Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer this summer as new manager Roberto De Zerbi begins planning for next season.
De Zerbi recently arrived in north London on a five-year contract to replace the winless Igor Tudor.
The Italian head coach faces the immediate task of keeping the club in the Premier League, with the side currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining.
However, the Spurs hierarchy remain confident of avoiding the drop and have already started identifying attacking reinforcements.
Struggles in front of goal
A new centre-forward is viewed as an absolute priority following a disappointing campaign for the current attacking options.
Randal Kolo Muani arrived on deadline day last summer on a season-long loan from Paris St-Germain but has failed to settle.
The French international was hampered by an early injury and has managed just five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.
As a result, it is highly unlikely the permanent purchase option for the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward will be activated.
Meanwhile, current top scorer Richarlison is reportedly considering a move away.
Club-record signing Dominic Solanke has also been severely restricted by fitness issues since his arrival.
Vlahovic fits the system
Vlahovic has emerged as the ideal candidate to spearhead the attack under the newly appointed head coach.
The 26-year-old Serbian is locked in drawn-out contract renewal talks with Juventus, but his substantial wage demands remain a stumbling block.
AC Milan are monitoring the situation, but the Lilywhites have held a long-standing interest and are currently positioned as frontrunners.
Standing at 6ft 3in, the powerful frontman boasts the physical attributes and pace required to thrive in English football.
He has scored 64 goals in 163 matches during his time in Turin, though his output has dropped to six goals this term due to persistent injuries.
De Zerbi favours a focal point who can link the play and provide a clinical edge inside the penalty area.
Securing the former Fiorentina star without a transfer fee would represent a significant coup as the club looks to rebuild their forward line.
Patrick Agyemang will miss this summer’s World Cup after suffering a severe Achilles tendon injury during Derby County’s victory over Stoke City on Monday.
The United States international immediately clutched his left ankle after landing awkwardly while bringing the ball down on his chest during the first half.
He was visibly distressed as medical staff removed him from the Pride Park pitch on a stretcher before transferring him to hospital for urgent scans.
World Cup heartbreak for the host nation
Derby County stated that providing a specific timeline for the forward’s recovery would be premature at this stage.
However, the Midlands outfit confirmed the devastating news that he will be unable to participate in the global tournament co-hosted by his home country alongside Canada and Mexico.
Missing a home World Cup represents a monumental personal blow for the talented attacker, who had been expected to feature prominently for the US men’s national team.
Derby pledge full support
An official club communication emphasised their total commitment to assisting his lengthy rehabilitation process.
“Everyone at Derby County is fully behind Patrick at this difficult time and will continue to support him every step of the way.”
The Rams will now be forced to navigate their upcoming fixtures without a vital focal point in their forward line.
Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals this week relying on a record-breaking crop of La Masia academy graduates.
The Catalan giants enter the highly-anticipated tie following a historic 7-2 aggregate demolition of Newcastle United in the round of 16.
That spectacular result represented the biggest margin of victory by a Spanish team against English opposition in 60 years.
Manager Hansi Flick achieved this milestone while fielding the club’s youngest knockout team in history, bringing the average age down to just 25 years and 18 days.
Record-breaking teenage talent
Five homegrown players featured in the dominant victory over their Premier League opponents.
By starting Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal, the five-time European champions surpassed Ajax to become the team with the most teenage starters in Champions League knockout history.
The Blaugrana also introduced 18-year-old midfielder Xavi Espart from the bench.
Flick has already compared the promising youngster to legendary German defender Philipp Lahm.
In total, 14 academy products have featured at senior level for the Spanish heavyweights this season.
A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory revealed that these under-contract graduates possess a collective transfer value almost three times higher than any other global academy.
Cruyff’s enduring legacy
Former youth coach Xavi Garcia Pimienta believes this current crop of youngsters perfectly embodies the philosophy instilled by Johan Cruyff in 1988.
“I feel very connected to the fact Barcelona has so many homegrown players in the first team right now. It’s an honour for me because I’ve been part of that process too, both as a player and a coach.”
The 51-year-old tactician spent 17 years developing talent within the famed youth system and previously won the UEFA Youth League in 2018.
Even veteran striker Robert Lewandowski has benefited from the youthful energy surrounding him, with the 37-year-old continuing to score freely at the pinnacle of European football.
“These players are demonstrating the level that they have, with the clear way of playing that of course came with Johan Cruyff and has been maintained and perfected ever since.”
As the Catalan club prepares for an intense all-Spanish showdown against Diego Simeone’s side, their unwavering faith in youth remains their greatest weapon.
Thirty nations competing at the 2026 World Cup in North America face significant financial losses after FIFA failed to agree a blanket tax exemption with the United States government.
Only 18 of the 48 qualified countries have signed a double taxation agreement with the host nation.
This existing framework exempts delegations from those specific countries from paying federal taxes on their tournament earnings.
The remaining 30 national associations will now be forced to pay various federal, state and city levies.
Disproportionate impact on smaller nations
Global football’s governing body has historically enjoyed tax-free status in the US, most notably during the 1994 edition of the tournament.
However, that broad exemption will not automatically apply to all qualifiers when the showpiece event gets underway across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Emerging footballing nations, including tournament debutants Curacao and Cape Verde, subsequently face disproportionately larger bills than established European powerhouses.
Tax consultant Oriani Morrison told The Guardian that teams from sophisticated jurisdictions with existing treaties will enjoy vastly lower costs.
“Many of the smaller teams, ones for whom this kind of windfall would have made a huge difference to their football industries, are going to be penalised with massive US tax bills,” Morrison said.
Coaches and players caught in the crossfire
Under federal law, athletes and performers remain obliged to pay tax when working on American soil regardless of their country’s treaty status.
Backroom staff and coaches from nations with agreements, such as England manager Thomas Tuchel, will be protected from double taxation.
Conversely, reports suggest Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti will be taxed on his earnings in both South America and the United States.
The Brazilian Football Confederation is likely to absorb the high-profile manager’s additional tax burden.
However, the lack of a universal exemption threatens to heavily penalise smaller associations who rely on tournament revenues for grassroots development.
The top rate of income tax for international athletes and coaching staff competing in the tournament will sit at 37%.
Iran’s government has stated their national football team’s participation in the upcoming World Cup is uncertain until Fifa responds to a request to move their group games from the United States to Mexico.
The Iranian football federation has heavily lobbied for the relocation of their Group G fixtures due to American military involvement in the Middle East.
Ahmad Donyamali, the country’s Minister of Sport, confirmed that a final decision on tournament participation rests entirely with the state government.
Security concerns over American fixtures
The Middle Eastern nation are currently scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before facing Egypt in Seattle.
Despite Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently asserting that all matches would proceed as planned, the relocation appeal remains highly active.
“Our request to Fifa to relocate Iran’s games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response,” Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu.
The sports minister expressed significant doubts regarding player safety and security guarantees on American soil during the summer tournament.
Political tensions impact tournament buildup
US president Donald Trump suggested last month that the travelling squad might face security risks, though he later clarified these threats would not originate from the host nation.
The Iranian sports ministry has already imposed a strict ban on its national and club sides travelling to any countries deemed hostile.
“Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low,” added Donyamali.
World football’s governing body has yet to officially comment on the ongoing diplomatic standoff.
The global tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July.
Former Arsenal midfielder and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect at the age of 35.
The experienced playmaker had been without a club since departing Mexican outfit Pumas UNAM late last year.
He is now widely expected to transition into the dugout and pursue a dedicated career in coaching.
A transformative figure for Welsh football
The veteran steps away from the pitch as one of his nation’s greatest ever sporting talents.
He accumulated 86 senior international caps and found the back of the net 21 times for his country.
The dynamic midfielder was instrumental during the historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, where his outstanding performances earned him a place in the official Uefa team of the tournament.
He also featured prominently at Euro 2020 and helped guide the national side to the 2022 World Cup, successfully ending a 64-year wait for a finals appearance.
Domestic success and Arsenal legacy
Having emerged through the youth ranks at Cardiff City, the highly-rated prospect secured a high-profile transfer to north London in 2008.
During an 11-year spell under Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery, he claimed three FA Cup winner’s medals.
The versatile attacker famously scored the decisive winning goals in both the 2014 and 2017 finals at Wembley Stadium.
Subsequent chapters of his club career included a Serie A title with Juventus, a stint in France with Nice, and an emotional return to his boyhood club Cardiff.
He even briefly served as interim head coach for the Bluebirds at the conclusion of last season before embarking on a short Mexican adventure.
Emotional farewell to the Red Wall
Confirming his decision via social media, the former Juventus man expressed deep gratitude to those who shaped his journey.
“This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.”
“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it.”
He reserved special praise for the passionate Welsh supporters who followed his international career across the globe.
“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success.”
“Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for. Thank you to all the managers and staff that have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level.”
Arsenal are reportedly pursuing Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP following a string of domestic cup exits.
The north London club have travelled to Portugal for the first leg of their crucial European tie.
They are seeking to bounce back immediately after a devastating FA Cup defeat to Championship side Southampton on Saturday.
That unexpected cup exit followed last month’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta has seen his team’s quadruple ambitions completely shattered in the space of just a fortnight.
The Premier League leaders still hold a nine-point advantage over defending champions City, who currently possess a game in hand.
Interest in Barcelona playmaker
Off the pitch, the Gunners have reportedly shown strong interest in signing Spain international Dani Olmo.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been struggling to secure regular starting opportunities under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
Spanish publication Sport claims Arsenal attempted to capitalise on this situation alongside Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Qadsiah FC.
However, the highly-rated attacker rejected both approaches to fight for his long-term place at the Nou Camp.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously monitored the former RB Leipzig man during last summer’s transfer window.
Martinelli to avoid further FA sanction
Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is expected to avoid retrospective punishment for a controversial incident during the recent loss at St Mary’s.
The Brazilian attacker shoved referee Sam Barrott while attempting to take a quick free-kick in stoppage time.
Barrott immediately issued a yellow card to the frustrated forward on the pitch.
Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Keith Hackett believes the on-field booking will prevent further disciplinary action.
Football Association regulations generally prohibit the governing body from re-evaluating incidents that have already been managed by match officials.
“Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.”
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett speaking to Football Insider
Coventry City require just four points to secure a return to the Premier League after a hard-fought goalless draw against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Easter Monday.
Frank Lampard’s side produced an underwhelming performance but capitalised on slip-ups from promotion rivals Millwall and Middlesbrough.
The vital away point preserves a commanding 12-point advantage at the summit of the Championship table with only five fixtures remaining.
A victory over already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday in their next match could be enough to seal top-flight status for the first time in 25 years.
Tigers dominate but lack cutting edge
The hosts enjoyed the better of the early exchanges as Liam Millar tormented the visiting defence down the left flank.
Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth endured a nervous start, surviving a fumble in the penalty area thanks to a desperate block from Liam Kitching to deny Joe Egan.
Forward Joe Gelhardt also threatened from distance, curling an ambitious 25-yard strike safely over the crossbar.
Lampard’s leaders grind out vital point
The Sky Blues gradually weathered the early storm by utilizing their physical presence to disrupt the rhythm of the home side.
Victor Torp provided a rare attacking spark for the league leaders, dragging a shot wide before forcing a smart low save from Ivor Pandur.
Despite Hull pressing again after the interval through headers from Gelhardt and Oli McBurnie, the visitors stood firm to record a crucial clean sheet.
The frustrating result leaves the fifth-placed Yorkshire club trailing the automatic promotion places by four points.