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According to a recent report, Tottenham Hotspur paid an agent a multi-million-pound fee for the transfer of one of the club’s summer signings.

The report by Football Insider claimed that a ‘recruitment source’ has revealed, as part of Tottenham’s deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers right-back Matt Doherty last summer, that Daniel Levy and the Spurs board paid super-agent Jorge Mendes a £6m fee.

As a result, it is reported that only around £10m of the figure Tottenham paid for the £18m-rated defender actually went to the selling club, with the remainder going directly to Mendes.

Transfer Tavern Take

While it is questionable whether Doherty has been worth the £15.12m with which Jose Mourinho’s side parted in order secure his signing last summer – as the 29-year-old has featured in just 12 Premier League games so far this season, over which he has averaged a rather disappointing WhoScored match rating of 6.65 – from Tottenham’s point of view, to whom exactly the Doherty transfer money went is not likely to be a great cause for concern.

The issue would appear to be more of a relevant point for Wolves, who, if Football Insider are to be believed, saw around a third of the transfer fee received for the sale of their fifth-best player in the league last season pocketed by Mendes.

In other Tottenham news, this Spurs transfer admission lifted the lid on a failed Daniel Levy coup with Pochettino – find out more here!

West Brom will be looking to continue their recent form on Thursday night as they welcome one of Sam Allardyce’s former sides, Everton, to The Hawthorns.

On the face of it, things are starting to turn around for the 66-year-old, having steered his side to an unbeaten run of three matches, in which they have conceded only one goal.

However, the test of the Toffees is a big one as they too have enjoyed an upturn in results, winning back-to-back league outings to move into seventh place, and a win here would see them move into the top four.

Big Sam may find it hard to alter much of his starting lineup considering they have not lost in three games, but there is one move he should make…

On the Chalkboard

January arrival and Premier League veteran Robert Snodgrass should be available for selection following injury, having missed the draw to Burnley and the win over Brighton.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Allardyce said, via Albion’s official website: “He’s back in the squad and ready to go.”

Therefore, he should come straight back in as his experience (169 PL appearances) and know-how will be invaluable against Carlo Ancelotti’s men, particularly in battling their impressive attack of Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez.

The latter of which is likely to be Snodgrass’ opposite number, if selected.

Ancelotti hinted that he could well be available to face the Baggies this week, so Allardyce must prepare to face either him or Alex Iwobi on that right flank, which is where the Scotsman comes in.

Rodriguez is Everton’s joint-second top goalscorer on five goals, while only one other player has provided more assists (four), via WhoScored, so straight away, it is clear to see how important he is to the Toffees’ cause.

Similarly. the World Cup sensation tops the charts for creating chances, averaging 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes. By comparison, this is the same number we’ve seen from Matheus Pereira this term, and we know how reliant Albion can be on him as a playmaking outlet.

The 33-year-old veteran seems well-equipped to deal with whatever is thrown his way. He sits second amongst this West Brom squad for tackles per game (2.5), which is a telling sign of his relentless work-rate as he’s often deployed as a winger.

This means he’s tracking back and helping out his defence – he could form quite the wall alongside Conor Towsend on that left flank to thwart and silence the threat that Rodriguez possesses.

Snodgrass is even managing two clearances and nearly five duels won per game, which only bolsters his capability to stop the opposition in their tracks.

The versatile £20k-per-week gem has been dubbed the “whole package” and a “huge character” since joining the Baggies at the start of the year, and he’s exactly the sort of player you bring straight back in when available.

He simply must start instead of Matty Phillips against the Toffees on Thursday night.

AND in other news, £11.7m-rated West Brom “genius” is now suffering massively under Allardyce…

It’s fair to say that this season has been a particularly strange one for Moussa Sissoko at Tottenham.

The Frenchman started the campaign as one of Jose Mourinho’s trusted lieutenants in the middle of the park, even going on a run of starting 11 consecutive Premier League games from early October to mid-December.

The turn of the year has seen him fall out of favour somewhat, with Tanguy Ndombele’s real emergence onto the scene a key factor behind his French compatriot taking a back-seat – the former Lyon man had started the previous 13 top-flight games before being rested against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

In comparison, Sissoko hasn’t completed the full 90 minutes in the league since the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in early February. But, with a crucial game against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday night, the £16.2m-rated powerhouse should be restored to the starting line-up.

With the first leg at home, Mourinho wil,l of course, want to get off to a good start, certainly picking up a win before the return fixture. But, perhaps most importantly, is ensuring Zagreb don’t get a potentially damaging away goal and give themselves something to hold on to when they head back to Croatia.

Sissoko’s introduction into the side would give Spurs a bit more protection and energy in front of the back four, and help to ensure that Zagreb can’t catch the north London side slacking on counter-attacks or in transitions – the Frenchman averages over one tackle and interception apiece this season, with his 1.2 interceptions per game actually ranking him second among all his teammates.

Speaking just last season, Kevin Phillips raved about Sissoko’s ability, saying: “At one point Kane, Son and, Sissoko were the first names on the teamsheet. We keep speaking about Son and Kane and Sissoko goes under the radar. He is a superb player – power, pace and travels with the ball really well. He can take the ball in tight situations with his strength.”

In a piece for The Athletic last year, they wrote: “While he has never been famed for his distribution, Sissoko’s hunger to win the ball back in transitions also stood out last season. It’s tempting to put his skill at doing this down to athleticism alone but Sissoko also possesses a positional intelligence that is often — there’s that word again — underrated. That’s certainly the view of one of his former coaches, who points to the way he anticipates danger and makes tackles.”

That midfield control and protection is something Mourinho will absolutely need, particularly in European competitions, and Sissoko’s return to the side would help offer that. He could well be the Spurs boss’ game-changer, from a defensive standpoint in particular, when Dinamo come to town tonight.

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

Rangers have finally done it. They are Scottish champions for the first time in a decade after Steven Gerrard’s men officially won the title on Sunday.

This season has been a jubilant one for the Gers, a team who have knocked aside the negativity that surrounded Ibrox at the end of last term to usurp their biggest rivals.

This was not in the script but Gerrard has torn that to shreds and created his own story instead. This is his first league title as a player and a manager and it’s definitely one he’ll saviour for a long time.

Where Rangers go next is fascinating. They’re still in the Europa League and will have to add to their ranks once the summer window opens; the Glaswegians cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

That being said, there is still the fear of Alfredo Morelos leaving. His exit looked inevitable last summer and despite Rangers’ title win, he could still depart in a few months time.

Noel Whelan told Football Insider this week that the final piece of the jigsaw may have been put in place for his departure, suggesting the Teddy Bears could sanction an exit if a big-money offer comes in.

“It depends on whether he feels this was the final piece of the jigsaw that he needed to move. Maybe he wanted to leave in this sort of manner, with a championship under his belt,” he said.

Gerrard himself also hinted that Morelos could be on the lookout for move after the recent Europa League win Antwerp, suggesting that the forward likes that particular competition as it can put him in the shop window and allow him to prove to anyone watching that he can be successful at European level.

If the Colombian does indeed walk through the exit door then Rangers will certainly need a new striker. Fortunately, they already have one in their sights.

The Scottish Sun linked Gerrard’s side with a move for Zambian forward Fashion Sakala last month. He currently plays for Oostende in Belgium but is out of contract in the summer. Thus, the Gers are trying to steal a march in the race to sign him.

The 23-year-old isn’t a household name but his goal-scoring record is an eye-catching one. Sakala has netted 13 times this season, taking his tally in Belgium to 28.

Of course, Gerrard has Kemar Roofe who could take Morelos’ place up top but it would be foolish to rely on him alone, especially with Jermain Defoe out of contract.

Sakala possesses a host of qualities, not least the ability to hit the back of the net. Importantly, however, is his power. That’s a key quality Rangers will be missing if Morelos chooses to leave.

Speaking about Sakala previously, his former teammate Toby Sibbick commented: “Fashion has a lot of pace and is direct on the ball.”

Sibbick continued: “He is quite tricky as well and is good in front of goal with the ability to finish with both feet, there’s no issue with that. He is powerful – not necessarily tall – but strong and quick so there’s a lot to his game.”

With the ability to stretch defences, beat markers for power and find the net, he feels like a very suitable option for the Gers in a few months time. Add the fact that Morelos could leave and Sakala would be a great replacement.

AND in other news, Gerrard can cast an eye to the future by axing £30k-p/w Rangers gem amid exit links…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 193 Premier League appearances during his career, believes if Mohamed Salah’s attitude is a problem, then Liverpool shouldn’t think twice about selling him.

Salah is the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 17, which has taken his total for Liverpool up to 118 in just 190 league appearances, despite the Reds struggling this campaign.

Liverpool have had a front three of Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino for four seasons now, however, it may be about to be dismantled if the Premier League champions follow Robbie Fowler’s advice to sell the Egyptian if he isn’t happy.

Speaking on the £200,000-a-week star’s future at Liverpool, Howey exclusively told FFC:

“Nobody is bigger than one club. If there is an attitude problem with Salah then you don’t want him in there.

“I think Salah has done amazing but, you don’t want anything that could spoil the dressing room.

“Once the dressing room is infested, it’s difficult to get it all cut out.”

Salah has once again proved he’s a clinical finisher and any team in the world would like to have one and with the Real Madrid rumours, it could be time for the Egyptian to depart.

Liverpool have struggled on all fronts this season after winning the Premier League and Champions League in the last two seasons, although they have progressed into the last eight of the latter following their two-legged success against RB Leipzig.

South Africa manager Eddie Ntseki has shared his anger after Glasgow Rangers refused to allow Bongani Zungu to join up with the Bafana Bafana squad for their clash against Ghana.

Ntseki angry over Zungu situation

Zungu was selected to represent his country during the international break. However, while he will be able to play against Sudan, he has been denied permission to travel to his homeland for the Ghana match as South Africa is on the UK’s “Red List” (gov.uk). That means Zungu cannot travel there without needing to quarantine for two weeks upon his return to Scotland.

Ntseki was far from happy with Rangers’ decision on the 28-year-old as he said (via IOL):

“We should all agree that nobody from South Africa or Africa brought Covid-19. It is very unfair for us to be punished by saying: ‘You cannot be released to go to South Africa because it is a hot spot’. I think all over the world, it’s a hot spot.

“For them not to release our players it’s a very big disappointment for us. I think even in South America, they were made aware that there were players that weren’t going to be released for the World Cup qualifiers and they suspended their games.”

Rules are the rules

Unfortunately, this is the way of the world at the moment. A pandemic on this scale is unprecedented in our lifetime, and that means everyone has to make sacrifices. Football is already granted plenty of exceptions to travel regulations. and while Zungu’s absence is unfortunate for South Africa, that’s just the way it is.

The 28-year-old will probably be disappointed not to be able to join up with his national team. He has started just one of Rangers’ last 10 Premiership matches and recently found himself in hot water after breaking lockdown rules to attend a house gathering (Sky Sports).

A return to his homeland may have given him a welcome distraction as well as some more playing time. As it is, he will have to wait until the Sudan fixture to get back on the pitch.

In other news, this man has been tipped to be Rangers’ Player of the Year.

Flocking to an official West Ham United post, plenty of Irons supporters were in awe of star midfielder Tomas Soucek after the club relayed news of his brilliant international hat-trick for the Czech Republic on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old, who has arguably been manager David Moyes’ signing of the season, took his fine form abroad as he helped to dismantle European minnows Estonia.

Soucek enjoyed a lethal evening as his nation got off to a fine World Cup qualifying start, opening his account just 32 minutes into the game and adding two more strikes soon afterwards – cementing a well deserved hat trick in the resounding 6-2 victory.

West Ham United, in response, let Irons supporters know of Soucek’s masterclass against Estonia – resulting in plenty of Hammers fans worshipping the midfielder.

Coming just after he was named Czech Footballer of the Year, it’s safe to say he’s enjoying a fine campaign.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans hail Soucek in club post response

“Sensational Soucek”

Credit: @IronessWest

“What a bargain he has turned out to be”

Credit: @allthingsirons

“Wow he’s just so good”

Credit: @nathware10

“Unreal”

Credit: @TheWestHamVault

“signing of the season”

Credit: @hammers_dave

“Different class”

Credit: @WHU_Nathan

“Best midfielder in the world”

Credit: @WHUNath8

In other news: West Ham fans were also lived at GSB, find out why here.

The lawyer of Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara believes the police now have enough evidence to charge Ondrej Kudela for “racially aggravated conduct”.

Kamara lawyer discusses case

Aamer Anwar is representing Finland international Kamara after he accused Kudela of racist abuse during the Europa League round of 16 clash between the Gers and Slavia Prague at Ibrox.

Speaking about the progression of the case, Anwar said (via The Herald):

“The police have now gathered evidence including CCTV as well as statements from witnesses that we believe would corroborate sufficient evidence for a criminal charge of a ‘racially aggravated conduct’ by Kudela – in that it is alleged he intended to cause Glen Kamara alarm or distress and his conduct was motivated by malice and ill-will because of Glen’s race.

“If Police Scotland believe there is sufficiency of evidence, then they can swiftly move to a charge of a Section 50A(1)(b) offence under Criminal Procedure Scotland Act 1995, that would mean that Mr Kudela would be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Mr Kudela could then be served with a citation to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date and ultimately at a trial if he does plead guilty in advance.”

FinallyFinally, it seems that we may be close to some sort of outcome in regards to this case. Since the game was played on March 18th, there have been accusations thrown back and forth – Slavia have accused Kamara of striking Kudela on the back of the head in the tunnel (slavia.cz), while there have also been suggestions Nicolae Stanciu received abuse from a Rangers player (eFotbal.cz).It remains to be seen whether Kudela is actually found guilty, but putting together a strong case is a start. The result of the impending trial is important – whatever verdict is reached will send out a message in regards to the fight against racism.In other news, Rangers are said to be interested in this 27-goal striker.

Luke Edwards has dropped a big update on the future of Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

Writing in his latest piece for the Daily Telegraph, the football journalist has claimed that the St. James’ Park faithful could offer the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss a new deal in the North East if he keeps them up in the Premier League at the end of the 2020/21 term.

Mike Ashley is continuing to show his support for Bruce despite the real chance of the Tyneside club finding themselves relegated down to the EFL Championship, but it is not clear whether he would still back the manager if this were to happen.

Edwards tweeted that the contract talks, that could open up in the summer, ‘all seems a long way off’ at this moment in time, given that the Magpies are far from secure in the top flight.

Newcastle must stay up

The Toon just need to prioritise staying in the division for now before any discussions over a potential new contract for Bruce.

However, even if they were to stay up, one could still question whether it would be a successful season to just avoid relegation, especially considering the discontent from fans about the play-style and tactics offered by Bruce.

NUFC need a manager that will push them on, and it seems pretty clear by now that Bruce cannot do that.

In other news, find out what worrying update Bruce has dropped ahead of Tottenham Hotspur here!

Despite having not yet been appointed as Celtic boss, Eddie Howe is reportedly already gathering a list of potential transfer targets and on it is Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

According to The Sun, the former Cherries boss wants to bring the centre-back North of the border in what be a move that would hugely bolster their current options.

After all, Howe knows the 29-year-old extremely well having relied on him at the Vitality Stadium on several occasions, Cook going on to play 168 matches for the club in the Premier League following promotion in 2015.

It was even a relationship that led the manager to label the defender as “incredible” on numerous occasions.

Whilst not playing at the top level anymore, Cook continues to turn in some excellent performances.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

He has made 39 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions this season, captaining the club as they attempt to make an instant return to the Premier League.

Although one downside could be his wages, as he’s amongst their highest earners on a reported £45k-per-week on the south coast.

According to WhoScored, he is averaging 0.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game this season, whilst also contributing 0.7 blocks and a huge 4.3 clearances. They are certainly numbers that would see him become a massive defensive presence at Celtic Park.

After all, the Hoops could certainly do with adding to their centre-back options.

Shane Duffy looks likely to return to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion following the expiry of his loan deal, whilst the likes of Christopher Julien and Kristoffer Ajer continue to be linked with switches away from Celtic.

Cook then could be the perfect addition.

Rated at £6.3m but available on a free transfer come the end of the 2020/21 season, the Hoops must make a move for the Bournemouth man should Howe arrive at the club as expected.

AND in more news, take a look at which current on-loan star the Hoops must sell in the summer…