All posts by n8rngtd.top

Next season may well be Arsenal’s most important in Mikel Arteta’s tenure.

It’s been over five years since the Spaniard was handed the reins, and while he led them to FA Cup glory in his first six months and turned them into genuine Premier League contenders, he hasn’t won anything since.

Fortunately, the club seem to recognise the seismic importance of the upcoming campaign, as recent days and weeks have seen them linked to a host of talented attacking players.

One of the most exciting stars touted for a move to the Emirates has been Rodrygo, although, if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could soon secure the services of someone who would be an even better signing.

Arsenal target goalscoring monster

Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of talented wingers in recent weeks and months, from those close to home, such as Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace, to those further afield, like Rafael Leao at AC Milan.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, the name that has seemingly caught the imagination of fans more than any other for the left-side starting berth has been Rodrygo, who has been consistently touted for a move to the Emirates for well over a month now.

The most recent stories claim he could be available for as little as £68m, which is a substantial amount, but might still be a bargain for a superstar who has won two Champions Leagues in recent years.

However, even though we, and many others, are convinced that the Brazilian would be a good signing for Arteta’s side, there is another international game-changer who’d arguably be an even better one: Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Sporting CP striker.

Moreover, the report has revealed that, as things stand, the striker is desperate to leave the Lisbon outfit and that the Gunners are currently at the front of the waiting pack.

However, it could be a complicated deal to finalise, as the report reaffirms prior revelations that Sporting will not let him leave for €70m – £60m – while other reports have claimed he might only be allowed to leave for around €80m, which is approximately £69m.

It would be a lot to spend on one player, but it feels like it would be worth it, especially as Gyokeres could end up being a better signing than Rodrygo.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Rodrygo

It should go without saying that both players would be incredible additions to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but when it comes down to it, there are two reasons why Gyokeres would be the better signing.

The first is down to what is already available to the Gunners, as at the moment both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can play off the left, whereas up top, the only recognised strikers in the team are Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

However, the former could miss the rest of the year as he recovers from the ACL injury he picked up in January, while the latter is ultimately still a midfielder who’s shown himself capable of playing up top.

The second reason the Swedish international would be the better signing is even simpler: his output.

For example, while the Brazilian’s tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 53 games this season is practically incomparable to what the sheer weight of goal involvements the Sporting star was able to produce.

In his 52 appearances, which totalled 4248 minutes, the 27-year-old “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a mammoth 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a ludicrous average of 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

Just imagine the difference that even half of that tally would make for the Gunners next season, it would surely be the difference between glory and another runners-up medal.

Ultimately, then, while Rodrygo would be an excellent signing for Arsenal this summer, Gyokeres would be an even better, potentially game-changing one.

A big upgrade on Eze: Arsenal discussing move to sign £80m "nightmare"

The international attacker would be brilliant for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 1, 2025

The Premier League fixtures were announced this week and Liverpool will kick start their reign as champions by welcoming Bournemouth on Friday August 15, but who will make their starting XI?

The Reds face the Cherries, a trip to Newcastle and a home clash with Arsenal in their first few fixtures, and have already been very busy in the transfer market in preparation for the new season.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong through the Anfield door, so Arne Slot’s side could have a totally new look to it come August, as the club’s leadership opt to attack from a position of strength this summer.

But with plenty of new faces and the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and possibly Andy Robertson departing, what will the manager’s first team of the season look like? We’ve asked Grok, the AI tool on X, to find out, as it set the Reds up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

AI predicts Liverpool's starting XI vs Bournemouth

Defence: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez

There are few surprises in the prediction for Liverpool’s defensive set-up, with all signs pointing towards Kerkez being the next new face through the door.

An international teammate of Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian star’s father all but confirmed the move this week, and Bournemouth have already signed his replacement in the shape of Adrien Truffert.

On the other side, Konate is flanked by Frimpong, who’s incredible goal threat from a wide position should go some way to filling the void left by Alexander-Arnold – the flying Dutchman registered five goals and five assists in 33 Bundesliga games last season.

Defensive midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister

Again we see the beauty of building off the back of a stunning title-winning season, as there is plenty of consistency through the spine of Liverpool’s predicted set-up.

Ryan Gravenberch was crowned the top flight’s young player of the season last term, starting 37 of his side’s 38 league matches, and will look to continue his development alongside World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

Attacking midfield: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo

If fans were worried about the creativity lost by their vice-captain’s departure, then the arrival of Wirtz to slot in alongside Salah should ease those concerns. The Germany international and the Egyptian King were the only two players across Europe’s big five leagues to score ten or more goals and assist ten or more goals across the last two seasons.

On the left the nod goes to Gakpo, perhaps lending credence to the idea that Luis Diaz will depart the club amid links to Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.

Striker: Alexander Isak

With Darwin Nunez expected to leave Merseyside this summer and join a club in Serie A, there is plenty of speculation about who takes the number nine role under Slot, and Grok predicts it will be Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak.

The 25 year-old is thought to hold a price tag of £150m with his current employers, which would smash the top flight record and Liverpool’s own top signing, which will soon be Wirtz at £116m.

Could anyone stop Liverpool’s newfound domestic dominance if they added Isak to their already illustrious attacking options?

Newcastle United will play football with Alexander Isak at the front next season. It’s a wonderful thought, and it’s very much set to happen, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein stating there’s “no chance” the Sweden striker leaves St. James’ Park this summer.

That’s because the Carabao Cup champions sealed their place in next year’s Champions League on the final game of the Premier League season, clinching fifth place.

However, the future of Callum Wilson is less clear, out of contract at the end of the month, but offered fresh, reduced terms.

Perhaps Newcastle should move to sign a new centre-forward instead, with talks being held for an exciting Premier League star.

Newcastle meet with Premier League striker

As per NUFC Blog, Newcastle met with Rodrigo Muniz’s camp last month to ascertain whether the Fulham forward would be interested in a move to Tyneside this summer.

He would, with the player’s representatives exploring different avenues ahead of a potential summer transfer, heading into the final year of his Cottagers deal (albeit the club have the option to extend terms by an additional 12 months).

It’s thought the prolific Brazilian could cost as much as £50m.

What Rodrigo Muniz would bring to Newcastle

Muniz signed for Fulham from Brazilian club Flamengo, aged 20, in 2021, making remarkable progress across the past two seasons in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s side, having previously completed a difficult loan spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough, scoring twice across 17 fixtures.

But having found his shooting sense with Fulham over the past two years, Silva has hailed him as a “proper quality striker”, with pundit Alan Shearer backing such effusions up by calling him “horrible to play against.”

His potential was perfectly illustrated by a rich burst of form last season in the Premier League, scoring seven goals from as many matches across spring.

This year, Muniz hasn’t been provided the same regularity of minutes, but he’s still managed to bag himself a goal when afforded a chance.

This innate clinical quality is actually something that could see him replace Wilson at St. James’ Park, with his scoring leading FBref to draw him against the Newcastle man during the 2023/24 season, given both retain their attacking fluency even if not featuring week in, week out.

Wilson, reduced to scraps this season due to injury problems, is typically an invariably deadly finisher, scoring 27 goals across 30 Premier League starts over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

He’s a target man, and no mistake. It’s interesting, though, that Muniz has enjoyed such clinical shooting success across the past two years in the English top flight, also demonstrating a tenacious attitude in the duel, if not through his passing, his creativity.

As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 3% of Premier League forwards this term for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (0.75), so prolific and fluent when afforded the chance to impress.

His failure to earn regular starts at Craven Cottage likely came from his overall game, which may not be kitted out with the completeness of other strikers. But that’s okay; in that way, he can be Howe’s next version of Wilson.

Muniz doesn’t need to bring a protean attacking arsenal to the fold when Isak’s staying put, but his keen-edged shooting could certainly add the perfect dimension to ensure attacking success across the whole campaign, across a variety of fronts.

Newcastle line up "magical" £59m CF who's like Cunha & Mbeumo

Newcastle are plotting to sign a few new forwards this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 5, 2025

Sticking to the recent trend of targeting Premier League rivals, PIF are now reportedly evaluating a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder for Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle still chasing Elanga and Trafford deals

Having already signed Antonio Cordero on a free transfer to get their business underway nice and early, Newcastle are now pushing on in an attempt to make some impressive statements. Chasing deals to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and James Trafford from Burnley, the Magpies are aiming to swoop in and weaken their Premier League opposition.

Both are long-term targets and both are players that would hand Eddie Howe instant upgrades within his side. Newcastle’s chase to sign a fresh right-wing option has particularly been no secret in the last 12 months and, after missing out on Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, Elanga’s arrival would make perfect sense.

The Swede would push Jacob Murphy all the way for a starting place and offer Newcastle instant strength in depth – something they crucially lacked the last time that they featured in the Champions League.

Even if Trafford and Elanga arrive though, Newcastle may not be done there when it comes to shopping in the Premier League. The Magpies are seemingly in a ruthless mood and have now turned their attention back towards Brentford. Having missed out on Mbeumo, PIF are now reportedly eyeing a summer swoop to sign one of the Bees’ star midfielders.

PIF evaluating Damsgaard move for Newcastle

According to Caught Offside, PIF are now evaluating a move to sign Mikkel Damsgaard for Newcastle this summer. The Danish midfielder is not someone Brentford are keen to lose, but every player has a price and the West London club reportedly value the 24-year-old at €50m (£42m).

Tottenham Hotspur are also sniffing around a deal amid their move for Thomas Frank, with the Bees boss hoping to take a couple of his star players with him to the North side of London.

Damsgaard is a talent who took a few years to discover his best form after initially bursting onto the scene at Euro 2020. Described as “brilliant” by scout Jacek Kulig five years on from that tournament, however, he’s finally at the peak of his powers at Brentford.

Only Mohamed Salah, Elanga and Newcastle’s Murphy assisted more goals than the Dane last season, who could join the latter and perhaps even the Forest star as well, forming quite the creative partnership at St James’ Park.

Better fit than Mbeumo: Newcastle open talks to sign "world-class" PL star

Newcastle are pushing to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 12, 2025

Reportedly earning just £35,000-a-week in West London, Damsgaard would hardly break the bank in Tyneside and represents another target who knows exactly how to navigate the challenges of the Premier League. Like Elanga and Trafford, he ticks every box for Newcastle.

Nottingham Forest have now registered their interest in signing a forward from a Champions League club, and contact may have already been made over a deal, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest eyeing new winger amid interest in Hudson-Odoi and Elanga

While Forest were ultimately unable to go all the way and seal a place in next season’s Champions League, there is still a lot to be proud of from the 2024-25 season, and much of their success can be put down to the performances of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.

Elanga was particularly impressive throughout the campaign, providing six goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances for the Tricky Trees, helping his side secure a seventh-place finish.

However, there could be interest in both the Swedish forward and Hudson-Odoi in the summer transfer window, with Chelsea being named as potential suitors for Elanga last month, while Manchester United are thought to be plotting a swoop for the Englishman.

Perhaps due to concerns about losing one of their star players, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now appear to be stepping up their pursuit of a new winger, having submitted an enquiry over a potential summer deal for SC Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan earlier this week.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have also registered their interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-In, amid doubts over the South Korean’s future at the Parc des Princes.

Nottingham Forest now "want to do" deal for "amazing" £50m Liverpool player

The Tricky Trees are eager to sign a Premier League gem, as they prepare for a European campaign next season.

By
Dominic Lund

May 26, 2025

The Tricky Trees may have already made contact over a deal for the forward, but there will be competition for his signature, with Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the race.

Manchester United have also made a move for the 24-year-old, with talks over a new deal to remain at PSG stalling, and previous reports have stated the French club could hold out for £51m.

Lee Kang-In could be "outstanding" for Nottingham Forest

PSG are, of course, set to compete in the Champions League final against Inter Milan this weekend, while they also won the Ligue 1 title by 19 points, and the South Korea international featured regularly throughout the league campaign.

Indeed, the Incheon-born forward picked up six goals and six assists in 30 Ligue 1 outings, putting in some impressive performances for PSG for the second season on the spin, having also received high praise for his contributions in the 2023/24 campaign.

The report makes it clear that Lee Kang-In wants to start playing regular first-team football, however, so a move to the City Ground this summer could appeal, especially considering European football will be on offer next season.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites board have held fresh talks about Ange Postecoglou’s future after their glorious night in the Europa League on Wednesday, with their current stance on keeping or sacking the tactician emerging.

Ange Postecoglou's plea to Spurs board during victory parade

The 59-year-old became a Lilywhites hero overnight, guiding the club to their first piece of major silverware in 17 years and only European trophy since 1984.

Tottenham "dreaming" of signing £67m ex-PSG star after Europa League triumph

Spurs’ summer transfer window has suddenly become much more interesting.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

May 23, 2025

Postecoglou came under fire for a bold statement earlier in the campaign, namely that he ‘always’ wins trophies during his second season in charge, but that message will now go down as one of the most memorable quotes in recent football history after Tottenham’s Europa League triumph.

Brennan Johnson also etched himself into Spurs folklore with his scrappy winner minutes before half-time, with the defensive heroics of Micky van de Ven – who made a match-saving clearance off the line – and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s vital saves proving decisive on an unforgettable night for the club.

Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro’s robust defensive displays also helped to shut out a lacklustre Man United side who simply couldn’t find any joy at all in the final third, despite their dominnace in possession.

While Postecoglou’s future at Spurs remains uncertain (David Ornstein), despite their celebrations, it is pretty clear that the manager wishes to continue his mission.

The north Londoners endured a lacklustre domestic campaign, breaking their all-time record for most Premier League defeats in a single season, but Postecoglou sent a subtle message to the board during their victory parade in London on Friday.

“I told them, and they laughed,” said Postecoglou after Tottenham’s open-top bus celebrations.

“I told them and they didn’t believe. And here we are. I’ll leave you with this: all the best television series, season three is better than season two.”

Postecoglou’s hint suggests the ex-Celtic boss has every intention to build upon their European success, but it remains to be seen whether Levy is on the same page.

Tottenham stance on sacking Postecoglou after fresh boardroom talks

In the wake of their triumph in Bilbao, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that high-ranking Tottenham chiefs are discussing what to do next in the managerial dugout.

According to the reporter, Levy and the Spurs board held fresh talks regarding Postecoglou after their Europa League final win, with O’Rourke sharing what their current stance is about potentially sacking him.

It is believed that, following their midweek celebrations, the club are now ’50/50′ when it comes to sticking or twisting with Postecoglou – indicating that they now have much more to think about in what has suddenly become a major conundrum.

While reports in the build-up to their clash with United indicated that Postecoglou could be sacked regardless of their Europa triumph, and that apparently remains the case, the emotion of such a momentous occasion makes this call far easier said than done in practice.

In terms of possible replacements, there are no shortage of options that have been linked in a long Tottenham managerial target list which includes the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund), Edin Terzić (free agent), Xavi (free agent) and Francesco Farioli (free agent).

Leeds United have an incredibly difficult task ahead of them following their 100-point Championship season that earned them promotion to the Premier League.

The last six teams that have been promoted to the top-flight have been instantly relegated back down to the second tier, including Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Burnley.

Daniel Farke has first-hand experience of how hard it is to keep a team in the Premier League after promotion. He suffered relegation with Norwich City after his first title at Carrow Road, before being sacked during the Canaries’ second relegation straight after promotion.

The German head coach has to be backed by the 49ers in the summer transfer window to ensure that he has a squad that is capable of competing week-in-week-out in the top-flight.

There are some players in the current squad who may not be able to make the step up in quality, which is evidenced by the last six teams failing to stay up, and Dan James is one of those whose suitability for next season is up for debate.

Why Leeds have a Dan James dilemma this summer

The Wales international played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League with his attacking contributions from the right wing, and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award.

James also caught the eye with his performances in the second tier during the 2023/24 campaign, only for Leeds to fall short in the play-off final against Southampton.

The former Manchester United forward scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Championship this term, after a return of 13 goals and seven assists last term, which shows that he provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

There is, therefore, no doubt that James is a star at that level because he has proven himself in a Leeds shirt over the past two seasons, but that does not mean that he is guaranteed to be a key figure in the Premier League for the Whites.

As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old attacker has already played four seasons of Premier League football in his career, for Manchester United, Leeds, and Fulham, and is yet to score more than four goals in one campaign.

He also failed to create at least one chance per game for his teammates in any of those four seasons, which shows that he did not provide regular quality as a scorer or a creator.

This is why Leeds have a dilemma with James this summer because it remains to be seen if he can finally be a success in the top-flight, but the 49ers could improve his chances of being a success by landing the club’s latest reported target.

Leeds eyeing bargain swoop for Premier League ace

According to talkSPORT, Leeds United are interested in a deal to sign West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the 49ers are looking for more top-flight experience in their squad and have identified the Czechia international as a target ahead of their Premier League campaign.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It also reveals that Coufal, who wants to stay in the Premier League, was told by the Hammers that they would not be extending his current contract at the London Stadium, which means that he will become a free agent, and a bargain signing for his next club, at the end of June.

TalkSPORT adds that David Moyes, who managed the right-back during his tenure at West Ham, is also interested in signing the experienced defender for Everton.

The 49ers must push to win the race to sign the 32-year-old full-back because he could be the perfect addition to help Dan James thrive in the top-flight.

Why Vladimir Coufal could be perfect for Dan James

Whilst current Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle enjoyed a fine season in the Championship, scoring six goals and providing four assists, there are still question marks over his defensive abilities in the Premier League.

He started 32 matches for a Sheffield United team that conceded a record 104 goals in 38 games last term, and started 12 times in the Blades team that finished bottom on 23 points with 63 goals conceded in the 2020/21 campaign.

Whereas West Ham have conceded fewer than 60 goals in four of Coufal’s five Premier League seasons with the Hammers, since his move from Sparta Prague in the summer of 2020.

The 32-year-old star has played a key role in many of those seasons, thanks to the defensive stability that he provides at right-back as a solid operator in a back four.

As you can see in the table above, Coufal has not made a single error that has directly led to a goal in his Premier League career, and he has only been dribbled past more than once per match on average in one of those five seasons.

Bogle was dribbled past 53 times in 46 top-flight games for Sheffield United, which suggests that attacking players find it easier to get past the English defender, and that is why Leeds signing Coufal could be perfect for Dan James.

Having a right-back who has proven that he can be defensive solid at Premier League level could allow Farke to keep the Welsh forward high and wide on the right flank, giving the team an outlet to hit on the counter attack by using his pace to push teams back and get in behind in counter-attacking situations.

Coufal, once dubbed “outstanding” by Declan Rice, may not need as much support as the defensively susceptible Bogle, on the right, which would free up James to stay further up the pitch when Leeds are defending.

As shown by his famous goal for Swansea in the clip above, the Wales international has electric pace on the counter attack and the Whites could utilise that effectively by ensuring that they have a defensively solid right-back who does not need constant support out of possession.

This is why Coufal, particularly on a free transfer, could be a perfect signing to come in and compete with Bogle for a spot in the team next season.

Their answer to Hamer: 49ers lining up Leeds swoop for "special" £25m star

Leeds could land their own version of Gustavo Hamer in a move for this £25m star.

By
Dan Emery

May 12, 2025

Everton are ready for a summer of change as they move to a new home and are now looking to fend off competition for a direct forward, according to reports.

Everton prepare for summer upheaval

David Moyes led Everton out for their penultimate fixture at Goodison Park over the weekend in a match where they showed their strengths and weaknesses in a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town. With only one match left at the famous old ground before the Toffees move to Bramley Moore Dock, there is plenty of anticipation over who could line up at the new stadium in a few months time.

Internally, Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads a plethora of influential players who could leave at the end of the season, either on free transfers or when their loan deals expire. Intriguingly, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is now a public Everton target and may be the ideal replacement for the Three Lions international.

Moyes has signalled his desire to bring the ex-Manchester City forward to Merseyside, stating: “He would be one who we would certainly have an interest in. We would certainly be interested if he was interested in us. That’s for sure.”

Beto has been the main man in attack this campaign after being drafted in from the wilderness. Six goals in 13 Premier League matches have probably made his place safe, but there is room for added depth through the middle.

Having said that, Everton are now targeting a powerful forward to strengthen their frontline ahead of next season, per recent developments.

Everton in the mix to sign Tim Kleindienst

According to CaughtOffside, Everton are willing to pay a maximum of £30 million to sign Tim Kleindienst following his excellent campaign at Borussia Monchengladbach. Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are also keeping an eye on the German striker, while the same applies for AC Milan, Roma and Bayern Munich from the continent.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 1, 2025

Lauded for his “direct” nature by Gerardo Seoane, the 29-year-old has registered 16 goals and ten assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season. The Germany international has been a constant for Monchengladbach, directing 38 of his 73 shots taken on target in the Bundesliga in a disappointing term for his current employers.

Potentially set for a new challenge, he could feasibly be a replacement should Calvert-Lewin opt to move elsewhere once his contract comes to an end. Financially, The Friedkin Group should be able to shoulder the burden, so now it remains to be seen if Everton can force a deal over the line.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their chances of appointing a former Bayern Munich manager who they’ve reportedly contacted.

Tottenham players back Ange Postecoglou amid mounting pressure

Ange Postecoglou faces a very uncertain future in N17, following a disastrous Premier League campaign, where they’ve tasted defeat on 19 occasions in the top flight alone.

Manager open to immediate Tottenham talks after missing out on Man United

He appears pretty keen on Spurs.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 30, 2025

According to The Telegraph, this woeful domestic form means Postecoglou and Spurs could part ways at the end of the season, regardless of their campaign in the Europa League.

However, midfielder James Maddison has now publicly backed the 59-year-old, stating that the squad are “100 per cent” behind their head coach despite their “unacceptable” 2024/2025.

“We’re behind the manager, 100 per cent. I think he’s a great man,” said Maddison in a press conference.

“He’s the first person to tell you, I’ve heard it myself, that we’ve had a poor season, especially in the league. We’ve been very good in Europe, but the league season’s probably been unacceptable, and we can all take collective responsibility for that.

“But he’s my manager, he’s my gaffer, I respect him an awful amount.

“The narrative is something that we players try and keep away from because it’s not healthy to read into what you lot are talking about – the manager’s position. I just know that I come into work every day and see the lads listening, taking on the messages, how he wants to play and trying to do what’s best for this club.”

Intense pressure has surrounded the Australian for months, and a succession of managers have been linked as candidates to replace him.

According to reports in Germany last week, one of the names under consideration is Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac.

The 53-year-old has helped to steady the ship at Dortmund after Nuri Şahin’s dismissal midway through the campaign, and enjoyed previous success at Bayern, where he won a Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup.

According to Bild, Tottenham made recent contact with Kovac via an intermediary, and are believed to be big fans of his intense style of play.

Fabrizio Romano shares update on Niko Kovac's links to Tottenham

Following these reports, the reliable Romano has shared an update on Kovac and his links to Spurs.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist says that nothing is advanced between Kovac and Tottenham just yet, based off the lack of information he’s heard, but he doesn’t entirely rule out the tactician as an option.

“I’m not aware of anything advanced on this one yet,” said Romano.

“Spurs will not make any decision now with the Europa League semi-finals due to start soon.”

The former Croatia captain could be a solid outside candidate, with Kovac attracting praise for his leadership qualities.

“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said German footballing legend Lothar Matthäus.

“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”

Crystal Palace have now made contact over a move for a versatile defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Palace may need summer rebuild

Palace’s winless run in the Premier League was extended to four games on Wednesday evening, although a draw against Arsenal is likely to be viewed as a positive point, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stunning late equaliser ensuring the spoils were shared at the Emirates Stadium.

By and large, it has been another successful campaign for the Eagles, and there is still an opportunity to make it a particularly memorable one, should they progress to the FA Cup final with a victory over Aston Villa at Wembley this weekend.

However, Oliver Glanser may be tasked with rebuilding his squad somewhat this summer, given that there is interest in Adam Wharton and Mateta, while it will also be the last opportunity to cash-in on Marc Guehi, whose contract expires in 2026.

As such, bringing in a new defender could be of particular importance to Glasner this summer, and a report from Germany has now revealed that Crystal Palace have opened talks over a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Tamiou Kpebane (via The Boot Room).

Palace have made contact over a deal for Kpebane, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract set to expire, and he is deemed unlikely to commit to fresh terms with the Bundesliga club.

Crystal Palace eyeing £30m "phenomenon" who's part of "incredible" defence

The Eagles have set their sights on a centre-back, who has been a key part of a fantastic defence this season.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 20, 2025

Interestingly, the 18-year-old is able to play in five positions, having been utilised as a left-back, right-back, centre-back, attacking midfielder and right-sided forward at youth level for Frankfurt this season.

As such, the 6 foot 4 colossus could be a versatile option for Glasner, although it is unclear how long it would take for him to push for a first-team spot at Selhurst Park, given that he is yet to make a senior appearance for Frankfurt.

Kpebane impressing at youth level

The teenager has most commonly been deployed as a full-back this season, but he has been extremely impressive on the front foot for Frankfurt, picking up seven goals and five assists in 21 matches in all competitions.

Those numbers suggest the German youngster could be capable of playing further forward later in his career, particularly considering he picked up two goals and two assists at right-wing in a remarkable performance against FC Nuremberg U19s last month.

Kpebane is showing very promising signs at youth level, so it is definitely worth Palace making a move this summer, with the move very low-risk due to his availability on a free transfer.