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According to a report by the Sun, West Ham United are in a three-way battle with Southampton and Norwich to sign Blackburn Rovers forward Adam Armstrong.

The Lowdown: Armstrong and the Hammers…

Links to Armstrong have been fairly consistent over the last few months, with ExWHUemployee saying back in March that he is on the shortlist of striker targets for GSB and co this summer (Patreon).

A recent report by the Lancashire Telegraph even explained how a Hammers enquiry has already been lodged for the player this summer.

The striking position is said to be a main priority for the club to strengthen this transfer window alongside the acquisition of a star centre-back and Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal (Claret & Hugh).

The Latest: West Ham in three-way tussle…

Bringing an update, the Sun now say that West Ham are still in contention for Armstrong but face a three-way battle to sign him.

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Norwich City and Southampton are the other interested parties tussling it out for the £25 million-rated Championship star.

Meanwhile, Armstrong’s current club are already weighing up a replacement in case he does leave Ewood Park.

Indeed, Rovers have apparently set their sights on Blackpool star Jerry Yates as his possible heir.

The Verdict: Perfect target?

Armstrong has earned many admirers from within the Championship and beyond.

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton showered the 24-year-old with praise back in February, calling him an ‘outstanding’ and Premier League-level centre forward (West London Sport).

Meanwhile, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor even told Football Insider that he would be a ‘perfect signing’ for West Ham specifically.

However, if Blackburn demand £25m for his signature, you could say that it would be a gamble despite his tremendous 29-goal haul in all competitions over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

Armstrong has little experience in the English top flight and West Ham arguably need a forward who is proven at the very highest level and can score consistently against toughest opposition.

Therefore, despite his accolades and plaudits, we believe his price tag could still make him a risky purchase.

In other news: ExWHUemployee drops major West Ham transfer update involving ‘phenomenal’ ace, find out more here.

Southampton’s poor performance on the final day of the Premier League season cost them around £6m as they dropped to 15th position, which will surely frustrate manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

According to the Daily Mirror, Southampton will be £11m after finishing the season in 15th place following their 3-0 defeat against West Ham at the London Stadium.

Had they won, the Saints would’ve finished 12th above Newcastle United, with Steve Bruce’s once relegation-threatened side finishing the season on 45 points after a strong end to their season, whereas the Saints could only muster 43 points after a shocking second half of the campaign.

The Toon were awarded £17m for finishing 12th, which means that Hasenhuttl’s side missed out on £6m by failing to beat the Hammers on Sunday.

The South Coast side certainly had opportunities to take the lead through Takumi Minamino and Kyle Walker-Peters but failed to take them, before capitulating in the space of a few minutes after Pablo Fornals’ quickfire double.

It has so often been the case this season where Southampton will dominate proceedings but fail to take their chances before being let down by their leaky defence, with Declan Rice’s goal late on an absolute horror show at the back.

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Considering the Austrian manager has suggested that Southampton will be in the market for players who will cost less than £10m this summer, the £6m they missed out on the final day could well be the difference between Southampton signing a player and not being able to afford him this summer.

The Saints’ form in the second half of the season was that of a relegation side, and they could’ve found themselves in seriously hot water if it wasn’t for the similarly awful form shown by Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United, with only Southampton’s impressive start to the campaign saving them from relegation.

Therefore, it is clear that new signings are a must this summer if Southampton want to avoid a relegation battle, and Hasenhuttl will no doubt be fuming that his players arguably cost the club a potential new transfer with a shocking final day display.

And, in other news… Scapegoat: Saints fans were far too harsh on gem who made 7 key passes vs West Ham

Rangers’ hopes of signing Ryan Gauld this summer have taken a blow after it was revealed that SC Farense have triggered an extension to his contract, meaning that Steven Gerrard will no longer be able to bring him to Ibrox on a free transfer.

The former Dundee United man has been linked with a move to Rangers in recent weeks and it had seemed as if he would be available on a free transfer, as his contract was set to expire in the summer.

However, Portuguese news outlet O Jogo have now revealed that Farense have taken up their option of extending his contract by another year and will only let him go for €4m (£3.5m) this summer.

It is no surprise that the Lions of Faro are keen to receive a fee for the 25-year-old, although they will perhaps be resigned to seeing him leave following their relegation from the Portuguese top flight, especially with a number of Premier League and Championship clubs also reportedly showing an interest.

Despite his price tag, which would likely make him the third-most-expensive signing of the Gerrard era at Rangers behind Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe, his performances in recent seasons certainly suggest that this would be a deal worth doing for Ross Wilson this summer.

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Farenese’s former manager Sergio Vieira was full of praise for Gauld last season, saying: “He has given us fantastic individual quality, played most of every 90 minutes and has been crucial in contributing with assists and goals.

“He’s a great player, technically very developed and, with the ball at his feet, capable of realising actions that only the best players do.”

Gauld contributed an impressive nine goals and seven assists in 33 league appearances this season and has averaged a solid 7.19 rating from WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he could be a stellar addition to Gerrard’s side ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

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Therefore, despite this setback, Wilson should definitely act quickly if he wants to bring Gauld to Ibrox this summer.

In other news… Gerrard dealt Rangers blow with “very dangerous” 32-goal beast, time is running out

This summer could be one where Celtic look to take advantage of the Scottish market.

It was something the Bhoys utilised well last summer when they welcomed David Turnbull to Parkhead.

He’s has enjoyed a brilliant campaign and has been recognised as one of the best young players in the division throughout 2020/21.

On the chalkboard

Turnbull’s appearance among the nominees for the Young Player of the Season award is well deserved.

If anyone has been a shining light from a torrid season at Paradise it’s him. The 21-year-old has netted nine times and also has seven assists to his name.

However, it was baffling that there was no place for Ali McCann on the shortlist. The Northern Ireland midfielder has had a breakthrough season and has been watched by Celtic scouts numerous times throughout the course of the campaign.

Currently playing for St Johnstone, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if we saw him at one of the biggest teams in the next few seasons.

After all, he has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer under Callum Davidson.

Bye-bye McGregor

If Celtic decide to act on their interest in McCann then he’d act as a perfect replacement for Callum McGregor.

The Scotland international has widely been tipped to take over the captaincy when Scott Brown departs but it’s hard to argue whether his performances actually merit that.

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Like many at Paradise this season, McGregor hasn’t enjoyed the best of times and if anything summed that up it would be his red card against Rangers last weekend.

He showed a complete lack of discipline as he slid in on Glen Kamara despite already being on a yellow card and was consequently shown his marching orders.

McGregor proved in this instance that he cannot be relied upon to set the tone in the middle of Celtic’s side.

McCann, however, has shown he can dictate and organise things well for St Johnstone.

Described as “excellent” by Davidson, he has all the tools to be a huge success at Celtic. He is versatile and has played at wing-back this term, building on the qualities he’s shown as a midfield player.

The 21-year-old is a solid ball carrier but his defensive attributes are first-class. McCann has won a mighty 2.7 tackles per game in the Premiership this season, a number that usurps every single player at Celtic.

For context, McGregor has recorded just 0.9 tackles per match while Scott Brown has registered 1.3.

He would be a clear upgrade and would offer a protective layer in front of the defence, especially with his exceptional reading of the play; he has made 1.5 interceptions per match.

The midfielder is capable in offensive situations too, scoring the winning penalty to knock Rangers out of the Scottish Cup.

McCann has been impressive for a while now and speaking last term, his former teammate Jason Holt only have fine praise: “He got his place in the team at the start of the season, and to keep it, it is testament to himself and the performances he has been putting in. He has been undroppable.

“He’s definitely got the potential to go on to bigger things. He has a great head on his shoulders and he is very down to earth.”

Celtic could undoubtedly benefit from someone with his qualities; his potential is enormous.

AND in other news, Hoops set for seven-figure windfall after big Celtic news, McKay surely buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for Jose Mourinho’s successor and Paul Stewart, who spent four years at Spurs, has exclusively told Football FanCast, that Daniel Levy sacked the Portuguese manager to avoid a significantly bigger payout.

Spurs made the surprising decision to sack Mourinho just days before their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, which they ended up losing 1-0 and managing just one shot on target.

In an astonishing turn of events, Graham Roberts exclusively told FFC that Mourinho played a big part in getting Mauricio Pochettino sacked as he told Levy that he could get more out of the players than Pochettino could.

Mourinho only managed 17 months at Tottenham but has since been appointed as Roma’s new manager for the 2021/22 season and Stewart spoke exclusively to FFC about why he was sacked:

“We’ve probably taken a step backwards over the last couple of years and I don’t know why they hired Jose just to fire him a week before a cup final.

“It seemed ludicrous, but from what I was told it was because of money and how much they would have had to pay him if he had got Spurs into the top four or won a trophy.”

Ryan Mason was handed the task of getting Tottenham into some European competition for next season and they appear to at least be on course for a Europe League or Europa Conference League spot.

There have been reports suggesting that Graham Potter could be the front runner for the job following Steve Hitchen recommending him to Daniel Levy.

According to a report by AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, La Liga side Villarreal are ‘willing to execute’ the purchase option in Juan Foyth’s loan deal following his performances this season – with all signs now pointing towards a permanent summer exit for the Tottenham youngster.

Foyth’s future not at Tottenham

Foyth has been highly rated by those at Spurs in the past, with manager Jose Mourinho once calling him ‘very solid’ shortly after the manager’s arrival in north London (Evening Standard).

As well as this, ex-Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino was a huge fan – he branded Foyth ‘quality’ during his spell in charge (Sky Sports).

Writing for the Athletic last year, journalist Charlie Eccleshare also dubbed him a ‘very exciting player’ when speaking in a Q&A – but AS report that Villarreal are now ‘willing’ to execute his loan-to-buy option for around €15 million (£13.02m).

As a result, all signs point towards Mourinho losing Foyth permanently as a result – coming after Tottenham supporters long held the belief he could excel as a defensive midfielder for Spurs (football.london).

Transfer Tavern take

Villarreal boss Unai Emery, speaking to the press last month, candidly admitted that if it were up to him, he would sign Foyth on a permanent basis (AS) – and it looks like he is about to get his wish.

Despite fellow youngster Oliver Skipp coming as a sure-fire choice to fight for a defensive midfield role next season, keeping hold of Foyth could have also been a boost for Mourinho.

Playing more regularly recently, he has averaged an impressive 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in La Liga – all while completing 88.5% of his passes in that time (WhoScored).

News that Foyth is looking likely to leave on a permanent deal comes as an unlikely potential blow, we believe, as his loan spell has helped him develop into a solid player in the Spanish top flight.

In other news: Tottenham touted as possible move for ‘phenomenal’ ace, find out more here.

Charly Musonda was such a valuable signing to Celtic that the Bhoys tried to bring him to Parkhead twice.

In the summer of 2017, he nearly joined the Hoops on loan before his parent club decided to keep him at the club instead.

He became part of Chelsea’s Premier League squad and played nine times in all competitions for the Blues that term. In the process, he picked up an assist in Europe and also in the top-flight.

Though, after a lack of first-team opportunities Celtic ultimately got their man in January 2018.

After penning temporary terms, Musonda said: “I feel really good. Massive club, really looking forward to it. I’m very lucky to be here and I’m very happy to be here. It’s going to be unreal to play at Celtic Park. Hopefully I can do well for the team.”

Unfortunately, despite Brendan Rodgers’ desire to see him thrive, it was an unsuccessful stint in Glasgow for the Belgian.

Upon signing for an initial 18 months, the former Celtic boss cited Musonda’s “wonderful ability.”

Rodgers added: “I’ve known him for a few years. A big thank you must go to Chelsea. He’s a shining light in their academy.”

Musonda would eventually play just eight times for the Bhoys, being recalled in May after Chelsea lost their patience. He failed to score during his time in Scotland and it was unsurprising they recalled him; he wasn’t even in the squad during the end of his stay.

Since he departed Paradise, his career has fallen off the wagon in one of the worst ways possible.

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The attacking midfielder headed to Vitesse in the Netherlands but after making four appearances early in the 2018/19 season on loan, he’s not been seen on the field of play since.

Musonda has been through his very own version of hell and he’s not in the clear yet either. He picked a cruciate ligament injury in his knee and hasn’t played for the best part of 19 months.

Speaking in December he said: “It’s been four years since I played back to back professional games, three years since I last played for my club, two of those last four years, I’ve been injured with the post cruciate ligament of my knee.”

The midfielder continued: “Doctors told me going through surgery after being out for so long would be the end, an impossible mountain to climb, were the exact words. This is my story and how I keep training and staying ready, despite the odds, one day I’ll be back.”

Now 24, Musonda has returned to light training with Chelsea and has hired his own personal fitness and conditioning strength. He is still yet to appear for the Blues since resuming light ball work in what has been a nightmare two years.

Is the end in sight for the midfielder? Time will tell. Described as a “big talent” by Rodgers, the £42k-per-week earner once had the world at his feet.

Another prodigy off the Chelsea production line, his lack of opportunities has been through complete misfortune, rather than some of the other reasons academy graduates have been handed throughout the years.

Just as his career was beginning to take off, it was effectively ripped away from him. Musonda undoubtedly deserves a second chance.

AND in other news, Big U-turn emerges in Celtic manager search, it’s great news for supporters…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has urged Tottenham to sign Championship striker Ivan Toney should Harry Kane leave this summer.

Fry sold the frontman to Brentford last summer following two successful seasons with Posh, and he’s continued his superb goalscoring form in the Championship, netting 28 goals in just 36 appearances, leaving him just three goals behind Glenn Murray’s second-tier record of 30.

Whilst Toney’s exploits in front of goal have left Brentford in with every chance of securing promotion to the Premier League, the former Peterborough striker has already been linked with a host of topflight clubs, including both West Ham and Arsenal.

However, Fry believes that Tottenham should move for the his former player if Kane opts to leave Spurs in the coming months, with David Ornstein saying this month that the consensus is that he wants to go.

He told Football FanCast: “In my opinion, if Harry Kane left Tottenham, he should be their top target.

“He could go to clubs trying to compete to get into the Champions League next year and do a job, a brilliant job. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”

Despite this being Toney’s first ever campaign at Championship level, he’s been the standout striker in the division, and if his form continues, he’ll be playing in the Premier League next season one way or another.

And with Carlos Vinicius’ loan spell expiring this summer, Spurs are going to need another back-up for Kane, so Toney might yet end up being that man.

Speaking exclusively to Transfer Tavern, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has urged his old side to move for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer if Newcastle United end up getting relegated.

Firmly caught up in a relegation battle this season, the Magpies could find themselves playing in the Championship next term. Such a scenario could easily see some of their star players push for a move, with Saint-Maximin falling into that category.

The 24-year-old French winger is the best dribbler at the club, averaging the most dribbles per league game (3.2, per WhoScored), and Hendrie believes that sort of flair out wide is something Villa severely lack.

“He is one that I would certainly take,” the ex-Villa player told TT when discussing Saint-Maximin in an exclusive interview. “He’s got that Premier League credibility. We’ve seen what he can do.”

Hendrie later went on to add:

“He’s got that attack rate, he’s got flair, you know, all sorts. He could be a key addition to a Villa side that I feel… that’s where they’ve really lacked, in wide areas.

“Touched on Trezeguet before, I think he’d certainly come into the side, he reminds me in certain elements of [Bertrand] Traore, but he’s possibly got that little bit more element of pace going forward and he’s very direct, so he’d be someone I’d certainly be looking at.”

Trezeguet and Traore both looked sharp in Villa’s recent 3-1 win over Fulham. The former managed to grab two goals on the day, while the latter was able to muster up an assist.

Next up for the attacking duo is the visit of Liverpool, while Saint-Maximin and Newcastle take on Burnley.

Celtic are reportedly monitoring Hibernian goalkeeper Ofir Marciano ahead of the summer window.

There has been a key development regarding his future, with Hibernian manager Jack Ross confirming that the 31-year-old has turned down a new contract at Easter Road.

Premier League ambitions

Marciano, who has made 145 appearances for Hibernian and has turned out 23 times for Israel, will now leave the club at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

Celtic aren’t the only side who have been linked with the shot-stopper. Hapoel Be’er Sheva are another club thought to be keen on Marciano, who has Premier League ambitions.

Transfer Tavern take

It remains to be seen what Celtic’s goalkeeping plans are for the 2021/22 campaign, but statistically a move for Marciano could be a shrewd one.

He has kept 12 clean sheets in the Premiership this season, the same number as Scott Bain and more than Vasilis Barkas (10).

Performance-wise, Marciano leads the way among the trio, as per WhoScored. The Israeli averages a Premiership match rating of 6.73, up on Barkas’ score of 6.49 and Bain’s 6.62.

Conor Hazard recently penned new Parkhead terms, so you’d expect that either Barkas or Bain would have to make way in order for Marciano to come in.

In other news: Celtic are keen to talk to teenage ace who attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus last year, find out more here.