley), he carried on coming for crosses.

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“The commentators were battering him. I was thinking ‘the guy is still coming’, and as soon as the whistle went, the camera was panning but you could see all the defenders going up to him. That is quality.”

Make no mistake about it, if Leeds were to cash in on their number one goalkeeper this summer, it would leave Bielsa absolutely fuming as he tries to plot success for the Whites’ in their second season in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano delivers a major Leeds United transfer update…

Brandon Barker is struggling to impress on loan at Oxford United following his winter transfer window loan move and Steven Gerrard should consider getting rid of the winger in the summer, as it seems clear that he isn’t good enough to be a regular for Rangers at Ibrox next season, particularly in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old joined Rangers from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and has gone on to make 26 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has managed three goals and no assists.

Although he contributed two goals in 10 Premiership appearances in Gerrard’s side this season, also featuring twice in the Europa League, Gerrard clearly felt it was best for his development if he were to get regular football out on loan. However, considering he has played in the English Championship before, the decision for him to join mid-table League One side Oxford seemed a strange one.

Unfortunately, the Englishman has struggled to have much impact in Karl Robinson’s team this season, managing just two goals and two assists in 14 league appearances thus far.

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It seems likely that Gerrard will be adding to his attacking options ahead of next season, and considering he already has the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo available on the wings, it seems unlikely that Barker will be able to return to Ibrox and establish himself as a first team regular.

Certainly, it seems fair to suggest that, whilst he is a decent player, Barker is nowhere near Champions League level; and if Gerrard wants his side to give a good account of themselves in that competition next season, then he can’t afford to keep players such as the 24-year-old around his squad.

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He reportedly earns £7,500 per week at Rangers, and if the Light Blues can find themselves a buyer for Barker this summer, then it would not be a surprise if they were to cash in on him and bring in someone else, as unfortunately his performances with both Rangers and Oxford in the past two seasons have emphasised that he doesn’t have a promising future at Ibrox.

In other news… Rangers should reignite interest in 27 y/o gem who’s got “all the attributes”.

Newcastle United are among the clubs competing for the signature of Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

The Magpies are named alongside West Ham, Southampton and Aston Villa as potential suitors, with Chelsea said to be open to selling the 23-year-old, who is about to enter the final two years of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

However, the report added that one potential stumbling block in any exit could be his wage demands. In his talks with Chelsea, Abraham apparently demanded a similar deal to team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi, who earns £180,000 per week.

Abraham unhappy at Stamford Bridge

After the Englishman was left out of the matchday squad for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City earlier this month, The Guardian reported that he was ‘considering seeking a fresh opportunity’.

Since Thomas Tuchel took over at the end of January, Abraham has played just 126 minutes of Premier League football. He has suffered an ankle injury in that time, but he was in full training before he was snubbed for the Wembley clash.

Last week, Tuchel admitted that he could understand why Abraham was ‘worried and sad and maybe angry’ about his situation.

Newcastle target Abraham a proven goalscorer

Despite his struggles to get a look-in under Tuchel, the 23-year-old remains Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions, one more than Timo Werner.

He has netted 30 times across 81 appearances in total for the Blues, having previously bagged 48 goals in his Championship loan spells (via Transfermarkt).

Transfer Tavern verdict

Football analytics writer Aaron Moniz tweeted that a £30-40m move for Abraham would be ‘one of the deals of the year’ if Newcastle could pull it off, and it’s hard to disagree.

The striker’s value could reasonably be much higher had he not been ousted by Tuchel in recent months. He could flourish at St James’ Park in a partnership with Callum Wilson, utilising his hold-up play, and the Magpies should certainly give strong consideration towards trying to bring him in.

In other news, Newcastle could also bring in this young centre-back from the continent.

Everything is incredibly rosy at Sunderland right now. They have a new owner in Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and they are within touching distance of promotion.

The Mackems sit in third place but, with two games in hand, they could rise to the summit of League One in the near future. That could take them to a deserved place in the Championship, a moment which would cap off a season in which they finally broke their trophy drought.

There are only a handful of matches left now and, on Friday lunchtime, Lee Johnson had some news which will come as music to the ears of Sunderland supporters.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he shared a positive update on the injury front by saying: “A lot of players were training today which is good. It’s a very difficult team selection because of that. There’s a lot of players fit and confident.”

Johnson added: “We’ve got Bailey Wright back in training as well today which was nice to see so there’s many positives. At the same time, there’s total focus to what is a really big game.”

Wright has been out since the middle of February now with a calf tear. It’s a period on the sidelines which has seen him miss 11 league outings and, crucially, the EFL Trophy final win over Tranmere.

Considering how long the centre-back has been sidelined, it’s unlikely that he’ll be fit enough to start on Saturday when the Mackems face Charlton. That being said, it’s quite pleasing that he’s back among the group ahead of the promotion run-in.

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The Australian had only missed one match this term before getting injured, so he is clearly an important fixture in the Black Cats’ side. His return will have left the manager quite excited, although Johnson could now have a large selection headache.

After all, Dion Sanderson and Luke O’Nien have been near-impeccable as a centre-half pairing. Since Wright’s injury, Sunderland have kept seven clean sheets in the league.

A dilemma could therefore be on the cards in the coming weeks. Does the manager bring Wright back into the starting XI and move O’Nien further forward? That’s certainly one option he could consider.

Johnson may also choose to move Sanderson to full-back, a role in which he has already played this season.

Either way, news of Wright’s return can only be seen as a positive. He could bring vital leadership skills to the table during the closing weeks of the campaign as promotion potentially draws near.

AND in other news, SAFC flop sees his value fall by 90% after leaving, he’s spent 1004 days out injured…