Postecoglou Left Impressed With 32 y/o After Spurs Meeting

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is said to have been left impressed by Ryan Mason after their meeting on Friday at Hotspur Way.

Does Ryan Mason have managerial offers?

The 32-year-old former Spurs midfielder once again took the reins in north London following the departure of Antonio Conte and then Cristian Stellini.

Results were certainly mixed and Mason was unable to help the Lilywhites secure a spot inside the European places despite their emphatic victory on the final day of the season.

But now there is the prospect of Mason coaching under another manager in north London having already worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Conte.

With two stints now under his belt as the caretaker manager at Tottenham, perhaps he may view this as the perfect opportunity to take a managerial role for himself.

There have been reports suggesting the Englishman has interested suitors from the Championship including Swansea City.

However, after a meeting with Postecoglou last week in north London, it now seems as if the 32-year-old will be remaining at Spurs for the foreseeable future.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed the Australian manager was left seriously impressed with the Spurs coach:

"And from what I understand, Postecoglou was impressed with Mason, Mason was impressed with what Postecoglou had to say. And despite the fact that there's a few clubs interested in Mason, two or three in the Championship, a couple across Europe, Postecoglou convinced him; 'No, stick around with me'."

Who will be Postecoglou's coaching staff?

The Australian's arrival in north London has not come without some hiccups with Celtic holding firm over keeping their coaching staff who worked under the 57-year-old.

Indeed, it has been reported the Bhoys have a clause in the coaches' contracts which means they are unable to follow Postecoglou should he leave the club.

This does leave Spurs in a bit of a tricky spot with most managers usually bringing their own staff with them when they move clubs.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou

But it seems as if these concerns are not disrupting Tottenham's efforts to improve their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Reports now suggest the Lilywhites are moving in on a potential deal to bring in their next goalkeeper for the future with talks ongoing over a move for David Raya.

After a disappointing campaign, change is seemingly on the menu in north London for this summer and perhaps keeping a familiar face around in Mason will be a positive move.

It has been suggested in the past that the players at Hotspur Way have a lot of respect for the £58k-per-week Mason and he will provide Postecoglou with a clear understanding of the club's values.

Liverpool Eyeing Swoop For £87m "Genius" This Summer

The race for coveted Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella is heating up, with a wealth of top Premier League outfits contesting for the Italy international's signature this summer.

What's the latest on Liverpool's pursuit of Nicolo Barella?

Liverpool are at the forefront of the race, joined in their intrigue by Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United, all said to be 'crazy' about the prospect of signing Barella, according to FCInterNews.

Touted at as much as €100m (£87m) by his team's hierarchy, the vested interest in his services by English football's most prominent teams could create an exorbitant transfer battle.

Barella could be headed for the Nerazzurri exit door when considering reports that he is personally pushing for a departure in search of new horizons, but contracted with until 2026, it could be a taxing pursuit indeed.

Should Liverpool sign Nicolo Barella?

The obvious stumbling block for Klopp and co is, of course, Barella's price tag, which is not too far away from the €103m (£88m) initial fee that Real Madrid have paid to prise Jude Bellingham away from Borussia Dortmund.

However, should Liverpool's technical director Jorg Schmadtke manage to whittle the Inter ace's jaw-dropping valuation down over the next few weeks, the Reds would glean one of Europe's superlative maestros.

Indeed, having made 51 appearances this season, the 26-year-old has posted nine goals and ten assists and been hailed as a "genius" for his exploits by reporter Mike Piellucci, with the chance for glory awaiting in the Champions League final against Manchester City this weekend.

With Anfield waving goodbye to a host of departees this summer, space has been opened for someone of Barella's ilk to forge a career as the Merseyside club's new general, reinstating the cohesion and verve that blinked out of existence as Liverpool slipped into obscurity this season, failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool transfer target Nicolo Barella.

Alexis Mac Allister has already been signed by Anfield's powers that be, penning a long-term contract after his £35m release clause at Brighton & Hove Albion was met, a shrewd move heralded as a "bargain" by Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool acted with the ruthless incisiveness that has become a staple point of Klopp's tenure at the club, and the energy and dynamism that the 24-year-old brings will undoubtedly provide a shimmering new sheen to a central midfield requiring comprehensive reconstruction.

Barella would ice the cake, blending his maestro-like skill set with Mac Allister's box-surging, progressive presence and digging up the dynamism and intensity required for success in a Klopp system.

As per FBref, the 43-cap Italy gem ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals, the top 21% for assists, the top 11% for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90.

Mac Allister, comparatively, ranks among the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 20% for progressive carries and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90, which illustrates an interconnection of skill sets, pushing the ball upfield and suffocating opposition with first-rate creativity and crisp passing play.

Whether Liverpool decide to bite the bullet and acquiesce to Inter's monetary demands remains to be seen, but unquestionably, Barella is a midfielder of every bit the calibre to take Anfield back to the peak of the mountain of aspiring European outfits.

Chelsea Turn Down £30m Bid For Impressive Figure

Chelsea have rejected a £30m bid for highly-rated young centre-back Levi Colwill, according to fresh update from journalist Jacob Steinberg.

Has Colwill had a good season?

The 20-year-old was sent out on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, in order to gain some valuable experience, rather than struggle for playing time at Stamford Bridge and potentially grow stagnant.

Colwill enjoyed an impressive season with the Seagulls, admittedly not always managing to play ahead of Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster, but still starting a total of 13 matches in the Premier League, and making 20 appearances, in all competitions. He played his part in the south coast club being one of the most aesthetically-pleasing teams in the division, with his ball-playing ability highlighted by an eye-catching 88.6% pass completion rate.

The young Englishman will be back at Chelsea this summer, however, and there is set to be interest in his signature, with his current Blues deal expiring in the summer of 2025. In fact, it already looks as though that is the case, following a new claim that has emerged.

Is Colwill set to stay at Chelsea?

Taking to Twitter, The Guardian's Steinberg confirmed that a big-money bid for Colwill has been turned down by Chelsea:

"Chelsea reject £30m Brighton bid for Levi Colwill and have no plans to sell him."

It is vital that the Blues do all they can to retain Colwill's services beyond this summer, considering what a massive prospect he is for many years to come, having been hailed as "fantastic" by former Huddersfield Town teammate Lewis O'Brien. He has been compared to John Terry in the past, too, and been tipped to be a future England international, showing the ability he possesses.

With the likes of Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly both ageing at the back, Mauricio Pochettino could view Colwill as the future of his defence and the fact that he was never afraid to give youth a chance during his Tottenham days – he brought through the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli – means that the player could have a perfect manager to work alongside.

There is still the threat that the five-cap England Under-21 international wants to leave Chelsea, however, should he not be promised a regular squad role next season, so the likes of Pochettino and Todd Boehly have a big job on their hands persuading him to stay put.

Arsenal Can Complete Unexpected £80k p/w Summer Signing

Arsenal would be pulling off a surprising signing if they managed to land Chelsea ace Mason Mount this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per The Athletic, Arsenal are eyeing a move for Mount as one of three midfield targets this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield in the off-season.

The report states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on Mount, who is not the only midfielder being courted by Arsenal, with Manchester City ace Ilkay Gundogan and West Ham captain Declan Rice also being linked with a switch to the Emirates.

Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino would prefer for Mount to sign an extension at Stamford Bridge, as per The Daily Mail, as his current terms worth £80,000 per week are set to run out in 2024.

Nevertheless, Mount's future remains uncertain at Chelsea and it is believed that the west London outfit have placed an £85 million price tag on his head to ward off interest in his services.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones would be surprised if Mount was to make the journey across London in the summer to join Arsenal.

Jones said: "I still would be amazed if this transfer actually came off and Mason Mount made that move across London to join a side that are rivals.

"I mean, it's obviously been a path that's been well worn in recent years, but usually they are players that Chelsea no longer believe are capable of playing at a certain level and Mason Mount is not that."

Would Mason Mount be a good signing for Arsenal?

Mount has endured a frustrating season all things considered, as Chelsea have fallen so far below expectations in the Premier League; however, the 24-year-old is a player with real ability and has even been labelled as "unbelievable" by Blues icon Joe Cole in the past.

In 2022/23, the England international has made 35 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Mason-Mount

FBRef also notes that Mount has manufactured plenty of chances for his teammates this term, successfully performing 83 shot-creating actions in total.

The Portsmouth-born midfielder has also competed around 1.3 key passes per match in the Premier League, according to WhoScored, demonstrating his vision and capacity to avoid playing it safe in offensive passages of play.

Moving forward, Arteta could add another dimension to his midfield by sanctioning a deal to bring Mount to north London in the off-season.

Man Utd Eye Swoop for £40m "Goal Machine"

Manchester United could finish the season with two trophies alongside their qualification for next season's Champions League, and Erik ten Hag has done it without having a proper out-and-out striker contributing heavily to the goal tally.

Marcus Rashford has predominantly operated on the left wing, albeit whilst registering 41 goal contributions, whereas strikers Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst have scored just nine and two goals respectively during this season, and it’s evident that Ten Hag must ditch the £281k-per-week United duo if he wishes to take the Old Trafford side to the next level.

Only Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scored more than ten goals within the squad, and the Dutchman simply cannot afford this to happen again, especially with Champions League football next season and matches against far superior opposition.

With regard to this, the Red Devils have shown interest in AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham ahead of a potential move to Manchester, and he could be the pure No 9 that Ten Hag is looking for.

Could Man United sign Tammy Abraham this summer?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, United have been linked with making a move for the former Chelsea hitman, while Jose Mourinho could let him go for a fee of around €45m (£40m) this summer, which would represent decent value considering his Premier League experience.

The Englishman has netted 26 top-flight goals across spells at Swansea City and the Blues, yet it was under Mourinho last season where he really began to showcase his true potential.

Across all competitions, Abraham scored 27 goals in 53 matches, helping the Serie A side win the Europa Conference League – their first trophy since 2008. He also ranked first in the squad for goals and assists (21), fifth for overall rating (7.06), second for shots on target per game (1.1) and fourth for successful dribbles each match in the league, indicating that he was among Roma’s best performers.

Roma striker Tammy Abraham

This season has been slightly leaner for the striker, netting only nine goals, yet a move back to England and a spot as one of United’s main forwards could potentially ignite his spark and get him back to his best.

Former professional Stephen Elliott previously dubbed the 25-year-old as a “goal machine”, and with experience of the Italian top flight, Abraham could return to British shores with an improvement to his all-round game that can only benefit Ten Hag.

Everton eye Burnley defender Tarkowski

Everton are reportedly now favourites to sign James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Tarkowski is out of contract this summer, meaning that he has the option to leave Burnley as a free agent.

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Following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League down to the Championship, it is now highly unlikely that he will stay, giving other clubs a chance to pounce on an experienced top-flight defender for no initial transfer cost.

The Latest: Favourites

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Jason Burt has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful have now moved ahead in the race to sign Tarkowski.

Aston Villa had shown an interest in him, but a deal is now unlikely to happen, given that they have signed Sevilla central defender Diego Carlos.

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club to pick up Tarkowski on a free.

Once described as an ‘outstanding’ player by his former manager Sean Dyche, and a ‘real leader’ at the back by former top-flight striker Noel Whelan, the 29-year-old would certainly help with their defensive issues, having conceded no fewer than 66 times in the division this season, the fifth-most of any side.

Nonetheless, he has that added Premier League experience and know-how that should ensure that he settles in very quickly at the Toffees.

In other news, find out what ‘big’ Blues player ‘boost’ has now emerged here!

Joseph Masi drops West Brom transfer claim

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has mentioned in recent weeks that he’s looking to do some significant transfer business during the upcoming summer window.

With that in mind, this may well open the floodgates for numerous players to be linked with moves to The Hawthorns over the coming weeks and months.

At this moment in time, it seems as though a clue has emerged over the possibility of one potential name who has been mentioned with a possible move to the Midlands club.

What’s the news?

After a report from Football Insider claimed that West Brom are eyeing up a summer move for Conor Hourihane, Baggies journalist Joseph Masi gave an update on the matter.

Taking to Twitter, he said: “I’m not going to rule anything out in May but it’s not a name I’ve heard.”

The Aston Villa midfielder is set to see his contract with the Baggies’ Midlands rivals expire at the end of the month. Having spent the season out on loan with Sheffield United, it seems unlikely that he’ll be putting pen to paper on a new deal at Villa and be part of Steven Gerrard’s squad moving forward.

His performances for the Blades this term haven’t exactly put himself in the frame to make a comeback at Villa Park and wouldn’t suggest that he’d be a good option for West Brom either, even on a free transfer.

Great news for West Brom fans

With 30 league appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, the Irishman earned himself a rather disappointing overall performance rating of 6.57/10 from WhoScored. This puts him as one of the lowest-rated players in the Blades’ squad to have started more than one league game during the season.

To further highlight how disappointing the 31-year-old has been for the Yorkshire club, he has only made 10 interceptions and won 12 tackles despite playing regularly, making him rather ineffective in a defensive regard.

With that in mind, it’s hard to see how the Republic of Ireland midfielder would improve Bruce’s side and give them a better chance of securing promotion.

Masi’s claim that Hourihane is not on the Baggies’ radar at this moment in time should have lots of West Brom fans delighted, given how lacklustre the player has been in the Championship this season.

In other news: Steve Madeley claims WBA are eyeing move for “unbelievable” 18 G/A gem, he’s a big Diangana upgrade

Newcastle Ohio Cup cancelled

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr has been left stunned by some news that he has now hears from St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Ohio Cup cancelled

As per The Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan, the proposed Ohio Cup pre-season tournament in the US, which the Magpies were supposed to be taking part in, has now been cancelled ‘at short notice’.

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They are thought to be ‘furious’ over the decision to cancel it so suddenly, as they now have to scramble to make last-minute plans for their trip.

The Latest: Scurr stunned

Taking to Twitter, Scurr of The Shields Gazette was left stunned by the cancellation, claiming that it is a ‘disappointing blow’ for the North East club:

“Given Howe’s meticulous approach, this is a disappointing blow for NUFC with pre-season plans now uncertain. Matches against Wolves, Villarreal and Valencia would have been ideal. Now it’s a case of arranging a new schedule while most other clubs already have theirs in place.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that the Tyneside outfit will not be able to test themselves against the likes of Wolves, who will finish above them in the Premier League table, and UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal.

Eddie Howe would have had all of his plans nicely in place for pre-season in America, including what kind of squad he would want to take there, but now he will be rushed into making a compromise.

Nonetheless, one would have to question whether it is still worth going to the US without the friendly games in place, unless they can arrange for other matches at short notice.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

Manchester United: Fabrizio Romano drops van der Gaag news

Manchester United are working on contract details over a move for Ajax assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Van der Gaag links

Erik ten Hag was announced as United’s new manager last month, with the Dutchman penning a contract at Old Trafford through to 2025.

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He quickly gave the green light to Red Devils chiefs to secure a move for Van der Gaag, who has served as Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax for 46 games.

However, despite Van der Gaag accepting a position in Manchester, a deal is yet to be sealed, but it looks as if United are getting closer.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning to provide an update on United and Van der Gaag.

He revealed the club are working on contact details for the assistant manager to join Ten Hag, labelling it as an ‘important addition’ with an ‘agreement getting closer’.

“Manchester United are working on the details of the contract to bring Mitchell van der Gaag at the club from Ajax, as part of Erik ten Hag coaching staff.

“Van der Gaag has been considered an important addition for months – agreement getting closer. Talks ongoing.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Ten Hag is seemingly keen to bring Van der Gaag with him to Old Trafford, so this update appears to be good news ahead of the transfer window opening, where the United boss will more than likely be extremely busy with incomings and outgoings.

A move for the Ajax assistant would be Ten Hag’s first and perhaps most important piece of business as United manager, and it looks as if it could be just a matter of time until a deal is over the line.

Of course, there could still be hiccups, with reports last month suggesting Van der Gaag could succeed Ten Hag as Ajax manager, but Romano’s latest update points to an Old Trafford move.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign star striker for Ten Hag in big deal

Baumgartner could be LFC’s next Firmino

Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the transfer window, and now another name has been added to the long list of potential new Anfield additions this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to German news outlet SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Jurgen Klopp is ‘keeping a close eye’ on Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.

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However, the report suggests that fierce rivals Manchester United are also in pursuit of the Bundesliga star, and Liverpool will need to compete with their fellow Premier League club to secure his signature this summer with what would be a ‘mega offer’ in the words of the report.

There is currently a release clause of €30m (£25.3m) on Baumgartner, which is reportedly a figure that won’t put off the potential suitors.

Klopp’s next Bobby Firmino

When Liverpool first acquired the impressive services of Roberto Firmino he was being deployed as a goal-scoring attacking midfielder at Hoffenheim, and with Baumgartner offering similar attributes from his midfield position Klopp may be eyeing up the Brazilian’s successor.

With Firmino set to be out of contract at the end of next season when he will be almost 32-years-old, it could be an amazing coup for Klopp if he could secure a young replacement to work alongside the impressive false nine to learn the role before he departs in the summer of 2023.

The £19.8m-rated ace who was hailed as “dangerous” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen, has clearly impressed the Liverpool manager and when you look at his output this season it will come as no surprise why.

Baumgartner has scored six goals and contributed one assist so far in 27 appearances for the Bundesliga club in the league, with six big chances created and 0.7 key passes on average per game, proving that at just 22-years-old the Austrian attacking midfielder has bundles of potential that Klopp can unleash in his team.

Ultimately, now that the German coach has committed his future with a two-year extension on his contract he will need to make some ruthless decisions on the ageing players in the squad, and if the reports are true on the interest in Baumgartner he could be well on his way to rebuilding key areas of his team with youth.

AND in other news: Romano: Liverpool in talks to sign “extraordinary” £83m machine, Klopp would love him…

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