Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost in their hopes to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club…

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Antonio Conte's future in north London seems rather dubious, with the 53-year-old unlikely to remain in the dugout much past the current season, even suggesting himself that he may be sacked before then.

Former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettio has since been heavily linked with a return and according to journalist Paul Brown, the Argentine is "open" to a comeback.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

"[Daniel] Levy usually gets what Levy wants. If both those conditions are met, I think you're quite likely to see Pochettino back at Spurs.

"But you have to wonder what other options Pochettino might have. He's always seemed pretty open to a return and to finishing a job he feels he never really got to see through the first time around."

Is Pochettino coming back to Tottenham?

Spurs have endured a tumultuous time ever since they sacked Pochettino after a five-year spell back in late November 2019 as not even Jose Mourinho or Conte has been able to replicate similar consistency that saw them achieve three successive top-three finishes and being runners-up in the Champions League, despite being well-backed to do so.

The 51-year-old made a name for himself at Tottenham and whilst silverware eluded him, he regularly had the team punching above their weight both domestically and in Europe and most importantly, players loved him.

Reports have recently emerged suggesting that several key stars and staff at Hotspur Way have pleaded for Pochettino and his progressive style to return to north London, which says a lot.

Since his departure, the Lilywhites have been strangled by dogmatic, defensively-minded and quite frankly boring football, with the two aforementioned managers plus Nuno Espirito Santo sucking any excitement out of the team through their stubborn set-ups.

That is why a return for the "world-class" – in the words of talkSPORT's Jamie O'Hara – former Paris Saint-Germain manager is needed to get the club rocking once again.

There were some scintillating moments under the stewardship of the Argentine, ranging from that night in Amsterdam to defeating heavyweights like Real Madrid and handing Pep Guardiola his first taste of defeat on English soil

Then when you throw in the two finals they made, without much financial backing at all, the job he did was pretty remarkable. Nothing of the sort can be said about the Mourinho or Conte eras, that's for sure.

A lot of Pochettino's touch still remains around north London, particularly when you consider the likes of Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Heung-min Son are all still starting each and every week, so he'd need very little time to slot back in, you'd imagine.

It was ultimately one bad season that cost him his job and it's likely one of Levy's biggest regrets, given how things have gone since.

As such, it's time for the Spurs supremo to make the right decision and bring Pochettino back to Tottenham Hotspur. It could be his final roll of the dice in what has been a controversial and lacklustre reign indeed.

AND in other news, Worse than Sanchez: Spurs disaster who lost the ball 34x is "a massive waste of money"…

Newcastle United are riding high under Eddie Howe at present, with the Englishman having steered the club into the mix for Champions League qualification following what has been a truly remarkable campaign thus far for the Magpies.

After years of fearing for their safety at the foot of the table, the Tynesiders are now beginning to enjoy what looks set to be a brighter future under the PIF regime, with the ambitious ownership no doubt harbouring hopes of turning the club into title contenders in the years to come.

For all the positivity surrounding St James' Park, Howe and co will no doubt be aware that further quality will be needed if the club are to kick on moving forward, with the midfield ranks seemingly one area in which the club do look rather light.

The upcoming summer window should seemingly see the northeast side address that issue, although the top-four hopefuls no doubt wish they had a figure of the past to call upon to bolster their ranks, with it a mouthwatering prospect to imagine the impact that Gini Wijnaldum could have made in this current Newcastle side, having been a shining light during a rather drab time at the club back in the 2015/16 season.

How good was Wijnaldum at Newcastle?

Not to suggest that sporting director Dan Ashworth should necessarily go out and buy the present-day version of the dynamic Dutchman, yet one can only imagine just how crucial the former PSV Eindhoven star could have been had he been able to complement the current crop of players under Howe's watch.

Now 32, the experienced ace was originally brought to England by Steve McClaren back in 2015, with the one-time FC Twente boss utilising his Eredivisie connections to bring Wijnaldum to the club on a £14.5m deal.

Hailed by McClaren as a real "leader" and a "statement" signing for the Magpies upon his capture, the Rotterdam native would instantly mark himself as something of a cult figure in his new home, having been the real star attraction in an otherwise forgettable season at St James' Park.

Despite the historic club ultimately suffering relegation at the end of that 2015/16 campaign – the playmaker's solitary season in the black and white jersey – Wijnaldum made a truly strong impression, contributing a stunning haul of 11 goals and five assists in 38 Premier League appearances.

That eye-catching tally is far superior to what the current midfield group have been able to manage, with Bruno Guimaraes leading the way with just three goals and three assists in the league, while Joelinton has just two goals and only two assists.

The latter man currently operates in a more advanced midfield berth – as Wijnaldum did during his time at the club – although is far from a truly creative presence, as he has averaged just 0.9 key passes per game this season, while the Netherlands international averaged 1.3 for that same metric in 2015/16.

Equally, while Joelinton has won just 46% of his ground duels this season despite his physical stature, Wijnaldum won 51% of his ground duels during his solitary season at the club, proving himself an effective, ball-playing winning asset, as well as delivering the goods in the final third.

That all-round quality would surely have made the former Feyenoord ace a shoo-in to be a central part of Howe's side in the present day, with the Magpies likely ruing that their time with the 5 foot 9 menace was so brief, as he went on to enjoy a glittering, trophy-laden spell at Liverpool.

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is the subject of ‘genuine interest’ from Manchester City ahead of a potential move during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Chilwell not always a regular

The 26-year-old has suffered a frustrating season for the Blues overall, not always managing to make himself an important part of Graham Potter’s plans and dealing with injury issues.

Chilwell has only actually started eight Premier League matches in 2022/23 to date, with another seven appearances coming his way as a substitute, with a serious hamstring injury earlier in the campaign also not helping matters.

Marc Cucurella has often been preferred on the left-hand side, starting 18 times in the league, and the Englishman has a battle on his hands moving forward.It could even be that an exit from Stamford Bridge materialises this summer, with a new update suggesting that that could end up being the case.

The Latest: Man City interested

According to The Athletic’s Simon Johnson, there is ‘genuine interest’ from City regarding a move for Chilwell at the end of the season, as Pep Guardiola looks to bring in a new left-back to replace Joao Cancelo.

It is stated that the reigning Premier League champions were keen on signing him back in 2020, prior to him eventually joining Chelsea instead.

The Verdict: A worry for Blues

While Chilwell hasn’t been a regular starter for the Blues this season, losing him would still be a blow this summer, given the overall quality he possesses.

Thomas Tuchel described the England international as ‘very important’ during his time as Chelsea manager and he possesses defensive nous and attacking quality that few other left-backs in the country do.

Chilwell is now a 17-cap England international, and having only turned 26 years of age back in December, his peak years may well still be ahead of him.

Cucurella hasn’t exactly enjoyed a standout first season at Chelsea and it could even be argued that Chilwell has the higher ceiling moving forward – they both have two league assists this season, despite the latter playing far less, for example –  further showing why the club would be wise to keep hold of him this summer.

The lure of City can be great for any player, however, given Guardiola’s reputation as arguably the world’s greatest manager and the team’s constant likelihood of silverware, so it would be hard to begrudge Chilwell a move there, especially if he isn’t playing enough in west London.

Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Arsenal have Wolfsburg right-back Ridle Baku on their ‘radar’ ahead of this summer.

The Lowdown: Busy summer ahead…

Arsenal look to have a busy summer ahead, as they look to build a squad that can compete in the UEFA Champions League as well as the Premier League.

They have strongly been linked with a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, and are also in the race for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto, so are clearly looking to strengthen in a number of different areas of the pitch.

The Latest: Baku on the radar

Writing for GiveMeSport, Baku is one of a number of right-backs ‘on the radar’ of Arsenal’s, and has been for a ‘couple of years’.

There is a feeling that he could be ‘very adaptable’ to the team given his versatility and work-rate, and so the Gunners could well act on their interest.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Mikel Arteta already has Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu that he can call upon in the right-back position, while Cedric Soares is set to return from his loan spell at Fulham at the end of the season.

Thus, the North Londoners need to weigh up whether bringing in Baku is sensible, although he can play in a number of other positions.

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by his former head coach at Mainz Sandro Schwarz, the Germany international ranks in the top 17% of all full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for a number of key metrics, including non-penalty goals, shots and blocks per game.

Nonetheless, he is 24 years of age, and so still has plenty of potential, but right-back is a crowded area at the Emirates Stadium.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Rob Holding is a "really influential figure" behind the scenes at Arsenal despite only being a squad player.

What's the latest on Rob Holding and Arsenal?

Up to this point in the campaign, the centre-back hasn't exactly been key for the Gunners on the pitch. Indeed, he has started just once in the Premier League all season.

Incidentally, that came in the club's most recent game – Sunday's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. Holding started that match because William Saliba picked up a back injury midweek and looks set for a spell on the sidelines.

Fortunately, the Englishman performed pretty well and earned the praise of the Arsenal support with fans on Twitter making their feelings known after the game.

Despite this being a rare appearance for the backup defender, while talking on his YouTube channel, Watts explained just how important Holding is to the team behind the scenes at London Colney.

He explained "Clearly, people who were there [at the Emirates] said he played well.

"And he's no Saliba, there's no doubt about it, but as a squad player, I think he's a very valuable, and really, really influential figure behind the scenes. Everyone loves him at Arsenal.”

Will Rob Holding help Arsenal in the title race?

Speaking after the game, teammate Saka exemplified some of what Watts has been talking about. Indeed, he said (via football.london): "I gave him [Holding] a big hug when he came into the changing room because he deserves it.

"He was magnificent. We need that, you know, when he’s coming in to stay at the level that we’ve been playing. He was unbelievable today, so credit to him.”

As per stats given on Sofascore, Holding managed to win four ground duels, seven aerial duels, completed 91 per cent of his passes, and also completed five out of five long balls. With that in mind, it's not hard to see why Saka was so happy to lavish the centre-back with praise on this occasion.

Of course, though, for the most part, the defender hasn't been able to prove his quality on the pitch as he's had to patiently show his value within the dressing room and on the training field.

Now 27, Holding is one of the club's older and more experienced players – having been at Arsenal since 2016 – and while he might not have the potential of someone like 21-year-old Saliba, it seems as though his importance to the team should not be forgotten.

Everton “would be fools” if they were to hand Dominic Calvert-Lewin a new bumper contract, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

Calvert-Lewin's injury struggles…

The Toffees striker’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025 but he’s failed to have any kind of consistent impact on the team this season, having made just nine starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

The England international is hugely injury prone as proven over the course of the past two terms, where he’s missed a total of 30 games due to various issues. Last year, he suffered a fractured toe, and this campaign has been even worse with a knee problem followed by a hamstring injury. Sean Dyche is yet to have been able to properly see what he’s capable of on the pitch, but with him earning £100k-p/w, the boss will be mindful that he may have to reduce his squad size and trim the wage bill should the club get relegated at the end of the season.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was asked whether he thought Everton could be considering offering Calvert-Lewin improved fresh terms, to which he replied:

“There’s not a chance. When it comes to giving him a contract, Everton have got to consider a pay-as-you-play deal. Low wages with a big appearance fee. It’s gotten that bad for him with the constant injuries.

“No club is going to give him a big contract. There was talk of Arsenal signing him a couple of years ago – but there’s no chance of that happening now. The days of him being worth £40 or £50million are long gone. He’s going to have to prove his fitness across a whole season now. Everton would be fools if they gave him a big contract.”

Should Everton keep or sell Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin is certainly a lot more receptive to injuries than Everton would like, but having been a fantastic servant since joining back in 2016, they should keep hold of him because he could still be such a key player moving forward.

The Nike-sponsored star has posted 77 goal contributions in 203 outings on Merseyside and is currently averaging 1.97 shots per game, not to mention that he’s the ideal target man standing at 6 foot 2, which is proven in him ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won by forwards in the top five European leagues.

Calvert-Lewin is also comfortable playing in six different positions, including anywhere across the frontline, and having been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Toffees should offer him a new deal, even if it is only a short-term one.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are ‘expecting’ to lose Adama Traore in the summer transfer window, despite Julen Lopetegui’s recent comments, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Traore’s future in doubt

Lopetegui has always spoken favourably about Traore in interviews, recently re-affirming his importance to the team by saying: “Adama is a very special player, a particular player, he is trying to improve in a lot of things. I have seen him with a big commitment. Players want to play more but he is an important player for us.”

Those comments would suggest that the boss is keen for the winger to extend his stay at Molineux, however, he is yet to commit to a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Recent reports have even claimed the player could be offered to Champions League quarter-finalists AC Milan, casting huge doubt on his Wolves future.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jones suggested that the Wolves hierarchy are resigned to losing the Spaniard in the summer window, despite how highly he is rated by the manager. The transfer insider said:

“Lopetegui is saying all the right things and making positive noises.

“But anyone I speak to seems pretty adamant that they’re not expecting Adama Traore to stay at the club any longer. I think it’s probably still most likely that his future lies elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Right call?

There was a time when the 27-year-old was an absolutely vital player for the Old Gold, being described as ‘fantastic’ by members of the media during the 2019-20 season, which was by far and away his best campaign in a Wolves shirt.

The 5 foot 10 speedster weighed in with a very impressive four goals and nine assists in the Premier League, however, he has been unable to reach those heights since, both in England and during a loan spell with FC Barcelona.

While he has often only been utilised as an impact player, the eight-time Spain international has picked up just two goals and one assist in 24 top-flight appearances this season, playing far below the level he was at a few years back.

Traore seemingly has no desire to commit to a new contract at Molineux, but it would not be a huge loss if Lopetegui loses him for free at the end of the season, given the limited impact he has made.

Aston Villa are thought to be plotting a move for Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Expecting a busy summer

NSWE were willing to hand Unai Emery a ‘huge’ January transfer budget after he took over from Steven Gerrard last year, however, the Spaniard only brought in two players in Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran.

He has improved the current squad, taking them comfortably away from the danger zone after picking up 26 points from his opening 14 Premier League games in charge.

It seems as if there could be plenty of incomings and outgoings in the summer following a relatively quiet window, with chief executive Christian Purslow “expecting an extremely busy summer”.

Ashley Preece has previously said that ‘a new No.9 to partner Ollie Watkins is at the top of Villa’s shopping list this summer’, while also adding that ‘the defence will be strengthened’. It seems as if Emery and co may have identified their defensive target in Salisu.

The Latest: Villa keen

Football Insider shared a transfer update in the last 24 hours regarding Salisu and Villa. They revealed that those at Villa Park are plotting to sign the Southampton defender over the coming months, with Salisu possibly available for £25m.

Premier League rivals Leicester City and Manchester United are also thought to be keen on the 23-year-old, with the report adding that the Saints are bracing themselves for interest.

The Verdict: Shrewd signing?

Salisu arrived at Southampton back in 2020 and has gone on to make 80 appearances for the club, 28 of which have come during the current campaign.

The Ghana international has been a solid performer in what has been a struggling Saints side. Salisu is currently Southampton’s joint second-best performer behind James Ward-Prowse, as per WhoScored, averaging a better match rating than any Villa defender.

He has been hailed as a ‘nasty’ defender in his duels by his old Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, something which is proven with Salisu making more tackles per 90 than any of his teammates. The centre-back has also averaged a whopping 5.4 clearances per game, more than the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.

The Saints man appears to be at the top of his game in England with a career-high €18m Transfermarkt valuation, so if he is unable to help keep his current employers in the top flight, a move to the Midlands could be one to keep an eye on.

Newcastle United have made Leicester City midfielder James Maddison a ‘priority transfer target’ this summer, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Maddison linked with Newcastle

The Magpies picked up a 2-1 victory away to Nottingham Forest on Friday evening – one that could be so huge in the race for Champions League football.

Qualifying for Europe’s biggest club competition would be a massive achievement for Eddie Howe’s side, giving them even more chance of signing top players moving forward.

It looks set to be a busy summer transfer window at Newcastle regardless of their league position, but the lure of the Champions League can never be downplayed.

One player who has been linked with a move to St James’ Park recently is Maddison, who is enjoying another strong season for Leicester, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old is out of contract with the Foxes at the end of next season and he may feel that a new challenge is required once the current campaign comes to a close.

The Latest: Magpies still keen

According to the i, Newcastle remain interested in snapping up Maddison this summer, as they plan to ‘resurrect their interest’ in the Englishman – it’s also claimed in the headline that Howe’s side have made him a ‘priority transfer target’.

The player himself is currently ‘considering his options’ and he is ‘unlikely to sign a new deal’ with Leicester, ahead of a transfer window where he may have numerous suitors.

The Verdict: Perfect summer signing

Maddison could be an outstanding signing by Newcastle, coming in as the type of player who can take them to that next level, in terms of creativity and match-changing ability.

The one-cap England international has now scored 54 goals and registered 37 assists for Leicester – 42 and 30 in the Premier League, respectively – while Danny Murphy has described him as a ‘Champions League player’, such is his ability.

At times, Newcastle have been lacking genuine class in an attacking sense this season, only scoring 39 times in 26 league matches, and Maddison is someone who could make Howe’s team so much more potent in that area.

He possesses unpredictability in a No.10 and an ability to open up defences, meaning he could link brilliantly with Alexander Isak in front of him, as well as Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield.

At 26, Maddison is coming right into his prime years – he and Newcastle could be a match made in heaven, bringing the best out of each other and allowing the Magpies to start the 2023/24 campaign as an even greater force.

Everton have struggled majorly this season, although recent signs under Sean Dyche prove that there is life in the club yet as they look to maintain their top-flight status.

In the Premier League this season, the Toffees have conceded 40 goals, the joint-seventh worst record in the division, while in terms of goals scored, they have managed just 22 all campaign, and this total ranks them as the joint-lowest scorers in the league.

Dyche’s aim will be to get his side to score much more often over the coming weeks, however with Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling with injury and scoring just once all season, what the manager would give for a player who could offer a significant attacking threat and score plenty in order for the club to secure survival.

Former Finch Farm alumni Wayne Rooney would be the ideal candidate for the role and there is no doubt he could thrive under Dyche.

Could Wayne Rooney save Everton?

Judging by his wonderful career and ability to find the net on numerous occasions despite not being a conventional striker, if Rooney was the forefront of the Everton attack this term, they wouldn’t be languishing near the drop zone.

Having started his career on Merseyside, Rooney would go on to net 28 goals in 117 appearances for the Toffees, emerging onto the scene with a stunning goal against Arsenal in 2002 and Sir Alex Ferguson lured him to Manchester United in the summer of 2004.

Rooney turned into one of the finest forwards of his generation, scoring 253 goals for United while winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League winners medal along with countless other domestic trophies to establish himself as a club legend.

Ferguson even dubbed him “truly world-class” and truth be told, Everton are in desperate need for a player like Rooney.

His ability to score goals of all varieties, from two-yard tap-ins to 35-yard volleys, Rooney had it all. Add in his combative nature, dogged determination and the work rate which could rival a thoroughbred, it’s no wonder he became one of the best English players of all time.

Journalist Tom Williams lauded him for being “lethal” during the 2009/2010 campaign, where he ended up scoring 34 goals in all competitions and if Dyche had a prime Rooney at his behest, he could certainly forget all about Calvert-Lewin and the club would surely be challenging for the European places instead of being in a relegation dogfight.