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Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, along with a host of other clubs.

While much of the focus has been on the Reds’ defensive struggles this season, mainly due to injuries, their attack has also been a big problem. Mohamed Salah has done his best, scoring 28 goals, and Diogo Jota has been an excellent signing, but Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have looked shadows of their former selves.

Jurgen Klopp may feel the need to add more competition for places in attacking areas this summer, with a fresh report suggesting that this may be the case.

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Liverpool interested in signing Vlahovic

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Milan Live], Liverpool are among a number of clubs keen on signing Vlahovic in the summer, along with the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old has scored 15 goals in Serie A so far this season, with only four players ahead of him in the standings, including Cristiano Ronaldo (25) and Romelu Lukaku (21).

Transfer Tavern take

Vlahovic would represent a long-term signing for Liverpool, perhaps coming in as a squad player initially before maturing under the tutelage of Klopp. He has won an impressive 2.7 aerial duels per game in the league this season, compared to Firmino’s 0.6, suggesting that he could offer something different to the Reds’ attack.

It is crucial that Klopp starts to look towards the future, making sure that his squad don’t grow old together without having sufficient replacements.

Vlahovic could be someone to take the team forward in the next few years, as well as being an immediate option if there is a need to call upon him.

In other news, Liverpool reportedly want to sign a player who was once valued at £108m. Find out who it is here.

Former Norwich City star Jon Newsome has told Football FanCast that Todd Cantwell must take the confidence from this Championship season into the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Cantwell endured a difficult 2019/20 as the Canaries were relegated to the second-tier.

In total, he made 37 appearances in the Premier League and scored six goals, while also providing two assists.

However, only two of those goals contributed to wins – over Manchester City and Everton – and he went 16 games at the end of the season without a goal contribution.

This season, though, Cantwell has been much more consistent, scoring six goals and laying on five assists in 29 games, despite an injury setback at the start of the season, as Norwich have sealed their promotion back to the top table.

And Newsome hopes that this season will have set the 23-year-old straight, and hopes he can become a top Premier League player from here.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I think the key word there is what you’ve just touched on – confidence.

“The player’s got undoubted ability, we’ve seen that. But when you get into that Premier League, and you get thrown in at the deep end, and you might have one or two bad games and your confidence does get a knock.

“And it’s really, really difficult to pick that back up at times when you play at such an elite level. Whereas you’ve dropped down to the Championship, he will find it a little bit easier, although it’s a bit more frenetic, and there’s more games, and they come thick and fast and all the rest of it.

“But he’s obviously found his feet, and his confidence has blossomed and it would be really interesting to see how he develops next season. And if he can take that belief forward into the Premier League and do it on a bigger stage.”

Leicester City strengthened their grip on a place in the top four with an utterly dominant 3-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes turned in an exhilarating first-half showing in the East Midlands, with Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans and Kelechi Iheanacho getting the goals for the home side.

Whilst he did not manage to get on the scoresheet, Timothy Castagne was arguable the star turn for Brendan Rodgers’ men. Deployed at right-wing back, the Baggies simply could not contain the 13-cap Belgium international.

In all, he produced two tackles, one clearance and one interception according to WhoScored in what was relatively trouble-free evening. However, it was Castagne’s attacking play which was his standout feature.

He was rampant down the right flank, racking up a game-high five key passes throughout the 90 minutes, one more than mercurial midfielder James Maddison. For comparison, the rest of the Leicester team only managed to contribute 10 between them (WhoScored). Meanwhile, no single player in the entire Leicester side could beat the full-back’s 92.2% pass accuracy.

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Castagne’s attacking instincts certainly bore fruit for Leicester in the game. After being released by Youri Tielemans in the first half, he was able to produce a perfect centre for Vardy to smash home. It was the former Atalanta man’s third assist of the season, and his first since he’d notched two in his opening three games of the campaign.

The £21.6m-rated defender was also very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself before the break, once again finding acres of room down the right but he could only send his low effort onto the base of the post.

Having praised Castagne for his “brilliant” debut in the reverse fixture at The Hawthorns way back in September, Rodgers will certainly be exhilarated with another fantastic display from his full-back in what was a dominant win at the King Power Stadium.

AND in more news, take a look at which former transfer target Leicester must reignite their interest in…

In some senses, Celtic failing to appoint a new manager yet could be a blessing in disguise.

As the season unravels and club owners quickly begin to realise they won’t achieve their objectives, it opens the door for the Bhoys to appoint some recently sacked head coaches.

What’s the word?

Celtic are looking to take advantage of this by appointing Jose Mourinho as their new manager.

The Sun reported last week that the Portuguese was ready to make a swift return to the game after being sacked by Tottenham.

The Hoops have reportedly been in contact with Mourinho but unfortunately, rumours of a move have been quashed already.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, journalist Mark Guidi made a worrying claim about Celtic’s interest.

He commented: “I would say absolutely next to no chance. He normally wouldn’t get out of his bed for less than 8 million quid unless he’s willing to take a serious pay cut. But with the greatest of respect to Celtic, it’s a non-starter.”

Gutting news

The sorry story of Celtic’s hunt for a new manager has been summed up by a whole host of setbacks in the last two months.

Eddie Howe had been in advanced discussions with the Bhoys but a move for the former Bournemouth boss has fallen flat in the last few weeks.

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A number of issues have emerged regarding his backroom staff while a key problem is that he doesn’t actually want to return to football until the summer.

Celtic have no such issue with Mourinho but unfortunately, a move is very much a fantasy for the time being.

It’s hardly a surprise to hear a swoop for the self-proclaimed special one is a non-starter but it will represent another mighty blow to majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

A whole eight weeks have passed since Lennon walked out of Paradise and they haven’t even come close to discovering a successor.

Mourinho is undoubtedly the biggest name to be linked with Parkhead and judging by his history alone, it would have been a spectacular appointment.

He is a multiple Champions League winner, a manager who has won eight titles in Europe’s top five leagues. He has won FIFA’s Manager of the Year award and is one of the most iconic figures in the game.

Unfortunately, Celtic have very little chance of securing his services. Desmond will have to look elsewhere.

AND in other news, Dramatic Celtic manager claim emerges, Dermot Desmond will be livid…

Keith Gillespie has hailed the blossoming relationship of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The two stars have been central for United, with the club currently second in the Premier League table.

They are unlikely to topple Manchester City given that they sit 10 points behind their rivals with five games of the season remaining.

Pogba has played alongside the Portugal international 35 times this season, losing just nine times, and winning 19.

In total, they have been in the team together 48 times, and Fernandes has assisted Pogba twice, while the France international has laid on three goals for the former Sporting Lisbon star.

Gillespie believes the two consistently try to find each other on the pitch given the trust they have in each other, and thinks it can only be a good thing for United in the long run.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, the former United winger said: “I like the relationship that Fernandes and Pogba have at times because they always seem to be looking for each other because they trust each other.

“You always think something’s going to happen.”

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Rodrigo de Paul could be an exceptional addition to the Whites’ midfield this summer.

The Lowdown: Midfield addition required for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have enjoyed a triumphant return to the Premier League this season, sitting 11th in the table and rarely looking relegation-threatened.

The aim to is to keep moving forward as a team, however, and there have been times when Leeds have looked a little light in midfield, with Kalvin Phillips arguably relied upon too much – they have lost seven of the nine matches without him in the top flight.

De Paul is one player the Whites have been linked with helping solve that issue, having shone for Udinese this season, registering eight goals and assists apiece in Serie A as a box to box dynamo with some serious creative flair.

The Latest: Whelan waxes lyrical over De Paul

Someone who clearly wants to see the 26-year-old in a Leeds shirt is Whelan, who told Football Insider that the £34.2million-rated Argentine could be the perfect man to come in and add competition in midfield:

“We need another midfielder. Someone with a bit of tenacity who can provide assists and goals. We need a player that is a level above what we currently have if we want to progress further.

“There has been so much talk about Rodrigo de Paul coming to Leeds last summer and I did not think for one second that he would be a player we forgot about. They seemed desperate to get him on board. It does not surprise me to hear we might be making a second move for him.

“What a player, he would definitely improve the team. I have seen clips of him and he has bags of energy, a great eye for a pass and can score a goal as well. He would provide really strong competition in the middle.

“I am sure the club recognise it is a position we need to strengthen in this summer.”

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The Verdict: Leeds should seal De Paul move

De Paul ticks all the boxes, in terms of an ideal summer signing for Leeds, possessing quality and end product from midfield, but also averaging 1.3 tackles per game in the league this season.

He is an all-round midfielder in the mould of Phillips, but in a more forward-thinking sense, as his aforementioned goals and assists tally highlights.

Not only that, but 19 caps for Argentina also speaks volumes, and working alongside his countryman Bielsa could take De Paul’s game to another level.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly interested in a move for a winger this summer – find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

According to the Evening Standard, Palace are tracking the 31-year-old, who looks set to be a free agent in the summer.

Arsenal are also thought to be keen on the full-back, who is on £72,500-a-week at St Mary’s. He’s been a regular under Ralph Hasenhuttl for the majority of the campaign, making 34 appearances in all competitions.

Bertrand, who was labelled as ‘brilliant’ last year, has been with the Saints since 2015, but it looks as if he’ll call time on his career with the club over the coming months, with the Evening Standard claiming he will not sign a new deal.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the links on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these fans had to say, with one seemingly making reference to Bertrand replacing Patrick van Aanholt at Selhurst Park.

“Would make perfect sense if he was interested, PVA replacement and English.”

Credit: @AjsmagichatAlex

“Oh yes please. Get rid of that other fraud”

Credit: @BRL__18

“We’re never gonna break out of our cycle of old players who need replacing if we then sign 30 year olds who are deadwood at other clubs”

Credit: @Benteke_SZN

“Good back up player for Mitchell”

Credit: @lukeyCPFC34

“No thanks”

Credit: @Mark_CPFC

“Arsenal have to be gutted to be mentioned next to us.”

Credit: @RobbieScotcher

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at Frank Lampard update, find out more here. 

Carlo Ancelotti and his Everton side will have gone to sleep last night seeing claret and blue.

For the third game in a row, the Toffees will face a side donning those exact colours.

A week ago, Everton suffered defeat to Aston Villa in rather poor circumstances. Defensive mistakes were rife but they bounced back brilliantly against an in-form West Ham team.

The defence on that occasion were first-class as a solitary goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin won them the game.

On the chalkboard

It would be a surprise if Ancelotti switched from his trusted three-man defence that did so well last time out.

The Toffees looked improved defensively and in Ben Godfrey, they had a man who led the charge both offensively and inside their own half.

He won a colossal 88% of his duels during that contest, showing a ruthless physicality that’s been missing from the Everton side of late.

When Ancelotti tasted defeat against Dean Smith just over a week ago, his side were lightweight and were made to look rather feeble.

Mason Holgate was shoved off the ball all too easily for Ollie Watkins’ opening goal and Andre Gomes was also weak in the middle of the park

During that match, the Portuguese midfielder won just two of his nine defensive duels.

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With that in mind, the manager could vastly improve Everton’s fortunes by turning to Abdoulaye Doucoure on Thursday evening.

The Frenchman returned to the match day squad at the London Stadium following a fractured foot but didn’t get his chance to earn any minutes.

That should change this weekend, however, because his qualities could terrify the Villans.

A typical box to box midfielder, the £120k-per-week earner is one of the strongest players in this Everton side. He combines a relentless attitude to burst forward and impact play in the final third with the ability to break up attacks from the opposition.

Speaking about his qualities shortly after he’d signed from Watford, Ancelotti commented: “Abdoulaye is a fantastic midfielder, a complete midfielder. He can defend well. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can bring energy to the club and a different quality.

The Italian added: “We don’t have midfielders with his kinds of characteristics. We have midfielders with quality and midfielders who are tactically good. He is the only one who is box-to-box. I know him really well, what he did with Watford.”

With that in mind, it’s hard to see how he doesn’t have a bigger effect on proceedings than Gomes did in the 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

Well disciplined, Doucoure has committed fewer fouls (0.5) than many of his teammates in the middle of the pitch; Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Allan are all intent on bringing down their man on a more frequent basis.

Not only does the 28-year-old have a powerful streak inside of him, but he can harness that without being rash and cynical.

He simply has to play on Thursday.

AND in other news, Everton must swoop for £300k-p/w “outstanding technician”, he’s shades of Tim Cahill…

Celtic may not be lifting any silverware in Edinburgh on Saturday but the champagne will be popped open as Scott Brown’s Bhoys career comes to a close.

This will be last time he sets foot in a Hoops shirt as he winds down on what has been a marvellous stint at Parkhead. Brown has won a remarkable ten league titles and 12 domestic cups since first walking through the doors at Paradise in 2007.

Coincidentally, this could be the final match in Celtic colours for a number of players. Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Kristoffer Ajer are just three of the current squad who have been linked with an exit from Parkhead.

With all of that in mind, how will John Kennedy’s starting XI look when they travel to Easter Road to play Hibernian this afternoon?

Here’s what we’re predicting, with four changes from the side which started in midweek…

Kennedy suggested on Friday afternoon that a number of younger players would be in the matchday squad on Saturday. He offered no hints whether we would see a first senior start for Karamoko Dembele but we reckon he’ll finally get the go-ahead.

The 18-year-old scored his first senior goal against St Johnstone and deserves an opportunity to finally demonstrate what he’s capable of producing across a full 90 minutes.

Adam Montgomery keeps his spot at left-back but there are three changes elsewhere. Anthony Ralston earns only his second outing of the campaign as he dislodges Jonjoe Kenny at right-back. The Everton loanee has had an inconsistent stint at Parkhead and it feels unlikely that he’ll be here next term.

There could also be a change on the wing, where James Forrest drops out in favour of Mikey Johnston, who has had an injury-hit campaign but appeared in the last couple of games.

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The final change sees £12,000-per-week Christie drop out of the starting XI in favour of a tactical change. We’re predicting Leigh Griffiths to feature up top alongside Edouard in a change from the 4-1-4-1 setup we saw on Wednesday.

The Scotland striker is another who could be departing Glasgow when the summer transfer window closes.

Scott Bain’s fitness isn’t clear, so Vasilis Barkes keeps his place between the sticks.

AND in other news, Howe set to be dealt big Celtic blow before he’s even arrived, McKay surely fuming…

Derby County striker Martyn Waghorn has been linked with a move to fellow Championship club Cardiff City this summer.

The Lowdown: Waghorn out of contract

The 31-year-old scored five goals and registered four assists in the Championship in 2020/21, doing his bit to keep the Rams in the division. His contribution on the final day of the campaign was nothing short of heroic, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday when a defeat would have sent Wayne Rooney’ side down and kept the Owls in the second tier.

Like a number of Derby players, however, Waghorn’s contract at Pride Park expires in the summer, meaning that he is likely to move on to pastures new.

The Latest: Cardiff linked with move

According to Football Insider, Cardiff are eyeing up a move for the forward, looking to bring him in on a free transfer over the summer.

Waghorn, who earns £7,900 per week and has been described as ‘excellent’ by journalist Ryan Conway, could yet stay at Derby, with the club reportedly keen on giving him a new deal.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Waghorn still has enough quality to suggest that Derby should retain his services moving forward, with the striker scoring 30 goals in 123 appearances for the Rams, also registering 13 assists.

At 31, it would be remiss to think of him as an ‘old’ player. He still has plenty to offer, coming good when it mattered most at the season’s climax, while his Championship pedigree speaks for itself, having netted 75 times in the division throughout his career.

Waghorn might not be perfect, but he doesn’t stand out as someone Derby should be quick to jettison. Failing to offer him a new deal wouldn’t be much gratitude for scoring the goals which kept them up on the final day.

In other news, some Derby fans have been calling for one of Waghorn’s team-mates to be sold this summer. Find out who it is here.