In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Daniel Pinder, who is editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, has compared Edmond Tapsoba to Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu.

Tapsoba only joined Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020 but his performances have already seen him linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United and Leicester.

The Foxes pulled off a great coup last summer when they signed Wesley Fofana from Saint-Etienne for £36.5 million, and the 20-year old appears to be an incredibly talented defender both on the ball and in defence.

It remains to be seen whether the Foxes would still be keen to bring him to the King Power Stadium, but speaking on what player he would compare Tapsoba to at Leicester and if he is good enough to go straight into their team, Pinder exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think Tapsoba is fairly similar to Soyuncu and I think Tapsoba is a Champions League quality player, so I think Leicester would be a good fit for him.”

Brendan Rodgers has rotated frequently between a back four and a back three this season at Leicester with the latter formation allowing him to play both Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy up-front.

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Leicester were linked with a move for the 22-year old before he joined Bayer Leverkusen last year as Rodgers looked to sign cover for Soyuncu and Johnny Evans, however, the defender now appears to be better than just an option to have on the bench.

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that Sheffield United hiring Philippe Clement would be a big risk.

The Blades are yet to appoint a permanent manager following Chris Wilder’s Bramall Lane exit back in March, with Paul Heckingbottom stepping in on an interim basis.

The current caretaker boss is now in contention for the job full-time but, according to reports coming out of Belgium (via Yorkshire Live), so is Club Brugge’s Clement.

Clement has done an excellent job at the Jan Breydel Stadium this term, guiding his side to the top of the Jupiler Pro League table during the regular season.

Palmer, however, is not entirely convinced, believing his lack of Championship experience would make him a gamble for United.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Clement, the ex-England international said:

“I think he’s a big risk. I think you’ve got to go tried and trusted, I really do. You know, it’s a tough, tough league to get out of.

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“I think Sheffield United have the players to get out of that league next season. They just need to get the right person at the helm to do that.”

Clement’s contract at the Jan Breydel Stadium is up next summer, so his future could very well be away from Belgium.

With news of Roy Hodgson set to leave his role as manager at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, Marcus Bent, who was signed by Palace for £405,000 in 1998, has exclusively told Football FanCast that his former club may regret appointing a younger manager like Frank Lampard.

There have been strong reports suggesting that Lampard is the favourite to replace Hodgson and now that it is official Hodgson will be leaving Selhurst Park, the board may decide a younger manager is required to take the club forward.

Lampard has had two jobs in his relatively short managerial career as he guided Derby County to an eventual play-off final defeat in 2019, before taking over at Chelsea when they were placed under a transfer ban, but he was sacked in January this year.

Palace will have to begin the search for a new manager after Hodgson manages his final game on Sunday and appointing a young manager may not be the right decision. That is according to former Eagle Bent, who spoke exclusively to FFC:

“Hodgson has always been consistent throughout his career and he’s done well at most clubs he’s been at, but there does come a time when you need to go forward as a club.

“So, if they bring Frank in then they might live to regret it, who knows? If Hodgson was to move upstairs at Palace then someone like Frank would have someone there to give him advice.”

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Hodgson has had a long career as a manager which has seen him manage clubs such as Inter Milan, Liverpool and West Brom as well as winning eight trophies along the way.

Whoever does replace Hodgson as manager at Selhurst Park will have a rebuild on their hands as they have 16 players set to be out of contract at the end of the season.

Danny Mills has slammed Glasgow Rangers’ lack of due diligence after they appeared to block Ianis Hagi from competing at the Olympics for Romania.

The Lowdown: Hagi will not play in Tokyo

It appeared Hagi would be selected to appear for his country in the football tournament at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer, but the Gers have refused to let him go (The Scottish Sun).

Romanian football legend Mircea Lucescu was livid at Rangers’ decision not to release him for the competition.

The Latest: Mills slams Gers lack of due diligence

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills does not appear to agree with the club’s decision. He said:

“[Lionel] Messi played in it, [Sergio] Aguero played in it.

“If you sign a talented under-23 player who’s possibly going to be in the Olympics, if the Olympics goes ahead, then you’ve got to be prepared for that.

“You can’t sign a player that plays for one of the African Cup of Nations teams and then go ‘I don’t want him to be away in January.’

“You can’t sign Son Heung-min who plays for South Korea in the Asia Cups and the military service and all the rest of it…

“Surely you have to do your due diligence and know that’s going to be a possibility. If you’re player’s good, he’s going to get called up.

“I get that they’re trying to persuade their players and say ‘Do you really need to go?’

“But it’s the opportunity to play in an Olympics. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Why would you not want to go and represent your country?”

The Verdict: Difficult decision

You can understand both sides of the argument here. From Hagi’s perspective, it is not hard to understand why he would want to travel to Japan. Representing your country at the Olympics is a huge opportunity, and it would be a hard one to pass up.

However, the tournament will coincide with Rangers’ Champions League third qualifying round. The Ibrox outfit will be desperate to make it to the group stages, and they clearly believe £5.4m-valued Hagi (Transfermarkt) has a role to play in that quest, and a FIFA directive means they have more authority to block players from taking part in Tokyo. Hagi will be hoping he is at least heavily involved at the start of next term for his club.

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In other news, Rangers are planning a bid for this 21-year-old.

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.

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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

Gareth Bale’s loan spell with Tottenham officially ended on Sunday afternoon, but Carlton Palmer believes that his brace at Leicester wasn’t his last hurrah in a Lilywhite shirt.

Bale signed off with two late goals to secure Spurs’ place in the inaugural UEFA Conference League next season, but has since returned to Real Madrid to prepare for the European Championships with Wales.

It remains unclear where Bale will be playing his football next season, with his contract in the Spanish capital expiring next season, whilst another loan back to Tottenham appears complicated.

The 31-year-old spoke after the Leicester game and said that his future will be decided after the Euros, although he did reveal that he knows what he’s doing, but kept his cards close to his chest.

Despite fitness problems and difficulties with Jose Mourinho, the winger still managed 16 goals and three assists in 34 outings, proving that he’s still one of the most dangerous players in European football despite his history of injuries.

With that record in mind, Palmer is confident that Bale will be back at Tottenham next season.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

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“I think Levy wants to keep Bale – he’s very good pals with Jonathan Barnett, who’s Bale’s agent and it’s very clear he wants to keep him.

“He wasn’t getting game-time under Mourinho. It would not surprise me to see Bale there next season, and if that’s the case, that’s why Mourinho got the sack.”

Southampton have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong recently and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Express, Southampton, West Ham and Newcastle United are all keen on the English forward, who hit 28 goals for Blackburn in the Championship last season.

It is suggested that the Saints are ready to bid £15m for the 24-year-old striker, with Hasenhuttl keen to add a striker, a full-back and a midfielder to his squad ahead of next season.

Would he be a good signing?

Armstrong has been hugely impressive for Blackburn since joining on a permanent deal from Newcastle in the summer of 2018, with 64 goals and 19 assists to his name in 160 appearances for the Ewood Park outfit.

Last season was comfortably his best as a professional, as he contributed 28 goals and five assists in just 40 Championship appearances for the Lancashire side, which helped him average a superb 7.15 rating for his performances from WhoScored.

If he had produced the same performances in Southampton’s side last season, he would have comfortably been rated as their best player, which certainly suggest that he could be a worthwhile addition to Hasenhuttl’s side ahead of next season.

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The Austrian is certainly lacking in quality depth up front, as the Saints struggled in the absence of Danny Ings last season, with youngsters Michael Obafemi and Dan N’Lundulu both given very few opportunities to impress in attack.

Considering Ings has been heavily linked with a move away, signing a young striker such as Armstrong would make a lot of sense for the Saints, as he could step up should the former Liverpool man depart, either this summer or next summer when his contract at St Mary’s expires.

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Hasenhuttl also favours smaller, pacy strikers in his side, as evidenced by Ings, Che Adams and Nathan Tella all featuring there this season, so the Austrian would definitely love a striker in the mould of Armstrong next season.

Given Armstrong’s superb performances in the Championship both this season and last, he deserves a chance to show what he can do in the Premier League, so Martin Semmens should definitely look to bring the “special” striker in this summer.

And, in other news… Semmens should seal Southampton swoop for 21 y/o tipped to become “one of the best in Europe”

It would take a brave man to say that Celtic’s managerial chase was finally reaching a conclusion.

It has now been over three months since Neil Lennon resigned from his position with the Hoops with an arduous saga taking place since.

The Bhoys missed out on Eddie Howe but now have another man in their crosshairs.

What’s the word?

After their ploy to lure Howe to Celtic Park fell through, Ange Postecoglou has been the primary target for Celtic.

They’ve reportedly been tracking him for months and now view the Australian as the man to finally replace Lennon.

A compensation fee has been agreed with his current club Yokohama Marinos but a hugely promising update emerged late on Saturday night.

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have now agreed personal terms with the 55-year-old over a move to Parkhead.

The outlet goes onto claim that barring any other hitches, a move will be concluded in the next 72 hours.

Exciting times for Celtic

If you told supporters when Lennon quit that on the eve of the transfer window they’d still be searching for a new manager, they’d have looked at you in disgust.

Unfortunately, that’s the reality of the situation for the despairing Celtic fan base.

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They have been left disgruntled this season and embarked on mass protests at Paradise against the club’s ownership.

You can hardly blame the anger when you consider a trophyless campaign and an abject summer on the recruitment front 12 months ago.

Therefore, the news that Celtic are well and truly finally on the verge of announcing a new manager should come as great comfort.

It might not be their first target in Howe but Postecoglou is still a fabulous choice for the hot seat.

First and foremost, he has more experience than Howe. He’s taken charge of Australia and began his managerial career back in 1996; 24 years ago.

Since then, he’s acquired expertise throughout Asia and had one spell in Greece, the country of his birth.

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Postecoglou also ensures his team plays a vibrant style of football, something that will no doubt suit the Hoops hierarchy.

Raheem Sterling and Pep Guardiola have both complimented the way he gets his players to move the ball while his relentlessly high press can cause nightmares.

His Yokohama Marinos team have also enjoyed the highest percentage of possession of any team in the Japanese top-flight this season. That serves as a further plus point in their bid to lure him to Celtic.

Supporters should be excited that not only is this long-running saga set to end, but it’s coming to a climax with a manager who ticks plenty of boxes from a stylistic point of view.

AND in other news, Celtic can find a new Jullien by signing “special” 6ft4 tank, he’s “one of the best”…

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing a move for Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Despite Euro 2020 beginning tonight, Leeds look as though they have their transfer priorities all sorted, with a new central midfielder on the agenda for this summer.

Reports in recent days and weeks have linked them with a move for Cagliari dynamo Nahitan Nandez, and now the Daily Mail have thrown a new name into the equation.

They claim that the Whites tracked Fulham’s Reed last season with a view to a summer swoop, and with the Cottagers’ relegation from the Premier League, Leeds see the midfielder as an ‘excellent addition’.

Bielsa will love him

A regular presence for Scott Parker’s side last season, the £9m-rated Reed made 31 appearances in the Premier League, often starting at the base of midfield alongside Andre Zambo Anguissa. The tough-tackling 26-year-old was a shining light for the Cottagers despite their relegation, providing a superb shield to the back four.

As per Sofascore, Reed won four duels per game in the top-flight, as well as making an impressive two tackles and 1.6 interceptions per match while also winning back possession 0.6 times.

To put that into context, Chelsea star and recent Champions League winner N’Golo Kante averaged 3.7 duels won and made 2.6 tackles and two interceptions per game. He also won back possession just as often as Reed at 0.6 times per match.

It’s no surprise that the 26-year-old’s former boss Tony Mowbray has waxed lyrical about the kind of engine Reed possesses, and also the kind of attitude he has – all shades of Chelsea’s midfield dynamo.

The Blackburn manager said: “

Immense! He’s been fantastic playing in a wide position, working like a trojan, running forward, blocking off the wide play, helping his full-back, in to out, in to out, and yet playing centre-mid today, it shows you where his true position really is on the pitch.

“He’s a fantastic player, but beyond his playing ability, his personality fits in amazingly well with our group.”

Reed himself has modestly said: “I need to improve on influencing the game higher up. The work, the tackles, the interceptions, they give the team a foundation to go on and be competitive but I also want to have that side where I influence the game higher up the pitch with assists, creating chances and goals.”

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That relentless energy, hard work and tigerish attitude makes him a perfect fit as someone to slot into the engine room at Elland Road given Bielsa’s intense demands, and exactly why the Leeds manager must be buzzing at seeing his club target Reed this summer.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa will surely be buzzing with this latest Leeds update…

Helder Costa will depart Leeds United during the summer transfer window if the prediction of former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips plays out.

The Lowdown: Peripheral figure for Leeds

The Whites has an exceptional season back in the Premier League, with numerous individuals playing big roles for Marcelo Bielsa, whether it be Illan Meslier, Kalvin Phillips or Patrick Bamford, to name just a few.

Someone who rarely played a starring role was Costa, however, with the Portuguese only making a total of 13 starts in the league.

He invariably found himself kept out of the team by the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, having to make do with a squad role instead.

The Latest: Costa tipped to leave

Costa has been linked with a summer exit, and speaking to Football Insider, Phillips claimed it was time for the winger to find a new club:

“They have already got a lot of wingers. I would say that it makes it very likely that Costa will move on because he didn’t play a lot last season.

“It’s an area that they have plenty of cover in, those wide areas. So I think maybe his time at Leeds is up. He can go somewhere now and go and play regularly. Whether that means that you’ve got to drop down a league, who knows?”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

It makes perfect sense for Costa to leave, despite him being described as an ‘immense’ footballer by former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

His current deal doesn’t expire until 2024, meaning Leeds could receive a decent amount for him and new signings could push him even further down the pecking order.

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Costa is a talented player who has still contributed for the Whites, but it feels as though the team is moving on without him and a sale makes sense for all parties.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sign a player from under the noses of a fellow Premier League side. Find out who it is here.