Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as the leading contenders to become Tottenham’s permanent manager next summer following the appointment of interim boss Igor Tudor.
Focus shifts to long-term successor
The north London club recently confirmed Tudor would steer the ship until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
This decision allows the board crucial time to assess long-term options following the dismissal of Thomas Frank.
However, speculation is already mounting regarding who will take the reins permanently when contracts expire across world football this summer.
Two-horse race for Spurs hotseat
GIVEMESPORT reports that the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have whittled their wishlist down to two primary targets.
Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is currently weighing up his future after departing Marseille just hours before the vacancy at Spurs opened up.
But the Italian faces stiff competition from a figure synonymous with Tottenham’s modern history.
Pochettino’s ‘unfinished business’
Mauricio Pochettino, currently leading the USA national team towards a home World Cup in 2026, sees his contract expire at the tournament’s conclusion.
The Argentine remains a beloved figure in N17 and reportedly retains significant support within the club’s corridors.
Having guided the Lilywhites to a Champions League final, the 52-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to claim the silverware that eluded him during his first five-year spell.
Pep Guardiola has previously described the South American as “top class”, underlining the pedigree he would bring back to the Premier League.
De Zerbi offers fiery alternative
De Zerbi presents a contrasting option, known for a combustible temperament that draws comparisons to former Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
The tactician is also attracting interest elsewhere, with Manchester United potentially entering the market for his services.
While his aggressive style might ruffle feathers, some argue his passion is exactly what a driftless Spurs squad requires.
Risk of a romantic reunion
While the romance of a Pochettino return appeals to supporters who chanted his name during Frank’s final match against Newcastle, history warns against going back.
Returning to a club in need of a significant uplift could threaten the legacy of the man who transformed the club between 2014 and 2019.
Other names, including Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, remain in the frame as their contracts also wind down.
Julian Araujo struck a sensational 97th-minute winner to complete a remarkable turnaround for Celtic against Kilmarnock and keep their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.
Martin O’Neill’s side appeared to be crashing out of the title race after trailing 2-0 at half-time at Rugby Park.
With rivals Hearts and Rangers facing off later in the day, the visitors knew a defeat would be catastrophic for their league aspirations.
However, a chaotic stoppage-time finish ensured the Hoops snatched all three points in dramatic fashion.
Defensive errors punish Hoops
The afternoon began disastrously for the Glasgow giants.
Tyreece John-Jules curled the hosts in front after just 21 minutes following a lapse in concentration from Auston Trusty.
Matters worsened shortly before the half-hour mark when Joe Hugill headed home a second.
Kasper Schmeichel will feel he should have done better to prevent the header, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
O’Neill’s changes spark revival
O’Neill responded decisively at the interval with a triple substitution, introducing experienced midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to steady the ship.
The changes paid immediate dividends as Sebastian Tounekti gave the travelling support hope.
The substitute curled a magnificent effort into the net from 25 yards to halve the deficit.
Momentum had firmly swung, and the equaliser arrived just eight minutes later.
Benjamin Nygren latched onto a long throw from Araujo to finish from close range, netting his 16th goal of the campaign.
Late drama at Rugby Park
Despite the comeback, the hosts refused to crumble and created the better chances to win the game in regulation time.
John-Jules rattled the crossbar with a stunning free-kick before being forced off with a thigh injury.
Robbie Deas then squandered a golden opportunity, nodding over the bar after a corner was flicked into his path.
Callum McGregor went close for the visitors with a distance strike that tricked just past the post.
But the defining moment arrived deep into added time.
Kilmarnock failed to clear a corner, and Araujo was on hand to slam the ball home from inside the box.
The result ensures the pressure remains firmly on the league leaders ahead of the showdown at Tynecastle.
Barcelona have identified Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as their primary summer transfer target as manager Hansi Flick looks to urgently address his side’s defensive frailties.
Defensive overhaul prioritised
The La Liga giants are already looking ahead to the next transfer window with significant squad reinforcements in mind.
Hansi Flick is determined to bolster his options in central defence following recent setbacks.
A crushing 4-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final has accelerated the need for world-class additions at the back.
The club have now zeroed in on the Italian international as the solution to their leakiness in high-profile matches.
Battle for Bastoni
The 26-year-old has established himself as a cornerstone of the Inter Milan defence since his arrival in 2017.
Reports indicate that the Catalan club are prepared to rival Arsenal for his signature.
Bastoni is entering his peak years, making him a highly attractive proposition for Europe’s elite.
While the Nerazzurri are reluctant to lose a key asset, Barcelona have reportedly already held talks with the player’s representatives.
Negotiations may prove difficult, however, as the defender still has two years remaining on his contract at the San Siro.
Rashford deal imminent
While the defence remains a concern, Barcelona are moving closer to securing a major asset at the other end of the pitch.
The club are expected to trigger their option to make Marcus Rashford’s move from Manchester United permanent.
The English forward is currently enjoying a productive loan spell during the 2025/26 campaign.
Barcelona can secure the striker’s services for a fee in the region of £26m.
The 28-year-old has revitalised his career in Spain, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
“For sure. I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”
Despite Michael Carrick replacing Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, a return to Manchester United appears unlikely for the forward.
Flick’s side currently sit second in La Liga but could reclaim top spot with a victory over Girona on Monday.
Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta has demanded Alessandro Bastoni be dropped from the national team following a controversial dive during Inter Milan’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Juventus.
Political outrage ensues
The Nerazzurri extended their lead at the Serie A summit to eight points after a chaotic encounter at the San Siro.
However, the result has been overshadowed by a moment of deception from the Italian international defender.
With the scores level in the first half, Bastoni threw himself to the ground to deceive referee Federico La Penna.
The simulation resulted in a second yellow card for Pierre Kalulu, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
The incident triggered immediate condemnation across the peninsula, escalating to the highest levels of political discourse.
Enrico Letta, who led the country between 2013 and 2014, took to social media to call for severe sporting sanctions.
“Bastoni shouldn’t be called up to the national team.”
It represents a significant intervention given the centre-back’s crucial role for the Azzurri as they chase 2026 World Cup qualification.
Referee chief admits error
The fallout intensified after Serie A’s referee designator Gianluca Rocchi publicly apologized for the officiating blunder.
Rocchi confirmed that match official La Penna was “clearly wrong” to dismiss Kalulu based on the fabrication.
Speaking to Italian media, Rocchi admitted:
“We are very sorry about the incident.”
VAR protocols prevented intervention on the decision as it involved a yellow card offence rather than a straight red.
Chiellini slams ‘unacceptable’ officiating
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini did not hold back in his assessment of the officiating standards.
The former defensive stalwart confronted officials in the tunnel alongside coach Luciano Spalletti.
“It’s hard to talk about football after what happened today.”
“Something unacceptable has happened again, and you can’t ruin a game of this importance.”
Chiellini argued that the structure of the league’s officiating requires immediate reform.
“This is a show that we are putting on for the world, we need to change something immediately… Decisions like the one made tonight cannot be taken lightly.”
Despite the controversy, the match provided end-to-end entertainment.
Piotr Zielinski eventually struck a 90th-minute winner for Cristian Chivu’s side after Manuel Locatelli had twice equalized for the Bianconeri.
Vitor Pereira has been confirmed as the new Nottingham Forest head coach on an 18-month contract, replacing Sean Dyche to become the club’s fourth permanent manager of the season.
The City Ground hierarchy moved swiftly to secure the Portuguese tactician ahead of a pivotal Europa League knockout tie against Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Pereira arrives with the immediate task of steering the club away from the Premier League relegation zone, sitting just three points above safety with 12 games remaining.
A reunion for Marinakis
The 57-year-old is no stranger to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, having previously managed his Greek side Olympiakos.
During his tenure in Piraeus, the experienced coach secured a league and cup double in 2015.
Marinakis is understood to have grown frustrated with the team’s lack of attacking output under his predecessor and has returned to a manager he trusts to unlock their potential.
The chaotic post-Dyche era
This appointment marks a rapid transition following the dismissal of Sean Dyche in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The former Everton boss was relieved of his duties after just 114 days in charge, following a goalless stalemate with bottom club Wolves.
Ironically, it is the former Wolves manager who now steps into the hot seat to salvage the campaign.
Pereira led the West Midlands outfit to safety last season after taking over in December 2024 but was dismissed earlier this term after a poor run of form.
‘A good time, not a long time’
Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui offered a stark assessment of the appointment given the manager’s journeyman career path.
Forest will be the 14th club of his managerial career and he’s only stayed beyond two years at one of them. You hire Pereira for a good time, not a long time.
The new boss faces a baptism of fire with a trip to Turkey in Europe before hosting Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Manchester United are monitoring Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu ahead of a potential summer move, despite scouts watching the 25-year-old receive a red card against Inter Milan.
United eye versatile reinforcement
The Old Trafford hierarchy have identified the Serie A market as a prime location for strengthening their backline.
Calciomercato reports that the club’s recruitment team were in attendance for the Derby d’Italia on Saturday evening to assess their targets.
However, the scouting mission took an unexpected turn when the French defender was dismissed from the field of play.
It remains to be seen how the red card will impact the Premier League side’s assessment of the player.
Versatility is key
Despite the sending off, the former AC Milan man remains a person of interest due to his tactical flexibility.
He is capable of operating effectively as both a right-back and a central defender.
United are also understood to be keeping tabs on Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco as they continue their search for defensive options.
Chicago ready to go ‘all in’ for legend
Elsewhere, Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire are preparing an ambitious bid for Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.
Mundo Deportivo suggests the Catalan giants are ready to part ways with the Poland captain this summer.
The MLS outfit have reportedly held positive talks with the veteran forward’s representatives.
With the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America, a move stateside could appeal to the 36-year-old.
Chicago are said to be willing to commit significant resources to bring the prolific goalscorer to Soldier Field.
Arsenal join race for Leipzig star
Arsenal have entered the battle to sign RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa.
German outlet Fussball Daten claims the Gunners have sent scouts to watch the Norwegian international in recent months.
The north London club face stiff competition from Aston Villa and Newcastle United for the highly-rated youngster.
Leipzig are expected to demand a fee in the region of €60m (£50m) to sanction a sale.
Spurs stand firm on teenager
Tottenham have made it clear that Lucas Bergvall is not for sale after rejecting January approaches.
The Athletic reports that both Aston Villa and Chelsea inquired about the Swedish midfielder’s availability.
Despite slipping down the pecking order and suffering a recent ankle injury, the 19-year-old remains part of Spurs’ long-term plans.
He remains under contract in north London until 2031.
United squad want Maguire stay
Harry Maguire’s teammates are urging the club to offer the defender a new contract.
The England international is set to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
According to The Sun, the dressing room believes allowing the former captain to leave for nothing would be a mistake.
Martin Odegaard has alleviated fears regarding his fitness for the North London derby, confirming his knee injury is "not too bad" despite lasting damage from the Brentford draw.
The influential midfielder was seen limping away from the Gtech Community Stadium following a frustrating 1-1 stalemate on Thursday.
Although he completed the full 90 minutes, concerns were raised regarding his availability for a pivotal week in the title race.
Title race implications
Mikel Arteta’s side currently hold a slender four-point cushion over relentless chasers Manchester City.
Before the showdown with their local rivals, the Gunners face a trip to Molineux on Wednesday to potentially re-establish a seven-point lead.
Sunday’s clash at Tottenham carries extra intrigue, with the hosts set to be led by Igor Tudor following the dismissal of Thomas Frank.
Odegaard explains injury scare
While the Norwegian playmaker remains a major doubt for the FA Cup tie against Wigan, he addressed the issue directly in the match-day programme.
"I picked up a bit of an injury when they [Brentford] scored their goal, but hopefully it’s not too bad."
The former Real Madrid talent explained the mechanics of the collision that caused the scare.
"I tried to clear the ball as it came down, but instead kicked into the player a bit, and ended up over-stretching my leg, which pinched the knee."
"I was able to carry on, but on Friday morning it was very sore, so I was worried of course, but thankfully it looks like it’s not too bad."
Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted Real Madrid are “lucky” to have Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender registered an assist on his return from injury in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
The England international has endured a turbulent maiden campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Plagued by fitness issues, the 27-year-old had managed just six La Liga starts before Saturday’s fixture.
Speculation had intensified following the departure of Xabi Alonso, the manager responsible for bringing him to Spain.
Reports in January even suggested his successor had encouraged the right-back to find a new club.
Arbeloa ends speculation
Those rumours were firmly dismissed following a standout performance against the Basque side.
The former Liverpool academy graduate marked his first start in two months with a crucial assist.
Arbeloa, himself a former occupant of the Anfield right-back slot, was effusive in his post-match assessment.
“[He] strikes me as a very intelligent guy, who understands the game very well,” Arbeloa said.
“He’s not the typical full-back who’s always going to be out wide, he can also play centrally. We want players to be able to interchange positions. We’re lucky to have a player like that.”
World Cup ambitions
Alexander-Arnold will hope his injury woes are resolved as he eyes a spot in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel previously indicated he would be in direct contact with players on the fringes of the squad.
The German coach emphasized the importance of explaining selection criteria to his long list of potential call-ups.
“I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime,” Tuchel admitted regarding his communication style.
With the tournament in North America approaching, consistent minutes in the Spanish capital will be vital for the versatile defender.