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Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the future of loaned-out Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has not been decided.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Belgium forward only signed for the Blues the summer before last, arriving from Inter for what was a club-record £97.5m transfer fee.

After just one season back in England, however, he then returned back to the Serie A club on loan, leaving his long-term future at Stamford Bridge under much doubt.

Still, when he left England, Thomas Tuchel was in charge. Now the German and his replacement Graham Potter have both been sacked, much has changed at Chelsea.

It seems as though Mauricio Pochettino will take over as manager next season, and this could potentially open the door for Lukaku to return.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that Inter and the Blues will hold talks in the next month or so – but nothing is set in stone just yet one way or the other amid uncertainties over the future of Nerazzurri boss Simone Inzaghi.

He explained: "So Lukaku is waiting for Inter, and Inter are waiting to make important decisions, including [on] the coach.

"There will be a talk with Chelsea at the end of the season. So Chelsea and Inter will speak, it will be [at the] end of May, beginning of June – they will have a conversation about the situation of Romelu Lukaku.

“So it's not over yet. But for Lukaku, that is the crucial moment – not now. Nothing will be decided now.

"And also, it's important to understand who is going to be Chelsea's new coach – probably Mauricio Pochettino – [in terms of] the decision on Lukaku. So at the moment, nothing [has been] decided.”

Will Lukaku go back to Chelsea?

Much has been made about the Premier League club's need for a goalscoring striker in their team and it shouldn't be forgotten that Lukaku could be a solution to this issue.

After all, he has scored over 250 senior goals over the span of his career – including 15 in a Chelsea shirt.

However, his form in Italy hasn't been that great this term, as he has only nine goals in 26 games across all competitions.

Even so, the Blues may not be able to spend much this summer as they are potentially at risk of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

With that being the case, Lukaku may be the best way of solving their striker problems without dipping into the transfer market. At the same time, if Inter come in with a decent offer, it may be wise to accept it.

All in all, it will certainly be interesting to see where the £185k-per-week star's future lies.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi features 'prominently' on Tottenham's list of manager targets to replace Antonio Conte, according to reports.

Which managers do Spurs want?

Ever since Conte parted company with the Premier League top four hopefuls by mutual consent, there have been a plethora of managers mentioned as targets to potentially replace the Italian. Perhaps the most notable of those are Mauricio Pochettino – Spurs' former manager and a real fan favourite – alongside Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann who are also free agents.

Tottenham are widening their managerial scope if recent reports are to go by with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, as per Sky Sports, now also in the frame. In terms of the currently employed, Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner and Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot are regularly mentioned as potential targets. Closer to home, Brentford's Thomas Frank and even Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper are listed as candidates.

De Zerbi joins the likes of Frank and Cooper as top flight coaches who are attracting serious interest from Tottenham as reliable newspaper The Telegraph shares an update.

The former Sassuolo boss, who has replaced Brighton's former gaffer Graham Potter to brilliant effect, apparently features 'prominently' on Tottenham's managerial shortlist. Indeed, De Zerbi is apparently a real contender – alongside the likes of Enrique and Celtic's Ange Postecoglou.

Should Spurs hire De Zerbi?

The 43-year-old should well be considered to replace Conte considering he has worked wonders at Brighton since stepping into Potter's shoes. De Zerbi encourages an attack-minded brand of football, something which could appeal to Spurs supporters after the more pragmatic spells of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho.

Called 'special' by Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana, the young manager comes as an intriguing option, but reliable journalist Alasdair Gold recently gave Levy something to think about in regard to De Zerbi.

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, the reporter said De Zerbi would actually be expensive to hire given his £11m release clause and is actually a 'livewire' behind-the-scenes – similar to Conte in that respect.

Gold explained:

"He would also be expensive with reportedly a big £11m release clause in his contract. Like Conte, De Zerbi is also known to be a bit of a livewire behind the scenes."

De Zerbi is not without his credentials but Levy, to avoid a repeat of Conte's antics at N17, may want to consider this personal aspect of this coach as well.

Newcastle United are making the increments requisite for success under the affluence of the Saudi-backed owners, with the Premier League outfit now distinguishing Roma marksman Tammy Abraham as a potential summer signing.

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking on the NUFC Matters Podcast, the English striker would be open to a transfer to St. James's Park, having impressed during his time under Jose Mourinho's wing in Italy's capital.

Jacobs' comments follow a report from The Athletic that states that the towering attacker has a plethora of Premier League suitors after suffering an indifferent second campaign with I Giallorossi following exceptional feats in his debut season.

A prospective deal could be complicated by former club Chelsea's perpetual interest in the 25-year-old, with the Blues holding an €80m (£71m) buy-back clause in Abraham's contract after selling him for £34m in 2021 and currently lacking a prolific out-and-out centre-forward.

Should Howe ditch Wilson for Tammy Abraham?

Since signing for his Italian Serie A outfit, Abraham has plundered 34 goals and 11 assists across his two campaigns abroad, remarkably scoring 27 goals and serving five assists from 53 matches last season, integral in gleaning the UEFA Conference League having netted nine times from 13 games in the competition, proclaiming that Mourinho is turning him into a "monster".

This term, however, he has only landed seven successful strikes from 37 appearances, somewhat failing to emulate the feats of last year and consequently starting just one of the past four fixtures in the top-flight.

The 11-cap international boasts a wealth of experience, however, having triumphed in the 20/21 Champions League with Chelsea and scoring 30 goals from 82 total matches for the Blues.

As per Sofascore, the "goal machine" – as dubbed by former footballer Stephen Elliott – still averages 1.9 shots and 1.0 key passes per league match this year, illustrating the energetic robustness of his trade, and should Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth succeed in a bid, Howe could finally wave goodbye to Callum Wilson.

Wilson arrived on Tyneside for £20m from relegated Bournemouth in 2020, having scored 67 goals from 187 appearances for the Cherries, since scoring a respectable 27 goals from 63 divisional outings for his current outfit.

And while the 31-year-old has scored seven times in the Premier League this season, he has been subject to criticism, even being called "woeful" by reporter Luke Edwards for a recent subpar effort.

With Abraham younger, more vibrant and ostensibly more dynamic, he could be the perfect heir to Wilson's position in the squad, especially when considering his proven mettle in sniffing out silverware.

Manchester United are rolling along just nicely at the moment. Fresh from winning their first trophy in six years, the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag’s side are still in with a chance, albeit a small one, of winning four competitions this term.

Since Christmas, the Red Devils have lost just once across all competitions and this momentum has gone a long way to claiming silverware and improving their Premier League position.

The Dutchman is slowly building a team to be reckoned with, although there is a gaping weakness, he doesn’t have an out-and-out striker who could guarantee him 30 goals a season.

Marcus Rashford has been in sensational form this term, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, yet he is usually deployed on the left wing with on-loan frontman Wout Weghorst or Anthony Martial leading the line, yet they have failed to showcase form that suggests they will be the answer for Ten Hag.

If only he could travel back 20 or so years, one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s finest signings would complete his side – Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Imagine Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marcus Rashford

The Dutch hitman was signed for a then British record fee of £19m in the summer of 2001 from PSV Eindhoven as one of the continent’s best strikers and should have completed a move to United the season before, however, injury delayed the move for 12 months.

He soon made up for that lost time, netting an incredible 80 goals in his first two seasons, leading United to the Premier League title in 2002/2003.

Overall, his spell at Old Trafford yielded 150 goals from 219 games, and his natural instincts in the penalty area made him one of the most clinical strikers of his generation. Rio Ferdinand lavished praise on his former teammate, saying he was “the most devastating finisher I have ever played with” and his record in England certainly justifies this comment.

Rashford and van Nistelrooy would form an epic partnership right now at United. The Englishman is a major threat from the wing and would certainly provide plenty of assists for the Dutchman to feed off of every game – assisting nine goals so far this season.

Just imagine the pair of them punishing opposition defences with their lethal play in the box – it could have made United almost unstoppable at their best.

Martial and Weghorst aren’t the most clinical of players, with Rashford’s hard work usually going to waste, yet with the Dutchman leading the line, once the ball breaks to him in the box, there is a good chance that it will end up in the back of the net – based on his sensational record for the club.

There is no doubt Ten Hag will be using the summer transfer window to secure a striker that can take the club to the next level, it’s just a pity a prime van Nistelrooy isn’t available, as he could propel the club to wonderful heights.

Now it is time to find the new “devastating” striker to lead the line at Old Trafford…

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that there is no chance Brendan Rodgers could be hired as the next West Ham United manager.

What’s the latest on Brendan Rodgers to West Ham?

Over the weekend, the Hammers were unable to put up much of a fight as they lost 2-0 away from home in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur.

As a result, the club end the game week stuck inside the relegation zone on 20 points. Unsurprisingly, some supporters have started to lose patience with David Moyes.

For instance, while hosting the BBC 606 radio show, Sutton spoke to a caller who insisted that Leicester City boss Rodgers was the right man to come and take over for the rest of the season.

In response, the pundit said: “That’s not realistic. Do you think Brendan Rodgers is going to leave Leicester for West Ham? Come on, get in the real world.”

What does David Moyes’ pressure mean for West Ham?

It’s not been a great season for West Ham with Moyes accepting that his position was under press even before the new year. Though, up to this point, the board have stuck with him.

With the threat of relegation looming ever closer, however, it’s not hard to see why the fans will as though it could be an appropriate time for a change in manager.

Of course, Rodgers isn’t having the best season with the Foxes either. Indeed, they were thumped 3-0 away from home at Manchester United on the weekend which leaves them 14th in the table, just four points above the Irons.

At Leicester, the 50-year-old has averaged 1.64 points per game from 198 matches, while Moyes is at 1.53 from 154 matches. So it’s easy to see why he might be seen as an upgrade but it feels like a lot would have to change quickly and dramatically for Rodgers to end up at West Ham any time soon.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has suggested that Djed Spence may not have a future at Tottenham Hotspur if Antonio Conte stays as the club’s manager.

The Lowdown: Spence joins Rennes on loan…

The summer signing from Middlesbrough played just five Premier League minutes for Spurs before recently jetting off to Rennes on loan for the rest of this season.

Spence arrived in north London with plenty of promise, even being dubbed ‘perfect’ for Conte and his system of play by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, but a lack of match action saw Tottenham send him out to Ligue 1 on a temporary basis.

Reports suggest that the 22-year-old is could still have a future in N17, but the club’s former goalkeeper turned Sky Sports pundit Robinson isn’t too sure.

The Latest: Robinson doubtful on Spence’s future…

Speaking to Football Insider, the 43-year-old claimed that Spence may not have a future at the club if Conte remains as manager.

Robinson believes that the defender’s career at N17 is ‘uncertain’ on this basis, stating: “I do not know if he has a future at Spurs. It is uncertain. He has not been near starting place. It has been a strange one.

“If Antonio Conte stays I cannot see Djed Spence staying. The manager’s contract is up at the end of the season though. Spence’s future is probably dependent on who is the manager. The current manager is clearly not a fan.”

The Verdict: Promising player…

Now that Matt Doherty has left the club permanently, we believe that there is certainly room for Spence at Tottenham over the next few seasons.

Much has been made of first-choice right-back Emerson Royal’s lack of attacking impetus at times, making us wonder if the future is Pedro Porro and Spence in rotation on that side.

Conte has previously praised the 22-year-old for his all-round application and attempts to improve his game, perhaps suggesting that the Italian does see a defender with real potential. The Englishman was also a mainstay under Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper as they secured promotion back to the top flight during his loan spell at the City Ground last season.

Hailed as ‘incredible’ by some members of the press, Spence’s promise as a future star indicates that he could slowly work his way into Conte’s plans if the 53-year-old remains at Tottenham, amid recent reports that his future in N17 is ‘on standby’.

TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan has a “sneaking suspicion” Manchester United can sign Declan Rice in the summer.

The Lowdown: Rice on the move

The West Ham United midfielder is almost assured to be on the move in the summer amid the Hammers’ dire form and The Guardian reporting last month that he wants to win trophies and play in the Champions League.

Any hopes of keeping him in east London were dealt another blow this week after The Athletic revealed Premier League leaders Arsenal are confident they can reach a deal for the ‘£80m-rated’ midfielder.

The Latest: Jordan’s feeling

Speaking on TalkSport, Jordan revealed his feeling that Arsenal’s interest won’t go untested and that Erik ten Hag could be able to add Rice if United’s season continues to strengthen.

He said: “I’ve just got a sneaking suspicion – and I don’t think he’ll end up at Arsenal. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that if Manchester United continue to progress and can knock on the door of something significant this season… he could occupy a quarterback role at Manchester United.

“I think we’re now talking about levels of between £70m and £80m, and that will make a deal happen.”

The Verdict: How would he fit?

Rice, who has been labelled a ‘monster’ during his time at West Ham, is undoubtedly a quality player who has shown through his performances in Europe – as he international level, where he now has plenty of tournament experience, that he’s ready to mix it at the top on a regular basis.

Despite the public interest from Arsenal, The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg revealed that United are also in the running for Rice and have “laid some of the groundwork for a summer move”.

However, it remains to be seen where the 24-year-old would fit into Ten Hag’s setup, with the holding midfield role currently occupied by Casemiro, whilst it seems a more attacking pairing of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes is how the Dutchman wants to operate.

Rice doesn’t possess the same attacking and creative prowess of the most expendable of the midfield pair based on minutes, with Eriksen outperforming the Englishman in every goal and shot-creation metric this season on FBref, barring fouls drawn and defensive actions leading to shots – which can be explained by his deeper role.

Given Casemiro has only just arrived and made himself at home, we feel a move now doesn’t seem it would get the best out of Rice in the current setup, with his preferred role occupied by the Brazilian.

West Ham are still thought to be interested in signing AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Ings in

The Hammers have struggled for goals so far this season, scoring just 15 times in 19 Premier League games. David Moyes has acted in the transfer market to resolve that problem, signing Danny Ings from Aston Villa.

The club are also looking at a move for Lorient striker Terem Moffi and Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, and it looks as if Zaniolo is also still on the London Stadium radar after recent speculation.

The Latest: Zaniolo update

La Gazzetta dello Sport shared an update on Zaniolo on Friday, where West Ham were once again named. They claimed that the left-footed player wants to leave, however, the Italian’s preferred destination is Tottenham.

Borussia Dortmund have cooled their interest and West Ham ‘remain standing’ in the race, with a potential loan with an obligation to buy exit from Roma mooted.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Zaniolo would be able to play as an attacking midfielder, second striker or right winger, so would offer plenty of versatility to Moyes, should a transfer materialise.

He stands at a lofty 6 foot 3 and has been praised in recent years for his ‘physically imposing’ stature, so could adapt to the physicality of the Premier League relatively swiftly.

It may well be one to keep an eye on, and it is exciting to know that there could be more attacking arrivals on the way after Ings.

Aston Villa are thought to be progressing in talks with Real Betis over a move for Alex Moreno.

The Lowdown: Contact made

NSWE have promised Unai Emery a ‘huge’ transfer budget this year, and it seems as if Moreno is one of a number of players on the Villa Park radar.

Reports towards the end of December claimed that Villa contact has been made with the left-back’s representatives over a winter window move.

The 29-year-old appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €20m Transfermarkt valuation, but it looks as if NSWE could bring him to the Midlands for less than that figure.

The Latest: Transfer update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Goal regarding Moreno on Wednesday.

They claimed that ‘talks seem to be going well’ over a transfer, with the report citing a fee of around €15m.

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The Verdict: First arrival?

It looks as if a swoop for Moreno is gathering real pace, and should he arrive at Bodymoor Heath, the player would give Emery an option in numerous areas and become the manager’s first signing.

Described as ‘quality’ by journalist Ethan Lamb, Moreno is primarily a left-back but can also turn out as a left midfielder or left winger and has contributed to 20 goals in 121 appearances for his current employers.

He has plied his entire club career in his native country, though, so it may take him a while to adjust to life outside Spain, where he could rival Lucas Digne in the long term.

Leeds United could be set to lure one player from a Premier League rival, although they face increasing pressure to do so…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim that Napoli have now recorded an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore.

The Serie A leaders are keen on securing the Spain forward on a free transfer as he enters the final six months of his £46k-per-week deal at Molineux.

Despite this interest, the Whites remain in pole position to land the man who nearly joined Tottenham Hotspur last January in a proposed £20m move.

Leeds’ own Rashford

Although a stigma surrounds Traore’s tenure in the Premier League, it cannot be denied that he instils fear into almost every full-back that he faces.

His unique blend of blistering speed partnered with a strength seldom seen in a winger makes him a physical marvel, with Jetro Willems claiming: “I have played against some very good players in my career, but no one as fast as Adama Traore. He’s unbelievable, a beast.”

Martin Keown has echoed that sentiment, stating: “He has got everything in his game. He’s electric.”

The 26-year-old’s size and speed draw comparisons with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with FBRef including the Englishman on Traore’s ‘similar players’ metric. This juxtaposition is made even more complimentary when considering the 25-year-old’s World Cup campaign for England.

Despite averaging just 30 minutes per game, the attacker averaged a 7.10 rating throughout the tournament whilst scoring three times, including a wonderful free-kick against Wales.

Often arriving from the bench, Rashford became one of England’s most deadly assets in a run which was halted in the quarter-finals by holders and 2022 finalists France. 

Traore did not receive a call-up for the World Cup, having scored just twice this season for his club. Despite this, he still sits in the top 1% for dribbles completed among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues this year, with the suggestion from Joe Edwards being that, when in form, the winger is “almost unstoppable”.

He will never be a prolific option in front of goal, having scored only 13 times in 168 Wolves appearances, but the fear that he provokes and the danger that he causes can create space for his team-mates to exploit. With that in mind, the likes of Rodrigo at centre-forward could thrive if playing alongside him.

Therefore, it could actually be a smart move for Jesse Marsch to swoop for Traore and secure Leeds’ version of England World Cup star Rashford.