Wolves Should Revive Interest In £97k-p/w "Attacking Threat"

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a difficult summer so far, with the club unable to spend due to restrictions relating to Financial Fair Play (FFP).

The severity of the Old Gold’s finances reached a summit just five days before their opening fixture of the 2023/24 Premier League season, as Julen Lopetegui left his role as manager.

The Spaniard was replaced swiftly by former AFC Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil, who guided the squad to a convincing performance against Manchester United on Monday night, despite the fixture ending in a narrow defeat.

Without having the ability to spend, the club have seen the vast majority of their transfer activity stem from outgoings, with more talent expected to depart, leaving numbers low within the squad.

What’s the latest on Wolves’ transfer situation?

While it looks increasingly unlikely that Wolves will be able to financially sanction a move for a player this summer, there remains hope that someone can arrive to shed some light on a dull period.

The latest news regarding Molineux has linked Daniel Podence with a move away, with Celtic reported to be the most likely destination for the winger.

With just 12 months remaining on his contract with the Old Gold, now would be the ideal time for the club to cash in on the Portuguese gem, who joined the side back in 2020.

Despite their inability to sign players this summer, the Midlands club have been linked to a host of talent, with one name having the potential to be the perfect successor to Podence, should Wolves miraculously find the resources.

Back in April, Napoli winger Hirving Lozano was speculated to have received interest from the Midlands, as reported by outlets in Mexico.

Earning £97k-per-week in Naples, the Mexican has been rumoured to be close to departing the Blues this summer, in what would be a strong acquisition should Wolves opt to revive their interest.

What is Hirving Lozano’s playing style?

Like Podence, the 28-year-old is best utilised on the flank, with the ability to play on either side.

Once likened to Lionel Messi for his approach to play when going forward by Marcel Brands, director of football at his former club PSV, the “explosive and agile” wide player could be the perfect figure to get Molineux on their feet.

Despite falling down the pecking order in Naples, the forward contributed to eight goals last season, scoring four and assisting four in both Serie A and the Champions League for the Italian champions.

Described as an “attacking threat” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the lively winger could be the perfect figure to replace Podence, based on their similarities when comparing the statistics relevant to their respective 2022/23 league campaigns.

hirving-lozano-napoli-championship-leeds-transfers

As per FBref, the Wolves man averaged 2.19 progressive carries and 1.22 successful take-ons per 90 to showcase his ability in possession, also recording an average of 1.83 key passes per 90.

Lozano bettered the Portuguese attacker with his on-the-ball efforts, averaging 4.82 progressive carries and 2.13 successful take-ons per 90, as well as making an average of 1.68 key passes per 90 in Serie A, via FBref.

While it would be a reach that could shock everyone for Wolves to resuscitate their interest in the Mexican, there’s no doubt the impact the Napoli star could have in the instance that Podence bids farewell.

Nottingham Forest Could Sign Own Hojlund In "Irreproachable" £17m Titan

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Bundesliga striker Serhou Guirassy, with updates suggesting that the forward could make the switch to the Premier League this summer.

Steve Cooper is eyeing reinforcements this transfer window, in the bid to build on his side’s form in their return to the top-flight last season, in which they left it late to secure their safety from relegation.

A win against Arsenal on the penultimate match day of the 2022/23 campaign confirmed the Reds’ survival, a result that Cooper would like to replicate on Saturday as the Tricky Trees open the 2023/24 calendar against the Gunners.

What’s the latest on Serhou Guirassy to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by German outlet Kicker (as relayed by Sport Witness), Forest are debating a move for VfB Stuttgart forward Guirassy.

The report claims that the Reds are willing to trigger the 27-year-old’s release clause, which is believed to be in the region of €20m (£17m).

It’s suggested that the French-born striker is keen to make the move to the Premier League, in what could be an exciting acquisition for those at the City Ground.

How good is Serhou Guirassy?

In signing the forward, Forest could land themselves a seasoned goalscorer, with extensive experience playing in Europe’s top leagues.

The Guinea international has netted 79 goals throughout his domestic career, representing clubs at various levels in both France and Germany.

Guirassy could now venture to England, with Cooper eyeing a new goalscorer to assist his side in increasing their hopes of remaining in the top-flight for another season, in a move that could prove fundamental to both player and club.

Forest ended last campaign having scored 38 goals in as many games, displaying the desperate need for further aspirations in the final third.

For Stuttgart, not many were as important to the side as the striker last term, having almost single-handedly confirmed the club’s survival in the Bundesliga relegation play-offs.

Brazil's Marquinhos in action with Guinea's SerhouGuirassy

The 27-year-old titan netted one goal and registered one assist over the two decisive fixtures, adding to his 11 Bundesliga goals and two scored in the DFB Pokal.

Once hailed as “irreproachable” by former coach at Amiens SC, Luke Elsner, the striker could be a strong signing for the Premier League side, in a move that could give Cooper his answer to fellow captures of forward’s in the league this summer.

Manchester United's new arrival Rasmus Hojlund was sniped by Erik ten Hag’s side for £72m, adding to the prospect of Forest potentially obtaining a player likened to him for just £17m in Guirassy.

As per FBref, the two players were likened based on their statistical output over the past year, suggesting the quality of striker Cooper could integrate into his side.

FBref also reveals the mirrored quality between the two players that could both feature in the Premier League next season, with the Forest target averaging 0.49 non-penalty goals per 90 to the United man's 0.44 in Serie A.

While goals are the best representation to suggest the quality of a forward, the number of shots the duo averaged implement their lively nature in attack, with the Stuttgart star averaging 2.57 shots per 90 to Hojlund’s 2.65 per 90.

It’s clear to see the calibre Cooper could equip at the City Ground this summer for a cut-price, in a deal that could prove to be of huge importance to the club come the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

West Ham Could Sign £17m McTominay Alternative At London Stadium

With the backing of a healthy £105m, West Ham’s midfield pursuit has been one of the most hotly-documented storylines of the summer so far.

The Hammers have reportedly had a £40m offer for Conor Gallagher rejected by Chelsea, with Mauricio Pochettino stating that the Englishman is in his plans for the upcoming season.

James Ward-Prowse is another player on David Moyes’ agenda, with West Ham preparing to initiate a formal swoop for the Southampton captain.

Scott McTominay is also viewed as a possible Declan Rice replacement, but Manchester United have slapped a £40m price tag on the Scotsman.

However, one man that West Ham are tracking who seems to be going under the radar is Denis Zakaria.

Is Denis Zakaria joining West Ham?

According to Tuttosport (via Football Italia), Zakaria is one of the players Juventus want to sell this summer and West Ham have been in talks with the Old Lady.

But, it is understood that Monaco may now lead the race for the midfielder, who is valued at around £17m.

West Ham have no intention of entering a bidding war for the Swiss.

What is Denis Zakaria's style of play?

Most Premier League fans will simply remember Zakaria for his disastrous loan spell at Chelsea last year.

He joined the Blues on deadline day last summer, and upon his arrival, Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano, co-controlling owners, said: “Denis brings top-level and international experience, and his mix of tenacity and great distribution.”

Chelsea'sDenisZakariaapplauds fans after the match as he is substituted

However, the move materialised into disappointment, as the 26-year-old became hampered by persistent injury and was caught up in the whirlwind of Chelsea’s worst season in Premier League history.

As a result, he made just 13 appearances in all competitions across the season, and we were unable to witness his full potential.

We shouldn’t judge Zakaria’s most recent past as his definition, as he displayed his glorious athleticism and energy during the 2019/20 season at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

At the start of this campaign, with his side sitting at the summit of the table after nine outings, no other player had covered more distance (99.6km) or won more duels (97), whilst he also accumulated 556 high-intensity runs.

When considering what the 49-cap international can offer, his strength lies in the unknown, whilst McTominay, who would cost double the price has been a consistent let-down for United.

Scott McTominay

Since making his debut in 2017, the 6 foot 4 man has made 219 appearances for the Red Devils and has never proven himself to be a reliable asset.

Last term, he forged just 16 starts in all competitions, as after the two defeats in the first games against Brighton and Brentford, Erik ten Hag was forced into a desperate last-ditch attempt to bring Casemiro to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, and Christian Eriksen were all ahead of him in the pecking order by playing more games, and there have been many question marks over his quality.

The viewpoint has been championed by Roy Keane, who said that McTominay has a lack of “decision-making and football intelligence.”

Despite not playing anywhere near his capabilities, Zakaria outranked McTominay for pass completion per 90 (88.9% vs 81.4%) and progressive carries per 90 (2.22 vs 1.46). His running and ability to dictate games, therefore, are far superior to that of the United midfielder.

Ultimately, the Red Devils youth product has had plenty of time to stamp his authority upon the Premier League but has been unable to shackle his mediocre reputation. Whereas Zakaria, who was described as “talented” by Antonio Mango, can return to English football with a huge point to prove and could recapture the form he expertly displayed in Germany.

Mathews steps down as Sri Lanka captain

Angelo Mathews has stepped down as Sri Lanka captain in all three formats, following his side’s 3-2 ODI series loss to Zimbabwe. Mathews, who called the defeat “one of the lowest points” of his career and said in its aftermath that he would discuss his captaincy future with the SLC selectors, conveyed his decision to the selectors on Tuesday.Mathews has led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, 98 ODIs and 12 T20Is, having taken the reins at the age of 25, in 2013. Though Sri Lanka have been modest in limited-overs cricket through the latter half of his tenure, they have, on his watch, tasted rare success in the Test format. In 2014, Mathews had personally played a pivotal role in the Test series triumph in England. Last year, Sri Lanka had also whitewashed Australia – a side they had won only one Test against previously.There have also been significant lows under Mathews, however. Sri Lanka’s campaigns in the 2015 World Cup, the 2016 World T20 and the 2017 Champions Trophy were disappointing, and even in the Test format, they suffered two 0-2 whitewashes in New Zealand, and a 0-3 result in South Africa. All told, Mathews has 13 Test victories to his name as captain, against 15 losses. On the batting front, Mathews had an outstanding 2014, in which he scored 1,317 runs at an average of 87.8, but his form had since fallen away, though his average as captain still remains 50.94. With the ball, he was only sporadically effective in Tests, but much more valuable a limited-overs bowler.The last year of Mathews’ captaincy was characterised by injury, however. He missed two Tests and an ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe as a result of multiple leg injuries, was absent for a five-match ODI series against South Africa thanks to a torn hamstring, missed Bangladesh’s tour of the island, and was most recently unavailable for Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy fixture against South Africa – though it is possible he was prevented from playing that game by the board. The injuries have usually come when Mathews has had a high bowling workload, which he has attempted to carefully manage during his captaincy.The announcement that he would resign from the captaincy was not unexpected. The paucity of Sri Lanka’s returns in 2017 had placed substantial pressure on Mathews, and applied fresh scrutiny on his on-field strategising and decision-making, which has largely been seen to be Mathews’ weakest suit as captain. The series loss against Zimbabwe has been particularly chastening to the Sri Lanka team – they had never lost a match to Zimbabwe at home before, let alone a series.Sri Lanka are due to name a successor to Mathews – in the Test format at least – early on Wednesday. Upul Tharanga, who has led the ODI team when Mathews has been injured, and Dinesh Chandimal, who has served as Mathews’ deputy and led the T20 team in the past, are prime candidates. Rangana Herath, who captained the most-recent Sri Lanka Test, may be an option as well.

Newcastle Could Secure "Excellent" £9m-rated Isak Partner

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Hugo Bueno, as Eddie Howe weighs up his targets this summer.

After claiming fourth place last season, the Magpies are expected to have a busy transfer window in order to get their squad to the standard to compete among Europe’s elite.

The North East side are said to have had Kieran Tierney on their radar for a number of months, albeit with Football Insider claiming this week that the Scotsman isn’t the only left-back Newcastle are targeting.

Wolves defender Bueno is named as a potential target alongside the Arsenal ace, listed as an alternative should Howe fail to pry him away from the Gunners.

Valued at around £9m by CIES Football Observatory, the Magpies could land a bargain in a swoop for the young Spaniard.

How good is Hugo Bueno?

At the age of just 20, the Vigo-born gem made a statement in his first senior season in the Premier League after graduating from playing in Wolves’ academy sides.

In 21 appearances last campaign, Bueno asserted himself as a promising talent to emerge at Molineux, ranking in the top 8% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of progressive carries, averaging 3.57 per 90, via FBref.

For Newcastle, the youngster could be the perfect target should talks fail with Tierney, with Howe potentially seeking a player that could unlock those in attack ahead of him with his progressive play.

Hailed as “excellent” after his debut back in October by former caretaker manager Steve Davis, the 20-year-old is a versatile player on the flanks with the ability to act as an inverted full-back due to his strengths going forward.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

Those in advanced wide areas at St James’ Park could benefit from the introduction of the left-back, with last season’s revelation Alexander Isak being one of those that could partner strongly with the Spaniard.

Deployed mainly through the middle, the Swede has occupied the left flank at times, and could be a player whose nature would suit the strengths of Bueno.

As per FBref, the 23-year-old received an average of 7.21 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League last term, providing a direct threat in the final third, scoring 10 and assisting one in 22 appearances.

A keen runner, the former Real Sociedad star could be the dream figure for Bueno to play behind, as suggested by his 1.10 key passes per 90 – the Spaniard clearly enjoys executing a dangerous forward pass.

Lauded as having “exemplary” movement by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Isak is the perfect target to partner the Wolves starlet on the flank, being a player that enjoys to “pass-and-go” to add threat in the final third.

Bueno averaged 1.65 passes into the final third per 90, registering added power in numbers in attack, with averages that could be bolstered playing in a side that is more freely presenting in attack.

Howe could land a bargain in securing the signature of the 20-year-old, who only has room to grow in his development as a defender in the Premier League after an encouraging breakout season in the top tier.

Taylor's absence an opportunity to apply pressure – du Plessis

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said his team fancied their chances, while Kane Williamson said batting last was not impossible by any means after the final day in Dunedin was washed out

Firdose Moonda in Dunedin12-Mar-2017

Faf du Plessis drew confidence from Dean Elgar’s knocks•Getty Images

South Africa felt they had the better chance to win the Dunedin Test had play been possible on the final day. South Africa, who were 191 runs ahead, with four wickets in hand and Faf du Plessis at the crease, expected to set New Zealand a target of around 250, and then put the hosts under pressure in the chase.”If today was a full day of cricket, with New Zealand one seamer down and one batter out of the team, we fancied our chances,” du Plessis said. “So it’s very disappointing from that point of view.”Instead, South Africa will look to target New Zealand’s weakened line-up in Wellington, where they will miss the injured Ross Taylor. Before the series, South Africa had identified Taylor and Kane Williamson as the two players they would need to dismiss early. Now, they only have to worry about one of them. “They are losing a big player in Ross Taylor and they will have someone new, which will create an opportunity for us to put some pressure on them,” du Plessis said. “We saw in this Test that even though Kane Williamson got a hundred, if we can get through him, we can put some pressure on their batters.”Williamson took a softer approach to the match situation on the final day, calling it balanced and leaning towards New Zealand’s ability to post a decent total, as they did when they took the first-innings lead. “It was pretty evenly poised. Batting last would have posted its challenges, but as we saw yesterday, it was by no means impossible,” he said. “They played nicely and the ball started taking a bit of turn. If we were able to take the wickets quickly today, it could have shaped up nicely. It was a good game of cricket.”Despite appearing a bowler short, especially when Boult left the field with a sore hip, Williamson defended New Zealand’s two-spinner, two-seamer selection. “It was an extremely tough decision and based on horses for courses. With three seamers, all performing very well, to leave one of them out was always going to be tough, but Tim is a great team man and took it really well and got behind the guys. He ended up fielding for most of the game, so it felt like he was out there with us anyway.”Southee is expected to be back for the second Test where New Zealand’s selection conundrum will move from seamer to spinner, and early indications are that Mitchell Santner may miss out while Jeetan Patel is retained. “We have the luxury of having a few high quality spinners in the country who do different things. The main consideration going into the game is looking at what strengths we have and matching them up to the surface, and potentially how we can target some players in the opposition,” Williamson said.”All the spinners bring something different. Jeetan takes the ball away from left-handers, and the way he drifts the ball makes him threatening to right-handers as well. And his experience – Jeetan has played for a number of years on the international scene and has a huge amount of domestic experience in different conditions.”For South Africa, selection is unlikely to change much after Morne Morkel came through his comeback Test well, ahead of a surface with slightly more bounce at the Basin Reserve. “He looked really good,” du Plessis said. “He was quicker than KG [Rabada], and, on a slow wicket, he was reaching 140kph regularly. Morne can feel really confident the way he is bowling.”The other positive for them is the performance of Dean Elgar, who fell 11 runs short of becoming the sixth South African batsman to score two hundreds in a Test. Du Plessis believes South Africa have got momentum in what has become a four-day turnaround. “It was good to get the first Test out of the way with Dean coming in and scoring runs and looking good. I always feel we are very good once we get that engine running, so we are looking forward to the second Test.”

Tottenham Could Ignite Perisic By Signing £40m "Beast"

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who could be an astute alternative to Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Edmond Tapsoba.

What's the latest on Aymeric Laporte to Tottenham?

According to 90min, Spurs have identified their top defensive target in the Bundesliga Burkina Faso ace, though mounting interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United could throw a spanner in the works.

Laporte has been a stalwart for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City since signing for £57m in 2018 but has fallen down the pecking order and has subsequently been touted for a £40m departure from the Etihad Stadium.

The Spain international has two years remaining on his Citizens deal but new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will be determined to catch his man after a disastrous defensive year in the top flight.

Should Tottenham sign Aymeric Laporte?

Laporte is one of the most distinguished and illustrious centre-backs in the history of English football, having completed the treble this season to take his trophy haul in Manchester to five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.

The French-born Spain star has made 179 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues, but after starting just 11 times in the top flight this year, he might feel that his time under Guardiola's wing is at an end.

The 29-year-old has been hailed as the "best left-central defender in the world" by his club manager, but with his diminishing amount of action on the pitch, compounded by news of the club's vested interest in RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol, searching for new pastures might be the best option.

And at Spurs he would cement his name as a first-rate star, spearheading the resurgence from the back and complementing Postecoglou's possession-based style, with club chairman Daniel Levy saying: "Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play."

As per FBref, the 22-cap colossus ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion, and the top 1% for passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 – evidently, he holds his own with the ball at his feet.

aymeric-laporte-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

Currently on £120k-per-week, Laporte could even be an affordable option for the Lilywhites, who crave some defensive fortitude after a fraught campaign that bore no European qualification and a dismal defensive record to better only Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and the three relegated outfits.

But the pass master would also serve to make Ivan Perisic's creative game unplayable, with the Croatian gem sealing a move to north London from Inter on a free transfer last year.

Perisic frequented the left flank throughout the 22/23 term, scoring once and registering 12 assists from 44 matches, and with a coveted layer of assurance from someone of Laporte's ilk, who has averaged 1.8 tackles and 3.4 clearances across the duration of his career – via WhoScored – his playmaking prowess would only improve, especially considering Postecoglou's emphasis on versatile full-backs.

Especially since the 34-year-old veteran already ranks among the top 1% of positional peers for assists and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90; impressive metrics, and that's with a shoddy defensive foundation to build from.

Especially given a first-rate skill of the "beast" that is Laporte is playing out from the back – something that is an intrinsic component to a Pep Guardiola system – could add a whole new dimension to a Spurs team desperate for a route back to prominence, his signature must surely be sought this summer.

And if Levy and Postecoglou can pull it off, Tottenham could craft a successful season for themselves and expunge the poignancy of a calamitous campaign.

£107m Chelsea Man Has Big Request Of Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez wants to talk to Mauricio Pochettino about playing in a more attacking role next season.

What's the latest on Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea?

Last January, fresh of the back of winning the World Cup with Argentina, the 22-year-old was snapped up by the Blues in a British transfer record.

Indeed, Todd Boehly and co splashed £107m to land him from Benfica but the deal hasn't necessarily worked out at this moment in time.

While Enzo hasn't necessarily been that poor, he has been part of a terrible Chelsea side that finished 12th in the Premier League – a club-record low.

Graham Potter was sacked not long after the Argentine arrived and Frank Lampard's unsuccessful spell as interim has now finished with Pochettino set to take charge next season.

The former PSG manager will have a big task on his hands trying to get the best out of his underperforming players and we can expect to see plenty of changes when the side next play a competitive game.

Perhaps one notable difference could be Enzo operating further up the pitch. After all, his father seems to think that's what his son wants.

Speaking to The Chelsea Spot (via Evening Standard) Raul Fernandez said: “He was happy about the arrival of Pochettino. Next season? My son wants to be a champion.

“I think [we will see Enzo play further forward]. He was going to ask [Pochettino] to play further advanced.”

Who will play in midfield for Chelsea next season?

It will certainly be interesting to see if Pochettino entertains this idea with Enzo playing a pretty central role for the Blues since arriving in the Premier League – as you can see on his SofaScore heat map.

However, perhaps he will feel as though he can move further up the pitch if Chelsea can make the right sort of signings in the summer window.

One player who could sit in a deeper midfield role is Moises Caicedo. As things stand, Pochettino's side are "frontrunners" to land the Brighton star but it remains to be seen if the two clubs can agree upon a transfer fee.

moises-caicedo-brighton-arsenal-transfer-gossip-declan-rice-west-ham-edu-arteta

However, the club will still likely have to deal with the expected departure of N'Golo Kante – who is poised to seal £86m-a-year move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad (via The Guardian).

With that in mind, it might take more than just the one signing of Caicedo before Pochettino allows Enzo to play a more attacking role.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لـ مباراة الأهلي والزمالك اليوم في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري للكرة الطائرة

يترقب عشاق الكرة الطائرة الصدام القوي بين الأهلي والزمالك، اليوم الثلاثاء، في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري لموسم 2023-2024.

ونجح فريقا الأهلي والزمالك لكرة الطائرة في التأهل لنهائي السوبر المحلي لرجال الكرة الطائرة عن الموسم الجاري.

جاء ذلك بعدما حقق الزمالك الفوز على بتروجت بنتيجة 3/0 في لقاء نصف النهائي على صالة اتحاد الشرطة بالدراسة، وفي نصف النهائي الآخر نجح الأهلي في تخطي طلائع الجيش بنتيجة 3/1.

طالع أيضًا | الأهلي يفوز على الزمالك ويتوج بكأس السوبر المصري للكرة الطائرة “سيدات” موعد مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري للكرة الطائرة 

وتنطلق المباراة فى تمام الثامنة مساء اليوم الثلاثاء بتوقيت مصر، التاسعة بتوقيت السعودية، على صالة اتحاد الشرطة. القناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري للكرة الطائرة

وتُذاع مباراة الأهلي والزمالك عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورت 2” بتعليق محمد عبد العظيم.

الجدير بالذكر أن مباراة تحديد صاحب المركز الثالث ستسبق مواجهة القمة، والتي سيتنافس فيها بتروجت وطلائع الجيش.

Tottenham: Spurs Eyeing Trophy-Laden Manager After Slot

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and remain keen on the SPFL champion as Feyenoord's Arne Slot rejects a move.

Who could Spurs appoint as manager?

Spurs have been dealt a setback in their search for Antonio Conte's replacement this week as Slot, who was widely believed to be a top target, comes out to confirm he's staying in the Netherlands.

“I have heard a lot about the interest of other clubs in me,” he said to the Algemeen Dagblad (via 90min)“I am grateful for the appreciation that this expresses, but my wish is to stay with Feyenoord and continue to build on the foundations that have been laid over the past two seasons."There are no transfer talks going on and there have been none and yesterday's discussion was solely about a possible extension. All conversations with Feyenoord are only aimed at that. I look forward to the new season at Feyenoord.”

Chairman Daniel Levy must now return to square one to identify alternatives and avoid a repeat of Tottenham's disastrous search for Jose Mourinho's successor in 2021.

It's been over two months since Spurs parted company with Conte and the north Londoners quite simply must confirm an appointment soon.

The summer transfer window is looming and any prospective new head coach will want time to identify targets and fully prepare for next season.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy

In terms of who Spurs could move for, there are many names still in the frame, including the likes of Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim and even Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti (GiveMeSport).

Journalist Graeme Bailey, sharing news on Twitter, also insists Tottenham remain keen on potentially appointing Postecoglou of Celtic as they eye a move.

The 57-year-old is an option for Spurs and they have discussed him as an option internally, with his contract also set to expire in a matter of days as things stand.

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

The Australian has won many trophies across spells at a variety of clubs in Asia, as well as enjoying great success with Celtic.

Postecoglou boasts 10 trophies at club level – winning league titles at Brisbane Roar, South Melbourne FC, Yokohoma F. Marinos and Parkhead.

He's also been praised for his "beautiful football" by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves, with former Spurs defender Alan Hutton calling him a "really likeable" person overall.

Postecoglou could be a great option and alternative to Slot as the Spurs manager search drags on.

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