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With Neil Lennon finally departing his role as Celtic manager after resigning from his post, Peter Lawwell will now be as busy as ever.

He has a massive job before he formally retires from his role as the club’s Chief Executive; finding a new manager for the Hoops.

Of course, they could give John Kennedy until the end of the season, in which case, the decision may fall on the shoulders of Dominic McKay instead.

Considering how far behind Rangers they are, this is a massive decision for the Hoops to take. Get the appointment wrong and they could consign themselves to a number of years at the mercy of their biggest rivals.

A number of names have been linked with the vacant hot seat but one of the most eye-catching is undoubtedly Roberto Martinez. Jim White revealed this week that he was on the club’s shortlist before Dean Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes the role would appeal to the Spaniard.

He is currently managing the number one ranked team in the world in Belgium, but how could the former Everton boss line-up if he comes to Parkhead?

We’ve had a go at piecing together how the Celtic side may look if Martinez enters Glasgow in the summer.

The first thing to notice is the change of formation. Lennon flirted with the idea of a three-back throughout this season but it’s a system that Martinez has religiously stuck to with Belgium.

The Red Devils have a wealth of attacking riches, all of which are nigh on impossible to fit into one squad. However, with the 47-year-old accommodated to this style of football, we’d back him to implement it with the Bhoys too.

With Diego Laxalt and Jonjoe Kenny set to depart Glasgow following the conclusion of their loan spells, it means there aren’t too many options in a wide area. With that in mind, we think that Martinez could go with Greg Taylor and Ryan Christie as his wide midfielders or wing-backs.

The Belgium manager prefers attacking wing-backs and has even picked rampaging winger Thorgan Hazard in that role at international level. Thus, he could do the same with Christie.

The defence comprises of the ball-playing Kristoffer Ajer who should suit Martinez’s ideology of possession-based football perfectly. He’s partnered next to Stephen Welsh and Liam Shaw who has reportedly agreed a pre-contract with the Hoops.

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There is no room for club stalwart Scott Brown with his contract expiring at Celtic in the summer. That means Ismaila Soro and Callum McGregor make up the midfield.

In forward areas, Odsonne Edouard starts up top with James Forrest and David Turnbull in behind. We’ve already looked at the way Martinez could prove to be key in the development of Turnbull after the way he brought Ross Barkley into the limelight at Goodison Park.

This XI does, of course, depend on any further new signings.

AND in other news, Dembele could be convinced to stay if Celtic appoint “special” 42 y/o Lennon successor…

Despite Liverpool suffering what was a sixth consecutive home defeat on Sunday, this time to Fulham, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested that his team is still determined to fight amidst their worrying slump.

Speaking after the game, the German said that he does not see a problem with their desire on the pitch – a worrying affirmation from the former Dortmund man – and one that the statistics certainly disagree with.

When taking their current form at face value, the reigning Premier League champions seem simply incapable of arresting their current slide. The Reds have lost six out of their last seven games, their worst run of form since 2012.

They simply do not seem capable of a reaction.

Former Liverpool hero Graham Souness has blasted the players despite Klopp’s comments saying that the German has “found out” exactly what he has got within his dressing room.

Of course, the Reds do have to be praised. The Merseyside outfit had embarked on a stunning run in the league, beginning at the start of the 2018/19 season – claiming 196 points over two campaigns – an achievement that is only managed with a huge amount of determination and motivation.

Those features appear to have evaporated though. The microcosm of 90 minutes against Fulham will attest to that fact.

According to WhoScored, it was the visitors who were simply more motivated to keep the ball out of their own net.

They racked up more tackles, the same amount of blocks and won just one fewer aerial challenge, a remarkable number considering that the Reds attempted 23 fewer longer passes than Fulham throughout the game.

Whilst not the most extortionate disparity in defensive numbers, it is shocking considering Liverpool were only a few months ago were lauded for their committed resolve in defence.

The players’ strength on the ball has also abandoned them, too, possibly a sign of a lack of focus and determination. Liverpool were dispossessed on ten separate occasions yesterday, one of those giveaways being terminal as Mo Salah’s pocket was picked by Mario Lemina who then slammed the ball home.

It is baffling then that having watched his side’s under-par performance against Fulham, paired with Liverpool’s recent run of form, that Klopp can argue that his side is still as determined as they once were. He’s kidding himself if he can’t see a change in attitude from his players.

AND in more news, take a closer look at James Milner’s woeful performance in the latest Anfield reverse…

Many Liverpool fans did not hold back on their thoughts towards midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday night.

The 27-year-old came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute for Mohamed Salah, which raised a lot of eyebrows considering the Reds were chasing a goal and the Egyptian forward is their top goalscorer this season.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been hugely unlucky since his move from Arsenal in 2017, suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear which saw him miss a year of football in 2018 and a serious hamstring issue the following campaign.

Fans aren’t giving him any sympathy though, after the game on Thursday appeared to pass him by during his 28-minute cameo. Per Sofascore, Oxlade-Chamberlain made no key passes, had no shots on goal and lost two duels.

With this in mind, supporters were not impressed with the Englishman’s performance with some keen to see him offloaded in the summer.

Fans fume at the Ox

“Time to release Ox this summer along with other deadwood. Cant just hope for him to come good some day after waiting another season.”

Credit: @MayurK1903

“What was Klopp thinking with those #LFC subs? Ox offers nothing coming on and Salah is the premier league’s top scorer coming off? CRAZY”

Credit: @LFCblogster

“Liverpool with a shocking performance #LFC Ox is finished James Milner the useless is finished”

Credit: @LFC_LION

“Subs just don’t make sense. Bringing Ox on is a waster, he’s not the player he was and hasn’t played regularly so wouldn’t expect him to change anything. Jota coming on was right but for the wrong player and god knows why Milner was brought on #LFC”

Credit: @93JRowan

“At least we know Ox can run. Other than that, useless. #LFC”

Credit: @raw_yaseen

“Oxlade-Chamberlain joins Origi in “what’s the point?” Club.”

Credit: @frankspeil

In other news, Liverpool fans flock to Sky Sports pundit’s claim on star midfielder.

Tottenham are set to battle Arsenal for the signing of Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.

What’s the story?

With the Blades currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table at the moment, relegation  to the Championship seems a distinct possibility come the end of the season.

Jeunes Footeux have now claimed that both Spurs and Arsenal are interested in signing Berge, and that they are “on alert” over his potential availability this summer.

The report adds that Sheffield United will look to get a fee of around €26m (£22m) to let the Norway international go.

Game-changer for Mourinho

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 5, the 23-year-old is unlike any of Spurs’ current midfield options, and it’s something his former manager at the Blades, Chris Wilder, has been quick to highlight.

He said: “Sander has been unique. He is the one who has stood out for us. He is a complete midfielder. He can play as 8s and as 6s. He can play in different formations. The wonderful thing about Sander is his attitude.

“Complete midfielders are like that. Look at Jordan Henderson (FWA’s Footballer of the Year last season). Sander should gain enormous confidence that he can play so well in various positions in the Premier League.”

Berge’s height, physicality and versatility makes him a complete contrast to what Mourinho already has at his disposal – perhaps only Moussa Sissoko comes close in terms of his ability to play in numerous positions as a midfield player.

Looking through Mourinho’s most successful teams, he’s always had physically dominant players in the middle. Think back to Nemanja Matic, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien in his time at Chelsea, for example. Berge follows in that mould with his sheer presence in the engine room, and it’s exactly why he could be a game-changer for his manager at Spurs.

The club’s chief scout Steve Hitchen could be onto an absolute gem in Berge, by recognising that while the Blades as a team have been struggling, they do have some standout players who could cut it at Premier League level.

It’s now up to Daniel Levy to try and get a deal done before Arsenal do.

Meanwhile, Spurs could sign Mourinho’s next Ramos in this Serie A star…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham recently, and if he were to join the Saints, he could perhaps be the key to unlocking Che Adams’ potential under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Whilst the former Birmingham City man has now found the net in each of his last three games, before that, he had endured a run of 16 games without a goal in all competitions, with a lack of consistency having been a key issue for the 24-year-old during his time on the South Coast.

Of course, you could argue that he has had to play second fiddle to Danny Ings for most of his time at Southampton and that his hard work in attack often goes unnoticed because of the former Burnley man’s proficiency in front of goal.

However, with the 28-year-old reportedly looking to join a Champions League club in the near future, whilst his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, it is looking increasingly likely that he could depart Southampton this summer, so it is no surprise to see them already being linked with potential replacements, such as Abraham.

Whilst the England international is a goalscorer in his own right, having regularly shown his ability to find the back of the net during loan spells with Aston Villa and Bristol City, before establishing himself as a first-team regular at Chelsea, his style of play could really improve Adams’ goalscoring potential.

Southampton lack any sort of target man in their side, with Ings and Adams being two very similar players, which can sometimes make them predictable and easy to defend against, which has, unfortunately, proven to be the case regularly during the recent terrible run of form for Hasenhuttl’s side.

Abraham is six foot three and averages 1.9 aerials won per game in the Premier League this season, with only centre-back pairing Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard averaging more in terms of the current Southampton squad, which emphasises that they lack any sort of aerial threat in attack.

The 23-year-old, who reportedly earns £65k per week at Chelsea, could prove to be a focal point in Hasenhuttl’s side, with the £13.5 million-rated Adams making runs beyond him from flick-ons or playing off him if Southampton were to play the ball to his feet.

Rather than dropping deep, it could also allow Adams to use his pace more effectively and play on the shoulder of the last man, which would hopefully lead to more goalscoring opportunities for the Englishman.

Therefore, if Ings does leave in the summer, then Abraham could be a great replacement for Southampton to bring in, as it could really change the way they attack and help Adams evolve into a much more consistent goalscorer.

And, in other news… Semmens must avoid VVD repeat with £13.5m-rated “role model” who Ralph loves

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves, believes Nelson Semedo will become as good as Matt Doherty was at Molineux, especially once he gets this season out the way.

Both full-backs have struggled for consistency this season with Semedo not offering the same goal threat and assist potential as Doherty did for a number of years for Wolves, and the Republic of Ireland international has struggled for regular minutes at Tottenham Hotspur only starting 13 Premier League games.

In 302 games for Wolves, Doherty managed to get 28 goals and 41 assists as a wing-back, and he quickly became one of the most clinical defenders in the opposition box but has not settled into a full-back role under Jose Mourinho.

Speaking on Doherty leaving Molineux and his hopes for Semedo’s future, Bull told FFC exclusively:

“I’m not really surprised at his lack of matches because I think he’s been injured a few times, but he is a very good player and if you need an outlet player then he’ll push up on the right-hand side like a winger rather than a full back.

“It used to be as soon as Coady got the ball he would be looking for that 40-yard pass out wide to Doherty and he’d knock it into his path and all of sudden he’d be in a shooting position.

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“So, you know we were sad to see him go but Semedo has come in and I think if he can get this season out the way with, then I think he’ll be on the same level as what Doherty was.”

In 26 Premier League appearances, Semedo, who reportedly earns £77,000-a-week, has registered just one assist which could be down to the fact Raul Jimenez has been injured since November, but Wolves fans will be hoping for more next season.

The Portuguese international was seen as a good and equally player to replace Doherty when he joined Spurs, but the £37 million signing hasn’t proved his worth yet.

Carlo Ancelotti could jeopardise Tom Davies’ place in the Everton squad by rivalling Manchester City for the signature of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

What’s the word?

According to Tuttosport, Juventus will listen to offers for the Frenchman at the end of the season as the Serie A giants seek to improve Andrea Pirlo’s playing pick.

The Turin outfit believe that Rabiot’s performances have not been at the standard expected of him when signed as a free agent following his release by Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.

Juve awarded Rabiot a £187,000-per-week, four-year contract upon his arrival, but will look to part company at the midway point for the right fee.

Everton are touted as a likely destination for the 25-year-old as Carlo Ancelotti holds an unwavering fondness for the player, having launched his career at PSG.

Rabiot is expected to attract widespread interest in the next transfer window, although his time with Ancelotti at the Parc des Princes is considered to be a beneficial aspect working in Everton’s favour.

The Everton manager has long been linked with a potential reunion with the midfielder, having reportedly urged the Toffees to meet Juventus’ €30m (£26m) asking price earlier this year.

Manchester City are also said to be keen, however, as Pep Guardiola looks to repeat the success of his move for Joao Cancelo, who has become a crucial part of the Etihad Stadium natives’ charge for the Premier League title.

Should Everton sign Juventus’ Rabiot?

Much can change between now and the end of the season, but Ancelotti’s fondness for a reunion with Rabiot appears unquestionable given the stream of rumours connecting the midfielder with a move to Everton since the Italian’s arrival on Merseyside.

However, if Juventus are open to selling the Frenchman – who Didier Deschamps claims “has grown so much” and is “no longer the same player” – and Ancelotti does want Rabiot at Everton next season, a deal could jeopardise Davies’ long-term role at Goodison Park.

Reports by ESPN last month suggested that Ancelotti considers Rabiot’s profile to be what he is looking for in a potential upgrade on Andre Gomes, as the 25-year-old can play anywhere in midfield and has the physicality to match the Premier League’s demands.

Gomes has often played a bit-part role in the Toffees’ top-flight efforts this term, although he has established a place for himself in recent weeks, with starts in eight of the team’s last nine games.

Ancelotti also favoured Gomes beside Allan for the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester City prior to the international break, while leaving Davies – who had started five of Everton’s last nine league games – as an unused substitute.

It would be fair to assume, then, that the 22-year-old is behind Gomes in Ancelotti’s pecking order, with four of his starts also coming before Allan’s return from a hamstring injury.

The potential arrival of Rabiot could jeopardise Davies’ place at Goodison Park, with Gomes falling to a backup role and the academy graduate likely left looking for a new club.

AND in other news, Everton dodged a £13m bullet in a “remarkable” talent as the hype falls silent…

Some players at Newcastle United have reportedly been left to rage at Miguel Almiron in a behind-the-scenes claim by Football Insider.

The Paraguay international, who Alan Shearer claimed was ‘magnificent’ in a 3-2 home win over Southampton back in February, has recently made an admission at a local radio station that he would like to play in a team that ‘fights more’, which has reportedly caused a big stir among several players in the Magpies squad.

A source in the northeast has since said that a lot of players at the Tyneside club have been left to feel ‘extremely unhappy’ with the comments that he made, and believe that he is trying to distance himself from some recent bad displays in the hope of potentially engineering a move away in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Almiron’s comments suggest that the squad are not fighting enough to stay in the Premier League, to which there is ‘anger’ among the camp.

Not what Newcastle need right now

This behind-the-scenes claim of tension among the Newcastle players is certainly not what the Toon Army want to or need to hear right now as they look to try and avoid being relegated from the Premier League.

Whatever disagreements they may currently have at this moment in time, the players at St James’ Park must stick together in order to try and get themselves out of the mess in which Steve Bruce’s team find themselves.

In other news, find out what inside claim Mark Douglas has dropped on two potential managerial candidates at Newcastle!

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes if Leeds were to sign reported target Patrick van Aanholt this summer, it would allow Stuart Dallas to play in his more natural position.

The Northern Ireland international is naturally a winger, but since replacing the injured Barry Douglas towards the end of the 2018-2019 campaign, has established himself as the the club’s number one left-back.

Such was his superb form throughout last season, Leeds allowed Douglas to join Blackburn on loan – with Dallas himself continuing to be one of their most consistent performers in the Premier League.

But as Leeds gear up for their second campaign back in the topflight, a host of names have already been linked with the Elland Road outfit this summer.

And with Leeds looking to improve their squad under Marcelo Bielsa, Dutchman van Aanholt, whose Crystal Palace deal expires this summer meaning he’ll available on a free, is one of many, especially with the Whites’ other recognised left-back Ezgjan Alioski strongly linked with Galatasaray.

Asked whether he could see van Aanholt joining Leeds, Windass told Football FanCast:

“Yes. You talk about Dallas, who’s done a fantastic job, but it’s square pegs round holes, he’s not a left-back. Yes he can play left-sided, but the energy he gives, he’s had an unbelievable season. Any club could take Dallas because you know how versatile he is.

“The lad from Palace is naturally a left-back and I’m sure that he won’t be the only one to sign for Leeds this summer.”

Steve Bruce must unleash Joe Willock from the off at Burnley on Sunday in a shake-up from the Newcastle United side that drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Arsenal loanee combined with Miguel Almiron to strike an 85th-minute equaliser against Jose Mourinho’s north Londoners, having been dropped to the bench.

His goal sealed a vital point for the Toon in their fight for Premier League survival, with Bruce’s men now three points clear of the drop zone and still with a game in hand over 18th-placed Fulham.

Willock had started each of his previous seven appearances for the Magpies since moving to St. James’ Park on loan in February, but was one of six changes from the 3-0 thrashing to relegation-rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bruce decided that Willock would be one of the many to drop to the bench against Spurs to afford the 21-year-old a rest, despite losing Isaac Hayden for the rest of the season with a knee injury and having the international break to regain fitness.

“He’s only young, and he’s played six or seven on the bounce. I just thought with Sean [Longstaff starting], who’s waited a long time for a chance. There were some big calls,” Bruce said, via quotes by The Shields Gazette.

“I’m sure there were a few raised eyebrows before it, like there normally is. But this is what I’m paid for, to make decisions.

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“Thankfully, to come on as a sub was the right one, because he got us as a result, which was very pleasing.”

Bruce’s decision to introduce Willock from the bench may have paid off with the £14.5m-rated midfielder – who Arsenal are open to selling – scoring a vital equaliser, but the Newcastle boss must look to bring him back into the starting line-up at Burnley.

Bruce got his tactics wrong in part against Tottenham despite the result and the improved performance from United, having fielded Emil Krafth as a makeshift centre-half only for the natural right-back to struggle and never appear comfortable in the role.

Mourinho’s men enjoyed a lot of success in attacking Krafth, who Bruce must ruthlessly axe for Sunday’s trip to Turf Moor having seen Jacob Murphy thrive at wing-back in place of the Sweden international.

Bruce can make do without Krafth occupying one of three central defensive roles against Sean Dyche’s Clarets, so should change Newcastle’s system to allow for Willock to start while also moving Almiron back into a more advanced role.

Willock can cover the ground on the right-hand side of Bruce’s midfield trio that Almiron was tasked with against Tottenham, and free the Paraguayan to pull the strings directly behind Joelinton.

Bruce lauded Willock upon his Tyneside arrival for just that, noting “he brings a certain energy” after the £20,000-per-week gem scored on debut against Southampton.

The Toon boss must now unleash that energy from the off once again, and be aggressive in his team selection against a Burnley side that has drawn their last five Premier League games at Turf Moor.

AND in other news, a £40k-p/w Newcastle star is facing a race against time to feature again this season…