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Manchester United have been reportedly getting closer to sealing the deal with Erik ten Hag to become the next manager to take on the tough challenge at Old Trafford, and a source has revealed more details about the current progress at the club.

What’s the word?

Stretty News have claimed that a close senior source at Manchester United has revealed that the next meeting between the directors of the club and representatives of Ten Hag are due to take place later this week in London.

The report also claimed that they now understand that United’s search has been whittled down to just two candidates – Ten Hag and Paris Saint Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Great news!

The manager situation at United has been an ongoing issue all season, so it will be a relief to fans, the squad and the owners that it appears close to being settled, with one of the ideal targets set to become the new manager at Old Trafford.

Everyone involved in the club will be hoping that this is the last phase of transition they will face after going through four permanent and three interim managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from management and left United in 2013, with a rollercoaster ride along the way and a lengthy trophy drought set to enter a sixth year.

Since Fergie’s departure, the Red Devils have won just three trophies in almost nine years, with their most recent success in the EFL Cup and Europa League with Jose Mourinho back in 2017. They have not lifted a trophy since then despite getting close to winning the Europa League again last year, falling at the last hurdle in a penalty shoot-out against Villareal in Gdansk.

Now in their longest trophy drought since 1989, United will be hoping that the appointment of Ten Hag or Pochettino will bring the winning ways back to Old Trafford, and that real progress will finally be made at the club following Fergie’s exit nine years ago.

For now, Ralf Rangnick must focus on catching up with Arsenal and Tottenham in the pursuit of a top four finish to secure Champions League football with their new manager next season. As they lie three points behind both London clubs, though, the interim coach will need the others to drop points for the Red Devils to get back into Europe’s premier club competition, and that’s without suffering any more setbacks of their own.

In other news: Man Utd now dealt huge new manager setback, supporters will be furious

Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho could still join Liverpool in the summer transfer window, with the midfielder desperate to work alongside Jurgen Klopp.

The Lowdown: Liverpool miss out on January move for Carvalho

The 19-year-old looked set to move to the Reds in the dying hours of deadline day but the transfer failed to be completed in time. That was due to the Football League not having deal sheets for a loan-back agreement to be sorted, causing frustration at the 11th hour.

However, it appears as though all hope is not lost regarding the possibility of Carvalho heading to Anfield.

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The Latest: Pearce makes positive Carvalho claim

According to journalist James Pearce on Twitter, a summer move is still on the cards, with the player himself very eager to work with Klopp.

The journalist tweeted: “Not the end of the world. Wouldn’t have arrived at #LFC until the summer anyway. Still a good chance he moves to #LFC in July. Player very keen on the chance to work with Klopp.”

Pearce subsequently added: “The two clubs could agree that the fee they belatedly agreed today will now be the compensation this summer when Carvalho is out of contract. That would mean a tribunal isn’t required. Either way the player wants to join LFC.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Reds

While it may initially have seemed a killer blow when the deal collapsed on Monday night, there does seem to be a genuine chance that Carvalho still becomes a Liverpool player, which is a huge positive.

The teenager looks like a player of immense potential, not only scoring seven goals in 15 Championship starts for Fulham this season but also registering three assists.

Carvalho has been compared to both Philippe Coutinho and Jude Bellingham in terms of his playing style, which speaks volumes about the impact he could make at Liverpool if the Reds can grant him his wish of working under Klopp.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted to a positive Reds update. Read more here.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch will be working with Victor Orta in the hope of enjoying a successful first transfer window at Elland Road this summer.

The former RB Leipzig boss has not yet had the opportunity to bring in his own players since arriving to replace Marcelo Bielsa in February and will now be plotting possible moves ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Leeds Live recently published an article stating that bringing in a central midfielder will be the club’s main priority as they look to bolster their options in that area of the pitch, with Manchester United’s James Garner and Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara named as potential options.

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Long-lasting issue

The Whites have not signed a player on a permanent basis in that position in more than four years, with Adam Forshaw being the last one to come through the door, way back in January 2018.

This shows that the club have neglected that part of the squad in recent years. Mateusz Klich and Forshaw have averaged underwhelming SofaScore ratings of 6.69 and 6.73 respectively this term and have been unable to consistently deliver in the top-flight in the middle of the park.

Therefore, it is now time for Orta to solve that long-lasting issue by snapping up Garner from the Red Devils on a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old has been picking up acclaim throughout the season for his impressive form on loan at Nottingham Forest. He has been dubbed “different class” by teammate Jack Colback, while former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson showered him with praise, saying: “Garner has been exceptional at Forest. He is an example of why players get sent out on loan.

“He can play at the top level and I think he has proven that at Forest. I don’t think he’s one that will go straight into the Man United side but I think there is a first-team role there for him and he will feature next season.”

In the Championship, Garner has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.23 across 34 appearances. He has chipped in with four goals and five assists from midfield, whilst making 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game as he has caught the eye in a box-to-box role.

This suggests that the 21-year-old has the potential to make the step up to the Premier League as he has been outstanding in the second tier, and he has the scope to develop even further at his young age.

He has time left ahead of him to improve and grow as a player to produce consistent performances in the top flight, in the same way that he has been able to do in the Championship, which is why Leeds simply must sign him this summer.

Orta must snap him up to make him a key part of Marsch’s Leeds midfield next season and for many years to come, in the process solving their long-standing issue in that position.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Adam Pope drops 6-word Leeds injury update, Jesse Marsch will be delighted…

Liverpool are interested in making a move for highly-rated Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari the Brazilian has two release clauses in his contract. He will be allowed to leave for £63m but that will be reduced to £21m if Leeds were to be relegated.

Liverpool are interested in the player but face competition from both Barcelona and Manchester United.

Perfect replacement for Salah

With Mohamed Salah considering his future at Anfield, signing Raphinha could be the perfect way for Jurgen Klopp to replace one of Liverpool’s star players.

The 25-year old has been key for Leeds this season and is their top goalscorer with nine goals and three assists. He joined the club in 2020 moving from Stade Rennais for £16.7m, so if he is sold, then Leeds will be making a healthy profit.

However, Salah’s shoes would be big to fill.

The Egyptian’s record is outstanding, scoring 153 goals in 240 appearances, and this season he is looking to pick up his third Premier League golden boot.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema along with Salah are the only players to score 20 or more as well as assisting ten or more goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

But reports have emerged that he desires a £500k-per-week contract which is more than double some of his teammates. And with Liverpool reluctant to change their wage structure he may not sign a new contract.

He will also turn 30 this summer and many including Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler say that if Salah does want to leave then the Reds should ‘cash in’.

Selling him could fetch a fee of around £90m, his Transfermarkt rating, which means there would be some money left over to spend after buying Raphinia.

When it comes to comparing their form this season, whilst it’s hard to match Salah’s goal tally, there are other areas where the Leeds man comes out on top.

On average he makes 2.1 key passes per game which betters Salah’s 1.9 whilst also making more dribbles per game on average than the Egyptian.

Last year he was described as a “wizard” after excelling for both club and country with The Athletics’ Patrick Boyland calling him “magic”, he certainly looks like a pretty perfect Salah heir.

IN other news: Liverpool plot bid to sign £22.5m-rated ace who “has everything”, he’s their next Mane…

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Chronicle Live wrote on Friday about the relationship between Newcastle ace Miguel Almiron and Atlanta United goal machine Josef Martinez, so should the Magpies move for Martinez?

What’s the story?

As reported by Chronicle Live, Atlanta United striker Martinez is well and truly missing his partner in crime.

Martinez and Almiron tore MLS apart last season as Atlanta won their first championship, but Almiron joined Newcastle in January for a club-record fee of about £20m.

Martinez then signed a new contract with the American club, but celebrated his first goal of the season this week with the iconic celebration that he and Almiron shared.

The aforementioned report speaks very highly of the relationship between the two South American players, so should Newcastle use it to their advantage and try to sign Martinez?

Goalscoring machine

While there’s no doubt Almiron was a shining star in Atlanta United’s side last season, his stats are child’s play compared to those of his teammate.

Martinez scored a frankly ridiculous 35 goals in 39 appearances last year, taking his total during his time in Atlanta to 57 goals in 63 showings.

He scored three hat-tricks last campaign, and his pace, agility, low centre of gravity and feisty nature would appear to make him a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Rafael Benitez clearly wants to keep Salomon Rondon on Tyneside, but outside of the Venezuelan international the gaffer has very little to choose from up front. Rondon and Martinez have also played together at international level, so there is yet another connection to Tyneside.

Valued at £9m by Transfermarkt and having just signed a new contract, a summer move would not be cheap, but it would add yet another weapon to Benitez’s attacking ranks, which are slowly but surely catching up with the quality on offer in defence.

West Bromwich Albion are set to rival fellow Championship outfit Hull City for the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

What’s the story?

The Baggies are reportedly keen to lure the 23-year-old to The Hawthorns, despite the Blues ‘keeper spending the season on loan at Hull, who are interested in keeping the Englishman on.

Baxter, who joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old, has endured numerous loan spells as the shot-stopper has worked his way up the English football pyramid.

The Englishman currently finds himself in the Championship and is approaching the end to what has proven to be a mixed loan spell in East Yorkshire.

With Matt Ingram the Tigers’ first choice in between the sticks, opportunities have been hard to come by at the MKM Stadium for Baxter.

The Chelsea loanee was called upon for almost three months between November and January, with the ‘keeper making 12 appearances in the Championship and impressively kept six clean sheets during that spell.

However, just one appearance has followed that run with a 2-1 defeat at Millwall last time out.

With Baggies number one Sam Johnstone set to depart the West Midlands club this summer, West Brom will undoubtedly need to add a goalkeeper to their ranks and Baxter could certainly be a decent option.

West Brom can replace Johnstone with Baxter

Labelled a “top professional” by former Aston Villa teammate Micah Richards, Johnstone will certainly leave a major gap to fill with the goalkeeper set to depart as a free agent this summer, having kept 15 clean sheets in 36 Championship appearances this term.

Granted, having not been the first-choice at Hull the likeliness of Baxter taking the number one shirt immediately at West Brom is unlikely, with the experienced David Button still at the club, although his contract is also set to expire this summer.

However, at just 23 the £270k-rated Chelsea youth product already has an abundance of first-team experience with 148 senior appearances to date across a variety of clubs.

Whilst on loan at National League side Woking during the 2017/18 season, the 23-year-old was praised by then-manager Anthony Limbrick for a strong performance against Eastleigh, which saw the goalkeeper save a penalty.

“Nathan made a great penalty save, he’s a good shot-stopper, and he also made a good save in the first half to keep us in it,” said Limbrick.

“Even though he’s a young keeper he’s still learning. He was really good and you fancy him to save penalties, as he’s really agile.”

Having proven he can make the grade in the second-tier, Baxter could certainly prove to be a shrewd addition to West Brom’s squad and, whilst still being young, could potentially work his way up to become the Baggies’ number one for years to come.

AND in other news: WBA now eye swoop for 19 y/o “huge talent” who’s like “Maradona”, Bruce will love him

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update regarding the future of Tottenham Hotspur full-back Sergio Reguilon. 

The lowdown: Spanish links

Recently reputable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed Barcelona were among a host of European clubs interested in the 25-year-old, whilst Real Madrid could also trigger a clause involved in the deal that saw the left wing-back move to N17 for £32million in 2020 (Sky Sports).

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Meanwhile, Spurs have recently been linked with a number of alternative left-back options including Genoa ace Andrea Cambiaso as Antonio Conte attempts to put his own stamp on the squad in north London.

Now O’Rourke has shed some light on the situation from a Spurs perspective…

The latest: Changes afoot…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist has stated that Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici will be in the market for reinforcements in the position.

He explained: “There’s a real possibility that Reguilon could return to Spain this summer. Real Madrid have a buy-back clause and there’s interest from Barcelona, so I think Conte will be in the market for a left wing-back to try and improve the squad.”

The verdict: Improvement needed

So far this season Reguilon has provided five direct goal contributions from 31 outings across all competitions from a combination of a favoured wing-back role and as a conventional left-back.

Hailed as ‘absolutely pivotal’ to Conte’s plans by pundit Noel Whelan and ‘quality’ following a Man of the Match display against Leeds United earlier this season, the Spanish full-back missed out as 21-year-old Ryan Sessegnon started the goalless draw with Brentford on Saturday.

As the Italian head coach attempts to build a squad capable of successfully operating in a preferred 3-5-2 formation, the end could well be nigh for the six-cap ace at Tottenham.

Despite links to Cambiaso and Besiktas starlet Ridvan Yilmaz, when using the Fbref comparison tool the closes match to the marauding wideman return as Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell, Borussia Monchengladbach defender Stefan Lainer and Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza – all of whom would represent a worthwhile replacement for Reguilon.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League as the race for the top four hots up.

The Lilywhites could not only go three points clear of Manchester United, who are sat in sixth, after their slip-up against Leicester City on Saturday night but they would also put the pressure on their fourth-placed arch-rivals, Arsenal, before their clash with Crystal Palace on Monday night.

However, the Magpies will be no easy task as Eddie Howe has transformed their fortunes at St James’ Park since taking the helm – three wins in their last five outings have seen them move clear of the relegation zone.

Antonio Conte is facing a few injury problems heading into kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side he can name this afternoon.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting…

There could be just one change from the side that defeated West Ham 3-1 before the international break.

Sergio Reguilon is doubtful for this encounter, and with Ryan Sessegnon currently absent through injury, it leaves the Italian head coach light on options at left wing-back.

Without the pair, it hands him only two options.

He can either revert to a back four with Ben Davies returning to his natural left-back role, or he could switch Matt Doherty to the other flank and reintroduce Emerson Royal on the right.

It’s the latter that seems more plausible, so the £26m Brazilian defender returns to the team, playing alongside the Irishman, Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero, in front of skipper Hugo Lloris.

Emerson, 23, has not been in the best of form since arriving from Barcelona in the summer, with his performances being described as “terrible” and “horrendous” on occasions.

The midfield remains unaltered, with Oliver Skipp also still missing, so Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur continue in tandem.

Further forward, the electric trio of Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevksi and England talisman Harry Kane will look to continue their fine form together, even despite the big dilemma surrounding Steven Bergwijn.

It’s hard to ignore the Dutchman’s form for his national side this week, scoring three times, twice in the win over Hojbjerg’s Denmark and once in the draw with Germany.

But given the form of the aforementioned unit, Bergwijn may still have to wait for a chance to impress domestically.

AND in other news, Conte handed big injury boost ahead of Newcastle clash…

Young Wolves attacking midfielder Chem Campbell has been excellent this season for the West Midlands outfit’s U23s, scoring eight goals and assisting two in 13 Premier League 2 appearances.

The 19-year-old has certainly started to catch the eye of first-team manager Bruno Lage, with the former Wales U17 playmaker making the bench for six Premier League matches as well as an FA Cup tie this term. However, Campbell has made just one first-team appearance, coming in the EFL Cup as a 16-year-old in 2019.

That appearance made the teenager Wolves’ second-youngest ever player but is yet to build on it.

It’s no secret that despite their impressive season, Wolves have struggled to score goals, netting just 31 in 30 Premier League outings, only Brighton, Everton, Watford, Norwich and Burnley have scored fewer.

Now, the Portuguese manager could look to the 19-year-old to make an impact in the final third.

Wolves’ next Traore?

Creativity within the Black Country team has also been limited, particularly from the flanks with winger Adama Traore’s move to Spanish giants Barcelona particularly surprising given that the 26-year-old had managed one goal all season for the Golden Boys.

Although the Spaniard’s deal is currently a loan, the Catalonian club do have an option to buy included in the deal which, if the option is used, means that Wolves will have to seek a replacement.

Moreover, Francisco Trincao is currently on loan at Molineux and, after scoring just one league goal too, Lage may not take the decision to purchase the 22-year-old.

Therefore, the 45-year-old will undoubtedly have to add to his ranks out wide in the summer and seek out an alternative that will allow his team to score more goals.

The Old Gold are still well within a shout of qualifying for European competition with Lage’s side eighth with eight games to go whilst also being just two points behind seventh-placed West Ham.

However, if they are to fall short, it will undoubtedly be down to the lack of goals scored; it’s the clear area for improvement over summer.

Granted, Fosun will likely make funds available to purchase new recruits, although Wolves may already have a suitable replacement available in Campbell.

In his sole first-team game two seasons ago, the attacking midfielder was deployed at right-wing and has played on the left at times for the U23s this term as well as at centre-forward, making the 19-year-old Welshman a versatile asset.

Campbell has come on leaps and bounds this campaign, having scored just once for both the U23s and U18s respectively last season the 19-year-old is now arguably the U23s’ most influential asset.

Back in 2020, U18s boss Steve Davis claimed that the Welsh teenager “can produce things out of nothing” so there’s no doubt that the 19-year-old is a talent and with that attribute in mind, he sounds a lot like Traore.

What Wolves need to be wary of though is the fact that the playmaker will have just one year left on his current contract going into next season and, if first-team opportunities aren’t to be on offer, then Campbell may have to seek football elsewhere.

In other news: Sellars reveals major behind-the-scenes Wolves development, Lage will be buzzing

Manchester City could be set for a busy summer transfer window as reports linking them with a move for Erling Haaland have ramped up in recent weeks.

However, it seems as though the reigning Premier League champions could be also looking to complete another big-money move this summer for a player much closer to home.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, City have made contact with West Ham United to let them know that they are interested in signing midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

After working his way through West Ham’s youth ranks after leaving Chelsea in 2013, the 23-year-old made his senior debut for the Hammers back in May 2017 in a Premier League win over Burnley.

Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make himself a crucial player for the east London club, racking up a total of 189 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored ten goals and provided nine assists along the way.

To highlight what a vital figure the midfielder is for David Moyes’ side, no other player in his squad has managed to equal the number of tackles (67), blocks (53) or interceptions (87) that Rice has in the league this season.

Pep would love him

With the England international racking up more passes (1687) than any of his current teammates, this shows how capable he is of moving the ball around the pitch and how he could fit into Pep Guardiola’s side.

With City having made more passes in the league than any other top-flight side, it’s easy to see why Guardiola would love to have a player like Rice, who he has praised in the past, in his squad.

Speaking about him in November, the Spanish boss said: “Declan Rice is an exceptional player.”

Also labelled as “sensational” by The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton, Moyes claimed that it would take a minimum transfer fee of £150m for the club to consider selling their midfield star this summer.

However, with the player reportedly turning down a third contract offer from the Hammers recently, it seems as though he could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

Although, given how impressive he’s been, it could be worth City diving in to secure his signature this summer, even if it could cost them a club-record fee to do so.

In other news: Fernandinho heir apparent: Pep could save Man City millions with “aggressive” 17 y/o – opinion