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Tottenham Hotspur’s manager search continues to rumble on into a second month.

Plenty of names have been linked to the vacancy during that time, though this week, Daniel Levy has been given a major boost over one mooted target.

Antonio Conte has left Serie A champions Inter Milan just a few weeks after clinching their first title in over a decade, opening the door for Spurs to strike if he’s a genuine candidate.

It has since been revealed that the former Chelsea boss would be interested in taking the job in North London, according to the Guardian.

Football FanCast have delved into the potential world of an Conte-led Spurs side next season, here’s how the XI could look, with a bit of help in the transfer market…

There are plenty of interesting storylines that could emerge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this off-season, largely because Harry Kane wants out.

Truth be told, whoever is in charge next term, he will need substantial backing in the transfer market to turn around their fortunes, so it is plausible that the club cash in on their leading talisman, in order to fund an overhaul.

Levy is under pressure to get this appointment right and the £150m sale of Kane would help matters, as bold as it sounds.

Conte’s renowned for his three-at-the-back system and that could pay dividends in England as it has done before, considering he’s won the Premier League and FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper: Lloris

Club captain Hugo Lloris still has one year to run on his current deal and is said to be in talks over an extension, so he is likely to remain Spurs’ no.1 for the foreseeable future, though a new third-choice may be needed after Paulo Gazzaniga’s exit was confirmed this week.

Defence: Reguilon, Andersen, Alderweireld, Skriniar, Celik

It could be all change in defence as this has been the one Achilles’ heel of Jose Mourinho’s tumultuous reign. As explained by The Athletic, mistakes at the back have been the defining theme of Spurs’ abysmal season.

Joe Rodon doesn’t appear to be ready, whilst Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez are the root cause of most of these errors, so both are axed. It means Toby Alderwerield is the only to survive from this term.

It’s thought that Fulham loan star Joachim Andersen favours a move to the North London giants this summer, and he could be clinched for £25m, whilst long-time target Milan Skriniar was a frequent and popular presence under Conte at the San Siro.

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Perhaps Levy can finally seal the tough-tackling centre-back with the arrival of the Italian. He could command around €70m (£60m), as per Calciomercato (via Football Italia).

Sergio Reguilon could benefit most from the change in the system, as he thrived in a similar role on his way to Europa League glory at Sevilla, where they beat Conte’s side in the final last year.

Whilst Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier seemingly have no future at the club, Levy could look to bring in Zeki Celik from Ligue 1 champions Lille, a £13.5m-rated player they have been linked with recently.

Midfield: Hojbjerg, Ndombele

The midfield pretty much writes itself barring any major changes, though the likes of Dele Alli, Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks may find it hard to feature.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele are a good mix both defensively and in attack, and they will need to do the bulk of the box-to-box work, given it’s just those two in the engine room.

Attack: Son, Belotti, Bergwijn

Levy will find it hard to properly replace Kane but he could do so in a player that Conte should know well from the Serie A, Andrea Belotti.

The prolific 27-year-old will be entering the final year of his contract at Torino, so could be available for a lot cheaper than expected, and he has been linked with interest from Spurs in the past, too.

Corriere dello Sport (via Manchester Evening News) believe that price tag may be as little as €25m (£21.5m).

All in all, Levy may well go on a summer spending spree, splashing out a whopping £120m, with around £30m left remaining, should they get what they deserve for Kane.

AND in other news, Levy could secure Spurs’ perfect Bale replacement in “phenomenal” £40m “game-changer”…

According to a report by journalist Kevin Palmer, via Anfield Watch, the form of defender Nathaniel Phillips over these last few months has done enough to convince Liverpool he has a big role to play next season – prompting many Reds to react as one called it ‘brilliant news’.

Phillips has been forced to stand in for injured first team figures at the back like Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and the colossal Virgil van Dijk (inews).

The 24-year-old has started 13 Premier League matches under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as a result, making the most clearances per 90 (4.6) out of any Reds player in the squad (WhoScored).

Palmer now reports that Phillips has done enough to convince the club he can play a big role next season as the Reds seek to rebuild after what has been a title defence to forget.

While some Reds lavish this update, with one calling it ‘brilliant news’, others were also sceptical that Phillips is ready for a bigger role under Klopp next season.

Find all of their best verdicts from social media down below.

Liverpool fans flock to Phillips news

“Wow. Big respect for what he has done this season. But I’m not sure about using him next season. He is very good at winning headers, which is good when LFC face teams like Burnley and palace. Not up to the mark in passing though. But Klopp is a person who believes in training”

Credit: @SociallySober

“Great to hear, we still need to sign Konate but Phillips has absolutely earned his place in the squad”

Credit: @X29Fred

“He absolutely deserves it! Well earned! Can’t wait to see him next to Big Virg, a formidable defence in the making.”

Credit: @JaeTask

“He’s done the job well, very happy to see him be rewarded with a role for next season.”

Credit: @Adam1Marj

“Madness…. sell him while he’s at his highest, u make Him play 4th fiddle his value decreases massively.”

Credit: @pete8837

“Defo excellent player not just for the future but the present YNWA”

Credit: @roysie55

“Yeah he’s been outstanding”

Credit: @EdoFirst

“Buzzing to see this very well deserved”

Credit: @leightxn1

“Are people actually slating him? He’s been a solid 7-8 out of 10 for pretty much all season and it’s his first season in the prem? I think this is brilliant news that he’s gonna play a part next season!”

Credit: @cal_smxth

In other news: Liverpool fans now want this ace out of Anfield, find out more here.

According to a report by Dean Jones, writing for Eurosport, Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy could turn to England national team coach Gareth Southgate as a genuine target if they do not land prime managerial target Julian Nagelsmann.

Southgate, who guided England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in what was a memorable summer, has now emerged as a possible candidate for the Lilywhites as the list of possible appointments grows larger.

Spurs could turn to Southgate

The likes of Nagelsmann, Brendan Rodgers and Erik ten Hag are also viewed within Spurs as potential contenders for the job (Eurosport), but Jones believes that Southgate is likely to be targeted if a move for Nagelsmann fails.

Indeed, the factor motivating Spurs’ relatively new interest in the England boss is apparently the 50-year-old’s relationship with superstar striker Harry Kane. It is understood that the pair get on very well, which could benefit Tottenham during a time where they want to convince the striker to stay in north London.

Transfer Tavern take

Described as a manager possessing a ‘ruthless’ streak by defender John Stones (Evening Standard), Southgate has also earned praise from Spurs legend Paul Gascoigne, who spoke of his pride in the Three Lions boss back in 2018 (Sky Sports).

Gazza also lauded him for getting England to play football ‘the way it should be played’ – and we believe he is another credible dark horse among many.

Both him and Brighton manager Graham Potter have emerged recently as potentially eyebrow-raising names linked with the Tottenham gig, but both men should be considered as Nagelsmann alternatives given their achievements over the last few seasons.

In other news: What Mourinho told Tottenham players after sacking at Hotspur Way, find out more here.

According to a report by Football Insider, Fulham manager Scott Parker is now emerging as a lead contender for the Tottenham job, coming after recent setbacks involving two previous favourites. 

Indeed, former top target Julian Nagelsmann is set to become the new manager of Bayern Munich (fcbayern.com), while Ajax boss Erik ten Hag signed a new deal with the club (Evening Standard).

While reports suggest that Spurs are still hopeful of appointing Brendan Rodgers, with Daniel Levy apparently willing to treble the Leicester manager’s wages (Football Insider), the Northern Irishman publicly distancing himself from the role could prove to be an issue.

Report makes major Scott Parker claim

As a result, the north Londoners are assessing other targets, and Football Insider have now dropped a major claim that Fulham boss Parker is emerging as a new lead contender.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for the 40-year-old but football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold stated that he would be one for the future rather than an heir to Jose Mourinho.

However, this report supports another recent claim that Spurs could now turn to Parker as a serious option, with the Evening Standard explaining he is now on the shortlist.

Football Insider have backed that whilst going a step further and saying the 40-year-old is emerging as a lead contender for the role. They added that the Parker whispers for a possible approach have ‘intensified’ over the last few days, but Tottenham are willing to bide their time.

Transfer Tavern take

Lauded as ‘exceptional’ by former managerial tutor and Fulham player Jim Hicks (the Athletic), the ex-Tottenham midfielder has also attracted praise from Pep Guardiola, who praised his brand of football (mancity.com).

However, we believe that candidates such as Ralph Rangnick are far better poised to take the role at Spurs given their experience at the top level – the German has taken charge of more than 400 senior matches in his managerial career.

A promising young coach with a promotion under his belt he may be, but Parker arguably isn’t what Spurs need at this moment in time if they are to return to the Champions League.

In other news: This £13m-per-year coach is also eyeing the Spurs job, find out more here.

Leicester City have once again been linked with Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan.

According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, the Foxes are still admirers of the 26-year-old having originally been credited with an interest in the summer of 2020 by Fotospor.

Despite the midfielder having drawn comparisons with former Manchester City dynamo Yaya Toure by former Fenerbahce Head Coach Vitor Fereira, he is simply not the type of player that Brendan Rodgers needs right now.

The Foxes are extremely well stocked in midfield positions at the King Power Stadium, especially in the box-to-box role that Tufan is so used to playing.

Youri Tielemans is currently in the midst of his joint-most productive season in the East-Midlands to date with eight goals and five assists in all competitions so seems undroppable at the current time. According to WhoScored, the former Monaco man is out-performing Tufan with more passes and key passes per game, more tackles and interceptions, whilst being dispossessed on far fewer occasions – and in a far stronger league.

Meanwhile, compatriot Dennis Praet is an extremely capable deputy in the position and Sidnei Tavares also has considerable promise.

Elsewhere, the likes of James Maddison and Ayoze Perez occupy the attacking midfield positions, whilst competition from Wilfred Ndidi, Nampalys Mendy and Hamza Choudhury mean that he is unlikely to find a starting berth in a somewhat more defensive role.

It all means that there is a real lack of space in the squad for Tufan.

Indeed, the 58-cap Turkish international would not want to follow compatriot Cengiz Under’s example of being starved of game time at the King Power Stadium. The on-loan Roma man has made just nine starts for the Foxes in all competitions this season and looks unlikely to stay beyond a solitary campaign.

Rated at just £8.55m and with just two years remaining on his current contract in Istanbul, his arrival would certainly not be the most expensive deal in the world but it is one that is simply not needed for the sake of Leicester’s squad or Tufan’s career.

It would certainly be a huge mistake in bringing him to the East-Midlands despite the club’s apparent long-vested interest.

AND in more news, take a look at which Leicester maestro has handed the Foxes a big injury boost ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Manchester City…

أحرز لاعب السنغال وكريستال بالاس الإنجليزي، شيخو كوياتيه، الهدف الثاني لمنتخب السنغال في شباك غينيا الاستوائية بالمباراة الجارية بينهما الآن في كأس أمم إفريقيا المقامة بالكاميرون.

السنغال تواجه غينيا الاستوائية على ملعب “أحمدو أهيدجو”، بدور ربع نهائي أمم إفريقيا 2021، والفائز من المباراة سوف يتأهل لنصف النهائي لملاقاة بوركينا فاسو.

ودفع المدرب أليو سيسيه، بـ كوياتيه بدلًا من باب جايي في الدقيقة 65، ولاعب كريستال بالاس في الدقيقة 68، سجّل الهدف الثاني لـ أسود التيرانجا.

هدف كوياتيه جاء بعد خطأ دفاعي من لاعبي الرعد الوطني في التغطية الدفاعية، وكوياتيه الخالي تمامًا من الرقابة الدفاعية سجل الكرة في الشباك من داخل منطقة الجزاء. شاهد هدف السنغال الثاني في غينيا الاستوائية

In recent comments, John Hartson claimed that there should be no guard of honour given to Glasgow Rangers in this weekend’s Old Firm fixture.

Following Steven Gerrard’s side’s clinching of their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years earlier this month, much debate has ensued as to whether Celtic will greet Rangers with a guard of honour prior to kick-off in the upcoming Old Firm clash.

However, in recent comments made on the radio (via Ibrox News), former Celtic striker Hartson called for perspective on the guard on honour debate, claiming that Rangers have never done such a thing for the Hoops, as well as taking a swipe at the “embarrassing” actions of the Gers side in recent seasons.

He said: “Let’s have some perspective, in the last ten years Celtic have done the quadruple-treble [and there was] no word of a guard of honour. It’s never been mentioned, so why do it now? I know Rangers have come back from the dead, come back from absolutely nowhere… it’s a brilliant achievement.

“A couple of years ago when Neil Lennon took his team to Ibrox and Celtic had already won the league, Rangers beat us and celebrated like they’d won the European Cup. I thought to myself ‘that is embarrassing, what are you celebrating?’ I hope Celtic take this on board and don’t do the same thing if they win.”

Transfer Tavern Take

While there is not a great deal of humility in Hartson’s comments, perhaps his perspective will be understood by Rangers fans, as they would no doubt share a similar opinion if the shoe were on the other foot – something that was in evidence back in 2019, when Gerrard’s side did not give Celtic a guard of honour at Ibrox.

However, the fact that Rangers head to Parkhead 20 points clear of their rivals, as well as with an unbeaten record in the league, is something that is likely to cause Hartson’s former side a great deal of embarrassment, with or without giving Gers a guard of honour.

In other news: many Rangers fans have slammed this Union Bears statement – find out more here!

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League footballer Carlton Palmer has rejected the idea of Liverpool needing to replace Roberto Firmino to become title challengers again.

Firmino has come under scrutiny this season for his lack of goals, and some have now suggested that the Merseyside club need to sign a new No.9 if they are to enjoy more success in the future. Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is one name that has popped up, with former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique urging his old side to go all out for the 20-year-old’s signature.

For Palmer, though, Liverpool’s main problem this season has been at the back following the long-term injury to Virgil van Dijk.

When asked whether he thinks the Premier League champions need to bring in a new No.9 to replace the £180,000-a-week ace this summer, the retired England international told FFC:

“No, I don’t. Listen, every club would always like players who score goals, but how you win leagues is by not conceding goals. As you’ve seen from Man City, that gives the confidence to your front players to go and score you a goal.

“They know it’s 0-0 and they’ve got the ability they have like Man City at the moment, that’s the basis of their resurgence, the fact that they’ve started keeping clean sheets. They were conceding too many goals. So, you know, that’s where Liverpool need to get back to now.”

Undoubtedly, defence is a huge concern for manager Jurgen Klopp right now. On top of losing Van Dijk, the German has also seen Joe Gomez and Joel Matip fall victim to season-ending injuries.

Bearing that in mind, trying to re-establish a solid and stable back four may be the solution for Klopp next term, rather than forking out on a new forward to replace Firmino.

أعلن الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم، كاف، في بيان رسمي عن سعة الملاعب في مباريات كأس أمم إفريقيا التي ستنطلق الأسبوع المقبل.

ومن المقرر أن تستضيف الكاميرون نهائيات كأس أمم إفريقيا في الفترة بين 9 يناير الحالي وحتى 6 فبراير المقبل.

وفي بيان رسمي، قال كاف: “بعد مشاورات مكثفة مع حكومة الكاميرون في ضوء الأزمة الصحية والتحديات التي تفرضها جائحة كوفيد 19، واتفق الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم واللجنة المنظمة المحلية على تحديد سعة الملاعب خلال بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية، بين 60 – 80 %”.

وأضاف: “سيتم تطبيق السعة البالغة 80٪ فقط خلال مباريات الدولة المضيفة، الكاميرون، في حين سيتم تحديد باقي المباريات بنسبة 60٪”.

وتنطلق بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا يوم الأحد المقبل بمباراة بين الكاميرون وبوركينا فاسو على ملعب أوليمبي في ياوندي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. منافس مصر | مدرب نيجيريا يتحدث عن مصدر قلقه قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا

في وقت سابق من ديسمبر، اتفق الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم وحكومة الكاميرون على البروتوكولات الصحية الصارمة التي سيتم اتباعها بما في ذلك حقيقة أنه سيتم السماح للمشجعين الذين تم تلقيحهم فقط بالدخول إلى المدرجات.

وأكد كاف أنه لا تزال جميع الأطراف ملتزمة تمامًا بتنفيذ الاتفاقية بما في تلك البروتوكولات الصحية الأخرى التي تم تبنيها.

وسيواصل كاف مراقبة الوضع وتطور الظروف الصحية وتكييف التدابير إذا لزم الأمر.

After arriving from Stade Rennes in the summer, it’s fair to say Raphinha has taken like a duck to water at Leeds United in the Premier League.

Dubbed as “stardust” and as a “match-winner” by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Raphinha has been an absolute revelation for Leeds this season in his debut campaign in English football.

In just 21 games in the Premier League, the 24-year-old already has an impressive tally of five goals and five assists. That’s not to mention a penchant for the spectacular, whether that’s through a stunning free-kick or a piece of magical skill like how he skinned Crystal Palace’s Gary Cahill.

It’s perhaps no surprise then that other clubs have sat up and taken notice of his performances this campaign, with reports in recent weeks even suggesting that reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have been “blown away” by the Brazilian ahead of a potential summer move.

With claims that the winger was bought for around £17m plus add-ons, there’s no questioning that Leeds appear to have gotten the better end of the deal.

Hay opened up on his move from Rennes in the summer, delivering an insight into why the French side appeared to be happy to take such a small transfer fee in the modern market.

He said: “My understanding of what went on at Rennes was that he was as happy to leave as they were to sell him, and it felt like, in the end, all sides got pretty much what they wanted.

“I was asking a couple of journalists over there, ‘why have they done this deal at this price?’ They said because, basically, if they get their money back on him, they would be happy with that, because they don’t think he’s been that outstanding.”

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson echoes thoughts himself, revealing: “He’s full of energy, he’s got a (good) work ethic as well where he works for the team, he just does everything right.

“I’m a big fan of his and the recruitment there to find that player, because for £17m, there will be people now scratching their head going ‘why didn’t we get him?'”

Given how he has performed for Leeds, there’s no questioning that Rennes could have, and probably should have, held out for much more than they actually got given his supreme talent.

The Whites won’t complain, however, as they got an absolute steal. Victor Orta pulled off an absolute dream deal in the £60k-per-week earning gem.

Meanwhile, Leeds could hire Bielsa’s dream successor in this 36 y/o…