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According to Corriere di Puglia e Lucania, as relayed by Sport Witness, a major update has dropped as Tottenham Hotspur and Fabio Paratici set out a plan for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs in summer talks…

As per Sky Sports, Tottenham were interested in the 24-year-old over last summer’s transfer window and even attempted to leapfrog West Ham in the race for his signature.

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The reliable broadcaster also claimed that talks were held over Milenkovic but to no avail with the Serbia international eventually putting pen to paper on fresh terms with La Viola.

Now, in a fresh update, it appears that Spurs are eyeing a fresh swoop in January.

The Latest: Mikenkovic update emerges…

As per CDPEL, via Sport Witness, Tottenham and Paratici are ‘following the player closely’ ahead of next month and it is even believed that the Lilywhites are now ‘ready to enter in negotiations’.

This comes amid claims that Milenkovic has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Fiorentina if the right offer arrives.

The Verdict: Get it done…

As Antonio Conte becomes linked with bolstering his defensive reinforcements in the winter window, we believe a swoop for Milenkovic would tick a lot of boxes.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse is adept at passing out from the back and colossal in the air, as evident by the fact he eclipses the rates of every Tottenham player in terms of aerial duels won per 90 (WhoScored).

He’s also found 90.8% of his passes to teammates in Serie A this season, highlighting a cool head on fairly young shoulders and leaving little wonder he has attracted plenty of praise.

Spanish defender Pol Lirola recently called him ‘extraordinary’ while Milenkovic’s former coach Ivan Tomic labelled the defender a ‘beast’. Accolades and numbers like these could point to a really shrewd option for Conte.

In other news: Levy now open to another big name exit as Conte tells Spurs to sell ‘magnificent’ player, find out more here.

West Ham United are interested in a move to bring David Hancko to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way Podcast that the Hammers are keeping a close eye on the situation of the Sparta Prague centre-back ahead of a potential move for the 24-year-old late in the winter market.

Speaking about the Irons’ interest in the Slovakia international, the club insider said: “A new name that I’ve not mentioned before, but someone who could possibly be considered is David Hancko of Sparta Prague. Again, [a Daniel] Kretinsky link there. He’s not actually Czech, he’s Slovakian. He can play left-back and the left side of centre-back.”

Fans should be excited

With Angelo Ogbonna being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, and both Craig Dawson and Issa Diop having done little to suggest they are of the standard required for a side chasing Champions League football in the absence of the Italian, centre-back is very much a priority position for David Moyes over what remains of the January transfer window.

And, considering just how well Hancko has performed for Sparta Prague in the current campaign, the £3.6m-rated defender would appear to make an excellent addition to the 58-year-old manager’s options in the heart of his defence.

Indeed, over his six Europa League appearances this term, the 24-year-old helped his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of two interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 2.3 clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

The versatile centre-back also chipped in for his side in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots and making one key pass per fixture.

These returns saw the Slovakian average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as Sparta’s second-best performer in the European competition.

Furthermore, with West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky also being the co-owner of Sparta Prague, it would very much appear that, should Moyes indeed wish to make a late move for the defender this January, a deal between the two clubs would be an easy one to strike.

As such, considering his clear ability at the back as well as going forwards, it would appear that a move for Hancko would be a very intelligent one for West Ham to make this winter – as the signing of the 24-year-old would undoubtedly be one that will excite the London Stadium faithful.

In other news: Moyes can seal dream West Ham signing in £82k-p/w gem whose “skills are outstanding”

Liverpool are reportedly battling with Chelsea to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, ahead of a potential summer move.

The Reds are expected to make additions in the next transfer window following a hugely disappointing season at Anfield.

While a new centre-back could be the most pressing area to address after an injury-blighted campaign in that regard, bringing in another attacker also makes sense given their struggles in the final third in 2020/21, especially those of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

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Liverpool linked with Sancho move once again

Sancho has been linked with Liverpool numerous times in the past and it is a rumour which doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon.

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], the Reds and Chelsea are set to lock horns over the signing of the 21-year-old, who is described in the the report as a ‘superstar of the decade’.

Dortmund are believed to be willing to sell Sancho this summer, possibly at a discounted price after the financial impact the pandemic has had in the past 12 months.

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Transfer Tavern take

Sancho hasn’t had his most productive season, only scoring six times in the Bundesliga and not being a guaranteed a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad, but he is a player of immense quality.

At 21, he has already achieved so much – clocking 46 goals and 62 assists in 133 games for Dortmund – but he has years ahead of him to mature further and become one of the world’s most devastating wide players.

Liverpool have to find long-term replacements for Mohamed Salah and Mane eventually – if Diogo Jota is one, Sancho could well be the other, given his pace, trickery, work ethic and end product.

In other news, Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in one player – find out who it is here.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has admitted Tottenham Hotspur may have the advantage in the race for the Premier League top four. 

The lowdown: Forgettable weekend

Having seemingly moved into the box seat to clinch the all-important final UEFA Champions League place, Spurs succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend.

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That slip by Antonio Conte’s men left the door ajar for north London rivals before they themselves were beaten by Southampton to leave Tottenham three points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United and sixth-place Arsenal.

Despite the precarious situation, one ex-Gunner has suggested that Conte’s side still hold the edge…

The latest: NLD showdown?

Speaking to FI, Sky Sports pundit Campbell tipped Tottenham’s counter-attacking flair combined with solidity at the back as ‘key’ to firing Spurs over the line and past rivals Arsenal in the top four race.

“That could be the difference, of course, it could be. Let’s be honest, we all know what Tottenham’s strength is. Their strength is their attack. The key for them is trying to keep it tight at the back and hitting teams on the counter. They are so good at that from what I’ve seen.

“The front three are all very good players who have clever movement. They will score goals. Kulusevski has been a revelation. He has helped them move on.

“It is not a surprise that they are doing well. This is where it matters most. Arsenal do not have as much firepower or have the experience of Spurs. Arteta is putting his faith in the youth.

“It will be tough for Arsenal to dislodge them. It may come down to the north London derby.”

The verdict: Attack attack attack

Despite Conte being a renowned master of the defensive arts, even the 52-year-old coach has struggled to transform the current Spurs side into an impenetrable unit in his favoured 3-5-2 formation.

Since taking up the Tottenham hot seat, the Lilywhites have conceded 32 and scored 59 times in 36 matches under the Italian – underpinning Campbell’s suggestion.

Furthermore, in Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, Spurs boast a 20 and 17 goal threat whilst Arsenal have both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe tied on 10 strikes apiece across all competitions at the top of their scoring charts.

In other news: Tottenham eyeing summer move for La Liga defender! Find out more here.

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has hinted at an exit for recent Celtic target Joel Randall.

The Hoops were linked with a move for the winger back in the January window and were even thought to be preparing a seven-figure bid.

However, even though the Celtic board were convinced he has the talent and attitude to play at a higher level, a winter window move never materialised.

Randall has impressed in the South West this season, scoring 10 goals and registering five assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.

As per a report by Devon Live, Taylor admitted the Grecians will continue to look to sell their young players over the next few years.

“We have the next ones on the list to sell and the transfer line to speak, and it will keep on happening if we keep investing in the academy and giving our youngsters the opportunity, and whoever it is next, they will have had an opportunity.

“Some people don’t like it as you are sacrificing success to give opportunity to young players but we are still fighting towards the top of the League Two table when giving players the opportunity, and we might have another Ollie Watkins in our midst at the moment.

“No-one has mentioned that but it you look at what Joel Randall has done, Josh Key has done, if they keep improving next season and beyond, then someone will buy them, and it will be a good club that buys them, and you never know where they might end up.”

Transfer Tavern take

Randall, who can play on either flank, could be a shrewd addition at Celtic Park, should the Hoops go back in for the player this summer.

It seems as is if Randall also fits one of two Celtic transfer policies of being a UK-based prospect with high upside potential available either on a pre-contract, or for a nominal fee.

Charlton were eyeing a £300,000 move in January, so the Hoops may well be able to snap up his services for under seven figures.

In other news: Celtic could be offered £14.4m-rated ace this summer, find out more here. 

Dane Murphy will be appointed the new Nottingham Forest CEO next week.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by The Athletic journalist Daniel Taylor, who revealed in a post on Twitter that the former Barnsley chief executive is currently in America, but will be flying into Nottingham at some point next week to begin his new role at The City Ground.

Taylor goes on to state that Taymour Roushdi will be following Murphy from Barnsley, taking up a senior operational role at Forest, while George Syrianos, formerly of VfB Stuttgart, will become the Garibaldi’s new head of recruitment.

Fans should be buzzing

Considering the way things have been going for Nottingham Forest both on and off the pitch in recent times, the news that there has been a rather dramatic shakeup in the boardroom this summer should leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, Murphy appears to be a CEO who has a very clear idea of exactly the type of managerial and playing targets he likes to operate within his side, with his appointment of a young, exciting and attack-minded coach in Valerien Ismael proving to be something of a masterstroke for Barnsley last year.

Meanwhile, the appointment of George Syrianos as the club’s new head of recruitment also appears to be a step in the right direction for Forest, with the new addition previously holding the role of head of analytics at Stuttgart, suggesting that Hughton’s side will now be taking a data-led approach to their transfer business.

As such, things very much appear to be on the up at The City Ground ahead of next season, something that, following a rather shocking summer transfer window 12 months ago and a subsequent 17th place finish in the Championship last time out, is likely to come as a relief for all involved with the club.

In other news: Big mistake: Hughton must not sanction Forest summer sale of “important” £1.2k-p/w gem

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes West Ham’s owners will go all out in their attempts to sign Jesse Lingard permanently this summer.

The on-loan Manchester United forward has been in scintillating form following his move to the London Stadium back in January, although his recent purple patch is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

West Ham have already been strongly linked with signing Lingard on a permanent basis, but face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Inter Milan, who’ve all been monitoring the England international recently.

Lingard, whose contract at Old Trafford expires next summer, continued his goalscoring form by netting twice in West Ham’s victory over Leicester on Sunday to take his own tally to eight in nine matches and move the Hammers back into the top four.

Despite his interest from elsewhere, Fry told Football FanCast that co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold will be doing all they can to ensure Lingard’s a West Ham player next season:

“Knowing the West Ham owners, I think they will try their best if David Moyes wants Lingard permanently. I think they do everything in their power to get him at West Ham.

“He’s obviously got a relationship with David Moyes otherwise he wouldn’t have gone there in the first place.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic. He’s got back in the England squad and showed his worth and he’s been outstanding for West Ham. Lingard’s special.”

Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny has been having his say on Celtic’s reported decision to terminate Olivier Ntcham’s Hoops contract.

The Lowdown: Celtic source shares update

A Celtic source informed Football Insider over the weekend that the club doesn’t intend to welcome the midfielder back from his loan spell in Marseille and will let him go for nothing.

Marseille had the option to make Ntcham’s loan a permanent deal this summer for £4.5m, however, they have decided against doing just that following his struggles back in France where he made just six appearances.

The 25-year-old will reportedly become a free agent next month, with the Hoops exercising their option to terminate the last year of Ntcham’s deal without having to pay his outstanding wages.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Kenny, 43, was asked about the update by Football Insider, with the former goalkeeper describing it as ‘very strange’.

“It’s a weird one.

“I find that very strange looking at it from the perspective of money. There must be something behind the scenes that’s gone wrong.

“It’s costing them on two counts because they are losing a player and losing out on a fee too. Something must have happened that we don’t know about.

“Have they all agreed to cut their losses and move on? It’s a really strange decision.”

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The Verdict: Surely the Hoops won’t terminate Ntcham’s deal?

These are just reports regarding Ntcham, with the club neither confirming nor denying the rumours on the central midfielder as of yet.

In our opinion, we don’t think this will actually happen. Yes, he is on £14,000-a-week, so the club could get his wages off the books should they terminate his contract.

However, Celtic were thought to be after a £7m fee for the player back in January, so we find it hard to believe they are now willing to receive nothing for his services.

He hasn’t had the best of seasons in Glasgow and Marseille, but if the club can receive anywhere in the region of his Transfermarkt valuation, £3.15m, then that could still prove to be an excellent piece of business.

In other news: Celtic set to sign 17-year-old with medical passed, find out more here. 

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently made a claim on Manchester City’s interest in Tottenham striker Harry Kane ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with the England captain in recent weeks, after the striker made it clear that he wanted to leave the north London club following a disappointing season.

Although the 27-year-old finished top of the charts when it came to both goals and assists in the Premier League this season, Spurs ended a lowly seventh in the top flight, whilst they also lost the Carabao Cup final and were embarrassed by Dinamo Zagreb in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Therefore, it is no surprise that he is keen for a new challenge after failing to win a trophy during his time at Spurs, and Manchester City appears to be a likely destination this summer.

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Romano claimed on his ‘Here We Go’ podcast (via GiveMeSport) earlier this week: “Manchester City are convinced that Harry Kane is the first target. So they want to try for Harry Kane. They are intending to open talks in the next weeks for Harry Kane, but at the moment and the position with Tottenham, we have to respect Tottenham’s position, it’s still the same.”

It has been claimed in the past that Daniel Levy would demand an extraordinary offer in order to sell Kane but, considering the hugely impressive season the Englishman has enjoyed, as well as another season without Champions League football to come, this summer may well be the best time to cash in.

Certainly, if the striker were to sign for Manchester City this summer, it would be a huge boost for Guardiola and his hopes of retaining the Premier League title next season. One thing for which the Citizens have been culpable at times this season is being wasteful in front of goal, and the addition of a “world-class” clinical striker such as Kane would surely see them improve their goalscoring output.

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If City can convince him to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium this summer, Guardiola would surely be delighted. The Citizens will need a hugely talented player to step up following Sergio Aguero’s departure from the club, and Kane’s performances during his time with Spurs emphasise that he could score a ridiculous amount of goals in this City team.

In other news… Man City dealt blow with £31.5m-rated star once rated “better” than Alexander-Arnold

West Bromwich Albion are expecting to receive a substantial settlement in the tribunal regarding Nathan Ferguson’s departure from The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Joseph Masi’s report for the Express & Star, with the journalist revealing that, despite it having been more than a year since the right-back’s move from West Brom to Crystal Palace on a free transfer, the tribunal to determine the fee the Premier League side owe Albion is yet to take place – something which is largely down to the pandemic.

However, Masi continued to state that Valerien Ismael’s side are expecting the fee they are eventually awarded by the tribunal to be a sizeable one, as Palace had agreed an initial £11 million transfer fee for the defender in the January transfer window prior to his summer move.

Ismael will be delighted

Considering the fact that Ferguson’s move to Palace occurred a year before Ismael was appointed West Brom manager, the fact that the Frenchman looks set to receive a considerable fee for a player he did not work with is sure to delight the 45-year-old.

Indeed, should the tribunal have taken place at any point over the previous 12 months, Sam Allardyce would more than likely have spent the fee received for Ferguson in the January transfer window, on a player who – it can be assumed – would not have fit the criteria Ismael likes his signings to meet.

As such, while Masi revealed that The Professional Football Compensation Committee are yet to appoint a panel so that the tribunal can begin, and while no date has been reported as to when the proceedings could be set to start, it would seem likely that Ismael is in line to receive a windfall of cash at some point this season, which the Frenchman could then put towards either January or summer additions to his first-team squad.

In other news: Fresh report reveals twist on “fantastic” West Brom beast, Ismael will be devastated