Tottenham Hotspur are facing the growing prospect of relegation from the Premier League after Igor Tudor failed to arrest a slump in form that has left the club in a precarious position.

The Croatian manager has lost all three of his matches in charge since replacing Thomas Frank in the dugout.

Questions are already being asked regarding the appointment, with the North London club looking devoid of confidence heading into the final nine games of the campaign.

Relegation rivals show fight

While bookmakers still narrowly favour West Ham United to fill the third relegation spot, current performances suggest a shifting momentum.

Despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat at Anfield, the Hammers displayed a cohesion that has been notably absent from Tottenham’s recent displays.

The Lilywhites have struggled significantly with injuries, leaving the squad depleted at a critical juncture of the season.

European distractions and tough fixtures

Matters are further complicated by a demanding schedule that sees the capital club competing on multiple fronts.

Tudor must prepare his side for a Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid over the coming week.

Domestic duties offer no respite, with a daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield awaiting them next Sunday.

Potential consequences of the drop

While relegation would be viewed as a disaster by supporters, the financial structure of the club ensures they would not face administration.

A season in the Championship could potentially offer a reset for a team that has won only eight of their last 33 Premier League home games.

Dropping down a division often facilitates a clear-out of underperforming players and allows a club to rebuild a winning culture.

Supporters would also see a significant increase in victories and goals scored, providing a stark contrast to the struggles endured over the last two campaigns.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has confirmed he personally decided to reject a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window to extend his Anfield career.

The Scotland captain emerged as a surprise target for Spurs in the closing stages of the winter market.

Although the Reds were prepared to facilitate a move in recognition of his service since 2017, the 31-year-old opted to remain on Merseyside.

Robertson addressed the speculation following Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Wolves on Friday.

Choosing to stay put

“There was obviously interest there – there were discussions had with both sets of clubs,” Robertson said.

“But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made.”

An injury to Joe Gomez had reportedly complicated the defensive picture at Anfield, but the veteran left-back insisted his mindset never wavered.

“I was never not committed. I’ve been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I’ll be committed until I’m no longer needed.”

“That’s always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I’ve given this club everything.”

Contract hints and competition

Robertson has faced increased competition for his place this season following the summer arrival of Milos Kerkez.

Despite the Hungarian largely usurping him in Arne Slot’s Premier League XI, Robertson produced a standout performance at Molineux to help secure a quarter-final spot.

With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, the defender would be available on a free transfer if fresh terms are not agreed.

However, he hinted that discussions regarding an extension are ongoing, though they will remain behind closed doors.

“I’ve always said that [the talks] will stay between me and the club,” he added.

“I have got an amazing relationship with Richard Hughes, Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards. They have helped make me who I am.”

Arsenal are expecting Declan Rice and Gabriel to return for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

Goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Martin Zubimendi are also set to feature after missing the weekend’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the quartet were left out of the squad on Saturday to manage ongoing fitness concerns.

Managing squad fitness

The Gunners boss admitted the decision to rest key personnel was necessary due to the “super demanding” fixture schedule.

Arteta emphasized the need to resolve minor physical problems before the trip to Germany.

“They had issues and they’ve been carrying issues. And it was the only time to try to make sure that we can clean those issues that they’re having to start the next sequence of two weeks before the break in the best possible way.”

With a crucial European night ahead, the north London club prioritised squad longevity over the domestic cup fixture.

“We had to make those decisions,” the Spaniard added.

Fresh concerns for Arteta

Despite the boost of returning stars, Arsenal suffered new setbacks during the 2-1 win at Field Mill.

Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were both substituted with what Arteta described as “little niggles”.

The conditions of the match were cited as a contributing factor to the withdrawals.

“Both of them, they had little niggles, they weren’t comfortable to continue. We knew that this could be a possibility… so we have to take them off.”

Defensive worries remain

Arsenal are also hoping William Saliba will recover from an ankle problem in time for the first leg against Leverkusen.

Club captain Martin Odegaard and defender Ben White also remained absent for the cup tie through injury.

Manchester United have identified Paris St-Germain boss Luis Enrique as their preferred candidate to become the club’s next permanent manager before this summer’s World Cup.

Senior officials at Old Trafford aim to secure a high-profile appointment prior to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have reportedly reached a consensus on the Spaniard as the ideal long-term successor in the dugout.

The club’s hierarchy is keen to avoid dragging the process into the tournament, effectively ruling out national team coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann.

Carrick’s interim impact

Current caretaker manager Michael Carrick has thrust himself into contention for the role following an impressive run of form.

The former midfielder has guided the Red Devils to six victories in his eight matches in charge, including significant wins against Arsenal and Manchester City.

These results have lifted the club to third in the Premier League, placing them firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

However, a disappointing defeat by 10-man Newcastle United in midweek has seemingly reinforced the board’s desire for an experienced elite coach.

Carrick will look to respond immediately when his side host fourth-placed Aston Villa at Old Trafford next Sunday.

European pedigree

Luis Enrique is viewed by the United board as a significant upgrade capable of restoring the club to the pinnacle of European football.

The 55-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in the French capital, securing two Ligue 1 titles since his arrival in 2023.

Crucially, the former Barcelona coach ended PSG’s long wait for Champions League glory last season, achieving the feat with a focus on collective effort rather than individual superstars.

His attacking philosophy has delivered 381 goals in 158 games, a statistic that appeals heavily to decision-makers at the Theatre of Dreams.

The challenge ahead

While the Premier League side are determined to land their man, prizing the Asturian away from the Parc des Princes remains a hurdle.

There are fears the Spanish tactician could extend his stay in Paris as he looks to defend his European crown.

United must now convince Enrique that a move to Manchester is the right step before the summer’s international showpiece in North America begins.

Marcus Rashford’s prospects of securing a permanent transfer to Barcelona have come under intensified scrutiny after the Spanish media labelled his latest performance “disastrous”.

Struggles at San Mames

The Manchester United loanee was handed his first La Liga start in a month during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 victory against Athletic Club.

However, the England international failed to influence the game and was substituted after just 60 minutes.

Hansi Flick replaced the forward with Raphinha as the Catalan giants sought to break the deadlock in the Basque Country.

While Barcelona eventually secured the three points to maintain their title charge, the spotlight has fallen firmly on Rashford’s ineffective contribution.

Media criticism intensifies

Spanish outlets were unanimous in their negative assessment of the winger’s performance.

Madrid-based newspaper AS delivered a particularly withering verdict, characterising the display as “disastrous” for his future prospects.

The publication suggested Rashford is maintaining a “mediocre form of recent weeks” and questioned his long-term viability within the squad.

“The situation is quite worrying,” the report stated.

It added that the forward had squandered a golden opportunity to prove he is “not useless to the project”.

Permanent deal in the balance

Barcelona reportedly hold an option to make the loan move permanent for a fee in the region of £26m.

Yet Mundo Deportivo questioned whether the outlay is justifiable given recent output.

The Catalan outlet described the player’s showing as “stagnant” and noted he “offered nothing” in terms of creativity or accurate crossing.

The former Old Trafford regular has now gone five matches without registering a goal or an assist across all competitions.

La Liga context

Despite individual concerns surrounding the Englishman, Barcelona successfully preserved their cushion at the top of the table.

The victory keeps Flick’s side four points clear of rivals Real Madrid as the season approaches its climax.

Rashford will hope to recapture his early-season form as the club chases a domestic double.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill provides squad update ahead of Ibrox showdown

Celtic are sweating on the fitness of Kieran Tierney and Kasper Schmeichel ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Ibrox.

The Glasgow rivals meet for the second time in a week following a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

That result dented the title hopes of both clubs, though the Hoops recovered to beat Aberdeen in midweek.

The victory over the Dons moved the Bhoys above Rangers in the table, closing the gap to league leaders Hearts to five points.

With silverware on the line, the Parkhead club are looking to join Dunfermline Athletic in the last four of the competition.

Defensive duo remain doubtful

Martin O’Neill has confirmed significant doubts over the availability of full-back Kieran Tierney.

The 28-year-old is struggling with a foot issue picked up earlier this week.

The Northern Irish manager described Tierney as a "colossal" figure for the side but admitted there is no guarantee he will feature against Danny Rohl’s team.

Kasper Schmeichel is also facing a late fitness test after missing the previous two league fixtures.

The veteran goalkeeper has trained this week following an injection.

O’Neill must now decide whether to recall the Denmark international or stick with deputy Viljami Sinisalo between the posts.

In better news for the defence, Dane Murray could return to the squad after recovering from a warm-up injury sustained prior to the Aberdeen match.

Suspension boost and injury absentees

Celtic have received a significant boost with the availability of Auston Trusty.

The defender is currently serving a ban, but his three-match suspension applies only to league fixtures.

However, O’Neill remains without several key first-team stars for the trip to Govan.

Midfielder Arne Engels is still sidelined with the thigh injury he suffered against Livingston last month.

Long-term absentees Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand also remain out of contention.

Johnston and Osmand have suffered minor setbacks in their recovery, though the Canadian full-back is targeting a return for the Premiership split.

Forward Kelechi Iheanacho is available for selection depending on the manager’s tactical preference.

Jorge Mas confirms total financial package for Argentine superstar

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that captain Lionel Messi earns between $70m (£56m) and $80m (£64m) a year through a comprehensive compensation package.

Mas explained that these figures include the forward’s ownership shares in the franchise.

The disclosure highlights the Major League Soccer (MLS) side’s need to aggressively maximise sponsorship deals to fund the operation.

“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because players are expensive,” Mas told Bloomberg.

“I pay Messi — worth every penny — but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything.”

Commercial strategy and new stadium

To support such significant expenditure, the club recently secured a major commercial agreement.

Earlier this week, the Herons signed a deal with Brazilian financial services company Nu for the naming rights to their new ground.

Nu Stadium, a 26,700-seat facility located near Miami International Airport, is currently under construction.

The venue is scheduled to host its first match on 4 April.

Breaking down the record deal

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is already established as the highest-paid player in the history of the American top flight.

According to the MLS Players’ Association salary guide, his base salary sits at $12m (£9.6m).

His guaranteed compensation is listed at just over $20.4m (£16.3m).

However, the World Cup winner’s total income is significantly bolstered by external revenue streams.

These include a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas and a unique revenue-sharing agreement with league broadcast partner Apple.

Since arriving in the summer of 2023, the former Barcelona star has transformed the club’s fortunes on and off the pitch.

He extended his contract last October, committing to stay in South Florida through the end of the 2028 season.

Long-term planning paid off

The signing of the global icon was the result of years of meticulous preparation.

Xavier Asensi, the club’s president of business operations, recently told ESPN that the groundwork began long before the transfer was announced.

“I don’t believe in luck, I think the definition of luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” Asensi said.

Asensi revealed that commercial contracts signed as far back as 2021 contained specific clauses regarding superstar acquisitions.

“I included a clause stating that if the club signed a player who had won at least five Ballon d’Or awards, the sponsorship cost would double,” he added.

“That’s in the contract. This is a 2021 contract. Therefore, it’s proof.”

Newcastle United were taught a "tough lesson" as Manchester City came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory in the FA Cup fifth round at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side had taken an early lead against the visitors, offering hope of a reprieve from their inconsistent Premier League campaign.

Harvey Barnes fired the hosts in front with a fine curling effort, capitalising on a high press that initially unsettled the FA Cup holders.

However, the mood on Tyneside shifted as Savinho equalised before half-time, giving Manchester City the platform to regroup.

The tie was decided in the second half when Omar Marmoush, described as Newcastle’s "chief tormentor", struck to put the visitors in command.

It marks the end of the Magpies’ hopes for silverware this season, having now been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions by the same opponents.

‘We didn’t have the strength’

The defeat served as a reality check for a Newcastle side currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table.

Despite a spirited start where City goalkeeper James Trafford was forced into errors, the hosts could not maintain their intensity.

Manager Eddie Howe admitted the second half highlighted the distance left to travel for his squad.

"That was a tough learning lesson for us in that second half," Howe said.

"We just didn’t have the strength to make a dent in them."

Manchester City took a stranglehold on possession as the game wore on, pinning the home side back deep in their own territory.

Howe lamented his side’s inability to retain the ball when they did regain it.

"When we got it back, we gave it away too easily, maybe looking too vertical and not horizontal enough at times," Howe added.

"As soon as you make a technical mistake, you’re not seeing the ball for another two or three minutes."

A historic stumbling block

This result writes an unwanted piece of history for the Tyneside club.

Pep Guardiola’s side have become the first team ever to beat Newcastle four times in a single season.

With Champions League qualification looking unlikely for Howe’s men, the two sides will not meet again in the current campaign.

Defender Kieran Trippier refused to hide behind the schedule or fatigue following their midweek exertions.

"There’s no excuses today," Trippier told TNT Sports.

"We got beat by the better team."

The gap to the top

The manner of the defeat stands in stark contrast to the club’s long-term ambitions.

Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson recently stated a desire for the club to be debated as the "top club in the world" by 2030.

While the opening 20 minutes showed promise, the eventual 3-1 scoreline suggests that vision remains a distant prospect.

For now, Newcastle must turn their attention back to the league, where they face a battle to secure European football for next season.