Spurs most attractive offer for Conte

According to a report by Italian news outlet La Stampa, Tottenham Hotspur now represent the ‘most attractive offer’ for ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as chairman Daniel Levy continues the hunt for a new manager.

The Lowdown: Conte quits Inter…

As announced yesterday evening, the 51-year-old has left Inter Milan and the belief is that the separation was due to differences in moving the club forward.

Conte, on the one hand, desired new signings and a ‘clear project to win again’, while the Nerazzurri need to offload players and recuperate €80 million (£69.1m) through sales to combat their dire financial situation (Fabrizio Romano).

As such, the Italian has departed the San Siro with immediate effect and is now available for hire.

The Latest: Spurs ‘most attractive offer’ for Conte…

Just before Conte decided to part ways with Inter, with it seeming inevitable even before the official announcement, La Stampa dropped a rather promising claim on the links between him and Tottenham Hotspur.

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The Italian news outlet boldly said that Spurs have proposed a lucrative contract offer to the ex-Juventus manager worth close to €20 million (£17.3 million) in a ‘pharaonic engagement’.

Meanwhile, lifting the lid on Conte’s stance when it comes to a possible Spurs move, La Stampa believe that the Lilywhites represent the ‘most attractive offer’ for him.

This is due to Spurs representing a huge stimulus for Conte in terms of turning their results around, with the ‘offer of recruitment’ also an enticing draw.

Levy’s alleged £17.3m salary offer is another reason and is said to be a ‘very convincing argument’.

The Verdict: Huge opportunity…

Now that Conte has officially quit the Inter post, his availability should force Levy to do all he can to bring him to Tottenham.

There will be big clubs across Europe knocking on the door, including Real Madrid given the news on Zinedine Zidane, with Spurs needing a proven serial-winner to turn their fortunes around.

It would arguably be foolish not to lodge a serious attempt for Conte in light of his Serie A exit, especially considering he has won four Serie A titles, two Italian Super Cups, the Premier League and FA Cup (Transfermarkt).

He is also revered by other managers, with Andrea Pirlo dubbing him a ‘demon’ and the ‘best coach’ he has ever worked with (La Gazzetta dello Sport via FourFourTwo).

Meanwhile, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola lauded Conte as a tactical ‘master’ during his time in England (Reuters).

Conte also has over 300 career wins under his belt as a manager (Transfermarkt) – could he be the saviour for Spurs?

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Spurs may now axe this ‘fantastic player’ who loves the club, find out more here.

Worrall drops hint on his Forest future

Nottingham Forest centre-back Joe Worrall may be set to stay at the City Ground this summer, despite a host clubs being interested in him.

What’s been said?

In a recent post on Twitter, after being awarded as the Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club Player of the Year and the Gedling Branch Player of the Year, the 24-year-old discussed how honoured he was to pick up the trophies, as well as commenting on the club’s below-par performances in the Championship this season.

However, despite the reported summer interest of teams such as West Ham United, Norwich City and Burnley, the defender then appeared to drop a rather large hint regarding his future at Forest, claiming that next season is a chance for him and the Garibaldi to achieve something special.

He said: “Extremely honoured to pick up these awards, I would like to thank everybody for your support this season. This season, off the back of the last, has been disappointing and way below par from us all. Next season is a chance to try and achieve something special. Thank you!”

Fans will be buzzing

As Worrall points out, Forest’s 2020/21 Championship campaign has been one that is not likely to live long in the memory of the City Ground faithful, with the Reds finishing in an extremely disappointing 17th place in the league standings.

However, despite the team’s general poor performances, Worrall still managed to impress over his 31 Championship appearances from the heart of Chris Hughton’s defence, with the £3.6 million-rated centre-back helping his side to keep 12 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and 4.2 clearances per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.94 – ranking him as the club’s fifth-best performer in the second tier.

As such, Worrall’s hint that he could remain at the club next season is something that is likely to leave the Garibaldi fans buzzing, as it would very much appear, if Hughton is to have any hope of mounting a promotion push next season, the player labelled by Steven Gerrard as a “leader” will be a crucial part of any success the club may have going forwards.

In other news: Forest handed devastating blow over £3.6m-rated gem dubbed “one of the most talented” – opinion

Everton fans on Toney transfer update

Many Everton fans have been left to gush as a Sunday report from The Athletic was shared following football’s social media boycott by @EvertonNewsFeed on Tuesday.

As per the report, the Goodison Park faithful are preparing a bid for Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window, but may find themselves in competition with Leicester City to sign the Brentford striker.

The 25-year-old has been nothing short of exceptional in the EFL Championship so far in the 2020/21 term, notching up no fewer than 30 goals and a further 10 assists in 44 games in total (Transfermarkt), and is clearly ready to make the move up to the Premier League.

The Merseyside club are in desperate need of some depth and firepower to challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top come the start of next season, and Toney could very well be that man.

Everton fans on Toney transfer update

These Toffees supporters gushed as the news of the transfer bid was shared on Twitter:

“Get him in, raid the Championship for promising young, players who are prepared to graft and appreciate their opportunities.”

Credit: @ctayts

“Said for ages we should be all over this guy.”

Credit: @sarahmallory88

“Get it done Everton.”

Credit: @josh_smith10

“Yes please Everton”

Credit: @finn_noone

“Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Credit: @bittertoffee

“It’d be mad if we can pull this off. I’ve followed Brentford all season and he’s some forward”

Credit: @mannie_efc

In other news, find out whose display was slammed versus Aston Villa here!

LFC fans call for Reds to sign Vlahovic

A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for the Reds to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic following more brilliance over the weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s men had an excruciating day at the office on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at home to Newcastle United. Mohamed Salah’s superb early strike suggested that it could be a comfortable afternoon for the Premier League champions, but poor finishing again proved fatal.

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Joe Willock’s stoppage time effort saw Liverpool drop two more vital points in the top-four battle, with Champions League football now looking unlikely at Anfield next season.

The profligacy on show from the Reds suggested that a new striker needs to arrive this summer, with Vlahovic one of those who has been linked with a move.

The 21-year-old scored a Panenka-style penalty in his side’s 1-1 draw with Juventus on Sunday, taking his tally for the season to 17 Serie A goals in 29 starts.

Liverpool fans wants Reds to sign Vlahovic

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to call for Vlahovic to be a summer signing.

“Vlahovic up against Chiellini, De Ligt and Bonucci on his own for Fiorentina . Impressing me more and more every time I see him. Tentative links to LFC from some. Would be something completely different to any of our current attack. A powerful target man with a ferocious shot”

Credit: @GrizzKhan

“Seen him playing for the last 3 years. Delicious attacker. Would be a great addition for Liverpool”

Credit: @lies_the_rub

“We need that kind of a player and a natural goal scorer”

Credit: @61Zaqir

“He’s class and needs signing up”

Credit: @lfc_ik4

“Very well taken, would love to see him do this in red”

Credit: @empireofthekop

“Vlahovic or Kaladjzic should be our No.9 targets”

Credit: @MoThiagoA6_

In other news, some Liverpool have been left fuming after a key development at the club. Read more here.

موسيماني: تواضع توخيل أذهلني.. ولم أصدق ما قاله لي

لا يزال لا يُصدق المدرب الجنوب إفريقي بيتسو موسيماني، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، طريقة تعامل نجوم تشيلسي معه وعلى رأسهم مدرب تشيلسي توماس توخيل، بعد لقائهما في الإمارات خلال مشاركة بطل إفريقيا في كأس العالم للأندية بالإمارات.

الأهلي شارك في كأس العالم للأندية، ونال الميدالية البرونزية بعد التفوق على الهلال برباعية نظيفة، بينما نال تشيلسي اللقب لأول مرة في تاريخه، بعد الفوز على بالميراس بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وحينها تواجد لاعبو الأهلي في ملعب “محمد بن زايد”، لمشاهدة النهائي بين تشيلسي وبالميراس وتسلم الميدالية البرونزية، وقام توخيل بالحديث مع موسيماني، على أرضية الملعب قبل مراسم التتويج.

قائمة الأهلي لمباراة مصر المقاصة في الدوري.. عودة الشناوي واستبعاد معلول وعبد المنعم

وقال موسيماني في تصريحات لـ اتحاد الصحفيين الجنوب إفريقيين: “ما أعترف به هو أن المدربين في أوروبا بدأوا في التعرف علينا”.

وأضاف: “بصراحة تواضع توماس توخيل معي أذهلني حقًا، لقد قال لي شيء مُذهل ولا يُصدق”.

وأتم: “كنت أفكر في شيء ما عندما توجه نحوي، وما قاله لي أمر لا يُصدق، هذا الرجل فاز بدوري أبطال أوروبا، والسوبر الأوروبي وكأس العالم للأندية، وبهذا التواضع، لقائي معه كان مُذهلًا حقًا”.

América pode ser matematicamente rebaixado na próxima rodada

MatériaMais Notícias

O que parece iminente pode ser concretizado já na próxima segunda-feira, 31, dia dos bruxas, diante do São Paulo: o rebaixamento do América-MG. Com 21 pontos e 20 derrotas em 31 rodadas, o América está a duas derrotas de ver o seu descenso decretado.

Se perder nesta segunda-feira para o Atlético-PR, em jogo que fecha a 32° rodada, no Independência, às 20h, e acumular mais um revés na próxima segunda-feira, contra o São Paulo, o Coelho ficará paralisado nos 21 pontos. Mesmo que todos os outros times também envolvidos na luta contra a degola percam, ele cairá.

O Sport, atual 16°, com 37 pontos, tem 16 a pontos mais que o América. Assim, como faltariam 15 pontos em disputa, o alviverde não conseguiria se safar mesmo que vença as cinco partidas restantes.

Sunderland: Egan is one that got away

Sunderland have had a horrible habit in recent years of letting their academy gems walk through the exit door for not very much money.

Sam Greenwood was one of the first to start the trend. He departed Sunderland for Arsenal in 2018 and is now on the cusp of senior football with Leeds United.

Josh Maja is the most high profile case. His agent convinced him his future lay elsewhere and he left for Bordeaux in January 2019. Now playing at Fulham in the Premier League, there seems to be a familiar trend here.

Other young prospects like Joe Hugill, Bali Mumba, Luke Hewitson, Morten Spencer and Logan Pye have also all departed.

Though, if you cast your mind back to 2014, there is a name who is arguably doing better things than any of those mentioned above.

That happens to be John Egan. The centre-back never made a first-team appearance for the Mackems before being released seven years ago.

He subsequently joined Gillingham on a free transfer, before moving to Brentford and then Sheffield United.

The Irishman has been a wonderful presence in the Blades’ backline, very rarely missing a game. He played 44 matches during their promotion-winning campaign from the Championship in 2018/19 and since they were promoted, he’s been absent for only two games.

During that time, the 28-year-old has become an established international, earning 12 caps for his country, the Republic of Ireland.

Egan has very much become a classic case of one who got away. The defender is Premier League proven and was part of a backline that proved one of the best in the top-flight last term.

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The former Sunderland academy graduate helped Sheffield United to the fourth-best defensive record in the entire division. They conceded 39 times, a better tally than Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Egan has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years, being described as “rock-solid” by Chris Wilder.

It’s unsurprising, therefore, that his value has risen so dramatically. Released on a free transfer by Sunderland all those years ago, he is now rated at an eye-catching £9m by Transfermarkt.

That kind of fee is one to bulk at, especially for a club now plying their trade in League One. As the Black Cats tumbled down the leagues, it would have been difficult for them to keep hold of him.

That being said, they got rid of him at a time when they were in the Premier League. He has since proven he is up to the challenge of performing at that very level.

AND in other news, Rarely-seen 18 y/o could rival Diamond at Sunderland, he’s a “talented lad”…

WHU: Hammers interested in Alcacer

According to recent reports from Spain, West Ham United are interested in the possibility of signing Villarreal centre-forward Paco Alcacer this summer.

The report by Fichajes (via Sport Witness) claimed that David Moyes is closely monitoring Alcacer ahead of the summer transfer window, as the 57-year-old is keen to finally replace Sebastien Haller, who left to join Ajax in a £20.25m deal back in January.

It is then stated that Villarreal manager Unai Emery would not be best pleased to see the 27-year-old leave the club at the end of the season, with a €25m (£22m) figure being quoted as the sum the La Liga side would require to consider parting with the Spain international come the summer.

Transfer Tavern Take

As the report suggests, West Ham are in rather desperate need of attacking reinforcements in the upcoming window, as Moyes currently has only Michail Antonio as an out-and-out centre-forward in his first team squad.

With the 30-year-old suffering a number of hamstring injuries so far in his time at West Ham, and having picked up a potentially season-ending knock in the Hammers’ victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, Antonio is not exactly a reliable option for the Scot.

As such, it is hardly surprising that West Ham are being linked with centre-forwards this summer, but considering that Alcacer has only found the back of the net five times over his 20 La Liga appearances so far this term, perhaps it could be argued the Hammers may be able spend their money a little more wisely than on the £43,000-per-week forward – especially for the £22m fee quoted.

In other news: West Ham make approach for £12.6m-rated ace; GSB could get him for nothing this summer – find out more here!

West Ham land Ogbonna injury boost

David Moyes is hopeful that West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna will step up his recovery from injury with a view to returning after the March international break.

The Italian has missed his side’s last four Premier League games after sustaining a high ankle sprain during the first half of last month’s FA Cup fifth round defeat to Manchester United.

Ogbonna had played all bar 27 minutes of the Irons’ top-flight campaign before missing the 3-0 win over Sheffield United, having been a staple of the backline at the London Stadium with 23 starts.

West Ham visit Manchester United on Sunday with Ogbonna now one of several potential absentees, with Moyes alert to “a couple of slight doubts” after a slew of minor injuries.

Ogbonna was required to wear a protective boot on his left ankle to protect the 13-cap international from any further damage, but is making good progress towards an April return.

“Angelo is doing great,” Moyes said on Friday. “He’s back in the gym regularly. He’s out of his boot and we’re expecting him to start some running on the AlterG, which is the machine that takes a bit of your body weight off.

“He’s coming along and I’m hoping that, maybe by the end of the international break, we might have him back on the grass in some capacity. There are signs that we’re getting him back.”

Moyes has also welcomed Arthur Masuaku back to training this week, having been without the DR Congo international since Manchester United visited West Ham on December 5 after undergoing career-saving knee surgery.

“Arthur’s trained two or three days this week with the U23s and trained with me for a couple of days now, so Arthur’s getting much closer to match fitness and all-round fitness generally,” the Hammers boss added.

Moyes having Ogbonna back after the March international break will come as a huge boost for West Ham in the London Stadium natives’ push for a top four finish, with Champions League football a distinct possibility for a club who narrowly staved off the threat of relegation just last season.

The Hammers enter the weekend only two points behind Chelsea in the last of the Premier League’s qualifying places, albeit with a game in hand over the Stamford Bridge outfit, who visit Leeds United in the early Saturday afternoon kick-off.

Having a game in hand could prove crucial with West Ham facing a difficult end-of-season run, with matches against fellow European football hopefuls Arsenal, Leicester City, Chelsea and Everton to come after visiting Manchester United on Sunday.

Moyes will no doubt be keen to have Ogbonna back available for those games, with the centre-half able to have a big say in proceedings, having lauded the £4.5m-rated enforcer as a “magnificent” and “really important” leader last month.

Ogbonna had also begun to build a promising relationship with Watford loanee Craig Dawson, which former England international Steve Howey believes had allowed the pair to get the most out of one another.

“It’s always good when you’ve got that good understanding and a bond in a relationship with your partner back there,” he told Football FanCast. “You can understand what he’s really strong at, what he’s kind of a little bit susceptible to, you can kind of read each other’s minds a little bit.”

AND in other news, West Ham are keen to sign a “special talent” who his manager feels “privileged” to have in his squad…

Danny Ings will try to leave Southampton

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer discussed Danny Ings’ dip in form and the uncertainty surrounding his future at St. Mary’s, suggesting there could be a correlation between the two.

Ings started the season strongly, netting four times in the Saints’ first five fixtures of the Premier League campaign. The England striker, however, has gone off the boil in recent weeks, scoring just once in his last eight league appearances.

His contract expires next summer and, according to The Telegraph, he is holding off putting pen to paper on a new deal, as he aims to secure a move to a Champions League club.

On Ings’ form and contract situation, Palmer told FFC:

“I think it’s obviously playing a part. There’s no question about that. I always believe that once a player is under that kind of scrutiny, he’s got maybe the chance of a big move, you don’t know whether his agent’s getting into his ear or whatever. You don’t know what’s going on.

“It’s been well documented that he’s been offered new contracts by Southampton and he’s not signed them. And so it’s clear to me that he sees his future away from Southampton.”

For the time being, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl must put all of that to one side and get Ings firing again, as Southampton continue to sink down the table.

The Saints have taken just one point from their previous nine fixtures, losing eight out of those nine to leave the club in 14th and seven points above the relegation zone.

Last term, Ings was able to score 25 goals in all competitions, and it is that level of goalscoring efficiency Hasenhuttl will be desperate to see again.

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