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Aston Villa could “go in” for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone this summer, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his midfield.

Both Emery and Monchi will hope to take Villa to further heights next season, making this transfer window a crucial one for potential progression.

Villa have been linked to the 22-year-old previously in this window, with a fresh update regarding their stance given this week.

Journalist Dean Jones recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club could “go in and make an offer” for the French midfielder, who is currently valued at £35m by Borussia.

Earlier this month, a report from the Daily Mail revealed Villa’s interest in the rising talent, with Jones telling GIVEMESPORT:

“There's been a lot of umming and ahhing over targets like Manu Kone, and I feel like at some point Villa are just going to go in there and start making offers for these players to really give them something to think about and see if those other clubs react."

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Emery has unlocked the talents of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in midfield, possessing two masters of the engine room at Villa who complement each other perfectly.

The Spaniard could take his midfield to the next level by signing Kone, who could be the missing ingredient to unearthing a monstrous trio to contest with opposing midfield combinations in the Premier League.

Dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has similar and opposing strengths and weaknesses to the Brazilian and fellow Frenchman at Villa Park, suggesting that they could work efficiently as a trio.

When comparing the three dominating players via FBref based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s clear to see their individual strengths and how they could complement one another.

Kamara tops the charts in terms of average number of tackles per 90, with 2.94 to Luiz’s 2.24 and Kone’s 2.55, as well as claiming the top spot for most blocks on average with 1.92 per 90.

Praised as “intelligent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Villa’s Brazilian was their highest-rated performer last season as per Sofascore, and could shine in terms of his reading of the game, scoring highest in terms of interceptions.

The 25-year-old warrior averaged 1.23 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this term, tipping the Villa target who scored narrowly behind in the Bundesliga making 1.10 per 90, and Kamara who averaged 0.96.

Emery could add a creative spark to his defensive duo in Kone, who prevailed as the best progressive player out of the three last term, as well as averaging the highest pass completion rate with 86.2% per 90.

The Colombes-born midfielder recorded an average of 5.73 progressive passes and 2.04 progressive carries per 90, dominating the Villa duo in this area with Luiz averaging 4.55 passes and 1.48 carries, and Kamara just 0.81 carries and 4.25 progressive passes, as per FBref.

Indeed, this paints the picture that Villa would have every based covered should the big-money signing arrive. A player on the watch list of both Liverpool and Wolves as well as Villa, this would be a big statement of intent from Monchi and Co.

Leeds United could target Danny Ings this summer to solve their goalscoring issues as they prepare for life in the Sky Bet Championship, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Danny Ings?

Speaking to West Ham Zone earlier this month, former Hammers icon Frank McAvennie claimed that Ings wasn't a signing that David Moyes was overly keen on when he joined the club from Aston Villa for £15 million in January, stating:

"Someone told me it wasn’t David Moyes who brought him in. It’s starting to look as if it might be right. He’s an out-and-out striker but that’s not what David wants. We don’t create that many chances."

He later added: "I don’t know, maybe he just turned up and [Moyes] said ‘what are you doing here?’ It’s not a team for Ings so he’d probably be moving on I imagine. He’ll want to play and score goals. If you’re not wanted you’ll want to go.”

Ings has failed to set the heather alight since pitching up at the London Stadium and has managed to record three goals and two assists from 22 appearances for West Ham United in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the £125k-a-week ace has a solid record across his senior career and has made his name as a respected marksman in English football, bagging 123 goals and 39 assists in 372 appearances.

Football Insider also claim that West Ham United – "goal machine" – could be in the market for a new striker this summer as David Moyes seeks to add some extra firepower to his frontline.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Leeds United could be an ideal fit for both parties as the 30-year-old would bring a 'guarantee of goals' at Elland Road.

Jones told FFC: "If he was at surplus to requirements and became available then absolutely Leeds should be giving that a go. Leeds really suffered in front of goal last season and while there is hope that Bamford can make up for that this year, Ings would be a guarantee of goals."

Who have Leeds United been linked with this summer?

Leeds United will need to make several additions as they look to transition to life in the Sky Bet Championship following a three-year stint in the Premier League.

Corriere dello Sport via Leeds Live claim that Lens striker Lois Openda could be an option at Elland Road; however, he may cost in the region of £25 million.

As per Football Insider, Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres is also a name that has been mentioned in connection with the Whites in the transfer window.

Earlier this year, The Guardian claimed that Manchester City youngster Shea Charles is being tracked by Leeds United amid competition from Borussia Dortmund and Brentford.

Everton will surely be active in the summer transfer window after suffering consecutive Premier League relegation scraps and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a long-term target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Beto?

According to Tutto Udinese, Everton are ready to make another approach for Udinese striker Beto this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed there is concrete interest from a number of clubs and the Serie A outfit expect the goalscorer to leave during the summer window, with Everton named as potential suitors after making an approach in the winter.

Previous reports have suggested he may cost around €35m (£30m).

Who would Beto replace in the Everton team?

It is no secret that Sean Dyche's top priority this summer will be to improve the forward line to, in turn, increase the goal contributions next season after a real struggle to retain the club's top-flight status.

The Toffees finished 17th in the Premier League table with just two points sparing them from a drop into the Championship and one of the most blatant causes for their precarious position throughout the 38-game campaign was the lack of presence in front of goal.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers scored fewer goals (31) than Everton (34) this season, despite the club investing in a striker last summer with former Brighton and Hove Albion man Neal Maupay joining the Merseysiders in a £15m deal.

The £50k-per-week Frenchman has been nothing short of a flop in the centre-forward role and has failed to make up for the goal contributions lost due to Richarlison's exit and in Dominic Calvert-Lewin's absence through injury, with just one goal scored in all competitions over 29 appearances.

As a result, the signing of Beto could be the perfect opportunity for Dyche to finally replace Maupay and instead deploy a forward who can offer much more consistent output.

Over 33 Serie A appearances, the 25-year-old monster scored ten goals, registered one assist and created four big chances, as well as averaging 1.8 shots on goal, one successful dribble and 4.4 duels won per game, proving he could be a huge attacking asset for Dyche next season.

The Portuguese striker has been the subject of high praise over his time in the Italian top flight, with journalist Josh Bunting complimenting Beto's strengths earlier this season:

"Quality player offers more than goals, good hold-up play and links play effectively. 3 goals in 6 games this season in Serie A. Can pull defenders around with his movement, intelligent."

When comparing Beto's output this season with Maupay, it's clear that the 6 foot 3 titan has outperformed his positional peer in a number of key attacking attributes including goals per shot on target (0.45 v 0.08), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.07 v 1.45), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.17 v 0.08) and aerial duels won (52.2% v 23.8%), as per FBref.

With that being said, if Everton can secure a deal for Beto this summer it would be a major coup and could considerably improve upon Maupay's presence on the pitch to increase goal contributions and help the side compete more comfortably next season.

West Ham United have made contact with Bayer Leverkusen over signing their mainstay defender Jonathan Tah, according to Sky Sports.

Who could West Ham sign this summer?

The Hammers managed to avoid Premier League relegation fairly comfortably at the end of last campaign, despite undergoing a real scare midway through the season, with reports even suggesting David Moyes was hanging on by a thread.

However, West Ham's 2022/2023 finish was a solid one, and now the Irons board is tasked with backing Moyes in the transfer market as major clubs circle for star player Declan Rice.

The England international's future will be a major talking point after their Europa Conference League final this evening, and if West Ham opt to sell, Rice's price tag could gift them with a financial windfall to source his replacement.

Moyes is set to stay at West Ham, according to reports, and he apparently has his eyes on a number of potential successors for Rice – including Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Manchester United's Scott McTominay.

West Ham could also strengthen in defence with Leverkusen defender Tah, who has caps for the German national team, being repeatedly linked with a move to east London.

Sky Sports, sharing news on their live blog (June 5, 17:40), claimed they've made an approach to sign him in the form of an inquiry.

"According to Sky information, several inquiries about Tah have already come in from the island , including from West Ham United," claim the broadcast giant. "Bayer Leverkusen and coach Xabi Alonso definitely want to keep the 27-year-old, but since Tah has a release clause of 18 million euros (£15m), which is relatively low for the level of performance, the competition is very interested."

Who is Jonathan Tah?

The centre-back has been a pivotal figure under Xavi Alonso and was recently voted into the Europa League's Team of the Season.

Tah has also been a mainstay at Bundesliga level – making 33 league appearances last campaign whilst featuring over Leverkusen's fifth-highest number of league minutes (WhoScored).

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse boasts solid defensive stats from 22/23, averaging more clearances per 90 than any other Leverkusen player.

Tah also ranks third in Alonso's squad for interceptions per match, and according to WhoScored, he stands out as a very good ball-playing central defender.

Indeed, he has managed a higher pass accuracy (89.1%) than any of his Leverkusen teammates, perhaps emphasizing why West Ham are keen on his signing this summer.

Asela Gunaratne followed up an impressive 38 with two top-order wickets to help Sri Lanka A close in on victory against West Indies A, who ended day three nine wickets down in their second innings and only 55 in front

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Oct-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Asela Gunaratne put in an all-round performance for Sri Lanka A•AFPAsela Gunaratne followed up an impressive 38 with two top-order wickets to help Sri Lanka A close in on victory against West Indies A, who ended day three nine wickets down in their second innings and only 55 in front.Gunaratne first helped Sri Lanka stretch their overnight lead of 72 to 110, adding 49 for the ninth wicket with Lahiru Kumara. Then he took the wickets of Rajendra Chandrika, who failed to go past 5 for the fourth innings in a row, and Shamarh Brooks to hasten West Indies’ second-innings slide. Four West Indies batsmen got past 20, but none of them managed a half-century, with Vishaul Singh top-scoring once again with 46.Gunaratne and offspinner Charith Asalanka took two wickets each, and Asith Fernando removed Singh for 46 as the visitors were reduced to 132 for 8. Sri Lanka were then frustrated by Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai and Keon Joseph, the ninth-wicket pair batting for 19 overs before Lakshan Sandakan trapped Moti-Kanhai in front, off the last ball of the day, to pick up his third wicket.In the morning session, offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall picked up the last two Sri Lanka wickets to end with career-best figures of 8 for 108.

Manchester United's ownership battle has aligned all parties to agree on trying to make sure a deal is completed between prospective bidders and the Glazer family before the transfer window opens to avoid missing out on key deals, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

As per The Telegraph, it is said that the ownership situation engulfing Manchester United could run into the summer and risks continuing on into the transfer window, which is due to open on June 10th.

The outlet claim that neither Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe's respective offers have been ranked in level of preference, while Erik Ten Hag is looking to seek clarity over his potential transfer budget in the off-season.

The Athletic report that an internal disagreement between the Glazer family has delayed the process of a potential sale of the club to any prospective bidders.

BBC Sport explain that Sheikh Jassim wants to buy a 100% controlling stake in the Premier League giants. At the same time, Jim Ratfcliffe and his petrochemical firm INEOS want 69% of the club and are open to leaving the rest on the New York Stock Exchange.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that all parties want to conclude a sale before the transfer window opens.

Jacobs told FFC: "So the existing football infrastructure are planning and we know that clubs like to do their business early and line up players to come in in the first two or three weeks of the window. If you're seeking a player and you've got buy-in from the player and your recruitment team has done their job, but it's unclear when that player is ready to move and with other options, potentially, who actually is going to be fronting the bill? It can cause a delay and that delay might mean that you miss out on a target. So from a transitional point of view, these groups have always said the same thing. Yes, it will take as long as it takes, but they desperately want to be in for when the transfer window opens."

What next for Manchester United?

Ten Hag and his players will know that there is little they can do to influence matters off the field and will only be tuned into what they can make a difference to between now and the end of the season.

Manchester United have a chance to seal top-four qualification by winning their last three Premier League matches against Bournemoutn, Chelsea and Fulham; however, they will know that these sides will present obstacles that they will need to overcome to realise their ambitions.

FA Cup glory is also at stake for the Red Devils, who face off with bitter rivals Manchester City in a powderkeg final at Wembley Stadium in early June as they look to add a second piece of domestic silverware to their trophy cabinet following their Carabao Cup triumph against Newcastle United in February.

It is an exciting time to be a Manchester United fan and Ten Hag will hope he can reward his supporters for their faith in his methods this campaign by securing a Champions League slot and FA Cup triumph.

Everton manager Sean Dyche has two more games to preserve the Merseyside outfit's coveted top-flight status, having taken the reins at the Premier League season's midpoint and keeping within touching distance of safety.

Everton have fallen by the wayside over the past few years and narrowly staved off the threat of relegation last year, but jubilation was short-lived following the sale of endeared forward Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur for £60m and subsequent purchase of £15m Brighton & Hove Albion talisman Neal Maupay, who has scored one solitary goal this season.

Indeed, the Goodison Park side have failed to avoid the terror of a relegation dogfight this time around too, though a recent 5-1 demolition of the Seagulls lifted the club from immediate danger, now perched in 17th place with two fixtures to play, one place and one point above 18th-placed Leeds United.

Should survival be secured, Dyche will swiftly turn his attention to bolstering the offensive ranks, his outfit boasting just 32 goals from 36 matches in the top-flight this term and with key talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing large portions of the campaign due to his injury woes.

As such, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has reported that West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is 'in their sights', should they indeed secure a Premier League spot next term.

Should Everton sign Michail Antonio?

Antonio has been an admirable stalwart in east London, scoring 75 goals and providing 43 assists from 273 appearances since signing for the Hammers for £7m from Nottingham Forest in 2015.

And while the forward boasts 14 goals across all competitions this term, having plundered six strikes in the Europa Conference League, at 33-years-old clinching his signature would not be an auspicious move for Dyche and co as they seek to navigate away from danger and push for a place higher up the table next year.

The seven-cap Jamaica international has recorded a lowly 6.67 rating in the Premier League this year, starting just 20 times, and while he has plundered five goals and supplied three assists, he is only averaging 1.2 shots and 0.5 key passes per match, having also missed seven big chances this term and branded "shocking" by West Ham TV's Dan Lawless.

Candidly, while Antonio has enjoyed fruitful fortunes in Europe, against an ostensibly easier crop of opposition than the Premier League, should he switch to Everton he would not be competing in such a competition, rather, potentially embroiled in a scrap for survival again next season.

If Calvert-Lewin's fitness doesn't hold up, it could well be Antonio who ranks among the bottom 35% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for rate of non-penalty goals, as per FBref, and Maupay competing for the spot as the club's offensive focal point, which does not bode well for the performance of the team.

If owner Farhad Moshiri was to sign the £85k-per-week veteran, it could replicate the misfiring deal for Salomon Rondon, who joined the fray on Merseyside at 31-years-old in 2021 from Chinese outfit Dalian Professional.

Another ageing forward, Rondon would score just three times – twice against lowly Boreham Wood – across two campaigns for Everton and offer measly assistance in the final third. Another brutish offensive threat cut from the same cloth as Antonio, there was, unfortunately, a stark lack of end product during his time at Goodison.

With the Irons ace approaching the twilight phase of his career and noticeably waning in the Premier League, it would be a move best left on the rumour mill.

It’s been a difficult season in the Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who sit 14th in the table and seven points above the drop zone.Before Julen Lopetegui took charge, Wolves were near the relegation zone however, taking 10 points from a possible 18 in April the Midlands side will almost certainly remain in the top division next season.This campaign has been one of change for the encouraging squad, who have adapted to new players, changing managers and the ups and downs of the Premier League.It has however been a successful year for the academy, who at U-23 level have managed to remain in the Premier League 2 first division following their promotion in 2021/22.Wolves’ academy boast some real potential for the future, whether it be in the PL2 or away from the club and through loan experiences.One player has had a season to remember in his budding career, gaining promotion to the Championship with League One champions Plymouth Argyle.

Who is Nigel Lonwijk?

Although yet to feature for Wolves’ senior team, Dutch centre-back Nigel Lonwijk has shown glimmers of a potential future star throughout the season in the English third division.The 20-year-old was captured by the Midlanders in 2020, leaving his home club of PSV for a new challenge in England to develop as a player. The defender followed in the footsteps of his older brother Justin Lonwijk, who too left PSV’s academy in the search of career progression in Europe, the 23-year-old is a midfielder for Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kyiv.Despite not playing any senior minutes for Wolves, the defender was trusted to feature 22 times in the Eredivise for Fortuna Sittard, where he spent a season on loan last year. The centre-back has racked up 41 appearances for Argyle this campaign, where he gained promotion to the Championship with the club and impressed his fans and colleagues.The 6 foot 4 defender has had a lot asked of him during the testing laborious schedule of League One, playing as a centre-back and as a fullback in Argyle’s favoured back three system. Speaking to the Plymouth Herald on his need for versatility when called upon, the Dutchman explained that the loan has seen him “growing through the whole season”.

Despite not being a consistent starter for the Devonshire club, the 20-year-old has been praised for his “calm” nature in defence by Argyle manager Steven Schumacher.Speaking earlier in the season to PlymouthLive, his manager applauded him for his introduction to the side and league: “He hasn’t really put a foot wrong. He’s so calm for someone so young. He’s 19-years-old and nothing fazes him.”It’s praise indeed for his first senior season in English football when taking into consideration the demands of the demanding schedule of the Football League. Wolves snapped up the talent before his loan move, extending his contract in Wolverhampton to the summer of 2025, with the option of an additional year.At just 20-years-old with over 60 senior appearances under his belt both in England and the Netherlands, he will certainly be one to watch in the future.

Everton have not played host to many legends in recent years.

It is a label thrown about far too easily in today's modern game, often used to describe someone well-liked by the fans but without the requisite quality to truly deserve such a title.

In Seamus Coleman, the Toffees propose a perplexing option within that category.

The Irish defender has spent 14 long years at Goodison Park, having been an ever-present cog across the numerous managers to grace the dugout. Despite his age and slowly dwindling quality, it seems no boss can shake the intangible qualities the Premier League stalwart boasts.

But is the 34-year-old a legend?

With no trophies to his name, having overseen one of the club's most barren periods, many would rush to claim no. Yet Leighton Baines must surely be regarded as one, given his longevity and sustained quality at the top level.

To tarnish these full-backs because of their lack of silverware is to degrade them to the standard of their failing teammates. Their level has often been high enough to demand success, yet their love of the club often prohibited it.

This should not be a detractor in deciding what kind of legacy Coleman leaves Merseyside with.

How has Seamus Coleman played for Everton over his career?

Due to the demands of his ageing body, the once dynamic defender has had to adapt his game throughout his stellar career. Many would argue that the peak of his powers came during that outstanding 2013/14 campaign, where Roberto Martinez's high-flying blues narrowly missed out on the top four.

Down that right flank, the club captain would record six goals and two assists in the league, leading the Spaniard to even claim: "I think that he can improve and can become one of the best full-backs that we have ever had in this League."

Having joined for the infamous fee of just £60k, of which his infectious chant has been born, at the very least Coleman represents one of the best pieces of business in the league's history.

He has made 408 appearances for the club now, meaning that the £55k-per-week hero has cost just £147 per appearance; a startling sum for someone so important to a top-flight club.

It is a testament to the relentless nature of their leader that he has remained a staple even during this campaign, with fans desperate for his return given the lack of superior alternatives.

To further exacerbate just how revered the former Sligo Rovers star is, all it takes is a mere stroll through the words of his former bosses.

Carlo Ancelotti was quick to compare him to some of his legendary former players, noting: "I’ve had a lot of captains in my career but how Seamus expresses his love for the shirt is really top. He is a great captain, honestly. I don’t want to forget anyone [I have worked with] but he is up there as a captain with Paulo Maldini, John Terry and Sergio Ramos."

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard arguably reserved the greatest praise, saying: "I was being honest [when declaring Coleman one of the best people I’ve met], I have never met anyone who has his morals and standards and he is an incredible player. You talk about legends of football clubs and he is certainly one of those.”

This was a sentiment echoed by teammate Dele Alli, who also lauded the defender as a "living legend". This cumulative praise should dispel any suggestion otherwise.

Who has a bigger legacy than Seamus Coleman?

Of all the accolades Coleman boasts, the emptiness of his trophy cabinet will remain the primary stumbling block on his road to being branded a true legend.

It, therefore, suggests that those who have done so are to enjoy a greater legacy than the Republic of Ireland captain, like Everton's 1995 FA Cup winning team.

As the last side to bring silverware back to Goodison Park, many remember this squad with fondness despite their poor league standing. Of the impressive figures throughout that squad, few were as memorable as Daniel Amokachi.

Having been brought in as a key signing for Mike Walker, a dreadful start to the season would see the manager dismissed. Joe Royle would come in, and although the Nigerian was impressive in the comfortable semi-final victory over Tottenham Hotspur, he was anonymous during his cameo in their following win over Manchester United.

Despite joining with big expectations upon his shoulders, the 50-year-old would score just 13 times in 49 appearances for the Toffees and left with a reputation as a potentially unstoppable forward without the consistent proficiency to take them to the next level.

So, would Amokachi be regarded as more of a legend than Coleman despite spending just two uninspiring years in Royal Blue?

It remains wholly dependent on what someone's definition of a legend is, but given their respective impact on the club as a whole, it should be a no-brainer.

Despite that, and the fact the latter has featured 359 more times for the Toffees in a consistently dedicated and passionate way, the results-driven nature of the modern game means that trophies will always be the defining factor of someone's legacy.

It seems that Coleman has failed in his final chance for a silverware push, as his deal is set to expire this summer.

At the very least he will seek to ensure he does not add a relegation to his CV; that certainly would tarnish any chances of leaving a memorable and favourable legacy.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have a new managerial target in Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs have an array of in-work and free-agent managers on their radar as chairman Daniel Levy weighs his next move carefully. The Lilywhites are currently contending with a plethora of issues both on and off the field, with Harry Kane's contract situation and the worldwide ban of director Fabio Paratici coming as real concerns.

At the front of Levy's queue of tasks, though, is Tottenham's long and drawn-out search for Antonio Conte's replacement. In terms of readily-available bosses, Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane and even Brendan Rodgers have all been linked to the vacant post.

Meanwhile, currently employed tacticians from abroad, like Eintracht Frankfurt's Oliver Glasner and Feyenoord's Arne Slot, are impressing and have earned Tottenham's admiration.

Even names like Christophe Galtier, who could leave Paris-Saint Germain at the end of this campaign, and Celtic's Ange Postecoglou are Tottenham-linked options for Levy.

Now, as per journalist Galetti, writing on his personal website, it appears a new target has entered the frame.

According to the Italian transfer reporter, Napoli boss Spalletti is now being eyed by Tottenham's management – presumably meaning Spurs club chiefs. Indeed, the 64-year-old is apparently attracting Spurs interest alongside Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.

This apparently comes amid a 'stalemate' with Pochettino as the 51-year-old is waiting to see what happens at Real Madrid in regard to Carlo Ancelotti's future.

Should Tottenham attempt Spalletti move?

The former Roma boss comes as quite an exciting fresh link when looking at the superb job he has done at Napoli.

Spalletti's side are currently storming to the Serie A title, 16 points out in front of second-placed Lazio whilst winning an incredible 23 of 28 matches this season.

The 4-3-3 attacking coach also has a Champions League quarter-final tie against rivals AC MIlan to look forward to, but this isn't his first trophy-chasing campaign.

Indeed, the Italian has won three domestic trophies in his homeland – clinching the Coppa Italia with Roma in 2007 and 2008.

Spalletti also boasts an Italian Super Cup from his time at the Stadio Olimpico and would come to Spurs with plenty of experience.

Called an 'elite' coach by BBC Sport reporter John Bennett, going by his credentials, it's pretty hard to deny that Spalletti would be a solid Spurs candidate.