All posts by n8rngtd.top

Southampton could be set to lose Mohammed Salisu this summer, with several Premier League clubs believed to be plotting moves, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild needed?

The Saints may be in need of a rebuild this summer, particularly if they are unable to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with James Ward-Prowse’s departure ‘inevitable’ if they are playing Championship football next season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be big admirers of the Southampton captain, and they are likely to make a move for him at the end of the season, while Newcastle United are also well-placed to compete for his signature.

Ward-Prowse may not be the only midfielder that departs in the summer, as the race for Romeo Lavia is now stepping up, with Manchester City currently in pole position to bring him back, amid interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Latest: Salisu to depart?

According to a report from Football Insider, several Premier League clubs are plotting moves for Salisu summer, including the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United and Leicester City.

The centre-back could be available for a fee of £25m, and the Saints are preparing themselves for interest at the end of the campaign.

The next transfer window could be Southampton’s last real opportunity to cash-in on the 23-year-old, as his current contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

The Verdict: Disappointing news

The level of interest in some of Ruben Selles’ players indicates that there is real quality within the squad, which makes it even more frustrating that they have been unable to show it consistently enough this season, currently sitting bottom of the Premier League table.

Having made 22 appearances in the top flight this term, the Ghanaian has established himself as a vital player for the Saints, while he has also gone on to prove himself at international level, making three appearances and scoring for his national side at the World Cup.

At 23-years-old, the Kumasi-born defender is only going to get better, and he is already showing signs that he has a big part to play in helping Southampton avoid relegation, being hailed as ‘excellent’ by journalist Jacob Tanswell for his performance in the recent 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

If Selles’ side do manage to preserve their Premier League status, Salisu may be tempted to extend his stay at St Mary’s, which would be a real boost, given how important he has been this season.

Chelsea's attitude towards academy talents has changed for the better in recent years, with a number of top youngsters establishing themselves as regulars at Stamford Bridge.

Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah have all featured heavily under Graham Potter so far this campaign having progressed through the ranks at the west London side and look set to be a big part of the future, despite the eye-watering sums spent on new players since the arrival of Todd Boehly.

There was perhaps concern about the pathway for young players at Stamford Bridge but Boehly has made it clear that he wants to build for the future and backed that up by sanctioning a new deal for academy talent Charlie Webster back in January.

Who is Charlie Webster?

The 19-year-old midfielder has been a regular for both the U18s and U21s in recent seasons and was attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund among others but committed his future to the Blues earlier this year, signing a contract until the summer of 2024.

Webster's performances in the Premier League 2 this season, where he has five goals in 17 appearances from midfield, suggest that he is more than ready for the step-up to senior football, and he could be best served by a loan spell away next season.

Journalist Adam Newson was full of praise for the teenager earlier in the season after a strong performance in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City U21s in August.

He said: "Wonderful work from Charlie Webster in the build-up. Touch and awareness to escape City pressure and continue the Chelsea attack was top drawer."

Considering he is already starring in Premier League 2 having only turned 19 a couple of months ago, Webster could easily follow in the footsteps of some of Chelsea's best academy graduates, and may soon be handed his debut by Potter.

However, it is a Chelsea legend in Frank Lampard who he will surely be aiming to emulate, as his impressive goalscoring record from midfield suggests that he could perform a similar role to the former England star, having managed nine goals and six assists in his time with the U18s.

Chelsea signed Lampard from West Ham in 2001 for £11m and went on to establish himself as one of the best to ever do it in England, contributing a phenomenal 211 goals and 145 assists in 648 appearances for the Blues.

Any young player at Chelsea will be aware of Lampard's reputation and Webster's style of play and obvious potential suggests that he is one of few at Stamford Bridge who could perform a similar role to the now 44-year-old at Stamford Bridge in the future.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has been left thrilled as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly line up a move for Brendan Rodgers.

What's the latest on Rodgers to Spurs?

In the last few days, multiple reports have claimed that Spurs could move for the Northern Irishman to replace Antonio Conte – coming after the Italian's mutually agreed Premier League departure last week. Indeed, Rodgers now joins the plethora of other managers currently being eyed by chairman Daniel Levy.

Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and even Zinedine Zidane have also been linked with a move to north London as the quartet are out of work and readily available for hire. Free agents could be a huge pull for Levy given there are few obstacles standing in the way of a possible move.

There have even been murmurs of Graham Potter, recently sacked by Chelsea, potentially entering the fold when it comes to Tottenham's managerial search. Back to Rodgers, it appears Spurs have another unemployed tactician on their radar, with CBS journalist Ben Jacobs hinting they could move for the ex-Celtic manager.

Football Insider has also reported that Spurs are lining up a move for the 50-year-old, so it appears there is a chance he could end up succeeding Conte.

What has Hutton said on Rodgers?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs defender and BBC pundit Hutton has given a thumbs-up to a potential Rodgers appointment.

The Scotsman explained:

“I think he would play a different brand of football from the managers they have had in the past. The managers have been set up to play very defensively, hit teams on the counter-attack and Brendan Rodgers doesn’t seem to want to play that way.

“Tottenham have got the squad to go and challenge. Not for first and second, but definitely for top four and certain trophies and European competitions. I think the fans would love a manager to come in like that and play a more attractive style of football. That is what they have been crying out for for a long time.

“Do I think Brendan Rodgers can come in and do that? Absolutely. I think he has shown that in the past that he is more than capable.“

Should Spurs turn to Rodgers?

Despite having lost his job at the King Power, we believe he could be a shrewd left-field option as a free agent, especially considering it wasn't too long ago he was spearheading a top-four charge at Leicester whilst winning the FA Cup.

The ex-Swansea manager achieved those feats with fairly limited resources compared to the likes of Man City and Liverpool at the time – something which Levy may well be taking into consideration.

Pep Guardiola is also a big fan of the coach, calling him 'top quality' despite the Foxes' woes.

Tottenham Hotspur need to get their next appointment right. For too long a club of their size has languished far away from the major honours, leading to widespread ridicule from rival fans. They should be fighting for silverware every season, yet far too often they find their campaign ended in January as they exit both cups.

However, one pitfall they cannot afford to fall into again is to hire someone to fulfil that sole purpose. Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were born winners and had done so at every club before joining the Lilywhites. It just feels like the foundations are not in place for such a consistent assault for trophies quite yet.

Therefore, Daniel Levy could perhaps divert his attention away from these ageing mercenaries whose best days are behind them, and instead opt for someone who can lead them into the future.

Whilst Mauricio Pochettino had done so in his early stint in north London, leading them up the Premier League table and into a Champions League final, his potential return would mark a similar blunder as their recent hires.

The Argentine has only struggled since his sacking, ultimately being given the boot by PSG too, and many could argue he too fits into that category of coaches whose best days are behind them.

Therefore, of the manager list that is ever-changing, Vincent Kompany should be the outstanding candidate for where they seek to go in the future.

How is Vincent Kompany's managerial philosophy?

Having already secured promotion with his Burnley side, the rapidity with which he turned the relegated Clarets around was astounding. Joining from Anderlecht, few knew how the Belgian would manage as the squad was purged upon their exit from the top division.

Chairman Alan Pace had admitted that there was a three-year plan in place for their promotion back, but the "magic" that his appointment has worked shocked even him.

Another issue that plagued him was the play style, which many thought they knew well: they will lump it long, feed off the second balls and look to dominate in the air.

Kompany wasted no time in rewriting this script. Maintaining a 4-4-2 shape, much of the 37-year-old's philosophy was born through Pep Guardiola's tutelage. As what is essentially the antithesis to that aforementioned Burnley stereotype, suddenly short and sharp passes were exchanged to progress them up the Turf Moor field.

Patience is key for the former Manchester City defender, but a high press is even more imperative in maintaining a stranglehold on every game his teams partake in.

This enthralling style has seen them hit 91 points already in the Championship, having scored 78 times in 41 games and conceding just 30. They are both the top scorers and have conceded the least in the division.

With an identity crisis of sorts going on at Spurs, as the turgid and pragmatic football that promised trophies continues to falter, perhaps a return to the form of those early days under Pochettino could help them recapture what made the club so special.

However, they must do so without relying on relics of the past, and instead betting on the future to lead them to glory.

Aston Villa are willing to trigger a release clause to sign Real Mallorca attacker Kang-in Lee this summer.

What’s the latest transfer news on Villa and Lee?

Unai Emery is set to be backed with a ‘huge’ summer budget ahead of his first full season in charge after making just two signings in the January window.

One player who was linked with a move to Villa Park earlier in the year was Lee, with reports suggesting that Villa offered an initial €13.5m for the 22-year-old’s services during the winter window. However, it looks as if the club could now go one step further to sign Lee, who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger.

One Spanish outlet provided an update on Lee’s situation in the last 48 hours, claiming that those from Villa Park are once again interested in his services.

The report states how Villa, and by extension owners NSWE and sporting director Johan Lange, are willing to pay the player’s €18m (£15.8m) release clause to bring him to England this summer. Lee is expected to leave the La Liga side this summer, with Mallorca preparing to ‘make a round deal’.

Should Villa sign Lee?

Lee is a versatile left-footed attacker who was labelled an “outstanding talent” by Valencia academy director Luis Vicente Mateo. The South Korea international now has plenty of experience in Spain, making 61 appearances for former employers Valencia and 65 for Mallorca. In total, Lee has contributed to 16 La Liga goals, and you’d like to think that there is room for improvement on his already impressive game at the age of 22.

As per WhoScored, Lee has been one of Mallorca’s top performers this season and has actually outperformed every Villa player aside from Ollie Watkins. The attacking midfielder has averaged more key passes and dribbles than any Mallorca or Villa attacker per 90 during the current campaign and has picked up more Player of the Match awards than any player from both sides.

Therefore, at €18m, a move to the Midlands could be a shrewd one, with Emery potentially taking Lee’s game to the next level over the coming years. Villa also don’t have an out-and-out attacking midfielder on the books at this moment in time, as per Transfermarkt, so Lee could be the creative spark needed at the club heading into the 2023/24 season, and by the looks of it, a transfer is one to follow closely over the coming months.

West Ham United have made an approach to bring Lille manager Paulo Fonseca to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Moyes' future?

The Irons recently secured their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals following their 5-2 aggregate victory over Gent, but David Moyes has failed to replicate this level of success in the top-flight with his side finding themselves in danger of relegation, just four points clear of the drop zone.

The London Stadium outfit are reportedly planning to part ways with the 59-year-old this summer regardless of whether he is able to maintain the club’s league status and there have already been a couple of names doing the rounds as to who his potential successor could be. Italy’s Roberto Mancini, Rafael Benitez and Reims’ Will Still have all been linked with the job that could soon be on offer in E20, but it sounds like the hierarchy may have turned their attention to a different boss in Ligue 1.

According to Foot01 (via Sport Witness), West Ham’s desire to appoint Fonseca is “very real” after “contacting the entourage” of the 50-year-old to discover the possibility of a switch to England. The Irons’ admiration quickly became “concrete through talks with his agent” and the board view him as the “perfect” successor to Moyes, with “further discussions” set to take place at the end of the season.

The Portuguese tactician has made it clear that he is keen to “focus” on seeing out the rest of the term at Lille before making a decision on his future beyond the summer, but regardless, the club still “absolutely want” him.

Would Fonseca be a good fit for West Ham?

West Ham supporters have never seen Fonseca up close in the top flight, but the work he’s doing overseas is impressive, and having been lauded as an “ambitious” coach by AS Roma's former president Jim Pallotta, he would be a great fit at the London Stadium as they aim to jump up a level as a club.

The 4-2-3-1 style coach has won 18 and drawn seven of his 34 games in charge at Lille so far, form which sees his side fifth in the Ligue 1 table and therefore currently earning themselves a place in the Europa Conference League, whilst being just six points away from the Europa League group stage qualification.

Fonseca also knows what it takes to be successful having secured nine trophies since the start of his managerial career with the likes of FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and SC Braga, so this is an attribute that he could bring to the capital to try and get his hands on even more silverware.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to get rid of Emerson Royal, Davinson Sanchez and Hugo Lloris this summer as part of a squad clearout, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest news involving the Tottenham Hotspur trio?

Recently, Emerson Royal's agent and father Emerson Zulu has said on the La Charla podcast via The Evening Standard that the Brazilian defender could look to try and force an exit from Tottenham this summer, stating:

“There is a great possibility that Emerson will leave Tottenham. We believe it’s time for him to take a bigger leap and to go to a team that fights for titles. I think he fits a giant like Real Madrid.”

Colombian outlet Antena 2 has also claimed that Spurs defender Sanchez may also be set to depart north London in the off-season, revealing that La Liga side Sevilla have shown an interest in bringing the 26-year-old to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

As per Football Insider, the Lilywhites are also believed to have drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace veteran goalkeeper Lloris heading into next term, with David Raya, Mike Maignan, Robert Sanchez and Dean Henderson earmarked as potential replacements for the Nice-born stopper.

All three players earn around £205,000 combined at Hotspur Way; however, journalist Crook thinks that the trio could be sold on following their part in Spurs' underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crook said: "Tottenham fans probably have a list of players to sell to be honest. People like Emerson Royal, Davinson Sánchez, I also think the goalkeeper is a big issue.

"Hugo Lloris was dreadful in the first half against Newcastle, he didn't even come out for the second half.”

Who else could leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

Out of everyone, Spurs talisman Harry Kane has received the most high-profile coverage over a potential departure this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea both keen on securing his signature, as per The Daily Mail.

Bayern Munich also remain interested in Kane as they look for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, as per Sky Sports.

Lucas Moura is out of contract at the end of this term while Tottenham have still yet to make a decision on the future of loanees Dejan Kulusevski, Arnaut Danjuma and Clement Lenglet.

Come the off-season, whoever becomes Spurs' new manager will have plenty of groundwork to do ahead of 2023/24 as they look to shape their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Leeds United confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as their manager until the end of the season this week, and the experienced Englishman will have to perform a minor miracle to keep the Yorkshire outfit up.

With a salary of £500k and a potential bonus of £2.5m on the table for the 68-year-old should Leeds remain in the top flight, Allardyce will have to do everything in his repertoire if he wants to pick up some results.

Games against Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are on the agenda for the Whites, with just goal difference distancing them from the relegation zone as it stands, so it seems certain that they will have to pick up a result in at least one of those games.

Although he only has four games and four weeks to work his magic with a demoralised Leeds squad, he will certainly call upon his vast experience when deciding upon how to get the best out of his new players.

One man who could prosper under the Englishman is Leeds' top scorer, Rodrigo, as if he is unleashed in an attacking-midfield role, he could perform a similar job to that of Kevin Nolan, who thrived in a shadow-striker position under Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers.

Could Rodrigo be Allardyce's next Kevin Nolan?

As per Transfermarkt, Allardyce's preferred formation is often a 4-2-3-1, which suggests that he could go with a similar tactic for the final four games of Leeds' campaign.

No player has featured more or scored more goals under Big Sam than Nolan, with 23 assists and 75 goals to his name across 430 appearances during his time at Bolton Wanderers and the Hammers.

The Englishman featured primarily as an attacking midfielder who supported a natural striker, forming a memorable partnership with Andy Carroll at both Newcastle and West Ham, which is a tactic that Allardyce could look to implement once again at Elland Road.

If Rodrigo can feature as a shadow-striker and link up effectively with Patrick Bamford, it could see him rediscover his goalscoring form, with no goals or assists to his name since the 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers back in March.

There is no doubt that the former Valencia man can be "brilliant" and a "class above" – as hailed by both Micah Richards on Sky Sports (via LeedsLive) and by BBC pundit Pat Nevin – when at his best, but he failed to build on his exceptional start to the season under Javi Gracia, so will be hoping that Allardyce holds the key to unlocking him for the final few games.

A tactical switch moving him to a deeper attacking-midfield role, in a similar vein to Nolan, could just do the trick.

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy by extension hold the most serious interest in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news?

Spurs have a plethora of issues to resolve before the summer transfer window opens for business, namely who they will be their permanent manager and Antonio Conte’s full time replacement.

Ryan Mason has been placed in temporary charge until the end of this Premier League campaign with Europa League qualification still very realistic.

In the meantime, Levy has been scouring the market for appointments, as well as looking out for a new sporting director to replace the departed Fabio Paratici.

On top of all this, Spurs must think about a long-term successor to goalkeeping mainstay Hugo Lloris, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract alongside star striker Harry Kane.

Tottenham have been repeatedly linked to signing Lloris’ replacement this summer, with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret thought to be attracting serious interest.

As well as Meret, it is believed the likes of Mike Maignan (AC Milan) are in Spurs’ thinking, with a report by journalist Gaston Edul saying another shot-stopper is on the agenda.

According to the TYC Sports correspondent, writing on Twitter, Villa’s Martinez is a very serious target for Spurs and Levy with the north Londoners having a move “in the pipeline”.

Martinez, who helped Argentina to World Cup victory at the end of last year, could be on the move and Tottenham are very likely to go a ‘step further’ for his signature over rival clubs.

Edul explained:

What could Martinez bring to Spurs?

The 30-year-old has been praised for his form at Villa Park over the last 12 months, with defender Matty Cash summing up his quality perfectly.

Cash, speaking to the media (via The Shropshire Star), said:

“He (Martinez) normally buzzes off clean sheets. The first thing he said to me in the dressing room was: ‘I’m gutted we conceded’. He’s unbelievable. One of the best goalkeepers in the world. To have him there is really good for us. He has made so many big saves for us.”

To replace a figure as important as Lloris, this could be exactly the type of character needed at Tottenham, both in terms of goalkeeping contribution and elite mentality.

Members of the media have also called him “world class” for his exploits at international level.

Manchester City could be given the chance to land Neymar in a deal from PSG – but only if they offer up Bernardo Silva in a swap deal, as reported by Spanish media, via Sport Witness.

What is the latest on Neymar to Man City?

The Premier League side have once more stormed to the top of the table and look on course to bag another division title this campaign. If they do, then it will be their seventh top flight title since it was rebranded.

However, with the club potentially losing some of their best players in summer, they may need to recruit strongly in order to continue fighting on all fronts. Ilkay Gundogan's contract with the team is coming to an end and amid interest from Barcelona, he may not commit to staying on at the Etihad Stadium.

In addition, Joao Cancelo could make his exit from City permanent this summer, having already spent some time with Bayern Munich on loan. The German giants aren't sure if they will keep the defender yet but it looks likely he may leave.

One potential incoming then to replace some of the outgoings could be that of PSG's Neymar. According to the Spanish media, via Sport Witness, the Ligue 1 outfit's advisor Luis Campos is prepared to give City the chance to snap up the Brazilian in a deal this summer, with his club eager to flog him on.

The catch for Pep Guardiola's side though is that a deal would not involve cash – instead, PSG want Bernardo Silva in a straight swap that would see the Portuguese head to France. A deal therefore may not suit the Premier League outfit if it means losing one of their own and considering that Neymar would also command a hefty wage then, as this report states, it may not appeal to the club.

However, it does appear that a deal could be on the table if City want to take it.

Should Man City sign Neymar?

Whilst losing Bernardo Silva would be a blow, especially considering that the Portugal international has managed a further nine goal contributions in the Premier League this season despite starting only 23 times, Neymar is still a real superstar for all his flaws.

The Brazilian has come in for some high praise over the last few years because of his fantastic footballing ability and creativeness with the ball at his feet. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called the player "elite" for example in his role as an advanced playmaker, suggesting that there are not a lot better in the position in the world.

This year, Neymar has also managed a further 13 goals and eleven assists in just 20 Ligue 1 games. It's an astonishing number that means he is currently averaging 1.40 goals or assists per 90 – his best ever rate.

Right now then might be the best time to snap up the attacker and bring him to the Premier League because Man City would clearly be getting a player who can still produce the goods.