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Diego Laxalt is unlikely to extend his Celtic stay beyond the summer, according to Italian outlet Sempre Milan.

Reports back in January claimed that the Uruguayan rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal worth ‘almost’ €3m a season, as it was his ‘priority’ is to join Celtic in the summer.

Laxalt’s Milan future addressed

However, it doesn’t seem as if a permanent switch to Parkhead will materialise, going off the latest report.

Sempre Milan also add that is it unlikely the left-back will remain with AC Milan, so it seems as if the 28-year-old, who has made 24 appearances in Scotland this season, will have a new side for the 2021/22 campaign.

Transfer Tavern take

Laxalt has been in and out of the side in recent months but has regained his place ahead of Greg Taylor in Celtic’s last three games due to the latter’s injury issues.

Taylor, statistically, has actually outperformed Laxalt in the Scottish Premiership, as per WhoScored. The Scot has averaged a league rating of 6.96, higher than Laxalt’s average of 6.82.

The South American’s Milan wage is also thought to be around £57,000-a-week. Scott Brown is Celtic’s highest permanent earner on £23,000-a-week, so we don’t see Laxalt not returning in a permanent deal next season as a huge blow due to his high salary and average displays.

In other news: Roy Keane’s potential No.2 at Celtic revealed, find out more here. 

Manchester United take on Manchester City this weekend in a game which looks make-or-break for any potential title challenge.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has plenty of selection dilemmas to make ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium, but one man who should be included in the starting line-up is winter arrival Amad Diallo.

Signed from Atalanta, the 18-year-old has made just two substitute appearances for the Red Devils thus far this season, both in the Europa League.

However, he had an instant impact for the club’s under-23 setup, notching three goals and three assists in just two showings.

It is that form which should see him start ahead of fellow United youngster Mason Greenwood, who has netted just one goal in the Premier League this season from 21 appearances, that solitary strike coming back at the start of December.

Diallo’s statistics in his albeit limited senior appearances also paint a damning picture for Greenwood’s place in the side.

Across just 73 minutes in all competitions for both his former club and his new employers, the young Ivorian has averaged one shot, 0.5 key passes and one dribble per game, as well as being fouled on average 1.3 times per appearance, according to WhoScored.

These numbers are not too dissimilar to Greenwood’s 1.7 shots, 0.3 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game. However, he has only been fouled 0.6 times per appearance.

The greater attention and cynical play on Diallo from opposition, whilst not enhancing his own performance or goalscoring prospects, give opportunities to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to set their sights from free-kicks.

Those numbers could imply that the £13.5m-rated winger should certainly be in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s thoughts.

It is clear that former Red Devils man Paul Scholes is a fan of the young winger, too, labelling him a “real talent”.

Whilst United boss Solskjaer could decide it might be too early to blood Diallo in the melting pot of a Manchester derby, the youngster is certainly pushing for inclusion and should definitely be considered ahead of the woefully out-of-form Greenwood.

AND in more news, read why we think Jack Grealish is a must-buy for the Red Devils in the summer…

Phil Jones appears to be stuck in strange sort of purgatory at Manchester United right now.

Not good enough to start for the Red Devils, yet there is always a fleeting thought that there is still some promise, with his injuries utterly obliterating his chances of breaking into the team.

However, with his star now surely dimmed and reports in The Metro suggesting that the club are prepared to let the defender go this summer, now is the time for Jones to depart Old Trafford for the good of both Manchester United and his career.

Upon his arrival in Manchester from Blackburn Rovers, the then 19-year-old Jones brought plenty of promise, with even Sir Alex Ferguson suggesting he could be one of the club’s “best ever” players.

He played a key role under the Scot in the 2012/13 title win, remaining a solid centre-back option until the 2018/19 season.

Former United boss Jose Mourinho also appeared to be a big fan, stating he had “everything” that the Portuguese ace looked for in a defender.

Since then, his chances of first-team action have all-but diminished, making just eight appearances in all competitions since, having not even taken to the pitch at all in 2020/21.

Jones’ opportunities now seem even more remote, with the £5.4m-rated man behind the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and even Axel Tuanzebe in the pecking order.

With reports suggesting that Solskjaer is prioritising a centre-back in the summer transfer window, that sees his chances of seeing first-team action going from extremely unlikely to completely evaporated.

Now at the age of 29 and with two years left to run on his £75k per week contract, Man United need to let Jones go, as they’re paying him a huge salary for pretty much no reason. He’s often injured and even when he’s not, he’s not playing.

The player himself should be keen to make a move too in order to try and re-start his stalled career.

It makes total sense then for an imminent parting of the ways between the defender and his employers. Despite having made 224 appearances for the Red Devils, Jones will hopefully now escape the purgatory that he currently finds himself in.

AND in more news, take a closer look at our analysis of Scott McTominay’s determined showing against West Ham United…

Many West Ham United fans have been discussing a news update about Jesse Lingard that recently emerged on social media.

The Daily Mail have recently reported on Lingard’s situation at Manchester United, saying that West Ham are still very much keen on signing the Englishman before the end of the ongoing January transfer window. The report also states that the midfielder is considering his future at Old Trafford and he wasn’t in the squad for the club’s recent FA Cup win over Liverpool.

The report also claims that West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United are also interested in Lingard, but they would both prefer a loan deal for him.

Lingard has previously worked under David Moyes during the Scotsman’s tenure at Man Utd. Moyes had managed the midfielder in some friendlies, before Lingard was loaned out to Birmingham and Brighton.

The 28-year-old seems to be out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, as he is yet to play even once in the Premier League and has only played in the League Cup and the FA Cup. Even in the second half of the 2019/20 campaign, Lingard hadn’t played too much for the Red Devils and wasn’t in the squad for multiple games.

Solskjaer recently gave an update about Lingard’s situation and said: “So, of course, he wants to play football, we will have to see and I will sit down with Jesse and make a decision on what we’re going to do. So far, he’s been the ultimate professional, trained well with a small group this morning that were not in squad.”

The news about West Ham’s interest in Lingard was relayed on Twitter by West Ham Central. Many Hammers fans made their views clear about it.

What did West Ham fans make of this news about Lingard?

“Got Everton bound written all over and they’re welcome to him.”

Credit: @ANDAMA73x

“Moyes worked with him before. Got to let him have the benefit.”

Credit: @Aaronskerritt1

“Loan with option would be good. I trust Moyes on this one.”

Credit: @77azulgrana_”As I said earlier, loan would be good.”Credit: @ohwutevernvm”Please.”Credit: @MuvSaid”Better than Lanzini, would definitely take.”Credit: @1999_JRD”Yess.”Credit: @WHUOmarIn other news, West Ham are set to push for the signing of a French striker – read more here.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been left with a big decision to make ahead of Sunday’s game with Wolves after Fraser Forster made it four clean sheets in four appearances this season with another shut-out in the FA Cup win at Molineux on Thursday night.

The 32-year-old has been second choice behind Alex McCarthy for much of the season but has impressed in all of his FA Cup appearances this season against Arsenal, Shrewsbury and Wolves respectively. He also kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win against Liverpool in the Premier League, when McCarthy missed out after testing positive for the current viral outbreak.

The former QPR man has recorded seven clean sheets in the Premier League season but has struggled in recent weeks, with his last clean sheet coming in the 0-0 draw with West Ham, before a string of poor performances against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Hasenhuttl suggested recently that Forster is the ‘number one B’ after his ‘fantastic’ performance in the win against Liverpool, but that remains his only Premier League appearance this season.

If the former Celtic loanee continues to impress in cup competitions, then surely it is only a matter of time before he usurps McCarthy as the number one ‘keeper with the South Coast club, especially after he was impressive again in the 2-0 win against Wolves on Thursday.

This has therefore left Hasenhuttl with a big decision to make ahead of the game against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the league on Sunday, as form suggests that he should go with Forster, but it may well be a blow to McCarthy’s confidence if he is dropped after some recent disappointing displays.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper earns £70k per week at St Mary’s and his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2022, so if he cannot force his way into Hasenhuttl’s Premier League side more regularly, then perhaps we will see him depart this summer rather than Saints losing him for free at the end of next season, which would be a blow when you consider how solid he has been on his rare appearances this season.

And, in other news… Forget Armstrong: Southampton beast who played 5 key passes was Ralph’s best vs Wolves

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former EFL marksman Dean Windass has revealed what he’s heard surrounding the vacant managerial job at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls are looking for their fifth boss in three years following the shock sacking of Tony Pulis two weeks ago.

Thai chairman Dejphon Chansiri pulled the trigger on the veteran Welshman after just one win in ten matches and has since left coach Neil Thompson in caretaker charge.

According to Windass, the Wednesday owner is set to go down the foreign route this time around.

In the last few days, several names have been linked with the role, ranging from the Paul Cook to former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink.

Other names mentioned include ex-Anderlecht boss Rene Weiler, the recently-sacked Joey Barton, Jose Morais and Gus Poyet.

Speaking to FFC, Windass said:

“I don’t know who’s going to get the job.

“I’ve heard on the grapevine – not by Josh – that they are going to go down the foreign market after Tony.

“So only time will tell when we hear. I’m sure we’ll know before the players will know.”

Under Chansiri, the Owls have appointed two managers from outside the UK, both turned out to be either side of the performance spectrum.

Carlos Carvalhal guided the Yorkshire giants to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, something they’ve not achieved since, whilst Jos Luhukay only lasted 48 games in 2018.

Wednesday have not achieved a better finish than 12th since the 2016/17 campaign and currently face an uphill battle to survive in the division, though Thompson now has them unbeaten in all three matches under his stewardship.

Heading into this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Exeter City, the Owls are only outside of the drop zone on goal difference with two teams below them holding at least one game in hand.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday star ruled out for AT LEAST 10 days

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Thursday evening, as they take on Burnley at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have slipped off the top of the table in recent weeks and remain without a Premier League win in 2021, something they will be desperate to rectify against Sean Dyche’s side.

The Reds have been very low on goals, with just one in their last four top-flight fixtures against West Brom, Newcastle United, Southampton and Manchester United, respectively.

With that in mind, Burnley could also provide a stern test for the Champions as they were the only side to take a point from Anfield last season.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Klopp to line his side up on Thursday, with three changes from the side that drew against Manchester United…

Alisson keeps his place in goal after an impressive performance against Manchester United last time out.

There are two changes in defence, as the out-of-form Trent Alexander-Arnold drops to the bench, with Neco Williams handed a rare start in his place.

Joel Matip also returns to the side having recovered from injury recently, and the Cameroonian international could be key to dealing with Burnley’s aerial threat at Anfield.

Jordan Henderson moves into defensive midfield, with Thiago dropping to the bench, despite a superb performance against United, as he should be rested for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Curtis Jones deserves another start after some excellent performances earlier in the season, and he replaces Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield.

The Reds’ front three stays the same as Klopp’s side desperately need to pick up all three points in this game but the German manager will no doubt have one eye on Sunday’s FA Cup tie, so if Liverpool are comfortable against Burnley, it may not be a surprise to see him make a few substitutions to rest some legs.

And, in other news… Klopp can refresh Salah by axing £99m-rated ace for “confident” academy beast

Sunderland AFC feels like a circus at the moment.

It’s a mood that supporters have become accustomed to in the last four to five years but things have arguably never been as unclear as they are now.

Not only is Stewart Donald locked in negotiations to sell the club, but he’s now having to find a new manager for Sunderland too.

Earlier this week they sacked Phil Parkinson after a run of three straight league games without winning. Given the Black Cats are just six points off top spot you can consider it pretty harsh. Though, truth be told, the football was stale and the performances were unlikely to improve.

A host of replacements have been touted from Danny Cowley and Gus Poyet but the one candidate we’re going to focus on is Paul Cook, someone described as “charismatic” by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

The former Wigan manager got the Latics out of League One and did so working under a pretty strict budget. Already that should be an impressive quality for Donald to get excited about when assessing his CV.

After all, this Sunderland side are right on the verge of the EFL’s salary cap so Cook won’t exactly have too much to spend.

And, providing he can get the most out his players, he won’t need to. Specifically, we’re talking about Will Grigg, someone whose transfer to the Stadium of Light has been nothing short of shambolic.

Sunderland needed a striker on deadline day in the winter window in 2019 but Donald couldn’t secure one – that was until he decided to pay a fee of £4m for Grigg.

Since walking through the doors he has scored just eight times, so it’s safe to say that Grigg, in this instance, is definitely not on fire.

However, under someone like Cook, he could rediscover himself and fire the Mackems to promotion. Why? Because they already have a superb understanding of each other.

In the 2017/18 season, Grigg played under Cook at Wigan and racked up a tally of 26 goals in 54 outings – 19 of which came in League One.

Since heading to the north-east, the striker has looked dejected and demoralised. That’s something that could change if Cook comes to the club.

Speaking after he sold Grigg to Sunderland in 2019, he said: “This football club will be here forever, and Will Grigg will forever be a part of its history.

“He’s an absolute diamond of a bloke and he’ll always be welcomed back here.”

It would be great to see their relationship reunited if Cook was appointed at the Stadium of Light.

If he can get Grigg firing in the goals again, that £4m will look like peanuts.

Meanwhile, Sunderland would be playing with fire by hiring this man as their sporting director…

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the last 32 of the Europa League as a seeded outfit after beating Royal Antwerp to overtake them to top spot in Group J on Thursday evening.

Jose Mourinho rested the majority of his first-choice XI but did have to call upon the likes of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Tanguy Ndombele around the hour mark to get the job done.

And it was really nothing more than a job done.

Spurs were rather underwhelming on the night, but it won’t matter as their impressive run of form continued.

Back-up striker Carlos Vinicius tapped in from close range after a long-range free-kick was tipped onto the crossbar before Giovani Lo Celso rounded things off with a tidy second goal.

Although Mourinho will have plenty more to worry about as several players struggled to take their opportunity, none more so than Lucas Moura, who once again let his manager down with another stinking performance.

It was pretty much summed up by the fact that he managed fewer passes (19) than the goalkeeper, Joe Hart (20), when he should have been contributing at the other end of the pitch immensely.

Indeed the winger, valued at €40m (£36m), was anonymous at left-wing, managing to successfully pull off 50% of his dribbles, two blocked shots and committed two fouls, via SofaScore.

He was also rather lightweight winning just five of 14 duels (35%), was dribbled past twice and lost possession a team-high 17 times.

Some supporters were quick to slate Welsh defender Ben Davies on Twitter, as you can see by this example here and this one too, but they should be taking fire at Moura instead.

Alasdair Gold at football.london graded his display a five out of ten, and said: “Plenty of endeavour and runs with the ball with very little end product” which was echoed by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who claimed Moura was “quiet.”

The Brazilian star is earning a cool £80k-per-week in N17 and must do better as one of the north Londoners’ highest earners. It’s back-to-back midweek disappointments and that’ll do his chances of starting above Steven Bergwijn in the league no favours at all.

AND in other news, Spurs need to make their move for the “modern-day David Beckham” before it’s too late…

Having spent some time in the Premier League, Watford winger Ismaila Sarr will know a thing or two about trying to make a name for himself in English football.

Sarr, 22, made quite the impression during his debut season in the Premier League, having scored five goals and supplied five assists in the top flight, via WhoScored.

So it’s perhaps hardly surprising that the Eagles tried to sign the Senegal international for £25m in the summer but to no avail. The Championship club want to recoup something close to the club-record £40m fee they paid to sign him from Rennes in 2019.

But with the winter transfer window a little over two months away, Steve Parish must return for the right winger in January, as this is a move that could work out for all parties. The Palace chairman will be well aware that there will be little chance of a compromise over a fee for the coveted attacking midfielder.

Sarr will remain at Watford for the foreseeable future despite multiple clubs including Premier League champions Liverpool and Manchester United registering their interest in the Senegalese in the summer transfer window. He spent two seasons with Rennes, scoring five times and supplying three assists in 24 league games in Ligue 1, before he really took it to another level the following season, via WhoScored.

Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha has scored an impressive four goals in five league games this term, which is the same amount of goals he managed to score last season, via WhoScored. It’s an open secret that the Ivory Coast international is angling for a move away from Selhurst Park, as he wants to move to a club that can give him European football on a weekly basis, which is something the Eagles are unable to provide, for now at least. However, whether or not a club will be able to meet his colossal wages remains to be seen.

Sarr was once hailed as a “top player” who will “only get better” by Kevin Phillips and famously bagged a brace as Watford ran riot over Liverpool at Vicarage Road last term.

With Zaha turning 28 next month, the club should start to think about who could be ready to take the mantle from him, if and when such an opportunity arises. It’s fair to say that Eberechi Eze is still wet a little bit behind the ears, but Sarr has shown that he can mix it with the very best of the division. Returning for the Watford winger would give them someone who has a full season of playing in the Premier League under the belt, as well as Europa League experience as an added extra.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace may live to regret missing out on Watford winger Ismaila Sarr…