Amorim Makes Major Decision on Joining Tottenham

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy may have dashed the club's hopes of appointing Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.

The managers Tottenham want to replace Conte

Spurs' search for a new manager to succeed Antonio Conte is now well and truly underway, coming after the north Londoners mutually agreed to part ways with the Italian earlier this week. Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason are now tasked with guiding the club to a top four Premier League finish, which could well be crucial in helping to attract some of Levy's top managerial targets.

Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Zinedine Zidane top the list of free agent bosses wanted by Tottenham as the quartet are readily available for hire after leaving their respective clubs. Meanwhile, in-work candidates cannot be excluded, with the likes of Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton) and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou featuring highly on their list.

Amorim, who was won trophies galore in Portugal across spells at both Sporting and SC Braga, including a league title, has been mentioned as a target by the media in recent weeks. However, according to a new report, it appears the 38-year-old may now be steering clear of the job.

Indeed, as relayed by newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness), it is believed that Amorim doesn't want the Tottenham job and one main reason for the rejection is actually Levy. The report states Sporting's boss doesn't want to deal with Levy's 'tempestuous temper', and while they don't elaborate further, it appears the thought of working with Tottenham's chairman has been enough to steer Amorim away from the post.

He also apparently doesn't want to leave Sporting before winning another league title, with his contract set to expire in 2026 and containing a mammoth €30m (£26m) release clause.

Would Amorim have been perfect?

Standing out as an exciting, young manager with trophy-winning pedigree already – this news comes as a real dampener for Levy and co. The Portuguese tactician, who deploys a similar 3-4-3 formation to Conte, could have been a simple transition for some Spurs players given his identical system.

As well as this, he has experience getting the very best out of Spurs defender Pedro Porro, with the pair having worked together to devastating effect at Sporting before joining Tottenham in January.

Called a 'sensational' coach by members of the press, he was a brilliant candidate to succeed Conte, but it appears Tottenham have some work to do to change his mind.

£65k-p/w Leeds Winger Slammed After Defeat

Journalist Beren Cross has slammed Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra after failed to impress and looked "miles off it" in the club's most recent loss.

What's the latest on Luis Sinisterra and Leeds?

The Whites knew they had a big task on their hands as they travelled to the Emirates to take on league leaders Arsenal this Saturday in the Premier League.

And it all turned out to be too much for Javi Gracia and co as they slumped to a 4-1 away defeat with a brace from Gabriel Jesus and further efforts from Ben White and Granit Xhaka sealing their defeat.

There wasn't a whole lot to enjoy for Leeds fans but they did at least manage to score a consolation through Rasmus Kristensen but his deflected effort did little to change the final outcome of the match.

Evidently, it wasn't a fun afternoon for the relegation-threatened team and when writing the player ratings for LeedsLive, Cross noted that one player in particular struggled.

Indeed, the journalist gave Sinisterra a 3/10 for his efforts which was the lowest score from the entire Leeds United squad.

He also wrote: "Miles off it fitness-wise. Heavy legs made everything with and without the ball look a challenge. Feels like a long time since we saw those halcyon days of the autumn."

How poor was Luis Sinisterra vs Arsenal?

When you look at the match stats on SofaScore, it's quite easy to see that Sinisterra failed to do his job and have a positive attacking impact on the game

Indeed, he failed to get a single shot away at goal (either on or off target, or even blocked), while every other attacker who started managed this. What's more, he completed a dismal 8/16 attempted passes (at a dismal rate of 50%), and gave the ball away 13 times (the most of any outfield Leeds player).

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The Colombian has struggled for fitness in 2023 so far, but his last Premier League goal for the club came way back in September and he has not provided an assist in his 14 appearances in the competition so far either.

Seeing as he's on a reported £65k-p/w, it's fair to say he needs to start earning his keep soon with some improved performances.

In fairness, this was Sinisterra's first start under new boss Gracia, so it may take some time to find his rhythm but in the midst of a relegation battle Leeds need big performances sooner rather than later.

Man United: Scott McTominay wants to leave

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has told Old Trafford officials that he wants to leave the club this summer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest news on McTominay and Man United?

McTominay has featured heavily in Erik ten Hag’s first season at the club, making 35 appearances in all competitions so far. However, the Scotland international may have been hoping for more starts in those games, turning out from the off on 16 occasions.

One of those was yesterday against Everton, though, playing the entirety of the 2-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag praising the midfielder as a result.

"Great player, great personality. So happy I have him in my squad – he gives all his energy, never gives up, so it’s great.”

The 26-year-old opened the scoring with his first league goal of the season and was one of United’s top performers, as per SofaScore, ending the game with a match rating of 7.6/10, winning 12 duels and completing 100% of his long balls and crosses to go with his goal. However, despite this positive display, McTominay has been linked with a summer exit, and an update has now emerged.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding McTominay and his United future. He stated that the midfielder has informed the Old Trafford board that he wants to leave the club this summer if he is dropped further down the pecking order.

United are looking to sign a new midfielder over the coming months, with McTominay seeing that as a threat as he wants regular first-team football.

Should McTominay stay or go?

The Red Devils have reportedly placed a £50m price tag on McTominay amid interest from Newcastle United, with the 26-year-old’s contract not expiring until 2025.

Therefore, United look set to have a big decision to make over the coming months, especially with McTominay keen to leave. He has enjoyed a purple patch of form in recent weeks, though, scoring four times during the recent international break with Scotland and his recent strike against Everton.

The versatile midfielder is currently battling the likes of Fred, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot, though, and with a new big-name midfielder potentially arriving, United may see it as the right time to cash in, only time will tell.

Liverpool’s £140k-p/w Star Is "Losing Patience" At Anfield

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is "losing patience" due to his lack of game time in recent weeks, pundit Frank McAvennie has recently told Football Insider.

Is Darwin Nunez growing frustrated at Anfield?

Nunez has started to become accustomed to a more limited role in recent weeks, with Jurgen Klopp bringing him on as a second-half substitute in two of the last three Premier League games.

That said, it has only been a short spell out of the team for the Uruguayan, who has received plenty of opportunities to impress in his first season with the Reds, making 36 appearances in all competitions.

Even so, McAvennie has recently told Football Insider that he believes the forward is already growing frustrated at Anfield, while he also indicates he does not believe he is currently at the level required to be a top player for Liverpool.

The pundit said: "I can tell you this – I think he is losing patience.

"Liverpool are buying players for the future.

"There is no doubting that he is going to be a good player, I can see that a mile away, but at the moment, ‘no’.

"Man City went out and bought [Erling] Haaland who is going to break all the records now, and that is the difference.

"It just shows how much Liverpool are missing [Sadio] Mane. [Roberto] Firmino has not been playing much, [Mohamed] Salah has been playing with different players every week.

"It is strange but they have got to get back to winning ways."

Should Nunez be given more opportunities?

As previously highlighted, the 23-year-old has been given plenty of chances to prove himself since arriving in an £85m deal from Benfica last summer, and it is a little harsh to suggest he has underperformed.

While his displays have perhaps not merited the huge price tag, the Artigas-born attacker has scored a very respectable 14 goals in 36 appearances, including four in the Champions League, and he is only going to improve as he becomes more accustomed to English football.

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McAvennie is correct to suggest the Reds are missing Sadio Mane, but it was always going to be an unbelievably difficult task to replace the Senegal international, who registered 168 goal contributions in his 269 appearances for the club.

Nunez, who earns £140k-per-week, was hailed as "outstanding" by the media earlier this season, and there is every chance he could kick on and become a vital player for Liverpool next season.

Aston Villa: Villans make move for Denzel Dumfries

Aston Villa have reportedly been in contact over a potential move for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries.

What’s the latest transfer news on Villa and Dumfries?

Dumfries, who shares the same agency as Villa defender Tyrone Mings, turned 27 today and is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €28m Transfermarkt valuation.

The Netherlands international joined Inter from PSV Eindhoven back in 2021 and has gone on to make 83 appearances in Italy, contributing to 20 goals in the process.

Capable of playing as a right-back or further forward in a right midfield role, the 27-year-old could well be on the move again over the coming months, with interest from the Midlands.

TEAMtalk relayed an update from Tuttomercatoweb regarding Villa and Dumfries in the last 48 hours. They said that those from Villa Park have been in touch over a possible deal and is one of the main right-back options under consideration in the Midlands.

There is also interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, but Villa’s interest is thought to be more serious.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery watches on from the sideline as his side beat Newcastle United.

What would Dumfries bring to Villa Park?

You could say that Unai Emery is in need of a right-back addition this summer. The Villa boss has Matty Cash and Ashley Young as his current senior options, although, the latter of the two will turn 38 in a few months and is out of contract at the end of the season.

Therefore, bringing in someone like Dumfries to rival Cash could be a wise move, especially as the Poland international has been out through injury in recent weeks.

Dumfries, described as a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa, has outperformed Cash during the current campaign, as per WhoScored. The Inter man has averaged more shots and key passes per game than Cash, while also registering more assists and crosses than the Villa man, so could offer a greater attacking threat.

Capable of also turning out further forward, Dumfries would bring plenty of versatility to Emery’s side and has proven experience of playing in either the Champions League or Europa League over the past five seasons.

Villa are currently involved in a late push for European football next season after winning their last five Premier League games, and should they achieve that, it could help persuade Dumfries to move to England, making this one to watch heading into Emery's first full season in charge.

Arsenal Following "Excellent" £8.3k-p/w Starlet

Arsenal are "following" Valencia's Yunus Musah, with the midfielder now expected to leave the La Liga side in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Will Arsenal sign a central midfielder this summer?

With it recently being reported the Gunners are willing to listen to offers for Granit Xhaka in the upcoming window, there are indications Mikel Arteta is planning to revamp his midfield this summer.

Of course, West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains a major target, and Arteta is now becoming increasingly confident he can convince the England international to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, despite their faltering title bid.

Other options in midfield include Lovro Majer, with the Daily Mail reporting Arsenal have taken a strong interest in the Rennes maestro, while journalist Ben Jacobs believes Moises Caicedo "could still end up" making the switch to north London.

The Gunners have reportedly had a bid turned down for Musah in the past, as detailed by FC Inter News back in December, but they are still considering a move for the midfielder this summer, as per a new update from Romano.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the transfer guru said: “I’ve mentioned Arsenal and Chelsea’s interest in Yunus Musah and it is the case that they are following Musah since January; Inter as well,”

“At the moment it’s just scouting and not advanced yet, but Musah has good chances to move this summer.”

Should Arsenal sign Yunus Musah?

Football scout Jacek Kulig praised the American for his "excellent" performance with his national side against England at the World Cup, which indicates he would be mature enough to immediately challenge for a place in the starting XI, despite his age.

Kulig also claims the youngster has a "huge future ahead", and he is already making a name for himself at Valencia, having made 32 appearances in all competitions this season, during which time he has picked up two assists.

Valencia's Yunus Musah in action with Real Madrid's Luka Modric

The 20-year-old's attacking output has not been overly impressive, but he is a threat going forward, ranking in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, and in the 97th for progressive carries, indicating he is capable of working the ball into more promising areas of the pitch.

The £8.3k-per-week starlet would be a fantastic addition for Arsenal, considering the vast potential he possesses, however they still need to make sure they bring in a more proven option in midfield ahead of the Champions League next season, and Rice should be the priority target.

Predicted Arsenal XI, Team & Injury News Vs Man City

Arsenal return to Premier League action tonight, seeking to brush aside their poor form in order to topple Manchester City in their all-important clash.

Having drawn their last three matches, two of which came against relegation-threatened opposition, the title has been well and truly thrown back into Pep Guardiola's hands. In avoiding defeat tonight, the Cityzens would find themselves firmly in the driving seat with the Gunners having just five games left.

However, in order to both quell the threat the hosts pose whilst also maximising his weakened outfit, Mikel Arteta could throw up a tactical surprise.

His main focus will undoubtedly be silencing Erling Haaland, and cannot persist with his current system to do so. It would leave Rob Holding woefully exposed, who has already shown his deficiencies in recent weeks.

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However, the expected continued absences of both William Saliba and Granit Xhaka could prove costly for the visitors, who will have to adapt accordingly.

Whilst it will take plenty to do so, a win is almost a prerequisite if Arsenal are to continue their push for the title

How will Arsenal line up against Manchester City?

With that in mind, Arteta could make two changes from the side that drew 3-3 with Southampton on Friday as the side shifts to a three-at-the-back system.

Aaron Ramsdale will remain in goal but behind three central defenders instead of his usual two.

Dropping Holding, the versatile Ben White could return to his natural position to partner Gabriel Magalhaes. Then, having often deputised in such a role for Scotland, Kieran Tierney could be a surprise addition to take up that final spot on the left-hand side of the defence.

This would then free up Oleksandr Zinchenko to enjoy a more advanced wing-back role but does force Bukayo Saka slightly deeper to occupy the other flank.

Given the absence of their Swiss midfield general and Fabio Vieira's disappointing campaign thus far, Jorginho's vast experience will be called upon to help them through this clash. The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed just three league starts, with an average rating of just 6.72 across his 20 lacklustre appearances, as per Sofascore.

Pairing the "world-class" £110k-per-week Italian – as once dubbed by former Liverpool star Jose Enrique – with Thomas Partey could provide the perfect balance to unnerve the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan.

Then, tasked with troubling Guardiola's fearsome backline is his old prodigy Gabriel Jesus. He is likely to spearhead a front three boasting Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, forced to drift in from the right flank to spaces where he can truly affect the game.

Their Norwegian captain will likely prove pivotal in disrupting the hosts, with his creative intelligence matched only in the division by the mercurial Belgian on the opposition.

Predicted Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, White; Saka, Partey, Jorginho, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jesus, Martinelli.

Arsenal: Arteta Must Now Start "World-Class" £110k-p/w Titan

Arsenal had been struggling before Chelsea visited the Emirates, but as writer Tim Stillman jokingly put it, a: "Low key, uneventful home win against midtable riff raff was exactly what Arsenal needed."

Frank Lampard was brought in to steady the ship and see them out until the campaign's conclusion, but having lost his first six games since returning, it seems the Blues are in worse shape than ever.

Meanwhile, it represented a return to winning ways for Mikel Arteta, who had overseen three draws before their crushing loss to Manchester City.

Having raced into a 3-0 lead, the home support jeered the forlorn visitors, who looked well-beaten before halftime was even called.

What makes the result even more impressive is the host of changes employed by the Spaniard, who handed starts to Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho, all of whom had recently been out of the team.

Whilst the trio impressed, it was the latter in particular who truly shone in the engine room ahead of Thomas Partey. It therefore gives credence to the suggestion that the Ghanaian should remain on the sidelines until the Italian drops his levels below that of Tuesday night.

How did Jorginho play vs Chelsea?

Having signed from the west London club in January, the midfielder has been used sparingly since his switch to north London. Their last game marked just his fifth start since the move, and it was arguably his most impressive.

Rising to the occasion, the 31-year-old was a calming presence in the engine room that the Gunners have lacked amidst their recent collapse.

Maintaining a 90% pass accuracy, just ahead of Partey's 88% average for the season, the 76-touch titan was a steady and dependable character in a game that could have gone so embarrassingly wrong.

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The £110k-per-week powerhouse showcased all the attributes that had led journalist David Amoyal to brand him "the metronome", and had earned praise from former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique in the past for his national side: "Jorginho is world-class. He is managing the pace of the game against England".

For comparison, when the 29-year-old came from the bench on Tuesday to replace Jorginho, he could only muster a 25% pass accuracy, losing possession three times despite boasting only five touches, and losing his only aerial duel, as per Sofascore.

Partey has admittedly looked sluggish in recent games, with a 6.7 rating or lower now in three of his last five games, so perhaps a spell on the sidelines could benefit the ever-present stopper, who has worked hard across this gruelling campaign.

Meanwhile, his teammate has more than earned such an opportunity to shine.

Chelsea: Pochettino Could Land Own Martinelli In £87m Star

Chelsea have spent big under their new ownership, seeking to kickstart their revolution with a host of fresh faces at Stamford Bridge.

However, as they sit 11th in the table, it has quickly become clear just how difficult a task managing so many high-quality players is. Graham Potter and now Frank Lampard have fallen victim to such a poisoned chalice.

Despite this, Mauricio Pochettino will be expected to come in and lead the project forward, which is expected to involve a few more key additions to truly turn them into challengers.

Given their respective seasons, it is not unwise to suggest that Arsenal's meteoric rise will be studied by the former Tottenham Hotspur boss as a potential blueprint for earning similar success in the coming years.

If he is to do that, he will want to mimic the key assets of their play: a rock-solid, ball-playing back four gives way to a workmanlike midfield, affording two tricky wide men the space to provide for their frontman, who lead the press.

Despite their surplus of players on their left wing, Pochettino's first item of business could be to send all of them packing in order to replicate Gabriel Martinelli's success with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is thought to be a key target for the club.

What's the latest on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Chelsea?

As per Italian outlet Il Mattino, the Blues are reportedly going 'wild' for some of Napoli's key assets, following their imperious run to claim the Serie A title.

The Georgian magician ranks highly on that list, with Boehly seemingly having already enquired for more information on the availability of the 22-year-old, who is also likely to be the focus of many other European heavyweights.

Despite being deemed untouchable by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis in the initial report, it is expected that a minimum fee of around €100m (£87m) could tempt the Italian outfit into selling.

How good is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Words do not do justice to just how good Kvaratskhelia has been this season, as one of two standout men in a title-winning team alongside leading talisman Victor Osimhen.

Coming from the left wing onto his favoured right foot, the mercurial forward has posted some incredible numbers in both the Serie A and Champions League. Having scored 14 goals and assisted 17 more across all competitions, via Transfermarkt, few in Europe have been as prolific and creative as him, with such returns generating one direct goal contribution every 96 minutes.

It is no surprise to see such a lofty price tag attached to the 6-foot dynamo's name and even less surprising to see Mail Sport journalist Mike Parrott suggest the youngster is a "world-class threat" for opposition defences.

However, for all his outstanding performances, Martinelli too has shone in a similar manner for a team that seems set to just fall short of their own league victory.

The Brazilian, at just one year Kvaratskhelia's junior, also enjoys gliding inside from the left flank. This has earned him huge success, as his 15 goals make him the club's joint-top scorer, with five assists to supplement this too.

Adding such a potent goal threat akin to the 21-year-old to Chelsea's wing could be the catalyst that Pochettino needs to spark the club back into life, driving them up the table should he translate his form into the English game.

gabriel-martinelli-arsenal-chelsea

What further aids in their comparison is that Martinelli also appears on FBref's similar players model for the Naples hero, only adding to the impact he could have should Boehly push this move through.

Given Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic, Noni Madueke and Hakim Ziyech have a combined goal tally of just eight in the league, a player of Kvaratskhelia's quality would immediately make these assets obsolete and challenge the Gunners' Brazilian dynamo for the mantle of the top left-winger in the capital.

"Exceptional" £140k-A-Week Man City Ace Linked With Exit

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is wanted by Arsenal this summer, according to an intriguing update from reliable journalist David Ornstein.

Is Gundogan leaving Man City?

The 32-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, producing some magnificent performances for the newly-crowned champions. He has been lauded as "exceptional" by manager Pep Guardiola, scoring nine goals and registering six assists, in all competitions.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding Gundogan's future at the Etihad, however, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season, and an extension not yet being signed. A move to Barcelona has been mooted, with the German possibly wanting one more big move at this stage in his career.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the silky City star's next step, with Premier League title rivals Arsenal seemingly in the mix to sign him.

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Could Arsenal snap up Gundogan?

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, The Athletic's Ornstein claimed that the Gunners are interested in making a move for Gundogan in the summer window:

"Arsenal trying to sign Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan. Arteta wants 32yo if Xhaka goes. Fresh attempts will be made to keep him at #MCFC + other options. #AFC additionally pushing hard for Rice & Mount + renewed efforts to secure Nwaneri."

Losing Gundogan would be a big blow for City this summer, with his influence highlighted so much in recent months, and his performances going up another gear. He has arguably been as good as anyone since the turn of the year, Erling Haaland included, and the £140,000-a-week ace is someone who will hopefully decide to commit his future to the club.

Leaving for Arsenal wouldn't make a great amount of sense, considering Guardiola's men have ended up blowing the Gunners away in the title race, and it would feel like a step down, at a point where Gundogan still feels like someone performing at the peak of his powers.

The hope is that he eventually decides that signing at extension at the Etihad is the sensible option, hopefully even seeing out the rest of his career there, and further cementing his legendary status at the club in the process. He has already done so much good, making 301 appearances and famously scoring the title-clinching goal against Aston Villa last season, and there is still more to come from him.

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