Writing on Twitter, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has shared a major managerial development now coming out of N17 involving Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs and the Conte hunt…

The Italian emerged as a frontrunning candidate for the vacant Spurs job following difficulties in acquiring former favourite Mauricio Pochettino from Paris-Saint Germain.

Indeed, PSG made life difficult for Tottenham in pursuit of the Argentine and have been determined not to let him leave – resulting in the club starting to focus on Conte as an alternative.

Spurs have held extensive discussions with the 51-year-old over this last week.

The Latest: Gold shares major development…

Now, writing on Twitter, yet another twist has emerged in Spurs’ hunt for an heir to former boss Jose Mourinho – who they sacked in late April.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news/” title=”Spurs latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Spurs have been without a manager for over six weeks now and the wait shows no sign of ending after this latest update.

Backing previous reports, Gold has shared that Spurs’ interest in bringing Conte to N17 has reached its conclusion.

Alas, Tottenham have now ‘pulled the plug’ on talks with the Premier League title-winning boss – despite there being plenty of promise early in negotiations.

“Word just now coming out of Spurs that they’ve completely pulled plug on talks with Conte,” explained the reporter on social media.

“Despite promising early discussions. Utter mess from Spurs really.

“Went in a completely different direction to what they were looking for initially with a very different type of manager and character and then weirdly shocked when they realised he didn’t fit their means or that profile they were looking for.

“Bizarre waste of a week or so.”

The Verdict: Big blow, but hardly surprising…

Losing out on a manager with Conte’s pedigree comes as a massive disappointment for Lilywhites supporters.

Indeed, he appeared to be a very credible option given his record with previous clubs – especially considering his impressive haul of eight major trophies across three different clubs (Transfermarkt).

He has also averaged an impressive 2.01 points per match across his managerial career.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

However, given Spurs’ financial struggles and Conte’s demanding nature, this is hardly a shock.

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy confirmed his checklist for the type of manager he wants in his annual end of season letter to supporters, with the ex-Chelsea gaffer arguably not fitting into any of the boxes.

It is also unlikely Levy would have been able to back Conte sufficiently in the transfer market this summer.

As Simon Jordan put it on talkSPORT, it would have been a ‘match made in hell’.

In other news: BBC pundit thrilled by ‘great news’ for Spurs, find out more here.

Manchester City must sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer, even if it means sacrificing one of their own first team regulars.

What’s the talk?

According to The Times, Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have proposed a trade deal with City which would see the 26-year-old head to the Etihad Stadium and Bernardo Silva go the other way. The report claims that Atletico believe Saul is worth around the same price (£70m) as the Portuguese winger and have offered City the chance to swap the players to aid their financial fair play status.

Both players are said to be disgruntled at their current clubs and are open to moves this summer. Saul is reportedly unhappy with the amount of game-time he received during the 2020/21 campaign, whilst Bernardo is considering his future in England. [The Times]

Back in 2015, Atletico manager Diego Simeone claimed that Saul “has absolutely everything” and heaped praise on the Spanish international midfielder. The Argentine told Goal.com: “It’s clear that Saul has heard a thousand times what I think of him. He has absolutely everything. He can play anywhere in the midfield, he can score, he can pass well.

“We will be very demanding, because we believe that being demanding is the only way to make players like him grow.”

Txiki masterstroke

Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain could pull off a masterstroke by sending Bernardo to Atletico and receiving Saul in return. Fernandinho is out of contract at the end of the month and City are poised to lose one of their few enforcers in midfield, which leaves a space in the squad for a player like Saul to come in and stake a claim for a place next season.

This is not to say that City should be rushing to kick Bernardo out of the door. The Portugal international has been a classy performer for the club in recent years, with an average WhoScored rating of above 7.0 in his past three Premier League campaigns for the club. However, The Times claimed that he is open to leaving City, and therefore Txiki must pounce on the opportunity to bring in Saul if it allows Bernardo to get his wish of moving to a new club as well.

The £238k-per-week Saul is not a technical and creative player like Bernardo, but he could offer some steel to City’s midfield. In 340 competitive career appearances for Atletico and Spain, he has averaged four tackles and interceptions per game, along with 2.6 aerial battles won and 1.7 clearances.

For context, no Manchester City player managed four tackles and interceptions per game in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign and Aymeric Laporte was the only player who could match Saul’s 2.6 aerial battles won per game.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

This suggests that the Atletico stalwart could be a superb addition to Manchester City’s squad and add a different dimension to Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Txiki could pull a masterstroke by bringing Saul to the Etihad in exchange for Bernardo if the deal goes through this summer.

AND in other news, Txiki heading for Man City disaster over “complete” £16k-p/w dynamo – opinion

Backing reports made through the media, Sky Sports have now dropped their own update on manager David Moyes’ situation at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Moyes new deal?

Moyes has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after a phenomenal 2020/2021 season with West Ham.

Indeed, the Scotsman guided them to what was an arguably unexpected Europa League finish, especially given they ended the season prior in 16th place – narrowly avoiding relegation.

As a result of his brilliant job at the London Stadium, the club recently rewarded him with the offer of a new deal – but Everton’s managerial situation threw a spanner in the works.

After Carlo Ancelotti left the Toffees for Real Madrid, Moyes became linked with a return to Goodison Park and worry emerged over his future in east London.

The Latest: Sky back reports of Moyes development…

Backing other claims, Sky Sports have now come out with their own update on the Moyes’ contract situation.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-2/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, in what is good news for West Ham fans, the broadcaster say Moyes has in fact agreed a new three-year deal.

“David Moyes, we’re hearing, agrees a new three-year contract,” explained Sky (via Football Daily).

“A very much deserved reward for the season he guided West Ham through.

“There have been talks of him going perhaps elsewhere, even Everton, a return there.

“But, it looks like he’s staying at West Ham, the terms have been agreed, it just needs to be finalised.”

The Verdict: Great news for the Hammers…

News of Moyes committing his future, with it now looking like he is indeed staying, definitely comes as great news for the Hammers.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 58-year-old has done a fine job for West Ham, re-installing faith and excitement with a big 2021/2022 campaign looming.

West Ham have qualified for the Europa League group stage through their sixth-placed finish last season and supporters will be ecstatic to hear Moyes won’t be going anywhere.

In other news: West Ham now want to sign this ‘dangerous’ 25-goal monster, he’s ‘similar’ to van Nistelrooy…find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Tariq Lamptey this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are mulling over a potential move to sign the Brighton right wing-back ahead of next season, with Serge Aurier likely to depart the North London outfit.

It’s thought that the Ivory Coast international has said he is not prepared to sign a new contract and has an agreement to leave the club this summer.

The Daily Mail have since reported that the Seagulls will not sell the 20-year-old gem for much less than £50m and any funds from the sale of Aurier will be put towards clinching the England U21 starlet.

Bye-bye Aurier

Whether this is coming directly from chairman Daniel Levy or from his newly-appointed director of football Fabio Paratici remains to be seen but what is clear is that this absolutely needs to happen.

Aurier’s time in North London has been hampered by controversies off the pitch and often a string of shocking performances on it.

One example has to be the Carabao Cup final, in which Spurs were played off the pitch.

After the game, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher laid into the defender, describing him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football” and is a player that would “put you off management with the amount of crazy decision he makes,” via talkSPORT.

It’s not the first time that Aurier has been dubbed a “liability,” either.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-manager-update-fonseca-paratici-levy” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, injury updates and more!”]

He’s a large part of why individual mistakes have been made in the backline, so it’s time for him to be shifted on this summer and there won’t be many better long-term replacements out there than Lamptey, even if his season was cut short through injury.

The young 5 foot 5 dynamo, who was formerly on the books at Chelsea, has proven to be an “unbelievably quick” threat at either end of the pitch.

Since making his senior league debut, Lamptey has averaged 1.8 interceptions and 1.3 tackles per match, displaying a great ability to read the game defensively, whilst also picking up an average of 1.4 dribbles and 0.9 key passes each outing, via WhoScored, further showing what he could add in the attack.

Speaking about his ability, Noel Whelan waxed lyrical to Football Insider, where he said:

“I have loved Lamptey since he has come onto the scene. He is very exciting, loads of energy, gets forward, gets in good areas, create chances, box-to-box and has a goal in him. He is such an exciting young player.”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In October, Lamptey was the most-fouled defender in the Premier League, showing just how difficult it is to shake him off the ball, and that led to the Mirror’s John Cross describing him as a “phenomenal young talent” and a “terrific prospect” on Twitter.

Seagulls teammate Pascal Gross has dubbed the £18m-rated sensation a “special boy” and a “really top-class player and top-class human” to talkSPORT.

Paratici and Levy simply must sanction a move for Lamptey, whatever the cost. It’s time to wave goodbye to Aurier and look to the future.

AND in other news, Spurs set for huge boost as Romano drops exciting update, fans surely buzzing…

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos after he announced his imminent departure from the Spanish giants.

What’s the story?

The 35-year-old is set to depart the Bernabeu this summer after an illustrious 16-year spell in the Spanish capital, having failed to agree terms on a new contract.

It means Ramos will be available on a free transfer over the coming months, with Spanish outlet AS claiming that the World Cup winner is on the radar of the Red Devils.

Ole must avoid

United are targeting a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire this summer as Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have failed to prove their credentials over the last few years.

The Old Trafford outfit reportedly had a £50 million bid turned down for fellow Madrid man Raphael Varane earlier in the window and could now turn to his teammate after being put off by the Frenchman’s large price tag.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are also credited with an interest in Ramos as they look to regain their top-flight crown.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must think very carefully before sanctioning a move for the £312,00o-per-week beast.

Former United ace Rio Ferdinand has previously showered Ramos in praise, labelling him Madrid’s “talisman” and after collecting five La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and two Copa del Rey’s during his time with Los Blancos, it’s easy to understand why.

Nevertheless, bringing him to Old Trafford at this stage in his career is a decision fraught with danger. Edinson Cavani may have been a success last season, but transfers like that should be the anomaly rather than the norm.

The South American striker solved a problem and proved to be an effective quick fix at the top end of the pitch and although Solskjaer may be tempted to apply the same logic with Ramos, the Norwegian tactician must avoid him this summer.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Providing a solid foundation for United to build success off for many years to come must be the hierarchy’s priority over the coming months.

Maguire needs a partner who he can play alongside for the next five years or so in order to do that, not a player to be a quick fix for 12 months or so.

The Red Devils don’t want to become known as the dumping ground for ageing stars looking for one last paycheck and as such, they should instead focus their attentions on a younger target who still has his best years ahead of him.

And, in other news…Journalist provides major Man United update over £290k-p/w dynamo, Ole will be buzzing 

Dean Windass doesn’t see any reason as to why Raphinha would want to leave Leeds, who he believes could be right up there if Marcelo Bielsa stays.

Following an excellent first campaign in the Premier League, the Brazilian winger has attracted interest from the top three – Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.

After breaking into Bielsa’s XI in late-November, Raphinha remained there for the entire season, and provided 15 goals in 30 league appearances, scoring six times and laying on an impressive nine assists.

He still has three years remaining on the deal he signed last summer, meaning any of those top sides would surely have to pay a premium to prise Raphinha away from Elland Road.

But with Bielsa in the hot-seat, Windass doesn’t see any reason as to why the wide man would seek a move away from Yorkshire.

Asked whether working under Pep Guardiola could tempt Raphinha, former Sheffield United striker Windass exclusively told Football FanCast:

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I don’t think so. If Bielsa does sign that contract I think he will stay and give him that opportunity to push on to the next level.

“He can keep players there if he wants to, and if Bielsa stays, they could be up there next year, so why would he want to leave?”

Get French Football News writer Adam White insists Duje Caleta-Car would need to be a regular starter if he is to thrive in the Premier League.

The Croatia international has been linked with a move away from Marseille, with England being touted as a potential destination for the central defender.

Caleta-Car made 39 appearances for the French club last season but is expected to depart as Jorge Sampaoli prepares for his first full season in charge.

West Ham United have been long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, but he turned down a move to the London Stadium last September as he wanted to remain in the Champions League.

However, with David Moyes’ side preparing for a return to European football in the Europa League, the Hammers have revived their interest.

While Fabian Balbuena has departed the club following the expiry of his contract, Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop provide Moyes with plenty of options.

White believes Caleta-Car, 24, would struggle in his new surroundings if he is not in the starting line-up regularly.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, White said: “He’s very physical, he’s a really big bloke, but not particularly nimble or pacey.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“He has improved at Marseille but I think he’s one of those players that would need to be playing every game to get rhythm and consistency. If he was expected to drop in and out, I would worry about his sharpness.

“You could argue that he’s maybe found his level at Marseille.”

Alex McLeish has backed Jesse Lingard to be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur should he make a move to the North London club.

The Lowdown: Lingard eyed

As per Football Insider, Lingard is one of two players from Manchester United wanted by Nuno Espirito Santo in negotiations over a potential swap deal for Harry Kane.

His future at Old Trafford is currently in doubt as he only has a year left on his deal, and other clubs in the Premier League are interested in signing him.

The Latest: McLeish backs Lingard move

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, who is now a pundit having previously been a manager in the top flight, has backed Spurs in their move for Lingard, and cited how ‘amazing’ he was while on loan at West Ham United in the 2020/21 season:

“Well, if he plays to the level he played at West Ham, he will be an absolute improvement.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. Jesse obviously kind of slowed down the last couple of years, when he was an England regular. That can hurt a player very badly.

“To do what he did at West Ham last season and help them to a fifth-place finish was amazing. It was a rise from nowhere, really.

“He was getting criticism at Man United, he was not involved in the team, never really picked at all.

“Then to come and play almost instantly at the level he played that then of course. I think if he continues that form, then he’ll be an asset to Spurs.”

The Verdict: Sign

There is no doubt that a whole host of teams will be queuing up to fight for Lingard’s signature given his impressive displays while with the Hammers, and that is precisely why the Lilywhites need to pounce, and fast.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 28-year-old scored no fewer than nine goals and made a further five assists in just 16 games in the Premier League with the Irons (Transfermarkt), which are exactly the kind of numbers that THFC could do with from midfield.

Nonetheless, having just missed out on the final England squad for Euro 2020, he will no doubt want to kick on even more this term in order to get himself back into contention.

In other news, find out what move Fabio Paratici has made for this ‘incredible’ star here!

Carlton Palmer admits the contract situation hanging over Julian Borner and Sheffield Wednesday is “going to get messy”.

The German defender is attempting to force through a move to Hannover 96 following the Yorkshire club’s relegation into League One.

Financial difficulties had seen some members of Wednesday’s squad not paid, resulting in a number of senior players considering handing in their two-week period of written notice.

The PFA have also got involved as it has been reported that players have not been paid either in full or on time for the past three months.

Borner, who made 30 appearances for the Hillsborough club last season, believes he should be able to walk away from Wednesday on a free transfer and is supposedly opening arbitration proceedings as a result of unpaid wages.

Hannover have already agreed a contract with the 30-year-old but Wednesday are holding firm and insist he cannot rip up his deal, which still has a year to run.

Palmer, who had two spells with the Owls during his playing career, does not see how the situation can be resolved amicably.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “It’s going to get messy because it’s an interpretation. If the players haven’t been paid for a period of time then they are entitled to exercise the right to cancel their contracts.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“The problem is when they have been paid part of their salary. My understanding is that the players have been paid part of their wages. As long as they’ve been paid part of their wages, they’re in a situation where they’re owed money but they can’t cancel their contract.

“Obviously you’re going to get some agents who are going to try to be clever and say he hasn’t been in full so we’re entitled to cancel the contract. My understanding is they can’t do that.”

Rangers have been linked with a move for Caleb Chukwuemeka recently and the 19-year-old could be the man to replace Jermain Defoe in Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Rangers are interested in signing the Northampton Town striker, although it is Aston Villa who have made the first official move to sign him, as they saw an offer rebuffed by the League Two side recently.

The Villans arguably hold an advantage over Rangers in the race to sign him, as his younger brother Carney plays for their academy, but Gerrard will be hoping that he can be tempted into a move to Ibrox.

Despite featuring 28 times for the Cobblers’ senior side, Chukwuemeka is yet to sign a professional deal with the club and will reportedly become a free agent in January, which suggests that he could be a very cheap option for the Gers this summer.

Jermain Defoe’s heir?

Defoe recently signed a new one-year contract at Rangers but will take on some coaching work as his influence in the first-team dwindles, and Chukwuemeka could be the man to step up as his replacement when he does eventually retire from professional football.

The 38-year-old has scored 32 goals in his 72 appearances for Rangers thus far and is always likely to pop up with a goal when he does play due to the incredible goalscoring instincts that he possesses.

It bodes well for the future that he will be coaching some of Rangers’ brightest prospects and if Chukwuemeka were to arrive at Ibrox, Defoe would no doubt be in regular conversation with him on how he can improve his game.

The teenage forward has scored twice in his senior career thus far but is highly regarded at the League Two club, with former manager Keith Curle singing his praises last season, saying:

“Caleb has got an unpredictability about him and he can be unorthodox at times. What we’re trying to do is get the fundamentals in place in his play without taking away that excitement and that freedom in his play.”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

If Chukwuemeka does arrive at Ibrox and starts to score consistently, there’s no reason why he can’t be the long-term replacement for Defoe at Rangers, so Ross Wilson should definitely be looking to bring him in.

And, in other news… Jordan Campbell drops big update on Ibrox “mountain”, Rangers fans will be buzzing