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New Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers will have been encouraged by what he saw this midweek as the Foxes ground out a win over Brighton at the King Power.

The former Liverpool and Watford boss has made the big and bold decision to move from Celtic back to the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see just how he adapts to life back in the English game after ever so nearly leading Liverpool to glory.

However, he is going to need to be backed with some of his own players if he is to be a success, and we here in the Tavern wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him raid Celtic for some talent.

And one man who we feel might be of particular interest to Rodgers is attacking midfielder James Forrest, who has once again been in fine form for the Bhoys this term.

Double figures in terms of goals once again show the talent the Celtic man has, and at 27 and heading into his prime years, the challenge of the Premier League might well be too enticing a proposition to ignore.

Forrest is real handful in both wide and central areas, and with the Foxes having never really replaced the creative spark that Riyad Mahrez brought to the club, the Scottish star might well be the answer.

Quick, able to beat a man and with a keen eye for goal, Forrest would be a fine addition for Leicester and Rodgers.

While Celtic might not want to sell, the thought of having Forrest and the ever impressive James Maddison providing the creativity from attacking midfield is an exciting prospect for Leicester if they can convince the Scottish champions to part ways with their key man.

Leicester fans, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are buzzing over a transfer update involving former Liverpool star and Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

It’s only been a matter of months since the Netherlands international swapped Anfield for the French capital as former Premier League boss Mauricio Pochettino brought him to PSG on a free deal.

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However, a lack of game time under the Argentine has already seen him being linked with a move away from Ligue 1 and back to the English top flight.

In a shock update, West Ham are among the clubs who could actually sign the £165,000-per-week star as 90min share a transfer update out of the London Stadium.

According to their sources, manager David Moyes and the Hammers have now been offered Wijnaldum through intermediaries as his agents work on a January move for the player.

In terms of West Ham’s stance after these representatives made an approach, it is believed that the club haven’t ruled out the possibility of negotiating a loan deal in the winter window.

West Ham fans buzz…

As this transfer update emerges, it’s safe to say this Wijnaldum story has many Irons supporters buzzing on Twitter.

Despite Pochettino’s lack of consistent starts for the 31-year-old, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s praise for the player over 2020/2021 speaks volumes for his quality.

The German lauded Wijnaldum as a ‘legend’ and ‘sensational’ last season and it’s not hard to see why going by his impressive stats.

Indeed, he actually averaged a higher pass accuracy (92.7%) than any Reds player last season and was a mainstay in their midfield – playing in every single Premier League game (WhoScored).

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder West Ham fans are raving as they are offered the chance to sign him – find all of their best reactions down below:

“If true I’d take him in a heartbeat, imagine the energy of a midfield of Gini, Rice and Soucek, we saw how good he can be in an attacking sense at the Euros, he could cause havoc in that 10 role”

Credit: @TomQuirkeJourno

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Please Happen!!!”

Credit: @X3Number1

“Wages must be crazy but what a signing he’d be. A whole new dimension with a 4-3-3 and is well versed at covering for marauding DMs/ full backs, which would allow Rice and Cresswell to utilise their attacking abilities mix”

Credit: @leondepreli_

“quality signing this would be, bloke’s world-class”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Pleeeeeease”

Credit: @VammandeSammarN

“I would cry.”

Credit: @CostiaAHN

In other news: Approach already made: West Ham now willing to pay asking price for colossal 47-goal striker, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur progressed into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Antonio Conte’s former club, Chelsea, following a 2-1 victory over fellow Premier League rivals West Ham United on Wednesday evening.

Three quickfire goals inside five minutes in the first half decided the contest, with Spurs outcast Steven Bergwijn notching a goal and assist on his return to the starting XI.

In what was only his fifth start across all competitions this season, the Dutch winger excelled and was arguably one of the standout performers for the home side.

But forget his outing because it was another man – also on his return – that ran the show in north London this week.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s industrious and no-nonsense presence has been sorely missed recently and he made his influence show throughout the 90 minutes on the pitch – it was telling that he could finish the game, whilst his goal-contributing counterpart was hooked after just an hour.

The great Dane also provided a wonderful assist when he drove forward from midfield into the Hammers’ penalty box before laying the ball beautifully for Bergwijn to tap home.

But his contribution didn’t stop at just that. He was everywhere and proved to be the Lilywhites’ main focal point as he registered a team-high 76 touches.

With this possession, the £36m-rated powerhouse pinged off 55 accurate passes, which was also the most in the Spurs side, whilst he also did an astute job defensively, something he is well renowned for.

As per SofaScore, Hojbjerg registered three interceptions, two tackles and one block as he put his body on the line to thwart West Ham’s advances.

Meanwhile, the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick waxed lyrical about his display in his post-match column, where he rated the Denmark international as one of Conte’s three best performers with an 8/10, alongside Lucas Moura and his fellow goalscoring winger.

It’s no wonder Hojbjerg has previously been lauded as a “monster” by ex-Denmark midfielder Morten Bisgaard as everyone at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium got to witness exactly that on Wednesday night.

Defensively sound, creative and an absolute terrier all over the pitch. That’s what makes the former Southampton skipper so valuable to Conte and Spurs.

Arguably, he outshone the rest of the team to steal the show as the north London outfit advanced into the final four of a major domestic competition.

AND in other news, Fabio Paratici could secure Conte’s next Vidal at Spurs with “powerful” £18m-rated “machine”…

Wolves are looking to sign a new striker before the end of the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist Sami Mokbel.

The Lowdown: Wolves continue impressive form

Wanderers picked up yet another impressive Premier League win on Saturday afternoon, battling their way to a 2-1 victory away to Brentford. Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves were the goalscoring heroes for Wolves, who have now won four games in a row in all competitions.

Despite Bruno Lage’s side excelling at the moment, there could still be a need to bring in new players, ensuring that they keep improving the squad and move in the right direction.

The Latest: Journalist talks up striker move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Mokbel claimed Wolves are after a striker this month in order to add more firepower in the final third.

He said: “A striker for them, I’m sure, would be at the forefront of Bruno Lage’s mind. Jimenez is back, but they certainly want more goals and more of a different kind of threat than he would offer, as good as a player he is.”

The Verdict: Makes complete sense

While Wolves have been increasingly strong as the season has progressed, they certainly haven’t been renowned for their goalscoring prowess.

They have only scored 19 times in 21 league games – 19th-placed Watford have four more – and both Hwang Hee-chan and Raul Jimenez lead the way with just four goals apiece, highlighting the need for more ammunition in attack.

With Adama Traore seeming likely to join Tottenham, the money should hopefully be there to spend on a striker in January if that deal goes through during the week, hopefully making Wolves even more potent in the process.

In other news, some Wolves fans love footage that has emerged from the win over Brentford. Read more here.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express has made a West Ham United summer transfer claim involving Burnley defender James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye January move…

A plethora of central defenders were tipped with a potential move to the London Stadium last month as manager David Moyes saw it as a transfer priority alongside the need for another striker (The Daily Mail).

The likes of Duje Caleta-Car were mentioned, with late window talks apparently held for the Croatian, while Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Bournemouth loanee Nathaniel Phillips had also been linked (The Evening Standard).

Tarkowski, whose contract at current club Burnley expires later this year, was another name on the target list for Moyes with Express reporter Taylor now sharing an update on their interest.

The Latest: Taylor expects summer move

Speaking to GMS, the reporter says West Ham could in fact ‘enter the fray’ for Tarkowski again in the summer.

He explained: “All signs pointed towards him staying to the end of the season, then West Ham could enter the fray.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While the Hammers couldn’t seal a central defensive signing for Moyes last month, recruitment chief Rob Newman would be remiss if he didn’t at least consider Tarkowski on a free.

The 29-year-old, who was once valued at his £50 million release clause by Burnley, looks set to leave for nothing in the summer and West Ham could secure a short term centre-back option at the very least.

Described as one of Sean Dyche’s ‘talismans’ and a ‘real leader’ by pundit Noel Whelan, Moyes’ side could benefit from a figure like this in the heart of West Ham’s defence – especially for no transfer fee.

In other news: ExWHUemployee: Moyes now personally wants ‘unreal’ international who’s also a Salthouse client, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now targeting a loan move for Gabriel Barbosa in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wilson blow

The St. James’ Park faithful would have slumped down in their seats when Callum Wilson was forced to come off in their 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United in the Premier League last time out.

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has since revealed that he suffered a torn calf muscle, and that he could now face months on the sidelines.

Given that Wilson is their top scorer so far this season with six goals in total over all competitions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium will now have to find an adequate replacement, and fast.

The Latest: Barbosa targeted

As per The Daily Mirror, the North East club are now targeting an ‘exciting’ move for Barbosa next month, and are ‘interested’ in a loan deal for the Brazil international.

Eddie Howe is ‘desperate’ to add some more firepower to his team, especially given the news about Wilson, and Barbosa, known as ‘Gabigol’, is ‘among the options’ being explored on Tyneside.

His team Flamengo are ‘open’ to loaning him out for six months, with a £17m obligation to buy in the summer should the Magpies avoid relegation from the Premier League down to the Championship.

However, Barbosa is ‘not convinced’ about moving to the Toon, as he has doubts over who else they could sign amid a relegation battle.

The Verdict: Get it done

The new owners need to do all that they can in order to convince Gabigol to join in January, given their predicament with Wilson.

A loan deal would be perfect given their battle for survival, and he has shown throughout his career that he is a real poacher in front of goal.

The 25-year-old has scored a total of 149 times at both senior and youth level for club and country, which is impressive considering his age.

Nonetheless, he would be a smart addition to the squad, and the loan-option deal means if worst comes to worst he will not be a heavy burden on the club’s finances if they go down.

In other news, find out who Nick Hammond is now pushing to sign for NUFC here!

Celtic are battling their Glasgow arch-rivals in the race to sign Tottenham’s Dilan Markanday, according to The Evening Standard.

The Lowdown: Markanday profiled

Markanday is 20 years of age and is primarily a right winger who can also play on the left or in an attacking midfield role.

The left-footed youngster, described as ‘intelligent’ by Spurs academy manager Dean Rastrick, has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, mainly for the Londoners’ under-23 side.

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He has scored 11 times and registered four assists in Premier League 2, averaging a goal involvement every 70 minutes in that competition, and it seems as if the pacey winger is on Celtic’s winter window shortlist.

The Latest: Glasgow battle…

The Evening Standard shared a story on Wednesday, claiming both Celtic and Rangers are battling it out for Markanday in a possible cut-price transfer.

The youngster, who Jose Mourinho clearly rates after saying his ‘day will arrive’ back in February, is out of contract at the end of the season and could therefore discuss a possible pre-contract agreement in the New Year, with a number of English Championship clubs also keen on his services.

The Verdict: Needed?

The Hoops look set to make Jota’s loan move permanent, while it appears as if they may also bring in attacker Daizen Maeda, who can also line out on the wing.

Should that move go through, it would leave Ange Postecoglou with seven players who can operate on the wing at Celtic Park. On that basis, a move for Markanday may not exactly be necessary in January, so perhaps Celtic should look at bolstering other areas of the squad first.

That said, it appears as if the Hoops may look to pip their biggest rivals to the Spurs starlet, so it could be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Nicholson ‘plans’ to sell ‘terrific’ Celtic ace in record-breaking £25.5m deal. 

Wolves could sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha as a potential Ruben Neves replacement, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Palhinha impressing for Sporting

The 26-year-old has been an influential figure at the heart of Sporting’s midfield this season, with 16 Primeira Liga appearances to his name, not to mention three goals.

Palhinha has been linked with a move to Wolves in recent days, as Bruno Lage continues to eye up squad reinforcements moving forward.

It could be that the Portuguese is viewed as a long-term successor to compatriot Neves, who has been tipped to move to Arsenal at the end of the season.

The Latest: Journalist talks up move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that Palhinha could be the ideal man to come in and fill the possible void left by Neves this summer:

“In the summer, if Ruben Neves wants to leave, Palhinha might be a ready-made replacement.”

The Verdict: Ideal Neves replacement

The hope is that Neves stays put at Wolves for many years, given his quality, but there is always the risk that his head could be turned by a big move elsewhere.

Should that happen, Palhinha looks tailor-made to come in as a replacement, having been described as a ‘special player’ by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

The midfielder has enjoyed an 86.7% pass completion rate in the league this season, as well as averaging a hugely impressive 3.4 tackles.

In comparison, Neves has 82.6% passing and 2.2 challenges per game, showing that the Sporting star could even prove to be an upgrade if he transitions well into English football.

In other news, some Wolves fans have gushed over a key transfer update. Read more here.

As per Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, some transfer news has come out of West Ham United, and it involves Borussia Monchengladbach star Matthias Ginter.

The Lowdown: Newman and Moyes face big summer…

Hammers officials, according to club insider Claret & Hugh, are soon set for a crunch meeting to determine the amount of money which will be allocated to both David Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman’s transfer kitty.

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Depending on the outcome of these financial discussions, Moyes and Newman could be set for a big window, but a lot could also come down to West Ham’s run in the Europa League or if they qualify for Europe next season.

The free agent market, as a result, could be a fruitful source for talent to bolster West Ham’s squad at zero cost.

Sharing news, Sky journalist Thomas has now lifted the lid on a potential Bosman transfer for the club this summer.

The Latest: West Ham eye Ginter…

As per his sources, the Irons are now eyeing Bundesliga defender and Germany international Ginter – joining ‘a lot of top clubs’ who have been keeping tabs on the in-demand star.

The 28-year-old, as he’s already confirmed, is set to move on this summer after his contract expires – prompting West Ham to now take note as they eye him for Moyes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Ginter, a mainstay for his club, has played the second-most top flight minutes for Gladbach behind goalkeeper Yann Sommer – all while ranking in as their fourth-best performer by average match rating (WhoScored).

He’s also made the second-most clearances per 90 (3) out of their squad, standing out as a solid and reliable defender who could seemingly strengthen Moyes’ options at centre-half.

Valued at around £21.6 million by Transfermarkt, bypassing this fee entirely and signing Ginter for free comes as a potential bargain for West Ham.

In other news: West Ham insider: Irons officials set for crunch talks as Moyes personally plots ‘special’ player bid, find out more here.

Rangers are among the clubs in the race to sign an England international goalkeeper this summer, according to The Daily Mail. 

The lowdown

The £32,500-per-week contract of West Brom netminder Sam Johnstone runs until the end of June, at which point he will be free to choose his next club.

The Englishman was the Baggies’ first-choice ‘keeper in the Premier League last season and wound up staying put despite their demotion to the Championship. He’s made 34 league appearances for Steve Bruce’s side, who sit 12th in the table.

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Rangers may need a new goalkeeper for next season, with 40-year-old veteran Allan McGregor also out of contract over the summer.

The latest

The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones and Sam May wrote that Rangers have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing Johnstone, having identified him as a potential replacement for McGregor. However, they face competition from at least four clubs south of the border.

Tottenham Hotspur, who apparently looked poised to sign him at one point in January, want him to provide cover and competition for Hugo Lloris, while recruitment staff at Newcastle United, West Ham United and Southampton have all discussed making a move for the 29-year-old ‘in recent months’ as well.

The verdict

Johnstone would be an excellent signing for Rangers.

He was unfortunate not to get a move last summer, having been a shining light in an otherwise dour to-flight campaign for West Brom. Johnstone was among the nine best shot-stoppers in the division (‘preventing’ 4.4 goals) and was named Player of the Season by both his team-mates and the club’s supporters.

Even after the Baggies’ relegation, the £7.2m-rated stopper earned call-ups for the first three international windows of the 2021/22 season during the autumn. He has won three caps for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions up to this point, underlining his pedigree.

He may be seen not only as a successor to – but also an upgrade on – McGregor, who was questioned for his role in Celtic’s equaliser in Sunday’s Old Firm defeat. Ibrox legend Ally McCoist said that the £13,000-per-week veteran ought to have parried Reo Hatate’s strike ‘wider’, duly allowing Tom Rogic to convert the rebound.

Would Johnstone pick Rangers over Spurs? The Daily Mail’s report noted the 29-year-old’s ambition to make the England squad for the World Cup at the end of the year, and you could argue that he would be better served playing weekly at Ibrox than his likely destiny as Hugo Lloris’ little-used understudy if he goes to north London, where the Frenchman is virtually undroppable.

In other news, Rangers could suffer a £5m blow