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In a recent interview, former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson discussed the future of Spurs midfielder Dele Alli.

So far this season, Alli has found game-time extremely hard to come by under Jose Mourinho, with the 24-year-old starting just two Premier League fixtures for Tottenham, while only making a further seven appearances from the bench.

As a result, the future of the £100,000-per-week midfielder has been the subject of much discussion over the course of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain thought to still be keen on a move for the England international in the upcoming summer market, having shown significant interest in the midfielder last summer and in January.

Speaking recently to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that the situation of Alli will pose something of a dilemma for Daniel Levy at the end of the season.

He said: “Alli’s future is a huge dilemma for Spurs. It has been a very strange season for Alli and he deserves credit for the way he has handled himself because he is always ready and always fit to perform when called upon. We have heard no noises from him.

“He played in Zagreb and again he was a victim and was dropped at Villa, but he was at least on the bench. He is still very young and if he feels he can develop his relationship with Mourinho then I still think there is a future for him at Spurs. It is really strange from the outside looking in.”

Transfer Tavern Take

While Robinson does seem to indicate that Alli could still have a future at Tottenham if his relationship with Mourinho improves, this does not appear very likely to occur. Despite the Spurs manager suggesting that he and the 24-year-old had cleared the air towards the start of February, the midfielder has still not started a league game for the club in the time since.

With Football Insider also reporting that sources have revealed there is now a “feeling” within the Spurs hierarchy that Alli should be sold this summer, it would very much seem as if everything is pointing towards the departure of the England midfielder come the end of the season.

In other news: Mourinho has been backed to seal this £21.5m summer swoop for Tottenham backroom favourite – find out more here!

West Ham United have been handed a potentially huge boost in their pursuit of Stuttgart centre-forward Sasa Kalajdzic following Sven Mislintat’s recent comments.

The report by Echo24 relayed the comments of Stuttgart direct Mislintat, who claimed that, should offers arrive for a number of the club’s promising players this summer, he would be open to the possibility of selling.

The former Arsenal director said: “If it’s up to us, we want to keep the group together, that is clear. But if offers come, we would have to talk about them – also in the interests of the players.”

Mislintat’s comments are likely to provide West Ham with a huge boost in their hopes of landing Kalajdzic in the summer transfer window, whom David Moyes has been reported to be monitoring the situation ahead of a potential summer swoop for the 23-year-old.

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering that Stuttgart reportedly want a fee of around £15 million to part with Kalajdzic, as well as the 6ft 5 striker bagging 12 goals and registering three assists over his 23 Bundesliga appearances so far this season, in addition to Mislintat’s recent comments, it would appear there is a clear path for the Hammers to make a financially viable move for the impressive £6.3m-rated man this summer.

However, with RB Leipzig and AS Roma also both reportedly keen on the youngster, Moyes could face a challenging battle on his hands if he truly does want to land the Stuttgart striker.

In other news: Many West Ham fans responded to this club update, find out more here!

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that the Hoops must keep hold of Scott Brown for at least another season.

Brown has enjoyed a glistening career with the Celtic, winning 22 major trophies, including 12 Scottish Premiership titles, but has entered the final six months of his contract at Celtic Park and could end his 14-year stay this summer.

He’s featured 35 times in all competitions this term, despite being in and out the team under Neil Lennon, and has still been offered a one-year contract extension with Celtic, but is yet to sign a new deal with the Glasgow outfit.

Following their first trophyless season for more than a decade, Brown will be hoping to get the Bhoys back on their perch, and McAvennie has urged the Hoops to stick by the experienced midfielder in a bid to win the title back off Rangers after Steven Gerrard’s men ended their hopes of winning 10 in a row.

He told Football FanCast:

“He’s a major talking point in Scotland as you can imagine. He had a dip in form when they were playing badly, and got left out of the side, but got a good rest and came back in. You just don’t write somebody like Scott Brown off, he’s been man of the match a few games in a row, he’s been outstanding.

“He’s not playing for a move. I would give him a contract anyway. People saying he’s going into management, but if it was me, I would say play as long as you can, because that’s the best part of your career.

“I would say stick by it another year. He will be playing bit-part at Celtic, because it’s a young man’s game, but Scott knows that, he’s superb.”

Despite this season ending in disaster, Celtic need players like Brown to hang around. And although he’s not getting any younger, his experience and leadership qualities is exactly why he’s remains valuable to their squad.

Carlo Ancelotti should urge Everton to swoop for Tyreik Wright this summer with the sought-after Aston Villa prospect due to become a free agent.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees and Scottish Premiership giants Celtic are keeping tabs on Wright’s situation at Villa Park.

The 19-year-old is currently enjoying his first taste of senior football after joining League Two Walsall on loan for the remainder of the campaign in the mid-season market, and has instantly hit the ground running.

Wright earned his Saddlers debut away to Port Vale and made his presence felt by assisting Elijah Adebayo. He again recorded an assist in his second outing under Darrell Clarke, by teeing Max Melbourne up to open the scoring in a 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.

Wright’s efforts at Bescot Stadium are thought to be leaving Aston Villa with a dilemma, with interest growing in the direct and speedy left-footed right-winger as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Clarke was delighted to have been able to welcome Wight to Walsall when signed last month, insisting the teenager possesses ‘great ability’.

“Tyreik is going to give us great options out wide,” Clarke said, via quotes by the Express and Star. “He’s got great ability with the ball at his feet and he has the potential to be a real threat in the final third.

“He’s been showing his match-winning qualities in the Under 23s at Villa and for his country at youth level, so we are really looking forward to working with him. We’ve got a great relationship with Aston Villa and we’re very grateful to them for letting us have one of their exciting youngsters.”

Should Everton rival Celtic for Wright?

With Wright due to become a free agent at the end of the season, there would be very little risk in Everton rivalling Celtic for his signature as even if the deal does not pan out, Blues owner Farhad Moshiri would not be out of pocket.

The upsides to signing Wright do not stop at the lack of a price tag, either, as he is already showing the threat in the final third of the pitch that Clarke expected him to offer Walsall despite his only taste of senior football before 2021 coming with Aston Villa’s U23s in the EFL Trophy.

Wright had trained with the Villans first-team before his move to Bescot Stadium, and was in contention for a role in the Birmingham-based side’s FA Cup meeting with Liverpool only for an outbreak of coronavirus to leave Villa having to omit him.

The Republic of Ireland U19 international certainly liked to get forward with Mark Delaney’s junior side, having scored each of his two PL2 goals this season from inside the penalty area and taking 45 touches in the box over 11 appearances, per Villa’s club website. He was rarely afraid to try his luck, as well, with 20 shots and six successful dribbles to his name.

Bernard saw his Everton future come into doubt last month after falling out of favour at Goodison Park and for good reason too, having only offered four shots in six Premier League appearances and taking 47% of his touches in the final third, per FBref,

A lot could change between now and the end of the season but if Aston Villa opt against tabling a new contract, Everton should be swooping to snap up Wright this summer.

AND in other news, Everton face heightened competition for a 17-y/o talent seen as the heir to a £101k-p/w colossus…

After brushing aside Southampton last time out in the Premier League, Leeds delivered a disappointing display on Saturday as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side just looked completely flat at Elland Road, managing just three shots on target in the entire 90 minutes. The Leeds boss did make a couple of changes to his starting line-up, with Tyler Roberts one of those players coming in after some encouraging cameos in recent weeks.

But the Wales international failed to take his opportunity, with the 22-year-old struggling to make the most out of the good positions that he found himself in.

As per Sofascore, he found the target with just one of his attempts on goal, while he attempted no dribbles whatsoever. Roberts lost the ball in good areas so often, with Villa’s defenders outmuscling him far too easily on occasion – he lost eight out of the ten duels that he contested.

He also seemed to lose his head and gave away some cheap free-kicks, with his three fouls committed being the joint-highest of any Leeds player on the pitch.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross noted: “Not the type of performance which is going to keep him in the main thoughts of Marcelo Bielsa and co when it comes to the summer reshuffle. Had one decent effort sting the goalkeeper’s hand, but not at it at all apart from that. Wasted chances when they came his way. Had little control in the middle and gave away fouls.”

His lacklustre performance even prompted many Leeds fans to take to Twitter to urge the club to sell him when the transfer window opens up again in the summer.

Bielsa placed his trust in the £5k-a-week earning Roberts by promoting him to the starting line-up, and the forward massively let his manager down with his display. With reports even linking him with a move away back in January, perhaps this summer is the perfect time for both parties to go their separate ways.

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist David Ornstein of the Athletic has dropped an encouraging six-word West Ham transfer claim in a social media message – going on to say that, while the pursuit for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri looks all but over, GSB haven’t given up in their quest sign a striker before deadline day.

Hammers boss David Moyes recently confirmed that the club have made numerous enquires for forwards in attempts to get a deal over the line as soon as possible (football.london), but so far, West Ham have had little luck.

Ornstein’s encouraging West Ham claim

Ornstein, dropping an update on social media, has shared words of encouragement for Irons in a message on Twitter – revealing, despite the setbacks, they still ‘aim to sign a striker pre-deadline’.

Numerous reports have cropped up in the past few days alone, with Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard now an option (The Daily Star), as well as GSB allegedly being offered the chance to sign former Premier League striker Edin Dzeko (Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness) and Ornstein reports that the club are still keen to bring in a new forward.

Transfer Tavern take

Until Moyes manages to land a new addition, speculation will continue to arise over who could walk through the doors in east London – but it appears that West Ham have no shortage of attacking candidates.

Ornstein’s message indicates that the chase is still very much on, and Irons supporters will be hoping for a meaningful update very soon in regards to finally signing a striker.

In other news: West Ham fans loved this update from ExWHUemployee, find out more here.

Writing on Twitter, club insider and reliable source ExWHUemployee dropped a fitness update surrounding exciting young forward Mipo Odubeko – going on to claim he is unlikely to feature against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup. 

Odubeko was thought to have tested positive for COVID-19, but ExWHUemployee has now revealed that the results were incorrect and he has been falsely isolating – with manager David Moyes saying in his press conference yesterday that they were waiting on the doctor to see which test is ‘correct’ (football.london).

Dropping his update on the situation, ExWHUemployee states the test was in fact negative and the youngster has been isolating under false information – with the 18-year-old now unlikely to play today due to lack of match fitness.

Flocking to this news, many Irons had plenty to say – find all of their verdicts from social media down below.

West Ham fans flock to ExWHUemployee update

“That’s so West Ham”

Credit: @williebeau18

“I refuse to believe a week off training enables them to not be match for. Is he hold up in a Flat with no garden? Tennis players are in two weeks isolation in hotels rooms and with a week to prepare for tournament after.”

Credit: @billy_wesson

“This club never fails to do a West Ham, even when we’re high flying.”

Credit: @WestHam_Central

“West Ham being West Ham”

Credit: @jxck_whufc

“He is 18, surely he is fit enough to play some part!!!”

Credit: @Dengiehammer

“Surely he wouldn’t get that unfit in less than 2 weeks !?!”

Credit: @lee_sifford

“18 year old professional footballer can’t play because he had 5 days off. Wow!”

Credit: @The_BoleynBoys

“I’m sure hes been exercising at home. Perfect opportunity to see what his like!”

Credit: @BradCranefield

In other news: West Ham are preparing a new bid for this Antonio-esque attacker, find out more here.

If an extraterrestrial landed on Earth on Wednesday evening and had no idea what football was or how Leeds United played, they needed to look no further than their win over Newcastle.

This was vintage football, but it was also classic Leeds.

Marcelo Bielsa is known for running his players into the ground and their 5-2 win at Elland Road summed up everything they have become under the Argentine. It was swashbuckling and relentless as they scored three goals in the final 13 minutes of play.

If there were fears that Leeds couldn’t keep things going late into a game you can think again.

Pablo Hernandez came on and rolled back the years by assisting two goals, including one for Gjanni Alioski, someone who hasn’t always been a regular starter at left-back.

He has started eight times in the Premier League this season and has played all over the pitch including in midfield and on the left-wing.

However, this time he was trusted at left-back as Stuart Dallas moved over to the right-hand side.

Although he was dribbled past on four occasions, his performance that aside was monstrous, particularly in the final third.

The North Macedonia international scored a crucial goal but also found room to make two key passes. Furthermore, Alioski completed 100% of his dribbles and 82% of his passes.

His performance at Elland Road was near perfection, galloping up and down the left channel without running out of energy.

That aspect of Alioski’s game has always been unquestionable. He is the very definition of a livewire but sometimes his defending leaves a lot to be desired.

For the most part, those doubts were quashed on Wednesday evening. He won 81.8% of the duels he contested, proving victorious in all three aerial battles.

This felt like a complete performance, one that should silence a few doubters over a player who has been a divisive character in Yorkshire.

Perhaps this could prove a catalyst for Alioski, one that turns his fortunes around completely at Leeds.

In other news, Forget Harrison: “Bargain” Leeds beast who made 100% longballs delivered a huge statement…

Manchester United need a new centre-back according to Gary Neville and with the club failing to sign a new defender during the summer, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward can make amends in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to this week’s edition of German publication SportBILD, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils are interested in signing David Alaba from Bayern Munich, who is set to leave the Allianz Arena as a free agent at the end of the season.

It’s claimed the defender has shown no interest in signing a new contract with the Bundesliga champions and seems destined for the exit.

Premier League rivals Chelsea and Champions League clubs Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all competing to secure the services of the versatile Austria international.

Alaba has been in imperious form for Hans Dieter-Flick’s side, having made five appearances in the Champions League, averaging 1.4 tackles, 2.6 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game, via WhoScored.

Strength in depth

You can’t pick many holes in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, but if there’s one glaring weakness, it’s in the heart of his defence, as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have struggled for consistency so far this season.

With United narrowly edging past Sheffield United, it’s becoming almost obvious that the defensive pairing don’t meet the standards at Old Trafford, with the Evening Standard insisting Maguire looked “solid if unremarkable”, while Alex Telles hasn’t looked particularly convincing at left-back, either.

Woodward would be wise to sanction a move for Alaba as not only would he provide an alternative to the two centre-backs, but he’d also be able to add cover and competition in the midfield.

His former manager and current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola once described him as an “unbelievable talent” during his three-year stint in charge of the German giants, saying:

“He can play anywhere. He’s quick, good in the build-up and always 100 per cent focused. Without doubt he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s a huge gift for Bayern.”

High praise indeed from someone who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the game (sorry United fans).

Valued at £58m via Transfermarkt, the 28-year-old has made over 400 appearances for Bayern, scoring 32 goals and supplying 49 assists in all competitions, while he has won the Champions League twice, the Bundesliga nine times and six German League Cups. Not bad, not bad at all.

This kind of versatile defender with more presence, pace and athleticism would be most welcome at Old Trafford and to be able to sign a player of his calibre for a cut-price deal would be a shrewd bit of business.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must look to cash in on Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard in January…

It’s no secret that Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has a Ianis Hagi-shaped problem on his hands. Namely, a lack of self-belief, with recent reports revealing that the Romania international’s confidence has taken a knock. However, Adrian Mutu may have the answers to Gerrard’s problems…

What’s the story?

The Romania U21 boss has heaped praise on Hagi for his work ethic this week, recently describing his young charge as a “super” talent. He said: “Ianis Hagi is a super, professional footballer.

“I have nothing bad to say about him, he came here back to the Under 21s squad with exactly the right attitude.

“He’s trained very well. He’s not under any special pressure to perform because we all know what we get from him.

“He has the ability and skill to make the difference in any match he plays.”

The Gers winger captained the national development side on Tuesday night as they secured a berth at the Euro 2020 Championships next summer.

Mutu gave Hagi a huge confidence boost by handing him the captain’s armband and the former Chelsea midfielder was rewarded almost immediately as a 1-1 draw proved to be enough to seal their second-place spot with their opponents Denmark finishing first in the group.

Lessons to learn

Before we get started, let’s just make one thing clear – we’re not saying that Gerrard should strip the captaincy from James Tavernier to give Hagi some much-needed confidence, as that would be preposterous. However, he needs to know the needs of each and every member of his squad, whether they require a rollicking or an arm around the shoulder to encourage them to perform to their very best.

If it isn’t obvious already, it seems like Hagi requires the latter treatment, which should be expected from a young player who is still at the early stages of his professional career and is still trying to grow and develop as a player. Getting him back to enjoying his football at a club level would at least be a good start.

In 16 appearances in all competitions, the 22-year-old has scored one goal and supplied eight assists so far this season, which is a pretty impressive return, especially when you consider the fact that he has provided the second-highest amount of assists in the first team, just behind the club captain.

Despite these statistics, the Ibrox boss benched Hagi several times before the international break, as he has spent two of the past four games on the bench, whilst he last made an appearance as a substitute in the second half in the 8-0 win at home over Hamilton Academical.

As the famous saying goes, ‘let the boy win his spurs.’ His father Gheorghe Hagi has insisted that he “is a No.10 who can do everything”, whilst Hagi is trying to work his way back into the fold after a successful stint with the national youth squad.

He’s clearly making all the right noises, as he has laid out his ambitions for his club and country after joining the Gers in January. Now Gerrard must put his faith in the youngster if he is to perform to the best of his abilities on a regular basis for the rest of the season.

AND in other news, Rangers receive huge injury boost as Leon Balogun survives unscathed against Sierra Leone…