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According to a report by Football Insider, Birmingham City have raised their asking price for wanted rising starlet Rico Browne to over £1 million – prompting Tottenham to stall on a deal after offering the defender an 18-month verbal contract.

Browne, who was on trial in north London before undertaking another one at West Ham, as per Football Insider, has now returned to Birmingham City with his future up in the air and shrouded in major doubt.

Tottenham stall on Browne

Both Tottenham and West Ham have been battling Brighton for his signature, but the London duo have stalled their interest as City ask for over £1 million including add-ons.

This follows on from an offer tabled by Tottenham in the form of a verbal contract, but the Lilywhites failed to put it in writing which allowed him to also trial at the Hammers.

Transfer Tavern take

Now, as Birmingham raise their price, the move has become complicated and Browne may not complete a move to Tottenham, West Ham or Brighton as a result.

Highly rated through the media, Tottenham face missing out on the 17-year-old centre-back after offering him an 18-month contract with the club.

Time will tell what comes of this transfer development, but for now, Spurs have stalled their interest.

In other news: Tottenham want this Vinicius alternative, find out more here.

Everton have been dealt a huge blow in the club’s rumoured chase of AS Roma defender Gianluca Mancini, who has performed at a higher level than Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly this season.

What’s the word?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Roma hierarchy have declared that Mancini is ‘untouchable’ in the summer transfer window and will block any attempts to sign the 24-year-old.

Mancini is aware of Roma’s position regarding his immediate future and will look to use the club’s stance as leverage in discussions over a new deal.

The centre-back’s agent Giuseppe Riso is due to meet with Roma in the coming weeks to discuss a new contract, as Mancini has become one of the most important parts of Paulo Fonseca’s plans.

Mancini is currently tied down at the Stadio Olimpico through to the summer of 2024 on a €2m-a-season (£33k-a-week) deal, and has started 25 of a possible 28 Serie A fixtures this term.

His efforts have attracted widespread interest, including from Everton, who Calciomercato claimed are big admirers of the Italy international earlier this month.

Premier League rivals Chelsea, as well as Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich and Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan, were also listed as potential destinations, but any side wishing to sign Mancini were claimed to face a €39m (£33.5m) asking price, with Roma valuing the former Atalanta star at €10-15m (£8.5-13m) more than they paid the Gewiss Stadium natives in September.

A huge blow for Everton?

Roma allegedly declaring that Mancini is unavailable for a move in the off-season will come as a huge blow for Everton, as the four-cap centre-back has been performing at a higher standard in the Serie A this season than Napoli’s Koulibaly.

Reports have suggested that Koulibaly is Carlo Ancelotti’s top defensive target for the next transfer window and that Blues owner Farhad Moshiri is prepared to back a pursuit of the Senegalese star.

That chase is likely to come at around €50m (£43m) with Napoli lowering their asking price, but paying more to sign Koulibaly may actually see Everton acquire a lesser option than Mancini.

While Mancini has opened all 25 of his Italian top-flight appearances this season, Koulibaly has started 19 of his 20 and registered lesser numbers for his defensive contributions to date.

Per WhoScored data, Mancini eclipses Koulibaly for average number of successful tackles made per Serie A game this term with 1.6 to 1.2, as well as for interceptions (2.1 to 1), opponents caught offside (1 to 0.7) and clearances (2 to 1.9).

The pair are evenly matched for times dribbled past per game at 0.5, and when on the ball with both registering an 89% pass success rate, with Koulibaly’s only distinct advantage being in fouls committed with one per game to Mancini’s two.

Mancini, though, is working on improving his discipline as he looks to round off the edges to his game that are not yet polished. Also, with age on his side, the Roma star may have been the better option for Everton to target.

“I have to improve on so many areas, such as not getting so many yellow cards and reading the game better. I do feel that I have become a better defender over the last year, also because I am accumulating experience,” he told Sky Sport Italia earlier this month, via quotes by Football-Italia.

AND in other news, Farhad Moshiri is set to back Everton as Carlo Ancelotti eyes a 29-y/o he described as “the best” in the world…

Eddie Howe isn’t even in the building yet but Celtic are already targeting players with the view to him being appointed.

A couple of players have been linked with joining Howe at the Bhoys, including Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

On the chalkboard

The new manager’s first priority when he walks through the door will be to address the futures of a number of individuals at the club.

Kristoffer Ajer has attracted admirers from elsewhere on a repeated basis while Odsonne Edouard has long been tipped to leave. West Ham came calling for the Frenchman in January, while it’s thought that Liverpool are now also interested in his services.

Losing him would be a monumental blow to Celtic’s chances of reclaiming their dominance of Scottish football. Edouard is their top scorer with 20 goals this term, so trying to replace such a prolific forward won’t be easy.

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Celtic will need to ensure they have contingency plans in place because those behind the Frenchman in the pecking order aren’t particularly full of goals. Albian Ajeti has just six to his name since joining the Hoops last summer, while Patryk Klimala has three goals all season.

Who will his replacement be?

If Howe is given the Celtic job, the Bhoys could welcome Josh King to Paradise this summer. That’s according to The Sun, who suggested that the 43-year-old will look to make the Norwegian one of his first signings as Hoops manager.

King left Bournemouth for Everton in January on a six-month contract and thus could move on a free transfer when the summer window opens.

Capped 54 times by Norway, the forward has plenty of experience at the top level and has a history of scoring goals in one of the best leagues in world football. The 29-year-old is yet to find the net in Everton colours but has 48 Premier League goals to his name throughout his career.

This season hasn’t been great to King but clearly he is a clever striker with plenty of qualities, and you sense that he could thrive in Scottish football. Like Edouard, he has nice feet and is also powerful, using his robust frame to bustle past opponents.

You only need to heed the words from Vidar Riseth, one of his former teammates, for an indication of what he could bring to Glasgow.

“He has all the attributes any striker needs,” the ex-Hoops player began. “I have played with him and against him and I know all about his qualities. If there is a chance for Celtic to get him then they must take it because he would be an incredible signing for them.

“He’d be a great signing. I am talking about a top striker. He has so many qualities and he has done so well for the national team, too,” he concluded.

There may be an element of bias to Riseth’s words, but reuniting King with Howe could be a masterstroke. In terms of replacing Edouard, there would certainly be worse signings than the 29-year-old.

AND in other news, Big twist arises in Celtic manager search, Hoops fans should be buzzing…

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur – and by extension Daniel Levy – are on alert for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger if a new deal cannot be agreed to extend the Germany international’s stay at Stamford Bridge, coming after he was heavily linked with a move to north London last summer (Sky Sports).

Rudiger has been in fine form for new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel since his appointment (as per Football Insider), and with the Blues reportedly set to offer him a bumper contract, that has put Tottenham on alert.

Tottenham on alert for Rudiger

Indeed, if talks for a fresh deal break down, then Spurs are reportedly waiting in the wings to take advantage, with manager Jose Mourinho reportedly desiring a transformative Tottenham signing akin to the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias (Evening Standard).

The £150,000-per-week colossus, standing at a lofty 1.9m, has been called a would-be ‘really smart signing’ for Spurs by pundit Kevin Phillips when Tottenham were linked last summer (Football Insider).

Transfer Tavern take

Phillips also believes the German is a ‘fantastic’ player, evident by his return to form under Tuchel, but it remains to be seen whether these proposed Chelsea contract talks break down and whether Tottenham pounce.

However, Levy is on alert over the situation, with Spurs keeping a watchful eye on developments across London.

In other news: Tottenham are also monitoring this attacker, find out more here.

Celtic’s transfer deadline day is beginning to get rather exciting. The club are chasing numerous deals for defenders as Neil Lennon aims to get his side back on track.

What’s the word?

The Hoops are set to sign Jonjoe Kenny on loan from Everton while a temporary switch for Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga could take place before the window slams shut.

However, someone the Bhoys were interested in earlier in the window is now catching the attention of suitors elsewhere.

According to Football League World, Derby would like to sign the player on loan on deadline day, which in turn, would see Manchester City recall him from Middlesbrough before sending him off to the Rams.

It was thought earlier in the window that City might recall him which had initially alerted Celtic to his availability.

Get it done

Whether or not the Hoops are still interested in a move for Roberts remains to be seen but judging by their current plight, he would surely be beneficial to Lennon and co.

Celtic are currently in real strife and are sitting 23 points behind their fierce rivals in a bid to win the SPFL. Add the fact that the manager has very few options out wide and things become even more troublesome.

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Ryan Christie was dropped against Hamilton and with David Turnbull shifting into a wide area, it proved they do have another player capable of featuring on the flanks.

Yet, with James Forrest still missing through injury, adding a further winger should be of utmost importance.

Roberts has already had a stint at Parkhead where he featured 78 times. It was a spell that caught the eye of former manager Brendan Rodgers who reserved very special praise for the 23-year-old.

He once said: “Patrick is more a David Silva type, more on the inside. He looks like he has an eye for goal. He’s very young and he looks a talent.”

Celtic supporters won’t need telling just how good an eye for talent Rodgers has and they already know what he’s capable of in the famous green and white.

A winger by trade, he’d be particularly useful in the back half of the season.

AND in other news, Forget Duffy: Celtic must swoop for £25k-p/w gem “with pace” who “sees things quickly”…

According to a report by The Daily Mail, United Arab Emirates billionaire and member of the Abu Dhabi royal family Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al Nehayan tried to buy West Ham United last season before the coronavirus pandemic – with this takeover claim shedding light on their attempted GSB talks. 

Sheikh Khaled attempted West Ham talks

Currently the prospective new owners of Championship side Derby County after they failed in a public attempt to buy Newcastle United, the Daily Mail claim they also turned their attention to West Ham last season alongside Bournemouth.

Indeed, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Bin Zayed Group allegedly displayed a significant interest in the Irons, making an initial enquiry to GSB over the purchase of West Ham.

However, following early talks, the group and Sheikh Khaled dropped their interest in buying the Hammers – with negotiations to take over Bournemouth understood to have reached a more advanced stage by comparison.

Transfer Tavern take

There has been no shortage of takeover rumours regarding West Ham in recent times, with Red Bull and Joseph DaGrosa among parties touted with past interest.

Football Insider also claim that GSB are open to selling the club but won’t entertain a buyout until receiving a proposal of around £600 million.

Whether or not a West Ham takeover happens in future remains to be seen, but the Bin Zayed Group are now revealed to have displayed a past interest.

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this ExWHUemployee claim, find out more here.

Steve Bruce has revealed that Miguel Almiron is in contention to appear in Newcastle United’s game against Brighton next weekend.

Bruce makes Almiron reveal

The Paraguay international has missed the last two matches in the Premier League due to a knee injury (Transfermarkt), and Bruce had previously suggested he would be not be available until after the international break.

However, the Toon boss has now revealed that the £14.4m-valued 27-year-old could play against the Seagulls, saying (via Shields Gazette):

“We will see how they progress, of course. It’s going to be a little too early for Callum, we can already dismiss that. Miggy’s a different option. He’s going along very, very nicely so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

Big boost

This is a big boost for the Magpies. Almiron is their second-highest scorer this term with five goals, as well as providing three assists (BBC), and he has proven to be one of the few creative options Bruce has at his disposal at St James’ Park.

Newcastle are currently in a difficult position at the wrong end of the table. As it stands, they are just two points clear of Fulham who are currently in the relegation zone, although they do have a game in hand on the Cottagers (Sky Sports). They need points quickly, and having effective players such as Almiron available should only help their cause.

In other news, Newcastle are interested in this Europa League ace.

This has been a rotten season for Celtic and one feels that not even a few additions in the transfer market will improve things.

At the end of the day, the Hoops are 19 points behind Rangers and supporters will settle for nothing less than a tenth successive league crown.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been eyeing a few transfers this month. From Ben Pearson and Alfie Doughty in England, they are now seeking a move for someone in France.

According to Foot Mercato, Celtic have started approaches to try and sign Stade Reims winger Nathanael Mbuku.

The 18-year-old is facing fierce competition for his signature with Parma also in discussions to try and sign the Frenchman.

Lille have also expressed an interest in signing the France youth international who could cost in the region of €8m (£7.2m).

The next Edouard?

Celtic have had enormous joy when buying French players in recent years. Whether it’s Moussa Dembele or Odsonne Edouard, more often than not they’ve garnered immense success.

In Mbuku, it would surely be a similar story. In fact, he could well be the club’s new Edouard.

The Hoops striker has been linked with a move away on a regular basis but regardless of whether he stays in Glasgow or not, the teenage target could be his natural successor at Parkhead.

That’s because he’s a powerful forward capable of bullying the opposition. Although he’s scored just once this term in Ligue 1, the winger has a wonderful record at youth level and is “able to destabilise any defender,” according to his manager David Guion.

At the U17 World Cup in November 2019, he scored five goals in six outings for France, sealing his place as the second-highest goalscorer in the competition. He did so all while playing out wide.

Now, you might wonder how he could replicate Edouard given his position but it’s important to remember that he often played on the flanks when he was younger. For instance, the Bhoys talisman netted three in five games from the right-hand side while playing for PSG in the UEFA Youth League.

The striker has since progressed enormously and Neil Lennon will hope for a similar story with Mbuku if he arrives. He certainly has the talent and potential to become a big player.

AND in other news, “The only way he can stay” – EXCLUSIVE: Pundit delivers verdict on Lennon’s Celtic future…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood has highlighted where Jose Mourinho must strengthen his Spurs side once the January transfer window opens.

The north London outfit made an impressive eight new signings over the summer as Daniel Levy wasted no time in looking to improve on last season’s disappointing finish. Along with loanee signing Gareth Bale, Tottenham acquired full-backs Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon, midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as well as 22-year-old central defender Joe Rodon.

Whilst this isn’t a haul to be sniffed at, Harewood believes that Spurs should have taken a leaf from Chelsea’s book during their summer spree.

“Chelsea made a very good signing in Thiago Silva,” the former striker said. “That’s a great signing for them to add to what they’ve already got.

“Spurs need a player like that. Someone who’s got experience and a stature to help everyone around him.”

The Blues brought the Brazilian icon to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint Germain on a free contract. Silva is now one of the highest paid players at the club, earning a reported £110,000 per week.

Although Spurs have the likes of club veterans Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier, they do lack a natural leader who has ‘been there and done that’. Silva arrives at Chelsea boasting seven Ligue 1 titles, seven French Super Cups, an Italian Super Cup and a Copa America trophy (via Transfermarkt).

The 36-year-old also has 93 senior caps for Brazil and has represented his country at both the World Cup and the Olympics. This kind of experience is something that will boost Tottenham’s backline and help to grow younger players like Rodon and 21-year-old Japhet Tanganga.

“Tottenham need a centre-half like that in their backline,” Harewood reaffirmed.

In other news, Harry Winks England performance sends Mourinho a clear message…

Chelsea face FC Krasnodar in the Champions League on Tuesday night having already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition after their 2-1 win away at Group E rivals Rennes last month.

The Blues are back in action this evening, as they welcome the Russian club to Stamford Bridge for their final Champions League game in the group stages.

Frank Lampard has revealed that Hakim Ziyech has been ruled out of the Champions League clash due to a hamstring injury, whilst Callum Hudson-Odoi suffered a similar injury in training.

Lampard will most likely take the opportunity to rotate his squad ahead of a busy schedule, as he confirmed both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Billy Gilmour will start in the pre-match press conference.

Here is our predicted starting line-up for tonight’s game against Krasnodar in the Champions League, which sees the Blues boss make nine changes to the team that thumped Leeds United.

Aside from Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea have a clean bill of health, and Lampard is expected to ring several changes for this dead rubber, with the likes of Timo Werner, Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma receiving well-deserved rests.

This means that Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Emerson Palmieri and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta are likely to start, which means there is no room for Reece James, who registered an assist against Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Stamford Bridge.

N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount may make way for a midfield trio consisting of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Gilmour, who will receive his first start of the season after his knee surgery in the summer.

Ziyech actually offered very little against Leeds, so switching Kai Havertz to the right wing and bringing fit-again Christian Pulisic in on the right should be a tempting option, whilst Olivier Giroud is likely to lead the line.

Maybe Tammy Abraham could come in, but Giroud has been in such impressive form in recent weeks that we reckon that Lampard will stick with the Frenchman upfront.