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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Graham Roberts has laughed off suggestions that Harry Kane will miss Tottenham’s opening-day meeting with Manchester City next month.

Kane is yet to report back to Hotspur Way for pre-season following his exploits with England at the European Championships, with the visit of the champions now less than three weeks away.

It’s not yet clear who Kane will be playing for when Nuno Espirito Santo takes charge of his first Premier League game on 15 August, but according to the Telegraph, Kane will be on the sidelines regardless.

Having reached the final of the Euro’s, players are generally given around three weeks to recover.

However, Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips has already returned for pre-season just 16 days after the Three Lions suffered penalty heartache against Italy at Wembley.

Kane is currently on holiday with his family having missed Spurs’ first three pre-season games, but Roberts is confident that he’ll be back in the coming weeks.

He exclusively told FFC:

“I know he’s in the Caribbean now because he had the wedding last week, and now he’s in the Caribbean. But Harry Kane is not going to sit on the beach and do nothing.”

Asked whether he thinks Kane will start against Manchester City? “100 percent,” Roberts said confidently.

“If he comes back on the 3rd or 4th as August, he’s still got 10 days. He’ll be running up and down the beach, he’ll have a gym. He’s fit from the Euro’s.

“The first game of the season, nobody is fit. Harry Kane is not going to be 100 percent fit on the opening day of the season, nobody is.”

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be leading the race to sign the coveted Jules Kounde this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh update on the 22-year-old’s future to the 4-4-Two podcast this week.

The Sevilla centre-back has been linked to Spurs as well as their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United but it now appear that the latter is out of the running.

“Man Utd will sign a new centre-back [this window]. Raphael Varane is a serious option, he’s one of the biggest names on the list. Kounde is no more a big option for United because Tottenham are going for him and keep an eye on Pau Torres,” he claimed.

Kounde, who is currently at Euro 2020 with France, has an €80m (£68m) release clause but is expected to be sold for less than that, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently mooting a fee in the region of £50m.

An exciting claim

Spurs’ managerial search may still be rumbling on well into a third month but it’s hugely encouraging news to see that the club is already targeting reinforcements in a key area.

The Lilywhites were amongst the worst defences in the top eight last term, conceding 45 goals from their 38 league games and that largely boiled down to a combination of individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion, with departed boss Jose Mourinho using over 16 different combinations at the back.

This time last year, the club were desperate for a new central defender and the Portuguese only just managed to secure Swansea’s Joe Rodon before the domestic deadline, but that was more in mind for the future than the here and now.

It leaves the Premier League outfit still in dire need of defensive additions, though it seems as if they will be rectifying that for whoever is appointed ahead of next season.

At just 22, Kounde has quickly proven himself at the very top, leading to a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad. The versatile 5 foot 10 dynamo can play in the middle and at right-back and was named in UEFA’s Europa League Squad of the Season for 2019/20 after Sevilla’s triumph.

The Frenchman continued his fine form into last season, where he graded as Julen Lopetegui’s highest-rated player (7.01) ahead of 18-goal marksman Youssef En-Nesyri and assist-king Jesus Navas, as per WhoScored.

It’s no wonder La Liga expert Euan McTear dubbed Kounde “really special” to The Transfer Tavern. “He’s still so young, he’s got energy, great positioning too. All the centre-backs, not just in Spain I think, but if you look around Europe, he’s got to be one of the highest prospects,” he added.

If that’s not enough to have fans absolutely buzzing, then his average of three aerial battles won, 1.2 interceptions and an impressive 90.1% passing accuracy per league outing should do the job.

That suggests he’s an intelligent ball-playing defender, something that is very much lacking in N17 right now. If Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have been dubbed one of the worst partnerships in the Premier League, then Kounde will look like an instant hero in a Spurs shirt.

Now with United seemingly out of the running, it’s all in Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici’s court. They can really appease the fanbase with this move. Get it done.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals fresh twist in Nuno Santo pursuit…

Derby County are considering a move to bring Josh Bowler to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Hull Live, who claim that Wayne Rooney’s side are interested in speaking with the 22-year-old in the coming weeks, with the winger set to leave Everton upon the expiry of his current contract at the end of the month.

The report also suggests that Hull City could be keen to bring the player back to the KCOM Stadium this summer, with Bowler having spent a year on loan at the club in the season before last.

Roberts 2.0

While Bowler impressed for David Unsworth’s Everton U23 side this term, scoring three goals and providing two assists over his six Premier League 2 appearances, the winger’s returns in professional football have not been overly convincing – with the youth side manager claiming that the youngster has been “frustrated” by his lack of first-team opportunities with the Toffees.

In his aforementioned loan spell with Hull, Bowler went on to make 28 Championship appearances for the Tigers, over which he scored one goal, registered no assists and created no big chances for his teammates, in addition to averaging a mere 0.3 shots on target and 0.2 key passes per game.

These disappointing returns saw the £3.1k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of just 6.31, ranking him as Hull’s worst performer out of all 32 of their players to make an appearance in the league that year – with Grant McCann’s side finishing rock bottom in the Championship standings.

As such, with Derby County barely scraping Championship survival themselves last season, unless Wayne Rooney can bring in a number of quality additions to his side over the summer, next term would not appear to bode overly well for the Rams either.

And, one signing made by the 35-year-old manager who particularly failed to impress for Derby last season was that of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts, who scored one goal, provided one assist and created one big chance over his 24 Championship appearances, as well as averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.42.

So, if Rooney wishes to avoid a repeat of the mistake of signing Roberts last season, with similar statistics between the two players in their last Championship outings, it would be highly advisable for the former Manchester United forward to turn his focus away from Bowler this summer.

In other news: Rooney must sanction Derby swoop for £24k-p/w beast with who’s “like a Paul Scholes”

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has raved over Burnley striker Chris Wood as West Ham United allegedly a swoop.

The Lowdown: Hammers links to Wood emerge…

The striker search has been well documented since club record signing Sebastien Haller departed the London Stadium in January.

After failing to sign a new forward in that window, West Ham have since been linked to a host of options – with the most prominent being Tammy Abraham, Youssef En-Nesyri, Adam Armstrong and Ivan Toney (ExWHUemployee).

Recently, however, links have emerged to Clarets forward Wood.

Indeed, Football Insider claimed last week that West Ham have now joined the race for his signature alongside Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Everton.

The Latest: Robinson raves over Wood…

Reacting to FI’s report, Robinson has raved over the prospect of West Ham signing Wood this summer and believes he would be a ‘great option’ and ‘fantastic signing’ for David Moyes.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-2/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“His record speaks for itself, his stats are incredible. He always scores goals,” explained the former Spurs keeper (via Football Insider).

“He is very fit and picks up barely any injuries and he scores goals on a regular basis. I think he’d be a great option for West Ham as much as I wouldn’t want to see him leave Burnley.

“Woody knows where the net is and he would score a lot of goals at West Ham. He would be a fantastic signing for them.

“I suspect Burnley would do everything they can to keep hold of him though. The way that West Ham play he would be the ideal signing.”

The Verdict: Great striker, but not for £30m…

As explained by Football Insider, it is understood that Burnley will demand at least £30m for the New Zealander’s signature.

Wood possesses obvious quality, which is evident through his 12-goal haul last season and impressive average of 2.1 shots on goal per 90 in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Only star West Ham man Michail Antonio (2.4) and 2020/2021 loan sensation Jesse Lingard (2.6) managed higher averages last year, but for that lofty price tag, he just isn’t worth it in our opinion.

At 29-years-old, the towering 6 foot 3 attacker will arguably only decline from here-on-in – with there being much younger and homegrown targets who could cost a similar amount.

Abraham, for instance, is widely reported to be valued at around £40m.

While that is still a heavy price to pay, the Irons would be getting a lot more value for their money given the Englishman is still only 23 and has bagged 21 top flight goals in 37 starts over the last two seasons (WhoScored).

In other news: ‘Buzzing isn’t the right word’…Many West Ham fans rave as news emerges, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be edging closer to finally ending their managerial search but it’s not too late for them to appoint one particular candidate…

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has held talks with the north London outfit over the vacant manager’s role. However, it is also claimed that the club admire three other managers, in which current Italy coach Roberto Mancini features.

The 56-year-old, who has won 13 major trophies throughout his coaching career, has been out of the domestic game since 2018 when he took the national team job. His Italy side currently remain unbeaten at Euro 2020, so it remains to be seen how soon he could come into contention.

Forget Nuno

It does seem like Spurs are closing in on Nuno, who left their Premier League rivals by mutual consent at the end of last season following a dismal 13th-place finish.

To be fair, the 47-year-old did have to deal with several blows, such as losing Diogo Jota to Liverpool and the cruel injury suffered by Raul Jimenez. Truth be told, it’s no wonder they struggled to score as few as 36 goals.

However, if Mancini is being considered by the Spurs hierarchy, then he should absolutely be considered instead. New sporting director Fabio Paratici should know all about him and his managerial ability.

He has won three Serie A titles and numerous league cups, whilst his previous time in England is also hugely encouraging, having secured Manchester City their first Premier League title in 2011/12.

What makes the Italian such an interesting candidate is his recent transformation of the national team. Italy are the only team at Euro 2020 to have won all their group games without conceding a goal. They boast the best goal difference and have recorded the most shots and through-balls at the tournament, as per Sky Sports.

It’s now 30 wins in all competitions for a team which failed to even qualify for the World Cup in 2018, while Mancini has guided them to the knockout stages of a major tournament for just the third time in 13 years, too.

This change in fortunes is something Spurs can only dream of after recording their lowest top-flight finish in over a decade. If there’s anyone that can reinvigorate a sleeping giant, then it is Mancini who seems well-equipped.

In the past, the Italian has been lauded as an “excellent coach”, whilst he once dubbed himself “the best manager in England” back in 2013.

Paratici and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must look to Mancini before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Journalist drops major update in Spurs’ manager search which will surely leave fans furious…

Everton striker Moise Kean will not be heading to the European Championship this summer.

The 21-year-old, who spent the season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain, has failed to make Roberto Mancini’s updated 28-man Italy squad, which was trimmed from 34 on Sunday (Liverpool Echo).

Kean had looked set to be involved for Italy

Kean was in the starting line-up on Friday night as Italy faced San Marino in a friendly but he was withdrawn at half-time after failing to find the net against the side ranked 210th and last in the world.

According to PSGhub, Kean picked up an injury in the game, explaining his exclusion from Mancini’s reduced squad.

The 21-year-old scored 16 goals for PSG this season, more than Neymar in fewer minutes played, but he had not been a success at Everton, netting just four times in 37 appearances so far for his parent club.

Fabrizio Romano relayed the news of Kean’s Italy omission and also offered the latest on his future. PSG are apparently in negotiations with Everton over a permanent deal for the frontman.

The Blues are supposedly willing to sell him, having spent an initial £25.1m to recruit him from Juventus in 2019. The player is now valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt.

Everton fans flock to Kean update

These Everton fans on Twitter took a dim view of Kean’s omission from the updated Italy squad, with some alluding to Graeme Souness’ criticism of the striker upon his arrival at Goodison Park two years ago.

“Who is surprised? PSG, take him off our hands, please”

Credit: @cal_ycfc_efc

“Cash in on this fraud ASAP”

Credit: @WAJG_96

“Huge bummer… I really thought he’d turned the corner and got his confidence back so this will hurt…”

Credit: @KClayFootball

“Hate it when Souness is right”

Credit: @MainManMina

“Gutted this kid never worked out for us. He will be a top player in the future.”

Credit: @Everton1878Ste

“I don’t believe it, Souness was right about him all along.”

Credit: @BT_1878

In other news, many Everton fans were buzzing about this potential incoming.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, has claimed that Roy Keane could be a good appointment for Celtic if they want someone who takes no prisoners.

With Eddie Howe continuing to stall over accepting the Celtic job, something his representatives have said he won’t do until at least the summer, Keane reportedly held more talks with Celtic over the role last month.

Keane has not been a manager since he was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011 but before that, he managed to get Sunderland promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.

Speaking on how Keane could be a different option for Celtic and what he would be like as a manager, Howey exclusively told FFC:

“He obviously played there at the back end of his career so he’s already got a bond with Celtic fans, but it all depends on what the board want. Do they want somebody like Keane, who won’t take any prisoners whatsoever and will upset players because he doesn’t care?

“I think sometimes that’s the right way to go about it but you can’t really do that all the time anymore, but who am I to question Keane? For a manager to go to Celtic, it will be a huge job for them.”

Whoever is appointed as Celtic’s new manager will have a big job on their hands as they look to regain the SPFL title from Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.

Howe has reportedly held talks with Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Newcastle United with the future of their respective managers uncertain.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has backed his former side to make a move for Julian Draxler who has fallen out of favour at PSG.

Draxler has been handed just six starts in the 19 league games since Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as their new manager, so rumours of a move away to Leeds are still rife, following their interest in the midfielder last summer.

The German midfielder is still just 27-years old and if he was to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side, he would add creativity and versatility as he can operate as a number 10, false nine or winger, something which would help Bielsa if he wished to change formations.

Speaking on how Draxler would be a good signing for Leeds United and how the German may now see Leeds as a good move for his career, Norris told FFC exclusively:

“Yeah he would be a good player for them and I’m sure he was spoken about last summer a little bit but I don’t think he fancied it. He may have possibly thought with Leeds being newly promoted that it wasn’t clear what they would be like.

“After this season he may see Leeds differently as they are one of the big teams now and they have got a chance of doing something special so that might change his mind. I think it could have something to it.”

The 27-year old has had a successful career since he swapped Wolfsburg for PSG in 2017, having won an impressive 13 trophies during his time in Paris.

Bielsa will be looking to add some more Premier League quality to his squad this summer as they look to improve on what has been a solid debut campaign.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has slammed UEFA’s system when it comes to which clubs will play in which European competition following the respective qualifying rounds.

The Lowdown: Gers could miss out

After winning the Premiership title, Glasgow Rangers are a couple of two-legged ties away from the Champions League group stages – they will start in the third qualifying round and, should they prevail, they will face another play-off round.

However, if they lose that third qualifying round match, they will face a play-off round to qualify for the Europa League – Celtic, who finished 25 points behind them in the league (BBC), would be guaranteed a spot in the Europa League group stages even if they were to bow out at the same stage.

The Latest: Maguire slams system

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire has questioned the system. He said:

“It’s absolute nonsense, therefore it must be something to do with Uefa.

“European participation is really essential for both clubs, ideally in the Champions League.

“If we take a lot of Rangers’ revenue in 2017-18, they didn’t get very far in European competition that year and their revenue was £32.7m.

“Whereas two years later it was £59m. If you’re in the Champions League group stages we’re probably talking somewhere closer to £80m.

“It’s a game-changer for both clubs, getting into the group stages. The value of the Scottish rights are quite modest, especially compared to the Uefa broadcast deal.

“Remember, both Rangers and Celtic benefit from the rights pool. The way that it works is that the more your domestic broadcaster pays for Uefa rights, the more you get as an individual team.”

The Verdict: In their own hands

There is no doubt about it – this is a bizarre rule which once again leads to questions about UEFA’s ability to organise tournaments. Despite finishing so far ahead of second-placed Celtic in the league, the Gers somehow find themselves at a disadvantage of sorts.

As Maguire explains, the Gers’ adventures in Europe during the 2019/20 campaign, when they reached the Europa League round of 16, increased the coffers by the sum of £26.3m. Qualification for the Champions League group stage could bring in another £21m – a huge amount of money for the 55-time Scottish champions, and a potential £47.3 more than they bankrolled just three years ago.

The rule may be nonsense, but the Gers should not worry about it. Their destiny is in their own hands, and if they can get through those two clashes and reach the Champions League group stage, they will receive a huge financial boost.

In other news, this man has been urged to stay at Rangers amidst exit rumours.

Leicester City are having second thoughts over a summer move for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who have been informed by a source close to the Foxes that the club’s interest has diminished due to Kelechi Iheanacho’s recent uprise in form.

Reports last month suggested that Leicester were closing in on a £15m deal for the Hoops star with a long-ter view to replace Jamie Vardy, but it seems as if that may not materialise after all.

That has left West Ham in pole position to sign the 23-year-old over the coming months, with the Hammers recently making progress regarding a deal for Edouard.

Transfer Tavern take

With one less side seemingly out of the race for Edouard, we feel as if that could spell trouble for the Hoops.

In our opinion, Celtic need as many clubs as possible to be in for the striker this summer to get the highest fee possible – it’s a case supply and demand.

Edouard has made it clear he wants to quit Parkhead regardless of who comes in to replace Neil Lennon and he’ll have just 12 months on his deal when the summer window opens, and if there are only a few clubs keen, those sides could be in pole position to land the player in a cut-price deal without a bidding war.

It looks set to be a busy few months regarding the forward, and the fee Celtic recieve for Edouard could be vital when it comes to funding incomings ahead of the 2021/22 season.

In other news: Leeds tipped to reignite interest in 6ft 1 Celtic starlet, find out more here.