Tottenham Face Ndombele Repeat On £26m-rated Gem

With the summer transfer window now well underway, Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to hand new boss Ange Postecoglou the tools to spark something of a revival at N17, amid the need for quality additions over the coming months.

According to recent reports in France, one man who is believed to be on the north Londoners' 'shortlist' is Lyon midfielder, Maxence Caqueret, with German giants Borussia Dortmund also keeping tabs on the promising Frenchman.

The 23-year-old – who is said to be valued at around £26m, according to CIES Football Observatory – has racked up 130 appearances for his current side since rising up through the youth ranks, notably contributing four goals and seven assists in 40 games across all fronts last season from his deep-lying berth.

Undoubtedly a player of "pure quality and intelligence" – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – it is no surprise just why the 5 foot 9 gem has warranted such interest of late, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to shake up his midfield ranks this summer, amid reports that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be on his way.

For all Caqueret's quality, however, Spurs may well be cautious with regard to splashing out on another exciting midfield star from Lyon, having previously been burned by the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from the French outfit.

Has Tanguy Ndombele been a good signing for Spurs?

While there have been reports that Postecoglou could be open to giving Ndombele another chance to impress this summer, the mercurial Frenchman has perhaps had enough opportunities over the past few years, having been signed on a club-record £63m deal back in 2019.

tanguy-ndombele-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-hojbjerg-pochettino

The 5 foot 11 enigma – who has spent time on loan back at Lyon and at Napoli over the last 18 months or so – has scored just ten goals and contributed only nine assists in 91 games in all competitions over the last four years for Spurs, having failed to truly make his mark in the centre of the park.

Branded a "disgrace" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher due to his lack of work ethic, the one-time Amiens man also came under fire from former boss Jose Mourinho due to his Tottenham woes, with the Portuguese stating in 2021 that "Tanguy is the kind of guy that you always expect more from."

With it clear to see that the £200k-per-week asset has not lived up to his rather hefty, initial price tag, it would be fair to suggest that the signing of Ndombele has proven a notable error for Daniel Levy and co, hence the possible concern over snapping up another Lyon midfield man in the form of Caqueret.

Tottenham "Interested" In "Hungry" £50m Premier League Gem

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be plotting a move for Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher, with the Englishman currently facing an uncertain future in west London.

What's the latest on Gallagher to Tottenham?

According to journalist Lee Wilmot, the Lilywhites are said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old this summer as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his midfield options, with a departure from the Blues seemingly in the offing for the former Crystal Palace loanee.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Understand Tottenham are interested in signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea this summer. The 23-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge, with Spurs a potential destination."

In his attached piece for football.london, Wilmot goes on to add that the six-cap maestro – who is reportedly valued at around £50m – has been linked with a move to Newcastle United of late, albeit with the Magpies now said to be looking at 'other options', potentially opening the door for the north Londoners to pounce.

Would Gallagher be a good signing for Tottenham?

Having shone during his loan stint at Selhurst Park in the previous campaign – where he bagged eight goals and three assists in 34 Premier League games – it is fair to say that Gallagher was not able to hit those heights again as part of a struggling Chelsea side last term, having contributed just three goals and one assist in 35 league outings.

That being said, however, the £50k-per-week menace remains a "hungry" and "high energy" talent – as described by pundit Ally McCoist – that could well breathe new life into Tottenham's midfield, with the current starting pair of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp having been criticised by talkSPORT's Perry Groves earlier this year, as they seemingly "don't do anything".

Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham

The addition of the Blues ace may also prove to be something of a masterstroke for Postecoglou due to his apparent likeness to compatriot and new Real Madrid man, Jude Bellingham, having compared favourably to his international colleague, according to FBref.

That similarity between the two midfielders is notably showcased by their all-action style, with Gallagher having been described as a "box-to-box" player by writer Zach Lowy – while Bellingham – who only recently sealed an £88.5m switch to the Bernabeu – has been described as a player that can "do everything" by Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville.

That ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch is shown by the fact that the two youngsters can put in the hard yards defensively, with the latter man ranking in the top 7% for blocks made among his European peers, while Gallagher ranks in the top 4% in that regard.

Equally, the pair also have a real desire to get involved in the action in the final third despite typically operating in a central midfield berth, shown by the fact that the Chelsea man ranks in the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area, while Bellingham ranks in the top 2% for that same metric.

To share such statistical and stylistic similarities to the 19-year-old superstar is a sign of Gallagher's exciting potential, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace undoubtedly a player that any manager would wish to have in their side despite his relative youth, having been tipped to become the "best midfielder in the world" by Manchester City's, Phil Foden.

While the current Tottenham target may not be at that same level as his fellow Englishman, it would be a dream for Postecoglou to have his own version of Bellingham on the books at N17.

Chelsea Eyeing Move For "Perfect" Maestro This Summer

Todd Boehly will be aiming to back new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in the transfer market as the Blues look ahead to the future under a boss who has plenty of Premier League experience.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are on course for their worst season since 1993/94, and with no European football next term, Pochettino will be able to focus purely on domestic affairs, which could well be a blessing in disguise.

The Argentinian will be hoping to sign players who further strengthen his first-team squad, and according to journalist Martin Arevalo, the Blues are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Leandro Paredes this summer – although Atletico Madrid are also keen and could provide stiff competition.

Chelsea have also established contact with the Argentinian’s representatives, and it looks as though Pochettino is already getting a head start on his transfer business.

Could Chelsea sign Leandro Paredes this summer?

The midfielder has a contract with PSG until 2024 and this means Chelsea could perhaps sign him this summer for a knockdown fee.

He hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons out on loan at Juventus, starting just eight games for the club in Serie A and ranking as just the 14th-best player in the squad, while ranking 6th for key passes per game and 17th for tackles made. However, this shouldn’t deter Pochettino from making a move for the player that he used to coach at the French side.

Indeed, he is statistically similar to German midfield maestro Toni Kroos, according to FBref, with the Real Madrid star considered to be the second-most comparable player to Paredes, and considering how incredible Kroos has been over the previous decade – winning a glut of major honours including five Champions League crowns – it isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Despite his underwhelming season, Paredes ranks in the top 10% of players in his position across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for passes attempted (70.61 per 90), pass completion rate (88.2% per 90) and touches (79.19 per 90), indicating he is one of the finest players on the continent for his passing ability – and he is clearly comfortable on the ball.

Leandro Paredes

Kroos is also a wonderful passer of the ball, and he ranks in the top 1% for passes attempted (100.06 per 90) and touches (106.32 per 90), along with ranking in the top 3% for pass completion rate (91.1% per 90), With the duo's statistics fairly similar, Pochettino will know that if he makes a move for the 28-year-old, he could dictate play from the midfield with ease.

The 5 foot 11 gem has been lauded as being “perfect” by former PSG player Fabrice Pancrate, and there is no reason he could not enjoy a new lease of life in England under his former manager.

Mikel Arteta Told To Fix Back Four In Next Arsenal Match

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Mikel Arteta shouldn't start with the same back four this weekend as he did last time out in the Premier League with Arsenal.

How will Arsenal line up against Wolves?

It's the final match of the season for Gunners as they host Wolves at the Emirates knowing they will finish second in the division whatever the final score.

Their fate was sealed last weekend when they played away at Nottingham Forest, losing 1-0 and thus allowing Manchester City to win the division.

In that game, Arteta opted for an unusual line-up as he played Jakub Kiwior at left-back and Thomas Partey at right-back and moved Ben White into the middle of defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes – an entirely new back four for Arsenal.

After that plan failed, Watts has warned that it would not go down well with the home fans if the Spaniard was to try and persist with his defensive experiment against Wolves.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist explained (12:24): "I'm definitely not expecting us to see the same back four that we saw at Nottingham Forest.

"I'd be really surprised if Mikel Arteta tries that again, especially at home where I don't think it would go down very well indeed.

"So I'm expecting Kieran Tierney to come back in at left-back. And I think Ben White will go back to right-back. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't."

What's the latest Arsenal injury news?

With William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu both out injured, as well as Oleksandr Zinchenko, it's not hard to see why Arteta tried to mix things up recently.

But he should have Tierney available to come in as a more natural left-back against Wolves, which can then allow Kiwior to move centrally and White to go at right-back – which is how the team finished during their last Premier League win away at Newcastle.

With that in mind, it makes more sense to revert to that, though he could also bring in Rob Holding at centre-back potentially ahead of Kiwior – as it might be his last game at the Emirates amid some exit rumours.

Arsenal'sRobHoldingreacts

However, there are issues further up the field to contend with too.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said (via football.london): "We had some issues this week. In the last few weeks some players were unable to play.

"With Reiss (Nelson), we had a little with Bukayo (Saka) which has been going for a few weeks and with Leo (Leandro Trossard)."

So it sounds like he may be forced to get creative with some tactical decisions but has the opportunity to at least play a more traditional back four this time around.

Simon Jordan Issues Moshiri Warning At Everton

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has been urged to step away from footballing decisions at Goodison Park by talkSPORT's Simon Jordan.

Will Everton avoid the drop?

It has been yet another season which Everton will want to forget in a hurry over the summer with their Premier League status under serious threat.

This comes on the back of last season which offered up a similar story as Frank Lampard's men narrowly avoided the drop in the end.

However, it is apparent the Toffees have not learnt from their lessons last year with just three games remaining to save their top-flight status.

The victory over Brighton & Hove Albion has not only taken them out of the drop zone, but it has also allowed them to open up a two-point cushion on 18th place.

But their fortunes could all change by the end of the weekend with their cushion on the relegation spots so small.

Ahead of the new season, talkSPORT's Jordan has issued Moshiri with a warning to stand down from making footballing decisions on the back of their recent failures:

(0:40) "And the third thing is get Moshiri as far away from the football side of things as possible."

"£500m/£750m on players to achieve a side that's in absolute freefall, financial meltdown, sitting at the bottom of the table two seasons in a row for the football club, the size of Everton, with its neighbours across the road, constantly doing better and sneering at them. I think I'd say to myself, maybe, maybe it's better for me to take a back seat and put some people in place that are capable.

"Maybe I'd look at changing up the board with no disrespect to Denise [Barrett-Baxendale] and Bill [Kenwright] and look at the calibre of people that I've got there and where they are in the great scheme of things. And try and get this club back on the right track."

Can Everton return to their old self?

The reality is, Everton absolutely have to avoid relegation this season given the financial implications which could affect the club over the coming years if they were to go down.

Currently, the Toffees are funding the construction of their new state-of-the-art stadium which will could do without the revenue stream which Championship football would bring.

But perhaps just as importantly, they are currently under financial scrutiny for their losses over the last few years which will hinder their ability to spend in the summer.

Premier League, Manchester United, Manchester United news, Manchester United transfers, Manchester United transfer news, Amadou Onana, Everton

If Everton are able to avoid the drop over the coming weeks, it will be intriguing to see whether Moshiri does look to make significant changes behind the scenes.

Although Everton fans will never accept their side being a relegation-battling side, a one-off season probably could have been accepted had this season offered up more.

However, it has almost been a carbon copy which is a serious indication that change is perhaps needed off the field if Everton are to return to playing top-half football.

This new stadium currently under construction will host more home fans but Moshiri will surely recognise he may struggle to maximise the stadium's profitability if the action on the pitch is not to improve.

رومان سايس ينتقد موعد مباراة المغرب والكونغو الديمقراطية في كأس أمم إفريقيا

تحدث رومان سايس لاعب منتخب المغرب الأول لكرة القدم، عن مباراة الكونغو الديمقراطية التي أقيمت اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

وفرض التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق كلمته على مباراة المغرب والكونغو في ثاني جولات دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا بكوت ديفوار.

فيديو | منتخب المغرب يتعادل مع الكونغو الديمقراطية بشق الأنفس في كأس أمم إفريقيا

وقال سايس في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “بي إن سبورتس” عقب المباراة: “أنا لا أفهم كيف يتم لعب مباراة في هذا التوقيت”.

وأضاف: “أعرف أن هناك حقوق بث تلفزيوني، لكن لا بد أن يتم الاهتمام بصحة اللاعبين، لا بد أن نوجه الشكر لكل المنتخبات التي تلعب في هذا الطقس”.

وأردف: “سجلنا الهدف الأول، ثم لم نكن جيدين في كثير من الأوقات والخصم استغل ذلك وتعادلوا وكانوا أفضل منا، وهذا جيد أن نعي هذا الأمر”.

وأتم: “لدينا مباراة هامة في ملف الصعود، هذه كرة القدم توجد بها صعوبات، ومباراة اليوم كانت معقدة، ولكننا حصدنا نقطة”.

ترتيب مجموعة المغرب في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 بعد التعادل مع الكونغو الديمقراطية

الجدير بالذكر، أن منتخب المغرب لا يزال يحتل صدارة المجموعة السادسة برصيد 4 نقاط، لحين انتهاء منافسات الجولة في المجموعة السادسة، بمباراة زامبيا أمام تنزانيا.

Newcastle Must Sign £66m "Danger" To Partner Isak

Newcastle United's season has been unprecedented, as somehow Eddie Howe managed to carry their blistering form from the second half of last campaign and turn it into a genuine push for Champions League places.

Such has been their impressive work, amidst the disappointment of that EFL Cup final loss, the Magpies are now firmly in the driving seat to remain in that coveted third-placed spot which has been hotly-contested.

Should they achieve this unthinkable accomplishment, fast-tracking the development of a club still buoyed by their new ownership, it will likely widen their opportunities for player acquisition too. Previously, money was no object, but now with the promise of European football assured, suddenly Tyneside once again becomes an attractive proposition for Europe's top talent.

That would therefore explain the shift in focus to this summer, which promises to be an enthralling transfer window for a team that has already bolstered with intelligence.

The likes of Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes were immediate hits at St James' Park, but Alexander Isak has had to bide his time before truly showcasing his talents. His return to fitness has proved vital, and now the hulking forward cannot stop scoring.

That makes the links to Moussa Diaby all the more frightening, as adding another top-quality asset to this ever-improving outfit could not only push the team even further forward, but offer a fine creative presence to provide for the Swedish international.

Could Newcastle sign Moussa Diaby?

Having been noted among the favourites to acquire the Frenchman earlier in the week, this new development almost encourages them to act with haste among the growing list of suitors. They will likely still have to overcome the reported €75m (£66m) price tag that was touted in January too.

The interest this tricky wide man has drummed up hardly comes as a surprise given the consistency of the 23-year-old, who continues to thrive for Bayer Leverkusen.

Explosive with his turn of pace and possessing lightning-quick feet, these intangible qualities gave way to what has also been a fine goalscoring season for the former Paris Saint-Germain star. He boasts nine goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga, seeking to surpass his 13-goal and 12-assist tally from the season prior.

Such consistency across various campaigns only adds to the intrigue of this potential move, which Isak would likely endorse given the space and added chances someone like Diaby would command.

With five goals in his last five games, the club-record acquisition has thrived even when surrounded by the likes of Jacob Murphy and Sean Longstaff. Although both have impressed this season, to instead replace them with the talent being mentioned could see the 6 foot 4 finisher explode on Tyneside.

Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrating in action.

After all, his potential new teammate does average 1.9 key passes per game alongside the 46% dribble success rate that likely spurred journalist Julien Froment to laud him as someone who "creates gaps and danger as soon as he touches the ball," back during his time in the French capital.

With the future on Tyneside brighter than ever, and a calibre of players like Diaby potentially on the horizon too, Isak must be licking his lips at the prospect of this future superteam he will spearhead.

محمد إبراهيم: سنقدم مباراة تليق بسيراميكا أمام الأهلي.. والفوارق في الملعب واحدة

تحدث محمد إبراهيم قائد فريق الكرة الأول بنادي سيراميكا كليوباترا، عن مباراة الأهلي في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

وتقام النسخة المقبلة من بطولة السوبر المصري، بوجود أربعة فرق لأول مرة في التاريخ، وذلك على ملعب محمد بن زايد في الإمارات.

محمد الشناوي: أغلقنا صفحة كأس العالم للأندية.. ومواجهة سيراميكا صعبة

ومن المقرر أن يواجه فريق سيراميكا، نظيره الأهلي العائد منتشيًا بانتصار وحصد الميدالية البرونزية في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، مساء غدًا الإثنين.

وقال محمد إبراهيم في المؤتمر الصحفي الذي يسبق اللقاء: “لاعبو سيراميكا يصبون كامل تركيزهم على تقديم شيء يليق باسمهم”.

وأضاف: “لا بد أن نصل لنقطة بعيدة وهذا لن يأتي من فراغ أمام فريق كبير، يجب أن نركز ونجتهد”.

وأردف: “المباراة بالنسبة لنا 90 دقيقة نركز في تقديم أداء جيد، نعرف أن الأهلي تاريخ كبير، لكن في الملعب الفوارق تكون واحدة”.

وأتم إبراهيم: “من يجتهد أكثر يتفوق، النتيجة من عند الله لكن لا بد أن نجتهد ومن سيركز الفوز سيكون حليفه”.

ويشارك فريق سيراميكا بصفته بطلًا لكأس رابطة الأندية المصرية النسخة الماضية، وذلك بفوز على المصري برباعية.

Levy Manager Target "A Really Big Fan" Of Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur's reported managerial target, Julian Nagelsmann, is believed to have grown a fondness for the north London club from the Mauricio Pochettino days.

Do Spurs want to bring in Nagelsmann?

Having now parted ways with Antonio Conte, Spurs could well be keen to bring in a new manager before the end of the season despite the club claiming Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason were to see out the campaign.

And one name which has certainly emerged as a potential option over recent days is that of Nagelsmann after he was released by Bayern Munich.

Spurs are believed to have eyed the young German manager as a potential option in the past but it seems as if Real Madrid could also be an option for him in the summer.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, Alasdair Gold has claimed the 35-year-old had grown a liking for the club during the Pochettino era in north London:

(1:02:10) "I do think there would be an interest there from Nagelsmann. He forged a really strong connection with Spurs, like a real affinity for them during Poch's tenure especially. He saw I think a kindred spirit Poch, became a really big fan of Spurs' style of play and kept a very close eye on Spurs.

"And likewise Spurs kept an eye on him because obviously, his idea was to play attacking football with a real high pressing line, which is very similar to Poch as well."

(1:03:10) And I know Spurs have very much had him high on their list twice. 2019 when Poch went, he was a very strong candidate, but they turned to [Jose] Mourinho.

"And then when Mourinho left, they also really strongly looked at him again, but he was pretty much all tied up with Bayern."

Would Nagelsmann want to join Spurs?

The German is said to be shocked by the sudden exit from his position Bayern so it will be interesting to see whether he would be keen to make an immediate return to football.

However, if Spurs are seriously interested in the 35-year-old, then they may have to start putting in the relevant steps to try and get the wheels turning on this one.

As reports have suggested potential interest coming from Madrid in the summer, it could leave Spurs with a monumental challenge in the summer.

Julian Nagelsmann watches on as Bayern Munich face Mainz in the Bundesliga.

What would be interesting to see is whether Nagelsmann would be keen on making an instant return to football with only 10 games remaining in a league he hasn't managed before.

Having failed with their two short-term managerial options in Conte and Jose Mourinho, it does feel as if Spurs' next move has to be to return to a project manager.

And in this sense, it could be something which may appeal to Nagelsmann who could be offered reassurance by Daniel Levy that he would be offered time to put his stamp on the side.

It has felt like a season to forget in north London, yet Spurs still have Champions League football to play for with 10 games remaining.

Whether the combination of Stellini and Mason will be able to see that over the line or not remains to be seen but a huge summer lies ahead for Spurs.

And if Spurs are to keep Harry Kane at the club for next season, they are likely going to have to convince him with an exciting hire like Nagelsmann.

Lee Ryder reveals no goalkeeper decision made at Newcastle

Lee Ryder has revealed there’s nothing between Mark Gillespie and Loris Karius ahead of Newcastle United’s upcoming cup final.

The Lowdown: Unimaginable circumstances at Newcastle

Less than a week ago, Nick Pope and Newcastle United were looking ahead to a cup final and the Magpies’ first appearance at the redeveloped Wembley Stadium in such a match, but the goalkeeper’s moment of madness last weekend has thrown preparations up in the air, with his red card meaning he watching from the stands.

With Pope suspended for the final, Martin Dubrvaka cup-tied and Karl Darlow out on loan at Hull City, it’s between Karius and Gillespie as to who starts on Sunday.

Karius has the experience of finals and playing in the Premier League, but has never played a competitive game for Newcastle, whereas Gillespie has three appearances under his belt for the Magpies but has not previously played higher than the SPFL or League One.

The Latest: Nothing to split Karius and Gillespie

After speaking to the players and Eddie Howe on Tuesday, Ryder admitted on his Facebook page that there is nothing to separate the two ‘keepers with the final creeping ever closer.

He said: “If it was definitely going to be Loris Karius, I think he would’ve put him up in the press conference.

“I think it’s a bit disrespectful to just say it will be, because from what I’m told, there is not much to pick from the two goalkeepers.”

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The Verdict: Karius is the sensible choice

While there may not be a lot between the two ‘keepers, the fact that Karius has played in the Champions League, Premier League and German Bundesliga would suggest he’s the more accomplished player to start on a big occasion.

However, he does have that Champions League final nightmare display on his CV, which may well be playing on his mind if he walks out as Newcastle’s No 1 at Wembley, so a boyhood fan in the form of Gillespie could be a safer bet if he can handle any big-game nerves.

Gillespie would know what it means to be playing at the national stadium for the club given he grew up supporting, but we feel Howe must make a decision based upon ability alone and nothing emotional should be attached.

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