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Olivier Ntcham has had an eventful few months after finally sealing a Celtic Park exit in the winter window.

The French midfielder joined Ligue 1 side Marseille on deadline day in the winter window, a move which led to Andre Villas-Boas’ exit as manager.

Ntcham’s woeful Marseille form

Ntcham has made five appearances in total in recent months for his new club, three of which have been starts. However, in those three matches, the 25-year-old has been subbed at half-time.

French outlet Foot Mercato, cited by Sports Witness, has now provided an update on the player’s future.

Marseille have the option to make Ntcham’s loan permanent in a deal in the region of €5-6m, but Foot Mercato claim ‘nothing guarantees’ the clause will be triggered in the summer.

Transfer Tavern take

It’s safe to say Ntcham hasn’t made the impact Marseille were hoping for, which could result in a Parkhead return ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Out of the 31 members to feature for the Ligue 1 side this season, statistically, Ntcham has been the fifth-worst rated player, as per WhoScored.

Ntcham’s Hoops deal will still have 12 months left to run in the summer, so Celtic may have to make a serious decision on the Frenchman in the upcoming window, should Marseille refuse to trigger their permanent clause.

In other news: Major manager update emerges from Celtic source, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur return from the international break with a few injuries on their plate.

It is thought that Ben Davies and Matt Doherty, who both returned home early this week through injury, will not make the trip to St James’ Park on Sunday to face Newcastle. Whilst Sergio Reguilon is expected to be fit enough to travel, Jose Mourinho may not want to risk him so soon after recovering from another recent problem.

He missed five league games with a muscle issue in early February and was withdrawn early against Aston Villa last time out. Sky Sports believe he remains a doubt for this weekend, so the Spurs boss may need to turn to another young prospect, having trusted Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga at Villa Park…

On the Chalkboard

Given that game-time has been given to the likes of Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine this season, it’s perhaps a surprise to not see Dennis Cirkin make his senior bow thus far, but there cannot be a better opportunity to do so than now.

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The 18-year-old left-back quickly emerged as one of Spurs’ next future stars following the arrival of Mourinho, as he was one of the very first academy products to be praised by the ‘Special One.’

“OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us, and to help his development,” explained Mourinho just two weeks after his appointment in north London.

The Athletic have described him as ‘energetic’ and ‘strong in the tackle’ which fits the bill for the sort of full-back Mourinho would love in his squad, so it’s no surprise he was drawn straight to Cirkin when moving to N17.

The teenager has drawn comparisons to Ben Chilwell as a “modern and athletic” full-back and has even been tipped for international stardom one day.

“I think he can go all the way to the top; I’m talking full England international and Premier League left-back for Tottenham,” said The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare on the ‘Next Big Thing’ podcast.

In 2018, he managed to keep one of the world’s most valuable youngsters at bay, recording a clean sheet against Barcelona and Ansu Fati, who in January this year was rated at €108.4m (£92m) by CIES Football Observatory despite only being 18 years old.

Given the likely concerns at left-back on Sunday, Mourinho must be true to his word and finally unleash Cirkin for his senior Spurs debut.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Alderweireld: Spurs keen on “magnificent” £18m-rated beast…

Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively suggested to Football FanCast that £20m man Said Benrahma could be a possible replacement for Declan Rice.

The Hammers were dealt a major blow on Easter Monday when it was confirmed that the midfielder has been ruled out for around four weeks following a knee injury sustained in England’s World Cup qualifier against Poland last week.

Rice’s injury could keep him out of West Ham’s next four Premier League matches, although his teammates certainly didn’t feel his absence in their victory at Wolves on Monday night – a result which saw them climb back into the top four.

Club captain Mark Noble replaced Rice in the side, making just his fifth Premier League start of the campaign in what’s his penultimate season at the London Stadium.

But despite Noble having more than 500 West Ham appearances to his name, McAvennie believes that West Ham need someone with slightly more energy in order to maintain their European hopes.

He told Football FanCast:

“To play Noble for six weeks could set us back, no disrespect to him, but he’s just not got the energy or the legs that the younger guys have. David has got to find energy in the middle.

“If Rice is caught out and Soucek is up beside him, the two of them have got energy to get back, but Noble can’t. But if Johnson or whoever he wants to put in – Benrahma, and may have to play him a bit deeper, but he’s still got the energy to get up and down. Lingard, I don’t think he’ll bring him that far back.

“It’s a strange one and it’s going to be a headache for David Moyes.”

West Ham host fellow top-four side Leicester City at the London Stadium at the weekend, in a fixture that could have a big say on who qualifies for the Champions League.

Some Manchester United fans have been criticising the display of Mason Greenwood despite their 2-0 away win at Granada in the Europa League.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and a late Bruno Fernandes penalty ensured that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are firm favourites to go through into the semi-final stage of the competition, with their second leg at Old Trafford to come next Thursday night.

However, while there were some very good performances in a Red Devils shirt on the night, Greenwood flattered to deceive. He lost out on five of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on goal or key pass, all while losing possession of the ball on 14 different occasions, the second-most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Manchester United fans on Greenwood display

These Man United supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with a few even going as far as to claim that the England international was ‘awful’:

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mason Greenwood play as poorly as he did today #mufc”

Credit: @nes_mamba

“I don’t think I’ve seen a more awful Greenwood display. And there’s people here that think he should lead our attack next season. Smh. We need a proper CF #MUFC”

Credit: @FlexiBars

“Job done decent performance we controlled it my MOTM is @MarcusRashford what a player, my worst player of the match was Greenwood. I said it all week he’s awful up top James improved second half Bruno was poor got a fluky goal but was abysmal, apart from that Telles did well #MUFC”

Credit: @hanlonstweets

“Based on Greenwood performance I don’t think Amad would have done any worse than that #MUFC”

Credit: @deetpk

“Greenwood really dropped a 2/10 after scoring in consecutive games. He looked so off it tonight. #uel #GRAMUN #MUFC”

Credit: @HeadbandWazz

“Greenwood has been AWFUL. And honestly he needs to sort his attitude out. #mufc #GRAMUN”

Credit: @kingmusic1991

In other news, find out what Edinson Cavani update has left some fans fuming!

Newcastle United welcome West Ham to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon in a crucial game at both ends of the Premier League table.

Steve Bruce’s Magpies have the chance to move nine points clear of the relegation zone after beating Burnley last time out, while David Moyes’ Irons will arrive in the northeast aiming to go third in the standings with a win.

The Toon flipped the script to clinch all three points over Sean Dyche’s Clarets following the game-changing introduction of Allan Saint-Maximin last week, while welcoming top-scorer Callum Wilson back after seven games out with a hamstring tear.

However, Newcastle still have a number of injury concerns. With that in mind, here’s a potential line-up that Bruce could name, with three changes from the XI which beat Burnley…

Bruce confirmed on Friday that Newcastle will be without summer signing Ryan Fraser when West Ham travel to Tyneside, as the Scotland winger continues to recover from a groin issue sustained during international duty.

The ex-Bournemouth maestro will be joined on the sidelines by Fabian Schar, despite the centre-back returning to training earlier this week after eight games out following surgery on a knee ligament injury.

Jamaal Lascelles and Isaac Hayden will also miss the Hammers’ visit to St James’ Park with what are likely to be season-ending foot and knee injuries respectively, but Bruce expects both Wilson and Saint-Maximin to be available.

Wilson – who Chris Kirkland lauded as being a “different animal” for Newcastle earlier in the season – has not started a Premier League fixture since February 6, while Saint-Maximin last began a top-flight match on February 27.

Bruce is loath to rush Wilson and Saint-Maximin back into the starting line-up but will now be expected to field the pair, having claimed on Friday: “You only have to look at statistics for the two of them to realise that when they’re in the team, we’re simply better.”

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Wilson and Saint-Maximin starting will be at the expense of Joelinton and Dwight Gayle, who opened the action last weekend but rarely appeared like posing a threat and were replaced by the English and French forwards early in the second half before a dramatic improvement to Newcastle’s performance.

The Toon boss will also be expected to field Miguel Almiron in behind Wilson and Saint-Maximin after struggling to see the best from the Paraguayan in a deeper central midfield role at Burnley, where he took fewer touches (40) than goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (42).

A forward step for Almiron would likely see Arsenal loanee Joe Willock return to the starting line-up for the first time in three games to join Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in the engine room.

Bruce would need to remove one of the five defenders who started at Turf Moor in order for Willock to feature, placing Ciaran Clark’s spot beside Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett at risk after a hesitant start allowed Chris Wood in too easily to set up Matej Vydra to open the scoring last week.

AND in other news, Newcastle undecided on St. James’ future of £25,000-per-week star Steve Bruce wants to keep…

Sam Allardyce is set to stay on as West Brom manager, regardless of how the Baggies’ Premier League season pans out in the coming weeks.

The 66-year-old has done an impressive job since taking charge at the Hawthorns back in December, overseeing 19 matches to date, including Monday’s 3-0 win at home to Southampton.

Allardyce’s influence has seen West Brom give themselves a slim chance of staying in the top flight, even with eight points now separating them and 17th-place Newcastle United.

Allardyce to remain as West Brom manager

According to the Daily Star, the former Bolton Wanderers boss will stay in the Hawthorns hot-seat even if the Baggies go back down to the Championship.

It is claimed that the ‘nature of the side’s performances’ have persuaded Lai Guochuan to keep hold of Allardyce, saying it is a decision that ‘would make sense for all parties.’

Indeed, the displays in recent weeks have been mightily impressive, with Big Sam’s side grabbing eight goals in their last two matches.

Allardyce hasn’t yet committed his future to West Brom, however, with the report saying that his final decision will ‘largely hinge’ on discussions with Luke Dowling and Xu Ke, who are the club’s Sporting and Technical Director and Chief Executive, respectively.

He wants assurances over the budget he would be given during the summer transfer window and ‘has no desire to waste anyone’s time.’

Transfer Tavern take

Assuming Allardyce does decide to stay on as manager, this is a boost for West Brom, considering the impact he has already made and also just for the matter of stability.

The style of play has been particularly eye-catching – something he isn’t necessarily famed for – which has clearly played a part in his popularity with the club’s hierarchy.

Should Allardyce produce a miracle and keep West Brom up, retaining his services will speak for itself, but his experience and nous could be vital in getting them back into the Premier League, should they go down.

Granted, he has predominantly been a top flight manager throughout his career, but with this group of players and a manager of such stature, the Baggies would surely be among the favourites to win the Championship next season.

In other news, some West Brom supporters have been a hailing a key player after his recent social media post. Find out who it is here.

Many Arsenal fans have been left to buzz at the news that supporters are planning a protest against Stan Kroenke.

As per football.london, the protest is set to take place ahead of their home game against Everton in the Premier League on Friday night.

This comes after the Emirates Stadium faithful pulled out of the proposed European Super League (ESL) in which Kroenke signed them up for, after mass outrage in English football over their proposals.

Several Gooners are still not pleased with the American owner over wanting them to play in the league in the first place, and have thus decided to hold a protest against him with the hope that he will be forced out of the North London club.

Arsenal fans on Kroenke news

These Gunners buzzed upon reading of the news of the protests after they were shared by journalist Chris Wheatley on Twitter, with one AFC supporter even going as far as to call it ‘amazing’:

“Yesss Chris”

Credit: @_SakaSZN_

“Let’s go”

Credit: @nutanews184

“Let’s do this!!!! #KroenkeOut”

Credit: @delmo_del

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Credit: @VetoAFC

“Amazing!!!!”

Credit: @aadu98

“Let’s go and get Kroenke out of our club #kroenkeout #COYG”

Credit: @OjekaCollinsma2

In other news, find out whose display was slammed against Fulham here!

Marcelo Bielsa once held a meeting with Jurgen Klopp over the possible signing of Ryan Kent, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Whites drew 1-1 at home to Liverpool on Monday night, as they continue to thrive in their first season back in the Premier League.

The match saw Bielsa and Klopp pitted against one another, with the pair two of the most respected managers in the game at the moment.

It appears as though they once met over Kent moving to Leeds, back when the 24-year-old was still at Liverpool, prior to his move to Rangers.

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Whelan makes key Kent claim

That’s according to Whelan, who told Football Insider about the meeting, also claiming Kent would represent a good signing for Leeds this summer, replacing Helder Costa:

“Kent is a smashing player and he would really enhance our squad. Bielsa has been an admirer of him for a long time. I believe he had a meeting with Jurgen Klopp at a game against Bradford and he was looking at him then as well.

“If we could offload Helder Costa and bring Kent in for a hit of about £10m I would bite your hand off.”

Transfer Tavern take

Kent has been excellent at Rangers, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in the Scottish Premiership this season, as Steven Gerrard’s side have romped to the title. Two apiece in the Europa League have also shown he can thrive at a higher level.

He possesses end product, one-on-one dribbling ability (1.9 dribbles p/g) and a strong work ethic, and with Costa rumoured to be on his way, the Englishman could be an excellent replacement.

At 24, Kent is in a sweet spot in his career, playing to a high level already, but having years ahead of him to improve further, something he could perhaps do under a manager like Bielsa.

In other news, a source has shared concern over one Leeds player’s shortcomings. Find out who it is here.

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side head into Saturday’s game knowing that a win will secure them the Championship title.

After a remarkable league campaign, the Canaries have already ensured that Premier League football will be returning to Carrow Road at the earliest opportunity following the club’s relegation from the top flight last season.

However, despite their guarantee of automatic promotion, the Championship table-toppers have not clinched the league title just yet, although a home win against Reading on Saturday would see Farke’s side over the line.

So, will the 44-year-old make any changes to his starting XI last time out against Queens Park Rangers? Here’s our predicted XI, along with the latest team and injury news…

With a number of players remaining sidelined due to either suspension or injury, with Dimitris Giannoulis serving the final match of his three-game ban and Sam Byram, Christoph Zimmermann, Ben Gibson and Lukas Rupp all being unavailable due to knocks, we expect Farke to make two changes from his starting XI against QPR.

Firstly, Pukki drops to the bench after having an unusually bad day in front of goal at Loftus Road, with 28-year-old Jordan Hugill being handed only his seventh start of the season in the Finland striker’s place.

The second change sees Cantwell, who much like Pukki was far from his best against Mark Warburton’s side, replaced by Przemyslaw Płacheta, after the Poland international was an unused substitute in the trip to QPR.

Aside from these alterations, the rest of the side should remain untouched, with young centre-back Andrew Omobamidele keeping his place in the starting XI as both of Farke’s other options in the position, Zimmermann and Gibson, continue to be ruled out.

In other news: Bye-bye Tettey: Webber must sanction NCFC swoop for £5.4m-rated ace Farke would adore – opinion

According to a report by Italian news outlet Il Resto del Carlino, via West Ham Central, the club have ‘already made an enquiry’ to re-sign former Hammers star Marko Arnautovic as he looks set to leave China this summer – prompting many supporters to erupt in response. 

Links to the Austrian hitman have been resurfacing lately after Sky Sports claimed back in January the Irons were offered the chance to take Arnautovic back to the London Stadium.

Indeed, Il Resto del Carlino claim that West Ham have already made an approach for the 32-year-old amid manager David Moyes’ continued hunt for an out-and-out striker.

Scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 others in 65 appearances during his last stint in east London (Transfermarkt), he was revered at times with Moyes even branding Arnautovic ‘unplayable’ (Sky Sports).

However, he left on unceremonious terms for the Chinese Super League, and many West Ham supporters have erupted over this enquiry news as a result.

Find all of their verdicts from social media down below.

West Ham fans livid after Arnautovic development

“I beg this isn’t true”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GET HIM OUT”

Credit: @mrwestham22

“Hope this is a wind up.”

Credit: @b2brdk

“No no no”

Credit: @hammerhastie316

“Why ruin my friday”

Credit: @jackhcc

“We should get some squad players that really want to play for us….Not ones that run off at the first sniff of money!!”

Credit: @21digits

“the number of player who are better than him haha what a joke for wanting a guy who spit on the badge I can’t understand how you can think that you are a fan if you prefer a guy over the badge :/”

Credit: @krays2208

“I worry about his attitude. We have a good balance atm in terms of attitudes and egos. He could really throw that out.”

Credit: @deanashtonsfoot

In other news: Bids expected for West Ham star this summer, find out more here.