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Everton’s Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright could make an exciting gamble by naming Duncan Ferguson as the club’s new manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

What’s the story?

After watching Ancelotti make his shock return to the Santiago Bernabeu to take over the reins at Real Madrid, Everton are in the process of having to appoint yet another manager under Moshiri’s ownership.

According to The Daily Mail, Ferguson has thrown his name into the hat, with the Mail reporting that the big Scot feels he is ready after learning under Ancelotti over the past year and a half.

Could rock Goodison Park

While it may only have been a very small sample size, there’s no questioning that the full force of the ‘Duncan Ferguson impact’ was felt in his short time in charge as caretaker boss of Everton a couple of years ago.

The Toffees ran out 3-1 winners against Chelsea in his opening match, with Goodison Park absolutely rocking, and he finished his run unbeaten, picking up draws against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United as well.

The man who replaced him on a permanent basis, Ancelotti, has previously waxed lyrical about the potential Ferguson has of becoming manager one day.

Ancelotti himself said: “Yes, of course. Duncan has all of the qualities to become a good manager. All the qualities. From a technical point of view, he is really good. I see him everyday in training, talking to the players, he has a good idea of football, the players respect him a lot and this is really important that the players respect you. And he has a lot of charisma. So for the future, sure, he will be a really good manager.”

And, having been a coach and an assistant to a number of different managers in his time on Merseyside, Ferguson previously revealed the kind of incredible learning he’s been able to undertake.

He said: “I’ve been a first-team coach for four or five seasons here and seen a lot. We’ve gone through managers very quickly in the last few years. Normally you get one manager for four or so years but I’ve worked here through plenty of change.

“I’ve seen different styles, how these managers work, and it’s given me a wealth of experience. I suppose it’s been good for my development as a coach; seeing Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman and Big Sam’s (Allardyce) styles. Now Marco Silva’s ways. You can’t put a price on that experience. But of course it’s not what we want as a club. We want stability.

“I’m on the training ground every day and I know what a Premier League player looks like. I know what it takes to play for Everton. We want Everton to win and I want to be part of that.”

After news emerged of Ancelotti’s departure to Madrid, former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall threw his backing behind the Toffees naming Ferguson as their new permanent boss.

Southall said: “If anyone understands the club it is him. We have tried all sorts of managers and in different ways they have all come up short.

“The big guy has learned a tremendous amount from each one but now I feel it’s his time to become the manager. I truly believe he can be and every Evertonian would know we have someone who gets the club, will always give 100% and also drive the players to do the same.

“He’s got a big enough heart, a big enough personality, tons of passion and enough knowledge to get us back to where we belong.”

Yes, it would be a major gamble for Moshiri and co to make. But it’s one that could bring the feel-good factor back to Goodison Park and lift the mood after the pain of seeing Ancelotti walk away so suddenly to pastures new.

Meanwhile, Moshiri could fire up Everton by hiring this man instead of Nuno…

Danny Mills believes a managerial development at Tottenham could leave Celtic ‘with egg on their face’.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s managerial statement

Eddie Howe has been the main name linked with the Hoops vacancy following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February.

He’s reportedly finalising his Celtic Park backroom staff ahead of a potential move north, however, a deal is yet to be announced.

Celtic released a statement on Friday regarding off-field developments, admitting they are doing all they can in a bid to land a new first-team boss as fast as possible.

But former England defender Mills feels they could miss out on the 43-year-old due to developments in north London.

The Latest: Spurs’ Parker approach

According to Football Insider, Spurs chief Daniel Levy, who is on the search for a new manager of his own, has made a behind-the-scenes move to assess Fulham boss Scott Parker’s interest in the Tottenham job.

And Mills, when talking to Football Insider about the update, feels it could have an impact on the Hoops and their pursuit of Howe.

“He’s thinking ‘Let’s just get to the end of the season, let’s see what happens with the Tottenham job, let’s see what that opens up.’

“Does Scott Parker leave Fulham? Would Fulham be an attractive proposition for Eddie Howe?

“Who’s going to Crystal Palace? Who’s going to Burnley?

“We haven’t really started the managerial merry-go-round yet. He’ll be waiting to see what happens first.

“Definitely, it could leave Celtic with egg on their face.”

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The Verdict: Celtic must remain patient

Howe admitted himself last year that his return to management would have to be in a position that ‘really motivated’ him, and we feel as if the Hoops position does just that.

If it didn’t, talks with Dermot Desmond at the beginning of April would more than likely have broken down, but it seems as if things are moving in the right direction in regards to a move north.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Howe isn’t in the Hoops job right now, as his representative confirmed he wouldn’t make a return until the summer, so hopefully, when that time comes around, a deal will be in place for him to become Celtic’s new manager.

In other news: ‘We hear’ – 62 y/o drops unconfirmed ‘done deal’ claim at Celtic, find out more here. 

According to a report by Bild, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are now ‘intensively considering’ Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic for the managerial role – with the German set to depart his current club at the end of this season.

The Lowdown: New candidate emerges…

There have been several names linked to the Tottenham Hotspur vacancy over the last month, but Dortmund boss Terzic has emerged as a new name.

The likes of Graham Potter, Roberto Martinez and Scott Parker have been repeatedly mentioned as main candidates but the emergence of Terzic could throw a spanner in the managerial works and give chairman Daniel Levy a fresh dilemma.

The Latest: Spurs now ‘intensively considering’ Terzic

Bild (via Sport Witness) emphatically claim that Tottenham and Levy are now seriously eyeing the 38-year-old as an option, coming after reports suggested they want someone ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ (The Daily Mail).

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Terzic is set to leave Dortmund in the summer, prompting this Spurs interest, and it is said that he could well opt for a move back to England.

The fact he is ‘young’, ‘eloquent’ and ’emotional’ is apparently a huge draw for Spurs – as well as the fact he speaks English fluently and ‘knows the Premier League’.

He once worked under Slaven Bilic at West Ham United and the success of both Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel has led to coaches from the Bundesliga becoming more and more popular.

Spurs are now seriously considering his appointment as a result, but face competition from both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.

The Verdict: Credible candidate?

Having also worked with Klopp during his time in charge at Dortmund, Terzic is fairly new to assuming the head coaching role at any club.

All of his previous jobs have been working as an assistant or scout, but as interim boss of Dortmund for a portion of the 2020/2021 season, he has arguably displayed his metal.

Terzic has guided BVB to a German Cup triumph this season and you can argue his tenure under Klopp is an attractive incentive to consider his appointment.

Dortmund midfield ace Mahmoud Dahoud, speaking to SPORT 1 (via archyde.com), lauded Terzic as a ‘passionate’ and ‘crazy’ manager who ‘works meticulously’ to ensure his sides play perfect football.

As Tottenham attempt to start a new era and put the Jose Mourinho days behind them, Terzic could be exactly the kind of manager to assist them.

In other news: Spurs could now be offered this £250,000-per-week ace for Kane, find out more here.

With the Premier League entering the closing stages of the season, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce must surely now consider unleashing Elliot Anderson.The 18-year-old has been one of the shining lights of the club’s U23s this season, scoring five goals and providing a further assist in just nine games at Premier League 2 level.The Athletic’s Chris Waugh delivered a key update on where things currently stand with Anderson following the Magpies’ 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup earlier this week, saying: “Anderson continues to train with the NUFC first team and there have been suggestions that, with Steve Bruce’s side edging towards safety, the 18-year-old may get a few cameo appearances between now and the end of the season.”The attacking midfielder’s knack for breaking into the box and grabbing a goal is something Newcastle have only really seen from Joe Willock in recent weeks, with The Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder suggesting earlier in the season that Anderson is “knocking on Steve Bruce’s door now” thanks to his performance.

His former youth coach John Forrest, meanwhile, told The Athletic: “He knew how to dominate a game, which is a natural skill that’s hard to coach. He really was an outstanding footballer. He stood out, even then.”

Several of Anderson’s former Newcastle academy team-mates meanwhile have told The Athletic that, not only was he the “most talented player” in the team, he was also “supremely driven”.

Given the fact the Magpies appear to be safe from the drop, and that they have nothing really to play for, bringing in an academy talent like Anderson into the fold can just raise the energy and excitement levels at St James’ Park and also give him some valuable experience. Furthermore, it will allow Bruce to assess whether he thinks the youngster could be a viable option for him next season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign their new Demba Ba in this star…

Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he’d put money on Watford signing Ashley Young this summer.

The 35-year-old, who added another trophy to his collection by winning Serie A title Inter Milan last weekend, is out of contract at the San Siro at the end of the season, and will be available on a free.

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Hornets have already opened talks about the possibility of bringing Young back to Vicarage Road.

Romano believes that should Inter decide against offering Young fresh terms, there is a “huge chance” that the former England international will return to Watford next season.

Young came through the Academy at Watford having joined as an eight-year-old and ended up spending four years there before joining Aston Villa.

His impressive form at Villa Park led to a dream move to Manchester United, where he ended up winning the FA Cup, Europa League and Premier League.

But Windass believes that it’s the right time for Young to return his old stomping ground.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s had a wonderful career. I’ll put a bet on at the bookies that he’ll end up at Watford. He’s still a relatively young man, probably wants to get back to London, where he started.

“That would be a great signing for Watford and a great signing for Ash. If the manager sees an interest in Ashley Young, I think he’d jump at the chance, especially now they’re back in the Premier League.”

Heading into the summer transfer window, there are reportedly a few candidates on Manchester United’s right-wing shortlist.

Amongst the inevitable links to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho sits rumours surrounding Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers and interestingly Leeds United’s Raphinha.

Of the Premier League duo, the Brazilian would be the better signing. However, a new name is in the offing with The Express suggesting that Ismaila Sarr is now on the Red Devils shortlist.

The Senegalese would certainly be a fantastic addition to the Man United squad.

Now in the Championship, the Watford man is enjoying an electric season for the Hornets. Rated at £18m, he already has nine goals and nine assists in all competitions.

No player in the entire Hornets’ squad has more goal contributions than the former Rennes man this season.

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It certainly seems that Sarr is proving club captain Troy Deeney right, with the striker predicting that the winger was going to be “big” for Watford following his exhilarating performance in the famous 3-0 win over Liverpool under Nigel Pearson.

Sarr’s fantastic form this season also comes off the back of an impressive debut season in the Premier League in which he netted six times and notched as many assists.

Whilst Raphinha is averaging better statistics according to WhoScored, Sarr should be the better option simply because of his age and affordability.

The 23-year-old is rated at just £18m, lower than Raphinha’s £22.5m.

Should Watford fail to get promoted come the end of the campaign, then that asking price could drop even further, meaning he could well be a bargain for the Red Devils.

So with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward on the lookout for a right-winger and many names being talked-up, Sarr should certainly be right at the top of the club’s list.

AND in more news, take a look at which Red Devils’ defender has seen his transfer valuation take a nosedive…

Plenty of Crystal Palace supporters have been reacting to the club’s official record-breaking Twitter post regarding season ticket renewals.

Selhurst Park has only managed to host one Premier League game with a section of Eagles fans present this season.

That came way back in December in the 1-1 draw with Jose Mourinho’ Tottenham, with Jeffrey Schlupp netting a late equaliser in front of 2,000 Palace supporters.

However, the club, as they revealed online, received great support once again after record-breaking season ticket renewals in the first 24 hours of going on sale were confirmed.

Prices remain frozen from the 2019/20 campaign, with 2020/21 holders having until May 14 to secure their seat for next season.

Palace fans react

The club shared the news regarding the record-breaking renewals in 24 hours on Wednesday evening.

This is what some fans had to say in reply, with one even urging the club to spend the money on reported target Conor Gallagher.

“Spend the money on Gallagher please”

Credit: @Adam_Palace

“It’s amazing what a season with a new manager and lots of great young prospects in the academy can do”

Credit: @EbereEze25

“Season Tickets going like hot cakes. Only a fool would get rid of Hodgson.”

Credit: @LFizzia

“One family”

Credit: @CPFC_NL

“Can’t wait to be back “

Credit: @jackstacpfc

“Renewed for the 42nd consecutive season and it’s going to be a very special first game back”

Credit: @Paultheringwood

In other news: Many Palace fans react to latest Zaha transfer update, find out more here. 

In a recent interview, former Premier League goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, urged Leeds United to sign defensive midfielder, Okay Yokuslu, in the summer transfer window.

Since joining West Bromwich Albion from Celta de Vigo on a five-month loan deal in the January transfer window, Yokuslu has highly impressed over his seven Premier League appearances for Sam Allardyce’s side, making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 2.9 clearances and 0.6 key passes per match, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.07 – ranking him as the Baggies’ best performer in the top flight.

And, with it appearing more and more likely that West Brom will be dropping down to the Championship come the end of the season, it would seem considerably less likely that Allardyce’s side will be able to land the £31,000 per week 27-year-old on a permanent basis.

According to Robinson, speaking to Football Insider, this is where Leeds should come in, as the former England ‘keeper believes that Yokuslu would be an ideal candidate to provide Kalvin Phillips with backup and competition in the Whites’ midfield next season.

He said: “He will be highly sought-after this summer. He plays in a very similar way to Kalvin Phillips and that is the type of player that Leeds need. It is going to be a difficult one to sell though. Would he want to be Kalvin Phillips’ backup? He is playing week in, week out right now.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Indeed, with Phillips being Marcelo Bielsa’s only real option as an out and out defensive midfielder, and with Leeds losing six of the eight Premier League games in which the England international has been missing due to injury this season, the position would appear to be somewhere the Whites must add depth this summer.

And, considering how well Yokuslu has performed in a poor West Brom side, as well as the fact the 27-year-old has a Transfermarkt valuation of just £3.6 million, perhaps Victor Orta and his Leeds transfer team should heed Robinson’s advice regarding the Turkey international – as he would seem to comfortably be a Premier League level player, at what is likely to be an extremely reasonable price.

In other news: Leeds are ‘thinking seriously’ about making this key addition – find out more here!

Earlier this week, we brought you reports of Scott Brown’s reported Aberdeen move. 

The Daily Record claimed on Monday evening that the 35-year-old was on the verge of agreeing a move to Pittodrie to become Stephen Glass’ No.2, with a deal set to be announced within the following 48 hours.

Glass has since been announced as the new Dons boss, however, Brown’s proposed move hasn’t been confirmed by either side.

Brown update

The Scottish Sun have now provided an update on the Celtic captain. They claim that Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has sanctioned a two-year player-coach deal for Brown and are hopeful of getting it over the line in the next few days.

However, the report also adds that Celtic are now hopeful Brown will perform a U-turn and extend his 14-year stay at Parkhead.

Transfer Tavern take

Even though the initial deadline provided by the Daily Record has now passed, it seems as if Brown will still make the move to Aberdeen, despite Celtic’s hopes of a Hoops extension.

To us, it seems as if now could be the right time to move on. He’s been in and out of the side in recent months, starting just eight of the club’s last 19 Premiership fixtures.

A move to Pittodrie will also allow brown to gain his first real taste of coaching, and who knows, we could see the midfielder return in the Hoops dugout in years to come.

In other news: Celtic hopeful of landing £2.76m this summer due to 2018 clause, find out more here. 

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has shared some information from his sources regarding promising Tottenham youngster Dane Scarlett – with the talkSPORT regular hearing that he is ‘amazing’ and ‘definitely’ going to be a star. 

Scarlett, who manager Jose Mourinho himself lauded as a ‘diamond’, has built up quite a reputation according to Agbonlahor – who says that Scarlett is known as an ‘amazing player’ by his ‘sources’.

Agonlahor lifts lid on Scarlett

Mourinho has tipped the 16-year-old to have a bright future after giving him his league debut against West Bromwich Albion last month (Evening Standard).

He broke a Tottenham record by becoming their youngest ever Premier League player, and just a few weeks later, he shone in a brief cameo against Wolfsberger – going on to assist a strike for summer signing Carlos Vinicius.

Now, Agbonlahor has lifted the lid on Scarlett from one of his sources – who say he is ‘going to be a star’ in what is ‘good news for Spurs’.

“I’ve heard about him. I’ve heard from my sources that he’s an amazing player and he’s definitely going to be a star,” explained Agbonlahor to Football Insider.

“Having confidence from Jose Mourinho, he knows. He’s been around the game long enough to know a special player. If he sees somebody at 16 being so good he’s going to improve so much over the next few years.

“It’s good news for Spurs because Spurs don’t create too many homegrown players from their academy as much as other clubs.”

Transfer Tavern take

Time will tell whether Scarlett does live up to his potential, but it will certainly be interesting to see given how highly he is rated by those at the club and Mourinho himself.

Perhaps his emergence could prevent the Lilywhites from splashing out a big fee to make Vinicius a permanent signing this summer.

In other news: Tottenham have been touted to make a ‘big signing’, find out more here.