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Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and Sky Sports regular Paul Robinson has dropped a claim involving Nuno Espirito Santo as Tottenham Hotspur allegedly eye him as a candidate.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Nuno…

After failed Tottenham talks for Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso, the Lilywhites have turned their focus to other targets.

Some names from the original shortlist have reappeared, like Brighton boss Graham Potter for example, but names like Nuno are now being considered with Tottenham’s options growing thin.

Indeed, Football Insider recently claimed that Spurs have now turned to the 47-year-old as a candidate as they plot talks behind the scenes.

The Latest: Robinson shares what he’s heard…

Speaking to Football Insider, in reaction to this development, former Spurs keeper and Sky regular Robinson has made a claim involving Nuno from his ‘sources’.

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Apparently, the Portuguese could demand as much as 15-20 backroom staff for the manager’s job.

“He has held talks with Crystal Palace and Everton as well but that has fallen through so something isn’t right there,” explained the ex-England international.

“I heard from my sources that he wants 15 or 20 backroom staff members coming with him but I cannot see that happening at Spurs because Daniel will not want to do that because it will be very expensive.

“There is a particular structure now at Spurs with Paratici coming in. If he wasn’t succeeding at Wolves, why would Tottenham turn to him?”

The Verdict: Intriguing claim…

This information that Nuno could demand a plethora of staff comes as intriguing, especially when you consider the differences Tottenham had with Conte in regards to backroom numbers.

Lauded as a ‘fantastic’ boss by Eygpt international Hassan ‘Kouka’ Ahmed (BBC), who worked with him at Rio Ave, Spurs must still carefully consider Nuno despite the Robinson reveal.

Tottenham are running out of time with non-international players set to return for pre-season training as soon as July 5 and chairman Daniel Levy simply must make a decision soon.

In other news: ‘Tottenham have renewed their interest’…Sky Sports reporter shares news coming out of N17, find out more here.

Jurgen Klopp ‘increased the pressure’ on Virgil van Dijk to sit out this summer’s European Championships.

That’s according to Friday’s print edition of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Former PFA Player of the Year Van Dijk has been out of action since mid-October after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Liverpool initially coped well in his absence, topping the Premier League at Christmas, but Klopp’s side unravelled at the turn of the year and now trail Manchester City, who have regained their title, by a whopping 23 points.

However, the Reds were boosted this week by the news that Van Dijk has abandoned his Euro 2020 hopes in favour of readying himself for pre-season.

The latest

De Telegraaf claimed (via Sport Witness) that Klopp helped to force Van Dijk’s decision and adopted a deliberate media strategy of raising doubts about the centre-back’s availability.

Whilst it was unlikely that he would feature in the group stage of the competition, which will see the Oranje face Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia, he could have been in contention for the knockout stages if Frank de Boer’s side made it that far.

The verdict

This was clearly a difficult decision for Van Dijk as the captain of his country, who have not been to a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup, but the nightmare scenario for Liverpool was the 29-year-old’s progress being undone by an all-too-hasty return to action.

The Netherlands, for their part, can still call upon the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij and Nathan Ake at centre-back, but they may sorely miss Van Dijk’s leadership during the summer showcase.

In other news, Liverpool are set to do battle with another Premier League club for this player’s signature.

Newcastle are heading for a major transfer disaster over Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham.

What’s the story?

With the Premier League season coming to an end last Sunday, Steve Bruce’s side can now firmly turn their attention towards the summer transfer window and how best to reinforce the squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are set to reignite their interest in Ntcham, who becomes a free agent following news Celtic are set to terminate his contract.

The report said: “A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Ntcham, 25, is on their radar once again after they lost out to Marseille in the race to sign him in January”.

Fans won’t be happy

Given all the hype and excitement surrounding Joe Willock, who played a starring role for the Magpies in the final weeks of the Premier League campaign, for Newcastle to go after Ntcham seems like a complete mismatch.

The Frenchman has been nothing short of abysmal this season while on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille, averaging a measly 6.13 match rating as per WhoScored when he’s been on the pitch, and even missing out on several match-day squads as well, often frozen out under former boss Andre Villas-Boas.

He has averaged just 0.4 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, and hasn’t managed over a single shot, key pass or dribble per match either on average – those statistics would actually rank him among the worst players in the entire Newcastle squad.

Former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers, who is now in charge of Leicester City, once called him a “terrific talent”, while Neil Lennon has said that Celtic had “one hell of a player” at their disposal, adding: “When he is in the mood, he’s fantastic.”

However, the £15,000-a-week midfielder has regressed considerably since those comments, and Lennon’s verdict on him being “in the mood” is also a worrying indication of someone who doesn’t turn up consistently like Willock has done. The Frenchman also angered Lennon in 2019 by intimating that he wanted to quit Celtic for a potential move to Porto, which never materialised.

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It’s exactly why Magpies fans will likely be unhappy at hearing that the club are targeting Ntcham this summer, and it would surely make them even more vexed if he came to Tyneside at the expense of Willock.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could hire a dream Steve Bruce replacement in this man…

Another big name has emerged as a potential candidate for Spurs’ vacant managerial role this week…

What’s the word?

According to Corriere dello Sport, the North London side have held positive talks with Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte over a potential return to the Premier League.

It is claimed that the 51-year-old, who was formerly in charge of arch-rivals Chelsea, has kept the door open despite leading the Serie A giants to their first title in 11 years this campaign.

Conte is under contract at the San Siro until 2023 but reportedly would be enticed by the idea of a stimulating challenge such as Spurs, who have not won silverware since 2008, though he does remain committed to Inter for the time being at least.

A serial winner

Given that Spurs had targeted some intriguing options, including Julian Naglemann, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers, and missed out on them all, Conte is certainly the calibre of manager they should now be gunning for.

Some of the names mooted with the vacancy are simply underwhelming, especially with the Lilywhites on a downward trend. It was only in 2019 that they made the Champions League final, and now they have struggled to make it past the Round of 16 in the Europa League and are out of top-four contention.

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This has been something that talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham alluded to this week.

“I look at the lack of goals and think it’s got to get better than that. [Graham] Potter, [Scott] Parker or Eddie Howe – and then I look at Antonio Conte, who’s just won the title at Inter Milan,” he said. “That’s who Spurs should be trying to attract to their football club. If they go with any of the first three, with the greatest of respect to them, there’s no way [Harry] Kane stays.”

The Italian has won a total of nine major honours throughout his managerial career, including a Premier League and FA Cup at Stamford Bridge, something that the aforementioned trio of names can’t even get close to combined.

He has got Inter back to their very best, averaging 2.1 points and 2.03 goals per game at an impressive win rate of 62.2%, which is far above the 52% which saw Mourinho sacked.

Club legend Javier Zanetti, now I Nerazzurri vice-president, lavished Conte in praise in a recent interview, he told Ansa (via CultofCalcio): “This victory was born two years ago when Conte and his staff first walked into our training centre. They brought a top-notch working culture and begun transmitting the correct mindset.”

CEO Giuseppe Marotta also waxed lyrical about the Italian, claiming he’s “transparent” and is a “winner.”

Some Spurs fans may soon forget his Chelsea links as he once labelled Mourinho “a little man” and “fake,” especially as many in N17 were glad to see the back of the man they dubbed a “dinosaur” in his final few months in charge.

Conte has fixed the Portuguese’s mess before, too.

The ‘Special One’ left the Blues in peril before they went onto register their worst-ever finish since 1996, placing tenth. In came the former Juventus boss, who clinched the title in his very first season – some turnaround, and surely a hugely appealing prospect for Spurs.

If Levy wants to get his club back on track, then there cannot be many candidates better than the Italian veteran this summer. He must throw the chequebook at him.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kane: Levy must deliver next Spurs boss “remarkable” £18m-rated monster…

Speaking to Radio Punto Nuovo (via Tutto Napoli), Italian journalist Carlo Laudisa has dropped a teasing Tottenham claim involving Maurizio Sarri as the reporter explained that the former Juventus boss ‘could go’ to England, with Spurs the ‘most plausible’ destination.

The Lowdown: Sarri eyed by Spurs and Arsenal

The 62-year-old has been targeted by Spurs over the last month according to various reports, with Football Italia most recently saying that talks have been held for the former Chelsea coach.

Indeed, last month the same outlet also stated that contact has been made with Sarri, but north London rivals Arsenal have since joined the race for his appointment amid speculation surrounding Mikel Arteta.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘most plausible’ destination

Dropping an exciting claim, La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Laudisa has told Radio Punto Nuovo that Spurs is a likely destination for the 62-year-old, who he said could come back to the Premier League, with Tottenham appearing to be the ‘most plausible’ job.

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“Sarri could go to England,” the reporter explained (via Tutto Napoli).

“The Tottenham solution is the most plausible one, but the Arsenal bench could also free himself, given that Arteta has missed all the Gunners’ seasonal objectives.”

The Verdict: Sarri should be on the wishlist

Lauded as a ‘magnificent’ manager by Chelsea player Jorginho, who played under Sarri at Stamford Bridge, (via Football Italia), the coach is famed for his own brand of attacking football.

Conventionally nicknamed ‘Sarri-ball’, it is a combination of intense, high-pressing play, and Spurs are said to want an attack-minded manager to succeed Jose Mourinho in N17 (The Guardian).

Having won the Europa League with Chelsea and Serie A at Juventus, the 62-year-old also has a track record of winning silverware, so there are plenty of boxes already ticked for Tottenham.

Therefore, we urge Spurs not to write him off as a candidate.

In other news: Tottenham fans flock to this ‘best news’, find out more here.

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas could be handed a quick route out of Parkhead this summer with the Greek stopper already being linked with a move away.

According to The Scottish Sun, Greek Super League outfit PAOK are eyeing the former AEK Athens man ahead of a potential loan offer in the summer.

Incoming Bhoys CEO Dominic McKay must cut his losses and let the 26-year-old go as soon as possible.

Since arriving at Celtic for a reported £4.5m just last summer, the 13-cap international has endured a horrendous time at the club.

Barkas has made just 20 appearances in all competitions and has not played a single minute in the league for the club since a 2-2 draw with Livingston in mid-January, with Scott Bain having been preferred in recent times.

Even when he has been on the pitch, the Greek international has not inspired much confidence at all. According to SofaScore, he has made just 1.1 saves per game in the league, whilst Bain is averaging much more at 2.1.

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Despite having only been with Celtic for just eight months, his transfer valuation has also already taken a hit from £4.5m to £3.6m.

With Barkas not looking likely to be afforded a chance with his current employers any time soon, that only looks set to drop even more as the summer transfer window approaches.

Currently raking in £13.5k per week at the club, which is even more than the likes of Kristoffer Ajer, Ryan Christie and Jeremie Frimpong, he surely has to be shifted sooner rather than later if he is not going to play.

With apparent interest in Barkas, Celtic really should just cut their losses on the goalkeeper and let him go in the summer.

AND in more news, take a look at which former Premier League defender Celtic have to secure for incoming manager Eddie Howe this summer…

Celtic appear to be keen on keeping loanee Diego Laxalt at Parkhead in a potential swap deal for Odsonne Edouard this summer.

That’s according to Milan Live, who claim that the Italian giants are looking at the French forward ahead of the summer window.

They claim left-back Laxalt could hold the key to a potential move over the coming months, admitting a stay at Celtic would be welcome.

The report goes on to add that a potential deal involving the pair will also depend on the next Hoops manager.

Transfer Tavern take

A story back in February first suggested that Celtic would like to make Laxalt’s loan permanent in the summer, and it appears as if they may get their man.

However, we feel as if the Hoops could be better off without Laxalt’s services on a full-time basis.

His Milan deal is worth a whopping £57,000-a-week, so you’d expect he’d become one of the club’s most expensive earners should a summer transfer go through.

Performance-wise this season, Laxalt has been outperformed by Greg Taylor, as per WhoScored. The Scot has made more league appearances (21-17), provided more assists (5-0) and has recorded a better average match rating (6.96-6.82).

On that basis, keeping Taylor as first choice and looking at a younger option as back up could be beneficial, as the club could therefore put Laxalt’s potential wage to another marquee signing, while also receiving a larger fee for Edouard.

In other news: Celtic source shares huge off-field update regarding 57 y/o; massive 2020 blunder rears its head, find out more here. 

Some Everton fans have been left to slam a subtle dig made by Blackpool on Carlo Ancelotti involving former player Luke Garbutt.

The 27-year-old scored for the Tangerines on Tuesday evening against Peterborough United in their 3-1 win in the EFL League One, which prompted Blackpool to tweet not long after: “Our goal scoring left-back. That’s who @MrAncelotti.”

Ancelotti responded with “who?” when asked about Garbutt in a press conference back in June of last year, which was the inspiration for the tweet.

However, some members of the Goodison Park faithful did not see the funny side, and thus slammed Blackpool for posting it.

Garbutt only managed to play in a mere 12 senior games in total for the Merseyside club over all competitions across five separate seasons (Transfermarkt), and so perhaps it is not a surprise that Ancelotti did not recognise his name upon being questioned.

Nonetheless, it seems as if Blackpool managed to successfully wind up some Toffees on Twitter.

Everton fan reaction to subtle Ancelotti dig

These Blues supporters slammed the subtle did on their Italian manager:

“1 goal and hyping him like he scored a World Cup winner, small club mentality”

Credit: @DheveshThevar

“Sad club”

Credit: @Emmet1878

“League 1 Luke Garbutt, French international Lucas Digne. Behave @BlackpoolFC”

Credit: @leemozz9

“Our left-back is out training with the current World Cup holders. You’re currently dwindling in League 1”

Credit: @Stupot1994

“League 1 Luke Garbutt or France international Lucas Digne”

Credit: @evertonfc78nsno

“Doubt he actually knows what a Blackpool is?”

Credit: @Ofearns7

In other news, find out which global star Ancelotti wants to sign here!

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw carried his club form onto the international stage in England’s 2-0 victory against Albania.

The Red Devils’ left-back, who has starred for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men throughout 2020/21, was selected from the start by Gareth Southgate in Tirana and turned in a hugely impressive performance.

In what was just his ninth appearance for his country and his first since September 2018, Shaw produced three tackles throughout the 90 minutes according to WhoScored. Only Three Lions midfielders Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount could match those numbers, with no player on the pitch surpassing them.

The 25-year-old also contributed a further two clearances for the Three Lions.

In all, only Declan Rice managed to surpass Shaw’s five total defensive contributions for the away side. Whilst not the most challenging opposition from a defensive perspective, it was certainly a very solid evening for Shaw.

However, as he has done for the Red Devils this season, the left-back was also hugely threatening when going in the opposite direction, too.

He was a constant outlet for England, having 100 touches of the ball and completing a further 75 passes.

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One of those passes was key in the Three Lions sealing victory as his dangerous left-footed cross was perfect for captain Harry Kane to nod home.

In all, it was Shaw’s seventh assist for club and country throughout the season in what is turning into an extremely productive campaign.

As a matter of fact, in teeing up Kane, Shaw managed to notch an assist in a fourth consecutive competitive international for England – an absolutely outstanding rate of productivity for a left-back.

It is no wonder then that following his recent strike against Manchester City in the Premier League, United boss Solskjaer hailed Shaw as “unstoppable”.

So, having most certainly taken his form onto the international stage, the left-back will hope to continue that back with his club once the international break draws to a close.

AND in more news, Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani must make a decision on his future sooner rather than later…

Leeds United made a big statement last summer when they made Rodrigo their club-record signing at £26m, but it hasn’t been easy for him. Despite this, Danny Mills believes the forward will still come good for the Whites.

Mills discusses Rodrigo

Speaking to Football Insider about the Spaniard, Mills said: “I think he’s played well. I’d be surprised if they were to let him go this soon. That’s not how Bielsa works, he’s about bringing players in and improving them over the course of time.

“We’ve seen him have some good performances. We have to remember this has all happened through Covid which isn’t particularly easy for anybody or any football club and he’s had some injuries.”

Leeds have picked up a good forward

Rodrigo has been a regular for Marcelo Bielsa’s team before his injury, as he had played in no fewer than 20 matches in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring three goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt). To be a club record signing and only score three goals this season will worry not only the manager, but also many supporters of the club. Phil Hay has raved over the player this season as he said: ‘He looks like a class act’. This shows that he has the quality, so he just needs the consistency.

However, recent links to Juventus emphasise that he certainly has the quality, and it is not strange for a player to struggle in their first campaign in the Premier League. Some players do take a little bit of time to settle into a new division, especially one that is physically demanding like the Premier League, so we feel that Mills is right not to write off Rodrigo so soon.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a positive transfer update on this Leeds defender!