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Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer is being targeted by Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Ajer was a rare ray of positivity for Celtic in 2020/21

In spite of a bleak 2020/21 season for the Hoops overall, Ajer excelled at the heart of their defence. Over the campaign, the Norwegian made 42 appearances for the Celts and recorded six goal contributions, with two goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Within that time period, he also helped the Glaswegian outfit to record 21 clean sheets [Transfermarkt]. However, things have taken a turn for the worse with regards to his Celtic future.

In a revealing recent interview, the Norway international stated: “Now we have come to the point that I will leave, and I really expect the club to keep its word” [Glasgow Live].

Now set to entice a bidding war for his services, the man once labelled as ‘dominant’ by his former boss Brendan Rodgers [Daily Record] will more than likely move on to pastures new.

The Latest: Bayer Leverkusen willing to pay £10m

As it stands, Bayer Leverkusen are quoted to be ready to pay £10m for the 6 foot 5 defender [The Scottish Sun].

Of course, this isn’t the first dealing the Celts have had with the Bundesliga outfit in recent times, as they received around £11.5m for right-back Jeremie Frimpong back in January [One Football].

Ajer only has 12 months left on his Parkhead deal, so the Hoops will likely cash in this summer to avoid losing him for free in 2022 [Celtic FC].

Set to do battle with Norwich and Newcastle for his services, Die Werkself are said to be admirers of his leadership qualities, whilst viewing him as someone who could develop significantly in the future [The Scottish Sun].

The Verdict: Celtic should drive a bidding war

Celtic should attempt to drive a bidding war for the 23-year-old defender. As they are almost certain to lose his endeavours after five years, the Hoops should be looking for an eight-figure sum at a minimum.

For Bayer Leverkusen, they would be getting a monumentally talented young stopper. Making 3.4 clearances per game on average, Ajer has repeatedly stamped his authority on the Premiership [WhoScored].

While Celtic look set to lose a key player, they should at least command a sizeable fee so that they can then recruit an adequate centre-back replacement.

In other news, Celtic have agreed a fee to sell this player. 

A number of Liverpool supporters are keen for the Reds to sign Leicester City hero Youri Tielemans this summer, following an excellent season.

The Reds are likely to dip into the transfer market this summer, bringing a freshness to Jurgen Klopp’s squad after a difficult campaign.

Gini Wijnaldum continues to be linked with an exit at the end of the season, with the Dutchman mainly tipped to join compatriot Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Should he move on, the need for midfield reinforcements will be clear, especially with Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner all now in their 30s.

According to Calciomercato [via The Anfield Buzz], Liverpool and Barca are eyeing up a move for Tielemans, who has shone for Leicester this season, proving to be an influential performer.

The Belgian famously scored a stunning winner in last weekend’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea, while Pep Guardiola has hailed him as ‘top class’ in the past.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans want Tielemans at Anfeld

These Liverpool fans are fully behind the idea of Tielemans joining the Reds, providing their thoughts on Twitter.

“Not gonna happen but OK! I’m a big fan”

Credit: @Bonalbio24

“They should try and swap him with Keita, I’d even give them a bit money for this”

Credit: @BlerandDragusha

“I’ll pay for him myself”

Credit: @klopponation

“My career mode is coming alive”

Credit: @babuuni15

“Swap deal with Keita plus money?”

Credit: @mrdude2304

“No brainer! Replacement for Hendo and Milner…and Gini”

Credit: @Eric61342617

In other news, some Liverpool fans are deeply unhappy ahead of Sunday’s vital clash with Crystal Palace. Find out why here.

Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move away from Crystal Palace ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Goal, both Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are interested in the 28-year-old after the forward revealed he’s open to the idea of a new challenge in his career.

The two Premier League sides reportedly believe Zaha could be available for less than £40 million this summer, with the Ivory Coast international almost certain to not extend his contract, which expires in 2023.

Fans will be gutted

Zaha has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park. The Toffees failed to agree a deal with Palace for their talisman back in 2019 after they offered £70m plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy before eventually bringing in Alex Iwobi on deadline day.

After appearing to initially struggle to get over the disappointment of his failed transfer, the former Manchester United man used it as motivation throughout 2020/21, recording his highest ever Premier League goals tally.

It seems as though Zaha’s return to top form has once again attracted the attention of some of England’s more ambitious and affluent clubs and the technically gifted attacker outlined his aspirations in a recent interview.

“I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams because my dream is to win things. I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best”, he told The Face.

“If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it. It’s so I can show my kids: ​’This is what Daddy won’.”

Whether Palace would be prepared to let Zaha leave, though, remains to be seen. The south London outfit have a huge task on their hands over the coming months as the search for Hodgson’s successor steps up, and the rebuilding job required regarding the first-team squad is already significant.

Serious injuries to Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson have already complicated chairman Steve Parish’s sizeable task, and adding in the departure of Zaha could have considerable consequences.

News that Tottenham and Everton are interested in their star man will undoubtedly leave Palace fans gutted, especially after his latest comments and it would be a massive blow for everyone connected with the Eagles if Zaha does push for a transfer.

It’s set to be an eventful summer for all involved with the capital club.

And, in other news…Huge CPFC contract update emerges on “fearless” £7.2m-rated star, fans will be gutted 

According to a report by Football Italia, former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could return to the Premier League this summer as both Tottenham Hotspur and north London rivals Arsenal are in talks for the Italian.

Tottenham in managerial talks for Sarri

Sarri, who has been sporadically linked with the role at Spurs, first emerged as a candidate last month when newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that chairman Daniel Levy fancied a move for the 62-year-old.

Reports then came to light that the Europa League-winning coach was overwhelmingly in favour of a move to AS Roma and was allegedly the Serie A side’s top managerial target (Corriere dello Sport).

However, since they announced former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho as their appointment for 2021/2022, Sarri has been left out in the cold.

Football Italia now claim that both the Lilywhites and Arsenal are in managerial talks with the former Napoli gaffer and he is even open to a Premier League return.

Sarri’s last job was the Juventus position where he won a Scudetto but was unceremoniously sacked just two weeks later (Goal).

Transfer Tavern take

There is no doubting Sarri meets one of the Spurs requirements they have outlined for their new appointment as Levy allegedly prioritises an attack-minded coach above all others (The Guardian).

He even wowed ex-Tottenham favourite Mauricio Pochettino with his attacking philosophy at Napoli.

Indeed, the Argentine heralded Sarri’s football as ‘fantastic’ and the ‘most beautiful to watch in Europe’ when he was in charge at the Stadio San Paolo (TUTTOmercatoWEBB).

Clearly revered by his fellow coaches, soon-to-be former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca even hailed him as ‘one of the best in Europe’ (onefootball).

However, he definitely doesn’t fall into the category of a ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ manager reportedly being targeted by technical performance director Steve Hitchen (Daily Mail).

So, Sarri is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of what Spurs desire for their next boss – with the only question being whether Tottenham are willing to make a compromise and take a gamble on the title winner.

In other news: Tottenham urged to consider this 47-year-old ‘genius’, find out more here.

Celtic’s summer will be dominated by a constant barrage of departures.

Whether it’s someone on the Hoops playing staff or a member of the hierarchy at Parkhead, a mass exodus looks set to take place.

One of those who could leave Glasgow behind is central defender Kristoffer Ajer.

The Norwegian has come a long way since being signed as a 17-year-old, now attracting the eyes of those in the Premier League.

Newcastle have sent scouts to watch him and it wouldn’t be a great surprise if Saturday’s game with Hibernian was his last as a Celtic player.

With Christopher Jullien a long-term absentee, it leaves Stephen Welsh as the only reliable centre-half in the first-team picture.

As such, the Bhoys will need to delve into the transfer market and find a replacement.

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are leading the race to sign Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown. The Northern Irishman has had quite the story, being snapped out of non-league football to becoming a professional.

He starred for Livingston earlier this term and it’s his performances at Almondvale that leads us to believe Celtic should sign him.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-mcgregor-mccann-tierney” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

A dogged defender who can also play at wing-back, he is rather different to Ajer. The Norway international is a wonderful ball-playing centre-back, something epitomised by his pass success rate of 97% this weekend.

Brown, on the other hand, is not so good with the ball at his feet. Throughout 2020/21, the 23-year-old has completed just 53.1% of his passes.

That is a horrifying number but there are certain advantages to signing him. For example, he is colossal in the air, winning 3.3 aerial battles per match this term.

He is also a prolific tackler, winning 1.6 challenges per game for Livingston.

Celtic have seen firsthand what a bully he can be in defence and in the final third. When they drew 2-2 with Livi back in January, Brown not only scored but also assisted a goal from centre-back.

He made a devastating impact that crushed Lennon’s side and handed them a pretty embarrassing result away from home.

A strong and hard-working footballer, his mental attributes could undeniably help Celtic’s lacklustre defence.

They conceded 16 more goals than Rangers in the league this season so need someone with a bit of extra steel.

Speaking to The Daily Record after Cardiff recalled him from his loan spell in Scotland, manager David Martindale said: “He is a massive player for us and he is a great lad around the place.

“Ciaron has got a very good football brain. When I ask him to do a job, he knows what to do and nine times out of ten he will make the right decision.”

Considering the Celtic backline have lacked some very basic decision-making skills this season, Brown would be an astute capture.

They will, however, need to ensure he passes the ball out more adequately than he’s shown this season.

AND in other news, Celtic must sign 5 ft 8 beast who gets “in people’s faces”, he’s perfect for Eddie Howe…

Aston Villa were beaten at the death by Liverpool on Saturday, and the fans were far from happy with the performance of Marvelous Nakamba.

The Villans travelled to Anfield to face a team that had scored just once at home this calendar year (Sky Sports), and they took the lead towards the end of the first 45 minutes through Ollie Watkins, who slotted home calmly past Alisson.

However, Mohamed Salah was on hand after the break to level things up, and Trent Alexander-Arnold scored late on to win the game for his side.

The Villa fans were far from happy with what they saw from Nakamba. Although the Midlands outfit took the lead, it was far from a good display from the Zimbabwe international, who was often guilty of giving the ball away easily. Also, his poor marking contributed to the goal that saw his side pegged back.

Nakamba managed just 31 touches in total, which was actually 18 less than his own goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, who was in fine form as always (Sofascore).

The supporters took to social media platform Twitter in their droves to share their thoughts on his showing.

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

“Take Nakamba off please not completed a pass yet”

Credit: @leebavfc

“Inevitable equaliser but poor from Martinez that. Awful tracking from Nakamba before that too.”

Credit: @Valentine06

“Nakamba switched off”

Credit: @SotcAvfc

“Nakamba been off it today”

Credit: @jemail97

“Douglas Luiz and nakamba absolutley shocking”

Credit: @Jasonmoss1995

“Nakamba looks to be a bit of a passenger today.”

Credit: @TallieJ

In other news, Villa fans are livid at this latest injury news.

Charlton Athletic midfielder Marcus Maddison has announced he is taking a break from football after having his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers cut short this week.

The 27-year-old wouldn’t have been able to feature for the Addicks anyway, so it gives him an opportunity to evaluate his options for the long term, having cited the “abuse, pressures and monotony” of football finally getting to him.

In the summer, Maddison was released by Peterborough United after a six-year stint, and it was Lee Bowyer and the southeast Londoners that finally took a punt on him in October.

The former Hull City loanee agreed to a one-year deal with the option of a second as the third new arrival of the Thomas Sangaard era, so that does leave the Addicks with a decision to make themselves.

“He brings goals. His stats over the last few years are excellent, he regularly gets to double figures in goals and gets a lot of assists, so he brings about 25 goals to a team in a season, claimed Bowyer. “He’s an experienced player that knows this league inside out.”

Indeed, Maddison’s vast experience in this division was an appealing attribute. He has played 220 times in League One, where he has provided 53 goals and 76 assists, via Transfermarkt.

But after just two goals in ten appearances, he was shipped out on loan to League Two but again, struggled for game time starting just four matches for Ian Evatt’s side.

Bowyer’s attitude towards him soon changed within months, as following his loan move in February, he told the official website: “We took a gamble bringing him in, but it hasn’t quite worked out as we hoped. We wish him the very best for the future.”

That gamble is now something the current Addicks set-up are paying the price for, possibly this was the 44-year-old’s final mistake at The Valley, leaving the likes of Nigel Adkins, Steve Gallen and Sandgaard with a tricky call to make.

Maddison’s potential in this division is undoubted, after all, he was once lauded as an “unbelievable talent” and a “match-winner,” so if Charlton remain in the third tier, it could be worth activating that year extension following some time off but if they don’t, then this may be a risk too far.

Either way, the 27-year-old’s health should be his top priority right now and perhaps a fresh start elsewhere for 2021/22 could be what’s needed.

AND in other news, Adkins could save Sangaard a lot of money this summer in “strong-willed” Charlton gem…

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he doesn’t have a problem with West Ham’s goalkeeping situation amid Lukasz Fabianski’s recent contract extension, but he expects the 6 ft 3 star to only be there one more year.

The former Arsenal shot-stopper has been the Hammers number one ever since his arrival from Swansea in 2018, missing just 15 Premier League games in total.

His contract at the London Stadium was set to expire at the end of the campaign, but the Pole recently extended his deal by an additional year.

It’ll be a huge relief for West Ham, who felt Fabianski’s absence last season when Roberto endured a disastrous spell in the team, but the Spaniard was sold in the summer, meaning 35-year-old David Martin and Darren Randolph have been fighting for the number two spot.

Randolph is currently out injured, and former striker McAvennie is content with both Fabianski and Martin, who only has five Irons appearances under his belt, as the two senior stoppers, despite the former making the occasional mistake this term.

He told Football FanCast:

“Goalkeepers are always going to make clangers somewhere. He makes more saves than he drops. There are not many goalkeepers that are going to come in and challenge. The boy Martin, Alvin’s son, will be keeping him on his toes.

“I think Fabianski will be there another year, although Martin may come in and get a couple of chances.”

Fabianski has been a highly-reliable goalkeeper for West Ham in recent seasons, so it’s no wonder the club were keen on keeping him around for another 12 months.

And if the Hammers keep picking up results, then Fabianski’s fourth and final campaign at the London Stadium might be in Europe.

Football.london writer Rob Guest has suggested Moussa Sissoko could leave Tottenham this summer.

Sissoko could depart

France international Sissoko has struggled to work his way into Jose Mourinho’s starting XI in the Premier League on a regular basis this term, with him playing from the start on just 14 occasions in the top flight (Transfermarkt).

As a result, Guest has suggested he could be on the way out of north London this summer.

Right time

Since signing for Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs from Newcastle in 2016, Sissoko has been an important player. Criticised at times (Football FanCast), he has still managed 198 matches for Tottenham, with his energy and strength proving to be valuable qualities in the middle of the park.

However, at 31, he is now approaching the end of his career, and Mourinho clearly feels other options are better than the 67-time France international. A wage of £79,000 a week (salarysport.com) is considerable, and his departure may well allow Spurs to allocate funds elsewhere as they look to strengthen their squad. With two years left on his contract, as well, this may be the last possibility for them to earn some real money from his sale. Here, Guest may well be right about his potential exit.

In other news, Mourinho slams this Spurs star.

Michael Chopra has dropped quite a big claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The former striker at the St. James’ Park faithful was a member of the Bellagraph Nova Group (BNG) who submitted an offer back in 2020 in order to try and buy the North East club after the initial breakdown of the deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA consortium.

However, the bid was reported to be much lower than the original asking price of the chief executive of Sports Direct, and so it collapsed.

Chopra, who was involved in an advisory capacity with the group, has since told FourFourTwo (via The Chronicle) that their £280m offer was ‘genuine’ but got no reply from Ashley’s lawyer, labelling it as ‘strange’.

He also dropped a very enticing claim on the proposed takeover of the Tyneside club by the KSA group, adding: ‘There’s more about the Saudi bid which hasn’t come out yet’.

Does Chopra know something about the NUFC takeover?

Given that Chopra claims that he was ‘aware of’ the Saudis pulling out of their original deal with Ashley weeks before it was made in the public domain, there may well be something that he knows about the prospective bid by the KSA group that is lurking beneath the surface.

Nonetheless, the original deal is far from being able to be revived yet, as the Gulf country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have not yet brought themselves back to the table, and the pending arbitration case between the Magpies and the Premier League needs to be completed in order to settle their legal disputes first.

In other news, find out what PIF claim a finance guru has dropped on the potential takeover here!