Spurs Have Surprisingly Entered Race To Sign £50k p/w Ace

Tottenham Hotspur are a 'suitor in the race' to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets down to work in N17, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Conor Gallagher?

As per Football London, Tottenham hold an interest in Gallagher this summer and have him on a list of potential targets as boss Postecoglou earmarks areas of his squad he would be keen to strengthen.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave Chelsea this off-season and Newcastle United were also previously linked with a swoop for the England international.

90min report that Brighton & Hove Albion are in discussions with Gallagher as they try to bring the £50k-a-week ace to the Amex Stadium and they have set their sights on him as a potential replacement for departed midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham United have shortlisted Gallagher as David Moyes looks to build on their impressive Europa Conference League-winning campaign at the London Stadium, signifying that there is plenty of interest in the Epsom-born star from Premier League suitors.

According to The Daily Mail, it may cost in the region of £40 million for any interested parties to prize Gallagher away from Chelsea this window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that several clubs will be looking to sign Gallagher this summer.

Jacobs told FFC: "The indication in the last window was that Chelsea would be looking for about £40 million for the player and at that point, clubs like Everton and Newcastle and Crystal Palace were all looking. Gallagher wasn't keen on Everton at the time, Newcastle never really escalated their interest and Crystal Palace have always been keen because, of course,

"Conor Gallagher was on loan there and in the first half of the season, in particular, when he was on loan there, he was absolutely sensational. It's normal for them to be at the table. and then Spurs are one to watch as well and perhaps a slightly newer suitor in the race.

"West Ham will be looking to strengthen in the midfield area, both a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder or a box-to-box one. There'll be several clubs looking at Conor Gallagher."

How did Conor Gallagher fare for Chelsea in 2022/23?

Gallagher, who has been hailed as a "warrior", was a regular for Chelsea across the season, though he struggled to influence their disappointing 12th place in the Premier League as the Blues collectively flattered to deceive.

In 2022/23, the England international amassed 45 appearances in all competitions, registering three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

conor-gallagher-chelsea-manchester-united-premier-league-awful-kepa-transfer

As per WhoScored, Gallagher remained strong in the tackle throughout the campaign and averaged around 1.3 successful challenges per match in the English top flight.

FBRef show that Gallagher was also able to drive his side forward from the middle of the park with regularity, successfully carrying out 59 shot-creating actions.

Tottenham may be interested in his services; however, they will likely have to battle with several other clubs to secure his signature this summer.

57 y/o Informs Levy Of Spurs Managerial Decision

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed the green light from Ange Postecoglou that he is keen to take on the vacant managerial role in north London.

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

Daniel Levy saw Antonio Conte leave the club back in March following a run of underwhelming results amid the Italian's ongoing issues off the pitch.

But the off-field issues did not end there for Spurs with Fabio Paratici also leaving the club after the director of football was caught up in legal issues from his past.

However, Tottenham could now be heading in the right direction to get their plans for the future underway with the managerial vacancy expected to be filled in the coming days.

Indeed, it is believed the Celtic manager, Postecoglou, will take the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having completed the Scottish treble on the weekend with the Bhoys.

The 57-year-old has never managed in one of Europe's top five leagues with the opportunity at Parkhead presenting him with his first role in the United Kingdom.

However, the Australian is seemingly keen to make the step up to the Premier League with Alex Crook telling TalkSPORT the Celtic boss has informed Spurs of his desire to take the job:

"What I was told last night [Sunday] by sources close to Postecoglou, that it's pretty much a done deal, but he's already given Tottenham the indication that he wants to job obviously still have to formally approach Celtic. They were holding off out of respect until after that cup final at the weekend.

"But it won't be a complicated one because Postecoglou has a 12-month rolling contract, so compensation won't be an issue for Spurs."

Where has Postecoglou managed before?

The Australian has a very short history of managing in Europe with the job at Parkhead marking just his second role on the continent having previously managed Panachaiki in Greece.

Prior to taking the role at Celtic, Postecoglou had mainly managed in his homeland and Japan with Yokohama but it is apparent he has made a positive impression on those within the Premier League.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy

Indeed, it is believed Spurs were not the only side to have looked at Postecoglou as a potential option with Leeds United and Leicester City – prior to the relegation – both linked with the Australian.

Although some Spurs fans may not look at these links as positives, it is worth mentioning that Postecoglou was also a serious candidate for the job at Brighton & Hove Albion when Graham Potter left.

Again, the Seagulls who many may view as the best-run club in the league, are believed to be seriously keen on one of the Asian stars which Postecoglou has introduced to Europe in Reo Hatate.

Postecoglou may not be a familiar name with some just yet, however, Spurs fans could take a lot of optimism from the attention he has received from the likes of the Brighton board.

After all, Spurs have tried the big names with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, perhaps it is now time to try a manager who could bring the fanbase back together.

Liverpool Closing In On £14k-A-Week Midfielder

Liverpool have "verbally agreed" personal terms with Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, according to an exciting update from journalist Jacques Talbot.

Which midfielders are Liverpool signing?

The Reds have made it plainly clear that they are aiming to do some significant midfield surgery in the summer window, with constant links to new players emerging. On Thursday, Alexis Mac Allister was confirmed as a Liverpool player, with the Argentine completing a move from Brighton and coming in as a hugely exciting signing.

It would be a massive surprise if the Merseysiders stopped there, however, and Thuram is another player who has been tipped to make the switch to Anfield. The £14,000-a-week star enjoyed an excellent 2022/23 season with Nice, scoring twice and registering four assists in Ligue 1, as well as enjoying an 86.9% pass completion rate.

Paul Joyce has confirmed Liverpool see the 22-year-old as a summer target and a new update further suggests that that is the case.

khephren-thuram-liverpool-transfer-news

Is Thuram joining Liverpool?

Taking to Twitter on Thursday evening, Talbot provided an encouraging update on Talbot's situation, saying personal terms have been agreed: "Understand personal terms have been verbally agreed between Liverpool and OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram."

This is great news for Liverpool, if true, with Thuram someone who perfectly fits the profile of what the Reds need in the middle of the park moving forward. Last season, they looked horribly one-paced in midfield, as likes of James Milner, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson looked their age, while Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were on the treatment table too often.

In Thuram, however, Liverpool would be bringing in a vibrant presence with an ability to cover ground with ease – he averaged 1.5 tackles per game in the league last term – and he could add so much life in that area of the pitch. The Frenchman has been hailed as a "proactive and tenacious tackler" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, as well as "fast and athletic", and these are the attributes that felt so lacking at Anfield in 2022/23.

If a move for Thuram can be sealed, and one more midfielder also come in alongside him and Mac Allister, Liverpool could be transformed next season, with the rest of their team already looking strong. The middle of the park is such an influential part of the side, as Fabinho, Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum showed at their peak, and this could be the new era there.

Liverpool Must Sign ‘Magic’ Keita Upgrade In £35m ‘Beast’

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appears to have distinguished Lazio phenom Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as he prepares for a summer of change on the transfer market.

What's the latest on Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Liverpool?

According to transfer insider Rudy Galetti, Milinkovic-Savic is among the contenders for a summer switch to Anfield, with Klopp establishing the 28-year-old as a player who 'fits the club's needs'.

The Serbian powerhouse has long been the centrepiece of Lazio's system, however with just one year left on his contract could be available for transfer as his outfit looks to cash in while they can; a fee of €40m (£35m) has been touted.

Liverpool must act swiftly if they are indeed to ensnare their target, Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United both hold a vested interest in the midfielder, and it is likely intrigue will solidify over the coming months.

Who could Milinkovic-Savic replace at Liverpool?

Optimism has been renewed on Merseyside. Curtis Jones has finally found his feet and has played a central role behind his resurgent club's seven-match winning streak to keep Champions League hopes alive at this late stage, scoring three in his last four.

Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott have also played important parts this term and there is a pleasing core of youthful exuberance forming around Liverpool's nucleus.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all departing Anfield this summer, their respective contracts shortly concluded, and while none of these players occupy a starting berth in the squad with regularity, replacing them with first-rate signings is the way to propel the Reds back to the forefront of European football.

Milinkovic-Savic would embody the vision of Klopp and co, with his particular skill set rivalling any midfielder on the globe, hailed as a "different beast" by writer Sacha Pisani for his exploits in Rome.

Lazio midfielderSergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Having made 338 outings for le Aquile, scoring 67 goals and supplying 59 assists, the 41-cap Serb has certainly cemented himself as one of the game's superlative central stars, having won the Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups across his career.

This season, he has plundered nine goals and eight assists as his outfit look to return to the Champions League, perched in fourth place in Serie A with three matches to go, four points ahead of current champions AC Milan.

As per FBref, the £101k-per-week machine ranks among the top 5% of positional peers over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 6% for rate of assists and the top 1% for aerials won, illustrating the potency he would instil at Anfield with his prospective arrival.

The "magic" midfielder – as hailed by his teammate Ciro Immobile – would certainly be an upgrade on the aforementioned Keita, who has flattered to deceive since his £48m move to the club from RB Leipzig in 2018.

While an immensely talented and dynamic ace, the Guinean ace has missed 22 matches due to injury this term to extend a miserable record in the medical room during his time at Liverpool that has seen him miss suffer from 18 separate fitness issues.

Thus, Milinkovic-Savic, undoubtedly, would enrich the ranks with his expansive tool kit and ferocious demeanour on the pitch.

'Yasir struggled with expectation' – Mushtaq

Mushtaq Ahmed, Pakistan’s bowling coach, believes that Yasir Shah struggled with the expectation of backing up his matchwinning display at Lord’s on the opening day of the second Test.Yasir’s ten-wicket match haul was key to Pakistan securing their 75-run victory in the opening Test and propelled him to No. 1 in the world, but he finished the first day at Old Trafford with 0 for 111 from 31 overs as centuries from Alastair Cook and Joe Root led England to a commanding 314 for 4.Although he made a couple of deliveries grip on the Old Trafford surface – two, in particular, spun and bounced appreciably at Root and Cook – England were able to milk him far more comfortably than they had done last week.With only four frontline bowlers, Misbah-ul-Haq did not have many places to turn to for the lengthy spells required to allow him to rotate his three quicks. Yasir bowled 18 overs unchanged – split by the lunch interval – and by the time he was given a break, England had taken him for 69 runs and gone some way towards ensuring no immediate hangover from their poor display against at Lord’s.”Sometimes the expectation does put you under pressure and you are trying to deliver the same performance,” Mushtaq said. “You start losing your basics, discipline and what he did in the last Test match. He got 10 wickets last time and maybe that momentum carried on and he forgot the basics.””I think the ball wasn’t coming nicely from his hand,” he added. “We did discuss it, but during a game it’s very hard for a coach to tell a player what to do. But we have good communication so I sent a couple of messages because the ball was coming out flatter with less spin. On a first-day pitch, the margin of error for a legspinner against good players like Root and Cook is very small.”Root and Cook both used the word ‘tempo’ when pinpointing a key difference to their approach than at Lord’s, finding the right balance between not allowing Yasir to settle but avoiding anything as reckless as Root’s top-edged slog-sweep or Moeen Ali’s wild second-innings hack.”It was just nice to see an improvement on the way we played him in the first game,” Root said. “Playing him with a straight bat, not going across the ball as much, on a day-one wicket it definitely made it a lot easier for us to take the risk out of it but still rotate the strike and score at a decent rate. We batted at a far better tempo than at Lord’s.”Root, though, did admit a degree of nervousness when he brought out a strong slog-sweep against Yasir in the 51st over, with the captain at the other end, but this time it skimmed to the boundary rather than into the hands of a catcher. Such are the fine margins for batsmen.However, Mushtaq backed Yasir to respond positively from his tough day and play a role on a surface that Cook expects to break up later on. A worthy example to draw on, although not an occasion anyone associated with England cares to remember, is the Adelaide Test in 2006-07. Over the first two days of that match, England racked up 551 for 6 and Shane Warne took 1 for 167 before producing of his greatest displays on the final day to conjure a famous victory.”I always believe as a good bowler you have to bowl good overs against good players to get them out. He didn’t do that today but he will come out tomorrow, he’s a strong guy, he wasn’t hiding and that’s a positive thing,” Mushtaq said.

Newcastle £110k p/w Target Is "Eddie Howe Type Player"

Newcastle United target Kieran Tierney is an 'Eddie Howe type player' and would fit in well at St James' Park, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kieran Tierney?

As per Football Insider, Newcastle United are said to be 'closely monitoring' Arsenal defender Tierney ahead of the summer transfer window as boss Howe eyes reinforcements in the left-back position.

The report states that the Scotland international could cost in the region of £30 million; however, the same outlet have also claimed that Manchester City are keeping tabs on his situation.

Tierney has fallen behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at the Emirates. The chances of him moving to Tyneside this summer are believed to be 'increasingly likely', as per The Sun.

In 2022/23, the former Celtic man has appeared 31 times for Arsenal in all competitions, accumulating one goal and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Capology understands that Tierney is earning around £110,000 per week in north London on his current deal, which is set to run until 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Downie believes Tierney would fit nicely into Howe's plans in the North East.

Downie told FFC: "Having watched a lot of Kieran Tierney over the years and knowing a lot about his character, where he's from and how he's come through, I don't know if I can think of a more Eddie Howe-type player than Kieran Tierney."

Would Kieran Tierney be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Tierney would be a sensible signing for Newcastle United as they go about strengthening their squad in the summer. The Scot typifies what the Magpies have been all about this season, hard work, determination and quality when it matters.

FBRef shows that the 25-year-old has been strong in the tackle this term, winning 77.3% of his challenges against oncoming dribbles, showing his desire to win the ball back and kickstart attacking passages of play.

Despite Dan Burn putting in some excellent performances at left-back this campaign, there is no doubt that Newcastle could do with adding another body in that position heading into 2023/24, especially when you consider the fact that the Toon Army could also be involved in Champions League football and will need to enhance squad depth.

Of course, Tierney has also fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta, which could make a switch to the North East an easier process to initiate for both parties in the forthcoming off-season.

Tottenham: Levy Wants The "New Pochettino" At Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur are after the new ‘Pochettino’ as BBC journalist Guillem Balague shares why they want Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

What’s the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

Reliable outlets have suggested that the 37-year-old is high on chairman Daniel Levy’s wishlist as he scours the market for a new permanent manager to succeed Antonio Conte.

It’s been a torrid time in north London of late, with Spurs’ latest 6-1 humbling at the hands of Newcastle United dealing a mighty blow to their hopes of sealing a top four Premier League finish.

Former interim boss Cristian Stellini lost his job as a result of their St. James’ Park thrashing, with Levy placing Ryan Mason in charge until the end of the campaign instead.

In the background, Tottenham are well and truly searching for the tactician who can take them forward and reinstall some much-needed optimism. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, both out of work after leaving their most recent jobs, have been heavily linked – meanwhile the likes of Arne Slot (Feyenoord) and Kompany continue to be of interest.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany

However, despite supporters singing his name in the stands on match day, former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino never made it far enough to enter serious contention and is now just steps away from joining Chelsea.

This will be a frustrating development for many Spurs fans, not least because their ex-hero is reportedly about to take the reins at a major rival. Balague, sharing why Tottenham didn’t move more seriously for Pochettino despite reports, has also explained the interest in Kompany.

Taking to Twitter, the BBC regular says Spurs are ‘after’ the new ‘Pochettino’ – hence their fondness for Anderlecht’s former manager.

He explained:

What has Kompany done so far?

Burnley are now champions of the English second tier after a 1-0 win over Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Clarets stormed to Championship promotion in real style and in Kompany’s debut season – winning the most games, losing the least and conceding the fewest out of any other side in the division thus far (Sky).

Called ‘amazing’ for his work at Turf Moor by members of the media like Chris Kamara, the Belgian has been heralded for his brand of football and overall job at Burnley.

It’s little surprise Spurs are considering him but we believe a lack of experience elsewhere is something Levy should also take into account.

Chelsea: Lampard Must Ditch ‘Lucky’ £100k-p/w Dud

Frank Lampard has been confirmed as Chelsea's new manager on a deal until the end of the season and the Englishman could seal an instant masterclass at Stamford Bridge by dropping Mateo Kovacic.

The 44-year-old, who was sacked by Everton earlier in the season, has returned as the man in the dugout at Stamford Bridge having managed the Blues for 84 matches between 2019 and 2021.

During his time at the club, Lampard would average a solid 1.75 points per game, which is a significant upgrade on the 1.42 points per game averaged by Graham Potter in his spell at the west London club.

Lampard was in attendance for Chelsea's stalemate with Liverpool in midweek and if he was paying attention, he will surely realise that Kovacic needs a spell out of the team, despite his role as captain in the absence of Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Should Chelsea drop Kovacic?

During the game against Liverpool, the Croatia international would spurn two glorious chances to give the hosts the lead, first failing to score after rounding Alisson, before firing over the bar when through on goal, despite having two teammates available in support.

Unfortunately, this was not a one-off for the former Real Madrid man, as he has endured one of his worst seasons in a Chelsea shirt and should surely spend some time on the bench for upcoming fixtures, especially after the return of N'Golo Kante.

In 21 Premier League appearances so far this campaign, the 28-year-old, who earns £100k-per-week, has contributed just one goal and one assist, with WhoScored awarding him a woeful 6.50 rating for his performances.

Considering this ranks him as the 23rd-best performer at Stamford Bridge so far this campaign, it is baffling that he has featured so often, especially when Chelsea have the likes of Conor Gallagher and Denis Zakaria waiting in the wings.

The midfielder's previous seasons at Stamford Bridge have resulted in far-more-impressive average ratings of 7.05, 6.84 and 6.94 in the last three Premier League campaigns, so it seems clear that his standards have dropped so far this term.

Indeed, as far back as 2021, journalist Daniel Childs was labelling the Croat both "pretty awful" and "very lucky."

Now, it makes perfect sense for Lampard to drop the midfielder following Kante's return to action after injury, while the likes of Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka could also be given chances if the 44-year-old continues his philosophy of putting faith in Chelsea's youth.

Whatever the incoming interim manager decides, it seems clear that Kovacic hasn't been good enough this season and as such, it would be a masterclass to instantly remove him from the team.

Tottenham Eyeing Managerial "Revelation"

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly be eyeing a move for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, with the Greek-Aussie having been named among the potential candidates to replace Antonio Conte at the helm.

What's the latest on Postecoglou to Spurs?

The Lilywhites are currently seeking to find a permanent successor to the former Chelsea boss, with Cristian Stellini having taken charge on an interim basis following the departure of his compatriot on Sunday.

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has identified German coach Julian Nagelsmann as his 'top target' for the position, albeit with the north Londoners set to face a battle to appoint the 35-year-old due to apparent interest from the likes of Real Madrid and those at Stamford Bridge.

The report also reveals that Levy is considering other alternatives for the role, including Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old having previously been mentioned by The Telegraph as a possible option earlier this month.

Should Tottenham appoint Ange Postecoglou?

While the appointment of the Hoops boss would be something of a left-field choice – with the experienced coach currently in just his first managerial post in Europe – the former Yokohama Marinos man has caught the attention due to his impressive work at Parkhead of late.

Having taken on the role initially in the summer of 2021 as something of an unknown quantity, the highly-coveted figure has since been a real "revelation" at Celtic Park, according to former Hoops youth product, Simon Ferry, having brought a "real identity" to the Scottish giants.

The one-time Australia head coach looks set to guide his rampant side to a second successive league title following what has been another standout campaign in the Scottish Premiership, with the Old Firm outfit having already scored 93 goals in just 29 league games so far this term.

Unlike the departing Conte – whose brand of football has been described as "negative" by pundit Chris Sutton – Postecoglou has impressed due to his front-foot and progressive style during his time in Glasgow, having implemented "beautiful, attacking football" over the past 18 months or so, as per BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou

As Hargreaves also noted, the one-time Melbourne Victory boss simply "goes after everyone" even when coming up against the likes of Real Madrid in Europe, with Ferry also stating that Postecoglou has got his side playing "fearlessly", no matter the opposition.

That 'fearlessness' is undoubtedly a far cry from what has been witnessed by Tottenham supporters of late, with Conte's men notably producing a "pathetic" performance in the Champions League, last-16 exit at the hands of AC Milan, as per journalist Josh Bunting.

While it would be a step up for Postecoglou to take the reigns at such an elite club, the attack-minded coach could well be the man to bring a free-flowing, exciting brand of football back to N17, with recent years likely to have proven to Levy that style is just as important as substance.

Everton: Dyche could replace Gueye

Everton manager Sean Dyche may think about replacing Idrissa Gueye ‘in the near future’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Everton targeting midfielder

Despite bringing the midfielder back to Goodison Park from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Everton are already mulling over new options in the engine room, given the very poor season they have had up to this point.

Benfica defensive midfielder Florentino Luis has recently been touted as a potential ‘marquee signing’ for the Toffees by O’Rourke, and judging by his recent comments, he could be brought in to replace Gueye…

The Latest: Gueye to be replaced?

In an interview with GiveMeSport, O’Rourke indicated that Dyche may choose to overhaul his squad this summer if they manage to avoid relegation to the Championship.

The journalist said: “If Everton do stay up, then Sean Dyche will be looking to rebuild that squad and improve things.

“That’s why they’re being linked with their players like Florentino Luis because they’re going to have to improve all over the park. Idrissa Gueye is not getting any younger, so he will need to be replaced in the near future.”

The Verdict: Time to go?

Given that the 99-time Senegal international is now 33-years-old, it is probably the correct decision for Dyche to be looking for a suitable long-term replacement, and there is evidence that Luis could be a real upgrade, in both an attacking and defensive sense.

The 23-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions and passes attempted per 90 over the past year compared to other midfielders, averaging more than Gueye on both metrics over the same timeframe, while he is also in the 86th percentile for assists.

Gueye has by no means been poor in his second spell with the Toffees, averaging a 6.88 rating from Sofascore, the eighth-highest figure in the squad, however his age means he would be more suited to a back-up role next season, especially if Everton can land Luis.

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