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Tottenham Hotspur target Pedro Porro has apparently made it ‘clear’ that he wishes to feature for Sporting Lisbon against FC Porto in the Taca da Liga Cup final today.

The Lowdown: Spurs in talks for Porro…

It is no secret that the Lilywhites have been in talks to sign the former Manchester City starlet in recent weeks, with Spurs keen to strengthen at full-back.

The north Londoners are apparently edging closer to a deal for Porro, even if there are some ‘surprise’ claims that his release clause isn’t active until this summer.

Tottenham’s agreement for the 23-year-old has been delayed, though, with Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth shedding light as to why that could be the case.

The Latest: Porro makes Sporting wish ‘clear’…

According to the reliable reporter, after receiving a text from one of his colleagues, it is believed that Porro is adamant that he wishes to play a part in Sporting’s cup final against FC Porto this evening.

Sheth explained on The Transfer Show (via Sky transfer blog, Friday 18:25]: “I’ve just received a text from a colleague of mine in Lisbon regarding the Pedro Porro to Tottenham deal. I will read it out to you word for word…”

‘Mate, someone whispered in my ear that Porro has made it pretty clear he wants to play the League Cup final [for Sporting against Porto] tomorrow. He wants to go out with a bang.’

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The Verdict: Interesting…

This update comes as an interesting one and offers some degree of explanation as to why the Porro deal has been dragged out somewhat. The good news for Spurs supporters is this also highlights a very desirable mentality from their target – a player keen to make one last major contribution for a club for whom he has thrived.

Rather than attempting to force an exit as quickly as possible, Porro’s eagerness to go out with a ‘bang’ hints at a defender who will give his utmost for whatever shirt he is wearing.

Alongside the 23-year-old’s incredible attacking statistics, which will seriously entice Antonio Conte, such a desirable attitude is perhaps the cherry on top.

According to WhoScored, the attack-minded Porro tops Sporting’s charts for league assists and ranks in their top two for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 in the final third.

We have little doubt that the move will go through soon, based off reliable reports, and Tottenham supporters have every reason to be excited.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joe Hodge could’ve headed out the Molineux exit door before the transfer deadline – but Julen Lopetegui opted to keep him, according to reporter Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Hodge’s season

The 20-year-old has experienced his first season in the senior plans at Wolves, with him playing 10 times so far this campaign.

He made his Premier League debut back in October but has only managed to come off the bench once in the previous seven league outings, starting Lopetegui’s first league game in charge against Everton.

He’s since started both FA Cup clashes against Liverpool, making himself a useful option in the middle of the park at Molineux.

The Latest: Keen’s comments

It seems as though he will now be able to continue his development in and around the senior side, with Keen revealing on the Express & Star YouTube channel that Lopetegui opted against letting the Irishman leave this month, saying:

“Joe Hodge was potentially going to go out [on loan] – small bit of news on that is Julen Lopetegui made the decision himself that he wants to keep him, which is a big call because Wolves are going to have seven central midfielders.

“So you’d have thought maybe they’d have liked to see him go and get game time, but the manager likes him, it’s a big decision to keep him, and hopefully he gets opportunities.”

The Verdict: Part of the plans

Lopetegui made his belief in Hodge crystal clear when the 20-year-old penned a new long-term deal at Wolves earlier this month (via Wolves).

But with Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Matheus Nunes being the Spaniard’s preferred midfield three, with the Portuguese gems all playing the most amount of minutes amongst centre-midfielders at Wolves (via WhoScored), Hodge may have been tempted by a temporary departure.

He was an unused substitute against West Ham United in his latest league matchday appearance alongside new signing Mario Lemina.

Wolves boast incredible experience between the four central midfielders at their disposal, potentially giving the youngster – dubbed a “very exciting talent” by reporter Mark McCadden – the ideal place to learn and develop.

Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos could potentially make a welcome return from injury later this month, reliable journalist Ashley Preece has claimed.

The Lowdown: Cruel start for Carlos

The Brazilian joined Villa in a big-money move last summer, coming in as someone who would be a key player and mainstay at the heart of the defence.

Cruelly, Carlos suffered a serious achilles tendon injury after just two appearances for the club and he hasn’t returned to action in the six months or so since.

It now looks as though the 29-year-old is closing in on a pleasing comeback, however, following a fresh update.

The Latest: Injury return nearing

Writing on Twitter, Preece claimed that Carlos will either be back in action late this month or at the beginning of March:

“Diego Carlos still stepping up for his return later this month/beginning of March.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Villa

This is an undoubted boost for Villa, with Carlos a player who can take them to another level, having been hailed as ‘amazing’ by former striker Kevin Campbell.

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The former Brazil Under-23 international looked the part in his first two matches this season, averaging 1.5 aerial duel wins per game, and he is an upgrade on Tyrone Mings and Ezri Monsa, both of whom have had bad performances.

At 29, there is a slight concern that the severity of Carlos’ injury could have a long-term impact on him, so Unai Emery must handle him with care upon his return, allowing him time to find his rhythm.

Realistically, next season should be viewed as the time for him to kick on fully again, with a full pre-season behind him.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly considering terminating Josh McPake’s agreement and giving him a ‘sizeable’ pay-off, after failing to offload him in January.

The Lowdown: Lots of promise…

McPake was a player that showed a lot of promise in his early years at Ibrox, winning the Academy Player of the Year in the 2018/19 season, and was widely considered to be one of their most talented players.

Dubbed a ‘really exciting’ player by former Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson after a loan spell there, McPake is now on loan at Queen’s Park, where he has managed four goals and three assists in 25 games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: On his way out?

As per Football Insider, the Gers are considering terminating McPake’s agreement and giving him a ‘sizeable’ pay-off, despite still having 18 months left on his current deal at Ibrox.

They tried to offload him in January, but found no concrete interest in him, even though scouts watched him in action against Ayr last Friday.

McPake has had ‘discipline issues’ at Queen’s Park, and his form has been up and down, so it is no surprise to see Michael Beale’s side want to get rid.

The Verdict: Time to go

McPake is clearly having a hard time out on loan, and at 21 years of age, it is time for the Light Blues to cut their losses.

The Scotsman has only ever made one senior appearance for the club, and needs to find a new home which he can settle down in and play regular football.

He has been getting that at Queen’s Park, but his attitude problems suggest that he needs to be looking elsewhere.

Nonetheless, terminating McPake’s contract would be best for all parties, as he clearly does not have a future at the Teddy Bears.

The Sun reporter Nick Emms has been reacting to an update involving Leeds United and Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola.

The Lowdown: Orta in Spain

The reliable Phil Hay was one of the first to say that the Whites have placed Iraola on their managerial radar, with Fabrizio Romano then claiming the Spaniard is the ‘favourite candidate’ to replace Jesse Marsch after Carlos Corberan signed a new deal with West Brom.

Reports have suggested that sporting director Victor Orta is in Spain to hold talks with the La Liga side over a potential move for their manager, something that has left Emms excited.

The Latest: Emms reacts

Taking to Twitter, Emms, a sports reporter for The Sun, reacted to the news of Orta being in Spain.

He said that Iraola ‘would be a fantastic long-term option’ at Elland Road, adding that the 40-year-old ‘could be a really exciting option for Leeds’.

The Verdict: Smart candidate?

Iraola likes to play a 4-2-3-1 system and builds his sides around high-pressing and energetic football, something that the Whites faithful enjoyed under Marcelo Bielsa.

He is on course for a career-best league finish in Spain, with Vallecano currently in fifth place in La Liga after 20 fixtures.

Iraola’s side have even managed to draw with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this season while also inflicting a 3-2 defeat on Real Madrid, so in regards to the long-term project at Elland Road, this looks a shrewd appointment as he appears to be going from strength to strength in the dugout.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter is desperate for new signing Andrey Santos to be granted a work permit and play football, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Santos complete Chelsea move

Last month, the Premier League giants completed the signing of the 18-year-old from Vasco da Gama, as Potter added youth to a midfield that has arguably looked ageing this season.

Santos is still awaiting his first appearance for Chelsea, however, with a work permit not yet being granted that would allow him to make his debut.

As a critical point in the Blues’ season arrives, both domestically and in the Champions League, the hope is that the situation changes as soon as possible.

The Latest: Potter wants playing time

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips said Chelsea are desperate for the work permit to be handed to Santos, seeing him as a key player from the off:

“Cobham sources have been saying this week that Chelsea planned for him this season.

“They want him in the team. They want him, at least, in the squad this season.”

The Verdict: Could be key in Blues’ season

While Santos may only be 18, it says a lot about his ability that Chelsea are already so keen to see him featuring in matches, having scored five goals in nine caps for Brazil’s Under-20s.

The midfielder is someone who could inject extra life into a tired-looking area of the pitch, with Juninho describing him as a ‘beast’ of a player who is also on a ‘high level’ technically.

The South American ace also attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Barcelona before Chelsea won the race for his signature – backing his huge potential and obvious talent.

Once a man in demand, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly secured the wonderkid, with the only frustration being his delayed arrival to compete.

Santos is clearly still inexperienced, so it would be unfair to expect too much from minute one, but if the work permit comes his way, he could be a difference-maker in Chelsea’s top-four pursuit.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could return to manage Juventus, with the Italian club eyeing him to replace Massimiliano Allegri, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Conte’s future in doubt

There has been uncertainty surrounding Conte’s future for a while now, with the Spurs boss admitting last month that there is a possibility he may leave the club, after contract talks broke down.

The Italian’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign, and he is now being tipped for a potential return to Italy, which would also mean living far closer to his family.

The Latest: Juventus eyeing Conte

According to a report from CalcioMercato, former club Juventus are eyeing the 53-year-old as a potential replacement for Allegri, should they part ways with their current manager.

While it is pointed out that the Serie A side are yet to contact anyone, it is detailed that the Tottenham manager is their first choice, after making it clear he wants to return to Italy.

The Verdict: Let him go?

The Lecce-born tactician did a fine job to turn around Spurs’ fortunes in the 2021/22 campaign, achieving a top-four finish after his side won four of their last five Premier League games, but Spurs have failed to build on that this season.

Given that they are just two points behind Newcastle United, there is a very good chance the Lilywhites could secure Champions League football again, but the recent 4-1 loss against Leicester City will be very concerning. It also highlights just how inconsistent they have been, after beating Manchester City 1-0 the previous weekend.

All things considered, if Conte does not wish to extend his stay then there is no point keeping him beyond the end of the season, and Tottenham could already have identified a suitable replacement, with Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi recently being linked.

West Ham chiefs are on alert as former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino becomes ‘keen’ to replace the under-fire David Moyes.

The Lowdown: Moyes in firing line…

The Scotsman has been in the firing line this past few days following a 2-0 London derby defeat at the hands of Tottenham, putting pressure on his position at the Hammers helm.

Reports have even suggested that Moyes could be sacked if West Ham lose their crunch clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

There’s also been claims of free agent managers being ready to seize the job if Moyes is dismissed, most notably former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

The Latest: Pochettino eyeing West Ham job…

According to Football Insider, it is believed a big name in Pochettino would be ‘keen’ on taking the West Ham hot seat if the club decide to part company with Moyes.

The Argentine has been out-of-work since leaving Paris-Saint Germain and has even been linked with Real Madrid.

FI add that the West Ham board have been ‘aware’ of his potential availability.

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The Verdict: Shock

Pochettino has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu and just across London to either Chelsea or Tottenham, so if he were to join relegation threatened West Ham, it would be a major shock.

Of course, however unlikely, the 50-year-old would be a stellar replacement for Moyes and especially as a free agent, thus requiring no compensation fees.

Winning trophies abroad with PSG, Pochettino also arguably over-performed with Spurs during his tenure – even guiding them to a Champions League final in 2019 despite serious lack of backing.

Called a ‘top’ and ‘excellent’ manager by decorated boss Pep Guardiola, the ex-Southampton gaffer comes with plenty of credentials, yet this is a move we believe this move could be a bit out of West Ham’s reach right now.

Alex Crook believes that Manchester United could finally hand Erik ten Hag the midfielder he craves in Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Man United will look to improve

United were very interested and keen to sign De Jong last summer as Ten Hag tried to bolster his midfield options but instead, they decided to recruit Casemiro and many may believe they actually got a better deal with the Brazilian given his performances.

However, Man United are still being linked with De Jong despite his persistence against joining the Red Devils last summer as Ten Hag looks to build upon what has been a very solid season of progress and rebuild.

The Red Devils will have been buoyed recently by the news that Barcelona are set to be hit with a transfer ban this summer, which could indeed force them into a sort of fire sale, including De Jong.

The Latest: De Jong could move to Old Trafford

Crook has admitted on TalkSPORT that despite their failed attempts to land De Jong last summer, Ten Hag may finally be reunited with the former Ajax player this upcoming transfer window.

He said: (0:30) “Of course, De Jong got a bit of a taste of the feel-good factor that’s certainly reverberating around Old Trafford when Barcelona were dumped out of the Europa League at United last week.

“I think this is one that could happen and I think Manchester United fans should be excited, Casemiro alongside De Jong in midfield that is top quality.”

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The Verdict: Ten Hag could assemble monster midfield

It will be mouthwatering for Man United fans to imagine a midfield duo of Casemiro and De Jong, players who’ve played at the very top level of the game and the latter has been hailed as the ‘best player on the ball’ after his El Classico display on Thursday night.

De Jong may well have got a taste for moving to Old Trafford after experiencing the atmosphere last week during Barcelona’s Europa League defeat, however, given that the Catalonian giants are thriving in the league, it will be a tough choice for him to make.

If Ten Hag was to be handed De Jong this summer as well as a proven goalscorer then there would be no reason why the Red Devils couldn’t become serious title contenders next season based on their form as of late.

Journalist Charles Watts has indicated that Gabriel Jesus could be set to return to full training soon, in what would be a massive boost to Arsenal.

What’s the latest on Gabriel Jesus?

The Brazilian has been absent since picking up a long-term injury during the World Cup, but Arsenal have kept their spot at the top of the Premier League with Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard deputising for the striker.

He has been in light training but could be set for a return to full training with the squad soon, as Watts pointed out a detail following Arsenal’s dramatic victory over Bournemouth at the Emirates.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts pointed out that Jesus took part in a squad warm-down following the game, including intense five-a-side drills with the ball, indicating that he could be set to return to action.

“Gabriel Jesus was there and was taking part which is a great sign. if you see after the game, he’s on the touchline celebrating with all the players as they came off and he’s in his training gear,” he stated.

“Even Elneny, but he’s obviously in his usual clothes, but Jesus was in his training gear and he went out and he took part in that training session with the substitutes that played in the match. It was quite intensive and he was part of it.

“I think that’s a really big step in terms of his recovery, to see him doing that and twisting and turning, taking part in the match. There weren’t huge goals going in or anything like that, but it’s still a really big indication that he’s fit, and must be very, very close now to coming back and joining in full training.”

How important is Jesus to Arsenal?

The £45m summer signing from Manchester City settled in instantly at the Emirates, scoring twice on his home debut, and quickly impressed with his work rate and technique as he led the line.

Arsenal lost just one league game with him in the side, and despite going on a goalless run pre-injury, his role in the team helped the likes of Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli hit their own scoring form.

Xhaka is yet to score this season without Jesus in the side, and his eventual return will provide a massive boost as Mikel Arteta’s side aim to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.