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Tottenham Hotspur suffered yet another blow on Sunday afternoon amid what has already been a turbulent season at N17, with the Lilywhites missing out on European qualification despite their thumping, final day triumph over Leeds United.

That convincing, 4-1 victory at Elland Road – which secured the hosts' return to the Championship – has brought to an end a campaign that many Spurs supporters will wish to forget, having seen both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini dismissed from the dugout, as well as slipping to limp exits in both the FA Cup and Champions League, in particular.

Following that dismal 2022/23 campaign, the aim for chairman Daniel Levy will be to find a suitable candidate to fill the current managerial vacancy, albeit with the Englishman having thus far had little success in that regard – most recently seeing leading target Arne Slot opt to remain at Feyenoord.

The failure to tempt the Dutchman into moving to north London has seemingly plunged the Premier League outfit back to square one, albeit with recent reports suggesting that Levy and co are now 'strongly considering' Celtic boss, Ange Postecoglou for the role.

While there have also been claims made that out-of-work coach, Brendan Rodgers has already been offered the position, Tottenham would likely be foolish not to look to Postecoglou instead…

Should Tottenham appoint Postecoglou?

As football author Hamish Carton noted earlier this month, Postecoglou is seemingly a "better manager" than the former Leicester City boss, with the 57-year-old now thriving in Glasgow despite the competition being "much better" than when Rodgers was at the helm at Parkhead.

The latter man – who has also managed the likes of Reading, Swansea City and Liverpool – enjoyed great success during his two-and-a-half-year stint with the Hoops after securing seven major honours in that time, notably going unbeaten in his debut season in 2016/17 in all three domestic competitions.

As Carton alluded to, however, Rodgers was up against a Rangers side who had only just returned to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 after working their way up the lower divisions, with it arguably not quite as strong of a test as what Postecoglou has had to face.

That was evident as when the Greek-Aussie took charge at Celtic Park in the summer of 2021, the Bhoys had just finished 25 points behind the Ibrox outfit, with it looking as if a new dominant force had emerged in Scotland.

Since then, however, Postecoglou has already led the club to two league titles and two League Cups – with the potential to add to that collection in the Scottish Cup final next week – while also implementing "beautiful, attacking football" in that time – as per BT Sport pundit, Owen Hargreaves.

Now the 'king" at Celtic – as described by former Australia international, Robbie Slater – the 4-3-3 tactician is a figure who is certainly on the up, having made the most of what is his first managerial adventure in European football.

By contrast, for all Rodgers' merits – having been described as a "great fit" for Spurs by club legend Clive Allen – the Northern Irishman is at something of a low point after only recently receiving the sack at Leicester after steering the Foxes toward relegation.

That should indicate that it is Postecoglou who could prove the better option for Levy and co, with the hope being that the title-winning coach can be tempted to leave his current home this summer.

Chelsea are reportedly "pushing" to sign Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, with Mauricio Pochettino keen on the move happening.

Is Ugarte set to leave Sporting?

A terrible season for the Blues finally came to an end on Sunday afternoon, following a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. It is a campaign that nobody of a Chelsea persuasion will look back on with any fondness, and it is time to kick on once Pochettino comes in as manager.

For that to happen, a number of top-quality new signings need to come in, with at least one new midfielder key, in order to freshen things up there. Ugarte has been linked with a move to west London a number of times in recent weeks, having been a key performer for Sporting in 2022/23.

The £16,000-a-week midfielder has made 44 appearances in all competitions, including six in the Champions League, and he has been a huge influence in his defensive midfield role.

Do Chelsea want to sign Ugarte?

Taking to Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Pochettino is keen to bring in Ugarte during the summer transfer window:

"Understand Manuel Ugarte has been approved as target also by Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea are pushing in talks with club and player side, Jorge Mendes’ on it. PSG proposal, still valid on the table. No decision yet, but Chelsea will keep insisting."

Ugarte could be the perfect midfield signing for Chelsea in the coming weeks, arriving as arguably one of the most exciting No.6s in Europe currently. He is a tenacious presence who has been described as a "machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – having averaged a whopping six and 4.8 tackles in the Europa League and Champions League this season respectively.

The 22-year-old could partner Enzo Fernandez to perfection, proving to be a great midfield partnership for many years to come at Stamford Bridge, and his quality on the ball will also surely appeal to Pochettino. A 91.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga is a testament to his ability in possession, and if the Blues can beat rivals to his signature in the summer window, it would feel like a massive coup.

Whether Ugarte is happy to join a club without European football next season remains to be seen, but he is someone with a huge ceiling who could make a world of difference for Chelsea over many years.

Aston Villa are turning their attention to the summer transfer window as the 2022/23 campaign comes to a close.

Unai Emery has taken the Villans to new heights, with one game remaining of the Spaniard’s first season that could take the Midlands club to Europe.

Not many could have predicted the success that Villa would lead this term, following the dismissal of Steven Gerrard in October, when the club were loitering towards the bottom three.

The 51-year-old Premier League manager of the year nominee, is targeting more highs in his first full season and is reportedly looking towards an active summer in the transfer window.

Reports have linked a number of La Liga names to Villa Park in the coming window, with news reported over the weekend of the potential progression regarding a Real Madrid star.

What’s the latest on Dani Ceballos to Aston Villa?

As reported by one Foot Mercato journalist, Villa are speculated to have made a “very important” offer to Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in Madrid this summer, sparking rumours of his potential exit ahead of Emery’s interest.

The two were first linked in January when it was reported by Marca that the midfielder rejected a potential move.

What could Dani Ceballos bring to Aston Villa?

Ceballos has had a spell in the Premier League previously, as well as working under Emery while on loan at Arsenal.

Described by the Villa boss as a player that can do “great things”, the midfielder could have a real impact on his current side, with FBref likening him based on statistics to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

The Utrera-born play-maker ranks in the top 1% of progressive passes in Europe’s top five leagues in his position, with a monstrous 11.73 per 90. He also ranks highly in terms of take-ons (best 2%), averaging a successful 2.36 per 90 – as per FBref.

Lauded by former boss Mikel Arteta when speaking to BBC as being an "animal" in training, the £52k-per-week ace could be a powerful weapon in Emery's plans.

While his position is comparative to Villa’s Emi Buendia, his numbers over the past year dominate the Argentine as per FBref, with the former Norwich City ace recording just 2.18 progressive passes per 90 and only 0.98 successful take-ons per 90.

The potential arrival of the Madrid man could spark competition with the midfielder in Emery’s system, adding to depth and player performance.

Villa are on the path to great success with the four-time Europa League winner’s guidance, however, the summer window will be crucial as every team in the top tier will look to strengthen.

The club have strong targets for the 2023/24 campaign, and should they seal European football on the final day, Villa Park could become a very tempting location for hot talents to progress their game.

Leeds United were once a club renowned for giving their academy stars regular opportunities in the first-team, with the Yorkshire outfit reaping the financial benefits of Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Lewis Cook in recent years.

However, their Premier League struggles in the last two campaigns, which could culminate in relegation this season, have meant that those at Thorp Arch have struggled for regular game time in the top flight.

The club opted to loan out defenders Charlie Cresswell and Cody Drameh to the Championship, with both catching the eye with their performances for Millwall and Luton Town respectively, in a time when the Whites' defence has been leaking goals left right and centre.

Cresswell averaged a superb 7.08 rating from WhoScored as Millwall narrowly missed out on the playoffs, while Drameh has been a mainstay in Rob Edwards' side as they reached the playoff final on Tuesday night, earning an impressive 7.20 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old's lack of opportunities at Elland Road, combined with his superb displays in the second tier, has meant that he is now reportedly likely to leave this summer, with the Yorkshire Evening Post suggesting that he will depart despite his contract not set to expire until 2024.

A promising young player leaving on the back of a potential relegation to the Championship may well remind Leeds fans of James Milner, who departed for Newcastle back in 2004 after the Yorkshire outfit failed to retain their Premier League status.

Could Drameh be Leeds' next James Milner?

Although Milner was a more established member of Leeds' first team than Drameh, having featured 53 times, it is far less common these days to see teenagers become regular starters in the Premier League, and the right-back does have eight senior appearances under his belt for the Whites.

He also has 40 Championship appearances to his name across spells with Cardiff City and now Luton, and is one game away from reaching the promised land of the Premier League with the Hatters, where he could ironically swap places with his parent club.

It is something of a surprise that the Thorp Arch sensation has been given so few opportunities at Leeds given that both Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen have struggled in the right-back position this season.

Indeed, they have averaged simply woeful 6.59 and 6.64 ratings from WhoScored respectively, with both also recording far fewer tackles, dribbles and key passes per game than the academy graduate has done at Luton.

His "phenomenal" displays at Cardiff, in the words of former manager Steve Morison, should have seen him earn more Premier League minutes but Leeds failed to put their faith in him and look set to lose another talented youngster as a result.

If he goes on to have even half the career that Milner has done since leaving Elland Road, with the 37-year-old winning every English trophy and the Champions League in his time with Manchester City and Liverpool, then losing Drameh could be another disastrous blow for Leeds.

Chelsea have spent exorbitant sums of money since American businessman Todd Boehly assumed ownership of the club last year, and while a shrewder route must be taken going forward, the Blues have identified Nicolo Barella as a summer target.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?

According to Inter Live (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are prepared to rival Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United for the signature of the Inter maestro, who is being touted at €80m (£70m) by his outfit.

The report continues to state that despite Chelsea's lucrative outgoings across the past two transfer windows, spending roughly £600m, a further midfield signing is desired.

Barella is considered a vital component to Inter's future success, though such a high value to coincide with the club's financial struggles could leave Simone Inzaghi's side resigned to grant a departure from his homeland.

Should Chelsea sign Barella?

Work in the transfer department needs to be conducted in earnest at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea's ignominious season needing to be left firmly in the past, and swiftly.

The Blues claimed their first victory under interim manager Frank Lampard away to Bournemouth last weekend, though the result ended a shocking run of six straight defeats that have swiped Chelsea from the Champions League and mired the west London club in mid-table obscurity, and they remain 11th with four games to go – 13 points behind Brighton & Hove Albion in the last European slot.

The insurmountable gulf between Boehly's outfit and the Seagulls highlights the searing need for change, and while the inflated squad must be trimmed like a tangled thicket, replenishing the ranks with one or two well-placed moves is vital, and Barella could be the man to take the reins and spur the midfield into lasting action.

The 26-year-old dynamo has won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia during his time at the San Siro, and with the Nerazzurri holding a 2-0 advantage over city rivals AC Milan in this year's Champions League semi-finals, he could cement his legacy as one of the club's modern greats.

Hailed for his "unbelievable" performance in the derby, the £157k-per-week gem completed 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles and winning three of his seven ground duels in midweek, as per Sofascore.

And as per FBref, the 43-cap Euro 2020 champion ranks among the top 9% of midfielders for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 8% for rate of assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and in the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, with the statistical site even comparing him to Manchester City's superlative star Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, of course, plied his maiden years in Chelsea blue, signing from Genk in 2012 for £7m and failing to make his mark before departing for Wolfsburg in January 2014 for a reported £17m after starting just five matches.

The imperious £400k-per-week Belgian now perches comfortably inside the pantheon of contemporary greats, having scored 96 goals and supplied 148 assists from 351 displays for the Citizens and won a wealth of major honours for Pep Guardiola's City including four Premier League titles.

Signing Barella would provide the Stamford Bridge side with a world-class centre-midfielder to steady the ship after the harshest of storms; he is a "genius" on the pitch, as dubbed by sports editor Mike Piellucci, much like De Bruyne, and could be the catalyst for a year as resounding as it is disparate from the current stricken season.

Tottenham Hotspur could potentially take a look at their former midfielder Michael Carrick if he fails to see Middlesbrough promoted to the Premier League.

Are Spurs close to appointing a new manager?

It has now been over a month since Spurs parted ways with Antonio Conte on the back of some truly awful results under the Italian.

However, the results have not exactly improved since the 53-year-old's departure from north London with the Lilywhites dropping out of the Champions League places.

Under Ryan Mason, Spurs have shown some fight, but their first-half displays against Manchester United and Liverpool have put them heavily on the back foot leaving them an uphill task to turn around in the second 45 minutes.

Whilst the struggles on the pitch continue, Spurs' managerial search continues off it as Daniel Levy leads the search for his new manager ahead of the new campaign.

Spurs have been linked to the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Arne Slot and even Vincent Kompany who has also made a name for himself in the Championship.

However, speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook has claimed the Lilywhites could look to one of their former players if Boro are unable to work their way out of the Championship:

(0:26) "I still think they might go down the young up-and-coming route. We know they're big admirers of Vincent Kompany. He's definitely on their list of potential targets. Michael Carrick I think would be an interesting one to keep an eye on if Middlesbrough don't go up."

Is Carrick good enough to manage Tottenham?

Carrick was appointed by the North East side back in October when Boro were sitting just one point above the relegation zone in the second tier.

Now, with just one game remaining in the Championship, Middlesbrough will end the campaign in fourth spot with a place in the play-offs already secured.

However, they will come up against fierce competition with third-placed Luton Town currently five points ahead of them in the table with just one game remaining.

Their opponents in the semi-finals of the play-offs remains a mystery, however, it is apparent the 41-year-old may be being targeted if his side fails to clinch promotion.

The work he has done at the Riverside Stadium has been nothing short of exceptional having taken over a relegation-battling side under Chris Wilder earlier in the season.

And he has done so with a group of players which includes a number of young prospects which will surely prove attractive to Spurs with his side playing such "exciting" football in a 4-2-3-1 formation, according to journalist Phil Spencer.

He arrived at Middlesbrough having spent a number of years at Manchester United working under the likes of Jose Mourinho.

His experience as a manager is extremely limited in comparison to the likes of Nagelsmann, however, it is apparent Spurs are looking at a list of managers on the younger end of the spectrum.

Carrick could certainly prove a major risk in that sense, however, he is a manager who is showing a lot of promise in his early days at the helm of the Boro.

A fresh report from the last 48 hours has now shared a behind-the-scenes West Ham United update involving midfielder Tomas Soucek.

The Lowdown: Irons open to offers…

The 2020/2021 Hammers Player of the Year, according to recent claims, could be sold by manager David Moyes if the east Londoners receive a suitable offer from the Premier League or elsewhere (Claret & Hugh).

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West Ham’s manager apparently refused to sanction a sizeable increase on Soucek’s current salary package during the first round of talks over a new deal.

The Scotsman allegedly feels his mainstay midfielder has been a shadow of the player he was last campaign and is now ready to entertain the right bids, with Football Insider now sharing what they know on the situation.

The Latest: West Ham ‘tension’ behind-the-scenes…

According to their information, it is believed there has been ‘tension’ between Soucek and Moyes ‘behind the scenes’ amid West Ham’s contract stand-off.

The report adds that the Irons, and by extension club owners GSB, ‘could now have a big decision to make’ on the Czech Republic international this summer – namely whether to stick or twist.

The Verdict: Keep…

Soucek shined at the London Stadium last season and we believe he could still have a huge role to play over the next few years.

Players can often experience off-campaigns with the 27-year-old, as per WhoScored, actually shining over 2021/2022 in some crucial aspects statistically.

Out of Moyes’ squad at West Ham, only star duo Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice have averaged higher match ratings in England’s top flight Soucek – who puts in a solid 6.98/10 showing per 90.

The colossal midfield man has also won more aerial duels than any of his teammates, perhaps backing why he’s the third-most picked player in the West Ham squad (WhoScored).

As an interesting summer window looms, potentially selling Soucek could perhaps be one of the more risky decisions by Moyes and GSB.

In other news: BBC journalist: Moyes eyeing potential ‘massive signing’, West Ham move already made…find out more here.

Celtic hero James Forrest has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2025, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Forrest a Celtic ‘legend’

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an incredible Hoops career, making a total of 444 appearances for the club and registering 97 and 98 goals and assists in that time, respectively.

Forrest has also achieved amazing team success during his time at Celtic, winning a remarkable ten Scottish Premiership titles, also being described as a club ‘legend’ by Paddy McCourt.

While the winger’s future has been a little unclear of late, there has been a major development regarding the situation.

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The Latest: Forrest signs new deal

Taking to Twitter, Joseph of Sky Sports confirmed that Forrest would remain at Parkhead for another three years, having signed a new deal:

“James Forrest has signed a contract extension with Celtic until 2025.”

The Verdict: First of many?

This is a wonderful piece of news to add to a hugely positive week, following Celtic’s glorious title win, as Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge ends now with his first piece of summer business.

At 30, Forrest still has a number of years left in him at this level and he can continue to use his quality and experience to good use, barring any more injury troubles, having been hailed as ‘amazing’ by teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi.

The Scot has 20 appearances in the Champions League too, chipping in with two assists and one goal, so he will believe he can use his know-how to help Celtic leave an imprint in the tournament.

With such a huge step-up to the group stages of Europe’s elite competition, look for Ange to add even more high-level players following the completion of this early business.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly interested in signing an Eredivisie player. Find out who it is here.

Everton are reportedly now closing in on a deal for a new sponsor for their 2022/23 kits as their relegation fight continues at Watford on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Cazoo ties ended

It was reported back in March that the Goodison Park faithful will end their sponsorship deal with Cazoo at the end of the season.

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The car dealers have been sponsoring the Blues’ shirts since the summer of 2020, but the Merseyside club will now be looking for a new sponsor going into the new campaign.

The Latest: Terms agreed

As per The Liverpool Echo, the Toffees are now ‘closing in’ on a new shirt sponsor to replace Cazoo.

They have already ‘agreed terms’ with a new partner, although they have not yet been named.

However, this is only an agreement in principle, and could change if they end up relegated from the Premier League.

Nonetheless, the proposed deal is thought to be a ‘significant lift’ on what Cazoo were paying.

The Verdict: Needed

After cutting ties with Cazoo, the situation with the sponsor needed sorting out sooner rather than later.

It looks as if the Blues could be getting a better deal, which of course would be a big boost in the financial department, but a lot depends on their top-flight status.

Nonetheless, Frank Lampard and his team will be playing down any off-field developments as they look to secure all three points away at an already-relegated Watford side tonight.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ EFC injury update has now emerged here!

Italian source Noi Biancocelesti has now shared an interesting transfer update involving Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lowdown: Conte wants him…

Spurs boss Antonio Conte, according to recent reports, is a really big fan of the Serbian international with links to the north Londoners starting to emerge in April.

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Regional news outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi claimed last month that the Lilywhites ‘could really make an attempt’ to sign Milinkovic-Savic in the summer window – but much will depend on their ability to qualify for the Champions League.

Both Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are allegedly ‘crazy’ for the midfielder who is attracting serious demand.

The Latest: Milinkovic-Savic update emerges…

As per Noi Biancocelesti, an update has emerged with Spurs still firmly in the mix.

They say a ‘real auction has been launched’ for Milinkovic-Savic as Manchester United attempt to move, with The Red Devils even readying a £68 million bid which ‘would satisfy’ Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

However, Lotito is stalling due to more potential offers and interest from Tottenham who ‘would like to bring’ the 27-year-old to Hotspur Way – backing Conte with his signing.

The Italian is said to ‘dote’ on Serie A’s midfield machine and ‘knows him very well’.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Chairman Daniel Levy will have to sanction a big money bid to make this potentially ambitious Spurs move happen and one which would almost certainly break their transfer record.

The marquee Lazio ace would be a stellar addition though and one which would almost certainly appease Conte amid his own links to Paris-Saint Germain.

Called ‘extraordinary’ by AC Milan legend and Parma sporting director Demetrio Albertini, Milinkovic-Savic stands out as Maurizio Sarri’s most crucial player going by average match rating per 90 this season (WhoScored).

He’s also played more minutes than any Lazio player domestically, making the most tackles per match out of all of them in that time (WhoScored).

Milinkovic-Savic has also racked up an incredible ten goals and 11 assists going forward in the league, coming as a real midfield all-rounder who can seemingly do it all.

There is little wonder he will command a huge summer fee and Spurs will need to pull out all the stops to beat United to his Premier League signing.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.