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Of course, fans have their different opinions on Brendan Rodgers’ departure but one thing that supporters can agree on is the fact that Neil Lennon has already done a solid job.

Although, Lennon’s long-term future at Parkhead remains uncertain as the Daily Mail reported that Alex Neil was being considered for the managerial vacancy after Brendan Rodgers’ departure.

But, The Sun have now reported that Alex Neil has ruled out becoming Celtic’s next manager.

Here’s what the Preston North End boss had to say:

“I have no thoughts about moving club or anything like that.

“I am the Preston manager and I am enjoying my time here and we have a lot of scope to improve. Being the boss here has my full focus.”

So, with Celtic already facing rejection in their pursuit of Brendan Rodgers’ long-term successor, here are the potential consequences…

CELTIC FACE MANAGERIAL DILEMMA

Celtic supporters would never have imagined that Alex Neil would reject the chance to take charge at Celtic, but they’ll now have to face the harsh reality as the managerial hunt goes on.

Indeed, the Hoops now face a dilemma as they’ll have to weigh up their options and consider a different target, which isn’t exactly convenient as Alex Neil had everything that Celtic want in a manager, with experience in Scotland, a record of developing players and constant progression at Deepdale.

NEIL LENNON OVER THE MOON

Interim boss Neil Lennon will have his sights set on becoming Celtic’s permanent manager in the summer after enjoying a strong start at Parkhead, so hearing news of Alex Neil’s snub will delight the former Hibernian boss.

Neil’s snub will come as a big boost to Lennon and things could get even better if he continues to secure positive results and silverware in the current campaign, with fans surely calling for him to be appointed if that’s the case.

Celtic fans, do you think the club should appoint Lennon on a permanent basis? Surely there’re better managerial options out there… 

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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could be tempted to stick with the same starting XI that beat arch-rivals Birmingham City 1-0 in the second city derby at St Andrew’s on Sunday, but one player is really pushing for a start.

On the chalkboard

Following a two-game absence through suspension, key midfielder John McGinn was only named among the substitutes against the Blues with Smith choosing to stick with the trio of Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane and Jack Grealish in the centre after the 4-0 win against Derby County previously.

The scoreline was 0-0 when McGinn entered the fray as a 62nd minute substitute against Garry Monk’s men, and he made a clear difference in the final third as the visitors eventually ran out 1-0 victors to boost their play-off hopes.

Their trip to Nottingham Forest – whom they are two points adrift of in the Championship standings – on Wednesday night will be another key test of their promotion credentials and they need their best players on the pitch.

McGinn to start?

In a word, yes.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation following his summer arrival at Villa Park, and while the Midlands outfit impressed without the Scot when they thrashed the Rams, he is the sort of player you want in your ranks – on the road especially.

He has that grit, determination and willingness to put his foot in that will be needed against Martin O’Neill’s hosts in midweek, and the only thing Smith needs to decide is who drops out of the XI to accommodate him.

Grealish looks to be a certain starter given the magnitude of the game, and the easy option would probably be to leave the ageing Whelan on the sidelines.

However, the 35-year-old’s experience could be key against Forest, and therefore it is Hourihane who should drop out.

The former Barnsley man may have got on the score-sheet twice against Derby, but he was far more subdued at the weekend even if he was unlucky to hit the woodwork with a fine effort from just outside the penalty area.

Liverpool are looking to add Napoli marksman Lorenzo Insigne to their already frightening attack according to La Republica, but buying more forward men shouldn’t just be seen as a luxury.

Liverpool already have what is regarded as one of the deadliest forward lines in Europe, so many Reds fans will turn their nose up at the prospect of spending what will be a very large amount of money on another forward with four years left on his contract. Yes, they do still need to focus on improving in the centre of the park, but they must not stagnate up front.

The introduction of Xherdan Shaqiri and the return of injury-prone Daniel Sturridge have added some depth to Liverpool’s attack but they have been incredibly lucky, both this season and last, on the injury front. Besides that, the form of their existing three will not always be as prolific as they have been, and we’re seeing that now.

In the existing system he has Roberto Firmino, Mohammad Salah and Sadio Mane in a fluid three. They have the ability to drift across the front line to create space and counter-attack quickly, and this adaptability and speed is key in transition from winning the ball to attacking the opposition’s box.

Since his arrival Mohammad Salah has been so effective at finding his way between the full-back and the centre-half, making him a nightmare to mark down the right wing. Insigne has the same capabilities down the opposite flank and the two could be deadly as they cut in to link up with each other or their other attacking talents.

The right-footed 27-year-old is known for his wing play down the left and has the ability to play as a striker. As Liverpool saw in the Champions League group stage earlier this season, Insigne would be the perfect fit for Klopp’s attack.

Look across to Manchester and they have Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Bernando Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero all capable of playing right across the front three. Yes, they’re playing in all four competitions still, while Liverpool are focusing on the league and Champions League, but isn’t four trophies what Liverpool should be aiming for?

The Reds broke the bank to acquire Virgil Van Dijk last January and Allison in the summer, now they must keep improving their squad right up the pitch, even their front three.

Wilfried Zaha has posted a nine-word tweet following Crystal Palace’s win over Watford on Saturday.

Roy Hodgson’s side recorded their third successive victory having also beaten Newcastle and Brighton in the weeks before their clash with the Hornets, pushing them onto 39 points for the season and only six points off fourth place before Sunday’s action kicked off.

While Jordan Ayew netted a stunning goal and Vicente Guaita made an equally brilliant stop to deny Troy Deeney, Zaha was also superb against Nigel Pearson’s men.

The Ivory Coast international embarked on more dribbles than any other player with five to his name, while also drawing three fouls from the Hornets.

Zaha also stuck to his task defensively with two successful tackles under his belt, while also completing two crosses.

The Eagles have now recorded three straight wins, all of them finishing by the same scoreline – 1-0.

You can see the former Manchester United man’s nine-word tweet below:

In other news, these Crystal Palace fans have heaped praise on this “colossal” and “class” player…

Newcastle will come up against a team similar to themselves on Saturday and Steve Bruce should look to fight fire with fire by deploying Andy Carroll to wreak havoc.

The 30-year-old has started just once this season but that was in the very impressive win against Sheffield United, and he showed in that game and against Southampton a few days later that he can have an influential role for his side.

He got two assists from the two games, thanks to his aerial ability as well as some astute technical play, sending a cross to the back post for Jonjo Shelvey to head in against the Saints.

It is his dominance in the air which should prove effective once more this weekend, as Newcastle need someone to challenge a strong Burnley defence and make the ball stick up-front.

As per WhoScored, he has won 4.2 aerial duels won per game, which puts him narrowly behind Burnley’s James Tarkowski, who has won 4.9 by comparison.

However, Carroll’s lack of minutes in most of his appearances this season are an important factor to consider, as it means he has achieved a higher rate than the Clarets defender, and should, therefore, prove a handful.

He is still yet to score since returning to the north-east but with Newcastle improving in the goalscoring department of late, particularly from set-pieces with seven goals in total via that method this term, Carroll may not have to wait much longer for that elusive goal.

Even if he is unable to break his duck he is probably still the more reliable choice for Bruce to play up-front than Joelinton.

Fans are growing increasingly impatient with the Brazilian and would probably prefer it if he didn’t take to the field on Saturday, as he offers very little in terms of goal threat, or teamwork – achieving just 60% pass accuracy against the Saints.

While Carroll doesn’t exactly excel in terms of passing, his ability to win flick-ons and create space for teammates by drawing in opposition players makes him a valuable player to have, and that should cause Burnley problems.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

Tarkowski has managed a fairly good return of 1.7 tackles per game this campaign, as per WhoScored, but Carroll uses his strength and ball control brilliantly, so he should fare well against him.

He has lost the ball, on average, just 0.6 times per game in the Premier League, and if he can hold onto the ball and allow his wingers to gain possession in attacking areas then the Magpies could earn their third consecutive win.

Carroll isn’t the only player who could be recalled to the side however, as injuries to two important players means Bruce has some decisions to make.

Football players are seldom brave enough to complete a transfer switch to a local rival, but there are notable exceptions to the rule. 

Carlos Tevez famously joined Manchester City in 2009 when his complicated contract at Manchester United came to an end, while Jack Colback crossed a tentative north east divide when he swapped Sunderland for Newcastle United in 2014.

But no single transfer has shaken the very foundations of a local rivalry quite like Sol Campbell’s decision to sign for Arsenal in 2001, shortly after his contract with Tottenham Hotspur had expired.

Joining a local rival is one thing, but allowing a contract to run down before joining a deeply hated local rival on a free transfer is unforgivable.

Campbell decided to complete that unforgivable act in 2001 and his reputation amongst the Tottenham supporters has never quite recovered, and a similar fate could be on the cards for Gareth Bale if he decides to join Chelsea in a dramatic swap deal.

According to a recent report from Spanish media outlet OKDiario, Real Madrid have their sights set on a future deal for Eden Hazard, and they are willing to barter over a swap deal involving Gareth Bale in order to secure the services of the scintillating Belgium international.

Now, there is no direct suggestion that Bale would be inclined to cooperate with a deal which would see him join one of Tottenham’s fiercest rivals, but if he agreed to move to Stamford Bridge he would join Campbell as one of the club’s most despised individuals.

Bale is still regarded as one of the most exceptional players to ever wear the Tottenham shirt and he boasts something resembling legendary status in north London, but that would be torn down in an instant if he decided to move to Chelsea.

He will be acutely aware of the rivalry which exists between Chelsea and Tottenham – one which has been intensified in recent years following a handful of feisty and truly electric London derbies – and a willingness to move to Stamford Bridge with that awareness would be the most noteworthy betrayal since Campbell joined Arsenal.

Tottenham fans are still holding out a glimmer of hope for Bale’s return, so a stunning move to Chelsea would leave a deep-felt psychological scar on the club.

Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

It’s been an excellent start to the season for Leeds United. Marcelo Bielsa’s men are unbeaten and have ten points from four matches. This could be the season the Whites finally gain promotion to the Premier League, to really seal their fete, they could perhaps do with a couple more signings. 

The Argentine boss will be delighted with how things are going so far at the West Yorkshire outfit. Three straight wins kicked off the campaign, before a solid 2-2 draw away to fellow high-flyers Swansea City. These results have got fans dreaming of a promotion winning season.

Any question over whether Bielsa’s unique tactical approach have been put to the side, as he has shown a willingness to adapt and Leeds have dominated games with their high pressing and technical ability. Kemar Roofe has been the jewel in the crown for the Elland Road outfit, and his game already looks to have come on leaps and bounds under ‘El Loco’.

With the EFL loan window slamming shut soon, here are two loan signings who could be game changers for Leeds United…

Reiss Nelson

His first-team opportunities are going to be severely limited in the Premier League this season. A raw talent, the winger’s pace and technical ability will cause plenty of problems for all Championship defences.

One of the most exciting prospects to come out of Arsenal for years, the opportunity for regular first-team football might be favoured by Reiss Nelson himself, rather than being limited to cup football under Unai Emery.

The rapid winger is capped by England’s youth sides.

Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham is still at Stamford Bridge, and the forward is unlikely to get much game time with Maurizio Sarri at the club, looking for instant success rather than to develop young players.

The forward didn’t make much of an impact last season in the Premier League with Swansea City, but he has proved before he is a handful in the Championship, with a highly successful spell with Bristol City.

Having Tammy Abraham on their books would give the Whites unquestionably the best strike-force in the Championship, as they already have Patrick Bamford and Kemar Roofe at the club.

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a big-money move for Celtic star Kieran Tierney next summer, according to the Daily Star.

What’s the story?

The newspaper claims that the 20-year-old left-back is the number-one choice to replace Danny Rose, who has been linked with a £45m switch to Manchester United.

Tierney recently signed a new six-year contract at Celtic Park and is believed to not be in any rush to leave the Glasgow-based outfit.

The Daily Star reports that Spurs have not been put off by Tierney’s decision to commit his future to Celtic and plan to make a move at the end of the season.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly sent scouts to watch the youngster in both Champions League games against Bayern Munich.

Is Tierney a better option than Luke Shaw?

A recent report in The Sun claimed that the North London club were pondering a move for Shaw in January after he fell down the pecking order at Manchester United.

The England international is still young at 22 years of age, but on numerous occasions his fitness and dedication has been questioned.

Tierney is only 20 and burst onto the scene at 17 years old towards the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

At the moment, the left-back is catching the eye of the football sphere with his impressive performances, but there is a risk in taking a big leap to another club at his age.

On the flip side, Pochettino is known for helping transform young players and if there is any Premier League club where Tierney could thrive, it’s Tottenham.

According to reports on Spanish radio show El Larguero, via The Sun, Chelsea striker Diego Costa is closing in on a £76.2m move to Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Spain international has long been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge and he was said to be close to a transfer to China during the January transfer window – however no move materialised.

But now the 28-year-old is ready to make the move to Asia where he would work under Fabio Cannavaro and alongside Axel Witsel on a reported £650,000-a-week deal – after tax – after a rollercoaster stint in the Premier League.

How big a loss would he be for Chelsea?

While supporters may not have been happy with his attitude at times, they will know that he would be a huge loss.

His 19 Premier League goals this term look set to fire the Blues to the title, while he has scored 57 goals in 115 appearances in all competitions for the Blues since joining them from Atletico Madrid in 2014.

Costa offers far more than just being a prolific marksman though, and he gives defenders a huge problem with his never-say-die attitude and strength to hold the ball up, and Antonio Conte will need to find a replacement that can do a similar job if the Spaniard leaves for pastures new.

Who could replace him?

Well, they have been heavily linked with both Everton striker and former Blues star Romelu Lukaku, and Real Madrid attacker Alvaro Morata so it would be a surprise if it isn’t either one of those two.

They certainly both have the ability and physical presence to effectively fill in for the Spaniard.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, it seem as though Costa has made his mind up that now is the time to go and Chelsea must start searching for a replacement that will bring them as many goals as they return to the Champions League group stages next term.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher thinks West Ham would be making a mistake if they decide to part ways with Slaven Bilic.

The Croatian manager arrived in East London last summer and enjoyed a hugely successful maiden campaign at the Hammers, eventually finishing seventh after a negotiating a top four battle for most of the season.

But this season is yet to witness the same form that has the Hammers down as one of the teams other top-flight sides were worried about playing.

West Ham have lost five of their opening six Premier League games this term and have also been eliminated from the Europa League at the final qualifying stage. Injuries to key players and the move to a new stadium haven’t helped, but there are already question marks over Bilic’s future.

However, Jamie Carragher insists West Ham should not make any rash decisions and hope the West Ham board they there have been a number of unlucky factors that have contributed to Bilic’s poor start this season.

Carragher wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Talks haven’t taken place over a new contract for Bilic but I hope the board don’t do anything silly.

“He is a good manager and circumstances have contributed to this start, such as Winston Reid – a player I hold in high regard – struggling for form and Cresswell’s long term injury.”

And in a poll we ran earlier this week, we revealed that 80% of West Ham fans still have faith in Bilic’s abilities to turn the current form around.

But despite Carragher’s positive words for Bilic, the same cannot be said for the business West Ham conducted in the summer.

The Liverpool legend wrote that he hasn’t been impressed with the Hammers’ summer business and questioned who was behind the decision making.

“What West Ham needed to consolidate was a really good striker,” he wrote.

“They tried plenty of options but it looked to me like they panicked when spending £20million on Andre Ayew from Swansea — I couldn’t believe that fee — and taking Simone Zaza on a season-long loan.

“Aside from that, they added squad players in Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli and Jonathan Calleri, who they don’t need now they are out of Europe.

“Meanwhile, Arthur Masuaku, the left back brought in to replace the injured Aaron Cresswell, has had an awful start. I’m never quite sure who is making the decisions in terms of transfers at West Ham. Is it Bilic? Is it the owners?

“Really, the whole policy feels scattergun. They spent an awful lot of money without improving what they already had.”

West Ham host Middlesbrough at the London Stadium on Saturday.