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According to recent reports from Belgium, West Bromwich Albion are one of two Premier League sides keeping an eye on Michel-Ange Balikwisha ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report by Le Soir (via Sport Witness) claims that both West Brom and Brighton & Hove Albion are closely monitoring the Standard Liege forward ahead of a potential summer move, while Club Brugge are also believed to have contacted their Pro League rivals regarding a deal for the 19-year-old.

So far this season, Balikwisha has been in fine form over his 24 league appearances for Mbaye Leye’s side, scoring seven goals and providing two assists, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.98.

And, with the Belgium U21 international recently rejecting Standard Liege’s proposals of an extension to his current deal, as well as it being reported that the 19-year-old is not convinced of a move to Club Brugge, West Brom could find themselves in a favourable position regarding a move for Balikwisha come the summer.

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering how impressive Balikwisha has been for Standard Liege this season, despite his young age, it is not overly surprising to read that a number of clubs are interested in his services this summer.

However, while the player himself may not fancy a move to Brugge, Brighton’s interest could pose West Brom something of a headache, as, if the Baggies do not ensure Premier League survival this summer, it could be argued that Balikwisha may well prefer a move to a top-flight side, rather than one playing their football in the Championship.

In other news: ‘Get him signed’ – Allardyce reveals £31k-p/w priority target outperforming every WBA player – find out more here!

Former Leeds United hero Noel Whelan has spoken of his delight at Max Dean signing his first professional deal at Elland Road.

The 17-year-old signed on the dotted line last Friday in what was a proud moment for him and his family. Dean has signed a two-year deal which will take him through to the summer of 2023, by which point he will ideally have broken into the first team squad.

The teenager forward has featured for Leeds’ under-18s, under-21s and under-23s this season, impressing across all age groups and scoring four goals in eight appearances for the latter in Premier League 2.

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Whelan delighted with Dean news

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was overjoyed at the news of Dean signing his new contract, hailing it as “a great achievement”:

“It is brilliant news. For Dean personally, it is a massive deal to sign his first professional contract.

“It is a great achievement because he has been fighting among other players in and around him and only a few get taken on. It can be very ruthless in academies.

“It is a great moment for the young man and a good moment for Leeds because he looks to be another exciting youngster coming through the ranks.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is always tough for any player to make the step up to the first team, but Dean is certainly a player who is highly regarded at Elland Road.

For now, he just needs to keep progressing in the youth team and ensure he doesn’t rest on his laurels after such a huge moment for him personally.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a forward who is in excellent form this season. Read more here.

Premier League champions Liverpool will reportedly offer Celtic Divock Origi plus cash in a summer deal for Odsonne Edouard.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Anfield Central, who claim that the Reds are hoping they can get the Belgian to head to Celtic Park in a permanent move.

Klopp eyeing Edouard

Edouard, 23, has scored 20 goals in 34 appearances this season for the Hoops, and it seems as if Jurgen Klopp is the latest manager to have his eye on the Frenchman.

Reports earlier this month claimed that Leicester City were closing in on a £15m deal for Edouard, however, Celtic seem to value the forward, who has just over 12 months left on his Parkhead deal, at the £20m mark.

Transfer Tavern take

The potential inclusion of Origi is certainly an interesting one. Charlie Nicholas actually urged Brendan Rodgers to bring the Reds man to Glasgow in 2019.

Origi is valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, £900,000 more than Edouard’s valuation. Still just 25 years of age, the Belgian, should he be open to a reported move, could thrive in the Scottish Premiership.

He’s struggled for regular game time on Merseyside in recent seasons but has still notched up over 150 appearances for the Reds, scoring 35 times.

Becoming first-choice at Parkhead could well be just what he needs at this point in his career, but only time will tell if a reported player-plus-cash move appeals to him.

In other news: 23 y/o Celtic ace keen on summer exit, find out more here. 

Alan Hutton believes that Jordan Jones has played his last game for Glasgow Rangers despite his impressive form on loan at Sunderland in League One.

Hutton thinks Jones is finished at Ibrox

Jones moved to the Stadium of Light on loan in January and has done well so far for the Black Cats, scoring twice and providing three assists in nine league matches (Transfermarkt).

However, speaking to Football Insider, Hutton does still not believe the 26-year-old has a future at Ibrox. He said of Jones:

“It’s one of those ones where he had opportunities at Rangers. Gerrard put him in and sometimes we would see the best of him but not enough.

“Obviously the Covid issues, hampered by injuries, I’m not going to say I’m on the fence. I believe the time’s passed. He’s went down, he’s moved on, he’s playing well at a decent level and scoring goals.

“I just feel his time that Rangers, he’s had enough opportunities, it’s not quite worked out. The player has to think of himself as well, he obviously wasn’t happy when he was there.”

Difficult

On Wearside, Jones has shown he has plenty of talent, but it is hard to disagree with Hutton. Jones did break into the Gers’ starting line-up towards the start of this season, even scoring in a 5-1 win over Motherwell, but he betrayed the trust of both his teammates and Steven Gerrard when he broke virus regulations to attend a house gathering along with George Edmundson. That led to a seven-game ban (BBC), preventing him from playing on a regular basis for the 55-time Scottish champions.

In 19 matches for Rangers since making the move from Kilmarnock, that goal against Motherwell is the only time he has hit the back of the net. Quite frankly, that is not good enough, especially when he has Ryan Kent to contend with on the left wing. It seems only a matter of time before Jones leaves Ibrox on a permanent basis, as Hutton has predicted.

In other news, many Rangers fans hammered this man’s performance against Celtic.

Everton have a wonderful chance of securing European football next season, with the Toffees standing an outside chance of reaching the top table.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have a game in hand and are just six points behind Chelsea in fourth place, so a Champions League place may await them if everything goes their way.

They will have to overcome a number of tough tests, though. Everton still have to face West Ham United and Manchester City, so it won’t be easy for them to gatecrash the top four.

That said, they did rise to the challenge of Arsenal last time out, winning 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. They will be able to take plenty of confidence into their clash with Aston Villa on Saturday night but how will they line up?

Here’s the XI we’re predicting from Ancelotti tonight…

We’re tipping the Italian to make three changes to the side which defeated the Gunners just over a week ago.

Ancelotti sticks with the same formation but he takes Andre Gomes out of the firing line. He returned to the starting XI in north London after two games out but doesn’t start this time.

Gomes showed some nice touches against Mikel Arteta’s side but didn’t make a big enough impression in his 66 minutes on the pitch.

He produced two tackles but had fewer touches in the game than Jordan Pickford and failed to offer impetus alongside James Rodriguez, unable to play a single key pass. As such, Tom Davies comes back into the starting XI.

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The second change is out on the flanks, where Gylfi Sigurdsson misses out. The Iceland international struck the bar against Arsenal but his threat waned significantly as the game went on. Like Gomes, he had less of the ball than Pickford and didn’t provide a key pass.

For someone in his position, Sigurdsson should be doing a lot more to feed Dominic Calvert-Lewin. With the need for a bit more swagger and energy in attack, the £100,000-per-week Alex Iwobi comes back into the fray.

Abdoulaye Doucoure misses out through injury but Michael Keane is back in the side. He replaces Seamus Coleman, with Ben Godfrey moving to right-back.

AND in other news, Everton must swoop for “absolutely crazy” £27k-p/w maestro, he’s got “brutal dynamism”…

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, believes that Ryan Kent would struggle to perform in the Premier League if he moved to Leeds United.

Kent has been linked with a move to Leeds this summer, much like he was last year, as Marcelo Bielsa clearly thinks he can add something to a high energy Leeds attacking side.

The Rangers winger was only signed permanently by Steven Gerrard in 2019 when he brought the 24-year old from Liverpool after he failed to make the grade at Anfield with competition fierce in their attacking line-up.

Speaking on why Kent would struggle if he moved to Leeds and why he must have something which Bielsa admires if he wants to bring him to Elland Road, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s had a good season without a doubt but I think he will find it difficult because in the Premier League it’s week-in-week-out and it is relentless. That’s not being disrespectful to the Scottish League but it’s not the same as the Premier League.

“I’m sure if Bielsa fancies bringing him to Leeds then he’s got to have something about him because he is a top manager – you just have to look at what he’s done with that Leeds side.”

Bielsa pulled off a great signing last year when he brought in Raphinha on deadline day from Rennes for what has turned out to be a bargain price of £17 million.

The Argentine’s future, however, is not clear with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and the hierarchy are planning for life without him next season.

This is a season that Wolverhampton Wanderers will want to quickly forget about.

Any chance of securing European football has evaporated quickly while they have been dealt a number of catastrophic injury blows.

On the chalkboard

One of the injuries in recent weeks was to Joao Moutinho. It may not have been a season-ending problem like Jonny and Pedro Neto received but it still kept him out for a few weeks.

Moutinho’s form has improved in recent months with a goal against Arsenal and an assist versus Manchester City.

That being said, his opening to the season was rather poor. He was off the pace and didn’t register a single goal involvement until February.

It was form that sparked words of negativity from Wolves reporter Tim Spiers who claimed this could be the veteran midfielder’s final campaign as a regular in the starting XI.

He said: “I think you’ve got to question if this is his final season, certainly as a first-choice player.

“I think he’d be good to have around the squad, he’s important in the dressing room, but [not] as a first choice. He’s 35 this year, he can still have an impact on games, but not nearly as regularly as he was doing it before.”

Who is his replacement?

Trying to replace someone like Moutinho will be an incredibly tricky task. He has defined the very essence of consistency since joining Wolves from Monaco.

However, now in the twilight of his career, the Old Gold could perhaps benefit from someone with a bit more energy and vibrancy.

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The man they should target this summer is Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Wolves were interested in the Arsenal man back in January but he joined West Brom on loan instead.

However, a new report from The Telegraph expects the Molineux outfit to revisit the £48k-per-week earner when the summer window opens.

Maitland-Niles has made his name as a wing-back in the Arsenal set up but his preferred role is in the middle of the park.

Described as a “Rolls-Royce” by Martin Keown, he’s made a seamless transition to the Baggies and is now starring as a midfield player.

He was named the Man of the Match during West Brom’s win over Southampton last weekend, producing two tackles and two interceptions in what was a combative display.

Maitland-Niles covers the ground impressively and unlike Moutinho, is a more mobile individual. He can pick out a pass like the Portuguese can and his defensive attributes have come on leaps and bounds in recent years.

He’d be a real asset to Wolves and could be their perfect player. After all, Nuno loves someone who can play in more than one role.

Speaking about this quality, Chris Sutton once said: “The young man’s versatility is a weapon. He is such a versatile talent – a diamond.”

Moutinho hasn’t had a disastrous campaign but it’s clear that time is winding down on his glistening career. Maitland-Niles would be a top-drawer replacement.

AND in other news, Wolves could have their new Conor Coady in 18 y/o “leader” who’s been “outstanding”…

Leeds are continuing to keep a close eye on Lens starlet Loic Bade ahead of a potential move for the centre-back in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports from Foot Mercato earlier this year suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of the teams interested in signing the 21-year-old.

Now, Actufoot claim that along with Leeds, the likes of Sevilla and Lyon have also earmarked the young Frenchman as a transfer target, and that with Lens aware of the growing interest in the defender, they are ready to cash in.

Leeds’ new Pontus Jansson

Before Bielsa grew tired of Pontus Jansson, the big centre-back was a imposing figure at the back, dealing with everything in the air and ensuring the Whites had a monstrous presence in their own box.

In fact, on Jansson’s way to earning his place in the PFA Team of the Year in 2018/19 season, the Whites let in just 13 goals from corners and free-kicks over the season. The Swede was superb in the air, winning 4.9 aerial duels per game during his final season in the Championship for the club.

And in Bade, Bielsa could find his next Jansson.

The Frenchman has a big future ahead of him and has already earned reviews for his performances with Lens, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig calling him “dominant” and insisting that he has “huge potential”.

Just like Jansson, Bade is a formidable presence in the air, with his 3.7 duels won per game in Ligue 1 this season actually ranking him fifth in the entire division.

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That’s also not to mention the fact he makes an impressive 1.9 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game, which puts him third and first among his Lens teammates this campaign.

The 6 foot 3 Bade could be exactly the kind of “dominant” centre-back Leeds could do with, and signing him could give Bielsa his new Jansson at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, a Leeds source has revealed some exciting plans at Thorp Arch…

Jamie Carragher reckons that Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey are the ‘future’ for Everton in the centre-back position.

Carragher was speaking to one of the club’s fan channels, Toffee TV.

How have Keane and Godfrey performed this season?

Keane has played 90 minutes in all but three of Everton’s Premier League games this season. He has averaged 2.9 successful aerial duels, 1.4 interceptions and 4.6 clearances per 90 minutes (via WhoScored), but the 28-year-old was still overlooked for the latest England squad by Gareth Southgate.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti urged him to channel that disappointment into motivation, hailing his ‘really good’ performance levels.

£25m summer signing Godfrey, who was called-up by the England under-21s this month, has been almost an ever-present at Goodison Park as well.

Ancelotti has only left him on the bench twice since his arrival from Norwich City, and the defender been averaging 2.3 successful aerial duels, 4.3 clearances and 1.7 blocks per game (via WhoScored). The Everton manager has made use of the 23-year-old’s versatility by deploying him as a full-back on nine occasions.

Godfrey has earned plenty of plaudits this season, with Rio Ferdinand among his admirers. The ex- Manchester United defender labelled his performances ‘absolutely outstanding’.

Carragher says Everton don’t need to dip into market for centre-back

Carragher has followed Ferdinand’s lead in championing Godfrey’s credentials, as well as those of fellow Toffees defender Keane.

“I do look at Keane and Godfrey as the future for Everton at centre-back,” the Liverpool legend said. “I’m a big fan of both players.

“I really like Michael Keane. He’s a seven out of 10 man every game. His passing’s very good from the back.

“And in Godfrey, I think you’ve got a super player. It’s a great signing. I think he’s going to be a top centre-back.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

Both players have clearly done well this season, but is Keane and Godfrey a partnership which could sustain a top four challenge? Probably not, and that’s where Everton are aiming under this manager.

A serious offer for Kalidou Koulibaly has been mooted and would be an immense show of ambition from the Toffees.

In other news, Everton will listen to offers for another of their defenders.

Rewind through the last decade and Celtic supporters will recall triumphant joy. The Hoops were the dominant side in Scottish football and won countless honours.

Nine times in a row they won the SPFL title but it didn’t come without blood, sweat and tears.

Whenever the transfer window came along they seemed to be dealt some colossal setbacks. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Moussa Dembele both departed while Kieran Tierney was another to leave Glasgow for pastures new.

Having come through the Hoops academy, his loss was arguably the most difficult to take. He left in a record-breaking £25m move to Arsenal and has since thrived. He has been a pillar of consistency at left-back for the Gunners, registering 1.3 key passes a game.

For context, no Arsenal player with over one start to his name has more this season.

He has been a roaring success and you can’t deny that the Bhoys haven’t missed him. Boli Bolingoli is now out on loan while Diego Laxalt has defined inconsistency down the left.

Laxalt is set to head back to Milan at the conclusion of his loan spell in a few months time which means Celtic may well need a new full-back. In recent weeks, it’s been reported that they are still interested in French defender Romain Perraud.

The 23-year-old nearly joined the Glaswegian outfit in 2019 before his team at the time, Nice, pulled the plug. He is now with Brest, where he’s very quickly becoming one of the most fearsome left-backs in Ligue 1.

He has been linked with Premier League side Leeds United and thus, it will not be a straightforward chase for his services. That’s because he is a modern-day full-back possessing all of the traits that Tierney lovingly brought to Paradise.

Leeds reporter Phil Hay commented last month: “It’s very clear from the performance data that he’s a very attacking left-back, who is good at creating chances, taking shots himself, a threat going forward, but also really good at employing the press, good as part of a team that likes to press aggressively. On those basic pointers, you can see why Leeds are interested.”

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Add words from French football expert Adrien Dryll into the equation and the idea of signing Perraud becomes all the more appealing. “Indeed, Romain Perraud rapidly became a fan-favourite at the Stade Charlety, thanks to some Roberto Carlos-esque rockets from outside the box,” he began.

“Keeping everything in perspective, Perraud’s style is, on some points, quite similar to the former Real Madrid full-back’s. He has a fighting mentality, an incredible shot power and a left-foot that has proven throughout the season to be a deadly weapon for set-pieces,” Dryll concluded.

It’s hard to disagree with those claims. After all, the full-back has been involved in eight goals this term, providing five assists for his teammates.

He is rampant down the left flank, very much like a certain Tierney. Possessing a wand of a left foot, Perraud loves to get forward, something we can understand using Smarterscout’s video-game-like ratings where they rate abilities out of 99.

Adjusted to Premier League standard – via The Athletic – Perraud’s carry and dribble volume ranks at 89 out of 99. On top of that, expected goals from his chance creation are rated at 75 while his shot volume is a staggering 99 for someone in his position.

It’s not known how much the Frenchman would cost but he comes with glowing reviews and eye-catching stats. It’s hard not to be appealed and if Celtic can sign him, thwy may finally get a replacement for Tierney.

AND in other news, Celtic could find their Brown heir in £50k-p/w gem, he’d be a “really good signing”…