Tottenham Could Find Next Heung-min Son in Exciting Teen

Tottenham Hotspur have been a side in disarray of late, and although they might have won at the weekend, it was hardly a performance to write home about.

Many have argued that Cristian Stellini’s side came away from the clash very fortunate, as their slender 2-1 victory hides the two questionable handball decisions and dismissed penalty shout, the latter of which the PGMOL has since apologised for.

It was a game that truly had everything, with VAR drama spilling over into the dugout, where both managers were sent off. Again the officials came under fire, as Stellini’s lack of involvement in the touchline fracas still earned him a red.

The main takeaway for the Lilywhites however was the fine strike that came from Heung-min Son, which finally brought the 30-year-old’s Premier League tally up to 100.

In curling in the opener, he became the first Asian to hit such a mark in the division's history.

heung-min-son-tottenham-hotspur-academy-oliver-irow

However, this performance again papers over the cracks of what has been an abhorrent season for the South Korean speedster.

Typically keen to oversee the goalscoring burden alongside Harry Kane, it seems this season the £190k-per-week wide man has shirked his duty on numerous occasions.

After 28 league games, he has just seven goals to his name, whereas the last two campaigns had commanded tallies of 17 and above.

This in turn led journalist Jason Lee to take to Twitter to admit that the forward had been “underperforming”.

One goal should not expunge a season of disappointment, and such poor displays should give way to the youth talent who have instead earned their spot. One such name that springs to mind is Oliver Irow, a player hoping to make a breakthrough in the coming years.

Who is Oliver Irow?

Listed as part of a “bright” future for the Lilywhites by journalist Sohail Shamsudeen, the 16-year-old sensation has been tearing it up for the U18s outfit this season and is certainly one to watch at Hotspur Way.

The teenage gem already boasts four goals across 13 appearances, having finally burst into the youth side as a versatile attacker.

Clearly a goalscoring winger just like Son, to boast such a fine proficiency in front of goal at such a tender age marks him out as a truly valuable asset, one who could dislodge the South Korean once his career in north London comes to an end.

Indeed, to fast-track him into the seniors could be vital in offering the teenager that key experience to help him dominate the various youth levels, encouraging growth at a rapid rate.

Given how his potential predecessor in that role has underwhelmed this campaign could only ease such a surprising entry into the first team, allowing the youngster the platform to catapult himself into the stratosphere.

Man Utd Want Defender Ahead of Liverpool

Manchester United are keen to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka when he becomes a free agent in the summer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest on United and Ndicka?

Ndicka made the move to Frankfurt as a teenager back in 2018 from French side AJ Auxerre and has gone on to become a key member for the Bundesliga side.

The 23-year-old has now made 174 senior appearances for Frankfurt, mainly as a centre-back, contributing to 21 goals. However, the player is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has rejected multiple offers to extend his stay in Germany.

He looks set to be available for nothing in a matter of months as a result, with Old Trafford a potential destination. Football Insider shared an update in the last 48 hours regarding Ndicka and a possible move to the Premier League. They revealed that United and Liverpool are keen on signing the left-footed defender for free, with his future being described as one to watch.

What would Ndicka bring to United?

The Red Devils could be in need of a new centre-back over the coming months alongside a new midfielder and forward, with Erik ten Hag reportedly giving the green light to potential summer sales for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Should the pair depart as has been speculated, United could be left with just Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as senior options, with Phil Jones also out of contract this summer.

Ndicka could prove to be an extremely shrewd signing, especially for free as he is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €32m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 6 foot 3 defender has been hailed as a “towering” defender by journalist Jacque Talbot while former Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bovic also hailed Ndicka's qualities when signing the player back in 2018:

"Evan is only 18 years old, but he is very mature for his age. He is technically gifted, very fast and good in the air."

As for this season, as per WhoScored, Ndicka has impressed, averaging more clearances (5) and passes (57.3) than any United player per 90. He has also outperformed Varane, Maguire and Lindelof when it comes to match rating, and at the age of 23, could still have time to improve on his already solid game ahead of hitting his prime, possibly at Old Trafford.

Newcastle’s £85K-p/w Ace Transformed The Game vs Brentford

Newcastle United secured another Premier League victory away from home against Brentford this afternoon, and Eddie Howe will have let out a huge sigh of relief after the final whistle due to a challenging game of two halves in west London.

The Magpies move back into third, matching Manchester United on 56 points, and are looking comfortably on course to live out their wildest dreams of qualifying for Champions League football this season, with Tottenham Hotspur still trailing three points behind in fifth.

Despite having 59% possession, more accurate passes completed (340 v 203), more tackles won (17 v 16) and more interceptions (7 v 6), it wasn't easy for Newcastle to take all three points from the Bees, and the St James' Park faithful will be feeling that luck was firmly on their side after that performance.

In the first half, Newcastle were completely disjointed, with the usual stalwarts in the team struggling to have a positive influence on the game, which ultimately led to Sven Botman giving away a penalty for a reckless tackle on Kevin Schade.

Luckily for the Magpies, former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney missed his penalty after facing Nick Pope, however, it wasn't long before the visitors gave away another spot kick, which was converted by Toney to give Brentford the lead at half-time.

Newcastle finally came to life when Howe made two gamechanging substitutions at the break, with Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon coming on, which sparked a massive turnaround in the performance.

Joelinton whipped a ball across the goalline which ultimately delivered the equaliser due to an own goal from David Raya, and the inevitable Alexander Isak scored the second to kill the game and snatch all three points from the Gtech Community Stadium.

How did Joelinton get on vs Brentford?

The striker-turned-midfielder has been a standout performer in the team throughout their rise to success this season, and although playing in the wide-forward position today, the Brazilian showed his quality, versatility and persistence after a questionable first half.

Over his 90-minute display, the £85k-per-week ace – hailed "exceptional" for his performance by journalist Jordan Cronin – had 58 touches, successfully completed three dribbles and accurately delivered 100% of his long balls.

Premier League, Newcastle United, Newcastle United news, Newcastle United update, Newcastle performance, Newcastle team news, Newcastle analysis, NUFC news, NUFC performance, NUFC update, Brentford vs Newcastle, Joelinton, Eddie Howe

Not only that, but his defensive output was outstanding in holding off Brentford's fight for an equaliser late in the second half – winning a whopping 11 duels, completing four clearances and two interceptions, as well as winning four tackles, proving he was a massive presence and an important influence in the well-fought victory.

That said, there is no doubt that Joelinton's transformation has been one of the biggest success stories on Tyneside since Howe's arrival, and his ability to take control of games has seen him become the lynchpin of Newcastle's rise to a potential spot in the Champions League next season.

"Ruthless" Manager Open To Joining Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are yet to make contact with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, despite him being open to talks over a reunion.

What's the latest news on Pochettino and Spurs?

The 51-year-old has been consistently linked with a return to Spurs since the north Londoners announced Antonio Conte's mutually agreed departure. Pochettino is one of the big-name free-agent managers currently available for hire, alongside the likes of Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Zinedine Zidane, with all four attracting interest from Tottenham.

Pochettino's possible return to Spurs is seen as a fan-favourite option, not least because the Lilywhites have arguably failed to really kick on since his exit in 2019. That same year, he guided Spurs to a first-ever Champions League final.

The former Southampton boss, though, is just one manager Spurs have been linked with and left-field options like Brendan Rodgers, who is also a free agent after leaving Leicester City, have not been ruled out completely.

As well as the Northern Irishman, chairman Daniel Levy is said to hold an interest in the likes of Oliver Glasner, Arne Slot, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Celtic's Ange Postecoglou.

mauricio-pochettino-harry-kane-tottenham-hotspur

Going back to Pochettino, a report by The Evening Standard has shared the latest on Tottenham and a possible reappointment of the Argentine. Indeed, it is believed that he is 'open to talks' over re-joining Spurs, but there's one problem.

Despite Pochettino's apparent eagerness to speak with his ex-club, Levy is yet to take any action, with the South American still waiting for contact.

Should Pochettino return to Tottenham?

If or when Spurs do make an approach, we believe he is exactly the kind of figure who could reignite a sense of positivity at N17 and steer Tottenham back in the right direction.

Pochettino already possesses proven Premier League experience at the Spurs helm and has worked with many of the club's current crop of players already – potentially ensuring a smooth transition from the Conte era.

Hailed as being a 'ruthless' tactician by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Pochettino would return to Spurs with trophy-winning pedigree – having clinched a Ligue 1 title with PSG last year.

His status as a free agent who is open to making the move is yet another reason Levy should waste no time in opening talks with Pochettino.

As Chelsea threaten to poach Tottenham's other manager targets, their former boss could be the best solution for Spurs.

Glazer Family Could Make U-Turn On Man Utd Sale

Manchester United's owners may look to current deals being sanctioned in America as a benchmark for their potential sale of the Premier League club.

What's the latest takeover news?

Improved bids were lodged last month for the Red Devils with the likes of the Qatar party and Sir Jim Ratcliffe visiting the club in person.

However, there are now reports suggesting that the Glazer family could look to keep the club if they are not satisfied with the proposed return on their investment.

It is believed they had initially considered selling the club if bids in the region of £6bn were to land on their table over the coming months.

However, the American family have now seen NFL team, the Washington Commanders, put up for sale in the region of £4.8bn which could see them reevaluate their stance at Old Trafford.

The Commanders are one of the NFL's least glamorous and least decorated sides which could put United's valuation into perspective.

ESPN have claimed the Glazers could potentially look to remain at United for another decade in hope of seeing the club's value rise to around £10bn.

And speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has suggested sources in America have highlighted the sale of the Washington Commanders as a potential issue for United:

(50:15) "American sources have said to us the Glazers are one of the owners of the NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so they have to approve new owners in the NFL – it works weirdly. And the Washington Commanders are about to exchange hands and that'd be a world record fee for a franchise or a club and they've been sold for $6 billion.

"And this is the Washington Commanders who are probably one of the lesser franchises in the NFL. They are one of the least entertaining ones, they've got very little history.

"And then they do compare that to Manchester United, one of the most historic teams on the planet. Up there with the Dallas Cowboys. United and the Dallas Cowboys in America are regarded as the two biggest clubs/franchises in world sport. And I just don't think this money will be enough for the Glazers."

What could lie ahead for United?

This could be another interesting twist in the potential sale of the Red Devils which is quickly turning into a farce for fans of the Premier League giants.

United were put up for sale back in November and the interested parties have done their bit in showing their interest in potentially taking the club off the Glazers.

However, the last-minute potential U-turn from the Glazers will feel like a real blow if they pull the plug on the proposed sale of the club.

Manchester United fans protest the Glazer's ownership outside of Old Trafford.

And what will be interesting is to see what the reaction of the fans would be if this was to happen.

In recent years, we have seen United fans protest the ownership which has even led to the storming of Old Trafford which forced the Premier League to postpone the scheduled match against Liverpool due to safety concerns.

Now two years on from this, it would be interesting to see how the potential news of the Glazers pulling out of a deal would be taken by the fans.

Erik ten Hag has done an impressive job since arriving at Old Trafford, but this could feel like a real step backwards for the club.

"Towering" Man United Target To Leave For Free

Manchester United target Evan Ndicka will leave Eintracht Frankfurt for nothing this summer, Fabrizio Romano reports.

What’s the latest news on Ndicka?

Ndicka made the move to the Bundesliga side back in 2018 and has gone on to make 177 senior appearances for his current employers.

The 23-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or as a left-back, is now valued at a career-high €32m (£28m) by Transfermarkt and is out of contract at the end of the season.

A potential move to Old Trafford to join up with Erik ten Hag has been speculated in recent weeks as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool, and the Red Devils have been handed a boost in a possible swoop.

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to relay an update from Frankfurt on attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada, saying that the Japan international will leave the club on a free transfer in June as expected. The transfer expected then shared news on Ndicka, adding that the same will happen with the defender, who is also "set to leave on a free".

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.

Should Man United discuss pre-contract terms?

Due to Ndicka’s contract situation, United can actually discuss pre-contract agreement terms right now ahead of a free transfer this summer, and from the outside looking in, it appears to be a no-brainer of a decision ahead of Ten Hag’s second season in charge.

That’s because the United manager has reportedly given the green light to summer sales for defenders Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, which could leave the manager with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his only senior centre-back options.

Described as a “towering” defender by journalist Jacque Talbot, the Frenchman has been a solid performer in recent months, averaging a Bundesliga match rating of 6.68/10 this season, as per WhoScored, better than Red Devils defenders Varane, Maguire and Lindelof.

He has made more clearances per 90 than any Frankfurt and United player this season and also ranks highly for interceptions and pass completion rate, showing that he is also good on the ball.

Therefore, signing Ndicka for free could be a wise move, especially as he would provide a versatile option and appears to be at the top of his game with his market valuation. Doing so could then allow funds to go towards big-money midfield and attacking signings – areas that the club also want to add to over the coming months.

Rangers’ 48-Touch Gem Was Beale’s "Standout" Performer

Glasgow Rangers suffered a damaging 3-2 Old Firm defeat this afternoon which has all but ended their slim Premiership title aspirations that they had going under Michael Beale – and thoughts now turn to 2023/24.

Both sides had a goal ruled out during the first half and they went into the break with the scores at 1-1. James Tavernier scored a sublime free kick on the stroke of half-time to go within one of a century of Rangers goals.

The full-back would score his 100th with a cleverly taken header, yet it was all too late for the Light Blues, as two calamitous mistakes by Ben Davies and John Souttar had earlier Celtic a 3-1 advantage.

Beale has yet to win an Old Firm game since taking over at the club back in November, and this will have to totally change next season if they are to challenge for the league title.

Despite the defeat, a few players made themselves known – most notably Tavernier, who put in a solid display; yet, it was January signing Nicolas Raskin who looked at home in the Gers' midfield axis.

How did Nicolas Raskin play for Rangers against Celtic?

The Belgian came in for John Lundstram in the starting XI ahead of the game and proved why Beale wanted him so badly during the January transfer window.

He received a Sofascore rating of 6.4/10, which wasn’t the best in the team, but his combative nature and ability to hunt down every ball were key to Rangers enjoying some success through the match, especially when they pressed Celtic and forced them to make mistakes.

Indeed, Raskin managed 48 touches throughout the tie, and although he made just 76% of his passes, the midfielder succeeded with both his dribble attempts, won five duels and made two tackles, showing great physicality to stand his ground and only being dribbled past once in the whole game.

Nicolas Raskin for Rangers

It looks like he will be a huge success at the Ibrox side, and being thrown into a first league derby start in the most important game of the season is an indication of the faith placed into him by Beale.

Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie claimed that Raskin was the “standout” for Rangers while also stating that the 22-year-old was “such an upgrade in midfield”, and if Beale can build a Rangers side around him and a few other players ahead of next term, we think the title race could be a lot closer.

Newcastle Links With £100m+ Napoli Duo Slammed

Journalist Dean Jones has rubbished the idea that Newcastle United have any chance of landing Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia amid recent transfer links.

What are the latest rumours on Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

The Magpies have impressed many this term and look as though they could be playing Champions League football next term.

Indeed, with just eight Premier League games left to play, they currently sit fourth on the table, three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur despite having played one game fewer.

With that being the case, if they can finish inside the top four, Eddie Howe and his team will feel confident of landing some big names this summer when the market reopens.

Already, plenty of targets are already being touted. For instance, as per a recent report in The Telegraph Napoli pair Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are "admired” by the Magpies.

However, while talking on a recent episode of the Chasing Green Arrows podcast, insider Jones slammed the idea of either playing joining.

He explained (14:21): "There is absolutely no chance.

"Like, even if Newcastle are abandoning their careful spending, there is not enough money in the world to convince those two to go to Newcastle at the moment.

"I'm sorry, you are not there."

How much would Osimhen or Kvaratskhelia cost Newcastle?

Both players have had exceptional seasons as they look destined to win Serie A with Napoli, who are also currently still in with a shot at winning the Champions League.

Indeed, Osimhen has scored 25 goals in 30 games this term in total, while also claiming five assists – meaning he averages one direct goal contribution every time he plays.

Kvaratskhelia is operating on a similar level, with 14 goals and 16 assists in 34 outings in his debut season in Italy.

With that in mind, Newcastle won't be the only ones interested in the pair this summer. For example, Chelsea have recently been tipped to make a £100m bid for Osimhen.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

On top of that, Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Christian Emile, has told Fabrizio Romano (via Goal): "He’s come to Napoli, he’s been brilliant, and people are talking about €100m (£88m).

"For me, if he continues to perform like this until the end of the season and next season, because there’s a 0% chance they sell him [in January]. He will reach €100m for sure.”

Thanks to their wealthy owners and possible European football next term, the Magpies might have the finances to splash that kind of cash next summer.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean these two would want to join Newcastle and Jones certainly doesn't think either one of the duo would trade Naples for Tyneside any time soon.

جاري نيفيل: ليفربول مدين لـ محمد صلاح هذا الموسم

يرى جاري نيفيل أسطورة مانشستر يونايتد، أن نادي ليفربول مدين بالفضل لـ محمد صلاح، بسبب صدارته لترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم.

محمد صلاح صنع هدفًا وسجل 2، في الرباعية التي أمطر بها ليفربول شباك نيوكاسل، ضمن الجولة 20 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب أنفيلد.

وقال جاري نيفيل في تصريحاته بشبكة “سكاي” البريطانية: “في الشوط الأول ضد نيوكاسل، تساءلت عما إذا كان الأمر سيكون مشابهًا عندما سددوا 30 تسديدة ضد مانشستر يونايتد ولم يتمكنوا من الفوز”.

طالع أيضًا.. كلوب عن أداء محمد صلاح أمام نيوكاسل: فعلها مئات المرات.. وجعلني أعتاد على إهدار الفرص

وأضاف: “في الشوط الثاني كان ليفربول رائعًا في القمة، ولديهم لاعب نجم واحد يربط كل ذلك معًا، وهو محمد صلاح، الذي سيكون ليفربول مدين له بما فعله حتى الآن قبل رحيله للمشاركة مع منتخب بلاده في أمم إفريقيا”.

وأكمل: “لدى ليفربول ثلاثة لاعبين من الطراز العالمي، أليسون وفان دايك وصلاح، عاد فيرجيل إلى أفضل مستوياته خلال الشهرين الماضيين، وكان سجل ليفربول الدفاعي جيدًا جدًا، وأليسون هو الحارس الأفضل في العالم، ومحمد صلاح آلة تسجيل أهداف رغم أنه جناح، ويقدم أداء رائعًا عامًا بعد عام”.

وشدد: “إذا حافظ ليفربول على لياقة الثلاثي، سيكونون في وضع هائل ويمكنهم العودة إلى منصات التتويج سريعًا، لكن يجب أن نضع في الحسبان ابتعاد محمد صلاح للمشاركة مع منتخب بلاده، سيضر بهم بالتأكيد”.

واختتم: “تتساءل كيف سيكون الأمر بدون محمد صلاح، لكنهم مدينون له بالتواجد في صدارة الترتيب، ولا يزال الدوري به العديد من المباريات، لكن عليهم أن يستمروا في المقدمة حتى يعود صلاح”.

Newcastle Make Contact With £75k-p/w Star

Newcastle United have held talks with the agent of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, according to a new report.

Who could Newcastle sign this summer?

Newcastle are clearly in the market for a new central midfielder this summer, having been linked to a number of players in that area of the pitch, with Manchester United's Scott McTominay still being monitored, although he could now cost as much as £50m.

The Magpies could also move for Leicester City ace Youri Tielemans, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, as a result of his contract expiring, although his wage demands are high, which could be a potential stumbling block.

Eddie Howe is known to have been interested in Milinkovic-Savic in the past, with a January report claiming the club were preparing a €60m (£53m) offer for the midfielder, and the manager could finally get his man in the summer.

According to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness) Newcastle could have an advantage in the race for the Serbian, having already made contact with his agent, Mateja Kezman, about a potential summer move.

Lazio are now willing to listen to lower offers than the €100m (£88m) they were demanding last summer, as they do not wish to run the risk of losing him for free next year, when his current contract is set to expire.

However, the Magpies are not the only Premier League club in the race for the £75k-per-week earner's signature, as Arsenal and West Ham United are also interested, while Juventus and AC Milan are trying to keep him in the Serie A.

Would Milinkovic-Savic be a good signing for Newcastle?

The midfield maestro would be a real attacking threat for the Magpies, ranking in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 in the past year, when compared to other central-midfielders, also placed in the same percentile for assists.

Hailed as a "monster" by members of the media, the Lazio star has proven himself over a number of years in the Serie A, remarkably managing to rack up 22 goal contributions in 37 games during the 21/22 campaign.

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

This season, the 28-year-old is once again impressing, averaging a 7.21 Sofascore match rating in the league, a higher figure than any Newcastle midfielder.

Milinkovic-Savic could be the perfect partner for Bruno Guimaraes in midfield next season, and the Magpies should undoubtedly look to secure his signature in the summer window.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus