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Wolverhampton Wanderers will likely target Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, should Julen Lopetegui leave Molineux this summer, according to Football Insider.

What’s the latest on Lopetegui’s Wolves future?

Lopetegui is preparing his side for a final day trip to Arsenal this weekend, with Wolves guaranteed to remain in the Premier League. The Spaniard has turned things around in the Midlands to take the side from bottom of the table to 13th on 41 points, however, his future appears to be in doubt.

There has been speculation that Wolves are unable to get the signings and investment they promised Lopetegui and instead need to sell to keep up with FFP this summer.

The Old Gold boss has since offered a cryptic update on his future, although Wolves officials are hopeful they can keep hold of the manager beyond the summer. However, there have been rumours about potential replacements. Football Insider shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Postecoglou, claiming Celtic are fearing Wolves could move for the manager this summer.

The report states that the 57-year-old was on the Molineux shortlist to replace Bruno Lage last year and ‘will likely be in the running for the job once again if Lopetegui decides to leave Wolves after just half a season in charge’.

Who else wants Ange Postecoglou?

Postecoglou has worked wonders at Celtic Park, winning back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles with a 76% win rate this season. He is on course to secure a domestic treble for the Hoops, so there is no surprise he has been hailed as "incredible" by members of the media and linked with a move to the Premier League.

However, it doesn’t look as if Wolves will be on their own when it comes to a potential move for the attacking 4-3-3 style manager, with Tottenham now also linked with the Australian on Thursday morning after a move for Arne Slot fell through.

Wolves will be hoping that Lopetegui remains put, but it is good to see that they appear to have managers in mind should things come to a swift end with their current head coach.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window, as Unai Emery looks to strengthen the depth of his squad.

The Spaniard has taken Villa on a journey not many would have even dreamed of when he took over back in October.

In his short time in the Midlands, the 51-year-old has had an overwhelming influence on the club’s ambitions, leading them towards a potential top-six European finish and committing himself to improving the squad this summer.

With just two games remaining this campaign, Emery will soon turn his full attention to the transfer window, where he has admitted he will aim to add depth to each position, as told by The Athletic.

A host of players have been linked with a move to Villa Park already, with one name emerging from the Premier League this week.

What’s the latest on Kyle Walker-Peters to Aston Villa?

As reported by TEAMtalk, the newly relegated full-back could remain in the top division next season with a move to Aston Villa a possibility.

Sources close to the site have revealed Villa’s interest saying the club are ready to 'make a move' for the 26-year-old.

Any move could be a costly one with the former Spurs ace being valued at £40m last year.

What could Kyle Walker-Peters bring to Aston Villa?

If there is one area that Emery is lacking in his talented squad, it’s at right back.

Despite having the expertise of Ashley Young performing in the position to a consistently high level, the Englishman is closer to the end of his career than his prime and cannot be solely relied on for the future.

The interest in the Southampton man could be an exciting prospect for Villa, who strengthened on the opposite side in January through Alex Moreno, who has been impressive since arriving from Real Betis.

Indeed, the Spaniard has supplied three assists and also registered a team-high 1.2 key passes per game since arriving.

As such, both full-backs enjoy roaming forward on the flanks while maintaining impressive numbers defensively.

As per FBref, Walker-Peters averages 1.65 blocks per 90, ranking him within the top 8% of those in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, while Moreno follows with marginally fewer scoring 1.24 per 90 in the area.

In a tough season that has resulted in the Saints' relegation, the 26-year-old has remained consistent in his personal performance defensively, shown through winning 55% of his ground duels, averaging 4.8 per game as per Sofascore.

Described as an "outstanding talent" by Danny Higginbotham, the Englishman could provide Emery with strength on both defensive flanks and add to the talent that he already has to boost squad depth.

Having increased squad depth is mandatory in any club that wishes to compete in multiple competitions, and will be particularly crucial for Emery should his side secure European football next term.

يرى حارس مرمى منتخب السنغال السابق، بونا كوندول، أن كرة القدم في القارة السمراء تسير على الطريق الصحيح وفقًا لأداء الفريق في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

ويعد كوندول أحد الحراس الأساسيين الذين مروا على منتخب أسود التيرانجا بعد استبعاد توني سيلفا من السنغال في عام 2007.

وشارك كوندول أساسيًا مع السنغال في أكثر من كأس أمم إفريقيا حيث ظهر في نسخة 2008، 2012 و2015.

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع بونا كوندول للحديث عن أداء منتخب السنغال ونتائج البطولة المفاجئة خلال الأسبوع الأول.

اقرأ أيضًا | مساعد كيروش لـ بطولات: منتخب مصر كان شجاعًا أمام غانا.. وانخفاض أداء محمد صلاح له أسبابه

وقال كوندول: “اعتقد أن الجولة الأولى في كأس أمم إفريقيا قد أظهرت أن الكرة في القارة تسير على الطريق الصحيح، لم يعد هناك أي منتخب صغير”.

وأضاف: “كان من الممكن في الماضي أن نتحدث عن الفوارق بين منتخب وآخر، لكن لم يعد الأمر كذلك، وهو ما أثبتته منتخبات مثل الرأس الأخضر وغينيا الاستوائية”.

وعن السنغال: “منتخب يرغب الجميع في التغلب عليه، لكننا نمتلك واحدًا من أكثر الفرق اكتمالًا في البطولة، هناك لاعبون على مستوى عالٍ جدًا، لدينا فرصة للاحتفاظ بالكأس”.

واستمر: “لكن الأمر لن يكون سهلًا، هناك المغرب من بين المرشحين ويلعبون بثقة كبيرة، حتى الرأس الأخضر يمكن اعتباره من المرشحين”.

وعن انخفاض مستوى الفرق الكبيرة في البطولة: “كرة القدم تغيرت كثيرًا مؤخرًا، على فرق مثل مصر، غانا، نيجيريا والكاميرون إعادة بناء فرقها بشكل أفضل”.

وتابع: “لا أشعر بتماسك هذه الفرق، فهي تمتلك لاعبين على مستوى عالٍ لكنهم ليسوا بالقوة الجماعية الكافية، هذا ما كانت تتسم به هذه المنتخبات في الماضي”.

وعما إذا كان يتوقع المزيد من المفاجآت في المباريات المقبلة: “نعم، هذا ممكن قد نرى فريقًا كبيرًا يخرج مبكرًا من دور المجموعات”.

وعن المرشحين: “أعتقد أن السنغال والمغرب الأقرب للفوز باللقب، لكن هناك منتخبات أخرى يجب الحذر منها مثل الجزار، مالي، نيجيريا، بوركينا فاسو وبالتأكيد البلد المضيف كوت ديفوار”.

أُعلن رسميًا عن حكم مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني 2024.

ويلتقي برشلونة وريال مدريد يوم الأحد المقبل، في نهائي السوبر الإسباني، الذي تستضيفه المملكة العربية السعودية.

ويدير مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، الحكم خوان مارتينيز مونويرا، ويساعده دييجو باربيرو، وميجيل مارتينيز مونويرا، وماريو لوبيز كحم رابع.

ويتولى مسؤولية الفار الحكم سيزار سوتو جرادو، ويساعده إيكر دي فرانسيسكو، وفرانسيسكو فرنانديز.

مونويرا سبق وأدار ثلاث مباريات كلاسيكو بين الفريقين، وحقق ريال مدريد الفوز مرتين وفاز برشلونة مرة.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشافي: لم نقدم مباراة جيدة أمام أوساسونا.. ونسعى للفوز على ريال مدريد في نهائي السوبر

وحسم ريال مدريد التأهل لنهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني بعد فوزه في الديربي أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بمباراة مثيرة امتدت لأشواط إضافية وانتهت بنتيجة 5-3.

أما برشلونة تمكن من التأهل بالفوز على نظيره أوساسونا، بهدفين دون مقابل في الوقت الأصلي للمباراة.

Out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek could leave the club at the end of the season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Is Van de Beek having a good season?

The Dutchman joined United from Ajax back in 2020, with potentially big things expected of him after he shone for the Eredivisie giants, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19. It has been a hugely disappointing spell for him at Old Trafford, however, with so little impact made over the past three years.

Incredibly, Van de Beek has only made 60 appearances in total for the Red Devils, so often being consigned to the substitutes' bench, at best. This season, the 25-year-old has continued to feature sporadically, starting only two Premier League matches and not registering a goal or an assist in any competition.

It looks increasingly as though the midfielder's future lies away from United, and with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2025, they could even look to cash in on him at the end of the current campaign. That certainly increasingly looks set to be the case, following a new claim.

Is midfielder off this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke talked up the idea of Van de Beek moving on to pastures new this summer:

"Van de Beek, it's been two real difficult seasons for him. It's not what he's used to following his success for Ajax as well; it could be a big summer ahead of him, especially if United do add to that midfield, could push him even further down the pecking order, then he will really seriously have to consider his future at Old Trafford."

In truth, it makes complete sense for United to sell Van de Beek when this season reaches its conclusion, with the 19-cap Netherlands international someone who clearly isn't a key part of the club's plans moving forward. He is a talented player, hence earning to move to Old Trafford in the first place, but he simply hasn't got to grips with the Premier League and fitness problems haven't helped along the way.

Granted, Frank Lampard described him as a "top level player" during his time on loan at Everton, but United simply have better options than him now, from Christian Eriksen to Bruno Fernandes, and they should only strengthen further when the summer transfer window arrives.

It is a move that just hasn't worked out, as can be the case sometimes, so United should try and get as big a fee as possible in the approaching months.

Manchester City fans are buzzing over a ‘serious’ transfer option for manager Pep Guardiola in the form of Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.

The Lowdown: City linked…

The Premier League champions have been linked sporadically with a move for Mac Allister after his sensational performances at last year’s World Cup.

Brighton’s attacker seriously turned heads in Qatar and stood out as a key player under Lionel Scaloni, which even prompted club legend Sergio Aguero to rave over the South American.

The 24-year-old is thought to be attracting real attention from across England with the likes of Newcastle, Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea also credited with interest.

It’s reported that he is seriously considering a summer exit from Brighton and City are thought to be major contenders for his signature.

The Latest: Fans buzz over Mac Allister update…

According to journalist Ariel Helueni of TNT Sports, as also shared by City Xtra, Guardiola has personally held talks with the attacker over a possible move to Man City.

It’s added that Mac Allister is a ‘serious option’ for the Blues, with Helueni stating: “Pep Guardiola had talks with Alexis Mac Allister and he is a serious option for Manchester City in the next summer window.” 

In reaction to the update, supporters have shared their joy on social media, with a few even believing Mac Allister could be the perfect player to succeed captain Ilkay Gundogan (whose contract expires at the end of the season):

Fans exclaimed:

“Bring him to the etihad” – @hulisuncle

“My dream Manchester City signing” – @R1631230011R16

“Yessssss.. good signing.” – @MAVIPHA

“If it’s a decent price go all in for him quality player” – @AaronBu86845579

“Lets trust pep with this signing” – @Sundayokeme1

“Perfect gundo replacement if he leaves” – @Vignesh63732505

The Verdict: Phenomenal player…

Mac Allister’s stats this season tell you all you need to know about his quality and just how crucial he is for Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

As per WhoScored, the midfield maestro has scored more league goals than any current Brighton squad member and has averaged more attempts at goal per 90 than anyone bar the departed Leandro Trossard.

Indeed, Mac Allister also ranks in Brighton’s top three for best-performances by average match rating also, clearly showcasing his ability as a proven Premier League player.

If Gundogan does in fact depart Eastlands after many years of faithful service, Mac Allister could well be a decent shout to replace the German.

Tottenham Hotspur and Antonio Conte’s time together in north London is now appears to be coming to an end, with the Italian expected to leave at the end of the season, according to reporter Dean Jones.

Will Antonio Conte leave Spurs before the summer?

The 53-year-old is only contracted at Spurs until the end of the current campaign and there are reports suggesting neither party are looking to extend.

Reports are already suggesting names which could potentially succeed Conte with the former manager Mauricio Pochettino a name being touted as a possible option.

Despite the Lilywhites’ struggles in recent weeks, it does seem as if Conte could still see out the remainder of the campaign with just a few months remaining on his deal.

Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, insider Jones has claimed there is now an expectation within Hotspur Way that Conte will leave the club in the summer:

“I’m told that Antonio Conte, this is his last season, he’s going to wait until the summer, it sounds like. But this is going to be his last season. That’s almost every person around Tottenham is saying that right now. So prepare for the rebuild. How soon it comes, who it is, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Should Spurs sack Conte now?

There is certainly a case to be made for Spurs parting ways with a manager who – according to reports – does not want to remain in the job ahead of next season.

Despite the negativity hanging around the club, Spurs need to clinch a spot in the top four as it will provide them with more room to spend over the summer.

And the results in the Premier League are still proving inconsistent as they have been since the turn of the year.

Next up for Spurs is a huge Champions League game against AC Milan with the north Londoners chasing a one-goal deficit with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake.

It will be interesting to see what happens if Conte – who returns to the sidelines on Wednesday – is unable to turn around the tie in north London.

If Spurs do crash out of the Champions League, there will be no other opportunity for Conte to get his hands on silverware at Tottenham and it will raise the question as to what is his motivation for the remainder of the campaign.

Apart from his own record, the Italian may feel there is very little left at Spurs to get him up for the remaining Premier League games given he is believed to want out of the club.

And that could certainly prove a concerning thought for Daniel Levy and it would be interesting to see if elimination from Europe may just turn the chairman’s hand.

Leeds United announced Javi Gracia as their new manager earlier this week and the Spaniard faces a tough job if he wants to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season.

The Yorkshire outfit sit in 19th position after a woeful run of form, which saw Jesse Marsch lose his job at Elland Road recently, and the 52-year-old will have to have an immediate impact ahead of the remaining fixtures.

Fortunately for the former Watford boss, he looks set to welcome back top scorer Rodrigo ahead of schedule, with a recent report suggesting that the 31-year-old is progressing well with his recovery from injury.

What is the latest news on Rodrigo’s injury?

In a recent interview with LeedsLive, the Spain international revealed that he was targeting a return to action next month, despite initial estimates suggesting that he could be sidelined until April.

The experienced forward would pick up his injury in the FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley late last month and underwent surgery on his ankle after coming away with bone and ligament damage.

However, the surgery was clearly a success and Rodrigo feels that he can return early to aid Leeds in their battle against relegation.

He said:

“Feeling much, much better.

“Things are progressing better than I expected, to be honest. We are trying to shorten the recovery period.

“I’m happy about that. Injuries are always a frustrating moment for a football player, but I understand that’s part of football as well. I’m trying to do everything I can to be back as soon as possible.”

Could Rodrigo keep Leeds in the Premier League?

Rodrigo has comfortably been Leeds’ most dangerous attacking player so far this season, leading the way with 10 goals in the squad, with Crysencio Summerville ranked second with a measly four goals.

He is also ranked as the second-best performer in Leeds’ squad according to WhoScored, with only Pascal Struijk bettering his 6.82 average rating across the campaign thus far.

The Whites have just two goals in their last five fixtures, both of which came in the away draw against Manchester United, which suggests that they are clearly lacking an attacking threat in their side.

Rodrigo has averaged 2.9 shots per game in the top flight so far this term, which is comfortably the most of any Leeds player, so it seems fair to suggest that they will look far more dangerous going forward when he returns to action.

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards was full of praise for the former Valencia forward after his phenomenal start to the season, saying (via TEAMtalk):

“Four goals in three now, he’s absolutely on fire. He’s a man playing with confidence.

“When Raphinha goes, you’re looking for someone to step up to the plate and he really has. Not just his goal, he got an assist as well and his whole game. He pressed from the front, absolutely brilliant.”

Therefore, it can only be good news for new manager Gracia that his £100k-per-week forward is nearing a return, as his goals might just be enough to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers had a busy winter transfer window, but the Premier League outfit’s greatest coup of the season comes in the form of head coach Julen Lopetegui.

What’s the word?

Having largely impressed since clinching promotion from the Championship in 2017/18, qualifying for the Europa League in their first season back in the top-flight and reaching the quarter-finals, Wolves have been exceptional in grinding out results and maintaining a largely unwavering level of resilience.

This season, however, past concerns of mid-table mediocrity were replaced by genuine worry that a relegation scrap might be on the cards, concerns that proved true and resulted in the dismissal of head coach Bruno Lage in the season’s early phase.

With the ensuring managerial appointment of Europa League winner Lopetegui in November, the Old Gold were presented with a first-rate manager who could turn the fortunes around, and thus far results have been promising.

It is unsurprising, therefore, to hear transfer insider Dean Jones suggest they are in a far better position with the 56-year-old at the helm.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “They’ve reached their target for the month; the squad is in much better shape now. Speaking to the club, they feel like a completely different club now from two months ago.

“They feel that this transfer window has been a real success, and they’re very confident not only of steering clear of relegation now, but actually trying to push their way up towards the mid-table.”

A game-changing appointment

Having clinched seven points from a possible 15 with the Spaniard at the helm, the Midlands outfit now perch outside the league’s relegation zone on goal difference, having previously languished within the bottom three.

And while the six acquisitions made this January – notably on-loan Matheus Cunha, who could be tied down to a permanent transfer for an eye-watering €50m (£44m) – all possess the calibre to make a meaningful difference to the combative nature of the squad, it is the manager pulling the strings that will prove to be the difference in the fight to maintain coveted top-flight status.

Having lost only to Manchester City and Manchester United in the league since assuming his role, the Spaniard will be comprehensively impressed with the strides made across the maiden period of his tenure.

And indeed with a pedigree that stretches his influence over former outfits such as the Spanish national team, Sevilla – where he won the Europa League – and Porto, it is clear that given the right tools, he will be able to craft success with any side.

And with Wolves having entrusted him with the job of securing survival, providing a raft of fresh faces to spearhead the new chapter at Molineux, a promising period of football for the side’s owner Jeff Shi awaits.

The 56-year-old, should he succeed in guiding the English outfit away from their current mess, will strive for a return to prominence in the Premier League, having recorded a top-four finish in all but one of his full managerial campaigns to date, which bodes well for his new team’s aspirations.

Wolves will undoubtedly be delighted with the acquisitions made over the past several weeks, but it is in fact the man running the dugout that will have the most decisive say in their trajectory over the coming years.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has insisted that Tottenham Hotspur could soon face competition to land Pedro Porro.

The Lowdown: Spurs eager to sign Porro

For the majority of January, it appeared that Spurs were indeed keen on signing Porro from Sporting CP after the Spanish defender featured twice against Tottenham in the Champions League earlier this season.

And there appeared to be a breakthrough within the last few days, with Tottenham said to be willing to meet or at least get very close to Porro’s release clause – something Sporting had been insisting on all month. However, they are now reportedly dragging out negotiations, according to Sky Sports.

The fact that Spurs are seemingly closing in on Porro now makes sense given the fact that they could be set to sanction the exit of fellow right-back Djed Spence on a temporary basis, which would free up a space in Antonio Conte’s squad.

The Latest: Porro deal could be hijacked

Spurs hijacked Arnaut Danjuma’s deal to Everton this week, but they could soon be given a taste of their own medicine, with Jacobs claiming on The Done Deal Show that Premier League rivals Chelsea could soon move for Porro.

He said: “What complicates things late in the window is that you start with a target, and maybe some of your rivals are looking at other names, but for example, if Chelsea don’t succeed with Malo Gusto, then Tottenham could have a problem and Chelsea may enter later into the race for a player like Pedro Porro.”

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The Verdict: Tottenham have to move quickly

If Spurs were to lose out on Porro – who they’ve been interested in all month – that would surely only anger Conte and make him far less likely to sign a new contract than he reportedly already is.

Porro is said to be keen on making the move to Tottenham, and having been sold by Manchester City before he played a league game, he’ll likely be eager to finally test himself in the Premier League.

Tottenham need to get some business done pretty quickly as the Champions League is not too far away and Conte will want his new signings to adapt to his tactics and methods before that comes around, as they have a great chance of progressing having drawn Milan in the last 16.