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After nearly seven weeks, Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search is almost over…

What’s the word?

According to The Guardian’s Dave Hytner, Spurs are closing in on the appointment of former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte after positive talks between the two parties.

It’s thought that there is confidence at the club that the 51-year-old will sign on the dotted line, meaning Daniel Levy is very close to sealing a landmark hire.

The Lilywhites also want to recruit a new sporting director in the shape of Fabio Paratici, who has previously worked with Conte during a very successful spell at Juventus, where they won three Serie A titles.

It’s almost over

It certainly seems like Spurs’ quest to find the best successor to Jose Mourinho is finally drawing to a close.

There have been many bumps along the way, with several mooted top targets being ruled out of the running, such as Julian Naglesmann opting for Bayern Munich or Brendan Rodgers choosing to remain at Leicester City.

It’s also believed that Spurs made a big play for former coach Mauricio Pochettino but there was no way Paris Saint-Germain were letting him leave.

After so many setbacks, the north London faithful can finally start to get excited about the prospects of a new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Levy nears the capture of Conte.

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The Athletic claimed that Mourinho “sucked the culture out of the club” whilst many supporters laid into the Portuguese throughout the campaign, with some calling him a “dinosaur” and “washed up.”

Conte helped end an 11-year wait for the title at Inter Milan this season and has won a total of nine major trophies throughout his managerial career, including a Premier League and FA Cup at Chelsea, where he cleaned up Mourinho’s mess.

The 58-year-old left before the Blues went on to record their worst top-flight finish since 1996 but the Italian came in and won the league the very next season.

Hytner also claimed that Conte wants to be backed in the transfer window, so you’d imagine there have been assurances by Levy, as otherwise the club wouldn’t be on the verge of sealing his services.

Therefore, the Spurs fanbase should be buzzing by this latest news as they seemingly prepare to embark on an exciting and fresh start with Conte.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Conte: Levy could seal dream Spurs duo by signing “fearless” £26m titan…

Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy after an Antonio Conte twist at the Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Conte news emerges…

Over this last week, a major twist has come out of Spurs on Conte’s future at the club – coming just months after he was appointed to replace the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo in November.

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The Italian has guided Tottenham to within touching distance of a top-four place as they compete with north London rivals Arsenal for a coveted qualification spot.

However, reports have recently emerged of the 52-year-old’s potential departure to Paris-Saint Germain, with Le Parisien claiming that he is seriously interested and has even spoken to club chiefs about the role.

Meanwhile, former Spurs fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly set to depart the French capital despite guiding them to a Ligue 1 title win.

The Latest: Pitt-Brooke makes Pochettino claim involving Levy…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic believes that hiring Pochettino is chairman Levy’s only way to ‘save face’ if Conte leaves – even if Spurs’ chief is ‘desperate’ for his appointment to work.

He explained: “For Daniel Levy, the appeal of Pochettino would be obvious. Levy is desperate for Conte to work out, but if Conte does go, bringing Poch back is basically the only way he can save face. He’s effectively a get out of jail free card for Levy and the club.”

The Verdict: Correct call?

After Jose Mourinho’s dismissal this time last year, reports linking Pochettino with a sensational return to Tottenham were prevalent.

Credible claims backed that the Argentine was considering a reunion at Hotspur Way and it is believed that Levy has Pochettino on standby if Conte does unceremoniously quit this summer (The Telegraph).

Knowing the players and club intrinsically already, Pitt-Brooke is absolutely spot on that hiring Spurs’ former manager is, quite literally, Levy’s only avenue in the event of Conte’s exit.

That being said, Tottenham’s current coach has worked wonders since his arrival and it would be a major disappointment to see him depart so soon.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he now really wants to join Conte…find out more here.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Raphinha is set to miss the clash against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the story?

The Brazilian limped off the pitch in the 2-1 over Manchester City last month and has since missed the games against Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

Ahead of the Yorkshire side’s clash against the Seagulls today, Bielsa delivered a rather worrying update on the winger and the injury that he sustained at the Etihad Stadium.

He said: “More than serious is more difficult to give a diagnostic of and difficult to give return date. A hit which created an internal hematoma and until that hematoma disappears it causes pain and inhibits mobility.

“This can be resolved quickly or take longer. When the hematoma reduces and the player is no longer in pain he will return quickly. The impression is that we are in the final stages until he is finally healed.”

Bielsa surely devastated

Make no mistake about it, Bielsa will be sickened over missing his chief talisman from this season once again. The summer signing has been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League with the way he has adjusted to life in English football, scoring six times and providing a further six assists in the top flight.

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Raphinha’s displays had Leeds teammate Patrick Bamford hailing about him after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace earlier in the campaign, with the Englishman saying on Sky Sports: “I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top class, and he really was. He stood out straightaway.

“I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young.”

While it is certainly only a small sample size, in the three games in which Raphinha has not featured, Leeds have yet to win, including a 4-1 defeat against Leicester early in the season.

Being without him once again will come as a blow to Bielsa and a setback to his side’s chances of avenging the home defeat by Brighton back in January.

Meanwhile, Leeds can finally bin this “liability”…

According to a report by L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), it ‘seems clear’ that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy ‘intends to separate’ from Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: A failed transfer

In the summer of 2019, Lyon playmaker Ndombele joined Spurs in a £55m deal, making him the North London club’s record signing. However, since his arrival, the midfielder has suffered a disappointing tenure under various managers.

When Antonio Conte joined the club, fans hoped that the Italian could revive the Frenchman’s Tottenham career. However, this has not been the case; the 52-year-old has given Ndombele just 80 minutes of Premier League football, using him as a substitute in two out of his three appearances.

The Latest: Levy wants Ndombele gone

According to a report by L’Equipe (translated by Sport Witness), Tottenham chief Levy has made his decision regarding Ndombele’s future: he wants him gone.

L’Equipe report that the Spurs’ ‘decision seems clear today’, as ‘Levy intends to separate’ the Frenchman from the club. As a result, Ndombele has even been made to train alone since last Wednesday.

The French outlet reveal AS Roma and Napoli have come forward in recent days, with former manager Jose Mourinho said to have maintained a ‘close relationship’ with the France international.

The Verdict: Difficult to find a solution

With the January transfer deadline looming, it is becoming worryingly possible that Ndombele will remain at Spurs for the rest of the season, soaking up wages without contributing on the pitch.

The report details how his salary has become a major stumbling block – his £120,000 per week would put him immediately at the top of Roma’s wage structure, for example.

Levy would surely jump at a loan-to-buy deal if one presented itself, but an official offer has yet to be made.

The Spurs chairman will be hoping that Mourinho ramps up his approach for the player, with the Roma boss having previously hailed the Frenchman as ‘magnificent’ – perhaps he will be Spurs’ saviour on this occasion.

Southampton fans are far from happy with the news that they could swap Michael Obafemi for Adam Armstrong this summer.

The Saints are preparing for the new season as they aim to improve on their 15th place finish in the Premier League last term. So far, the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit have made three new signings in Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com), Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com) and Valentino Livramento but, with Danny Ings having turned down a new contract at the club (Sky Sports), they could well do with a new striker.

They have been heavily linked with a move for Blackburn’s Adam Armstrong, and now an update has been provided. As per Alan Nixon, a fee of £12m plus Obafemi would not be far off Blackburn’s valuation of the striker. The Saints fans, though, don’t agree – they want to hold on to the Ireland international.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Obafemi news below.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Obafemi news

“Keep waiting and he’ll be available for 15 million towards the end of the window. No point losing Obafemi on the cheap”

Credit: @DanJean09

“No. Armstrong is barely worth £12m without Obafemi. I’d actually prefer to have Obafemi right now considering he’s younger and can still improve”

Credit: @Hyper_SFC

“I don’t think that would be a good deal, especially if Ings left this year too. We’d be back down to just 3 striker again. Obafemi is worth another year to see how he develops”

Credit: @SFCMart

“I really want him but I wouldn’t want to get rid of Obafemi in the process”

Credit: @Conor_SFC

“Lol if they want Obafemi they can make it 6-8 for Armstrong. Ridiculous”

Credit: @SallySu89591098

“Obafemi has looked sharp in preseason, strong and pacey – would hate to see him go now, just as Ralph appears to have the measure of him”

Credit: @Too_Jazzee

In other news, Southampton fans want to sign this Champions League midfielder.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are now just one game away from finishing the season unbeaten.

The champions earned a comfortable 3-0 win against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Wednesday evening, with Gerrard delighted with his team’s performance after the game.

Goals from James Tavernier, Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi secured the win against David Martindale’s side, although Rangers were perhaps fortunate not to concede, with the hosts hitting the woodwork twice and missing a number of opportunities in the game.

Following the full-time whistle, Gerrard was full of praise for Nigeria international Joe Aribo, who filled in at left-back in the absence of Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey, with the 40-year-old manager saying:

“A manager can ask a player to do a role and good players can do some and good players can’t do some – but Joe Aribo is a top player.

“Whatever I ask him to do, he goes out and gives it his best shot.

“He’s my man of the match tonight just because, if you think about it, he’s a number 10.

“And he’s just been so comfortable at left-back, cruised it and breezed it.

“That left-back performance is as good as we’ve seen in my three years of being here.

“So well done to him for parking his ego and doing a job for his teammates.”

Although the former Charlton Athletic man is obviously not a natural at left-back and stepped up admirably, Gerrard’s praise for him feels slightly over the top when you consider his overall performance.

Two of Livingston’s best opportunities of the game coming down Aribo’s side, with Jaze Kabia somehow hitting the post when presented with an open goal after Nicky Devlin’s cross, before another cross from the Livingston right-back led to Kabia missing again from just a few yards out.

As per SofaScore, Aribo would earn a 6.6/10 rating for his performance against Livingston, with only Kemar Roofe (6.5) and Jack Simpson (6.4) rated lower of the Rangers players who started the game, which again emphasises that Gerrard was perhaps wrong to call him his man-of-the-match.

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During his time on the pitch, the 24-year-old would lose possession 24 times, which was the joint-most of any player who featured.

Just 32/43 of Aribo’s passes on Wednesday evening were accurate, resulting in a less than impressive 74% pass accuracy rate, which is comfortably below the 84.4% he has averaged in the Premiership this season.

He was also accurate with just one of his five long balls, and none of his crosses found a Rangers shirt, so it is difficult to argue that this was one of the best left-back performances for Rangers, especially considering the form Barisic has shown in that position throughout his time at Ibrox.

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Therefore, whilst Aribo did a solid job out of position on Wednesday evening and he deserves credit for playing there, Gerrard’s post-match comments were way over the top.

And, in other news… Forget Wright: Gerrard can sign Rangers’ next Ryan Kent in £3.42m-rated wizard

Everton’s midfield is currently stacked but that hasn’t stopped Marcel Brands and co from identifying that part of the pitch as somewhere they need to recruit.

The Toffees are close to signing Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon but he’s not the only central player on their shortlist.

What’s the word?

Rafa Benitez has only just walked through the door of Goodison Park but he looks set to be backed significantly by Farhad Moshiri and the Everton boardroom.

One player he could use their financial muscle to sign is Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.

That’s according to GIVEMESPORT, who suggest that Everton are in a battle with West Ham United to sign the Finnish star.

Arsenal were revealed as potential suitors to re-sign the 25-year-old while Watford are also interested in luring Kamara back to England.

A big upgrade

Kamara has come a long way since being released by Arsenal back in 2017. He was an imperative part of the Rangers squad that won the Scottish Premiership last term and was one of Finland’s best players during the ongoing European Championships.

In fact, he rates as one of the best in the entire of Scotland according to former Gers player Charlie Miller.

In a recent interview, he commented: “Glen Kamara is the best midfielder in Scotland.

“He has the ability to go and play at a very high level. He is athletic, technically very good, is good in the tackle and is becoming a complete player.”

Miller concluded: “Put it this way, there are players going for £30-£40m in England who couldn’t lace Kamara’s boots.”

Judging by the 34-cap general’s form at Euro 2020, it’s clear to see why he’s rated so highly.

Kamara produced 1.3 tackles and a whopping 3.3 interceptions per game. That second tally was the highest of any Finland player at the tournament, showcasing his wonderful ability to read and break up the play.

He is also particularly comfortable and safe in possession of the ball. During the Euros, Kamara was successful with 87.9% of his passes, the second-highest number of Finnish players to start this summer.

Compared to those at Everton, he is streets ahead of Tom Davies, somebody he could replace in the squad after the academy graduate was linked with the exit door.

In 2020/21, Davies managed 1.2 tackles and just 1.4 interceptions per match. His pass success rate was only 81.2% as well.

Kamara’s former manager at Dundee United, Neil McCann, stated: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

Judging by that, Kamara would add a great deal to the middle of Benitez’s side. He’d be foolish to ignore his qualities this summer, especially if Davies does head for the departure lounge.

AND in other news, Benitez can make an instant impact at Everton by signing “exceptional” 33-goal monster…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into Saturday’s Premiership fixture off the back of securing their first away win of the season last time out, a result which the 56-year-old will undoubtedly be hoping that his Hoops side can repeat in their visit to Fir Park.

However, while Motherwell fell to a 2-0 defeat at Hearts in their last league outing, Graham Alexander’s side have been in rather impressive form so far this season, picking up 14 points from their opening eight games of the 2021/22 campaign, so a Celtic win is by no means guaranteed today.

With what promises to be a challenging fixture for the Bhoys, will Postecoglou make any changes to the team which started the 2-1 win at Aberdeen last time out?

Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Motherwell, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Postecoglou revealing in his pre-match press conference that Celtic’s injury crisis is finally beginning to ease – Mikey Johnston is once again available for selection, while the trio of James Forrest, Christopher Jullien and Josip Juranovic are all progressing well in their respective recoveries – we predict that the Hoops manager will make two changes to his starting XI from the Aberdeen game.

The back five of Joe Hart, Adam Montgomery, Carl Starfelt, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Anthony Ralston should remain unchanged from that game, as despite the encouraging signs, Jullien and Juranovic are still a little bit off being match-fit.

In the middle of the park, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull make up the central midfield duo, while the £14k-per-week Nir Bitton is replaced with the attack-minded Tom Rogic, who starts in a more advanced midfield role. As per Sofascore, the Israeli was Celtic’s lowest-ranked performer in the win at Pittodrie, so he could face the axe today.

As mentioned above, 22-year-old Johnston is available for selection against Motherwell, with the winger coming straight back into the side for Jota, who is perhaps unfortunate to drop to the bench after his winner at Pittodrie.

Meanwhile, Liel Abada keeps his spot on the right wing, as does Kyogo Furuhashi up top, with Giorgos Giakoumakis still working his way up to full match fitness.

In other news: Celtic dealt major injury blow ahead of Motherwell clash, Ange will be gutted

Steve Howey has tipped Newcastle United to sell Emil Krafth in a bid to boost their transfer budget.

Krafth moved to St James’ Park from French side Amiens in a deal reportedly worth £5million two years ago.

However, the Sweden international, who represented his country at Euro 2020, has failed to make a telling impact since joining the Magpies and has only made 33 Premier League appearances.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is thought to have a meagre budget ahead of the new season kicking off next month, with the club heading into an arbitration case later this month.

It has resulted in Bruce having to adjust his plans to strengthen the squad. Having initially wanted to sign Joe Willock on a permanent basis following his impressive temporary move from Arsenal at the end of last season, the Magpies are now exploring the possibility of sealing his return on a season-long loan instead.

Former Newcastle defender Howey feels right-back Krafth could be a player Bruce looks to sell if he needs more money to welcome his transfer targets.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Howey said: “Without being too harsh, I think he has struggled at times. Sometimes it just doesn’t quite work for whatever reason.

“He’s a good player but I think, at times, he’s been overwhelmed in that position.

“Sometimes he has been exposed because he hasn’t been getting a great deal of help but, at the same time, if they can get him out the door and recoup a little bit of money then it all helps.”

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told The Transfer Tavern that Jesse Lingard now looks set to stay at Manchester United today, having claimed earlier today that a move to West Ham could still be on the cards.

Lingard’s Old Trafford future has been in serious doubt all summer, with the arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo only making his case to leave the club stronger.

He’s only played four minutes in United’s opening three Premier League matches, but Dan James started two of those, including at Wolves on Sunday, and has since left to finally get his move to Leeds, which could make a case for Lingard to stay.

Lingard’s brief outing at Southampton last Sunday was his first league appearance for United for 13 months, but he doesn’t appear likely to get many opportunities, especially with Edinson Cavani now fit, and Ronaldo in the frame.

West Ham have been Lingard’s likely destination all summer after his loan spell their last season, but the Hammers have now signed Nikola Vlasic, which makes a return to the London Stadium unlikely.

When asked how he sees the rest of deadline day panning out for Lingard, Bridge told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think Dan James moving means that Ole won’t be too desperate to get rid of Lingard. When the Champions League starts, you’re going to pick up injuries.

“If I was Ole, I would want Lingard around the squad. As it stands, more likely to stay than not. If he’s not playing in the next few months, it could be another January move, that would be my guess.”