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Transfer insider Dean Jones believes a Manchester United takeover could make a summer move for Jude Bellingham ‘more possible’.

What’s Jones had to say on Man United and Bellingham?

The Red Devils are set for a busy few months both on and off the pitch, with Erik ten Hag’s side pushing for a top-four finish and more silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League after lifting the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.

An Old Trafford takeover also appears to be a possibility, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe submitting revised offers last month to take control from the Glazers. Jassim previously wanted 'things done quickly' so he could help Ten Hag in the transfer market, with reports last month suggesting he is a ‘huge fan’ of Bellingham and is plotting a stunning United move.

Talking to GiveMeSport, Jones feels that a takeover at Old Trafford could help them in a potential move for Bellingham, however, he also cited the time Bellingham turned down a move to Manchester in favour of heading to Germany.

"I think a takeover would make it more possible and they could come back into the Bellingham conversation a bit stronger. But the fact is Bellingham already had the chance to join Man United once, and he didn't take it? Maybe he feels more ready for that now, certainly could be that.”

Do Man United have a chance to sign Bellingham?

Fabrizio Romano stated last month that United's current board weren’t actively working on signing Bellingham this summer, so a takeover may have to go through relatively quickly in order for the Red Devils to have a chance of a potential deal.

That’s because there is plenty of competition for the 19-year-old’s services, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid all feeling they have put compelling cases forward for Bellingham to join them. Dortmund will also reportedly only consider selling for a club-record fee in excess of €144m (£126m), which would smash the current transfer record at Old Trafford.

Bellingham has been hailed as a "superstar" by former United captain Roy Keane, and with Ten Hag after a midfielder and forward this summer, securing a move for Bellingham would surely make Jassim a popular man in Manchester straightaway. A lot needs to happen, though, but it appears as if there may be a chance to sign the England international, providing Jassim manages to strike a deal with the Glazers over the coming months.

Liverpool view Cody Gakpo as their long-term successor for Roberto Firmino who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Why is Firmino leaving Liverpool?

The 31-year-old will not be renewing his contract ahead of the final weeks of the season and will, therefore, seek opportunities elsewhere over the summer.

Jurgen Klopp is believed to have hoped the Brazilian would have chosen to stay at Anfield beyond this season, however, it seems as if the Reds will have to face life without him.

Firmino has made 359 appearances for Liverpool over the years and has been able to return 109 goals and 79 assists across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

Liverpool have spent fairly significantly over recent months on their forward options and it seems as if their potential Firmino successor could already be in the building.

Indeed, speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O'Rourke has claimed the Reds view their January addition, Gakpo, as a possible successor for the 31-year-old:

"He's going to be a tough player to replace in that Liverpool side because it's not just his goals, it's his all round game that he offers to Jurgen Klopp's side.

"So yeah, and obviously he will be a loss to Liverpool and it'll be up to them [to replace him]. Maybe they see Cody Gakpo as being somebody who can maybe come in, as he has done and become a long-term replacement for Firmino."

Is Gakpo good enough to succeed Firmino?

Firmino's brilliance at Liverpool will be remembered for his ability to create as well as find the back of the net with the Brazilian offering an impressive 79 assists.

And that is certainly something which Gakpo has shown during the early stages of his career in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven.

During his time in the Netherlands, the 23-year-old returned a seriously impressive 55 goals and 50 assists across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

However, what is an interesting takeaway from his time at PSV is the majority of his games came from the left-wing position.

In comparison, only a small fraction of Firmino's games for the Reds have been played out wide with the majority of his appearances coming from the centre-forward position (via Transfermarkt).

So far for Liverpool, Gakpo has been able to offer a return of four goals in the Premier League but he is still waiting to provide his first assist.

Journalist Leanne Prescott has already hailed Gakpo as "sensational" upon his arrival at Anfield and he has certainly brought an all-round game to Merseyside as he ranks inside the top four percentile for interceptions (via Fbref).

It is still early days in Gakpo's career at Liverpool, however, there are positive signs with the Dutchman having returned a higher number of shot-creating actions (5.73) this season than Firmino (4.33) did in the 2017/18 campaign (via Fbref) – albeit across two different leagues.

"His defending is outstanding. Now you will say we bought a striker and talk about defending, but the defending in this position is outstanding," Klopp said about Gakpo in January.

With Luis Diaz set to return to the fold soon on the back of his injury issues, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Gakpo's role in the Liverpool side.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United are close to signing teenage winger Sean Moore.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

David Moyes and co haven't enjoyed the best of seasons but things can still end on a high if they can avoid Premier League relegation and go deep into, and possibly even win, the Europa Conference League.

And then, once the summer arrives, the club will no doubt look to add some key transfers ahead of the following campaign.

Of course, the Hammers will be planning some lower-profile deals for the future too and it seems as though Northern Irish winger Moore has been on the club's radar for some time.

Indeed, the Irons very nearly landed him in January, only for the transfer to collapse on deadline day, with the 17-year-old staying with Cliftonville.

However, in a new update shared on The West Ham Way Patreon, Ex has now revealed that a transfer looks almost certain to be sorted when the summer market opens.

He explained: "We believe that the club are set to sign another Northern Irish-based player in the summer.

"We exclusively revealed in the January transfer window and specifically on deadline day that the club were very close to signing winger Sean Moore from Cliftonville and that the move would be likely to be finalised this summer which now appears to be the case.

"The deal is reported to be an initial down payment of £170k which could raise to £500k depending on appearances and milestones being met, as well as a profitable sell-on clause for the Northern Irish club included.

"West Ham are said to have beaten a number of clubs to his signature. The 17-year-old has played for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy level and has yet to fully commit to either country."

Why do West Ham want to sign 17-year-old Sean Moore?

Despite his young age, the teenager has already established himself as a regular for Cliftonville. Indeed, he has played in 25 Premiership games this term, scoring five goals and providing three assists.

And with 35 senior appearances, while still only being 17, it's not hard to see why the likes of West Ham have been keeping a careful eye on his progress.

As per a report on the player on ITV, the "teenage sensation" was being looked at by the likes of Newcastle United, Everton, and Celtic.

And so, with that being the case, West Ham will no doubt be delighted to pull off this transfer.

Southampton are back in action this evening as the Saints welcome AFC Bournemouth to St Mary’s in a bottom-of-the-table clash, with both teams' sights firmly set on survival. The visitors have the upper hand in terms of the relegation battle, sitting above the drop zone while tonight’s hosts place rock bottom in 20th.

To keep chances of staying in the Premier League alive, tonight’s match must surely end in a victory for Ruben Selles’ side, who have six games to avoid Championship football next season.

With Bournemouth visiting comes a real chance to grasp three points, as the Saints were victorious over the Cherries back in October at the Vitality. One goal from Che Adams was enough to get three points when the teams last met in the league.

Southampton were agonisingly close to claiming a famous victory at Arsenal, that would have lifted them off the bottom of the table, however, the Gunners scored two late goals to ensure the points were shared. During the game, key defender Jan Bednarek was forced off due to a suspected concussion after a nasty fall following a collision with Gabriel Martinelli.

The Polish centre-back, who wins a high percentage of challenges (46.07%), may return this evening after following the concussion protocol, which states players cannot return to action for at least six days following the injury. Mohammed Salisu, Tino Livramento and Juan Larious remain sidelined ahead of the game this evening, though top-scorer Adams is due to return following a calf injury.

How could Southampton line up against Bournemouth?

Gavin Bazunu is expected to start in goal, the Irish shot-stopper was commanding against Arsenal and played to the crowd well at just 21-years-old, he is undroppable.

In defence, Ainsley Maitland-Niles could return for Romain Perraud after not featuring at the Emirates due to not being eligible to play against his parent club, with Kyle Walker-Peters starting at left-back. The £35k-per-week loanee was once lauded as a "huge talent" by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and it's the Saints who have benefitted from that this campaign.

In the middle of the back four is expected to be Bella-Kotchap, the centre-back described as a “one-on-one monster” by former coach Ralph Hasenhuttl, and Duje Caleta-Car who was brilliant last time out.

The Croatian colossus not only scored in north London against the league leaders but put in an impressive defensive display, making eight clearances, one block and one interception in just 49 minutes of play – it’s expected that he will replace Bednarek in the starting XI tonight as the second and final change.

In midfield, 19-year-old Romeo Lavia is forecast to be paired with James Ward-Prowse behind the forwards.

Adam Armstrong could line up on the left flank, with Elyounoussi on the right, just as Selles opted for against Arsenal. Described by former Southampton manager Harry Redknapp as having “a bit of everything in his game”, Carlos Alcaraz was the star at the Emirates.

The attacking midfielder was instrumental and tormented the Gunners’ defence, showed through his goal and assist in just 45 minutes of play before he was substituted at half-time. A replicated performance tonight would be appreciated by all at the club.

Despite being available for selection, Che Adams may have to feature from the bench as Theo Walcott could lead the line for Southampton as he did against his former club last week. The Englishman scored last time out, which could see Adams have to wait for his first start after injury.

No matter the team selection, only a win is acceptable for the Saints tonight as progress has to be made fast if they are to remain in the top-flight next season.

Southampton predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bazunu; Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Lavia, Ward-Prowse; Armstrong, Alcaraz, Elyounoussi; Walcott

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United are now one of the "two front runners" to land transfer target Alexis Mac Allister this summer.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

It's no secret that the Brighton man could be on the move in the near future with his father, Carlos, admitting that the midfielder likely will be with a new club as early as July.

Indeed, he told Puroboca.com: “Normally the next [transfer window] will find him playing in another club, we don’t know which one. The talks are just beginning in general, but it is most likely that Alexis will already be playing in another team next July.”

However, there is still a big question mark regarding where exactly the Argentina World Cup winner will actually end up playing. For instance, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United have all been named as possible destinations in the media.

And in a new update, Romano explained that if Mauricio Pochettino ends up at Chelsea, he could help sway a move but for now it's between the Red Devils and the Reds.

While talking on the Here We Go podcast, he said (13;24): “Let's see if Pochettino will change the situation of Chelsea because Pochettino of course is Argentinian. So this could be one of the points.

"But at the moment, Liverpool and United are the two front runners for Alexis Mac Allister."

Will Alexis Mac Allister join Man Utd?

The £50k-p/w transfer target has impressed with Brighton so far this season. For instance after returning to England as a World Cup winner, Mac Allister was praised by manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian said (via Independent): “Alexis is not a surprise for me. Alexis is a top player for me, for us and I think after the World Cup, for everybody.

“But I knew before the World Cup he is a very good player, a very important player for me, for us.”

With that being the case, it's hardly a shock that Man United are keen on bringing Mac Allister to Old Trafford in the summer but it sounds as though they will have to fight off Liverpool for his signature.

Seeing as midfielder Jude Bellingham is now seemingly off the market – and on his way to Real Madrid – this could make the demand for the Brighton star even higher.

It seems Mac Allister has plenty of options and it'll be interesting to see who he goes for.

Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that Newcastle United genuinely "like" Neymar as they want to sign a "marquee player" this summer.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

It seems as though fans can expect to see the Magpies spend big this summer. After all, their Saudi-back ownership has made money no object for Eddie Howe and co.

Adding to that, the club looked almost certain to be playing Champions League football next season and that will make Newcastle a much more attractive prospect for targets across the globe.

Indeed, it could unlock a whole new level of possible signings and one such name to have been linked in recent times is PSG winger Neymar.

Eddie Howe was even recently quizzed about signing the Brazilian, while Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo was also touted. The manager played down the rumours though.

He told BBC Sport: "We could not be able to come close to affording those players.

"They are the best players in the world. We are never going to be in a position currently to afford those transfer fees and wages, so we need to go underneath and find them young and develop them into the players they can be."

Despite this public claim, however, when speaking on the latest episode of Chasing Green Arrows, insider Jones revealed he'd heard something different behind the scenes at Newcastle.

Indeed, he said (19:50): “I did actually speak to someone you know about Neymar – I saw someone just talking about it in the [Youtube] comments.

"And I'm not saying it's going to happen because it probably won't, but they like him.

"But Newcastle want to go that one step and sign their first marquee player. They can afford the transfer fee. They're going to be in the Champions League. They want another wide forward. There's a lot of things there. They've got a couple of Brazilian lads in the squad already.

"He is on 30 million euros a year at PSG and he's got a contract for another four years. That's the problem.”

Could Neymar end up at Newcastle?

While Neymar – previously hailed a "magician" by Jones – certainly wouldn't come cheap – after all, he earns a reported £961k-p/w (over €1m-p/w) – it seems disingenuous from Howe to claim Newcastle can't afford him.

After all, thanks to their new owners, the Magpies are now today considered the richest club in world football and so can technically afford him if PSG can.

Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean Howe would want to add the 31-year-old to his ranks – especially amid constant talk in the media of the player's love for late-night partying.

But with the Premier League club seemingly at least considering the player as an option, it might be unwise to completely rule this one out just yet.

Hours after his emergency call up to replace Ben Stokes in the second Test, Chris Woakes justified his selection in emphatic style with a career-best 9 for 36 against Durham

David Hopps at Edgbaston23-May-2016
ScorecardChris Woakes warmed up for a possible Test recall in spectacular style•Getty ImagesWhen you replace Ben Stokes in an England Test side, you are not just replacing a fine allrounder, but must feel as if you are stepping in for a force of nature. Every step Stokes takes is a story in the making; every moment can become an act of heroism or occasionally one of folly. Here is a player so obviously combative that he makes headlines happen. Further information about his anticipated knee operation will be watched with trepidation in cricketing households throughout the land.Chris Woakes is a pro’s pro, too unassuming to attract a rush of celebrity headlines, although on this occasion he would deserve to be buried in them. Timing is everything and at Edgbaston, hours after his emergency call up to replace Stokes in the second Test, he justified his selection in emphatic style. A career-best 9 for 36 against Durham in the most destructive display of his career was an ideal send-off as he prepared to head north to Chester-le-Street.Woakes briefly was also a force of nature, at the top of his pace and swinging the ball with relentless accuracy. There was an unexpectedly severe tornado in Birmingham in 2005 and here was another one as rhythm fell upon him and he tore in, utterly attuned to his task.His figures were the best by a Warwickshire bowler since Jack Bannister took 10-41 against the Combined Services at the old Mitchell & Butler ground in 1959. Eric Hollies also took all 10 for Warwickshire in a Championship game in 1946 – the summer he gained everlasting fame by dismissing Don Bradman for a duck in his final Test..”I wouldn’t say I felt in great rhythm with the new ball but after lunch I got the wicket of Mark Stoneman and after that felt really good – as good as I have all year,” he said. “It’s amazing when you are in rhythm like that you don’t really think about anything. I’m not sure I have ever bowled as well as that.”England was obviously in the back of my mind and going into the game you do feel a little bit of added pressure to prove yourself but I am always desperate to do well in a Warwickshire shirt.”Woakes is the sort of talented, unostentatious cricketer whose career has played out without the glare of attention. He would make an excellent spy, unobtrusively carrying out street-side surveillance, gabardine collar turned up, nobody noticing him arrive or leave. When he led the Warwickshire side off, raising the ball aloft, however much he tried to look brave and fulfilled, his modesty shone through.But there has surely been no better pace-bowling display this season. Once he had put a moderate four overs with the new ball behind him, not quite lining himself up against Durham’s left-handers, he bowled with conviction and confidence. This was Woakes how not everybody envisages him: insistent, inspired, his fullish length constantly dangerous, the ball swinging consistently, outside edges rasped.Durham’s top order was dismantled with 4 for 15 in nine overs, even as the skies cleared in mid-afternoon. He was just as inspirational against the tail in an evening spell of 5 for 7 in 7.4 overs, James Weighell somehow managing to pull him for six along the way. He was on the sort of roll with the ball that Stokes has occasionally summoned with the bat.The Edgbaston pitch was reported for uneven bounce against Somerset 10 days ago, but there was nothing untoward with this surface: Woakes was right to observe that it has produced an excellent balance between bat and ball. Neither will many Durham batsmen be berating themselves for the manner of their dismissal.Two were bowled: Stoneman, Woakes’ first victim, done for length as he stabbed the ball on; Jack Burnham misjudging a leave. Paul Collingwood was drawn into a one-handed drive to point, Scott Borthick the first of three edges to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose in classical style.In his final spell, Michael Richardson and Ryan Pringle were undone by the best deliveries of all, leaping away. Weighell was clutched by Andrew Umeed at third slip and it all ended when Barry McCarthy lifted him to deep square leg in the time-honoured last-wicket style. That last pair, though, had negotiated the single that took Durham past the follow-on before adding 27 to maintain a fingerhold on the match.Woakes is not just preparing to step in for Stokes, he is replacing him on his home ground. Durham, in financial straits, can be forgiven if they regard the exchange as less than a marketing department’s dream. They would doubtless prefer to announce the change at the last-minute, rather like they did for at the Coliseum Theatre last month when Glenn Close was indisposed and some star-struck members of the audience demanded a refund before the understudy Ria Jones received one of the longest standing ovations ever seen on the London stage.”I am obviously a totally different character to Ben,” Woakes said. “He is a bit of a redhead with fire in his belly. I do have fire in my belly, I just show it in a different way. Ben is that X-factor cricketer, maybe I am a bit more reliable and give the team a bit more stability. But I would class that as a bit of an X-factor spell today.”His career figures compare favourably with Stokes with bat and ball, he is averaging 50 with the bat this season and, on this evidence, he is in much better bowling form. England will not be harmed by his presence, although he might find himself batting at No. 8, with Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali shifting one place up the order.Warwickshire will send him on his way with best wishes, although it might stymie their Championship challenge if, as he might, he plays all summer. Josh Poysden, a legspinner, replaces him for the last two days of the match. Nobody could claim he was a like-for-like replacement, as per regulations, but how many England allrounders in this form exist?Oddly, Woakes’ day ended with frustration. With four overs to bat, and a first-innings lead of 123, Warwickshire sent him in for a swing, calculating that he might make more than Poysden would down the order on the third day. It was playing the rules, as Woakes admitted, and it all ended unhappily as he fell third ball, stumps splayed, unconquerable no longer.

Kent replaced Essex at the top of Division Two to set up their meeting at Chelmsford on Sunday in a rain-hit season that still smacks of stalemate

ECB Reporters Network29-Jun-2016
ScorecardSam Northeast, Kent’s captain: top spot, runs but more frustration•Getty ImagesA lifeless pitch and two injury-hit bowling attacks provided all the ingredients for a high-scoring draw in Canterbury where promotion-chasing Kent drew with a Derbyshire side still fighting to open their win account in the Specsavers County Championship second tier.Derbyshire banked 12 points for the draw, while Kent claimed 10 to move above Essex to the top of the Division 2 table ahead of their four-day trip to Chelmsford starting on Sunday.Kent skipper Sam Northeast hit 191 and an unbeaten 76 on a surface he believed was too placid for four-day cricket.”Yes we’ve gone top of Division 2 but who knows if this was a good draw or not,” he said. “I’m a little bit disappointed if I’m honest. I felt we should have posted a bigger score to help set the game up, but it was a tough pitch to bowl on and I’m hoping that for our remaining games here we’ll produced a surface with a little bit more pace and carry in it.”After Derbyshire’s mammoth first innings total of 574 for nine declared had helped the visitors to secure a 195-run first innings lead, Kent set out their stall to bat out the final three-and-a-half sessions of the match for their sixth draw of the summer.That they readily achieved the stalemate was mainly due to dogged half-centuries from Tom Latham and Joe Denly and sprightlier 47-ball 50 by Northeast, yet it was tame fare for the handful of purists who remained in the drizzle to witness the umpires’ inspection and abandonment at 4pm.By then Kent had wiped out the Derbyshire lead and, at 238 for three, had edged 74 ahead on a day when Derbyshire had hoped to dismiss Kent cheaply in order to secure their first four-day win in 2016.They were hampered greatly by the loss of rookie pace bowler Will Davis through injury. The 21-year-old pulled up with a sidestrain after trying to stop the ball in his follow through and was unable to bowl throughout Kent’s second innings. He could be sidelined for several weeks.John Sadler, Derbyshire’s coach, said: “Will was our most threatening bowler on day one, having also bowled magnificently last week against Worcestershire. For such a young lad who has not played that much cricket he’s a really exciting prospect, so he’s one we really have to look after.”He’s being assessed by the physio right now, but the early signs are that he’s going to have a spell off, that’s a real shame for him. But he’s young and his body isn’t perhaps totally ready for fast bowling yet. It’s a shame, but we think very highly of him and hope to welcome him back soon.”Sadler also paid tribute to Wayne Madsen, who scored his 22nd century for Derbyshire during the four-day draw. “Wayne is a magnificent player in all formats and I’m wondering what else he has to do to prove he’s good enough to get noticed by England and talked about in terms of international cricket,” said Sadler.”You could plonk him into the middle of a Test or an ODI anywhere in the world and he would succeed – he’s that good a player in my opinion. He’s a great lad with a superb attitude and I look forward to him getting an opportunity to step up.”Derbyshire began their task well enough when Ben Cotton removed Sean Dickson for 22, barely 20 minutes into the final day. Dickson received a belting leg-cutter that lifted and left him as he played in defence. The ball feathered the edge and flew to wicketkeeper Tom Poynton to make it 39 for one – it proved to be the only delivery of the day that misbehaved.Second-wicket partners Latham and Denly combined to add 103 either side of lunch with New Zealand Test opener Latham scoring a 115-ball 50 with five fours. It was his first half-century in all forms of cricket since early May.Three overs into the mid-session and with his score on 74, the Kiwi left-hander lapped leg-side against Wayne Madsen only to pick out Rob Hemmings, the 12th man substituting for Davis, who took a simple catch at square leg.Denly soldiered on to go past 50 for the third time this summer. His watchful half-century coming from 135 balls and with five boundaries, then Northeast pulled a Ben Slater full-toss for four to wipe out the deficit, one of six boundaries in his eye-catching knock.To their credit, Derbyshire tried eight bowlers and set some enterprising fields in a bid to force an error – including a short spell of Tony Palladino leg-theory bowled around the wicket to a 7/2 split field – but Kent were not to be tempted into an indiscretion.With drizzle in the air, Nick Broom enjoyed yorking Denly for 64 for his sixth first-class wicket to break a third-wicket stand worth 93, but rain soon forced the players in for an early tea. The rain and wind strengthened thereafter forcing the abandonment.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held talks with Simone Inzaghi's agent about the Inter Milan manager taking over at the end of the season, according to recent reports from Italy.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

The main story coming out of Tottenham this week has been that Julian Nagelsmann is no longer in the running for the manager's job, with Sky Sports reporting no meeting has taken place, nor is one scheduled for the future.

As such, Spurs will have to consider other managers for the role, and the same report details that Ryan Mason will be considered, while key figures in the boardroom also admire Bayer Lerverkusen's Xabi Alonso, who has now emerged as a target.

Other coaches in the frame to take over at N17 include Feyenoord's Arne Slot, who could cost £6m this summer, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt's Oliver Glasner, with it now being confirmed he is set to leave the German club at the end of the season.

According to a report from FC Inter News, Tottenham have now made contact with the agent of Inzaghi, Tullio Tinti, to discuss the possibility of the Inter manager taking the reins at N17 this summer.

However, it is detailed the 47-year-old is only focussing on the task in front of him at present, with his side now in a fantastic position to qualify for the Champions League final, having defeated AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of the semi-final.

The tactician is set for talks with the Inter board about whether he will continue as manager at the San Siro, and the report does not state whether he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.

Should Tottenham appoint Simone Inzaghi?

In truth, it would be very surprising if Spurs were able to lure the Italian away from his current club this summer, given that they have one foot in the Champions League final, whereas the Lilywhites may not even qualify for Europe.

However, if the Piacenza-born coach was to be tempted into a move to Tottenham, he could be a very good appointment, given the exceptional job he has done at Inter, with members of the media claiming he's "working miracles" at the San Siro.

The former Lazio boss has been very successful during his time in Italy, winning a total of six major trophies, including the Italian Cup with Inter last season, and that proven track record of success would stand him in good stead to do well with Spurs.

That said, it seems unlikely Inzaghi will leave this summer, particularly if his side go on to win the Champions League, having put themselves in a good position to do so.

Tottenham Hotspur will need to provide whoever takes over at the club this summer with new signings in the summer transfer window, as the current squad has proven far from good enough in the current campaign.

One man who would certainly improve the north London club's leaky defence is Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte, who is reportedly likely to leave the Etihad this summer and has been targeted by Spurs.

Could Spurs sign Aymeric Laporte?

According to The Times, the Spain international could be sold by Pep Guardiola's side this summer having lost his starting berth in the Premier League this season, with the Citizens also likely to target RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol.

The report mentions that both Spurs and FC Barcelona would be keen on signing the centre-back, who has made 176 appearances in total for City, helping them to win four league titles thus far, with a fifth likely to be confirmed this weekend.

The 28-year-old was once a regular starter for the Spaniard alongside Ruben Dias but the form of John Stones, as well as the switch to a versatile three-at-the-back with Manuel Akanji on the left, has meant that Laporte has mustered just 10 appearances in the top flight so far this campaign.

A previous report from Football Insider suggested that City would be willing to take a loss on the £57m they paid to Athletic Bilbao, with a bid of £40m likely to be enough to sign him this summer, which could represent a bargain for Daniel Levy given Spurs' defensive woes so far this campaign.

Would Laporte be an upgrade on Lenglet?

Only five teams in the Premier League have conceded more than the Lilywhites this season, which suggests that wholesale changes are required at the back if Spurs are going to re-establish themselves in the top four again in the 2023/24 campaign.

Certainly, Laporte could prove to be a big upgrade on current starter Clement Lenglet in the left-sided centre-back position, with the Barcelona loanee failing to impress during his stint at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This season has seen the Frenchman make 24 appearances in the Premier League, averaging a disappointing 6.52 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Laporte boasts a 6.67 average rating across his 10 appearances and has also averaged more clearances, committed fewer fouls and has been dribbled past on fewer occasions per game in the Premier League this term.

It was not long ago that Guardiola described Laporte as the "best in the world" in his position and at just 28, the Spanish defender could show his quality at Spurs for a number of seasons to come, and be the ideal first signing of whoever takes over in north London.

His vast experience in the top-flight and international level surely makes him a far more reliable and interesting proposition than the Antonio Conte dud, given the evidence above.

It would also mean that Levy could avoid paying the fee to make Lenglet's move permanent, as it seems clear based on performances and reputation that Laporte would be a far better option for Spurs in the long term.