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Tottenham Hotspur ‘wanted’ to pay the €5million (£4.3million) required to take Julen Lopetegui from La Liga outfit Sevilla, according to Marca.

The lowdown

Spurs have been without a permanent manager since sacking Jose Mourinho nearly two months ago.

Their search looks set to finally conclude this week, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Paulo Fonseca’s appointment will be finalised by Wednesday.

The North London outfit also held unsuccessful talks with former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte.

Lopetegui has been in charge at Sevilla since June 2019, having previously had spells with the Spanish national team and Real Madrid.

In 2020, he led the club to the Europa League title with victories against the likes of Wolves, Manchester United and Inter along the way.

They will compete in the Champions League for the second consecutive season in 2021/22 after picking up 77 points and a fourth-place finish.

The latest

Spurs were keen to pay the 54-year-old’s release clause, only to be told that he intended to stay at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Club sources have emphasised his commitment to the project.

Tottenham were the ‘most insistent’ of the clubs to have expressed an interest.

The verdict

It really does look as if Spurs have missed out on their top two targets for the manager’s role, and that Fonseca was a little way down their list.

Lopetegui and particularly Conte would have been exciting appointments given their impressive achievements at Sevilla and Inter respectively.

Fonseca is a somewhat underwhelming alternative when comparing pedigree at top clubs, and this managerial search has underlined the reality that the Spurs job isn’t a particularly attractive proposition at this point, with Harry Kane’s future shrouded in uncertainty.

Lilywhites fans will be hoping all these near misses turn out to be blessings in disguise and Fonseca can lead the club into a new era.

In other news, this Serie A outfit could be about to launch a move for a Spurs midfielder. 

Thomas Tuchel started his managerial career at Mainz and now finds himself at Chelsea and is set to feature in his second successive Champions League final and his talent on the sidelines was always obvious, according to former Southampton executive vice-chairman Les Reed.

Since Saints returned to the Premier League in 2012 they have had seven managers, including Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman who both went on to leave the Saints for other Premier League clubs.

Tuchel’s rise to the top of European football began when he was appointed as the man to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund and after winning the DFB Pokal he parted ways with the Bundesliga outfit and that saw him replace Unai Emery at PSG the following year.

In 2014, Southampton appointed Koeman to succeed Pochettino but Tuchel was certainly on the club’s radar and enquiries were even made to his agent, something Reed told The Transfer Tavern exclusively:

“Thomas Tuchel was an interesting one, in that we were interested in him when he was at Mainz and he did a good job there in terms of getting success from limited resources, and bringing young players through which was something that was important for us.

“The opportunity may have come in 2014 when we appointed Ronald Koeman, and I did make enquiries as I spoke to his agent, and we had quite an interesting conversation as he didn’t feel that Southampton were a big enough club for Thomas Tuchel. However, he also claimed that Tuchel had one eye on the Dortmund situation surrounding Klopp.”

While Tuchel is still yet to win his first piece of silverware at Stamford Bridge he did secure a top-four Premier League finish on Sunday, and has the chance to beat Pep Guardiola for the third time this season when the two sides face each other in Porto this weekend.

For Southampton, it was an ultimately poor season as their early season form flattered to deceive as they finished in the bottom half of the table and just three places off the relegation zone.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has dropped a big claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United after some latest insight was shared from the parties involved.

The Lowdown: Latest takeover insight

As per Football Insider, a source has shared that all parties involved in the deal are still fully committed and that there is growing hope that it will be concluded by the end of July following their arbitration case against the Premier League.

The North East club are privately confident that the top flight will approve the bid after the hearing takes place, suggesting that they believe that the results will go in their favour.

The Latest: Maguire on takeover

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to the news from their source, Maguire, who is an expert in the field of football finance, has claimed that if the Tyneside club do get the green light in terms of the takeover, then the deal could well be pushed through straight away, and believes that that is what the Magpies would want to do:

“As soon as they get the green light, there’s no reason the deal can’t go through straight away.

“A bit like the Ancelotti [to Real Madrid] deal, where there’s a will, there’s a way. You can get these things through very quickly because the accountants and the lawyers will simply work 24/7.

“Does PIF have to raise the cash? No, they’ve got the cash. It’s as simple as transferring it from one person’s account to another.

“Would they want that to be as soon as possible? Yes, because every day you delay is a day when you’re not able to go into the transfer market.

“Get it done and you can immediately start to utilise some of that big budget for next season.”

The Verdict: Newcastle will want takeover done as soon as possible

Given that the new season would be fast approaching by the end of July, and that Steve Bruce’s team would already be deep into the summer transfer window, there is no doubt that the Toon would want the takeover to be completed as soon as possible if given the go ahead.

NUFC will want to know what kind of calibre of player that they would be able to go for, and also how much money they would be able to spend, as their transfer kitty would increase dramatically if the money came through from the takeover.

However, this all depends on the results of the arbitration case of course, which is not guaranteed to go in the way of Newcastle, despite the reported confidence from the parties involved.

Nonetheless, the Magpies will ideally not want any uncertainty with regards to the takeover going into the new campaign, in order for them to be as best prepared as possible.

In other news, find out what big claim Liam Kennedy has dropped on the potential takeover involving Rafa Benitez here!

Kieran Maguire has dropped a big claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United after a development involving the Premier League emerged.

The Lowdown: Ashley files against Premier League

Mike Ashley has filed a lawsuit against the top flight as he believes they have breached competition laws. The chief executive of Sports Direct alleges that, in the blocking of the proposed deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, the division broke free-market regulations.

He is seeking damages for loss of profit and ultimately wants the Premier League to reverse its decision with regards to the failed takeover bid.

The Latest: Maguire reacts

Maguire, who is an expert in football finance, has since given his reaction to Football Insider on the actions taken by Ashley on the Premier League:

He said: “This is a proxy war for the takeover, without a doubt.

“Remember, the biggest beneficiary from this will probably be Mike Ashley. He is the person trying to sell the club.

“He does feel, rightly or wrongly, that there are other clubs who fear that a wealthily-backed Newcastle could turn the big six into the big seven.

“That’s why he thinks they are opposed to the takeover.”

The Verdict: ‘Big Six’ fearful

As Maguire suggests, there could be some clubs in the Premier League who are opposed to the takeover as they fear that the ‘Big Six’ could become the ‘Big Seven’.

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These clubs could include the ‘Big Six’ themselves, as they have been so used to having success in the top flight and do not want that to be taken away from them by a new challenger.

Nonetheless, the pending arbitration case could go a long way into determining whether the takeover will come to fruition, but there does seem to be some strong opposition towards it.

In other news, some NUFC fans slammed this man’s performance against Man City.

Leicester have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Atalanta full-back Robin Gosens after reports revealed La Liga giants Barcelona have entered the race for his signature.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barca are looking at the Germany international as they step up their search for a new left-back.

The report claims that the transfer of Gosens to Leicester was taken for granted but that the 26-year-old has not signed anything with the Foxes, leaving the door open for Ronald Koeman’s charges to pounce.

Fans will be gutted

It was previously reported by Calciomercato that contracts had been drawn up between the Midlands outfit and the defenders’ representatives, implying a move to the King Power Stadium had all but been secured.

With James Justin expected to remain on the treatment table for several months following a serious knee injury, and the experienced Christian Fuchs departing over the summer, Brendan Rodgers is targeting a new left-sided defender to bolster his ranks.

After scoring an outstanding 22 goals and providing a further 16 assists in all competitions over the previous two campaigns, Gosen has attracted the attention of some of the continent’s top clubs, and it seemed as though Leicester had won the race for his signature.

However, the circumstances appear to be rather different in the present day. With Jordi Alba entering the twilight years of his illustrious career and Junior Firpo linked with a move away from the Camp Nou, the Catalan club are also on the search for a solution to their left-back conundrum.

Gosens has played a pivotal part in Atalanta’s incredible success in recent seasons, helping Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to three consecutive third-place finishes in Serie A, as well as a run to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2019/20.

The £31.5m-rated (as per Transfermarkt) beast has just 12 months left to run on his current contract and would, therefore, be available at a reduced price over the coming months, making him the ideal target for Leicester.

But Barca’s ambitions to take the powerful German to Spanish football may ruin those plans and leave Leicester’s supporters gutted.

And, in other news…Leicester City eye move for “magnificent” 22-goal gem, fans will surely be buzzing 

According to an update by journalist Nicolo Schira, Tottenham Hotspur are still in the race to sign Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic alongside the likes of AC Milan and AS Roma – coming after a report last week lifted the lid on recent Tottenham talks with the striker’s agent.

Indeed, Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) recently explained how Spurs had joined the competitive race for Vlahovic alongside the likes of Milan, AS Roma, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Atlético Madrid and north London rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham still in Vlahovic race

The outlet also stated that Spurs have held recent talks with the Serbian’s agent, with Levy having apparently ‘tested the waters’ alongside other clubs.

In an update on the Vlahovic saga, Schira has provided the latest whilst revealing Tottenham are indeed still interested.

The journalist says ‘many European clubs’ are looking but Fiorentina have set the price at a hefty €50 million (£43.4 million) – with his contract expiring in 2023.

Transfer Tavern take

Scoring a brilliant 15 goals whilst managing two assists in 26 Serie A starts this season, Vlahovic has enjoyed a fantastic campaign at just 21-years-old – with former Italy international Antonio Di Natale lauding him as a ‘phenomenon’ recently (‘Zona Mista’ on Rtv38 via TUTTOmercatoWEB).

The 6 foot 2 forward, as a result, has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in all of Europe – but Tottenham’s arguable need for a central defender should take precedent in this climate.

His £43.4m price tag makes his signing a tough one for Levy to sanction given the financial effects of coronavirus, and Spurs’ need for a transformative centre-half and ‘leader’ needs to be prioritised (Alasdair Gold).

In other news: Tottenham allegedly make enquiry for this star, find out more here.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara would like to see Marcelo Bielsa replace Jose Mourinho at the club, seeing him as the ideal candidate for the role.

The Argentine has become a legendary modern day figure at Leeds United, transforming the club’s fortunes.

Bielsa has masterminded the Whites’ return to the Premier League, also connecting with the fans unlike few other managers in the club’s history.

The thought of him leaving is a grim one for Leeds supporters, but it is something that can never be ruled out when he is only signing one year deals at a time, especially given the unpredictable nature of football these days.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

O’Hara wants Bielsa to replace Mourinho

Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara claimed Bielsa would be the perfect man to come in for Mourinho:

“I would say Bielsa. I think he’d be absolutely brilliant and the fans would love him.

“If you can try and prise him away from there it’d be unbelievable. The Leeds fans would be devastated and there would be uproar but Spurs are bigger than Leeds.”

Transfer Tavern take

O’Hara’s comments are unlikely to go down too well with Leeds fans, especially with Bielsa’s current deal expiring this summer, meaning there is a genuine possibility he could depart – he even publicly quashed rumours of him signing a new deal earlier this month.

The hope is that he will stay loyal to the Whites and extend his stay at Elland Road, but the lure of joining a club higher up in the table with potentially more money available to splash on transfers is undeniable for any manager.

There is certainly a feeling that Bielsa still has another chapter to write at Leeds, however – the next aim could be European football returning to the club – and we hope the enigmatic boss stays in Yorkshire, as his side have been a real treat for Premier League fans this season.

In other news, one Leeds player is under scrutiny for two key reasons – find out who it is here.

Some Manchester United fans have been left fuming at an update involving David de Gea.

As per the Daily Mirror, the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is set to become surplus to requirements at Old Trafford at the end of the season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer puts his faith in Dean Henderson as the Red Devils’ number one ‘keeper.

The club would have to pay off a large chunk of his mammoth wages in order to get the Spaniard off  their books and value him at £50m, which is an ambitious price given the financial impact of the global pandemic.

Nonetheless, to lose a player of that calibre who has been a loyal servant to Manchester United without an adequate replacement lined up would not be the best bit of business, and the news has certainly been questioned by some supporters.

Manchester United fans on de Gea update

These United fans fumed upon reading the update on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be a ‘Solskjaer disasterclass’ to let the 30-year-old leave:

“No way, Dave is going to be the number one of this club in the next three years, he is streets ahead of Hendo. Form is temporary class is permanent.”

Credit: @Apdihakem2

“Crazy if you ask me given it’s probably De Gea who wants to go now he has a baby in Spain if anything De Gea should buy himself out of the contract not the other way round”

Credit: @UAGMVMT

“Another sale which will backfire under Solskjaer.”

Credit: @KarlaHilton1

“This is a disgrace if true United fans on twitter should be ashamed of the way they have treated this legend”

Credit: @Awbmasterclass

“Terrible mistake”

Credit: @UTDpat_

“Another Solskjaer disasterclass in management but not a word is said because he’s not Mourinho”

Credit: @FinishedZ

In other news, find out what Anthony Martial update has left many fans fuming!

According to The Daily Mail, CSKA Moscow have been scouting Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke recently.

CSKA eye Wyke

Wyke has been in fantastic form for the Black Cats so far this campaign, netting 26 goals in all competitions (Transfermarkt). His 22 strikes in League One have only been bettered by Peterborough’s Jonson Clarke-Harris (BBC).

As per The Daily Mail, that has led to the 13-time Russian champions scouting the English third division’s top two goalscorers.

Surprise

This is no doubt a surprise link – it is rare that players from the English lower tiers attract interest from clubs in Russia. However, Wyke’s form in front of goal this season means he is deserving of such a pursuit. At 28 years old, it is unlikely he will ever get a better chance to join a side that regularly competes in either the Europa League or Champions League.

Surprisingly, though, his departure may well go down well with the Black Cats supporters. When the news broke, the supporters were quick to share their thoughts, and many suggested they would be happy to see him leave. It seems that, while he clearly knows where the back of the net is, his overall footballing ability leaves a lot to be desired even after amassing 36 career assists, and some are worried whether he would be able to cope with the demands of the Championship if Sunderland earn promotion.

If the club were able to strike a good agreement for Wyke, it could be a welcome move for all involved, handing the Black Cats some cash to reinvest into the squad and granting Wyke the chance to play in European competition.

In other news, Newcastle are interested in this Sunderland ace.

AC Milan have identified Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard as a possible centre-forward target, Italian outlet Tuttosport reports.

They claimed that the Rossoneri have decided to dip into the market amid the fitness struggles of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The legendary Swede has 483 career goals to his name, including 14 in as many Serie A games this season, but the 39-year-old is currently in the midst of his third injury lay-off of the campaign. Separate muscle injuries had already kept him out of action for a combined six weeks before an abductor tear at the end of February (via Transfermarkt).

Milan’s other forward options, Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic, have just 10 league goals between them this term.

Milan draw up striking shortlist

Meanwhile, Edouard has found the net 16 times in Scotland in the current campaign. Overall, the France under-21 international boasts an impressive record of 81 goals and 35 assists in 161 Celtic appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Milan do have other options in mind, according to Tuttosport. The alternatives are Fiorentina’s 21-year-old, 12-goal hitman Dusan Vlahovic and Torino’s Andrea Belotti, a seasoned Serie A goalscorer.

Transfer Tavern verdict

It’s no surprise to see Edouard attracting reported interest, and it seems inevitable that he’ll leave Celtic in the next year or two.

Earlier this month, Champions League-chasing Leicester were said to be intent on reuniting the striker with Brendan Rodgers (via Daily Mail). Edouard has one year left on his contract, so Celtic aren’t in a particularly strong position.

John Kennedy dismissed the Daily Mail’s suggestions that the 23-year-old would be allowed to leave for £15m, but you wonder whether an offer closer to £25m would tempt the Hoops, who could then reinvest in strengthening their squad.

In other news, Kris Commons has warned Celtic about allowing this midfielder to leave.