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Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi features 'prominently' on Tottenham's list of manager targets to replace Antonio Conte, according to reports.

Which managers do Spurs want?

Ever since Conte parted company with the Premier League top four hopefuls by mutual consent, there have been a plethora of managers mentioned as targets to potentially replace the Italian. Perhaps the most notable of those are Mauricio Pochettino – Spurs' former manager and a real fan favourite – alongside Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann who are also free agents.

Tottenham are widening their managerial scope if recent reports are to go by with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, as per Sky Sports, now also in the frame. In terms of the currently employed, Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner and Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot are regularly mentioned as potential targets. Closer to home, Brentford's Thomas Frank and even Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper are listed as candidates.

De Zerbi joins the likes of Frank and Cooper as top flight coaches who are attracting serious interest from Tottenham as reliable newspaper The Telegraph shares an update.

The former Sassuolo boss, who has replaced Brighton's former gaffer Graham Potter to brilliant effect, apparently features 'prominently' on Tottenham's managerial shortlist. Indeed, De Zerbi is apparently a real contender – alongside the likes of Enrique and Celtic's Ange Postecoglou.

Should Spurs hire De Zerbi?

The 43-year-old should well be considered to replace Conte considering he has worked wonders at Brighton since stepping into Potter's shoes. De Zerbi encourages an attack-minded brand of football, something which could appeal to Spurs supporters after the more pragmatic spells of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho.

Called 'special' by Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana, the young manager comes as an intriguing option, but reliable journalist Alasdair Gold recently gave Levy something to think about in regard to De Zerbi.

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, the reporter said De Zerbi would actually be expensive to hire given his £11m release clause and is actually a 'livewire' behind-the-scenes – similar to Conte in that respect.

Gold explained:

"He would also be expensive with reportedly a big £11m release clause in his contract. Like Conte, De Zerbi is also known to be a bit of a livewire behind the scenes."

De Zerbi is not without his credentials but Levy, to avoid a repeat of Conte's antics at N17, may want to consider this personal aspect of this coach as well.

Celtic are expecting Liel Abada to leave Parkhead this summer and plan to accept an offer of around £10m, Football Insider reports.

What’s the latest news on Abada’s Celtic future?

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Abada’s future in recent weeks, with pundit Alan Hutton believing the winger isn’t happy with his current role under manager Ange Postecoglou.

Reports last month claimed that Premier League side Southampton are readying a £10m offer for Abada after the player failed to agree on a new deal with the Hoops, with club officials open to offers. There have been more rumours in recent days as well, with Football Insider stating that the ‘sources close to the 21-year-old have revealed that he wants to leave Parkhead’ after rejecting a new contract offer.

Football Insider shared a further development regarding Abada in the last 48 hours. Celtic, and by extension head of recruitment Mark Lawwell, now expect the player to seal an exit over the coming months and are willing to let him leave in a deal worth between £7-10m.

Is this the right decision by Celtic?

Postecoglou described Abada as “ambitious” last month when asked about the winger’s playing time, appearing to hint over an eventual exit.

“What do you reckon would happen to players who throw their toys out of the pram, mate? He’s a really ambitious guy who wants to be at a big football club. He wants to win things and be the best he can be. That’s exactly where he is at.

“All our players, particularly the younger ones who want to go on to further opportunities, maybe to a stronger league, do you think they are going to go to a club where they are guaranteed game time? No, so it’s no different here. We are a big club. Nothing is guaranteed.”

Abada has started just ten Scottish Premiership games this season and has been used from the bench in the league on 19 occasions. He has still made an impact for the club this season, though, contributing to 19 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, but with his head seemingly set on a move away, you could argue that it makes sense to cash in.

The Hoops would also be making a healthy profit with a sale in the region of £7-10m as reported after paying £3.6m for his services two years ago, so from a business perspective, you'd expect that a transfer would have been viewed as a success overall.

Aston Villa have gone from relegation battlers to true European contenders within the space of one season, with that remarkable turnaround owed mainly to Unai Emery.

His work in instantly transforming Steven Gerrard's struggling outfit has been nothing short of exceptional, and despite so many managers losing their jobs this season, few of the replacements have enjoyed such instant success as the Spaniard has.

Their recent blistering form has propelled the Midlands outfit into sixth, leapfrogging the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and even high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion to truly put them in contention for a European spot.

However, the ultimate prize for a club like Villa remains in sight, as they are just nine points away from the most unlikely of Champions League finishes. Should they continue with their unbeaten streak, which stretches back to seven games now, there is cause to believe that they could achieve such an impossible goal.

That is especially likely if Ollie Watkins can also maintain his levels, as his upturn has coincided with this incredible run.

The English striker too deserves praise for his work in masterminding such an impressive season, likely aided by the system employed by his new boss. If the Villans are to finish in any kind of European position, it will likely hinge on just how long the 27-year-old can keep it up.

How is Ollie Watkins playing?

Having struggled during the early parts of the season, scoring just once in the opening 11 Premier League games, it is their most recent 11 games that truly have seen the former Brentford finisher flourish.

Across this period, Watkins boasts nine goals and an assist, with the striker failing to contribute in just one of those games. This has propelled his tally for the campaign up to 12, as he seeks to surpass his best-ever scoring season in the top flight of 14.

That almost seems an inevitability, however, given how podcaster Ty Bracey suggested there was "no stopping" the forward.

There has been precedent for such a sharp increase in form, as it feels like the £75k-per-week star has always had the physical attributes to thrive. A beast in the air and sharp in his movement, since moving to Villa Park he has now hit double figures in each of his three seasons.

However, none of those campaigns have culminated like this one, where all the stars seem to be aligned concerning his scoring rate and the form of the team. It makes a late push for Champions League football truly attainable for the first time in perhaps the last few decades.

Emery has truly exorcised the failures of his Arsenal tenure and returned to England with a vengeance, determined to prove everyone wrong. His current overperformance with Villa is owed to Watkins' form, but also his astute tactical tweaks that have turned the impossible into the most exceptional of possibilities.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be set to receive a timely injury boost on striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of a crucial few weeks in the Premier League title race.

What’s the latest injury news regarding Eddie Nketiah?

The striker has been absent since suffering an ankle injury at the start of March, missing the last seven matches, leaving Arteta short of options to lead the line.

Thankfully, Gabriel Jesus has made a comeback from his own injury woes to alleviate this blow during the last couple of weeks, but having two strikers to choose from ahead of a vital final few weeks of the campaign would be a big boost.

Sky Sports presenter James Green tweeted yesterday regarding the Englishman: “William Saliba NOT in Arsenal open training this morning, but Eddie Nketiah is back.”

This will be a huge source of relief for Arteta, and he could play some part against West Ham United tomorrow.

How important is Eddie Nketiah for Arsenal?

The 23-year-old only played a bit-part role during the early stages of the campaign, not starting a Premier League match until Boxing Day. He did score twice in the Europa League group stage, but that was as profitable as it got until the turn of the year.

The injury to Jesus at the 2022 World changed things for Nketiah as he was then looked upon as Arsenal’s main striker in the Brazilian's absence – and he certainly impressed.

Across 13 matches deputising for Jesus, the striker netted six goals and grabbed an assist as he looked to spearhead the Gunners title challenge and his ankle injury came as a big blow to the club.

The £100k-per-week gem was described as “extraordinary” by his manager back in 2020 and his improvements since then have given the North Londoners a major boost in their pursuit of glory.

Indeed, among his positional peers, Nketiah ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for total shots per game (3.56), progressive carries (2.77) and touches in the attacking penalty box (6.74), suggesting that he more than makes up for his lack of goals by thriving in other areas.

Leandro Trossard has been a more than able deputy for both Nketiah and Jesus when called upon, registering a goal and seven assists since joining in January.

Having Nketiah back as an attacking option will give Arteta renewed confidence that they can resume their title charge following their agonising draw against Liverpool last weekend.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams could miss the rest of the season through injury, Phil Hay reports.

What’s the latest news out of Leeds involving Adams?

Adams suffered a hamstring injury in training last month and has missed Leeds’ five Premier League games as a result, including the recent back-to-back heavy home defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery initially thought that the USA international could return in early April, however, Adams has since had surgery on the problem.

The 24-year-old won’t return against Fulham this Saturday as Javi Gracia’s side look to pull away from the relegation zone with a win at Craven Cottage, and it looks as if he may miss out for the rest of the season.

Hay was present at Thorp Arch for Gracia’s pre-match press conference, where an update on Adams was given. The Spaniard said that he can't say at this stage whether Adams will play again this season, admitting his side have felt the midfielder’s absence.

"He's a player who plays in a position where we don't have many other options. It's an absence in an important position."

Would be a big blow…

Adams has made 26 appearances in his first season at Elland Road, and his absence has already been felt with the Whites conceding a whopping 18 times in the five games without him in the side.

Journalist Tomi Oladipo described Adams as a "monster" earlier this season and the midfielder has been Leeds’ fourth-best player in 2022/23, as per WhoScored, comfortably outperforming the likes of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie.

Gracia’s midfield options have been limited without Adams, with the head coach mainly using Roca and McKennie over recent weeks. Adam Forshaw returned to the matchday squad last time out to make his first appearance of 2023, but being without Adams for the remainder of the season could be a huge blow.

The Whites still have to face top-six sides Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the run-in, and if Leeds fail to tighten up in midfield and at the back without Adams’ presence, they could be set for three more heavy defeats.

Therefore, the three upcoming fixtures against Fulham, Leicester City and Bournemouth could make or break Leeds’ season, and it looks as if it is almost certain that Adams won't be back in time for any of those fixtures.

Journalist Charles Watts has slammed Arsenal for not selling Ainsley Maitland-Niles sooner as he looks set to leave this summer.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

At the start of the Premier League season, the 25-year-old was sent out on loan to Southampton and it looks as though that spelt the end of his time in north London.

Indeed, in a recent interview with The Athletic, he confirmed he will be leaving Mikel Arteta's team at the end of the campaign when his contract expires.

Maitland-Niles said: “It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end. It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home. I’m looking forward to that, but at the same time my head’s not quite there yet and it’s all about what’s happening now with Southampton.”

This means, of course, the player is going to depart without Arsenal receiving any transfer fee for the £35k-per-week England international.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts expressed his disappointment at this, noting that the club should have chased in on the defender when his value was higher.

He said: "Arsenal turned out so many bids, or certainly more than one bid from Wolves a few years ago after that FA Cup win to keep him – you know, bids over £20m – and then they kept him and then just didn't play him, and he didn't want to play in the position they were hoping to play him in and then the relationship broke down a little bit, and now he's going to end up leaving on a free.

"And you just think, why didn't you just accept those bids from Wolves after the FA Cup final and get £20m or whatever it was at the time from them, bank it, let him go and move on?

"You just look back at that as a big missed opportunity for Arsenal to get some money in, and a missed opportunity for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, really, to build on because he's just stagnated since then."

Is Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaving Arsenal?

As alluded to by Watts, Premier League rivals Wolves did once bid at least £15m for the player but it seems as though the Gunners were holding out for upwards of £20m.

In the end, the negotiations broke down but it seems as though the player's value has only deteriorated from there.

Indeed, that offer came in the summer of 2020, with Maitland-Niles also making his international debut and playing five times for England in the same year.

Since then, however, he has not added to his Three Lions caps – proving how he's hardly excelled at club level.

All in all, it does feel as though if Arsenal could turn back time they would simply accept whatever bid was on the table from Wolves as he will now almost certainly leave for free just a few years later.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Chelsea are considering a possible move to hire Luciano Spalletti as the club's next manager.

What are the latest Chelsea manager rumours?

The Blues are currently on the hunt for a new head coach but it remains unclear who has been their number one target.

At the moment, Mauricio Pochettino looks to be the potential favourite but that's only after the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique have fallen out of the race.

However, it seems as though Napoli boss Spalletti is going to be yet another name considered for the role by Todd Boehly and co.

Indeed, while speaking in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs outlined the club's interest in the 64-year-old but explained that it might not be an easy deal to complete.

In full, he said: "Luciano Spalletti is another name that has been spoken about. But at the moment, he's fully focused on Napoli and winning the Scudetto, and is not necessarily attainable, therefore, to approach or speak to at this point. So Chelsea do want to move in the coming weeks to get that name.

"Because even if that name starts next season, they still want to lock down the name, which helps stabilise the club. And then there's a name that they can take in the coming weeks into the transfer market ahead of the window opening which is important as well. But this has always been about Chelsea not rushing."

Why would Chelsea want Luciano Spalletti?

It's no shock that Spalletti would be considered by the Premier League side. In fact, after the season he's had with Napoli, he may well be a target for a number of top teams across Europe.

After all, the coach has led his side to a Champions League quarter-final and is on the verge of bringing the first Scudetto to Naples since the 1989-1990 season during the legendary days of Diego Maradona.

With that title race not quite wrapped up just yet though, it's understandable Spalletti's focus remains on Napoli and so if Chelsea want to make an appointment soon, they may struggle to get the Italian on board.

However, as Jacobs points out, the club's managerial search has been about taking their time and so they may opt to be patient and persevere with Frank Lampard as interim while waiting until the summer.

At which stage, perhaps with the Serie A title under his belt, Spalletti could be a more realistic target.

Manchester United have identified Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani as a new priority for this summer's transfer window.

Is Kolo Muani now Manchester United's priority target?

While much of the transfer speculation linked to United has been centered around Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, RMC reports that they have switched their approach and will now target Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Kolo Muani.

Not only has the player's transfer value been set at a whopping €100m (£88m) but United will also need to contend with competition from Bayern Munich and PSG.

RMC claims Kolo Muani is the new priority for Erik ten Hag, who seeks to add more bite to his team's attack despite the huge overlay sanctioned on Antony last summer.

Bayern and United are said to lead the race while "contacts have been initiated between the decision-makers of PSG in Doha and the entourage of Kolo Muani."

PSG will be in considerable need of a new forward if Lionel Messi and Neymar both leave the French capital this summer as speculation suggests.

Could the "amazing" Kolo Muani end United's search for a top striker?

United's success this season has been largely founded on Marcus Rashford's career-high tally set this season. In total, the English forward has scored 29 goals and assisted 11.

The frustration for ten Hag is that Rashford is without a peer in attack at Old Trafford and so a move for Kolo Muani could see United once again considered as one of the most dangerous teams in the Premier League.

Muani, who Frankfurt manager Felix Magath described as "amazing" to French newspaper L'Equipe, is one of the most sought-after young attackers in Europe and may be ready for the next step in his career.

At 24, he fits the profile for a major move to a massive club. This season, the French forward has scored 21 goals while grabbing 15 assists.

40 of his 42 games this season have been played at centre-forward with just two appearances as a right wing.

Looking ahead to next season, a front three of Rashford, Muani and Antony could pose a serious threat to Premier League defences especially if the latter can take his own game to a new level.

Tottenham Hotspur could receive an offer from Aston Villa for midfielder Giovani Lo Celso this summer with the player set to return after his Villarreal loan spell.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news?

Chaos is currently engulfing Spurs as chairman Daniel Levy keeps up the chase for a new permanent manager, nearly two months after parting company with Antonio Conte.

Reports suggest that the north Londoners are also after a new sporting director to replace Fabio Paratici, with the likes of Benfica chief Rui Pedro Braz in the frame.

On top of all this, the likes of star striker Harry Kane and long-serving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are entering the final 12 months of their deals, making this summer a potentially crucial one for Tottenham.

Spurs must also get to work on identifying summer transfer targets as the window’s opening is just around the corner, and there has been some progress in that regard according to reports.

The likes of James Maddison are firmly in Levy’s thinking, but to fund these potential moves, the Lilywhites must offload surplus-to-requirement members of their squad.

Lo Celso, who is currently on a temporary spell at Villarreal, looks set to return to Spurs this summer but the club could have an opportunity to offload him for good.

Villa and Unai Emery have apparently taken a keen interest and could make an offer for to Tottenham this summer, as they’re also in ongoing talks with the player’s camp.

That is according to journalist Gaston Edul, via news aggregator All About Argentina on Twitter:

Should Spurs sell Lo Celso?

Much could depend on who Spurs appoint as their next manager, given they might actually fancy Lo Celso in their starting eleven.

The South American has been called a “brilliant player” by former Tottenham goalkeeper and England international Paul Robinson, with Lo Celso arguably having the ability to resurrect his career at Spurs if given an opportunity.

He actually played a pivotal role under Emery on Villarreal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, with the 27-year-old impressing in parts this campaign too.

As per WhoScored, he’s even averaged more key passes per 90 than any other Villarreal player in La Liga, and at the very least he could fetch a fairly decent price tag if Spurs do opt to sell.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set for a "welcome boost" after private talks with club chief Josh Kroenke, according to reports.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners may already have to look ahead to next season after a humbling 3-0 loss to Brighton last weekend, with that putting a massive dent in their hopes of clinching a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years.

Man City are now in pole position to win their third-successive domestic crown and could win the title this weekend with victory over Chelsea at Eastlands, no matter the surrounding results.

It has still arguably been a successful season overall for Arsenal, especially factoring in they were beaten to a top four finish last campaign by arch rivals Tottenham.

Champions League football is guaranteed for 2023/2024, with sporting director Edu recently confirming that transfer plans are underway.

"It's already started because you know what's happening in the market, everybody is doing stuff," Edu explained to football.london earlier this year.

"You have to plan with people as well just to be prepared so when you go again in the summer you are very prepared."

Laying the groundwork for summer signings before what will be an imperative season next year will be crucial, and Arsenal boss Arteta is apparently set for a "welcome boost".

This is according to The Mirror, who say that the Gunners head coach has held private talks with club chief Kroenke, and the club are apparently willing to alter their wage structure in an effort to attract Europe's best players.

Arteta is apparently set to be backed this summer and Arsenal have already started doing their due-diligence on potential incomings, coming as promising news for supporters.

Indeed, the north Londoners are apparently ready to give their full financial support to Arteta, and a blockbuster move for West Ham star Declan Rice is on the cards.

Who could Arsenal sign?

In light of this news, it appears Arsenal could splash the cash this summer, and we believe a move for Rice in particular is very likely.

Various reports over the last fortnight have linked them to the England international, and some have even suggested that he is very open to joining.

As per WhoScored, Rice would certainly be worth the effort, ranking as West Ham's best-performing player by average match rating with more interceptions per 90 than anybody in Moyes' squad.

Arsenal arguably need to reinforce in midfield with the 24-year-old being a sure-fire choice for quality and top flight experience.