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Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on chairman Daniel Levy’s plan for Tottenham Hotspur surrounding 2020/2021 loanee Gareth Bale.

The Lowdown: Bale’s future up in the air?

Much has been made of the Welshman and whether he will sign for Spurs permanently or opt to remain at Real Madrid.

The 31-year-old, when available and ready to play, arguably made an impact under both Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason – ending the 2020/2021 campaign as the club’s third top scorer.

Indeed, in all competitions, Bale notched an impressive 16 goals and three assists from out wide in just 34 appearances (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Romano lifts lid on Levy plan for Bale…

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Romano has claimed that Levy and co plan to hold talks with Real Madrid over Bale this summer but it will only be done once the new manager is officially appointed.

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“Gareth Bale is not planning to retire after the Euros,” he explained on social media.

“Despite rumours, Bale is waiting to decide his future – he’s still under contract with Real Madrid and Tottenham meeting will take place once the new manager is appointed. But he’s not retiring: fake.”

The Verdict: Do it Levy…

Despite fitness issues and a speculated lack of trust from former boss Jose Mourinho, Bale could prove to be a shrewd permanent signing for Spurs’ new boss considering his profile and record from 2020/2021.

Scoring 11 goals and assisting two others in just 10 Premier League starts (Transfermarkt), it is evident that the Wales international star still possesses the quality to succeed with Spurs.

The only caveat may be his reported sky high wages, and if Bale is to make a permanent return to Tottenham, it is fair to say he may have to make some concessions given the Lilywhites’ financial troubles.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.

Many West Ham United fans have been reacting to the news that David Moyes believes a combined fee of £45m for Jesse Lingard and Tammy Abraham would be fair.

The Hammers have enjoyed a fantastic campaign, finishing in sixth place in the Premier League – that means they will be embarking on a Europa League run next term. As such, Moyes and the rest of the club will need to plan ahead and start thinking about new signings they can add to the squad.

The Irons have been heavily linked with moves for both Lingard (Daily Mail) and Abraham (The Athletic) this summer. According to West Ham website Claret & Hugh, Moyes believes that both players could be signed permanently for a combined fee of £45m.

Lingard has just one year left on his deal at Manchester United (Transfermarkt), while Abraham’s exclusion from the Champions League final squad for Chelsea indicates that he is not a part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

The former excelled on loan at West Ham this year, scoring nine goals in 16 games, while the latter was Chelsea’s joint-top scorer for the season with 12 goals despite often being overlooked by Tuchel.

The news was shared on Twitter by @WestHam_Central and it duly attracted plenty of attention. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the development – one said that David Sullivan should get an ‘owner of the year award’ if the Irons pull off this double coup for £45m.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Moyes’ stance

“That’s fair because Jesse is 28 on the last year of his contract and Abraham didn’t even get into the 23 man squad last night for Chelsea”

Credit: @ConorWHUFC

“That’s a good deal for them both”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Yes now get it done”

Credit: @JameswhufcJones

“Both would be big signings for West Ham hope they get it done”

Credit: @TylerDub93

“If we get Lingard and Abraham both for £45 million, David Sullivan should get Owner of the year award.”

Credit: @CLARETnBLUESguy

“I don’t think so, £35m alone will be for Lingard”

Credit: @theveryintrepid

In other news, many West Ham fans were livid over this snub.

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped a behind the scenes Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Fabio Paratici.

The Lowdown: Paratici and Spurs

While Tottenham weren’t able to get former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte through the door, sporting director Fabio Paratici is now set for a big role in north London.

Indeed, reports in the Athletic and the Telegraph believe that the 48-year-old will have a major say on footballing matters including Spurs’ manager search and both incoming/outgoing transfers.

The Latest: Gold drops behind-scenes transfer claim

Speaking in a Q&A, football.london correspondent Gold has backed the reports while dropping an enticing claim involving Paratici.

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As explained, the journalist believes that he has already commenced work in north London on outgoings as Spurs attempt to bolster Tottenham’s finances for possible signings this summer.

“Paratici is working already on potential transfers out to create funds for signings,” Gold stated when asked if Spurs have deals lined up and ready to go.

“The good thing about a director of football structure is that it creates the continuity and the squad and the head coach comes in to coach that.

“Of course certain players can be tailored to different types of head coaches but ultimately you choose a head coach that fits the club and target rather than randomly going after contrasting managers – yes, exactly as Tottenham have done this summer.”

The Verdict: Good news…

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Spurs will need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy and operate within their means.

News of Paratici’s immediate hustle behind the scenes will come as a boost for the club given the transfer window is now open and Tottenham will want to operate as quickly as possible.

The priority, of course, is appointing a new manager at N17 but laying the groundwork for summer deals is arguably just as crucial.

Spurs ended up finishing seventh last season in what was a disappointing campaign and supporters will be hoping Paratici can build the foundations for a much stronger 2021/2022, regardless of who leads the side from the dugout.

In other news: Paratici eyeing this big name for Spurs, Harry Redknapp called him ‘top class’…find out more here.

As Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation rumbles on, another name has emerged in the running…

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, Lazio are becoming increasingly concerned that former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is holding out for the vacant Spurs job.

It’s thought that the 62-year-old is close to replacing Simone Inzaghi at the Stadio Olimpico but there are worries that he is stalling in case Daniel Levy approaches him with an offer to return to the Premier League.

Spurs have now gone seven weeks without a manager and at the end of last week, the North Londoners suffered yet another blow with Antonio Conte seemingly ruled out of the running, as per the Telegraph.

An unmitigated disaster

Whilst Sarri could be considered a high-calibre candidate, having won a Serie A title and a Europa League, he is far from what the Lilywhites chairman is apparently looking for.

Levy is said to be after an attack-minded head coach that is committed to developing the club’s promising youngsters, something that led to serious concerns on Spurs’ part over Conte’s credentials.

Many in N17 will remember Sarri from his time at Chelsea. He may have delivered success on the European stage but he failed to win over fans and certainly struggled to progress several of their key prospects.

The supporters frequently turned against their manager, with chants of “we want Sarri out” and “you don’t know what you’re doing” being heard during a victory over Cardiff City.

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He was hardly a popular figure in the dressing room, either. It reached such a boiling point that third-choice goalkeeper Rob Green had to confront him in front of the entire squad, as he revealed to The Athletic.

“I just spelled it out. I told him, ‘You have no plan B. You’re a transactional kind of manager. The players in the group are not the kind to speak to you like this — they care very much but are scared to say something to you like I am. I don’t care because what are you going to do — drop me!?’”

Similarly, there was a saga over Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had impressed in pre-season and in the Europa League under the Italian aged just 18, yet he wasn’t given much of a chance in the top-flight.

That would certainly go against Levy’s desire to develop players like Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon who are both set to return from their respective loan spells this summer.

Furthermore, following Jose Mourinho’s sacking, there were claims suggesting that the Portuguese had “sucked the culture out of the club” and that isn’t something that’ll be fixed by Sarri as he’s so set in his ways.

Ex-Blues defender Mario Melchiot once dubbed him “very stubborn” to talkSPORT after an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, whilst AS (via Football Italia) sensationally reported that the 62-year-old had lost the dressing room and his relationship with many big stars was ‘irreconcilable.’

This was also something Noel Whelan alluded to when speaking about links to the Italian. He claimed to Football Insider:

“No, I don’t think that’s the right appointment. I really don’t. No. That’s not the way Tottenham need to go. He’s another personality who would clash with the players. You need to look at the man-management side of things now.”

Again, that’s another reason behind Mourinho’s departure.

All in all, a move for Sarri would surely be an unmitigated disaster for Spurs. There’s nothing to suggest that he’s the right man for the club, especially if they had doubts over the trophy-laden Conte, who arguably was the best candidate out there.

Levy must avoid the Chelsea flop at all costs – maybe he should try and find someone that’s not taken the helm at Stamford Bridge this time?

AND in other news, Journalist reveals fresh twist in Spurs’ manager search that’ll have fans BUZZING…

Journalist Duncan Castles has dropped an exciting claim about Aston Villa and their transfer plans for this summer.

What’s the story?

Speaking on the latest edition of The Transfer Window podcast, the journalist said: “Aston Villa actually have, I’m told, a substantial budget to work with. They are one of the better-placed teams in the Premier League (post-pandemic).

“This week, they’ve signed Buendia from Norwich City for an initial £33m that is a ‘half-replacement’ for Grealish, as it’s been described to me, and they’re looking at other attacking midfielders coming in as well.”

Fans will be buzzing

The revelation that Villa have a “substantial budget” with which to work this summer will surely be music to the ears of Dean Smith and the club’s supporters, who’d have been hoping for the club to go again in the transfer window.

Villa made a real splash in the market last summer when they brought in the likes of Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, and that followed on from the previous year when they came back to the Premier League with some eye-catching signings such as Wesley and Trezeguet.

Having already clinched a deal for Buendia, there may have been a worry that perhaps Villa were done with their big-money signings, but this latest claim from Castles should ease those fears.

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Given that their owners are in the top five in the division according to Forbes when it comes to the rich list, it’s no surprise that Villa are named as one of the “better-placed teams in the Premier League” considering the financial effects of the pandemic.

With the summer transfer window only getting started, it seems that Villa fans can now look forward to some more high-profile deals.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this 6 foot 5 star…

Queens Park Rangers have been handed a boost regarding the potential departure of Liam Kelly from the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that Ipswich Town are considering a £350k move for the Dundee United goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist, a deal which, if completed, could well see the Scottish Premiership side ramp up their interest in the QPR shot-stopper.

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon recently revealed in a post on Twitter that both Dundee and fellow Scottish top-flight side Motherwell are keen on the 25-year-old, with the duo believed to be considering a loan bid for the £360k-rated man.

Warburton will be buzzing

With Kelly having fallen down the pecking order at QPR over the course of the last two seasons, as well as the ‘keeper giving a rather revealing interview regarding his desire to leave west London this summer, the potential of Dundee firming up their interest in the former Scotland U21 international is sure to have left Mark Warburton buzzing.

Since joining QPR from Livingston in what was a £54k deal back in June of 2019, Kelly has so far gone on to make just 21 appearances for the club, conceding 35 goals and keeping three clean sheets along the way.

Last term, the £7k-per-week ‘keeper did not make an appearance for the Rs before being sent on loan to Motherwell for the latter half of the season, where he appeared to somewhat refind his level over 18 league appearances for Graham Alexander’s side, keeping six clean sheets and earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, should QPR receive a formal bid from either Dundee or Motherwell for the player whom Alexander dubbed a “fantastic” shot-stopper in the coming weeks, it would appear highly advisable for Warburton to allow the 25-year-old to pack his bags, as things have not quite worked out for the Scot in west London.

Warburton would be buzzing to get a fee in for a player, potentially adding to his own transfer kitty, whilst getting the player’s wages off the books would be very beneficial too.

In other news: Imagine him & Chair: Bhatia must sanction QPR swoop for “tremendous” 21 y/o dynamo

Leeds United must avoid an unforgivable disaster this summer as news emerges over Spurs’ transfer interest in England star Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the north Londoners have got their eye on the 25-year-old, who’s currently shining at international level with the Three Lions at EURO 2020.

It’s claimed that along with Spurs, the likes of European giants Juventus and Real Madrid are also interested, and that the Whites themselves have put a price tag of £25m “in case one of the clubs that are interested wants to make an offer”.

Bielsa would lose his mind

Not only has Phillips grown into an England international under Bielsa’s leadership, but his market value has risen up considerably too.

When the Argentine took over as Leeds boss back in the summer of 2018, replacing Paul Heckingbottom in the dug-out, Phillips was only rated at £4.5m by Transfermarkt.

But gradually over time, that has gone up, before really spiking thanks to the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League – his value now stands at an impressive £27m, which is actually good enough to rank him as Leeds’ joint-most valuable player right now, joint-top with last summer’s signing Raphinha.

That valuation makes it even more eyebrow-raising for Leeds to apparently only want £25m for Phillips this summer. That would be the kind of ludicrous sale that would surely have Bielsa tearing his hair out – not just in terms of the lack of financial sense it makes, but also for the impact for those on the pitch too.

Former Whites boss, Neil Redfearn said: “Leeds create overloads all over the field. Bielsa is very clever with that but Kalvin is key to it. He is the perfect build for that position, a powerful player but also has a fantastic range of passing.

“When he was younger, we used to have him as a box-to-box player who would score plenty of goals. Bielsa has made Kalvin an expert deep-lying midfielder but he could do both roles.”

It’s a telling sign that in the games that Phillips missed last season in the Premier League – nine to be precise – Leeds won just twice, and lost every single other one.

Phillips is the heartbeat of the midfield, and without him, Leeds look a shadow of their real selves. And that’s not taking into account what he means to the club as a whole too, given how he has come through the system and built a real bond with the fans.

So, news that Leeds would be open to a sale for Phillips is disastrous to say the least. The fact then that they would be open to taking just £25m, and potentially even to a possible European rival in Spurs too, would make it completely unforgivable.

Bielsa would absolutely lose his mind.

AND in other Leeds news; The Whites are closing in on a deal to sign in-demand ace

Leeds United are reportedly close to making a number of signings in the coming weeks, one of which will see Jack Harrison join permanently on July 1.

The Lowdown: New signings expected

The Whites were superb in their first season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth in the table and proving to be one of the most entertaining teams in the country.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side cannot afford to rest on their laurels, however, with new players needed to help keep their current momentum going.

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The Latest: Key transfer update emerges

According to Football Insider, Leeds will ‘announce multiple new signings’ as early as next week, in what represents an exciting update.

Harrison will join permanently from Manchester City in 7 days time, having spent three years on loan at Elland Road, while a number of Under-18 and Under-23 hopefuls will also come in.

Talks to bring young pair Amari Miller and Darryl Ombang to Thorp Arch are described as ‘advanced’.

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The Verdict: Harrison the main bonus

Retaining Harrison’s services for the future is a huge positive for Leeds, with the winger such an important player during Bielsa’s time at the club.

The 24-year-old has scored 18 goals and registered 20 assists in 128 appearances for the Whites and he was his side’s joint-second top scorer in the league last season, netting eight times – Patrick Bamford would cut a very isolated figure on the Whites’ goalscoring charts without Harrison.

The Citizens starlet can continue to thrive out wide in Yorkshire, with Raphinha hopefully staying put and wreaking havoc on the opposite flank, and the capture of some young talents for the academy sides is also very promising.

In other news, Noel Whelan has dropped an interesting verdict on one potential Leeds target. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion are considering a move to bring Alex Mowatt to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that the new West Brom manager Valerien Ismael is targeting a move for his former Barnsley captain in the summer transfer window.

The report goes on to state that a number of Championship clubs have made contact with the central midfielder regarding the offer of a contract, with the 26-year-old set to become a free agent at the end of the month.

However, The Athletic claim that Albion are the favourites to land the £3.6m-rated man this summer as a result of his ties with Ismael and the Baggies’ status as one of the favourites for promotion.

Ismael would love him

Considering just how important a part of Ismael’s Barnsley side Mowatt was last season, it is clear to see why the Frenchman is keen to bring the midfielder into his West Brom team this summer.

Over his 44 Championship appearances for the Tykes last term, the 26-year-old scored eight goals, registered seven assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

The former England U20 international also impressed in more typical central midfielder metrics, making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 4.9 duels per league fixture, in addition to touching the ball an average of 60 times per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Ismael’s best performer in a Barnsley side who defied pre-season expectations by securing a fifth-place finish in the second tier of English football.

And, with Ismael currently having only Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore as options in the middle of the park ahead of next season, central midfield is certainly an area in which the 45-year-old will be looking to strengthen in the summer transfer window.

As such, with Mowatt being available on a free transfer, combined with his brilliant performances for Barnsley and West Brom’s desperate need for reinforcements in the position this summer, a move by Albion for the man Steve Evans dubbed a “special” player would appear to make a great deal of sense, as well as one that Ismael would undoubtedly love to get over the line.

In other news: Ismael must secure bargain West Brom swoop for “fabulous” £3.15m-rated gem this summer

Leeds United could sign a new Max Gradel in Spain’s Euro 2020 ace Adama Traore amid a recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are interested in signing the Wolves winger, with claims back in December initially revealing that the Whites were keen on bringing him to Elland Road.

If they do, they could get someone to finally be their new Gradel.

Leeds’ new Max Gradel

A piece done by The Scratching Shed’s on some of Leeds’ most exciting wingers of the 21st century said of Gradel: “Tricky, nimble, quick and with a goal-scoring record some strikers would be envious of, Max Gradel at his best was unplayable, a game-changing miracle worker opposition teams had no answer for.

“Two seasons as an impact player in League One was nearly the end of Gradel’s story after he lost his head and was sent off in a crucial end-of-season clash against Bristol, a game which Leeds needed to win to secure promotion. Gradel hadn’t forgotten his error though, promising to make amends the following season, he did so in style, becoming an ever-present in Simon Grayson’s side scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances collecting both the fans’ and players’ player of the season awards.”

In Traore, Leeds can find someone who is equally quick, tricky and incredibly difficult to stop when running at players.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp even hailed him as “unplayable” following his performance against the Anfield side last year, and it’s no surprise that Rio Ferdinand has even described him as a “machine” and someone who’s “been scaring defenders”.

The £100,000-a-week Spaniard’s sheer pace could give Leeds a different dimension to the tricks and skills offered by someone like Raphinha.

Former Leeds man David Norris has thrown his backing behind a potential move, telling Football FanCast: “He (Bielsa) likes them attacking, exciting players that can create. They still must work hard, but the way he’s been in the last couple of seasons, and how much of a danger he is and how much he an create, I think that would be a great signing. Leeds are looking for top players and I think he’s a top player.”

If Leeds can get a deal over the line for the £27m-rated Traore, then they could have someone as explosive and quick as Gradel was in his pomp.

Meanwhile, Leeds receive major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s future…