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Celtic confirmed on Wednesday evening that head of football operations Nick Hammond has resigned from his Parkhead role with a short and sweet 25-word tweet.

Hammond, who joined the Hoops in 2019 to work alongside Peter Lawwell and Neil Lennon, has left the club ‘to pursue new opportunities’.

Hammond jumped before being pushed?

Reports from Football Insider back in January claimed that the transfer guru was under major pressure to keep his job in Glasgow.

The story midway through the winter window claimed that multiple key figures could be sacked, so it seems as if Hammond may have jumped before he was pushed in regards to his Celtic role.

Celtic’s official social media post led to a fairly short club statement on their website where the Hoops shared their best wishes for the 53-year-old.

Transfer Tavern take

With Lawwell, Lennon and now Hammond out of the door at Celtic Park, it seems as if the club’s off-field rebuild is starting to take shape.

Dominic McKay will replace Lawwell and the club are looking to appoint a director of football, with Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin the frontrunner.

A new manager should also be in place ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, where the Hoops will look to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title at the expense of rivals Rangers.

In other news: Bizarre twist in Celtic managerial hunt put to bed after 10-word reveal by unlikely source, find out more here. 

Aston Villa must surely make a move for Norwich starlet Max Aarons this summer after a major transfer update on his situation.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the England U21 international, and now there has been a major update on his future.

According to The Telegraph (via The EDP), the Canaries are expected to demand a fee of around £30m to part ways with one of their prized assets, with European giants Milan and AS Roma the latest sides to be credited with an interest in the full-back.

Dean Smith would love him

Canaries boss Daniel Farke has spoken glowingly about the £18m-rated gem this season, saying: “Max is outstanding in many topics. I can’t praise him enough for what he has done since his first appearance. You watch some of our games now and the opponents go man-for-man on him. That is crazy for a player who is a full-back but it says a lot about his reputation. He is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future.”

While a record of one goal and three assists in 38 Championship games this season is hardly something to write home about, that just doesn’t tell the whole story of Aarons’ influence on this Norwich side.

As per Whoscored, the full-back ranks fourth in the entire Canaries squad for key passes per game this campaign with 1.3, and his tally of 1.4 dribbles per match ranks him third.

Then, when you factor in that he has played every single minute in the Championship this season, you can clearly see just how much of a reliable and effective performer he is for Farke.

Given his attacking exploits from full-back and the fact he’s one of those players who just plays week-in and week-out, Aarons just seems like the kind of golden signing that Smith would surely love at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa struck gold with this player signed by Suso…

In a recent interview, Paul Robinson backed Glasgow Rangers to secure a move to bring James Garner to Ibrox this summer.

Having joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester United on a four-month loan deal back in January, Garner has highly impressed over his 14 Championship appearances for Chris Hughton’s side, with the 20-year-old scoring three goals, as well as making an average of 1.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 0.8 key passes per game, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 7.04.

Seemingly as a result of these fine performances, Garner’s agent recently claimed that, should United look to loan the midfielder out again this summer, a number of clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City and Rangers, are keen to take the England U20 international on.

And, speaking recently to Football Insider, Robinson backed Rangers as being a suitable candidate for the £3.6 million-rated starlet to continue his development in the professional game.

He said: “He has done exceptionally well down at Nottingham Forest and he will be looking for another loan move next year. Rangers will be a great place for anybody to be and learn their trade, especially as a midfielder because Steven Gerrard and Gary [McAllister] are there.

“They’re enjoying great times up at Ibrox right now so I am not surprised to hear his agent try and talk up his client’s chances of playing for Rangers next season, I would be if I was him.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering just how impressive Garner has been over his short spell at Nottingham Forest, it is indeed not surprising to hear that a number of clubs are keen on a move for the 20-year-old this summer.

However, with both Brighton and Premier League-bound Norwich both also being reported to be interested in the midfielder, Rangers are likely to face a real battle if they do go on to make a move for Garner in the upcoming transfer window.

Although, with both Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister on the coaching staff at Ibrox, perhaps Gers could have a slight advantage in the signing of the £17,000-per-week youngster, as Robinson suggests.

In other news: ‘He wants to extend’ – One pundit dropped a hint on this ‘fantastic’ Gers star’s contract amid PL interest – find out more here!

Many Everton fans have been flocking to footage of a goal scored by Ellis Simms while playing for Blackpool on Saturday afternoon.

As shared by Toffee TV in a clip on their Twitter page, the Goodison Park loanee cut inside onto his left foot and smashed a rocket into the top corner of the net, leaving the Lincoln goalkeeper with no chance of saving it.

That is now the fourth goal he has scored for the Tangerines in League One so far this season, along with a further two assists in 13 games in total (Transfermarkt). If the 20-year-old keeps on smashing in the goals, then he will surely catch the eye of Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, who may well have no choice but to keep him in his squad for next season.

Everton fans on Simms goal

These Toffees supporters flocked to the video of the goal on Twitter to show their appreciation for Simms, with one even calling him “Lukaku-esque” in refence to the prolific former Everton marksman:

“Lukaku-esque”

Credit: @running_french

“I love him”

Credit: @Gaber205

“I hope he breaks through into our first team, be good to have a proper look at him in the Prem.”

Credit: @MDub700

“I hope he gets his chance next season”

Credit: @Mo34036633

“Need to give him game time next season”

Credit: @prospartangamer

“I like this a lot”

Credit: @spencerseddon

In other news, find out what injury update before Brighton has been welcomes by Everton fans!

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing experienced Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico, as the search for a new left-back continues.

With Ezgjan Alioski expected to leave Elland Road at the end of the season, a void is set to appear in that area of the pitch this summer.

A number of players have been linked with sorting that issue, including Real Betis’ Alex Moreno, and now another name has been thrown into the mix.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Leeds interested in Tagliafico move

According to journalist Valentijn Driessen [via Veronicainside], Leeds are eyeing up a move for Tagliafico, who has 27 caps to his name for Argentina.

He claims that the Whites ‘would like to have him’ at the club, with the 28-year-old looking for a fresh challenge at another European side.

Transfer Tavern take

Tagliafico’s current Ajax deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023, putting the Eredivisie giants in a strong position, in terms of demanding a healthy fee for his services.

His experience speaks for itself, however, playing at the very top level for Argentina, including four appearances at the 2018 World Cup.

At 28, he arguably remains at the peak of his powers and could remain that way for several more years, at which point Leif Davis may have matured enough to be Leeds’ first-choice left-back.

In other news, Leeds’ rumoured interested in a Serie A player has been confirmed by a journalist. Find out more here.

Morgan Gibbs-White has long been the darling of Wolves’ academy.

He won the U17 World Cup with England in 2017 and has been making strides year upon year at senior level.

The attacking midfielder has featured in the Premier League and despite an injury-hit campaign this term, joining Swansea on loan last year was key to his development.

However, because of fitness issues, he’s now facing pressure to get in the side. That’s because behind him in the pecking order are a number of hot young talents ready to make a breakthrough.

Speaking to The Athletic last year, a senior Wolves figure told the outlet that they were currently working with the strongest U18 side ever assembled at Molineux.

It’s clear to see why. They possess Christian Marques, a player touted to be the next Conor Coady while they also have the tricky Theo Corbeanu in their ranks.

That being said, of all those now to have transitioned to U23 and senior football, it’s Chem Campbell who is one of the stand out names.

He can play in a plethora of positions from behind the striker to out on the flanks and that’s why Gibbs-White should be looking over his shoulder so closely.

After making the move to Wolves from Birmingham City, Campbell has quickly risen up the ranks. He was named in The Guardian’s 20-best young players at Premier League clubs in 2019 and the 18-year-old is now the second-youngest player to feature for Wolves at senior level.

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Campbell has still only played on one occasion for Nuno’s side but he clearly has a very bright future in the game.

He has pace, is composed in possession and has plenty of creativity. Speaking about the teenager last year, former Crewe manager and former Wolves candidate Boss Davis said: “He can produce things out of nothing,” he began.

“Defensively he’s got work to do in terms of his responsibilities but with the ball he can create things just with his skill. He catches the eye.”

That’s a glowing review for a talent who surely deserves a better look at by Nuno. After all, Wolves now have nothing to play for during the run-in so could blood some of their younger players.

Davis continued: “I like him more on the left, right-footed coming inside. He’s got the ability to finish and to link up — he’s got that eye for a pass. He gets a bit stuck on the right a bit more.

Just 18 years of age, he is one of a number of candidates from the academy who could start to transition more to first-team life in the coming months.

Gibbs-White better watch out.

AND in other news, Wolves could sign big Silva upgrade in “fantastic” 56-goal beast, Nuno would love him…

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Frank McAvennie has dropped a major claim on Tottenham Hotspur’s sacking of former boss Jose Mourinho – going on to say he’s been told it had something to do with the now suspended European Super League.

The ESL caused shockwaves throughout the footballing world when the Premier League’s ‘big six’ announced they would be a part of the new European footballing division as founding members.

McAvennie drops claim on Mourinho sacking

However, following huge backlash from the media and supporters alike, those sides announced they would be pulling out – with Fabrizio Romano first reporting that the ESL has been officially suspended (Twitter).

McAvennie, dropping a claim on Mourinho being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, believes his dismissal was related to Spurs’ original involvement in the ESL.

“I’ve been told that Mourinho’s sacking had something to do with the new Super League,” he explained to Football Insider.

“Obviously we can’t confirm that but Tottenham saying that it was a purely results-based decision is nonsense.

“The week going into a cup final? No chance. No chance you sack anyone. Jose will have told [Daniel] Levy that this is all a load of nonsense and Levy wouldn’t have that.

“He wants money, if it’s going to happen he wants it to happen. Mourinho knows the fans are the lifeblood of the game.

“I’m telling you, if there’s one person who can find a way to beat Man City in a cup final, it’s Mourinho. I don’t understand the logic, something else must’ve happened.”

Transfer Tavern take

While McAvennie holds this belief, many reliable journalists close to the matter believe this isn’t the case – so take it with a pinch of salt.

Alasdair Gold is one of them, and he understands that the club’s decision had ‘nothing’ to do with the ESL and was purely a results based decision.

The hunt for a new manager, however, could now begin after Tottenham confirmed Ryan Mason would take charge only on an interim basis.

Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers appear favourites for the role, and we believe that the former is a prime candidate.

Described as the most exciting coaching talent in Europe, Sky Sports also believe his appointment could be ‘the smartest move that Daniel Levy and Tottenham could possibly make’.

In other news: Tottenham confirmed this ‘amazing’ news, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to clinch their first trophy in 13 years when they face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup later this evening and interim boss Ryan Mason has plenty to ponder ahead of kick-off.

Aside from the uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane’s involvement at Wembley Stadium – he is being monitored “hour by hour” – the 29-year-old caretaker is facing a huge task as the Premier League leaders have won this very competition each of the last three seasons, and five of the last seven, too.

Mason took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho on Monday and won his first game in charge at Southampton, coming from behind to clinch all three points. It wasn’t the greatest performance by any means, though he can be forgiven as he had less than 48 hours with this squad.

Now, having had a little bit more time with the team, Mason should be able to implement his ideas and that now leaves him with a big decision to make.

Against Southampton in midweek, Spurs’ midfield was overrun and outplayed – the trio of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso just did not work, with the Dane sitting a little deeper behind the two big-money 2019 summer signings.

It was the latter, Lo Celso, who was arguably the poorest of the lot. It’s no wonder he was hooked by the 79th minute and given the lowest rating (6.3) by SofaScore.

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The £36m-rated dynamo has frequently been lauded behind the scenes since his move from Real Betis last season but a combination of injuries and poor performances should certainly put his place in the line-up at risk.

“He is a technically gifted player. But he is not afraid to get stuck in when he needs to as well,” claimed Harry Winks to the Guardian, whilst Mourinho once dubbed him “phenomenal.”

But the fact of the matter is, Lo Celso has delivered just one goal and one assist in the Premier League all season and sits amongst their worst performers, with an average WhoScored rating of 6.55.

By comparison, even Matt Doherty (6.71) and Serge Aurier (6.97) have managed better and that’s a telling story in itself as the pair are often the target of criticism from the fanbase.

On Wednesday night, Lo Celso proved to be weak – losing 82% of his midfield battles – and completely wasteful – losing possession 14 times, as per SofaScore.

That merely continues a recurring trend with the £100k-per-week star, as he hasn’t been rated above a 7/10 since November in the top-flight. Indeed, he’s been rather shocking for weeks now.

Mason must show no mercy and ruthlessly axe the Argentine from his starting XI this evening. A bold, but necessary, call.

AND in other news, Levy could revolutionise Spurs by securing landmark double swoop…

A number of Manchester City fans were delighted after it was revealed that Bjorn Kuipers will be the referee for their Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

The Citizens go into the return leg against Paris Saint-Germain with the upper hand. They won 2-1 at the Parc des Princes in the first game, meaning that they will progress to the final if they avoid defeat against the Ligue 1 champions. If they make it through, they will face either Chelsea or Real Madrid in the showpiece in Istanbul.

Ahead of the match, it has been revealed that Kuipers will be the man in the middle. The Dutchman is regarded as one of the best referees in the world and is very experienced at this level, having taken charge of 58 Champions League games including the 2014 final, so he should have little difficulty in keeping the game under control.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Kuipers’ appointment

“Better. The ref last time out was a PSG fan!”

Credit: @gunsbugnpower

“These officials are good”

Credit: @SatieMCFC

“I think they’ll be good”

Credit: @emperor_teejhay

“get in, he’s one of the best in the world”

Credit: @Ander_Estrada19

“Just like his mate Felix, he’s going to want to balance that record. A win it is”

Credit: @buzza1987

“He’s good”

Credit: @MCFC_SHIKHAR

In other news, lots of Man City fans want this man signed.

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Rob Lee, who made 280 Premier League appearances, has claimed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin should remain at Everton despite having a good season.

Manchester United have reportedly enquired about the England international and the Toffees have slapped an £80 million price tag on their star striker, who has scored 15 goals this season.

Calvert-Lewin started the season as one of the most in-form players in the Premier League as he scored 11 goals in 11 games but injuries have disrupted his second half of the season.

Speaking on whether Calvert-Lewin should leave Everton this summer and what he must do before getting a move away, Lee exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“Not at the moment no, but I think he had a great start to the season scoring 11 in 11 but he needs consistency and that’s what teams will be looking for, consistency, especially for the amount of money that Everton would demand for him.

“I don’t see the point in him going or the point in Everton letting him go. He might as well have another season there and if he does as well as he started this season then in a year’s time, I’m sure that there’ll be clubs after him.”

The 24-year old was signed from Sheffield United in 2016 for just £1.6 million so the Toffees would make a comfortable profit on the striker if he was to leave.

Everton still have a chance of qualifying for the Europa League this season as they find themselves just four points behind Tottenham Hotspur in sixth.