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Tottenham are facing ‘huge interest’ in defender Japhet Tanganga as seven clubs eye a late move for him, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Spurs outgoings…

Spurs have already signed Netherlands international Arnaut Danjuma on loan and look set to seal a move for Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro in the January transfer window.

However, in order to balance their books, the north Londoners may need to offload certain players and make room in their Premier League squad.

The likes of Bryan Gil and Djed Spence have been tipped to potentially leave north London before Tuesday’s deadline, but according to Sky Sports, another Tottenham player is now attracting ‘huge interest’.

The Latest: Tanganga in major demand…

According to Dharmesh Sheth (via Sky Sports’ Transfer Blog [Friday, 19:53]), Tanganga is wanted by as many as seven clubs in England, the Bundesliga and further abroad in Turkey.

Sheth explains that the 23-year-old is a ‘valuable commodity’ for Antonio Conte given his brilliant attitude and versatility to cover across Spurs’ backline. As a result, the Lilywhites want to keep him and are reluctant to do a deal this month.

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The Verdict: Sensible decision…

It is perhaps a good decision to keep hold of Tanganga, precisely because he can cover a variety of positions and injuries can seriously handicap a squad of Tottenham’s size.

Spurs are still firmly in the chase for Champions League qualification for the second successive campaign, and Conte will want as much depth as possible for the second half of the Premier League season.

However, from the player’s perspective, it must be a frustrating call by the club. The 23-year-old has only been selected by Conte once in the current top-flight campaign, playing 67 league minutes in total, whilst being granted just 17 minutes in the Champions League (WhoScored).

At the start of 2021/22, Tanganga was praised for keeping a lid on the likes of Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling in a Man of the Match performance for Spurs against Manchester City. Since then, however, he has had few long runs in the first team, and we believe that a loan exit would be beneficial for his development.

Of course, it’s understandable why Spurs want to keep hold of him mid-season, but Tanganga’s high demand sums up why he should be given a chance more often by Conte.

Journalist John Gibson has claimed that he knows Tottenham Hotspur have been in Newcastle United ace Allan Saint-Maximin’s ear over a summer move.

The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin’s future in the balance

It was heavily reported towards the back end of January that Newcastle could indeed be looking to move Saint-Maximin on amid interest from the likes of AC Milan and Nottingham Forest.

The French winger, however, did remain on Tyneside and could now be in line to get his first league start since August when he scored against Wolves, due to the fact Bruno Guimaraes is set to serve a three-game suspension.

While Newcastle have indeed managed to keep Saint-Maximin for the minute, that doesn’t mean he won’t be looking for an exit in the summer if he doesn’t start to be handed more meaningful minutes in the Premier League.

The Latest: Spurs keen on the French winger

It was reported last year that Fabio Paratici was keen on Saint-Maximin and now Gibson has claimed on the Everything is Black and White podcast that Spurs have indeed been in the Frenchman’s ear about signing him in the summer.

He said: (38:25) “Now I know for certain that a lot of clubs have got into him, I know for certain, for example, that Spurs have had his ear during this transfer window.

“Not necessarily for the transfer to happen in the window just closed because it would have been difficult to move him, but in the summer and I know for a fact Spurs have been in his ear.”

The Verdict: Newcastle must keep Saint-Maximin

If Newcastle are wanting to progress and make their entire squad better than losing Saint-Maximin isn’t the answer as they don’t need just 11 good players, they have to ensure their squad is full of top players.

Newcastle are looking very likely to secure at least some form of European football for next season which will see their fixture schedule become a whole lot more congested, which will mean more players will be handed starts in both the league and cup competitions.

It’s no surprise that Spurs are looking to weaken Newcastle as they’re three points off the Magpies in the Premier League and losing the Frenchman would certainly make Newcastle a lot less dangerous in the final third as he ranks first for goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (FBRef).

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has promoted Sil Swinkels to first-team training, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Swinkels profiled

Swinkels made the move to the Midlands back in 2020 from Vitesse and has been progressing through the club’s academy since.

The 19-year-old was a part of Villa’s FA Youth Cup winning side and can play as a centre-back or as a left-back. He is thought to be highly rated by those at Villa Park, and it looks as if Emery has given him a chance to impress alongside the first team on the training ground.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

During a live deadline day blog for Birmingham Live (19:52), Preece said that Emery called up Swinkels alongside Lamare Bogarde to first-team sessions at Bodymoor Heath, ‘with Villa low on numbers at present’, although Bogarde has since joined Bristol Rovers on loan.

“With Villa low on numbers at present, Unai Emery has called up Dutch youngsters – and FA Youth Cup winners – Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels (below) to first-team sessions. The pair were on the six-a-side winning team at Bodymoor Heath earlier alongside Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Philippe Coutinho and Ollie Watkins.”

The Verdict: Future star?

Swinkels actually already has one senior Villa appearance to his name, coming on as a substitute in the club’s 4-1 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool back in 2021.

Since then, he appears to have been developing nicely, playing plenty of games for both the U18s and U21s. The Dutch defender has featured 53 times in total, registering one assist.

It looks as if his name will be one to keep an eye on in the coming years, although his contract at Villa could be set to expire in the summer, so an extension may be worth exploring.

Journalist Will Jackson has claimed that Leeds United are unlikely to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager to replace Jesse Marsch.

What’s the word?

The Whites are set to go into their next Premier League game – an away trip to Old Trafford – with coaches Chris Armas, Michael Skubala and Paco Gallardo momentarily in charge.

The club won’t want this to be the case for too long and have consequently already been linked with a number of new possible managers having only sacked Marsch on Monday.

Indeed, in The Guardian (via MOT Leeds News), it was claimed that a move for the unattached Pochettino could have “great appeal”. Although it was also pointed out that it’s “unclear” at this stage if he would even consider the job.

While speaking about such talk on a LeedsLive video stream, Jackson said: “In terms of Premier League experience, I’ve seen a lot of people saying about Pochettino as well.

“Whether he’d come to Leeds, I’m not so sure. He’s a big name and he’s going to command a fair fee, isn’t he? A fair wage.”

Unrealistic

Seeing as the Whites are currently down towards the very bottom of the Premier League table, placed 17th in the division, and look set for a relegation battle, it’s unclear if Pochettino would be up for the job.

After all, his last position was at French giants Paris Saint-Germain where he won Ligue 1 and other major trophies. What’s more, in spells at Southampton and then Tottenham Hotspur he never finished lower than 14th – while taking Spurs to a second-placed finish in 2016/17 – so it’s perhaps unlikely he’d be that keen to join a club so low in the division given his current stature in management.

As evidenced by his stats above, if Leeds can land Pochettino it would certainly be a major coup for the club. However, that talk seems to be a little fanciful and so it may be wise to not get any hopes up over this rumour.

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Jamie O’Hara has urged Antonio Conte to leave Tottenham Hotspur if he refuses to change his three-at-the-back formation.

The Lowdown: Conte may be forced to change

Conte has deployed three centre-halves in every single game this season, but that hasn’t been enough to get them a spot in the top four as things stand.

Their Champions League clash against AC Milan could indeed be the time when Conte switches things up – albeit more through having no choice as he deals with a raft of absentees on Tuesday evening.

Spurs are to be without Rodrigo Bentancur for the remainder of the season, while Yves Bissouma has recently undergone ankle surgery and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is suspended for the first leg at the San Siro, which could force Conte into some changes.

The Latest: Spurs need to change something

O’Hara claimed live on TalkSport that if Conte refuses to divert from his favoured three-at-the-back formation amid Bentacur and Hojbjerg’s absences, he has to leave the club.

He said: “If anyone at Tottenham is listening, you have got to change the formation now. You cannot play two in midfield. You cannot play 3-4-3 without Bentancur, you have to play three in midfield.”

Co-host and fellow Spurs man Jason Cundy then insisted that Conte wouldn’t veer away from his favoured formation that’s been so successful during his career, to which O’Hara said:

“Then he should go, because honestly, I don’t even enjoy watching Tottenham anymore. I don’t enjoy watching it.

“I used to get so passionate, so into watching Spurs play, and now, I’m looking and watching going, I’m not enjoying this. It’s not enjoyable to watch.

“We never have the ball; when we have the ball, we’ve got no creativity; we’re awful at the back.”

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The Verdict: Tottenham could benefit from fresh ideas

Conte has been very stubborn in his ways when it comes to formations, but that hasn’t achieved any material success as of yet, with Spurs outside of the top four and struggling for consistency after beating Manchester City before being thrashed by Leicester City at the weekend.

Considering the number of absentees that Conte must cope with in midweek, it could be a chance to alter things slightly and maybe try a few players in different roles so that Tottenham have a Plan B when things aren’t going well.

Spurs will know that their fans will be expecting a positive result tonight and will want to see a reaction from Saturday’s humbling defeat given that AC Milan are struggling this season, with the reigning Serie A champions sitting in fifth place.

Arsenal are enjoying their best season for a long time, and they could look to ensure that their progress under Mikel Arteta does not falter with a swoop for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

What’s new on Zubimendi to Arsenal?

The Spanish midfielder is a player who’s well-known to the Gunners’ hierarchy, with the club having reportedly been interested in a January swoop and even willing to meet his £53m release clause, although Zubimendi was reluctant to part with his current club mid-season.

Reports from Spain are now claiming that Arsenal are in ‘pole position’ to complete a transfer for the 24-year-old this summer, perhaps solidifying their midfield for years to come.

Arteta has led his team towards a title race against Manchester City this season, with the north Londoners currently second in the Premier League, level on points with the champions and with a game in hand.

Is Zubimendi an upgrade on Elneny?

If Arsenal technical director Edu is successful in his pursuit of the “special” star, as lauded by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe, then Arsenal might finally complete the central midfield jigsaw with the perfect piece, pumping renewed vigour into the engine room and possibly ensuring that silverware is gleaned over the coming years.

The flourishing “playmaker”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, boasts a kaleidoscope of quality at his feet, with Kulig highlighting his strength in “technique, ball control, teamwork” and “tactical intelligence”, which only bolsters the claims that the 24-year-old is the perfect prospective addition to the current crop at the Emirates Stadium.

As per FBref, Zubimendi ranks among the top 10% for clearances, top 9% for aerial duels won and top 15% for interceptions when compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year. He has indeed been the “key element”, as hailed by journalist Josh Bunting, behind his team’s recent success – Sociedad sit third in La Liga after 21 matches, eight points above Real Betis in fifth.

Similarities can be drawn to industrious Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny. He ranks among the top 28% of midfielders in Europe’s five main leagues for both clearances and interceptions, and also incredibly in the top 1% for pass completion, illustrating a vice-like grip on matches which can inject the required composure in pivotal moments.

Unfortunately, injuries are currently the Egyptian’s Achilles heel – he has missed 20 matches already this season, making just eight appearances across all competitions.

While he is dependable when called upon – with Ian Wright lauding the 30-year-old as “brilliant” (as per Premier League Productions, 29/10/22 at 13:10) for his impact as a utility option – his ability is a moot point when he is continually shackled to the medical department. Younger, more vibrant and more reliable, Zubimendi represents a glistening opportunity to continue the Gunners’ revival.

With this in mind, Arsenal must throw the kitchen sink at Sociedad this summer to try and land the 24-year-old; with his dynamic skill set and robust approach to his play, he can instil the grit and guile required to give the Gunners an edge in their pursuit of silverware.

At £53m, the £51k-per-week maestro will not come cheap, but with Arteta holding the imminent future of this prestigious football club in his hands, he must ensure that he does not miss the mark, and the Spanish sensation must be signed.

Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal was a universal success, having led the Gunners to various trophies while transforming the whole of English football from dietary methods to play style upon his arrival at the club in October 1996.

The Frenchman took the north London side to new heights following a couple of years stagnating under Bruce Rioch and he would eventually win three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups during his 22-year tenure.

His proficiency in the transfer market, especially during his first decade in charge, proved to be very lucrative for the club in the long run, yet it was a player who his predecessor signed who would go on to become an integral part of Wenger’s success at the club – Patrick Vieira.

 How big an impact did Patrick Vieira have at Arsenal?

Rioch signed the French midfielder in August 1996 from AC Milan for a fee reported to be £3.5m having shown great potential for the Serie A side, making five appearances before his 20th birthday, although it would be at Arsenal where he achieved his greatest success.

Under Wenger, he became one of the finest midfielders of his generation – having recently been inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame – with his physical presence and combative nature allowing him to dominate the middle of the pitch, while he could count on Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp to provide the attacking spark.

He won two doubles in his first six seasons as Arsenal challenged Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson and they were the two finest teams in the land, with matches between them often ferocious affairs with no love lost on or off the park or between the two managers – with glory on the line, both would do anything to gain an advantage.

The summit for Vieira and Wenger arrived in the 2003/2004 season, with the midfielder captaining the team to an unbeaten Premier League campaign and they were subsequently dubbed the ‘Invincibles’ in what was a moniker that still lives on.

A fourth FA Cup winners medal followed the next season as Vieira scored the decisive penalty in a shoutout win against old foes Man United, but when Juventus came calling that summer, it was a move simply too good to turn down.

The Gunners received a fee of £13.75m for their prized asset, which was a 291% increase on the fee they paid for him nine years earlier, proving the club certainly struck gold on the 6 foot 4 colossus.

His time at the club was extraordinary and current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta even praised Vieira as a “remarkable” player, with the fact he is still talked about as being one of the greats a testament to how well the north Londoners did to hold on to him for nearly a decade.

Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu could return to the team for today’s trip to Leeds United, Ruben Selles has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Salisu injured

Salisu has made 20 appearances for Southampton in the Premier League this season, emerging as a very important player, however he missed last week’s 1-0 victory against Chelsea.

The centre-back picked up a knock prior to the trip to Stamford Bridge, meaning he was omitted from the matchday squad, however there has now been a promising update, which indicates he could return this weekend…

The Latest: Set to return?

As quoted by Hampshire Live, recently appointed manager Selles clarified that the defender could be a part of his plans this afternoon, saying:

“We had [Mohammed] Salisu back in training this week. And we’re’ not sure that he will play but he has the option to play tomorrow and the rest of the squad is fit and ready to go.”

The Verdict: Good news

Hailed as ‘brilliant’ by members of the media, the 23-year-old has very much impressed in recent weeks, being ranked by Sofascore as the best player on the pitch against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month, despite the Saints losing 2-1.

The 6 foot 3 colossus put in a performance of a similar standard in the 2-0 EFL Cup victory against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, winning all of his aerial duels and making five clearances.

Selles’ side managed to keep a clean sheet in the Ghanaian’s absence last weekend, shutting Chelsea out to secure a vital 1-0 victory, but the new manager will still be very happy to have his first-choice centre-back available again.

Given the level of Salisu’s displays in recent weeks, it would not be a surprise to see either Jan Bednarek or Armel Bella-Kotchap drop to the bench, but it will be a tough call for Selles, after the much-improved performance last time out.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has been on the list of Premier League clubs ahead of the summer following reported interest from Leeds United.

Could Postecolgou leave Celtic?

It was heavily reported over recent weeks that the Australian was one of the names believed to be on Leeds’ list to replace Jesse Marsch earlier in the year.

However, it seemed apparent the Celtic boss was not looking to leave Parkhead in the middle of a season when there were trophies there to be won for the Scottish champions.

And that proved to be a wise decision as he led the Bhoys to victory in the Scottish League Cup over the weekend against their bitter rivals.

But speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has mooted interest from south of the border which could potentially prise him away in the future:

(13:40) “The manager is fantastic, for example, he’s one of the names who was mentioned internally at Leeds, but he was not going to leave Celtic job during the season. So we will see in the future.

“But he’s always been on the list of important clubs in the Premier League because he’s doing very well and also the atmosphere he created in the dressing room and also with the fans is something really special.”

Who could Postecoglou leave for?

As mentioned, it is believed Leeds were interested in the 57-year-old earlier in the year as a potential option to replace Marsch but they are not the only Premier League side to have been credited with an interest.

Reports in recent months have suggested there have been a host of top-flight English sides who have held an interest in the 57-year-old.

The likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and Southampton have all been said to be interested parties but the Australian seems to be off the market – at least until the summer.

And it will be interesting to see whether Postecoglou feels as if the summer will provide him with an opportunity to tackle a new challenge.

The Scottish League Cup is already under his belt for the season and it seems as if the Bhoys are going to cruise to the Scottish title for the second season in a row under Postecoglou.

With that, it begs the question of whether the 57-year-old feels as if he may be close to doing all he can with Celtic with very little else to achieve at the club.

What Postecoglou has done at Parkhead is impressive and he will have the security and support of the club going forward if he does choose to stay.

But there is potentially an interest in managing south of the border which would bring its own risks given the cut-throat nature of sacking managers in the Premier League.

Chelsea will be without star defender Reece James against Leeds United this afternoon as manager Graham Potter shares an injury update.

The Lowdown: Crucial clash…

The Blues take on Leeds in what is set to be a crucial Premier League clash for both sides, with one battling relegation and the other yet to get going under Potter.

Chelsea have endured a nightmare run of late, prompting links to new managers across the last few weeks, including ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Potter must get his team on a run and quickly or the Englishman may well face more reports of his potential sacking – with the boss also having to cope without Thiago Silva, Mason Mount and Cesar Azpilicueta today.

The Latest: Reece James update…

Writing on Twitter, reporter Simon Johnson of The Athletic has relayed news from Potter, with James now becoming another to be ‘officially’ out of today’s clash with Leeds.

“Reece James has now been officially ruled out of #CFC’s game v #LUFC today.”

The Verdict: Worry for Potter…

As per WhoScored, the 23-year-old is a key player for Chelsea and has been for the last few seasons.

Only winger Hakim Ziyech has averaged more crosses into the box than James over the 2022/2023 campaign with the former Wigan star also ranking among their best-performers by average match rating.

James has also been called ‘sensational’ by members of the media for his displays at Chelsea, the right-back will be a sore miss for Potter in a potential future deciding game.