All posts by z3u9t.icu

It's early days yet, but West Ham United are showing signs of promise under the leadership of new head coach Julen Lopetegui, who defeated Crystal Palace in his second Premier League match in charge.

West Ham fizzled out under David Moyes last season and have backed the freshly-arrived Spaniard to the hilt, spending over £120m on first-team signings.

There may yet be room for one or two more, however, and with James Ward-Prowse reportedly on Nottingham Forest's shortlist as the window enters its final week, an exciting midfielder edges closer to east London.

West Ham transfer news

According to Sky Sports' Dharmeth Sheth, West Ham are locked in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for versatile midfielder Carlos Soler, with "talks ongoing over the fee and structure".

Last week, Fabrizio Romano claimed that the Hammers are "leading the race", but that other clubs are also keen. PSG want a sum in the ballpark of £20m to let the 27-year-old go but are willing to discuss a loan package.

Where Carlos Soler would fit into West Ham's team

A key point: Lopetegui's tactical set-up is flexible and would benefit from another midfielder who operates across a range of areas. Soler, indeed, has actually been hailed as the "complete midfielder" by former Valencia star Curro Torres.

Central midfield

142

27

16

Right midfield

92

11

18

Attacking midfield

28

2

1

Left midfield

25

4

1

Defensive midfield

9

3

1

Right-back

5

1

2

Left-back

2

0

0

The Spaniard is one of the most fluid midfielders around, and he could benefit from jumping across the Channel and plying his trade somewhere anew, having only started 26 Ligue 1 fixtures since signing for PSG from Spanish side Valencia for €20m (about £17m) in 2022.

Still, he's potent and would offer an extra goalscoring dimension to ensure that Lopetegui's Irons stray away from becoming one-dimensional, predictable.

Indeed, as per FBref, Soler ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 19% for assists, the top 18% for passes attempted and the top 10% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

A ball-playing specialist with one eye for goal and the other for an assist, Soler would be a credit to his new-look West Ham team, perhaps even proving to displace in-form Tomas Soucek in the starting line-up, on the whole.

That might be an unpopular take: Soucek is one of those clutch players that always seems to find circles of space in the right moments, an innate predatory instinct if you will.

The Czech Republic international, 29, netted ten times over all competitions last year and has been praised in the past as "one of those players who turns up in big moments" by pundit Joe Cole.

However, the towering 6 foot 3 titan has also lost 60% of his ground duels this season and could find that his role is performed to a better standard through Soler, even if he has started the new term in goalscoring touch.

Soler is silky and inventive, and while he has an eye for goal, he can also influence play from deep and dictate passing passages. Should West Ham go ahead with the move, it might prove to be bad news for Soucek, who would find himself playing more of a bit-part role.

Though, really, would that be the worst thing in the world? Lopetegui would gain a dynamic new option to better implement his tactical style, while Soucek would still earn opportunities off the bench to inflict damage on United's opposition.

West Ham now one step away from signing "great" £19.5m Paqueta partner

The Hammers could land another summer signing…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 24, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur steadied the ship on Saturday afternoon with a thumping 4-0 win against Everton and, in turn, reminded the rest of the Premier League that at their free-flowing best, they can tear teams to pieces.

However, Ange Postecoglou's side don't play again until Sunday, so, like the rest of the league, their fans have shifted their focus to the transfer window's conclusion.

Thus far, the North Londoners have enjoyed a relatively fruitful summer, bringing in youngsters like Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert alongside established stars like Dominic Solanke, and while many clubs would now kick their feet up happy with their business, Daniel Levy and Co are reportedly keen to do more.

In fact, recent reports have touted a Premier League-proven midfielder for a move to N17 before 11pm tomorrow, a player who'd add some extra quality to the squad and potentially help James Maddison reach another level.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to transfers expert Dean Jones on the latest episode of the Ranks FC Podcast, Tottenham are interested in signing Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White.

Jones revealed that the Lilywhites are looking to bring in a player with "power" to play in the midfield and that Gibbs-White is "someone they like," even if they view him less as a traditional eight and more as someone adept at "breaking out" of midfield.

It's not mentioned how much the £80k-per-week ace could cost Spurs, but reports from earlier in the summer claimed that the Tricky Trees would demand an offer in excess of £40m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line at this point in the window, but given Gibbs-White's quality, it's one worth pursuing, especially as he could help Maddison reach another level.

Why Gibbs-White would be a great signing for Maddison

Okay, so there are two main reasons that Gibbs-White could potentially help Maddison reach another level this season: his positional versatility and output.

The reason that the latter would help the former Leicester City ace is simply that if the Forest man is playing alongside him, creating chances for the 27-year-old and finishing the chances he creates for him, his goal and assist tallies will naturally improve.

For example, despite playing in a rather lacklustre team last season, the Stafford-born dynamo scored six goals and provided ten assists in 42 appearances, equating to a goal involvement once every 2.62, lending credence to journalist Josh Bunting's description of the player as "sensational."

Appearances

42

Goals

6

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.38

His versatility, on the other hand, could help the Lilywhites number ten in a couple of ways. The first is that, despite his experience playing in attacking midfield, his ability to play in central midfield and even out wide means he won't cannibalise the minutes his potential new teammate will be expecting this season.

The next reason is that his ability to fill in where needed should hopefully allow him to build up more of a relationship with the regular starters and, in turn, help improve the all-around effectiveness of the side.

Ultimately, while the fee is high, Gibbs-White's attacking ability combined with his positional versatility would see him become a very useful player at Tottenham and someone who could facilitate Maddison, thus helping him reach another level.

Like Romero: Spurs target £21m UCL winner who's a "cheat code"

The experienced international would be a great addition to Postecoglou’s squad

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 23, 2024

The Premier League is finally back, and Manchester United were tasked with getting proceedings underway with a home game against recent bogey team, Fulham, on Friday night.

Fortunately for Erik ten Hag, while the game wasn't a walk in the park, his side came away 1-0 winners and kick-started their campaign in the best way possible.

However, had club captain Bruno Fernandes had his shooting boots on, the scoreline could have been a lot more comfortable, although he'll likely be far more effective going forward as it's unlikely that he'll be starting up top in the next game.

Moreover, if the Red Devils can get their hands on the latest start touted for a move to Old Trafford, the Portuguese international could become even more impactful in attack.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a recent report from the latest edition of Sunday's World, United are still interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The report claims that following their recent defensive signings, the club have now shifted their focus back to defensive midfield and are working on a deal to sign the former Sporting star.

However, PSG still value the Uruguayan at £51m, which is a fee the Red Devils are unwilling to meet, but with the Parisians keen on Jadon Sancho, a compromise could be found that suits all parties.

It could prove to be a complicated deal to get over the line, but if Sir Jim Ratcliffe can offload a player they no longer want for one they do, then this could be a masterstroke, especially as Ugarte would help unlock Fernandes.

Why Ugarte would unlock Fernandes

So, while there could be any number of reasons why Ugarte would help unlock and get more out of Fernandes, one overrides all others: his defensive work.

For as talented as the United captain is, and for as much of an impact he can have on a game, he'll always be slightly hamstrung in midfield if he is playing alongside a teammate who isn't particularly impressive when it comes to defending, which is where the PSG ace comes in.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the "defensive monster", as Statman Dave dubbed him, sits in the top 1% of midfielders for tackles, tackles plus interceptions, ball recoveries and dribblers tackled, the top 2% for tackles won, and the top 3% for interceptions alone, all per 90.

Tackles

4.19

Top 1%

Tackles + Interceptions

6.09

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

8.10

Top 1%

Dribblers Tackled

1.85

Top 1%

Tackles Won

2.34

Top 2%

Interceptions

1.89

Top 3%

Just imagine having a six in the team as proficient at breaking up play and stopping counter-attacks as the 23-year-old "ball winner", as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, in front of a new and improved back four. Fernandes wouldn't have to worry about what's happening behind him; instead, he'd be able to focus 100% of his energy on happenings at the sharp end of the pitch, where he's at his best.

For example, last season, United had the sixth-worst defence in the entire league by expected goals against and yet, despite the team struggling so much around him, the former Sporting star still racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.71 games.

Now, suppose he was playing in a team that was more capable of keeping the ball and limiting opposition counter-attacks. In that case, he might have the opportunity to produce even more impressive numbers this season.

Ultimately, while the transfer might be complicated to get over the line, bringing in Ugarte this summer would be a brilliant way of shoring up United's defence and, in turn, unlocking Fernandes to contribute even more in attack.

Man Utd chiefs open talks to sell £60,000-a-week ace Ten Hag wants to keep

A bid is expected soon.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 19, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur are homing in on their second signing of the summer in Brentford shot-stopper David Raya, with new manager Ange Postecoglou swiftly addressing the glaring weakness of the Spurs squad.

What's the latest on David Raya to Tottenham?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who has recently provided a pleasing update for Tottenham fans, underlining the increasing desire to sign the 28-year-old this summer.

Romano said: "For David Raya, they are confident. I think when all parties want the same, Brentford have already signed a new goalkeeper, the player wants to go, he's not extending the contract and Tottenham want him. When they all want the same, I think there is a good chance to make the deal happen.”

Bees boss Thomas Frank has previously been adamant that the Spaniard is available for no less than £40m, but there is a sense that with just one year left on his current deal, such a valuation might be whittled down.

Another report from the Telegraph does state that Manchester United are also intrigued by the player's availability, but Postecoglou can rest assured at present with his outfit firmly leading the pursuit.

How good is David Raya?

Veteran Hugo Lloris, who has occupied the No. 1 spot between the sticks since arriving from Lyon for £12m in 2012, still has one year remaining on his current deal but confirmed he wishes to depart this summer, having been at the epicentre of the club's defensive disarray this season.

Having made four errors leading to goal this term – the most in the Premier League – and Spurs having conceded 63 times in the league, it is evident that change is needed, with the 35-year-old, stalwart though he is, at the end of his career in north London.

And in Raya, who has been riding the crest of a wave with the Lilywhites' London rivals, an almighty upgrade would be achieved if the club manage to pull off the signing, with his ball-playing aptitude playing into Postcoglou's favour and his top-class shot-stopping feats good enough to rival any 'keeper across Europe.

Indeed, as per FBref, the two-cap international ranks among the top 8% of peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for save percentage and the top 6% for touches per 90, which illustrates his ability in possession and his superlative strength as a defensive wall, praised as "next level with the ball at his feet" by Dan Bardell.

Such a ball-centric game is no doubt attracting Postecoglou's undivided attention, with the former Celtic manager heralded for his "fast, attacking style of play" upon signing by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

By securing his signature, the Australian manager could emulate Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's success with goalkeeper Ederson, who has been the glove-sporting centrepiece of the Sky Blues' incredible and illustrious exploits since signing from Benfica for £35m in 2017.

City's Spaniard manager called the 29-year-old Brazilian "the best" goalkeeper in the world with his passing ability, having succeeded with 53% of his long balls in the Premier League this season.

Raya might not be quite that good yet but his ability to play the ball comfortably from the back certainly deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the Man City stopper.

Starting with the perfect foundation to craft his outfit from is imperative for the success of Postecoglou at Tottenham, and by signing the Spanish 'keeper, such success could be realised.

Talk of a potential Harvey Barnes move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer "will grow legs over the coming weeks", believes journalist Ben Jacobs.

Barnes could end up being a key signing in Ange Postecoglou's new-look Spurs side going forward.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – Harvey Barnes

With Leicester City's relegation from the Premier League this season, stars such as Harvey Barnes are expected to leave the club to remain in the top flight.

The 25-year-old made 187 senior appearances for the Foxes, scoring an impressive 45 goals and earning 32 assists, so it isn't surprising that he is a wanted man.

According to the Telegraph, West Ham United are currently leading the race for the once-capped Englishman's signature.

The publication have reported that the Hammers could start the bidding war at around the £30m mark.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa have also been linked to the player by the same report, a move that would see him link up with former teammate Youri Tielemans.

However, the Daily Mail have reported Newcastle United won't be pursuing the Leicester man due to their belief in recent signing Anthony Gordon to come good eventually.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Harvey Barnes to Tottenham Hotspur?

Jacobs was straight to the point, explaining that a move to Tottenham will become more likely for Barnes as the window goes on.

Speaking on the podcast The Last Word on Spurs, he said: "I think Harvey Barnes to Spurs is going to grow legs though over the coming weeks."

Would Harvey Barnes be a good transfer for Tottenham?

Despite getting relegated with the Foxes this season, the Burnley-born forward has had a solid year himself, being one of the few bright sparks in the club's dreadful season.

According to WhoScored, Barnes averaged a fairly respectable rating of 6.66 across his 32 Premier League games, hardly the form of a player deserving of relegation.

His goal return has also been Impressive, netting 13 times and creating one assist for his teammates.

With numbers like that, in a team as dysfunctional as the Midlands club have been this year, it is no surprise then that Jurgen Klopp hailed the England international as 'unbelievable' back in 2021.

If Spurs can get this deal done, they would have a great player on their hands, and at a good age as well.

Crystal Palace have placed Mike Tresor on their transfer radar this summer, according to a report from Het Laatste Nieuws, via Sport Witness.

Is Mike Tresor joining Crystal Palace?

The 24-year-old currently plies his trade in Belgium and has produced some incredible goal contribution numbers for Genk over the course of the 2022/23 season. Playing in 34 league games this campaign, he managed a haul of eight goals in total. What's extraordinary however is his assist total, which stands at 21 and means that player managed 29 goal contributions in just 33 starts for the club. Despite his expert ability to tee up his teammates though, his side could manage only a second-place finish in the Belgian league this season.

Playmaking seems to be the specialty of the forward too, with Tresor producing a further seven last season, although he bagged no goals. Back when he played for Wilem II in the Netherlands as well, he managed a haul of 14 assists in 44 starts and had a further two in ten for NEC Nijmegen before that.

His displays have now led to interest from both the Premier League and Ligue 1. According to a report from Het Laatste Nieuws via Sport Witness, Tresor is on the radar of both Crystal Palace in England and Lille in France and both could make moves to land the player this summer.

No official bids have been made as of yet, but it looks like any potential move for the player would cost an interested suitor around 25 million Euros (or £21m). Whilst Genk would also no doubt like to hold onto their leading assist maker, the report adds that they seem resigned to losing the attacking midfielder during the transfer window, with the Eagles shopping for a replacement for Wilfried Zaha.

When does Mike Tresor's contract expire?

Tresor has a deal with the Belgian side that currently expires in 2025 and the club would no doubt like him to see out the remainder of that deal with them. However, his performances mean that he may now end up at another club this summer.

He's certainly caught the eye of the football world now, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig stating that the player has managed "crazy numbers" and also adding that he has had an "absolutely sensational" campaign for his club.

Crystal Palace then could do a lot worse than replacing Zaha with a player like Tresor, who is young, relatively proven and may not break the bank for someone with remarkable end product.

When Tottenham Hotspur reached the Champions League final in 2019, it was supposed to be a watershed moment for the ambitious London outfit.

Mauricio Pochettino had crafted one of the most eye-catching and fluid teams in the Premier League and, despite the loss on that fateful day by the hand of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, the rich pool of talent tantalised green pastures over yonder.

Instead, the dismissal of Antonio Conte this year was the fourth permanent manager discarded in as many years, and the failure to qualify for European football this term has underscored the issues that the club is currently beset with.

Ange Postecoglou has now been appointed and supporters will eagerly anticipate how the Australian will bolster the squad this summer.

One of his first moves could be to seal a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, who has been linked with a departure from Camp Nou after just one season and has been reported by Spanish publication AS to be of interest to the Lilywhites.

As per the report, a fee of €35m (£30m) could be required to prise him away, and given his imposing physicality and tendency to progress play with his barging presence, he could suit English football and Postecoglou's system to a tee.

Should Tottenham sign Franck Kessie?

Dubbed a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 60-cap Ivory Coast international won Serie A last term and LaLiga this season, making 43 appearances for Xavi's outfit but only starting seven times in the league, consequently discontented with life in Catalonia and ostensibly seeking an exit, with Spurs all too willing to enrich their ranks.

If he is managed aptly, Kessie could be moulded as Tottenham's next version of Dele Alli, with the England international suffering misfortune and a plummet from prominence over the past several seasons but unequivocally one of the most prodigious talents to ever grace Premier League soil.

Alli plundered 67 goals and 61 assists from 269 appearances for Spurs before losing his spark and being shipped out to Everton at the midpoint of the 21/22 campaign, having now completed an unsuccessful season-long loan move with Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas.

At his resounding best, Alli was lauded as a talent with the "world at his feet" by Frank Lampard and "very special" by Xavi – two former stars who know a thing or two about how to succeed as a first-rate midfielder.

The one-time MK Dons youngster was best suited to an attacking role deployed behind the all-encompassing talisman Harry Kane, almost a shadow striker at times, and wreaked havoc with his unflinching approach and devastating offensive potency.

Praised as an "amazing player" by former Spurs 'keeper Paul Robinson, Kessie can emulate this; he ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for both touches in the attacking box and progressive passes received per 90, as per FBref, driving forward just like the 37-cap England ace.

And while the former AC Milan gem has been a peripheral figure with La Blaugrana this year, 19 goals across his final two seasons in Serie A, complemented by clinching the Scudetto last term, illustrates a goal-scoring prowess and a "devastating" danger, as remarked by Antonio Cassano, to match Alli's – who posted 37 strikes across his first three top-flight campaigns.

Kessie's possible transfer to Tottenham could well be an unmitigated success, with Kane's superlative skill as one of football's most creative striking focal points – ranking among the top 10% of strikers for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90 – providing Kessie with the perfect platform to unleash the full might of his attacking arsenal.

Forging a battle for top four and a confident domestic cup run is imperative next year and with Kessie's signing, the return to the former free-flowing football that left the Spurs support in raucous rapture could return to cast aside the cobwebs of the 22/23 term and drape the curtain irrevocably on the recent woes.

Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement with David De Gea over a new long-term deal.

Despite a story from Calciomercato claiming that United were investigating replacing De Gea with Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, the Spaniard is close to committing his future to the club.

Is there a contract update on David De Gea?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Man United are "really close" to reaching an agreement with De Gea over a new deal.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "At the moment for De Gea, the agreement is really close.

"As we know, Man Utd are looking to extend De Gea and sign a new backup goalkeeper.

"So, this is the idea. For De Gea, it's about the final details."

De Gea is out of contract at the end of the season but with a new agreement on the way, he looks set to stay at Old Trafford. It's unclear if he will receive a raise on his current £375,000 per week terms.

How did De Gea play for United this season?

The 32-year-old won the Premier League Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets. Alisson Becker, who finished second, kept three fewer than his Manchester United rival's 17 clean sheets.

Speaking recently, Harry Maguire had plenty of praise for his defensive teammate. The Englishman said: "He's been amazing this season. I think of the things I can say about him.

"He's made big saves in big moments and that's what David does. When we need him and he's called upon, he makes big saves. He's had an amazing season and It's one I'm sure he'll be really proud of."

Despite the praise, there have still been question marks surrounding De Gea's long-term future in the Premier League.

After a calamitous mistake against West Ham which gifted Said Benrahma a goal, it emerged that no Premier League goalkeeper has made more errors (4) leading to a goal than the Spaniard.

Even so, De Gea was brilliant for United this season. Without his 17 clean sheets, it's difficult to envisage a situation where Erik ten Hag and his players would have finished in the top four this season.

Retaining De Gea's services is a smart move especially with more pressing concerns to be addressed in the squad this summer transfer window.

The Red Devils can now preserve their funds and with a move to sign Neymar being mooted, they'll certainly need every penny they can save.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Atalanta wonderkid Giorgio Scalvini – and the Italian centre-back could prove to be Mauricio Pochettino's own Paolo Maldini at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Scalvini this summer?

According to reports from Italy, Chelsea are among the suitors for the 19-year-old this summer after a fine season in Serie A with Gian Piero Gasperini's side.

The likes of Inter, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the youngster, who is likely to cost around €40m (£35m) this summer.

While Scalvini is contracted at the Gewiss Stadium until 2027, it is suggested in the report that he earns a relatively low wage – something he would likely be able to increase should he make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Could Scalvini be Pochettino's own Maldini?

Pochettino is all but confirmed to be the man in the dugout for Chelsea next season, with the Argentinian's appointment likely to be formally announced in the coming weeks as the Blues finally end their nightmare campaign at home to Newcastle this weekend.

While it has been scoring goals rather than keeping them out which has been the main problem for the Blues in the Todd Boehly reign, Thursday's heavy defeat against Manchester United exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, while 38-year-old Thiago Silva cannot be expected to be the main man at the back forever.

Scalvini has featured 30 times in Serie A so far this term with a solid 6.67 rating from WhoScored for his performances, while he has already earned a call-up to the national side.

Italy is famous for producing world-class defenders, with the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Nesta all regarded as some of the best centre-backs in footballing history.

However, the best of the best is arguably Maldini, with former teammate Alessandro Del Piero suggesting that he went beyond the description of world-class, arguing that he was number one.

Maldini famously said that "if I have to make a tackle, then I have already made a mistake" and it could be argued that Scalvini seems to play with that mindset, with his preference to intercept the ball, as according to FBref he ranks in the top 3% of defenders across Europe for interceptions per game.

Goal journalist Tom Maston lauded the youngster's "eye-catching" displays and it is easy to see why, as he also ranks 6% of defenders for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive passes received per 90, which suggests that he is a very modern centre-back who is comfortable in possession.

It is rare to see a centre-back as young as Scalvini playing regularly for club and country and he will certainly be looking to follow in the footsteps of the great Maldini, who broke into AC Milan's first team at the age of 16 and retired nearly 25 years later at the age of 41.

Boehly has already shown a preference for signing players with potential, and in Scalvini, he could uncover a top-class player for Pochettino – so long as the Italy international is allowed to properly develop at Stamford Bridge.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed it will be a "huge gamble" for Tottenham Hotspur to hire Arne Slot as their new manager.

What is the latest Spurs manager news?

Despite having fired former boss Antonio Conte some months ago, and then subsequently firing his interim replacement Cristian Stellini, it still remains unclear who will be Spurs' head coach next season.

At Chelsea, for instance, they may still have Frank Lampard in charge as caretaker – much like Ryan Mason – but it's almost certain that Mauricio Pochettino will be taking over in June.

The same cannot be said about Tottenham. However, at least a new candidate has emerged as the favourite for the role in the form of Feyenoord manager Slot.

Despite that, while talking on 90min's Talking Transfers, Bailey has claimed that Spurs are still "talking to others" and warned against hiring the Dutchman.

He said: "He's emerging as the strong bookmakers' favourite, but I'm told they are talking to others.

"So I do believe Spurs in this instance, whether they don't know who the first choice is, we'll have to see how talks go.

"It's a huge, huge gamble, it really is a huge gamble from their side.”

Why is Arne Slot a risk for Spurs?

Seeing as the 44-year-old has no experience of management outside of the Netherlands in the Eredivisie – having been the manager of AZ Alkmaar before Feyenoord – it certainly is a bit of a risk to give him a shot at this job.

However, there are obvious comparisons to fellow Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, although he'd at least done some coaching in Germany with Bayern Munch II before heading to Manchester United via spells with FC Utrecht and Ajax.

Interestingly enough, Slot has actually recently commented on all these rumours, but it seems he is keeping his cards close to his chest for the time being.

Indeed, he told Dutch media (via Evening Standard): "We're here for next Sunday's game. I'm not here to talk about my future. That could mean that English journalists are leaving with their tails between their legs."

"You'll get the same response from me as your colleague: I'm here for Sunday's game, which we are taking very seriously. So you won't get a response from me on that matter.

"It's going to be a very boring press conference."

He added: "I’m under a huge magnifying glass in everything I say about this subject. So I choose to say as little as possible again … when it comes to new clubs there’s a huge scale in every word I use, so I try not to talk about it until I can say something about it."

And with Bailey noting that Tottenham are still considering other names, it feels as though this particular manager race still has a way to run yet before we'll know who will take charge in north London next term.