Luis Enrique Set For Second Interview At Chelsea

Chelsea are set to have a second interview with Luis Enrique over the manager's job at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Who is favourite to take charge at Chelsea?

The Blues are currently working hard on finding their next permanent manager, with the appointment expected to be made in the summer, at the latest. Frank Lampard is currently in temporary charge, but three successive defeats against Wolves, Real Madrid and Brighton show that he is not the man to take the team forward in the long-term.

It has been a fairly chaotic season at Chelsea, with both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter sacked since the campaign got underway, and it is vital that the club nail the next manager this time around, in order to get somewhere near the top of the Premier League again.

Enrique is seemingly one of the front-runners to take charge at Stamford Bridge, having already undergone one interview, although the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho are all reportedly in the mix, too.

Spain's former boss Luis Enrique.

Could Enrique be the man to come in?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips said that the 52-year-old is expected to have another interview soon, suggesting he remains a strong contender to be the next Chelsea boss:

"Julian Nagelsmann isn’t the only candidate that Chelsea are looking at. They’re also planning to bring Luis Enrique back in for a second interview. But as well as those two, there are up to seven more candidates that Chelsea are considering right now.”

Enrique certainly has the credentials to be an impressive appointment by Chelsea this summer, having tasted Champions League glory in charge of Barcelona back in 2015, as well as winning back-to-back La Liga titles with them in 2015 and 2016.

Granted, his spell as Spain manager didn't end well, with elimination at the hands of Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, but he is a proven winner who will be hungry to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

Whether Enrique is the best possible option for Chelsea is debatable, with Nagelsmann arguably Europe's most exciting young manager right now, but the German lacks the Spaniard's experience when it comes to handling top players with big egos, of which there are arguably plenty at Stamford Bridge currently.

That fact that a second interview looks likely certainly suggests that Todd Boehly considers Enrique a strong option and it would be an appointment that could prove to be inspired.

Spurs Job Looking More Appealing To 35 y/o Target

Tottenham Hotspur's managerial target Julian Nagelsmann could potentially be softening to the idea of becoming their next permanent manager.

Could Spurs appoint Nagelsmann?

After Sunday's humiliation on Tyneside, the decision was made to part ways with the interim boss Cristian Stellini after he stepped in to take over from Antonio Conte.

With just six games remaining of the season, Spurs will be led by their third manager of the campaign with Ryan Mason stepping up to the plate.

However, their search for the permanent replacement of Conte will continue in the background with one manager of interest believed to be Nagelsmann.

The German was initially believed to be the favourite to take on the vacancy at Stamford Bridge but it is thought he has recently pulled out of the running.

However, this has potentially opened the door for the German to possibly make a move to north London following his dismissal from Bayern Munich.

Indeed, speaking on talkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has claimed the out-of-work manager is softening to the idea of becoming the next Spurs boss:

"I think the other interesting development coming out of Spurs today is Julian Nagelsmann, who a couple of weeks ago when Chelsea were interested, it looked like he wasn't necessarily too keen on taking the Tottenham job.

"From what I'm hearing, over the course of the afternoon, there maybe has been a softening on that stance and maybe Nagelsmann is more interested than he was previously about taking over at Spurs.

"Daniel Levy, I think would love to bring in a coach of his calibre so certainly that's a situation to keep an eye on."

Should Spurs hire Nagelsmann?

There will be a lot of disappointment around north London currently with their side freefalling in terms of their results on the back of their dismal display on the weekend.

A spot inside the top four is still achievable but highly unlikely given the level of performance they have treat their fans to over recent months.

However, a new manager could provide the club with a boost ahead of the summer with the German clearly an in-demand manager with Chelsea initially keen to hire him.

Mauricio Pochettino.

But that raises potential concerns in itself with the 35-year-old also believed to have initially snubbed Tottenham for their London rivals.

And this ties into the reports that Daniel Levy is looking for a manager who views the Spurs vacancy as his best option and is solely focused on being the Spurs manager.

This would seem as if perhaps the Lilywhites were not Nagelsmann first choice with suggestions that he was initially keen to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

But with Mauricio Pochettino seemingly set to move to Chelsea, does this leave the Spurs board with a huge task of bringing in a big name to appease the fans?

Levy has done that in the past with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Conte and neither have proved to be successful in north London so a huge decision lies on the shoulders of the 61-year-old.

Arsenal: £34m "passenger" is giving "Nicolas Pepe vibes"

Arsenal's dreams of clinching their first Premier League title in nearly a decade are hanging by a thread after Bukayo Saka's last-minute equaliser against Southampton on Friday evening.

It's been three successive draws for the Gunners and unlike their games against Liverpool and West Ham United, they had to come from behind to secure it, having been 3-1 down at the Emirates Stadium.

An early and unusual error from Aaron Ramsdale inside the opening 30 seconds set the tone for the match before former Arsenal star Theo Walcott doubled the Saints' advantage after just 14 minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli got a quick goal back but it was the visitors who took another two-goal lead through Duje Caleta-Car on the hour mark. Two minutes from time, Martin Odegaard got one back, and then Saka came up trumps in the dying embers to keep their trophy hopes alive.

It was a rather lacklustre outing from the potential champions-elect and one that highlighted the worrying lack of depth across the playing squad – Granit Xhaka was a late and surprise absentee due to illness, which meant there was a rare start for Fabio Vieira to impress.

How has Fabio Vieira done at Arsenal?

But he failed to grasp the opportunity with both hands in what was his 31st appearance of the season, albeit just his third start in the English top-flight, per Transfermarkt.

In his past two starts, Vieira had scored against Brentford and assisted at Wolverhampton Wanderers – both away wins – but back on home turf, he struggled to assert any authority over the Premier League's basement boys as he appeared lightweight and ponderous in possession.

Indeed, he lasted only 57 minutes before Mikel Arteta hooked him for Leandro Trossard, one of many other alternatives that could have started instead. In this time, the Portuguese maestro lost possession nine times from just 36 touches (once every four involvements) and failed to fire either of his two shots on target, via Sofascore.

It was a performance that led Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings to describe the £34m signing as a "passenger," whilst former Aston Villa man Gabby Agbonlahor claimed the attacking midfielder "looked lost" on talkSPORT.

Arsenal's Fabio Vieira reacts vs Southampton

There now has to be question marks as to whether Arsenal needed a player like this, particularly as he does not look up to the physicality of the Premier League and especially when you consider the fact that the side is hugely light in other areas, such as in defence, where the absence of William Saliba has undoubtedly contributed to the Gunners' poor recent form.

When you factor in his £82k-per-week wages, then Vieira has cost Edu Gaspar and co around £38m since his arrival in mid-June; funds that could have provided Arteta with a better quality backup than Rob Holding.

It's perhaps why AFTV and the Football Terrace contributor Le African Gooner has claimed that the former FC Porto dynamo has given "Nicolas Pepe vibes" so far – the Gunners' club-record flop.

FootballTransfers also currently value Vieira in the region of £18m, which is evidently a fraction of what the club splashed out nearly a year ago and is a worrying sign that this has been a disastrous transfer deal thus far.

Of course, at just 22 years of age, the 5 foot 7 ace has plenty of time to get his career back on track – especially at Arsenal – but the early signs certainly aren't encouraging so far.

Chelsea Could Ditch Ziyech For Exciting £29m Talent

Frank Lampard has only been in charge of Chelsea for four matches during his second stint and is already feeling the strain, such is the nature of being boss at the Stamford Bridge side under Todd Boehly.

They will persist with him until a new manager is appointed at the end of the season, but there are still seven matches to go in the Premier League and the Blues aren’t even guaranteed a spot in the top half.

A mass clear-out is required at the club under the new manager, whoever that may be, and Lampard will be doing all he can to give him a solid base to begin from.

One thing the former Blues midfielder should be doing is giving some young talent a chance in the first team before the campaign ends and Noni Madueke should be staking a claim after struggling for minutes recently.

Should Noni Madueke start for Chelsea?

The £29m signing from PSV Eindhoven deserves a chance over the final few weeks to showcase his incredible talent ahead of next term and this could give Lampard the licence to ditch Hakim Ziyech, who has been woeful during 2022/23.

The winger has made just 14 appearances in the top flight, with only six starts, registering just one assist and creating five big chances, proving that he isn’t nearly as effective as Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel wanted him to be.

His Sofascore rating of 6.83/10 ranks him as only the 16th-best performer in the team, and it’s evident that his time at the club could soon be coming to an end.

Madueke hasn’t had much of a chance at the club having joined during the winter transfer window, with Potter restricting him to just five league games so far, yet he has shown glimpses of his ability.

The 21-year-old has averaged 1.4 key passes, 0.8 shots and 31 touches in the limited time he has had on the field of play, suggesting that with more game time, these stats will only get better.

Having succeeded with 2.2 dribbles per game, there is no doubt he can thrive on the right wing for Chelsea if given a chance under Lampard, and with nothing left to play for but pride, the chance is now.

Madueke is a regular for England at U21 level and manager Lee Carsley heaped plenty of praise on the youngster, saying: “He is exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile but what we have to remember is he is still young.

“He is going to need time, match minutes, the time to work on his game, but he has high potential. Like a lot of the younger players, he just needs an opportunity.”

Could this opportunity present itself over the coming weeks? Only time will tell but in order for the club to progress, they need to be placing their trust in talent who is willing to work hard and make an impression, while ditching those that have underperformed.

Liverpool Could Still Sign Jude Bellingham

Liverpool still have a chance of signing Jude Bellingham in the summer transfer window, according to a key update from reporter and former footballer Jan Aage Fjortoft.

Is Bellingham leaving this summer?

The Reds have been endlessly linked with a move for the 19-year-old over the past nine months or so, even arguably standing out as the favourites to sign him from Borussia Dortmund at one stage.

They were dealt a huge blow earlier this week, however, with various reports claiming the transfer to Anfield was off and that Liverpool will look for cheaper midfield targets instead. It looks as though Dortmund's valuation of Bellingham is too much to justify spending on one individual, with alternatives now set to be looked at.

It was an undoubted blow to hear such a piece of news emerge, especially after such a poor season on the pitch for the Reds, with the 24-cap England international someone who could end up being one of the standout midfielders of his generation.

Now, it looks as though all hope may not be completely lost, with a key update emerging.

Man United targetJude Bellingham

Could Liverpool still sign Bellingham?

Taking to Twitter, Fjortoft said that Liverpool could yet end up signing Bellingham this summer, explaining the current situation:

"Re: Bellingham: When a club not so keen on much- wanted player anymore it’s usually:

– selling club wants “way more” than buying is willing to pay

– player doesn’t want to go there.

Personally I think Jude could still end up at Liverpool.

Roulette just been opened."

It does appear as though this saga may not be completely dead in the water, with it widely believed that Bellingham himself would like a move to Liverpool as he sees the club as an ideal fit for him.

It is the Reds who have reportedly walked away from the move, rather than the player himself saying he wants to join a different club, which should give expectant fans some encouragement that plans to bring him in have not been shelved entirely.

That being said, it looks as though Liverpool's only chance of signing Bellingham is if Dortmund lower their demands – allowing one of their most prized assets to leave for a smaller amount in the process – or if he stays at his current club for one more season and then moves on.

The Merseysiders could then potentially snap him up in the following summer's transfer window instead, at a time when their midfield rebuild has hopefully got them back into the Champions League and challenging for major honours again, and with the club able to afford him.

Wolves Could Lose ‘Class’ £50k-p/w Star This Summer

Wolverhampton Wanderers have found themselves caught up in the tight relegation battle this season and Julen Lopetegui will be hoping he will have done enough to save the club from another spell in the Championship.

The Midlands club are currently four points clear of the Premier League drop zone following their important victory last weekend over Chelsea and are finally looking like they could pull away into safety over the coming fixtures with a number of clubs in a much worse position than them.

If the Wolves boss thought that the season was a hard-fought battle, he won't need to wait too long for his next one as the summer transfer window is already shaping up to be an interesting one at Molineux, with a number of players either out of contract or attracting attention from other clubs.

Adama Traore and Joao Moutinho are two stalwarts at the club who are set for contract expiration at the end of the campaign, whilst both Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes have been attracting transfer interest from the top six clubs.

Whilst Liverpool are the well-documented club interested in snapping up the services of Nunes, Neves has a number of admirers including the Merseyside giants, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Will Ruben Neves stay at Wolves?

There is no doubt that Lopetegui must do everything he can to keep hold of Neves this summer, as losing his influence in the centre of the pitch could be hugely detrimental to the side next term.

The £50k-per-week Portuguese titan – hailed "absolutely class" by journalist Joe Chapman – has been a loyal servant to Wolves since joining back in 2017 when the side were in the Championship and has been integral to the club's stability since being promoted to the Premier League.

Neves ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers in the top five European leagues for shots on goal, progressive passes completed, interceptions, blocks and clearances, proving that he offers high-quality and diverse skills that are incredibly valuable to Lopetegui.

Unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old is the highest-rated player in the entire squad this season – as per Sofascore – after scoring five goals, completing 77.2 touches per game and successfully completing 73% of his dribbles so far.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves in action.

Despite joining the club mid-season, the Wolves boss has already lavished praise on the club captain for maintaining his quality amid the team's struggles throughout:

"Ruben is brilliant, he’s a top player.

"He deserves everything and has been doing really well from the start of the season when maybe we haven’t been doing so well. He’s always kept his levels up and been really consistent."

With that being said, it's clear that losing the midfielder could well be the manager's first disaster. Indeed, it would be interesting to see if the club can retain their Premier League status next season without him.

Predicted Southampton XI, latest team & injury news vs Bournemouth

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.

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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

الأزرق بقيادة الونش يفوز على الأبيض في ودية لاعبي الزمالك

أقام فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك تحت القيادة الفنية للمدرب الوطني معتمد جمال، مباراة ودية بين لاعبي الفريق.

وتم تقسيم اللاعبين في المباراة الودية التي أقيمت على ملعب عبد اللطيف أبو رجيله بمقر النادي، لفريقين (أبيض وأزرق).

وجاء تشكيل الفريق الأبيض كالتالي

حراسة المرمى: معاذ علاء الدين.

خط الدفاع: مصطفى الزناري – محمود علاء – حسام عبد المجيد – محمد عبد الشافي.

خط الوسط: محمد أشرف روقا – محمد حسام بيسو – كريم عبد الحق – سيد عبد الله “نيمار”- يوسف أوباما.

إدارة الزمالك تُقرر زيادة القيمة المادية لأسعار العضويات

خط الهجوم: ناصر منسي . 

وجاء تشكيل الفريق الأزرق كالتالي

حراسة  المرمى:  عبد الرحمن نفاد.

خط الدفاع: حاتم سكر – محمود الونش – أحمد زكي – محمد طارق.

خط الوسط: نبيل عماد دونجا – عبد الله جمعة – مصطفى شكري – عمر جابر – مصطفى شلبي.

طارق يحيى: إدارة الزمالك استخدمت عقابًا قاسيًا ضد أحمد فتوح.. ولم أُُصدم من انتقال إمام عاشور لـ الأهلي

خط الهجوم: سيف الجزيري.

وانتهت المباراة الودية بفوز الفريق الأزرق على نظيره الأبيض بثلاثية مقابل هدفين.

سجل عبد الله جمعة هدف التقدم للفريق الأزرق وأضاف بعدها سيف الجزيري الهدف الثاني، وفي الشوط الثاني نجح محمود علاء في تسجيل الهدف الأول للفريق الأبيض من ركلة جزاء وبعدها أضاف كريم عبد الحق هدف التعادل من تسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وتوالت محاولات الفريقين للتسجيل حتى نجح سيف الجزيري في تسجيل الهدف الثالث للفريق الأزرق لينتهي اللقاء بفوز الفريق الأزرق بثلاثية مقابل هدفين.

ويجري الزمالك تدريباته نظرًا لفترة التوقف المحلية والقارية بسبب إنشغال منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا بكوت ديفوار التي تنطلق في يناير الجاري.

Arsenal: Teen Monster Can Be Arteta’s Own Declan Rice

As a fourth goal sailed past Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal, resigning them to a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, it essentially marked the end of their push for the Premier League title in April.

Such is the relentless perfection of Pep Guardiola's winning machine, they are now just five games away from once again claiming the crown, with a Champions League semi-final and an FA Cup final to come. There have been few teams like them, and there are unlikely be many more to succeed them.

That makes the Gunners' feat to compete with them for as long as they did so admirable, but the manner of their collapse even more frustrating.

The title was not lost on that night at the Etihad, but in the three draws that preceded it. A lack of squad depth has hopelessly hampered Mikel Arteta's side, and thus attention has already seemingly moved on to the summer. There will be hope that the Spaniard can add the requisite quality to ensure they do not befall the same fate as they have this campaign.

charlie-patino-blackpool-arsenal

Unsurprisingly headlining their list of potential acquisitions is Declan Rice, who continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates. However, amidst all the potential deals, the news that promising youngster Charlie Patino is seeking an exit has perhaps gone without proper attention.

The 19-year-old was one of many shining lights of Hale End, poised to one day star in the first team. Had he seen a pathway into regular senior football, which many might have assumed Bukayo Saka provided, perhaps that might still have been the case.

Who is Charlie Patino?

Having joined the club at the age of 11, the teenage sensation has long been earmarked for success. Outlined as a "silky smooth central midfielder" on Arsenal's official website, it was agreed that the opportunity to ply his trade on loan at Blackpool was the best course of action for a career that had seemingly outgrown youth football.

Starring as a mesmeric metronome-like presence in the engine room of both the U18s and later the U21s, it even earned him two senior call-ups that afforded him the chance to score as well.

The Seasiders would have been delighted to welcome such a talented prospect to the club for their campaign, and despite succumbing to relegation, he has remained a fine operator.

Featuring 33 times in the Championship, a 6.83 average rating has been upheld by a year of defensive excellence. Recording 1.5 interceptions and two tackles per game, the Englishman would also muster two goals and four assists to cap off a fine season, via Sofascore.

This has seen him thrive even when compared to other midfielders across Europe, as he manages to ranks in the top 6% for both interceptions and blocks.

Performances like these do not go unnoticed, with Fulham youngster George Okkas telling London World (via Arsenal Core):

"Charlie Patino whose quality is out of this world. Technically, wow."

It is baffling to see such a fine defensive midfielder within their ranks seemingly allowed to leave this summer, instead of simply offering him the assurances he desires. It could save them the potential British transfer record fee that David Moyes suggested they would need to smash.

Is Charlie Patino like Declan Rice?

Everyone knows the quality that Rice brings to the table, as a composed destroyer in the heart of midfield.

Bursting with personality and adored by many, Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith was particularly full of praise just last month after he had notched against AFC Bournemouth:

"Declan Rice, he's like two players for West Ham, he's unbelievable. For me, world-class."

This shows up in his numbers, which bare a marked resemblance to Patino's area of expertise.

As a shining light in West Ham United's otherwise dismal campaign, the 24-year-old's 7.20 rating is maintained by his 1.1 key passes, 1.8 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

However, when compared within the same European bracket as his potential teenage alternative, he ranks in the top 3% for interceptions but only in the top 49% for blocks. This is likely due to his role being more creative, but the on-loan youngster's star qualities cannot be ignored.

declan-rice-west-ham-arsenal

With mouth-watering and record fees touted for the England international, it is understandable why he is so sought-after. Every successful team needs a midfielder like Rice in their team.

However, for the money the Hammers will command, and the quality they already boast in Patino, it seems foolish to chase the biggest name on the market now when other areas perhaps require more attention.

Surely Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka could hold down the fort for a few more years until the Hale End graduate has been allowed to mature, investing elsewhere for now.

All it takes is that leap of faith to nurture truly great talent, which is exactly what gave Rice his break in east London. The rest is now history.

Tottenham: Spurs Set For Talks With "Underrated" Manager

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make contact with former Spain boss Luis Enrique as they step up their manager search, according to journalist Matt Law.

What's the latest on Enrique to Spurs?

The 52-year-old has been on the radar of Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy ever since they parted company with former manager Antonio Conte last month. Enrique stands out as one of the more prestigious names to have been linked with a move to north London, alongside the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann and even Zinedine Zidane.

There have even been reports of the tactician already travelling to west London for negotiations with rivals Chelsea, but the Spaniard is also thought to be open to discussions with Spurs.

Enrique was also thought to be the number one choice of Fabio Paratici around a month ago with some sources from other outlets suggesting he is still very much in Tottenham's thinking.

Spain's former boss Luis Enrique.

Now, according to reliable journalist Law, writing for The Telegraph, there has been some news in the last 48 hours on Tottenham's potential move for Enrique. Sharing news from his own sources, the reporter claims that Spurs are planning to make contact with the coach as the club begin to push harder in their quest to seal Conte's eventual successor.

It is claimed they're prepared for a battle with Chelsea over appointing Enrique and Spurs could open talks with him as early as this week. While there is no suggestion at this stage that he is Tottenham's top target, or if he will even be offered the job, it is clear that Enrique is high on Levy's shortlist.

What could Enrique bring to Spurs?

Barring an illustrious CV, in which he boasts multiple league titles and a Champions League winner's medal with Barcelona, Enrique also encourages an attack-minded, possession based philosophy. The 4-3-3 attacking manager has also been called 'seriously underrated' by members of the media who hold him in very high esteem.

Enrique's status as a free agent is yet another attractive incentive for Levy to make a move with no club standing in the way of a possible appointment. Commenting on his previous links to Arsenal, Man City boss Pep Guardiola heavily endorsed Enrique, stating:

“He’s a top, excellent, amazing manager. He can train wherever he wants and Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Spurs, if they opt to take their talks further with a formal offer, could land quite the coach.

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