Jose Mourinho Keen On Third Spell At Chelsea

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is believed to be interested in a third spell as manager at Stamford Bridge, according to a new report.

How is Jose Mourinho doing at Roma?

The Portuguese is unquestionably one of the greatest managers of his generation, enjoying vast success and winning many trophies during spells at various clubs. He made the move to Chelsea back in the summer of 2004, having just won the Champions League with FC Porto before embarking on a glorious spell in west London.

Mourinho won the Premier League title in the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, and while he departed in 2007, he ended up making a return to west London six years later, going on to win another league crown in 2014/15.

The 60-year-old is now in charge of Serie A giants Roma, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season in the competition's inaugural year. While he is contracted to the Giallorossi until the end of next season, a fresh update suggests he may be eyeing a move away.

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho.

Could Jose make shock Chelsea return?

According to a new report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Mourinho is "willing" to return to Chelsea for a third time and become their permanent manager after Frank Lampard's temporary stint in charge ends in May. He would be "keen" on heading back to the Blues, despite being sacked in 2015.

It is even stated that Roma would accept his departure before his contract expires, although they would require a "hefty compensation package" for him. It remains to be seen where Mourinho is in the current standings among potential Blues bosses, but it is an interesting update nonetheless.

The idea of the legendary Portuguese being back in the Stamford Bridge hotseat is certainly an eye-catching one, although there are clear risks behind it happening. To go back a third time, having twice left under a cloud, could feel like overkill, while there is also an argument to say that he no longer represents the future and is yesterday's man – with Mourinho 25 years older than Julian Nagelsmann, who has been strongly linked with taking the job.

Mourinho is a born winner who may feel he still has a little unfinished business at Chelsea, however, and he may be intrigued to work under Todd Boehly instead of Roman Abramovich, no doubt being given funds to spend in the summer transfer window.

And with Chelsea plumping for a former manager to steady the ship in the short term, who's to say they won't bring another ex-boss back for the long term?

Rangers Must Sign "Really Skilful" Titan This Summer

Glasgow Rangers need to undergo some major rebuilding during the summer transfer window if they wish to overcome their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Premiership table next season.

Michael Beale has enjoyed a solid start to life at Ibrox. However, heading into this weekend, the gap between them and Celtic sat at 12 points – and this is unacceptable.

There has been progress, with the likes of January signing Todd Cantwell settling in well, and he could certainly be the figurehead of a new era under Beale.

One area the Englishman must get right is that of a good solid goalkeeper, as Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin have been poor this term. The duo have conceded 46 (1.4 per game) and 18 (1.8 per game) goals respectively this term, and with a combined age of 76, the time has surely come to bring in someone slightly younger.

Beale could plump for a player who looks set to become a free agent this summer, and having played in the English Premier League during his career, Jack Butland could be an ideal signing.

Could Rangers sign Jack Butland?

Rangers were linked with Butland last summer; however, a broken finger suffered in pre-season ruined any chances of a deal going through.

We think Beale should try and make a move for the ‘keeper, especially as the current Manchester United loanee is set to become a free agent this summer as Crystal Palace are seemingly happy with their options heading into 2023/2024.

This could prove to be a major coup for the Gers, with Butland only 30 years of age, he could become the No 1 for the foreseeable future, and with plenty of experience in England, it could be considered a no-brainer to offer the 6 foot 5 titan a deal.

Across his career, Butland has appeared 87 times in the English top flight, keeping 21 clean sheets in those games.

Jack Butland warming up

There is no doubt that the goalkeeper hailed as "really skilful" by Erik ten Hag has a wealth of experience, also winning nine caps for England. Meanwhile, Joe Hart has proved that moving from England to Scotland later in your career can generate excellent results, as he has enjoyed a resurgence since turning out for the Hoops.

Beale will surely be keeping tabs on the Palace shot-stopper, and hopefully he makes his move sooner rather than later as the Gers aim to reclaim the SPFL title next year.

51 y/o Aston Villa Man Has Transformed Off-Field Issue

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been hailed for the changes he has made behind the scenes at Villa Park amid their impressive turnaround in the Premier League.

How good have Villa become under Emery?

The win on the weekend at Villa Park saw Emery's men climb to just six points off the Champions League places with only seven games remaining in their season.

However, the win alone was equally impressive as the dismantled one of the Premier League's most in-form teams from this season.

Eddie Howe's Magpies have been mightily impressive this season as they look to disrupt the 'big six' and earn themselves a spot inside the top four.

And the Toon went into the game with the record of the league's best defence, yet Villa ran riot against the Tynesiders as they put three past Nick Pope.

With the Premier League campaign coming to an end over the coming weeks, Villa find themselves in a rich vein of form which has been noted as a result of the influence of their Spanish manager.

Speaking to NBC Sports, journalist David Ornstein has revealed some of the changes off the field the 51-year-old has implemented since his arrival:

(3:35) "Now this owes everything to the amazing impact that Unai Emery has made on and off the pitch. And when you speak to people around the club like I do, they point immediately to his experience."

"They talk about his quality, they talk about his work ethic, he does not stop night and day. He is an absolute Trojan when it comes to that, his diligence, his attention to detail.

"And you hear stories of how Villa now hold more meetings than ever before because Emery really wants to drill home the style of play, the manner in which he wants his teams to operate to get to know his players better to develop them, they're spending more time in hotels in order for him to conduct those meetings."

How far can Emery take Villa?

The upcoming games for Villa will provide them with a real test with a spot in Europe potentially on the cards with just seven games remaining.

A lot of their remaining games will come against sides in and around them in the Premier League table so maintaining this sterling form would be mightily impressive.

However, there is no reason why Emery cannot guide them to a strong finish.

Unai Emery instructs his Aston Villa side as they face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The game against Newcastle on the weekend could have easily seen Villa brushed to one side with Newcastle going into the game in such impressive form as they battle for Champions League football.

But Villa absolutely dominated the game. Emery's side ended the game having registered double the shots on target of the visitors and three times as many shots on target.

Alongside having a difficult run in, Villa will also have to contend with a build-up of games with three games in the space of eight days coming up.

Although this may be something Villa may not be used to, the experience of Emery – as Ornstein mentioned – will surely have this side in the best possible place both physically and mentally to go into the run of games.

Ornstein commented on the way Emery has changed the way the club approach match days and this could play a big part if Villa are to succeed in the remaining games of the season.

Arsenal Offered Chance To Sign "World-Class" £62m Star

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, with his agents currently in the process of trying to seal a move away from the Serie A club, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have now joined the race for Lens striker Lois Openda, who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season, weighing in with 17 goals in 32 appearances, while Folarin Balogun could be allowed to leave, according to The Daily Mail.

The same report details that Mikel Arteta could sanction the departure of Granit Xhaka this summer, amid interest in West Ham United captain Declan Rice, and the manager is also willing to listen to offers for Kieran Tierney.

Tierney has failed to hold down a regular place in the starting XI since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Manchester City could look at signing the left-back, while Paris Saint-Germain are readying an offer for Bukayo Saka.

As such, there could be a great deal of change at the Emirates Stadium this summer, and one area that Arteta is particularly keen to strengthen is at striker, according to recent reports from Italy. (via Sport Witness)

The agents of Vlahovic are well aware the Gunners are chasing a new forward, and they have offered them the chance to sign the Juventus marksman, as he is not considering staying with the Serie A club long-term.

Bayern Munich have also been given the opportunity to sign the Serbian, though a major obstacle both clubs face is that Juve would only consider a sale if they receive at least €70m (£62m).

Would Vlahovic be a good signing for Arsenal?

If Arsenal had been offered the chance to sign the 23-year-old a year ago, fans would have had good reason to be very excited, given that he scored a remarkable 24 league Serie A goals last term, the second-highest amount in the division.

However, despite being dubbed "world-class" earlier in the campaign, the Serbia international has struggled considerably this season, and he is now without a goal in his last 10 Serie A games.

Juventus'DusanVlahoviccelebrates after the match.

With his current club set to demand £62m to sanction his departure, we think the former Fiorentina man would be a very risky signing for Arsenal, especially considering they are already well-stocked in forward areas.

Gabriel Jesus has scored four goals in his last five Premier League games, and it makes no real sense to allow Balogun to leave in the summer, considering he has enjoyed a phenomenal season on loan at Reims.

Man Utd: Fans Blast Erik ten Hag For Touchline Antics

Manchester United suffered a late 1-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

It was nearly a repeat of the score line when Erik ten Hag’s side took on the Seagulls at Wembley a matter of weeks ago.

It took a penalty shoot out on that occasion to ensure a place in the FA Cup final but no such luck fell United’s way this week.

Instead, the good fortune went to Roberto De Zerbi as Alexis Mac Allister popped up in the 99th minute to send the home support wild.

it wasn’t a positive night for the Old Trafford outfit at all, as Ten Hag took a brunt of criticism for his behaviour on the touchline.

What did Ten Hag do againsg Brighton?

Last weekend Jurgen Klopp went viral for his reaction to Liverpool’s winning goal against Tottenham.

The German dashed down the touch line and in the process of injuring his hamstring, decided to scream in the face of the fourth official.

Ten Hag wasn’t quite a boisterous as the Liverpool boss on Thursday but he had his own encounter at the Amex.

indeed, footage has been pinpointed during the game a moment where the Dutchman had an angry exchange with the linesman.

After the way Klopp was criticised for his actions last weekend, fans were keen to ensure Ten Hag didn’t get away lightly either.

The best of the reaction from around Twitter can be found below…

Beale Must Unleash "Dream" £21k-p/w Rangers Gem

What would normally be a crunch time of the season for Glasgow Rangers has turned into a massive anti-climax following their defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final last week.

The Ibrox side will now almost certainly finish trophyless and the remaining five Premiership matches are pretty much meaningless as there is nothing left to play for bar a minute shot at the Premiership title.

This could well be a blessing in disguise for Michael Beale, who in turn, could give some game time to players who are in his plans for next season and drop the underperformers from last week, such as Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.

The Englishman confirmed that Malik Tillman has been ruled out for the rest of the season, and with the attacking midfielder on loan from Bayern Munich, it could well be that last week was his final match for Rangers unless his deal is extended.

With the American out, Beale must now give Ianis Hagi a proper chance to show what he can do across the final five league matches of the campaign, and the tie against Aberdeen this afternoon is the ideal opportunity for him to play 90 minutes.

Will Ianis Hagi start for Rangers against Aberdeen?

The Romanian is only just returning to full fitness following a serious knee injury which ruled him out for close to a year. He missed the Scottish Cup victory as well as the Europa League run last season, and his attacking presence has been missed for the majority of this term.

The 24-year-old has been slowly introduced back to first-team football in the last few months, playing just four league matches, averaging 11 minutes in total.

He will be keen on making the jump to playing a full match, however, and if he can replicate the form that he displayed when the Gers won the title in 2020/21, Beale could have plenty of uses for him.

During that season, Hagi registered 18 goal contributions – seven goals and 11 assists – created six big chances, made one key pass and took 1.8 shots per game, proving he is capable of adding plenty of attacking nous from either an attacking midfield slot or a wide position.

Ianis Hagi for Rangers

The £21k-per-week gem can certainly terrorise Aberdeen with his talents and he will be desperate to showcase his ability having been on the sidelines for so long.

Steven Gerrard described the player as an “absolute dream to work with”, and there is no doubt that with a full pre-season behind him, he could star for Beale during 2023/24.

Liverpool Could Sign Coutinho Heir In £30m Maestro

Liverpool have assembled a late-season surge after a frankly shambolic campaign to put Champions League qualification in feasible distance, but hopes still lie with Newcastle United or Manchester United ceding further territory.

Both aforementioned Premier League rivals hold a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp's men and have one and three-point cushions respectively, but the Reds' six-game winning streak has reminded the top-flight of the calibre that has lain dormant this term, beneath the rubble of an inexplicably woeful year.

There is to be a significant clearout on Merseyside this summer, and with the midfield department needing more than just a paint job, signing someone with genuine fortune-shifting credentials could rejuvenate them.

According to the Daily Mail late last month, Liverpool are alongside Arsenal in eyeing a move for £30m-rated Lovro Majer, with the creative Rennes midfielder indicating that he is ready for a new challenge.

Majer played a starring role in Croatia's 2022 World Cup campaign, and despite struggling for regular minutes could be a dazzling signing for an aspiring outfit such as Liverpool.

Who could Lovro Majer replace at Liverpool?

Majer has forged 37 appearances this season, scoring two goals and supplying four assists from his primarily deep-lying midfield role.

Last season, the 19-cap Croatia international was hailed as "phenomenal" by talent scout Jacek Kulig and dazzled with a return of 11 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, instrumental in Rennes' fourth-place Ligue 1 finish.

As per FBref, the £26k-per-week ace still ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for assists per 90, highlighting the dynamic, forward-thinking threat he holds at his feet.

There was a time, in the early days of Klopp's tenure at Liverpool, when Philippe Coutinho wreaked havoc with similar flair and guile from the offensive section of the Reds' midfield, scoring 37 goals and supplying 22 assists from 89 outings under the German's wing.

Coutinho was sold to Barcelona for an extortionate £146m, a sale which helped to facilitate the £67m arrival of Alisson and £75m signing of Virgil van Dijk.

Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

But, his creativity in the first half of the 2017/18 campaign helped the Anfield outfit score 84 goals despite only finishing fourth with 75 points, with Klopp hailing him as a "genius".

Majer brings that added dimension to the pack, and integrating with such a talented crop of players will only enhance his own prospects of success, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all devastating attacking forces.

Much of Liverpool's attacking intent under Klopp's illustrious rule has flowed from the flanks, notably Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, but with Majer pulling the strings in the middle, boosting both the creative and direct threat, the Reds could return to the forefront once more.

Tottenham: Levy Set For Key Manager Talks In The Coming Days

Tottenham Hotspur chief Daniel Levy is set for "key meetings" imminently and "in the coming days" as he steps up plans to appoint a new manager.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

As Spurs and interim boss Ryan Mason gear up for their noon kick-off against Brentford in the Premier League, Levy and co are pursuing Antonio Conte's replacement behind-the-scenes.

The overwhelming favourite for the job, as things stand, appears to be Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as reports over the last week indicate he is a frontrunner.

That being said, other candidates certainly aren't out of the race, with Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and even Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou all in the running.

Tottenham had been interested in the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Burnley's Vincent Kompany and Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen, but for various reasons, the trio are out of contention for now.

Nagelsmann is ruled out of the running, while Kompany has committed his future to Burnley by signing a new long term contract and Alonso has publicly declared he's staying in Germany.

daniel-levy-tottenham-hotspur

Spurs have been running out of options lately, but according to a report by The Daily Mail and reliable journalist Sami Mokbel, Levy is narrowing down his list of candidates as he homes in on top choices.

Sharing a promising update on Tottenham's manager search, Mokbel claims the Spurs chairman is set for "key meetings" and "in the coming days" as Levy steps up his pursuit for Conte's successor.

It is believed both Slot and former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique "lead the race", and while Spurs insist there is no clear first choice, it appears they're certainly on their way to settling on priority names soon.

Slot has impressed Spurs hierarchy but Enrique could be deemed a more safe option – especially given his years of experience at the very top level.

Who should Tottenham appoint?

If Levy wishes to appoint a young, exciting and attack-minded project manager, he should look no further than Slot, who has just clinched his first ever Eredivisie title with Feyenoord.

Drawing comparisons to Man United manager Erik ten Hag, the 44-year-old has been heralded by his homeland's media as an exceptional tactician, with Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan saying this on Slot to talkSPORT:

"He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time,"“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

While Enrique is a free agent and readily-available for hire, Slot comes as a very intriguing option, with the only obstacle being Feyenoord.

Big Update Over Future Of £5k-A-Week Man City Starlet

Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis is set to sign a new contract at the Etihad, according to a fresh update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How has Lewis fared this season?

The 18-year-old has enjoyed something of a breakthrough season for City, playing his part in them winning yet another Premier League title. The £5,000-a-week youngster has started eight league games in 2022/23 to date, and made a further four substitutes appearances, as well as two in the Champions League and seven in the FA Cup and EFL Cup combined.

Lewis has not looked out of place, even though he has featured less during the business end of the campaign, and the hope is that his long-term future belongs at City. His current deal expires in the summer of 2024, so it is important that the club tie him down to a new contract, in order to avoid the risk of losing him to another club.

Manchester City defender Rico Lewis.

Could Lewis sign new Man City deal?

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided a positive update over Lewis' future, saying an extension is now close to being completed:

"Understand Manchester City are closing in on new long term deal for Rico Lewis — agreement set to be completed. Talks had already been advanced for months and now it’s about final details. Pep, big fan of Rico and his potential. He’s staying at City. Here we go."

This is great news for City, with Lewis someone who should very much be viewed as part of the club's future, having been described as "contagious" by Pep Guardiola, and his team's "little Philipp Lahm". At just 18, he is already such a mature footballer for his age, already making 21 first-team appearances.

Granted, he may have to bide his time to eventually become a regular, given the incredible depth at Guardiola's disposal – a loan move next season could be great for his development – but if he continues to develop, he could eventually make the right-back spot his own.

The three-cap England Under-19 international has displayed his ability to drift into a midfield role in that position, as well as shine in midfield in general full-time, and he could have such a massive future. The thought of losing him so early in his career doesn't bear thinking about, but it looks as though the Premier League champions have got their wish and tied down Lewis for many more years to come.

Man Utd Could Ditch Fred For "Aggressive" £35m Maestro

Manchester United are reportedly keen to add to Leeds United's recent relegation woes, amid reports that the Red Devils are hoping to poach one of their rivals' star players this summer…

What are the latest Man United transfer rumours?

According to Italian outlet, TuttoMercatoWeb, the Red Devils are said to be one of the 'illustrious suitors' who are eyeing a move for midfield maestro, Tyler Adams, with the report suggesting that Erik ten Hag would 'gladly' bring the American to Old Trafford.

This follows a previous report from Football Insider which suggested that United are among the teams who are interested in signing the 24-year-old ahead of next term, with the 36-cap ace looking destined for an exit after just a solitary season at Elland Road.

The piece adds that the former RB Leipzig man – who made the £20m move to Yorkshire last summer – would cost the Carabao Cup winners roughly £35m if a deal was to be agreed.

Who could Adams replace at Man United?

With Ten Hag evidently searching for a 'younger' midfield recruit – such as Adams – it could well spell the end for one of the club's more experienced figures, with Brazilian enigma, Fred, potentially set to be on his way this summer.

That's according to Manchester Evening News, who reported that the 30-year-old is a target for recent opponents, Fulham, with Cottagers' boss Marco Silva having been seen talking to the playmaker following Sunday's Old Trafford encounter.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk man has spent five years on the books at the Theatre of Dreams, although the £52m addition has fallen down the midfield pecking order of late, having started just two of the last 13 Premier League games since the 7-0 drubbing away to Liverpool.

Man United's Fred

That grim defeat at Anfield laid bare the £120k-per-week asset's woes as he was merely a 'non-entity', according to 90min's Jack Gallagher, with it perhaps no surprise that Ten Hag is believed to be keen to move him on this summer.

The addition of Adams, therefore, could well represent something of an upgrade on the diminutive menace, with the Leeds star having been hailed as "one of the best defensive midfielders in the league" by pundit, Noel Whelan.

Despite missing the last few months of the season through injury, the "aggressive" ace – as hailed by Whelan – still finished in joint-fourth in the division alongside Casemiro for tackles made (89), with that a marker of his ball-winning prowess.

Unsurprisingly, Adams ranks in the top 1% among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues for tackles made, with Fred slightly behind as he ranks in just the top 3% in that regard.

Leeds United's Tyler Adams

That superior defensive quality is also showcased by the fact that while the latter man won just 48% of his ground duels and 50% of his aerial duels in the 2022/23 campaign, the New York native averaged 55% and 64% for those same two metrics, respectively.

In an attacking sense, despite failing to register an assist this term, Adams did notably average one key pass per game as a marker of his creative ability in his deep-lying berth, with that superior to the current United man, who averaged just 0.9 key passes per game.

That brilliance both in and out of possession appears to suggest that Ten Hag would be wise to replace the 5 foot 7 midfielder with the Leeds sensation for next season.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus