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Tottenham Hotspur are confident of sealing a move for Luis Diaz before the January transfer window deadline on Monday night…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ever-reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who delivered a very exciting claim to his YouTube channel, where he suggested it was now a more likely deal than Adama Traore, at this stage.

“The latest I understand on that situation is there’s a growing hope that they might be able to get this deal done,” he said.

“They are throwing everything at it. That’s their priority right now. I understand at the moment, and I must stress at the moment, Spurs are more hopeful of this one happening than Adama Traore.”

Major coup

The Antonio Conte era in north London would be truly underway if Spurs manage to secure a move for the FC Porto star as he’s one of the hottest talents in Europe right now – that much is evident from the interest of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.

Diaz has been in electric form this season, having provided the Portuguese giants with 16 goals and five assists across 24 appearances in the Primeira Liga and Champions League, primarily from left-midfield. That works out to be a direct contribution of once every 96.7 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

It builds on from his exploits at the Copa America, where he shared the golden boot with none other than Lionel Messi.

The 5 foot 10 winger has earned plenty of praise during this impressive run of form and that should only raise excitement from those around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium right now.

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He has been lauded as “phenomenal” by journalist Alex Goncalves and dubbed a “livewire” by presenter Manas Singh, though one of the most glowing endorsements has come from Portuguese football expert Marino Peixoto, who claimed the £36m-rated dynamo was “genuinely frightening” following a screamer against Vitoria this season.

Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, it’s thought that Porto are asking for a fee in the region of €60-65m (£55m), which would equal Spurs’ club-record fee.

On the above evidence, he would be quite the signing indeed and supporters should be very excited by Gold’s recent claims.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Dele: Spurs plot swoop for £18m-rated “extraordinary talent” who’s like Zidane…

West Ham United have taken several academy youngsters to Austria for their Europa League clash with Rapid Wien this evening…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london’s reliable Irons reporter Tom Clark, the likes of central defensive duo Jamal Baptiste and Aji Alese, recent debutant Dan Chesters and young goal machine Sonny Perkins have all travelled with the first-team squad for tonight’s match.

“West Ham have brought a number of youngsters with them to Vienna – Jamal Baptiste, Aji Alese, Dan Chesters as expected and Sonny Perkins who has been in fine form for the U23’s of late,” he revealed on Twitter.

Academy boost

Hammers boss David Moyes is no stranger to handing opportunities to those up-and-coming prospects in the club’s youth set-up, having given out an array of debuts since his return to the London Stadium.

And there will not be a better chance to see what West Ham’s biggest young talents can do in the men’s game than in situations like this as the east Londoners have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

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Of course, the top spot in Group H is still up for grabs, so we may not see some of these names start the encounter but if Moyes’ men can mount an early lead, then there will be no harm in changing things up after the break.

It’s got to be exciting news for much of the Irons faithful, who cannot travel to watch this game live due to UEFA’s sanctions, so many can look on from home with a sense of pride that several more youngsters are being handed a chance to shine at such a level.

Perkins has been in electric form for both club and country this campaign, so he’ll be one to watch, having scored nine goals in 14 appearances across the Premier League 2 and U18s, via Transfermarkt.

Whilst Baptiste and Alese could prove their worth to Moyes, particularly after the recent injury blow suffered to Angelo Ogbonna. There’s a place up for grabs for the remainder of the season in the first-team, so hopefully they can take the opportunity, should they be given it.

All in all, this early news should leave many supporters thrilled heading into kick-off tonight.

AND in other news, West Ham could end striker hunt with 6 ft 1 “monster” who “the chairman really likes”…

Steven Gerrard’s career as Aston Villa manager could not have got off to a much better start, with the 41-year-old’s side securing all three points, scoring two goals and keeping a clean sheet in front of a packed Villa Park last weekend.

Not only did Villa pick up the win, but they also played some incredibly attacking football, looked deadly on the break and bettered a highly impressive Brighton & Hove Albion side in metrics such as total shots, shots on target, counter attacks and interceptions.

There were also a number of impressive individual performances, with perhaps the most surprising of these being turned in by second-half substitute Ashley Young, with the 36-year-old playing a key role in his side’s victory.

Gerrard must unleash Young

Despite featuring for just 16 minutes of Gerrard’s inaugural victory at Villa, the versatile left-back highly impressed when replacing Emiliano Buendia in his side’s three-man attack during the closing stages of Saturday’s fixture.

Indeed, £900k-rated man almost immediately set up Ollie Watkins with some “fantastic” play to bag the game’s opening goal, as well as completing 11 of his 12 passes, blocking one shot, winning both of his two duels and making one key pass – with these returns seeing the £50k-per-week veteran receive a SofaScore match rating of 7.2.

Furthermore, Gregg Evans recently claimed in an article of his for The Athletic that Gerrard was so impressed with the performances of Young in training that he considered starting the 36-year-old as Villa’s No 10 last Saturday.

And, considering the 41-year-old’s comments concerning his former England teammate following the fixture, Evans’ claim is easily believable, with Gerrard stating: “I know Ashley extremely well and I must say he has been absolutely outstanding since we’ve walked through the door. Not just on the training pitch – his leadership and the standards he sets.

“We see players like him as an outer layer of the staff if you like – he really helps. We need to lean on him. He was ready today.

“The big thing about Ash is he can play right-back, he can play left-back, he can play as an eight, he can play as a 10, he can play wide. That’s what these players allow you to do as a manager, they allow you to use them in different ways so credit to Ashley.”

As such, considering the game-changing impact Young had on the Brighton match, in addition to his incredible application in training, it would appear highly advisable for Gerrard to unleash the left-back from the off against Crystal Palace this weekend.

In other news: Lange must seal AVFC deal for £25m “weapon” likened to Beckham, Gerrard would love him

Brighton and Hove Albion correspondent Aden-Jay Wood reckons that Dan Ashworth is likely to join Newcastle United as their new Director of Football (DoF). 

The lowdown

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Monday that the Seagulls had given Newcastle permission to speak to Ashworth about fulfilling the position.

Initial contact has been made, and formal talks are ‘likely to happen in due course’. It apparently isn’t the ‘style’ of the south coast club to deprive their employees of appealing opportunities when they arise.

Newcastle have previously been linked with former Chelsea and AS Monaco technical director Michael Emenalo. The Telegraph reported (via Sky Sports) that he had turned down The Magpies, although co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi insisted this was not the case.

The latest

Wood took to Twitter to provide the latest on Ashworth being linked with the DoF role at St James’ Park and is resigned to the 50-year-old departing Brighton.

He tweeted: “If Dan Ashworth goes (which I think he will), it will be a huge shame. Ashworth has almost singlehandedly changed Brighton’s approach both on and off the field and would be very, very difficult to replace.”

The verdict

Perhaps in an ideal world, Newcastle would have got their new DoF installed in time for the start of the January transfer window, but that appears very unlikely now.

They have at least managed to appoint Nick Hammond, the former Celtic and Reading director of football, in a temporary consultancy role. He may oversee signings designed to try and keep the Magpies in the Premier League, with Ashworth then taking the reins to guide them forward from thereon.

Ashworth did tell The Athletic in February 2020 that he hoped to be at the Amex Stadium for ‘many years to come’, but perhaps the Newcastle project would simply be too good to turn down given the sheer extent of wealth at their disposal.

In other news, Newcastle have offered this Brazilian beast a contract

Jackie McNamara says he can see why some Celtic fans would be ‘apprehensive’ about the appointment of Roy Keane but reckons they would appreciate the ‘passion’ he would bring.

Celtic are assessing the candidates for their next permanent manager after Neil Lennon resigned at the end of February.

Keane, who played for Celtic in the 2005/06 season before he retired, has emerged as a contender (via Daily Record). He is also noted as maintaining a strong interest in the Hoops as a supporter.

Although he has taken on assistant roles at Aston Villa, the Republican of Ireland and Nottingham Forest over the last decade, Keane hasn’t managed a team since leaving Ipswich Town in January 2011 (via Transfermarkt).

The Irishman has worked predominantly as a pundit for Sky Sports in the past couple of years.

McNamara a fan of Roy Keane

McNamara, who made more than 300 appearances for Celtic between 1995 and 2005, has no doubts over the 49-year-old’s credentials despite his lengthy spell away from management.

“I wouldn’t mind Roy Keane,” he told 67 Hail Hail. “I liked him as a player, like him as a pundit. He doesn’t mess about with his words.

“I think he would do a good job, I’ve no doubt about that. I would have no problems with him coming here.”

McNamara’s message to Celtic fans

There have been concerns that Keane is out-of-touch with the modern game. His Irish compatriot David Meyler has fought back against critics who have labelled the 49-year-old a ‘dinosaur’.

However, McNamara believes that Celtic fans, even those sceptical at first, would come to relish the passion of the fiery ex-Manchester United captain, whose demands for high standards have led to some notable flashpoints in his playing and coaching career.

“He’d lean towards the older-school approach,” he said. “Some players don’t respond to that now.

“At the same time, the fans would want that passion. I can see why they’d be apprehensive but I think he’d bring in a strong management team that’s fresh, and he’s at the forefront of that.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

However appealing Keane’s approach may seem, particularly to a team which has surrendered the title so meekly, this is surely too great a risk for Celtic.

Their appointment should be a calculated gamble, but this would be an emotionally-driven rather than rational call.

In other news, Danny Mills addresses Celtic links with one Premier League manager.

As we enter the final furlongs of the 2021/22 campaign, you would be hard-pressed to find a Celtic supporter who does not think that Ange Postecoglou has done a sterling job following his appointment at Parkhead last summer.

Indeed, the Hoops currently lead their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Premiership table by six points, gave a good account of themselves in the Europa League group stage and have already lifted the Scottish League Cup.

Furthermore, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss has also demonstrated his dab hand in the transfer market, spending nominal fees on the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Carl Starfelt, Liel Abada, Josip Juranovic, Matt O’Riley, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Reo Hatate – many of whom have already earned cult hero status at Celtic Park.

And, with it being recently reported that the Greek-Australian manager is looking to sign a new left-back this summer, Postecoglou could well land the Hoops another bargain by reigniting his interest in Derby County starlet, Lee Buchanan.

Indeed, with the 21-year-old’s contract at Pride Park set to expire this summer, and Wayne Rooney’s side being unable to activate a one-year extension clause as a result of the club remaining in administration, the England U21 international looks set to become available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

As a result, interest in the £2.25m-rated defender is certain to be high, with the likes of West Ham United and Nottingham Forest – both of whom were also reported to be keen on the youngster’s signing in January – more than likely to make an approach for Buchanan if presented with the opportunity.

However, Postecoglou’s tendency to afford Celtic’s most promising young players a regular spot in his starting XI will certainly be an attractive proposition for the Derby full-back, something that could well give the Hoops an advantage in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.

Indeed, with 20-year-old Abada being the 56-year-old manager’s most used player so far in 2021/22, and the Israel international’s extremely impressive returns having already seen him linked with a move to the Premier League, Buchanan will be encouraged that Celtic could well prove a pathway to one of Europe’s big five leagues at some point in the future.

And, with the defender having been dubbed an “incredible” talent and tipped to have a “real bright future” in the game by former England captain Rooney, it is clear that the £5k-per-week sensation is indeed an incredibly exciting prospect.

As such, all things considered, it would appear an extremely wise move for Postecoglou to launch an offensive for the England youth international this summer, as a move from Pride Park to Parkhead would very much seem a transfer that would suit all parties down to the ground.

AND in other news: Ange must finally axe “disgraceful” £15.5k-p/w Celtic liability, he’s stealing a wage

As far as Sunderland are concerned, this season has been all about Charlie Wyke.

The tall striker hasn’t had the easiest of stays at the Stadium of Light but he’s finally beginning to demonstrate why they brought him to the north East.

Before this term, Wyke had netted just nine times in League One for the Black Cats over two years, so his turnaround in 2020/21 has to be commended.

After scoring a brilliant hat-trick in Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Wimbledon on Saturday, he took his league tally for the current campaign to ten goals in 18 outings. This has been nothing short of an excellent few months for the forward.

Yet, despite his superb finishing this weekend, there was another man who deserved some very special praise – Jordan Willis.

The centre half hadn’t started a league game since the middle of November, and on his return, he was outstanding, laying a wonderful platform from which Sunderland were able to build on.

The 26-year-old kept a clean sheet and looked resolute throughout the entire encounter, earning the following review from Sunderland Echo reporter Phil Smith: “A commanding performance at the back, underlining how much he has been missed and how much better the balance of the defence is with him in. In a low-quality contest, he was by some distance the best performer aside from Wyke’s finishing.”

It’s easy to see why he stood out, too. Willis managed to win a colossal seven aerial duels throughout the contest, the second-highest of anyone on the pitch and he also managed three clearances – the second-highest number in the Sunderland side.

The defender’s display was so imperious that Wimbledon striker Joe Pigott was virtually anonymous. He completed just 40% of his passes and lost 11 of the aerial duels he competed. On top of that, the forward failed to win any of the eight ground duels he contested.

Willis ensured it was a rough and frustrating afternoon for Wimbledon’s attack, reigning supreme in all facets of play, even completing a dribble by bringing the ball out from the back.

The Mackems stalwart has only started eight league outings this season and this performance showed how much of a miss he’s been.

Wyke will rightfully steal the headlines, but Willis was undoubtedly another of Lee Johnson’s heroes. This was an imposing display, more of which will only benefit Sunderland’s promotion hopes.

AND in other news, Speakman can end Johnson’s big SAFC dilemma with swoop for “clever and skilful” 20 y/o…

According to The Sun, Manchester United are monitoring Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.

What’s the word?

With Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford so far unresolved, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may find himself short of options in the midfield.

And now, The Sun claim the Red Devils are reportedly eyeing up a move for Baumgartner, who has been dubbed the new Michael Ballack in a nod to the former Chelsea great.

The £16m-rated 21-year-old, who favours playing in the No.10 role, has made 17 Bundesliga appearances so far this season and has three goals and five assists to show for his 15 starts, per Transfermarkt.

United’s very own Michael Ballack?

For all the wealth of riches Solskjaer possesses in terms of his attacking resources this season, there has been one constant when it comes to the team selection in attack.

Bruno Fernandes is one of a very select group of players to have appeared in every Premier League game for United so far this season.

But it’s fair to say that United’s overreliance on Fernandes has slowly started to take its toll, having now gone four league games without a goal or an assist.

Meanwhile, Baumgartner has burst onto the scene this season, scoring five goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions, making six appearances in the Europa League alone.

And when you look at the impact Ballack had at Chelsea – one Premier League title and three FA Cup trophies – it’s easy to see why the Austrian midfielder would make a fine addition to Solskjaer’s squad and be someone Fernandes could mentor in the No.10 role at Old Trafford.

In his heyday, Ballack was widely considered to be one of the most complete and versatile midfielders in the country – he scored 17 goals and supplied ten assists in 105 Premier League appearances, and showed a predatory instinct inside the box, as seen by his goal in the 2-1 win at home to Porto in 2007.

When you consider the fact that Solskjaer seems prepared to wave goodbye to Jesse Lingard – considered to be a future club great – coupled with the fact that Pogba’s future remains uncertain, the next logical step would be to bring in a replacement with an eye on the future. Baumgartner could be the player to do precisely just that.

AND in other news, Manchester United striker Anthony Martial was shocking in Sheffield United defeat…

It would be a big surprise if Gini Wijnaldum remains a Liverpool player beyond this season, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Final season at Liverpool?

The Dutchman has been a fantastic servant for the Reds since arriving in 2016, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park and being hailed as ‘incredible’ by compatriot and former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel.

With Wijnaldum’s contract expiring at the end of the season, constant speculation has linked him with a move away from Liverpool. The fact that the 30-year-old hasn’t yet signed a new deal at Anfield seems to speak volumes about where he sees his future, with Barcelona the front-runners for his signature amid a potential reunion with former national team coach Ronald Koeman.

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The Latest: Pearce provides key update

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic on Sunday, Pearce admitted that he fully expects Wijnaldum to be elsewhere come the start of next season, saying:

“Last I heard he was still weighing up various options, but I’d be amazed if he ended up staying out. He would bank a massive signing on fee as a free agent.”

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The Verdict: A wonderful servant

Wijnaldum looks nailed-on to leave Liverpool, but he should always be remembered as a legendary modern-day figure at Anfield, winning both the Premier League and Champions League.

He might not have made as many headlines as the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, to name just a few, but he has been vital to Liverpool’s success. His goal on a tense final day afternoon against Middlesbrough four years ago proved the catalyst for Champions League qualification, and who can forget his double against Barcelona on that night at Anfield in 2019.

Wijnaldum has made 235 appearances in just five seasons, speaking volumes about his consistency and fitness levels, and he will be a big miss should he move on, knitting things together in midfield in an understated manner.

In other news, a Premier League player has been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool. Find out who it is here.

Despite starting him against Crystal Palace at the weekend, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho must drop Harry Winks from the starting line-up against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League tonight.

The English ace just doesn’t offer much more than keeping things steady in the park, and his display against Palace was proof of that – in their post-match player ratings, The Evening Standard said he was “neat and tidy”.

In fact, as per Whoscored, out of those players who have featured at least ten times in all competitions this season for Spurs, Winks has the lowest average match rating of any of them with a measly 6.38.

His tally of providing only 0.3 key passes per game is even lower than left-back Ben Davies (0.4), while his average of 0.8 tackles per match is the third-worst in the squad – whether it’s defensively or going forward, Winks’ impact hasn’t been too significant this campaign.

Speaking back in January, former Spurs man Darren Bent delivered his verdict on the £50k-a-week earning Winks, saying: “At the end of the day, Mourinho has got several options in the middle of the park. We know how Mourinho likes to play. If you look at his older teams, for instance, they’re all big powerful guys and this team is being built using the same kind of DNA.”

After being a crucial part of the squad during the years of Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge – he played 115 times under the Argentine – Winks has quite simply been overtaken in the pecking order by several Spurs stars.

Last summer’s arrival Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has firmly established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet for Mourinho this season, playing 40 games in all competitions already, including playing the full 90 minutes in every single Premier League game.

That really only leaves one other space open in that deeper lying midfield two that Mourinho looks to go with, and when you’ve got the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Moussa Sissoko and Eric Dier, among others who could play there, then it really doesn’t give much room for error for Winks.

One bad display is enough to see you lose your spot in the team, and his performance at the weekend against Crystal Palace certainly didn’t pull up any trees or send Mourinho a timely message about keeping his place.

When Spurs take on Zagreb tonight in the Europa League, Winks should not be on the team-sheet. It would be a ruthless call to make given he was just handed a start against Palace, but it’s one Mourinho has to make.

Meanwhile, Spurs played a blinder by selling this man for £17m…