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Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham looks set to return to the club this summer following his loan spell with Marseille.

That’s according to La Provence, cited by the Daily Record, who claimed that the Ligue 1 side will not take up their option of making Ntcham’s deal permanent at the end of the season.

Marseille could have forked out around £4.5m to sign the Frenchman on a full-time basis, but it seems as if that won’t be the case.

Ntcham’s woeful form

Ntcham hasn’t exactly had the most memorable of loan spells in his native country.

He sealed a move back to France on deadline day, but he has made just three starts for the club, being replaced at half-time in every one of those matches.

Transfer Tavern take

The news may come as a blow to the Hoops, who could also receive cash due to former striker Moussa Dembele this summer. They may have been hoping to receive £4.5m for Ntcham as well ahead of a Parkhead rebuild.

Ntcham is valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt and will have just 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal in the summer.

Celtic may then have a big decision on their hands ahead of the 2021/22 campaign – do they look to offload Ntcham in a cut-price deal, or include him in their plans for the new season?

In other news: Celtic defender unlikely to be at Parkhead next season, find out more here. 

Leeds could sign another Raphinha in Juventus winger Douglas Costa.

What’s the story?

With Marcelo Bielsa’s side enjoying an impressive return back to the Premier League, it’s no surprise that the club are getting linked with some real high-profile names.

And, according to Italian publication CalcioMercato, the Whites could well step up their interest in Costa, who is currently spending the season on loan at Bayern Munich.

The report claims that Bayern are unlikely to keep him beyond the end of this campaign, and that Bielsa is a big fan of the 30-year-old. It’s added that Juventus could ask for a fee of around £9.5m.

Orta could sign another Raphinha

Just like one of the stars of Leeds’ season right now, Raphinha, the £195k-a-week-earning Costa is also a tricky winger with bags of tricks in his locker.

The veteran winger has an impressive career average of 2.5 dribbles per game, including a high of 3.4 per match in the league with Juventus back in the 2017/2018 campaign – to put that into context, Raphinha is currently averaging 1.7 per match in the Premier League this season, while his highest over a single league campaign is 2.2 with Stade Rennes last year.

And Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has previously spoken highly about the Brazilian, having worked with him at Bayern Munich. He said: “(Douglas Costa) is very strong in one against one or one against two or even in one against three situations.”

That ability to take players on one-on-one, or even beat multiple players like Guardiola suggests, could add another dimension to Leeds’ attack and make opponents think twice about trying to double up on Raphinha.

The duo’s skill and directness would make both wide areas as potent as the other, and leave teams struggling to come up with a genuine game-plan.

They could put on an incredible show at Elland Road if given the chance to play together, and that promises to be a mouth-watering combination if a deal can be done.

Meanwhile, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa must unleash this ace…

Manchester City produced a professional display to see off Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening, with Pep Guardiola springing a lot of surprises with his team selection.

The Spanish manager set his team up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Gabriel Jesus featuring on the left-wing, whilst Raheem Sterling was omitted from the squad completely.

The former Liverpool man was also left out against Southampton in midweek following his poor performance in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United, and after Jesus’ impressive display in East London last night, he may well struggle to force his way back into the team.

As per SofaScore, the Brazilian forward would earn an impressive 7.7 rating for his display, with only Joao Cancelo rated higher of any player on the pitch.

Jesus scored the second goal of the evening by capitalising on a Fulham mistake and rounding Alphonse Areola, before firing into the net, showing the sort of composure that he has often lacked in front of goal.

When playing up front, the 23-year-old is sometimes left isolated, but he was supported by Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres in attacking roles, which allowed him to get much more involved in the build-up play, whilst also causing problems for the Fulham defence with his runs in behind.

During the game, the former Palmeiras man would impressively complete 6/7 of his dribbles, whilst 25/30 of his passes were accurate, resulting in an 83% accuracy rate.

He also contributed impressively when it came to winning duels, as he was successful in 9/13 of his ground duels during the game, which emphasises that he is more than willing to get stuck in and defend from the front, something which Sterling struggles with.

In his appearance against United, the winger would fail to win a single duel or complete a single dribble, so it is easy to see why he hasn’t featured in the last two games, as he was very disappointing.

Whilst both Sterling and Jesus have been guilty of missing big chances in recent seasonsm if the Brazilian is given more opportunities to impress in a new role on the left-wing, then you could definitely argue that the £99m-rated England international’s place in Guardiola’s side could be under serious threat.

And, in other news… Forget Haaland: Txiki could sign City’s next Aguero in “outstanding” £90m-rated gem

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to continue their rich vein of form when they head to Championship outfit Wycombe Wanderers in an FA Cup fourth round clash later this evening.

After playing three times in seven days, Jose Mourinho’s side were gifted an eight-day rest ahead of their encounter, so barring those that are injured, the Portuguese has a full squad to choose from.

But given they are playing lower league opposition, there could be a chance to see some of the club’s future stars in action.

Indeed, against non-league Marine last time out, Mourinho fielded the likes of Harvey White (who is now at Portsmouth on loan), Alfie Devine and Jack Clarke (who has gone to Stoke City on loan).

According to The Sunday Times’ Duncan Castles, Mourinho would like a new pacey central defender in the transfer market before deadline day on February 1st, but it may be worth seeing what Japhet Tanganga can do as he could save Daniel Levy millions this month.

The 21-year-old gem has only featured for a total of 388 minutes this campaign, including a 45-minute cameo at Marine as well as two clean sheets in the Europa League, per Transfermarkt.

He’s a player that has been tipped for big things in the past.

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Former Spurs man Darren Bent lauded Tanganga a “very exciting prospect” to Football Insider, whilst club legend and current first-team coach Ledley King has always been a fan. He told talkSPORT:

“I’ve been able to have a few conversations with him actually sit down to show him a few bits and pieces. He’s a kid that is hungry to play, enjoys defending which is great. His main position is centre-back and he’s slotted in at right-back brilliantly.”

Both Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty are doubts for this tie, so Tanganga could slot right in there whilst it would be wise to keep the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier fresh for the upcoming schedule – the Europa League returns next month, for example.

At 6-foot he should have no problem filling in centrally plus many Spurs fans have seen what he’s had to offer in the past. Aside from the aforementioned matches, Tanganga has also kept clean sheets against Man City and Watford in the top-flight last season.

Having conquered Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero once, the £25k-per-week colossus should have no problem against the rock-bottom Championship strugglers.

So forget Rodon or Devine, it’s Tanganga’s time to shine.

AND in other news, Imagine him & PEH: Spurs could create a formidable spine by signing £22.5m “beast”…

Marcel Brands will rue failing to offload Muhamed Besic to Reading on Deadline Day after they declared their late interest in the Everton midfielder.

What’s the word?

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Madejski Stadium natives eyed a late swoop for Besic after turning attentions to Goodison Park in the final hours of the winter transfer window.

Royals coach Veljko Paunovic is said to be a fan of the 28-year-old, while Besic would have been keen to secure a move to the Championship side.

Reading’s interest emerged with less than four hours remaining of the mid-season market but it led to another failed exit for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, after a move to Rangers in October failed to materialise.

Besic has played no part in Everton’s 2020/21 campaign after being omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s 25-man Premier League squad.

And while he spent parts of pre-season training with the Toffees first-team, he has since been working with the Under 23s to maintain his fitness.

The £2m-rated enforcer only has six-months remaining on his £30,000-per-week contract and he is likely to now leave Everton as a free agent at the end of the season.

A missed opportunity

Reading’s interest in Besic will represent a missed opportunity for Everton, and specifically, their Director of Football Brands, who would no doubt have wanted to get the Roberto Martinez signing’s salary off the wage bill.

Everton are currently paying Besic to not play, with the 28-year-old not even turning out for David Unsworth’s junior side, having been omitted from each of the U23s’ Premier League 2 fixtures this term.

The Blues managed to offload Cenk Tosun and Jonjoe Kenny’s wages for the time being with the duo departing on temporary deals with Besiktas and Celtic, respectively, while Yannick Bolasie sealed a loan move to Middlesbrough that will run until his Everton contract expires in the summer.

Despite Reading’s interest coming so late, Brands should have moved heaven and earth to see that Besic moved to the Madejski Stadium.

Yet Besic remains on Merseyside to train, stay fit and look ahead to pastures new, knowing he can now reach pre-contract agreements all the while offering nothing to Ancelotti or Everton, despite picking up £30,000-a-week.

AND in other news, the exit of a £28k-p/w dud is great news for a “gifted” Everton outcast…

The transfer window is finally open. It only felt like a matter of months ago that it initially closed, yet here we are, ready and raring to go for another four weeks of chaos.

In Spurs’ case, it will be an opportunity to strengthen their title credentials, so where will they look to buy, loan or sell?

What’s the word?

One area they may unexpectedly have to strengthen is in the goalkeeper department.

That’s because Mauricio Pochettino is looking to bring Hugo Lloris to PSG once he signs on the dotted line and becomes the new manager of the Parisians.

The Frenchman is Tottenham’s captain so it would clearly be a great loss. Fortunately, though, they already have a replacement in mind.

According to The Sun, one of Daniel Levy’s targets to replace Lloris would be West Brom stopper Sam Johnstone.

It’s not revealed how much he’d cost but having set the Baggies back £6.5m, it’s unlikely he’d dampen Tottenham’s coffers too much.

Fantastic replacement

For a club of Spurs’ stature, signing someone from West Brom might not be too eye-catching on the face of it. However, you can’t deny that Johnstone isn’t one of the best in the business at the moment.

The Albion ‘keeper has produced a number of mesmeric displays this term, saving the most shots – 66 – of anyone to play between the sticks in the Premier League. Just imagine how the likes of Toby Alderweirald and co would play if they had a man as confident as that behind them. It’s a mouthwatering prospect.

Spurs have already found him difficult to break, defeating the Midlands side by a scoreline of just 1-0 earlier this season. In that encounter, Johnstone conceded to Harry Kane but he did manage to prevent the frightening Heung-min Son from finding the back of the net.

Considering the South Korean forward has 11 goals in 15 outings this season, that’s no easy achievement.

Going from Lloris to Johnstone may seem like a step-down but the latter is continuously proving himself to be an exceptional goalkeeper. Though, for some, that will come as no surprise.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce described the 27-year-old as a “diamond” when the two worked together at Aston Villa.

That appraisal has never been more apparent than now. Johnstone is quickly becoming one of the finest in his position in the top-flight.

AND in other news, Spurs must move for “fearless” 26-cap titan, Levy has found the new Vidic…

Jean-Philippe Gbamin can benefit from Steven Nzonzi’s decision to remain at Stade Rennais for the rest of the season amid rumoured interest from Everton.

What’s the word?

According to Ouest France, it is considered a certainty among those close to Nzonzi that he will see out the season in Ligue 1 after speculation arose that he could quit Julien Stephan’s side.

Nzonzi was thought to have held discussions with AS Roma over terminating his loan spell early, as Arsenal and Everton closely monitored the situation with a view to forging a pursuit of the 32-year-old during the January transfer window.

Both Arsenal and Everton are understood to have held a long-standing interest in Nzonzi, with the Gunners’ position said to date back to Arsene Wenger’s tenure before the £9m-rated titan joined Roma and subsequently secured temporary moves to Galatasaray and Rennes.

Stade Rennais would be loath to lose Nzonzi this month were he to quit the Roazhon Park natives, for whom he has started for in 18 of their 20 Ligue 1 fixtures this term as Stephan strives to secure another season of European football in north-west France.

Rennes bowed out of the Champions League Group Stage without a win earlier this season, losing twice to Chelsea and Sevilla and once to Russian outfit FK Krasnodar, in which Nzonzi featured in five fixtures and missed one through suspension.

Gbamin’s time to shine

Nzonzi deciding to remain in the capital city of Brittany and see out the season with Rennes may be a blow for Everton having considered his services, but the 32-year-old’s choice will be seen as a positive for Gbamin as he looks to make his comeback from more than a year on the sidelines.

Everton are understood to be hopeful that Gbamin will be able to return to first-team training with the rest of the squad at the end of the month, to bring a curtain down on a miserable 18-months for the £65,000-per-week midfielder.

Gbamin only played 135 minutes of competitive football in the 2019/20 season following a £25m move from Bundesliga outfit 1.FSV Mainz 05 before he faced his first injury in royal blue, with a hamstring strain that led to two rounds of surgery and two relapses.

He then sustained an achilles tendon injury in a training ground incident last May that has kept him watching from the stands as Everton chase qualification for the Champions League, with a side now featuring Allan as the holding enforcer under Carlo Ancelotti.

The arrival of Nzonzi would only have further clustered an already packed engine room beside Tom Davies, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes, and make Gbamin’s route back onto the pitch even tougher.

But Gbamin may soon have his chance to shine and show Everton supporters why Marco Silva identified him as the Toffees’ heir to Idrissa Gana Gueye, and not just an injury-prone 25-year-old.

AND in other news, Everton have requested further information on the availability of a 21-y/o target who “has potential”…

After clinging on to a 0-0 draw with ten men against Leeds United last weekend, Arsenal return to Europa League action on Thursday, hoping to get back to winning ways.

Mikel Arteta’s side take on Molde away from home, and know that a victory in Norway will guarantee qualification to the knock-out stages – particularly impressive given how much they’ve struggled this season back in the Premier League.

As has been the case for the first few group stage games, Arteta will no doubt make some changes to his starting line-up to give some of his fringe players and younger talent the chance to impress.

And with that in mind, below is a look at how the Gunners might line up.

In goal, summer signing Runar Runarsson may make only his second appearance in an Arsenal shirt, giving usual number one Bernd Leno a rest.

Arteta is also likely to make wholesale changes to his back four too, and it will be very surprising to see any of those defenders who started against Leeds keep their place for the trip to Molde.

That could see returns for the likes of Cedric, David Luiz (who missed the weekend game due to the birth of his daughter), Shkodran Mustafi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

In midfield, Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka both played the full 90 minutes against Leeds as they battled to save a point, and the work they got through must surely see Arteta give them a rest.

If that’s the case, Joe Willock could be partnered by 18-year-old Miguel Azeez who was on the plane to Molde and is in line to make his competitive debut for the club.

Further forward, Nicolas Pepe’s red card at Elland Road appears not to have gotten disciplinary punishment from Arteta, who hinted that he is ready to start him on Thursday and give him the chance to put things right.

And in exciting news for Arsenal fans, they could see three academy products complete the rest of their attack, with Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah pushing to make the starting line-up.

Predicted XI: Runarsson; Cedric, Mustafi, Luiz, Maitland-Niles; Willock, Azeez; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Nelson; Nketiah.

If you look through Wolves’ squad and indeed their academy, they are incredibly lucky.

Why? Because their current crop of youngsters is arguably the best we’ve seen in the last decade. Morgan Gibbs-White is currently on loan at Swansea but in the summer, they brought the likes of Fabio Silva and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Molineux.

They are spoiled for choice when it comes to younger players, also possessing former Liverpool starlet Ki-Jana Hoever, someone with enormous potential.

Lest we forget Taylor Perry and Theo Corbeanu as well, the U23s top scorers this season. However, for now, we want to focus on a versatile individual who makes more of an impact in defensive situations.

The man in question is Austrian youth international Pascal Estrada, a teenager who can play at centre-back or midfield.

More naturally a defensive midfielder, he’s spent the 2020/21 season playing at the heart of defence for Wolves in Premier League 2. Whether that’s the best use of his talents remains to be seen, but there is already a firm belief he could be the heir to Joao Moutinho’s throne in the Midlands.

The experienced Portuguese has been a pillar of consistency since signing for Nuno Santo’s men but at the age of 35, he is in the twilight of his career. You feel as though someone like Moutinho could play for a long while yet but if they do want to make a change, they need to look no further than one of their own – Estrada.

Speaking in March 2019, the 18-year-old said: “Joao Moutinho plays a similar type of football to me. He has a lot of experience and has had some great performances at Molineux. He has everything, so intelligent and composed on the ball.”

So, we’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth, now he just needs to realise how far he can go in the game.

Estrada is yet to earn a senior call-up but it surely won’t be too long before we see the tall youngster on the first-team scene.

He battles hard and even pops up with the odd goal, scoring in a 3-0 win for the academy side over Fulham in November.

The teenager has lofty ambitions too. His favourite player is Toni Kroos and he wants to win the Champions League. First and foremost, however, is the domestic scene.

“My dream is to play in the Premier League. I’m loving every day right now,” Estrada commented last year.

It can’t be too long before we see the ball-playing midfielder in Nuno’s plans.

AND in other news, Wolves can DISCOVER their Conor Coady heir in rarely-seen starlet with “lots of pace”…

Wolverhampton Wanderers may have missed out on a potential gem – if only they listened to former sporting director Kevin Thelwell before he departed Molineux…

What was the word?

Ahead of the January transfer window last season, the Midlands outfit were linked with a move for South Korean sensation Hwang Hee-chan by the reliable John Percy.

According to the Telegraph reporter, Wolves were planning a bid, thought to be in the region of £20m, for the forward with the view to loaning him back to RB Salzburg for the remainder of the season.

Thelwell personally scouted the 24-year-old on multiple occasions before the club pulled the plug on their pursuit.

One that got away?

Hee-chan has since joined exciting Bundesliga side RB Leipzig as the successor to Timo Werner, signing for just €10m (£9m). It appears Wolves missed out on an absolute steal.

For sister club Salzburg last season, the 32-time international contributed to a whopping 38 goals (16 goals, 22 assists) in 40 appearances, including in big Champions League ties against Napoli and Liverpool.

He’s been likened to Liverpool star Roberto Firmino in terms of playing style: “[Hee-chan] likes to get on the ball and has a trick or two up his sleeve to shake off a defender. [He’s] comfortable with both feet, with the strength to hold off an opponent and the pace to exploit space,” wrote Bundesliga.com.

His former coach Peter Zeidler has also waxed lyrical about his talents, claiming: “He’s exceptional, has a brutal dynamism. I’ve rarely seen anything like it.”

Even Erling Haaland dubbed him “absolutely crazy,” which is high praise indeed considering the Dortmund talisman is the crazy talent right now.

With an ability to play on the left as well as through the middle or even as a number ten, it appears that Wolves missed out on the most perfect Diogo Jota successor.

The 24-year-old has already made his presence felt in Germany too, scoring and assisting a goal apiece in Leipzig’s DFL Cup win over Nurnberg last month in what was his first start for the club.

Wolves are one of the fast-growing clubs globally thanks to their Chinese ownership group, Fosun, so adding a South Korean star would’ve aided that goal substantially.

You only have to look at Heung-min Son’s off-the-field impact to see the rewards that could’ve come their way.

AND in other news, £25.2m-rated Wolves star was a HUGE passenger vs Newcastle…