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Manchester United are believed to be plotting to sign at least one new centre-forward this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane seemingly at the top of the club's list of targets.

What's the latest on Kane to Man United?

According to transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils could look to bring in two new strikers ahead of next season in order to ease their goalscoring woes, with the England captain said to be the standout pick – despite concerns over whether the Old Trafford outfit will be able to prise the 29-year-old from north London.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist stated: "Man Utd exploring signing two centre forwards this summer. Harry Kane is preferred option, but within Old Trafford there is a real feeling that Daniel Levy is not willing to do business."

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey states that the long-serving Spurs man is United's 'top transfer target' for the summer and is among those who the club would consider as a 'ready-made' option, albeit with the report outlining that the experienced marksman could still command a fee of around £100m despite having just 12 months remaining on his existing deal.

What impact could Kane make at Man United?

It is seemingly evident that Erik ten Hag is in need of a centre-forward upgrade this summer, with the club's attacking woes laid bare by the fact that they have netted just 52 goals in the Premier League this season – 41 goals less than champions, Manchester City.

That gulf has not been aided by the persistent injury woes of Anthony Martial, with the 27-year-old – who has been linked with an exit at the end of the season – having missed 27 games so far this term.

Equally, the January arrival of Wout Weghorst has failed to have the desired effect with the towering Dutchman netting just twice in all competitions so far, with doubts emerging as to whether the loan signing will be snapped up on a permanent contract.

With United likely to be harbouring ambitions of competing with the likes of City for the title next term, the addition of Kane, therefore, could potentially be a "guarantee" of that success, as talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara previously claimed.

While that statement came prior to the Etihad outfit recruiting goalscoring machine Erling Haaland – who fired Pep Guardiola's men to the title with 36 league goals to date – Kane has proven that he could be the only answer to the prolific Norwegian, having scored 28 league goals himself this term.

That stellar individual record has come as part of a struggling Spurs side that have already parted ways with both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini this term, with the £200k-per-week ace also now the leading scorer for the Lilywhites, as well as for his country.

Evidently something of a "machine" in front of goal – as per teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Match of the Day, BBC One, 26/12/2022, 23:25) – Kane would certainly provide United with a better chance of ending their now decade-long wait for the title, hence the need for the Red Devils to do all they can to seal the deal.

Referee Artur Soares Dias may have made a big mistake in the Manchester City game last night in the build-up to Kevin De Bruyne’s equaliser.

Why did Man City’s goal not get disallowed vs Real Madrid?

It was a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night as Real Madrid played host to Pep Guardiola and co.

Meeting in the Champions League semi-final, both teams showed flashes of brilliance as the game ended 1-1. Indeed, Vinicius Junior scored a stunner in the first half to fire Madrid into the lead, but City gave their hopes of making the final a massive boost when De Bruyne rifled home an equaliser in the 67th minute of the game.

However, it seems as though that goal should have potentially been disallowed as the ball appeared to have crossed the line shortly before Man City had it in the back of the net.

Indeed, as seen in these images shared on ESPN, it looks as though the ball may have gone out – and so play should have been immediately stopped.

When speaking to the press after the game, Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti seemed furious about the incident as he said: “It was out. It’s not me saying it, the technology does.

“It surprises me. They’re small details, but the referee wasn’t attentive. The players deserved more cards on the pitch, not [me] off the pitch.”

However, it’s since been reasoned that VAR could not actually intervene with this incident as too much time had passed after the incident took place.

Rule expert Christina Unkel explained on CBS Sports: “There’s two points to remember with VAR in the protocol and process on this. Can VAR check for a ball going outside before a goal? The answer is yes. But the most important point here is at what part can VAR become involved?”

“There is no set amount of time before a goal we go back to check. Instead, it’s really predicated by the possession and who has possession of the ball. We can debate, we can have the question to whether the ball left [the field].

The real answer is, this actually would not have been captured in the window and the time frame for when VAR could have gone back to take a look from when De Bruyne scored that goal. Specifically, because there was a turnover in possession.

“Even if this was out, it would not have been reviewed by the VAR leading to the goal.”

And so, while this may not have been an error on behalf of VAR – as Ancelotti suggests – it still doesn’t change the fact that referee Soares Dias and his officials still should have been able to spot the ball going out in the initial passage of play.

With the tie so tight, this mistake could have a huge impact on who makes the Champions League final this year.

قرر الاتحاد المغربي لكرة القدم، الاستئناف ضد قرار إيقاف المدير الفني، وليد الركراكي لمنتخب المغرب، 4 مباريات اثنتان منهما مع إيقاف التنفيذ.

وكان الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم، أصدر قرارًا بإيقاف وليد الركراكي لمدة 5 مباريات، اثنتان منهما مع إيقاف التنفيذ، على خلفية ما حدث في مواجهة الكونغو الديمقراطية.

المغرب تعادل بهدف لمثله أمام الكونغو الديمقراطية، ضمن الجولة الثانية من المجموعة السادسة ببطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2023 بالكاميرون، وشهدت أحداث ما بعد المباراة مناوشات بين الركراكي ولاعبو المنتخب الكونغولي.

الاتحاد المغربي، لم ينتظر كثيرًا، ليعلن في بيان رسمي عبر حسابه على تويتر، الاستئناف على قرار إيقاف الركراكي، خاصة وأنه مجانبًا للصواب حسب وصف البيان.

واستشهدت الجامعة الملكية المغربية (الاتحاد المغربي)، بأن الوقائع أظهرت أن السيد وليد الركراكي، لم يصدر منه أي تصرف يخل بالروح الرياضية.

منتخب المغرب يواجه نظيره الزامبي، العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، بعدما ضمن تأهله إلى دور الـ16، في انتظار تحديد مركزه بالمجموعة.

pic.twitter.com/7phED819rL — FRMF (@FRMFOFFICIEL) January 24, 2024

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.

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.

Journalist Dean Jones has Chelsea may look to move on from Frank Lampard already but this could damage their hopes of landing Julian Nagelsmann.

What's the latest on Frank Lampard and Chelsea?

It's been a frankly appalling run of form for the Blues under their interim coach as the club have lost all four matches after the sacking of Graham Potter.

Most recently, Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League this week by Real Madrid, losing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge for an aggregate defeat of 4-0 across both legs.

With all this being the current state of the club, it seems as though Todd Boehly may have had enough of Lampard.

Indeed, in a new article for GiveMeSport, insider Jones revealed that the Englishman may have just two more games to save his position as interim.

He explained: "Yet his first three matches ended in defeat and after the weekend one source close to the dressing room told GMS that if the next three matches – starting with a trip to Real Madrid – did not go well it would not be a surprise to see Chelsea change manager yet again."

However, this may not be good news for those who want Nagelsmann in West London as the German isn't ready to take up a job so soon.

Jones revealed as much, writing: "This is a factor that actually goes against Nagelsmann becoming the next boss that Chelsea seriously have to weigh up: The German does not want to take up a new job during the season, preferring to come in for the summer to attack pre-season and focus fully on preparing a squad for a full campaign."

Who does Todd Boehly want as Chelsea manager?

It's interesting to hear this latest report as Jones has also been on the record as suggesting Nagelsmann may actually be Boehly's preferred choice for the job.

The journalist told Chasing Green Arrows (via Football Fancast): "I get the feeling that ideally Todd Boehly would still go for Nagelsmann."

However, if the 35-year-old wants to take a proper break from football after recently being sacked by Bayern Munich, this may rule him out of the Chelsea job in the short term.

If that's the case, then Spanish manager Luis Enrique could be the next best option for Boehly with reports lining them with a move for the 52-year-old too.

If Lampard continues to lose games, he could well lose his job as interim (which might be a first). Should that happen, it will be interesting to see if Nagelsmann's position changes, or if he does indeed refuse any approach from the Blues before the season is over.

Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal to an incredible campaign so far, with the Gunners so close to claiming their first Premier League crown since 2003/04.

The next few weeks will arguably be the most important in the club’s recent history and the decision to remain patient with the Spaniard could be the wisest decision this Arsenal board ever do, with the fruits of his labour beginning to pay off.

His record in the transfer market has been incredibly good during his spell as boss, managing to lure the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to the club, and with them, he has formed a potential title-winning team.

There have been a few players he has perhaps sold too soon however, with Joe Willock and Matteo Guendouzi starring for their current clubs across the continent.

Yet it was the decision to move on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez that the 41-year-old may well be regretting, particularly with his value now soaring.

How much is Emiliano Martinez worth now?

The Argentine 'keeper spent ten years in north London, yet he made only 38 appearances for the first team, having to rely on a succession of loan moves to lower-league clubs to gain vital playing time.

Arteta decided it was best for him to move on in 2020, selling him for £20m to Aston Villa and the move couldn’t have gone better for the 30-year-old.

He has played over 100 matches for Villa since joining, keeping 35 clean sheets, and he has even developed into an international star such is his form since leaving Arsenal.

Indeed, Martinez was a key proponent for Argentina at the 2021 Copa America, saving three penalties against Colombia in their semi-final shootout win, and who could forget his World Cup antics just last year?

He managed to save two of the Netherlands' efforts in their quarter-final shootout, before denying Kingsley Coman in the final to secure Argentina’s third World Cup triumph. In the process, he also secured himself the Golden Glove award, not bad going for someone who made his debut for his country in 2021.

Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta dubbed the 6 foot 5 stopper “crazy” following his exploits against the Dutch in Qatar and his value has risen astronomically since departing the Gunners in 2020.

Martinez is now estimated to be worth as much as £60m, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, proving that despite the form of Aaron Ramsdale, perhaps it was a big mistake to cash in on the Argentine titan when they did.

Indeed, he has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world recently.

When Todd Boehly assumed ownership of Chelsea and oversaw a Premier League record summer spending spree of £270m, Stamford Bridge brimmed with optimism ahead of a purportedly illustrious new era, but seasonal fortunes have been anything but fruitful.

The Blues have collapsed like a shack with no foundation, and are mired in the obscurity that comes with mid-table mediocrity, also out of both domestic cup competitions and trailing Borussia Dortmund 1-0 after the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.

An exorbitant January surge took Chelsea’s total expenditures to over £550m in less than a year, with manager Graham Potter’s copious ranks in west London as yet failing to gel together as anticipated.

Amid all the affluence, arguably Chelsea’s best player comes in the form of veteran stalwart Thiago Silva, who has been a remarkable presence for the outfit since arriving on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.

The 38-year-old has made 109 total appearances, including 27 matches this season, notably instrumental in winning the 20/21 Champions League and shining among the dirt that has smirched his club’s current campaign.

With the veteran colossus injuring his knee ligaments in Chelsea’s recent league loss against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, sights must be set on the consideration of a replacement over the coming years.

While 17-year-old defender Travis Akomeah might be too young to warrant a place in the side at present, his precocious talents could allow him to take Silva’s throne in the future, and the Brazilian’s recent injury is a poignant reminder that he is in the twilight phase of his career.

Could Akomeah really be Chelsea’s next Silva?

Akomeah has forged 17 displays for Chelsea’s youth outfit after being snapped up from Watford’s development squad and was hailed as “talented” by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed the transfer.

According to The Guardian’s latest annual ‘Next Generation’ list, Akomeah is considered one of the foremost formative talents right now, indeed hailed as the club’s most promising prodigy for his age band.

Previous Blues to make the Guardian’s list include Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tino Livramento, while salient prodigies Bukayo Saka and Jason Sancho also welcome Akomeah into esteemed company following their past inclusion.

On Chelsea’s official website, Akomeah is praised with adulation for his skills: “He is a very exciting central defender who has a great physical and imposing presence on the pitch. In addition to this, he is very comfortable with playing out from the back.”

His ball-playing prowess is a particularly arresting element to his game, with Silva revered for his passing attributes, ranking among the top 2% of defenders for attempted passes per 90 and the top 5% for pass completion, as per FBref.

The 113-cap Brazilian was even praised by CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs for a “sublime” defence-splitting assist at the 2022 World Cup, playing at a level that belies his age.

And considering the former PSG titan has racked up a career average of 1.5 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, the robust and ‘imposing’ Akomeah is in perfect hands to absorb the fruits of his distinguished peers’ labour.

Indeed, the aforementioned report from The Guardian furthers the argument that there is a great semblance between the pair, with David Hytner writing: “A centre-half of great physical attributes who is comfortable playing out from the back.”

Journalist Manu Heredia also lauded the Cobham star as “very promising”, praising the Blues for beating the likes of Liverpool to the ace.

And given Silva’s stature as one of the finest centre-backs of his generation, perhaps even in the history of the great game, Akomeah must absorb his knowledge and craft, bide his time, and finally announce himself as the precocious and unparalleled replacement for Chelsea’s sagely star man.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti to replace Antonio Conte, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Time up for Conte?

Conte’s current deal with Tottenham expires this summer, and while the club have previously held talks with the Italian about a new contract, there have been no recent signs of any progress.

Ben Jacobs told TEAMtalk that former manager Mauricio Pochettino is being considered for a second stint at the club, while he also claimed that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi could be an option.

The Latest: Spalletti enters the frame

According to a report from Il Mattino, Spurs have set their sights on Spalletti after impressing during his time with Napoli, leading them to the summit of the Serie A table.

However, they may face competition for his signature, given that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also linked with the Italian, while he could still be tempted to remain as Napoli manager.

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The Verdict: Right man for the job?

Hailed as a ‘genius’ by sections of the media, the 63-year-old looks set to win Napoli’s first Serie A title since the 1989-90 season, while they are also on course to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, having won 2-0 away at Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of the round of 16.

The Certaldo-born tactician favours an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which indicates he could bring an exciting brand of football to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he has a proven history of success, having won eight trophies as a manager.

If Conte does not decide to extend his stay beyond the summer, Spalletti would be an excellent replacement for the 53-year-old, but it may be hard to tempt him to leave Napoli, given how well they are doing under his stewardship.

Liverpool are set to send scouts to watch Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in action next week, according to fresh reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements required

The Premier League giants have had both Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate sidelined through injury this season. Reports are also suggesting that Jurgen Klopp is willing to sanction exits for Joel Matip and Nat Phillips, so reinforcements are definitely needed.

The 6 foot 5 Branthwaite is currently out on a season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven, where his impressive performances under Ruud van Nistelrooy have caught the eye of a trio of potential suitors, one of those being from Merseyside.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Branthwaite

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool, Manchester United and AS Roma will ‘send scouts’ to watch Branthwaite at PSV ‘next week’ ahead of a potential move this summer.

The centre-back being homegrown is an attribute that has kept both the Anfield outfit and the Red Devils ‘on his trail’, whilst Jose Mourinho’s side have been ‘regularly’ monitoring his progress.

The Toffees are reportedly ‘happy’ to take stock upon the conclusion of his loan, making this an open race for his signature.

The Verdict: One for the future

Branthwaite is only 20 years of age, but having been hailed a ‘terrific footballer’ by his former Carlisle United manager Steven Pressley, he would be an excellent signing for the future of Liverpool.

The left-footed starlet currently averages 3.4 clearances and 1.8 aerial wins per Eredivisie game, but also has three goals to his name across all competitions this season, highlighting the impact he provides in both boxes (WhoScored).

Branthwaite is only valued at €3m (£2.6m), and whilst it remains to be seen what the Reds’ rivals would ask for him, it could be an absolute bargain should FSG be able to land him for anywhere near that price.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has been left buzzing after the news that Leeds United defender Diego Llorente is set to leave the club.

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