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Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy was spotted in Bahrain at the weekend having spoken to Jahm Najafi during the Formula One Grand Prix.

Why was Daniel Levy in Bahrain?

There are images to suggest Levy was at the Bahrain GP on the weekend to meet with Najafi who is a part of the McLaren Formula One team.

This comes on the back of the reports suggesting the Iranian billionaire could potentially be interested in the possibility of putting forward a proposal to purchase the north London club.

Meanwhile, back in the United Kingdom, Spurs were handed yet another blow in their turbulent season after tasting defeat on the road to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Alasdair Gold has squashed the notion of a meeting between Levy and Najafi with the club suggesting it was all just part of Tottenham’s recent partnership with Formula One:

(56:15) “Spurs, as they would always do, very much maintaining that he’s only there as part of this freshly signed 15 year Formula One deal/partnership that Spurs have done. Which will bring various things including this go-karting track under the south stand.”

Will ENIC sell Spurs?

Despite reports emerging a few weeks ago suggesting the Lilywhites are being eyed by the Iranian billionaire, there have been more recent suggestions this may not be the case.

According to The Sun, there is now a belief that Najafi may have turned his attention elsewhere in the Premier League with Everton a potential option for the billionaire now.

So it does put the future of ENIC in north London in question with another potentially interested party seemingly turning their attention elsewhere.

But it would be interesting to hear what was said during their meeting on Friday in Bahrain with reports suggesting it was not in relation to the reports surrounding Spurs and Najafi.

This is almost hard to believe considering the publicity the reports picked up and the suggestions he has now turned his attention to Everton.

Regardless of what happens between the two parties, it has to be noted that there have now been two reports of potential interest in investing in Spurs since the turn of the year.

At the age of 86, and the frustration coming from the fans, it will be interesting to see whether Joe Lewis look to offload the club over the coming months.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is mulling over continuing the club’s lucrative spending spree with a swoop for Napoli prodigy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia…

What’s the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Kvaratskhelia?

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Partenopei are preparing to double the wages of the man they signed only last summer, penning a five-year deal and departing Georgian outfit Dinamo Batumi.

Previously desired by Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea could look to increase the £550m spending spree and pump some attacking life back into the fold, with the Azzurri potentially holding out for as much as €100m (£87m) for one of their most coveted assets.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly moving swiftly to ensure his phenom is tied down for the long-term, but should Chelsea forge ahead with their interest, the allure of the Premier League and Stamford Bridge might be too great to resist.

Would Kvaratskhelia be “magic” for Chelsea?

Despite only costing Napoli a fee in the region of £10m, Kvaratskhelia is now one of the most touted forces in the world, part of a deadly offensive line in a Naples-based outfit that perches a remarkable 17 points clear after 24 Serie A matches this season.

And having plundered 12 goals and 15 assists from just 26 appearances this season, the 22-year-old is prolific in both direct potency and creative ingenuity; ferocious and unflinching.

Dubbed “magic” by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the former Rubin Kazan man’s average Sofascore rating of 7.38 in the league this term surpasses any player in the entire Chelsea squad, averaging 2.9 shots and making 1.6 key passes per game, creating a total of 11 big chances.

And with an 81% pass success rate and 1.4 tackles per outing, the robust nature of his game is a tantalising element, one which could leave him tailor-made for a starring role in the Premier League.

As per FBref, the Georgian, with ten goals from 19 international caps, ranks among the top 9% of attacking midfielders and wingers for goals, the top 1% for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90, and for a Blues team languishing in tenth place in the league and boasting just 23 goals from 24 matches, his inclusion could be invaluable to the club’s resurgence.

Liverpool gem Mohamed Salah is listed as a comparable player to the burgeoning ace, with the Egyptian’s phenomenal rate with the Reds leaving him among the pantheon of active forward talents; scoring 175 goals and assisting 72 more across 289 outings.

And with Salah averaging 3.1 shots and 1.7 key passes per match across the entirety of his career, as per WhoScored, Kvaratskhelia is clearly a machine of the same ilk, and already flourishing in one of Europe’s most deadly outfits, he could even transcend from the work that Salah has marvellously forged over the past years.

Quite simply, the £26k-per-week “genius” – as lauded by Carlo Garganese – is as dynamic as they come and offers a set of skills capable of unlocking the tightest of defensive lines and breaking the resolve of even the toughest opposition.

Given the sheer scope of the quality within Chelsea’s ranks, it appears a matter of when, and not if, the components will gel together and the cogs will start whirring at full force.

And with Kvaratskhelia arriving to ply his trade on English soil, Chelsea’s technical director Christopher Vivell would indeed land the wizardry and ‘magic’ of one of Europe’s most lightning-searing sensations to spearhead the new era.

Just imagine the havoc that would be wreaked in the Premier League…

Other than the obvious example of Declan Rice, West Ham have struggled to progress players from their academy into the first team in recent seasons.

However, Ben Johnson has shown over the last few years that he can now be considered a strong member of David Moyes’ squad at the London Stadium, with his market valuation continuing to soar.

How much is Ben Johnson worth now?

Since making his Premier League debut in the 2018/19 season, Johnson has gone on to make 79 appearances in total for the first team at West Ham, contributing two goals and one assist.

While he has featured mainly as a right-back, he has demonstrated impressive versatility in his career thus far, appearing in nearly every defensive and midfield position, so he is clearly a valued member of Moyes’ squad.

This season has seen the 23-year-old make 12 appearances in the Premier League, earning a 6.49 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him just behind Vladimir Coufal (6.53) and ahead of Thilo Kehrer (6.36) in West Ham’s squad, so it seems clear that the Englishman can be relied upon to be a big part of the Hammers’ defence in the future.

The youngster would earn plenty of praise from former goalkeeper Paul Robinson after he replaced Coufal in West Ham’s starting side back in 2021.

Robinson said: “It’s incredible because Coufal has been one of West Ham’s best players over the past 18 months.

“If you were Ben Johnson, you would have thought your only chance to play would be when Coufal was injured.

“But, Johnson’s performances have been of such merit that he deserves to be in the team. There is no doubt about that in my eyes. He has been absolutely brilliant since he has come in.”

There is little doubt that Johnson can be a big part of West Ham’s future if they can tie him down to a longer contract at the London Stadium, as his current deal is set to expire at the end of next season.

However, if he were to leave, the Hammers would be safe in the knowledge that he would command a sizeable fee, as his market value has shot up to €12m (£10.5m) according to Transfermarkt.

This represents a 1100% increase on the €1m (£876k) he was valued at back in 2020 when he first broke into West Ham’s team, a testament to his progression under Moyes.

Hopefully, for the Hammers, fellow academy players can look at Johnson’s journey into the first team and follow suit in the coming years, with the club undoubtedly striking gold with his marvellous development.

Journalist Liam Keen has criticised Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Nunes for his attitude and display during their defeat to Bournemouth.

How did Nunes play against Bournemouth?

Nunes has been one of Wolves’ standout players this season, and the summer signing has already been linked with a move to Liverpool.

However, in Wolves’ 1-0 loss to Bournemouth, he was far from his best, and completed just 78% of his passes as he gave the ball away carelessly on a number of occasions.

Speaking on the Express and Star Podcast, Keen claimed that his poor performance was not a reflection on his ability, but his mindset during the game.

“Matheus Nunes. I rate, he’s certainly a very good player, but he’s had peaks and troughs in a Wolves shirt. There were moments in that first half where he glided past the opposition and got into some good areas going forward. It was all a bit too easy for him,” he stated.

“At times when it is a bit too easy for him, he lets his guard down too much. And that’s what I felt like Wolves overall were doing, but I can use examples for him. His first touches, for a player of his quality, were so lackadaisical.

“The crossfield passes, and 10-yard passes that were totally out of bounds, were just not good enough unfortunately,  and it’s not because he isn’t good enough or doesn’t have the talent, it was that he was just allowing the game to pass him by, he knew he was better than the players around him.

“That’s a dangerous precedent to set. You cannot think that ‘right I’m head and shoulders above the players around me.’ And that’s what it looked like for me, and that meant that he got punished.”

Could Nunes leave in the summer?

Even if Wolves do survive the threat of relegation, it seems they may be resigned to losing captain Ruben Neves, who is in the final year of his contract, and losing Nunes as well would be a big blow.

Liverpool look ready to swoop in on the Portuguese midfielder, and his attitude in the Bournemouth defeat could be a worrying sign that he may push for a move if a bid comes in.

Nunes arrived at Wolves for around £38m, and whilst the club will likely make a profit on him if he moves on, losing two crucial central midfielders in the summer could be damaging, and may harm Julen Lopetegui’s chances of success next season.

The Spaniard has navigated Wolves away from the relegation zone, although there is still a long way to go before the end of the season with his side just three points clear of the drop.

Arsenal are still monitoring Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda ahead of the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad.

What’s the latest on Ivan Fresneda to Arsenal?

In his daily briefing on CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Arsenal are continuing to send scouts to monitor Fresneda despite missing out on him during the January transfer window.

The youngster has a release clause of €30m (£26m) which considering how highly rated he is, could prove to be a bargain for Arteta should he secure his signature in the summer.

Would Fresneda be an upgrade on Takehiro Tomiyasu?

Despite Arsenal sparkling for the majority of the Premier League campaign and leading the chase for what would be their first title since 2003/04, there are still some improvements to make regarding their starting XI.

The right-back slot is arguably the area under the most scrutiny, with Ben White – a natural centre-back – playing there for the majority of the season, with Takehiro Tomiyasu deputising when required.

The Japanese defender has been solid when called upon, making 1.3 tackles per game and winning 53% of his total duels while averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.66/10, however, his attacking input is poor, registering just one assist and creating only one big chance. Fortunately this is something Fresneda could offer in abundance.

Indeed, this season has seen the 18-year-old register more shot-creating actions (17 to ten), crosses (29 to nine), and touches in the attacking third (137 to 98) while succeeding with more take-ons (three to one) proving that he could offer Arteta a lot more going forward than Tomiyasu.

This doesn’t mean he shirks his defensive responsibilities, with the Spaniard displaying great maturity that has seen him already develop into one of the finest full-backs on the continent, as evidenced by FBref.

Fresneda ranks in the top 10% of positionally similar players across Europe’s big five leagues for tackles (3.39), interceptions (1.52), and clearances (3.16) per game, whereas Tomiyasu ranks outside the top 10% for all three metrics.

He has received substantial praise recently and none more so than from ESPN journalist David Cartlidge. He said: “Fresneda is a very special talent and any club will be lucky to sign him. He’s like a CM dropped in at full-back. Just over 6ft, athletic but above all excellent with the ball at his feet.”

Arteta is clearly looking to the future by scouting Fresneda, aiming to bring the average age of his squad down by signing young talent who have the potential to explode into life at Arsenal. The 18-year-old is certainly good enough to merit a spot in the starting XI, especially with his statistics this season and the 40-year-old will be hoping it’s second time lucky when the summer window opens.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt an injury blow as Michael Beale has confirmed that John Lundstram will not be available for their game at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Rolled ankle

Lundstram was pictured in a moon boot at Ibrox last Saturday, after he was forced off injured in Rangers’ 2-1 win at home to Ross County.

Beale confirmed that the central midfielder rolled his ankle, and it looked like a ‘nasty’ injury as he came off the pitch.

The Latest: Not available

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match against Partick at Ibrox on Sunday, Beale has confirmed that Lundstram ‘won’t be available’ due to his ankle injury, but he should be back to play Livingston away in the Scottish Premiership next Saturday:

“Lundstram won’t be available this weekend and should hopefully be back for the Livingston game.

“He took a sore one on his ankle. He will definitely be back for the final at the end of the month.”

The Verdict: Big blow

It is certainly a big blow for the Gers to see Lundstram not available to be in the squad against Partick.

Beale labelled Lundstram as a ‘really important’ player for him after talking about his injury after the Ross County clash, and claims that he was ‘fantastic’ in their previous win against Hearts.

The Englishman was also praised for his performance by parts of the media, as he made a team-high three interceptions, and was accurate in all three of his long ball attempts (SofaScore).

Lundstram also recorded one clearance and tackle, and achieved an impressive 87% pass accuracy.

It looks like he was entering a good patch of form, and there is no doubt that he will be missed against Partick.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos could still sign a new contract to remain at Ibrox Stadium, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Morelos’ future in doubt?

At the beginning of January, Stephen McGinn told the Go Radio Football Show Podcast that he thought Morelos’ time with the Gers was soon to be ‘over’, after more than five-and-a-half years at Ibrox, initially arriving in June 2017.

It was recently reported that Turkish club Konyaspor were ‘exploring the opportunity’ to sign the striker, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, however the latest update indicates that he is not interested in a move.

The Latest: Open to new deal

According to a report from Football Insider, the Colombian is not considering a move to Turkey before their transfer window closes on Wednesday, and he has knocked back interest.

It is then claimed that the 26-year-old is actually open to signing a new deal to remain with the Teddy Bears, with the club refusing to give up hope on extending his contract beyond the end of the season.

The Verdict: Get it done

‘El Bufalo’ has a fantastic record in front of goal at Rangers, netting on 121 occasions in 255 appearances, while he has also registered 56 assists in that time, displaying his playmaking talents.

There were signs earlier in the season that a move may have been the best outcome for both parties, with the marksman clearly out of favour with former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, appearing from the bench in his first 11 Scottish Premiership outings.

However, the ‘terrific’ forward, as hailed by Sky Sports producer Andrew Dickson, has been given a new lease of life under Michael Beale, scoring five goals and recording three assists in his last seven league games.

As such, it is fantastic news that Morelos is now open to signing a new deal, and Rangers should look to offer him acceptable terms at the earliest opportunity.

Everton are ‘interested’ in completing a deal for Union Berlin forward Sheraldo Becker this summer, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Looking to the future

The Toffees failed to make a single signing in January and so can now only target the free agent market until the summer, but Sean Dyche already appears to be planning for his first full window in charge.

The Suriname international’s contract with Urs Fischer’s side isn’t set to expire until 2025, but after being a standout performer throughout the first half of the 2022/23 season, has caught the eye of two clubs in particular from the Premier League.

The Latest: Everton eyeing Becker

According to Falk (via CaughtOffside), Everton, alongside top-flight rivals West Ham, are both considering a move for Becker later in the year, with a mystery bid having already been submitted by one of the two sides shortly before the deadline. He said:

“Both West Ham and Everton are interested in Sheraldo Becker. We’ve just had it confirmed that Union received a concrete offer on Monday, though it’s not immediately clear which of the two submitted it.

“Union, however, now have a chance to potentially secure Champions League football next year and they’re still in the cup, so that’s why they were reluctant to sell Sheraldo.

“But in the summer they know they could lose him. He’s got a contract that runs until 2025. I could imagine seeing him switch to the Premier League in the summer.”

The Verdict: Ideal candidate

Becker has been described as a ‘clinical’ and ‘creative’ attacker by journalist Josh Bunting, and he could be the ideal reinforcement that Everton have been missing so far this season.

According to WhoScored, the winger really stands out among Union’s best players – having attempted more shots at goal and key passes per 90 than any player in their squad.

The Amsterdam native already has eight goals and seven assists to his name across all competitions this term and has the versatility to play as a second striker as well as at centre-forward (Transfermarkt).

The Union Berlin star also ranks in the 96th percentile for most progressive carries per 90 minutes, highlighting his desire to get forward, which is exactly what the Merseyside outfit need in the final third.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir believes Tottenham Hotspur will target new defenders in the summer.

The Lowdown: Tottenham looking to back Conte

It took a very long time – as it did 12 months ago – but Antonio Conte was finally backed in the recent January transfer window by Daniel Levy, who handed him Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro.

However, neither of them started in the 1-0 win against Manchester City yesterday, which may suggest that they aren’t necessarily the first-team-ready options the Italian would have perhaps wanted.

Spurs have been linked with centre-backs in recent times who they could indeed move for in the summer if they secure Champions League football, with players such as Alessandro Bastoni and Marc Guehi said to be of interest.

The Latest: Spurs to improve at the back

Weir insisted on Sky Sports prior to Spurs’ clash against Man City that while the Lilywhites didn’t improve at centre-back last month, they will improve the defence in the summer when they have more time to assess their options.

Discussing their January business, he said: “Fans will rightly sort of say, ‘oh, but, you know, defence is still a big area of concern’, but that will be targeted in the summer, we understand.”

The Verdict: Levy must bring in new players

Tottenham did improve one part of their defence last month by bringing in a new right wing-back, but they are essentially wingers in Conte’s system, so the heart of the defence is where many may want the squad to be improved.

It will be essential that Spurs sign at least one new centre-back, as they’re still playing Ben Davies in a back three despite the Welshman being a left-back, and of course, Clement Lenglet will head back to Barcelona once his loan deal expires.

Therefore, Levy will certainly have to dig deep into his pockets and find the money needed for Conte to land a top centre-back who can help shore them up at the back, as they have shipped 31 goals in the league already this season, which is the most out of any side inside the top half.

Southampton have reportedly won the race on deadline day to secure the signing of Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana…

What’s the word?

Premier League outfit Everton had seemingly taken the lead in the race to secure the 20-year-old’s signature, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Toffees has seen an agreement for the ace alongside Saints, with the Merseyside outfit homing in on his name.

However, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the south coast club have now ‘struck an agreement’ with the Ligue 1 outfit and look set to win the race for him.

Arriving on a four-and-a-half year contract for an initial fee of €25m (£22m), Saints manager Nathan Jones has successfully bolstered his wide flanks with a immensely exciting addition.

Mane 2.0

The prodigious Sulemana has made 20 appearances for Rennes this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists – with both coming in the Europa League – and has swiftly asserted himself as one of the division’s most tantalising prospects.

According to one scout report, the Ghanaian gem is an innately devastating ball-carrier, with an ever-intensifying aura on the pitch and a growing knack at causing mayhem in-and-around the final third.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s big five leagues for completed dribbles, the top 15% for rate of assists and the top 11% for total shots, highlighting a budding prowess which could be harnessed to full effect at Staplewood.

When current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag took the reins at AFC Ajax, he lauded the Ghana youngster as “incredible”, illuminating the expansive skill set at the African sensation’s disposal.

Should Southampton aptly channel his potential, the Saints could go on to enjoy their next Sadio Mane, another African attacker who scored 25 goals and supplied 14 assists for the club from 75 appearances before earning a £34m move to Liverpool in 2016.

Ranking among the top 13% of positional peers for rate of goals, the top 6% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the lightning-quick Senegal ace, who is now playing for Bayern Munich, has become one of the standout attackers in European club football in recent years.

With the Saints loitering within the the Premier League relegation zone at present, indeed languishing at the very bottom of the division after 20 matches, a spark is certainly needed to roar them back into life. Much like Mane had been during the mid-2010s, Sulemana could be that phenomenon at St Mary’s.