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After it was announced that Sergio Aguero will leave Manchester City in the summer earlier this week, there have been plenty of reports linking Pep Guardiola’s side with possible replacements.

However, City could be set to lose 18-year-old Liam Delap, who has been touted as a potential long-term replacement for the Argentine this summer, after it was reported that Real Madrid are considering a move for the teenager.

According to the Daily Star, the Spanish giants are weighing up a move for the former Derby County youngster, who has excelled in Manchester City’s academy sides since joining.

Despite only turning 18 in February, Delap has been a regular in City’s under-23 side this season and has been scoring for fun in the Premier League 2, with 20 goals in just 15 appearances so far this term.

His superb form in the academy has seen him make three senior appearances in Guardiola’s side this season, which included a debut goal in the 2-1 win against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.

After scoring a brace for the under-18s earlier in the season, manager Carlos Vicens was full of praise for Delap, saying:

“We know Liam very well, I worked with him all last season and he’s a winner.

“He’s a guy who loves being around this group of players, enjoys being on the pitch and obviously with his passion, his energy, his power, he’s almost a guy that creates fear when he’s on the pitch.”

With only Gabriel Jesus currently available as a senior option up front for Guardiola ahead of next season, the Spanish manager will be desperate to keep hold of Delap, who is clearly destined for a big future with the Citizens, but he may well be tempted away by the glamour of Real Madrid.

Therefore, City should do everything they can to keep hold of the teenage striker, as Guardiola would surely not be happy if he were allowed to leave.

In other news… Man City suffer potentially huge transfer blow with £80m-rated beast Pep dubbed “world-class”

Reports by Marca over the weekend claimed that Real Madrid plan to offer Luka Jovic out to potential suitors for a summer sale, and David Moyes should see that West Ham United are in the mix for the Serbian’s signature.

The Irons had shown an interest in Jovic’s availability for the winter market as they lined up possible replacements for Sebastien Haller, with Defensa Central noting in November that he could increase the quality available.

The London Stadium natives were again linked the day after Haller sealed a £20m move to AFC Ajax, with Caught Offside reporting that West Ham had approached Real Madrid to sound out their chances of acquiring Jovic.

West Ham ultimately failed to seal a deal for the 23-year-old Los Blancos spent £52.5m to sign in 2019, and he would instead secure a return to Eintracht Frankfurt to see out the rest of the season under the coach in Adi Hutter he scored 27 goals in 48 games in 2018/19.

Jovic had failed to make the grade in the Spanish capital during his 19-months under Zinedine Zidane with just two goals in 32 games, but has already achieved double that tally in 14 appearances back with Die Adler.

He is now expected to be made available for a permanent move away from the Santiago Bernabeu once the £18m-rated forward returns to Madrid, as Los Blancos make efforts to raise funds for necessary summer reinforcements.

The La Liga giants are refusing to rest on their laurels despite a 35th Spanish top-flight title and 14th Champions League crown still being achievable, and will need to make room for players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to arrive.

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Real Madrid are expected to clear space both physically and financially by parting with a number of options in Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Isco, Alvaro Odriozola, Mariano Diaz and Jovic, while Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez are out of contract at the end of the season.

If Jovic does prove to be available for a move away from Spain this summer, Moyes should urge West Ham to revive their interest given his continued need for attacking depth after opting against replacing Haller in the winter market.

Jovic is a widely lauded forward despite his struggles in Madrid and is considered to be “just unbelievable” by Eintracht Frankfurt teammate Filip Kostic, with whom he combined for five of his 17 Bundesliga goals in 2018/19 for the joint-best partnership in the division.

He may not have yet rediscovered the same prolific touch in front of the net that saw him become a Galactico, but Jovic’s instant impact back in Germany with a brace on his second debut against FC Schalke 04 offered the foundations for him to help Frankfurt claim 30 of a possible 42 points – only Bayern Munich (35) have taken more since January 16.

Eintracht Sporting Director Fredi Bobic also acknowledges that Jovic was re-signed when not 100 per cent match fit, but Hutter still believes “he is on the right track” and is satisfied with his overall contributions to the team.

Moyes now playing on Jovic’s uncertain future at Real Madrid to add depth to West Ham’s attack could see the Irons boss add a player who is still young and on the way back to his best, then, and one even likened to Sergio Aguero by AS Monaco boss Niko Kovac for “his technique and instinct”.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has urged Everton fans to ‘keep an eye on Max Aarons’, the Norwich City right-back.

Sky Sports reported last month that the Blues were considering making a move for Aarons, claiming that Norwich are looking for a fee in the region of £30m-35m regardless of whether or not they secure promotion.

However, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also apparently in the race to sign him.

Everton keeping a close eye on Norwich talent again

Aarons is currently on international duty with England under-21s, having been called up for the group stages of the European Championships in that age category.

The 21-year-old has played every minute in the Championship for the Canaries so far this season, averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 0.7 shots per game (via WhoScored).

Everton captured Ben Godfrey from Carrow Road last summer for a fee of £25m and he has enjoyed a successful first season on Merseyside, hailed as a ‘revelation’ by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty in February after the 2-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool.

The hope is that Aarons can follow in his footsteps, and these Toffees fans on Twitter are certainly excited about that prospect after reading Romano’s cryptic tweet:

Everton fans express excitement after Romano’s Aarons teaser

“I like it a lot”

Credit: @SJM1878

“Love you”

Credit: @DirtyDigne

“Inject it”

Credit: @kian04301982

“AGH”

Credit: @chloemcnulty31

“You don’t have to ask me twice”

Credit: @PolariChat

“Oh my days”

Credit: @smythy2

“Max Aarons should be our priority this window. Hopefully talks are progressing well and he can come play with Godfrey again”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

In other news, many Everton fans were also pleased with this update. 

Leicester City have been linked with a number of wide options heading into the summer transfer window.

Two of the most prominent names have been Florian Thauvin of Olympique Marseille and Borussia Dortmund’s Thorgan Hazard.

It is certainly key that the Foxes bring in another wide option next season with on-loan Cengiz Under set to return to AS Roma. It should definitely be the former Newcastle United man Thauvin who Brendan Rodgers and Jon Rudkin target.

Both at the same age of 28, albeit Hazard being two months younger, the Frenchman is enjoying a much better season throughout 2020/21.

He has eight goals and nine assists in all competitions for Marseille, whilst the Dortmund man can only boast three goals and four assists, the lowest amount of goal contributions he has racked up in a single season throughout the entirety of his senior top-flight career.

Whilst Thauvin is clearly excelling thanks to his tangible output throughout the current campaign, the £25.2m-rated wideman continues to outperform Hazard in his general play.

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According to WhoScored, he attempts more than double the Belgian’s shots per game in the league, racking up two per match in Ligue 1, compared to the Dortmund man’s 0.7 per game in the Bundeslliga.

Thauvin’s composure and threat on the ball continues when looking at his 1.6 dribbles per game compared to Hazard’s paltry total of just 0.4. For context, even Leicester defender Wesley Fofana has completed more than that with his 0.6 per game according to WhoScored.

Meanwhile, the former Newcastle man is far more of a creative influence too, providing 1.5 key passes compared to Hazard’s 0.8.

So, whilst on paper, both Thauvin and Hazard may seem like extremely similar players, the former is the stand-out right-winger.

He then should certainly be Leicester’s number one priority should they, as is expected, choose to recruit a wideman in the summer transfer window.

AND in more news, the Foxes have been dealt a huge blow in the race for Celtic Odsonne Edouard…

Everton slipped up in the race for Europe with a home draw against Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

James Rodriguez had set the Blues on course for a precious three points, but Michy Batshuayi struck in the 86th minute to deny them.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain eighth in the table, but West Ham’s victory at Wolves means they have slipped five points off the top four, albeit with a game in hand.

Same old story for Everton

The result represented a continuation of Everton’s poor home form after defeats against the likes of Fulham, Newcastle and Burnley earlier in the season.

After the game, 27 year-old Lucas Digne took to Twitter in a bid to reassure supporters that the team would continue battling.

“We have the opportunity to do better but it’s football, keep going,” he wrote.

Digne had actually played reasonably well – he created three chances – but that didn’t stop fans venting their anger in the replies.

Everton fans air their frustration in response to Digne tweet

“Lucas it’s hard supporting this team sometimes. I was 15 last time I saw Everton win anything and I’m now 40. It is the same year on year and you become numb to it. It’s down to you as a team, if you collectively put the effort in then you win.”

Credit: @PaulSaul2001

“If only the players knew or cared how much we want and need this. Yes keep going, but please can you start winning.”

Credit: @jazzyjjo89

“It’s not football mate, it’s a case of not performing at the standard we expect, the home form is terrible and the lack of quality up top today was disappointing to say the least, we expect far better than recent performances.”

Credit: @18_JUNIOR_78

“You’ve had plenty of opportunities to do better…after the Fulham game, after the Newcastle game etc etc…heard it all before. Until the squad improves you lot will continue to disappoint.”

Credit: @5teVanDamme

“Not good enough lad, keep saying the same stuff week in week out”

Credit: @mxrganhulme7

“It’s April. We’ve won one match at Goodison this year. That’s not good enough. As a team, collective responsibility should be taken.”

Credit: @jimefc81

“Sounds like excuses every week, it’s really not good enough.”

Credit: @pbo1379

“Sorry mate but we’ve completely bottled this season”

Credit: @SlendermanXXI

In other news, a football finance expert has made a prediction about Everton’s spending.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Red Star Belgrade winger Andrija Radulovic recently and the 18-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition to Pep Guardiola’s side in the future.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Citizens are interested in signing Radulovic and have opened talks with the Serbian side about signing him, having already tracked the youngster for over a year.

It is suggested that City have been keeping an eye on him since he scored against Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-0 win in the UEFA Youth League, which has also seen Spurs track the teenager, although City are the favourites to sign him.

They also report that Radunovic is unlikely to challenge in Guardiola’s side at first, so would likely be sent back to Red Star on loan, or to one of City’s affiliate clubs from around the globe.

Would he be a good signing?

In 13 appearances for Red Star’s senior side, Radulovic has managed an impressive two goals and two assists, so he is clearly a promising youngster and he looks to have a big future in the game.

Barcelona, Benfica, Inter and AC Milan have all also been linked with him in the past, so it seems clear that he is a man in demand and that plenty of the top scouts around the world feel that he has what it takes to make it at the top.

The Serbian U19 international has been also been compared to current Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who has won two Champions League titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool in his career, so if Radulovic could have a career similar to his, then he would surely prove to be a solid addition at the Etihad.

Given that he is valued at just £1.17m by Transfermarkt, it seems as if the 18-year-old could be a bargain signing for City this summer, especially if he goes on to realise his obvious potential with Guardiola’s side in the future.

Therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to bring Radulovic to the Etihad ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Txiki must avoid transfer disaster over 25-goal “winner”, Pep would be fuming

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Daniel Levy should consider Marcelo Bielsa as a potential replacement for Jose Mourinho.

With Tottenham out of Europe and likely to finish outside the top four, the Portuguese was sacked on Monday morning, meaning Levy’s search for a successor is well underway.

Former player Ryan Mason has been placed in temporary charge for the remainder of the season, with Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann the Spurs chairman’s number one target, although the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Wolves’ Nuno Espirito Santo have also been mentioned.

But with Bielsa’s contract at Elland Road expiring this summer and no agreement for him to extend his stay in Yorkshire as things stand, Windass believes that he’s one Tottenham should be looking at.

Asked whether he thinks the Argentine could be tempted by the move to north London, Windass told Football FanCast:

“Good shout, good shout. Yeah, without a doubt. Who knows what Bielsa is thinking, but he would be one on the lips of Daniel Levy.

“We won’t have to worry about it until the end of the season because Ryan [Mason] has got it, so good luck to the kid.”

Former Newcastle United star Keith Gillespie has exclusively told Transfer Tavern that the club will lose the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson if they are relegated to the Championship this season.

The Magpies have been in dire form under Steve Bruce and find themselves 17th in the Premier League table.

They have not won any of their last five games and currently sit just two points clear of 18th-placed Fulham. A win for Scott Parker’s men against Aston Villa, coupled with Newcastle losing to Tottenham Hotspur, would see Bruce’s men drop into the relegation zone.

They face a horror run-in, too, playing West Ham United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester City and Manchester City in succession, while their last game of the season comes against Fulham.

Saint-Maximin and Wilson have been shining lights in a dismal season, the former’s electric dribbling and pace leading to two goals and three assists in 16 games, while Wilson has scored 10 goals in 21 outings, though he has struggled with injury issues.

And Gillespie, who played for the club 1995 and 1998, believes that the pair, along with Miguel Almiron, will almost certainly depart if the Magpies do drop through the trapdoor.

He told TT: “It’s really tough for them. Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Wilson are their creative players.

“I wouldn’t expect those players to be there next year if they go down because they are Premier League class players.

“They’ll be wanting to play at the top level.”

Manchester City starlet Oscar Bobb has signed a new contract with the club, keeping him at the Etihad until 2029.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bobb has impressed at City
• Signs new contract until 2029
• Reveals what it's like to play under Guardiola

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 20-year-old Norwegian forward came through Manchester City's academy and has enjoyed a breakout season under Pep Guardiola this term. Bobb's two goals and two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions have been rewarded with a new five-year contract, City have confirmed, keeping him at the club until 2029.

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  WHAT BOBB SAID

  On extending his stay at the Etihad, the young forward said: "It’s an amazing moment and to know that I get the chance for at least a few years now to hopefully be a part of this club’s first team. It’s an honour. It’s something I really wanted when the opportunity came – it was the only thing I wanted to do. Being part of it for the last couple of months, I feel like I’ve developed more than ever – it was an easy choice.

  “Playing with some of my idols growing up, it’s a dream come true. It’s strange talking to my friends at home who always ask, ‘how is it?’ and in a way it is crazy, but you do get used to it and you start seeing them as people. It’s nice.”

  Bobb added on what it's like to play under Guardiola: "I grew up watching not only his early City teams but from his Barcelona and Bayern Munich days. The type of football he plays is amazing and how he improves players is a big factor for why everybody wants to play under him. He’s proven time and time again that he improves players – so intense, so hard working and a nice guy.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bobb has already made several vital contributions to City in his breakout season. He scored his first senior goal for the club in a Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade in December before netting the last-minute winner in the league against Newcastle in January, which was awarded the Premier League Goal of the Month. Bobb joins the likes of fellow academy stars Phil Foden and Rico Lewis in signing new deals as City look to cement their position at the top of European football for many years to come.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CITY?

  Guardiola's side come up against Luton in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday, where the Catalan coach will be able to count on Jack Grealish again after he passed a late fitness test. Bobb will be hoping to feature at some capacity in that fixture as Guardiola looks to rotate his side amid a busy schedule.

Leeds United youngster Robbie Gotts has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa not seeing him as part of his plans.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Salford City, having moved to the League Two club in January, affording him more regular first team football.

Gotts’ current Leeds deal expires at the end of next season, raising question marks over what the next chapter in his career will be.

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Gotts could leave Leeds, claims Hay

According to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay, the youngster is unlikely to convince Bielsa to be part of his future plans, with a move elsewhere appearing to be on the cards:

“He’s [Gotts] a lovely lad and a good player but I got a distinct impression that he suspects his future lies elsewhere. Bielsa always keeps his leading under-23s close to him. He’d rather they trained at Thorp Arch than played elsewhere on loan.

“This naturally concludes that anyone who is allowed to leave on loan is a fair distance from his plans.”

Gotts has managed three appearances for Leeds to date, making his debut away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in January 2020.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, it makes sense for all parties for Gotts to find a new permanent club moving forward, with the midfielder once described as ‘excellent’ by Richie Wellens.

If Bielsa can’t guarantee him a regular squad role, he risks growing stagnant in his career, so being a key man at a different club makes far more sense.

Leeds are now at a level where they are a mid-table Premier League club with aspirations of improving further – Gotts doesn’t appear to be at that standard in Bielsa’s eyes.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with an outrageous move this summer – find out who the player in question is here.