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Mauricio Pochettino has a “real desire” to return to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as an intriguing new claim has surfaced this week…

What’s the word?

According to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, the 49-year-old told Paris Saint-Germain that he wanted to leave Les Parc des Princes for a chance to manage Spurs once again last week.

It’s also thought that whilst the North London side have a “tough job” in prising him away from the Ligue 1 giants, there is a “real desire from Poch to complete his unfinished business.”

This would go against claims from Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who suggested that the Argentine and PSG were pushing ahead with plans for the 2021/22 season, via the BBC.

The Times have also suggested that the French outfit have extended his deal through until 2023 but that is thought to be a move to ensure that they can capitalise on compensation amid interest from Spurs.

A boost for Levy?

Spurs have watched numerous managerial targets come and go in the seven weeks since Jose Mourinho was sacked.

The likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers were mooted as two first-choice candidates before the former opted for Bayern Munich, and the latter poured cold water on his chances of leaving Leicester City.

Last week, in a sensational twist, reports first emerged linking Pochettino with a shock return to North London, with both sides keen to make it happen, as per The Athletic.

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It’s believed Levy is looking for an attack-minded head coach who has a desire to develop the club’s young players, pretty much in a similar mould to Pochettino.

So there isn’t a better candidate out there than the man himself and if Gold’s claim is to be believed, then the Spurs chairman may have just received his biggest boost yet as it’s evident that the 49-year-old really does want to return home.

Pochettino won 54.6% of his matches in charge of the Lilywhites, leading them to regular European qualification, with three successive top-three finishes in the Premier League, as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2019.

That elusive trophy still evades Tottenham, having not lifted silverware since 2008, so it’s no wonder the fan-favourite feels he has unfinished business in North London.

He was very close to achieving something so special and is perhaps why Levy is said to have admitted that his sacking was his biggest mistake at the club, as per The Sun.

If Levy and Pochettino want to seal a breathtaking reunion, then the PSG boss may well have to force his exit from PSG but the fact that he is desperate to return will surely have the Spurs chairman brimming with delight.

AND in other news, How Levy can build Pochettino his dream Spurs squad in potential £170m spending spree…

Southampton are the latest side to have been linked with a move for Ryan Gauld ahead of the summer transfer window, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, the Saints have joined the race to sign the former Dundee United man after his impressive spell with Portuguese side SC Farense.

The likes of Norwich City, Sheffield United, Brentford, Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City and Brighton have all been linked with the 25-year-old, who is available on a free transfer, as his deal at Estadio de São Luís is set to expire in June.

Would he be a good signing?

Gauld has had a very strange career thus far, signing for Sporting Lisbon from Dundee United when he was just 18-years-old and earning comparisons with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for his style of play.

Whilst things wouldn’t work out for him with the current Liga NOS champions, as he made just five appearances, he has rebuilt his reputation with Farense in recent seasons.

In 71 appearances for the Portuguese side, he has contributed an impressive 20 goals and 12 assists, including nine goals and seven assists in the most recent season, which helped him average a superb 7.19 rating from WhoScored.

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Therefore, it is no surprise that he is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window, as he could be a bargain option for any Premier League or Championship side.

There are certainly a lot of similarities between Gauld and Southampton ace Stuart Armstrong, as both were youngsters at Dundee United, both are attack-minded players and both could arrive at St Mary’s in bargain deals, as the Saints paid just £7m for Armstrong from Celtic in 2018, which has certainly proved to be an excellent signing.

Therefore, the potential arrival of Gauld, who has been described as a “top player” by one of his coaches at Farense, could well end up being a repeat of that Armstrong signing, so is one that Martin Semmens should definitely be looking to complete.

And, in other news… £6m down the drain: Southampton potentially cost new signing, Hasenhuttl surely fuming

According to a report by Eurosport, West Ham United and GSB are now likely to sound out Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud with an offer as his contract nears expiry.

The Lowdown: Moyes on the striker hunt

After West Ham manager David Moyes failed to get his hands on a striker in January, much has been made of the Irons finally strengthening that position in the summer window.

Indeed, club insider Claret & Hugh believes that both a new forward and permanent deal for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard are at the very top of Moyes’ priority list.

The Latest: Giroud enters the fray…

The striker saga now appears well underway as Eurosport bring news of West Ham’s interest in Chelsea forward Giroud.

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Giroud is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, meaning the Hammers could feasibly sign him on a free deal amid difficult financial circumstances caused by coronavirus.

As such, journalist Dean Jones, writing for the outlet, believes West Ham are now ‘likely’ to sound out the 107-cap international with an offer to swap Stamford Bridge for the London Stadium.

However, the club face stiff competition for Giroud in the form of Italian giants AC Milan – who are believed to already be looking into a possible agreement.

The Verdict: Ideal signing?

The 34-year-old’s haul both domestically and at international level is something to be praised.

Indeed, Giroud has netted 44 goals over his plethora of caps for France and holds a fairly solid goalscoring record in the Premier League with 90 goals in 255 appearances overall.

The towering 6 foot 3 forward has also attracted pretty lofty praise from Gary Lineker, with the pundit lavishing Giroud as ‘the most underrated striker in the game.’ (via Twitter).

However, if Moyes wants a long term solution, Giroud may not be the most credible option given his age – with reported striking targets such as Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham arguably worth an investment which could pay off long into the future.

In other news: West Ham fans rave over this official club announcement, find out more here.

Callum Wilson will miss the remainder of Newcastle United’s season with a hamstring injury.

The lowdown

The 29-year-old picked up the injury in the closing stages of Newcastle’s 4-2 win away to Leicester City on Friday night, although the £77,000-a-week striker was able to finish the game.

Wilson has been a vital player for the Magpies this season following his arrival from Bournemouth last summer for a fee of £20m.

His brace at the King Power Stadium took him to 12 goals overall for the campaign – that’s more than double the tally of Joelington, his nearest challenger in the Newcastle ranks with five. His five assists are also a squad-high.

Wilson has already missed seven matches with a hamstring issue in 2021, though, and Newcastle picked up just three points from a possible 21 in his absence.

The latest

Chronicle Live correspondent Lee Ryder has offered Newcastle fans some reassurance on the striker’s fitness, tweeting: “It’s understood Callum Wilson injury not serious and precautionary”.

Fulham’s 2-0 defeat against Burnley on Monday night confirmed both their relegation and Newcastle’s survival, so perhaps this is merely a case of ensuring the Magpies’ star man is 100 per cent fit and firing for the new campaign.

The Toon host champions-elect Manchester City on Friday before ending the campaign against Championship-bound duo Sheffield United and Fulham.

The verdict

The initial concern for Newcastle fans may have been the recurrence of the injury. Indeed, The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh said that it would be ‘understandable’ to worry that Wilson ‘could become susceptible to similar problems in the future’.

However, Ryder’s update should ease any such concerns for now, especially with the Magpies’ top-flight status for 2021/22 being confirmed and now plenty of time for Wilson to recover fully over the summer.

In other news, could Newcastle break their transfer record this summer to sign this wantaway striker?

Suffolk win by 6 wickets

CricInfo28-May-2001Shenley:
Middlesex Cricket Board 244-9 (A Young 91)
Suffolk 245-3 (I Graham 114, R Catley 72no; J East 4-61)
Suffolk win by 6 wickets

Manchester City can win the Premier League title this weekend should they win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon and Manchester United lose at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side produced a superb display to win 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek and, with the second leg to come next week, the Spaniard may well be tempted to make several changes to his line-up on Saturday.

However, he will be wary that, after dropping key players against Leeds United and Chelsea recently, his team came away with two defeats, which may prevent him doing the same against Roy Hodgson’s side.

The Eagles have all but secured their place in the Premier League next season but have history against City, winning 3-2 at the Etihad in 2018 against a seemingly unbeatable Man City side.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line up on Saturday, with six changes from the side which started against PSG in midweek…

Unsurprisingly, Ederson keeps his place in goal, with the Brazilian closing in on the Golden Glove this season.

There are two changes in defence, as Aymeric Laporte comes in for Ruben Dias, who is rested, whilst his fellow Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo is left out after a disappointing display at PSG, despite his “exceptional” performances at times this season.

There is one change in midfield as Guardiola rotates Rodri and Fernandinho once again, with the Brazilian supported by Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan ahead of him.

It’s all change in attack, with Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres starting on the wings in place of Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden, who are both rested ahead of PSG. Meanwhile, the man for the big occasion, Sergio Aguero, starts up front in the hope that the Argentine can send City on their way towards another title win.

In other news… Txiki heading for Man City transfer disaster over 26-goal “winner”, Pep will be fuming

Ace leg spinner Anil Kumble said in Bangalore on Friday that he was feeling much better but not yet match-fit, as he returned home after a thorough check-up and rehabilitation programme for his shoulder injury in South Africa

Staff and Agencies11-May-2001I feel much better now, says KumbleAce leg spinner Anil Kumble said in Bangalore on Friday that he was feeling much better but not yet match-fit, as he returned home after a thorough check-up and rehabilitation programme for his shoulder injury in South Africa.”I feel much better, and I have started bowling”, Kumble told PTI on his return after undergoing treatment by renowned specialist Dr Fergusson. Asked if he was totally fit now, Kumble, who had undergone surgery to his shoulder in Johannesburg in January, said he was not yet ‘match-fit’.Kumble had just completed a three-week thorough check-up and rehabilitation programme to his bowling arm in South Africa, where he was accompanied by Dr Premchand Khincha. “I have started net practice”, the 30-year-old Karnataka spinner said and expressed the hope that he would be available for selection for the South Africa tour from October.” He added “But if I recover before the Sri Lankan tour in July-September, that will be a bonus.”Indian physio Andrew Leipus, who is already in Bangalore for the Indian team’s conditioning camp beginning on May 13, said Kumble had shown remarkable improvement and he would be working with the spinner on his path to become fit.Kolkata knock a turning point: LaxmanIndian cricket’s newest batting hero VVS Laxman has termed his monumental 281 against Australia in the second Test at Kolkata in March as a turning point in his career. Interviewed by Karan Thapar on BBC’s Face to Face programme, Laxman said "definitely it was a turning point. It was a great feeling passing a legend’s (Sunil Gavaskar) record. And to come back from a 274-run deficit and win…it was a great victory."Laxman said before the start of the fourth day’s play at Kolkata, he was "aware that I had to get 236 runs" because he remembered Gavaskar telling Navjot Sidhu once that it was really unfortunate that no one was able to break his record.Laxman said he was not disappointed on missing the treble hundred. "Not really, because we had nine or ten overs before declaring. And Australia started the final day bowling a negative line. If we would not have won the Test, it would have been disappointing," he said.Looking ahead, Laxman said "at present I am concentrating on theZimbabwe tour. We are all looking forward to this tour because we allwant to win Test matches abroad."Dungarpur’s pat for Central Zone AcademyNational Cricket Academy chairman Raj Singh Dungarpur on Wednesday praised the facilities of the Central Zone Cricket Academy at the Kamla Club in Kanpur. Terming the facilities as "a paradise for cricket and a valuable gift for UP and Indian cricket," the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India pointed out that they were on par with the facilities at the NCA at Bangalore.Dungarpur said when he visited the venue six months back, the facilities were inadequate. "But now the ground is in superb condition, conducive for good cricket and can match any ground in England." He also had a word of praise for the officials of the UP Cricket Association.Dungarpur expressed optimism about the results from the zonal academies and he hoped that there would be several players from here knocking at the doors of the Indian team by next year. He said there were 120 trainees at the six national academies and 20 more at the CCI Academy in Mumbai and was confident that out of these 140, future stars would emerge.The former Rajasthan and Central Zone captain admitted that there had been some delay in setting up the academies. But now that they were in place, appropriate results would follow. "Under the leadership of Dr AC Muthiah, the BCCI ultimately took the step of setting up the academies. It is perhaps the best move by the BCCI," he said.Vijay Manjrekar XI retain trophyVijay Manjrekar XI retained the Sportstar Trophy (under-19) cricket tournament when they defeated Dattu Phadkar XI by ten wickets in the final league match in Mumbai on Thursday.Manjrekar XI were always in with a winning chance when they took a first innings lead of 47, having dismissed Phadkar XI for 195 and then replying with 242. Fine bowling by medium pacer Abhishek Nair (6 for 52) saw Phadkar XI being shot out for 140 in the second innings. Requiring only 94 runs for a win, Manjrekar XI reached their target off only 27.3 overs without losing a wicket. Nair who was adjudged the player of the tournament, received the Ramakant Desai Trophy and a cricket kit.In another match, KM Rangnekar’s XI drew with Vijay Merchant XI. Merchant XI took a first innings lead of 25, replying with 226 to Rangnekar XI’s total of 201. In the second knock, Rangnekar’s XI hit up 317 for nine declared, thanks principally to Sandesh Amrute’s unbeaten 157 which included 25 fours. In the remaining time, Merchant XI in their second innings scored 157 for three. Rangnekar XI and Phadkar XI shared second spot with eleven points while Merchant XI finished with eight points. Manjrekar XI were top of the heap with 18 points.

As Tottenham Hotspur confirm that the club has formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the European Super League alongside the rest of the Premier League ‘big six’ who signed up (official), chairman Daniel Levy has sent a message to Lilywhites supporters. 

Spurs, alongside Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Man City, joined the ESL as founding members in an announcement on late Sunday evening which sent shockwaves through football.

Levy sends message to Tottenham fans

What followed was intense backlash from supporters and the media alike, with pressure falling on the ‘big six’ of England’s top flight after their controversial decision.

One by one, each club began enacting their withdrawal on Tuesday evening and confirmed they would no longer be part of the ESL in what was a whirlwind 48 hours.

After Tottenham confirmed they had began the process to the leave the ESL, Levy sent a message to Lilywhites supporters – simply stating:

“We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal. We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.

“We believe that we should never stand still and that the sport should constantly review competitions and governance to ensure the game we all love continues to evolve and excite fans around the world.

“We should like to thank all those supporters who presented their considered opinions.”

Transfer Tavern take

Despite the message of apology, boards of the clubs involved should still be held accountable for their actions in a breakaway which could have shook the foundations of English football.

UEFA threatened to ban all clubs involved from playing in any other domestic competition and even said players could be denied the chance to represent their national teams (inews).

In what would have been a seismic calamity for the footballing world, in our view, supporters everywhere can breathe a huge sigh of relief as the ‘big six’ abandon the ESL.

However, given their involvement and lack of fan communication, boards of these clubs responsible should still be addressed, something which Fabrizio Romano believes could be yet to come.

In other news: Tottenham could target this ‘excellent’ boss, find out more here.

Alan Nixon has dropped a hint on the chances of Rafael Benitez potentially joining Celtic on social media.

Benitez was first linked with taking over from Neil Lennon while the latter was still in charge at Parkhead back in January.

Reports then suggested that the Spaniard was set to become the Hoops’ new manager, however, as we know, a move never materialised.

The 61-year-old is still out of work after leaving Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional in January though, so we shouldn’t rule it out completely, and Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Celtic fan on Wednesday if Benitez would be interested in a move to Glasgow, to which he simply replied:

“Always interested in cash…”

Transfer Tavern take

Nixon may well have dropped a big hint regarding Benitez, however, we can’t see a move to Glasgow gathering major pace over the coming weeks.

Benitez was on a £12m-a-year deal in China and a £6m-a-year salary before that with Newcastle, and another tweet from Nixon to the same Hoops fans revealed the Spaniard would be ‘not cheap’.

Compare that to former Celtic managers Lennon and Brendan Rodgers, who were reportedly on £2.4m-a-year and £2.3m-a-year respectively at Celtic Park.

He may well be interested if the cash is there, but we don’t think Celtic would be capable of offering him the finances required to tempt him to Parkhead.

In other news: Premier League club make enquiry over Kris Ajer, find out more here. 

Sheffield Wednesday are on the verge of making another disastrous error.

The Owls have already lost one of their most promising youngsters, and they could now be about to lose another.

Liam Shaw joined Hillsborough Stadium aged eight and only made his Wednesday debut in July last year, but after establishing himself as a first-team squad member, he’s now set to join Scottish giants Celtic following the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.

The south Yorkshire giants will only receive around £300k in compensation – a fraction of the money that would negate his absence from the squad over the coming seasons, as well as being way off his likely value given his massive potential.

And now a similar trend could continue as one of Darren Moore’s current starters is also out of contract ahead of the summer.

Osaze Urhoghide has thrived in the absence of several key defenders. Indeed, the 20-year-old gem has started nine of their last 13 league matches, playing in all three positions across the backline.

According to YorkshireLive’s Dom Howson, several top-flight teams, including Leeds United and Crystal Palace, are monitoring his situation at Hillsborough.

Wednesday are keen to keep hold of him and have offered fresh terms, but no agreement has been made – it could be a case of being too little, too late.

As things stand, the Owls are going to lose both Shaw and Urhoghide in the summer and that’ll be a devastating blow, irrespective of which division they’ll be competing in next season.

The academy starlet has proven to be a solid option at this level already. He’s still raw, but all the attributes are there. And Moore knows that too.

Speaking after their recent 2-1 win over arch-rivals Barnsley, the Owls boss waxed lyrical about Urhoghide, he said (via The Star): “I don’t like to pick out individuals because I thought they were all excellent, but he was immense today in terms of his performance. In terms of his contacts, in terms of getting in the radar of the opponents and spoiling it – he was absolutely rock solid.”

Unlike Shaw, if Urhoghide does depart south Yorkshire, Wednesday will be entitled to very little as, unfortunately, he’s not a homegrown player.

Given the likely reshuffling of the squad under a new exciting manager this summer, Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri must do all he can to tie the 20-year-old beast down – he’s a player worth building around.

Urhoghide ranks sixth in the squad for average WhoScored rating (6.66), which is ahead of some big names in Adam Reach (6.55), Liam Palmer (6.51), Josh Windass (6.49) and even Shaw himself (6.39).

Chansiri is certainly heading for another disaster at Wednesday. The young defender must be the top priority right now.

AND in other news, £35k-p/w “wonderful talent” holds the keys to Sheffield Wednesday survival bid