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Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that loaned-out midfielder Tanguy Ndombele could suit the style of football Ange Postecoglou wants to play at Tottenham Hotspur.

Will Tanguy Ndombele ever play for Spurs again?

It is now official that the Celtic manager will be taking charge in North London with the club revealing a four-year deal has already been agreed upon.

After Spurs' disappointing past season – where they finished eighth in the Premier League – Postecoglou will need to assess his squad carefully before deciding who he wants to put his faith in and who he wants to sell.

Of course, though, not all of Tottenham's players were part of the squad last term, with many being sent out on loan. Ndombele was one such individual as he spent the campaign out in Italy with Napoli – just so happening to be part of a team that won the Serie A title, playing 30 games.

Clearly then, the 26-year-old can still deliver the goods in the right environment and perhaps the changes at Spurs could suddenly suit him.

While talking about all this on his YouTube channel, Gold certainly seemed to think that Postecoglou could potentially get the best out of Ndombele.

He explained: "I am quite excited to see what he does for Spurs. I'm intrigued to see what some of the loan players he makes of coming back as well.

"Of course, there's a part of me that does love the Tanguy Ndombele renascence. He certainly, in terms of the way he plays and the bravery of what he wants to do, strikes me as a Postecoglou player.

"But I do think he's going to have to work incredibly hard, which is what's also asked of you in that three in the middle."

Will Ndombele join Napoli permanently?

Despite his success overseas, the French midfielder's future looks pretty uncertain. After all, this is the second time in a row he's been loaned out – having joined Lyon the season prior.

However, it doesn't look as though he'll be moving to Napoli at this moment in time, with Italian media outlet Il Mattino reporting (via Daily Mail) that "Tottenham's forgotten man" is heading back to London this summer because the Serie A Champions can't afford to pay the £26m option to make the deal a permanent transfer.

With this being the case, it looks likely that Ndombele will definitely head back to Spurs in the summer at the very least. From there, who knows? Maybe he'll stick around for preseason and just maybe he'll catch Postecoglou's eye and do enough to earn one last chance to succeed at Tottenham.

Newcastle United are interested in burgeoning OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, with the France international attracting mounting attention after his seasonal exploits.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram to Newcastle?

That's according to iNews, who claim that with the Magpies looking to sign a midfielder this summer, Thuram is being considered alongside the more attack-minded Leicester City star James Maddison.

United will have to wage transfer battle against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain if they want to capture the 22-year-old, who is valued at €40m (£34m), but boast a newfound stature among Europe's elite consolidated by qualifying for the Champions League this season.

An earlier report confirmed that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and technical director Dan Ashworth have been 'tracking' the ace, and time is now of the essence with the summer market mere moments away.

How would Khephren Thuram perform at Newcastle?

Thuram has been in fine fettle this season and played a central role in his team's Ligue 1 campaign, with the side sitting in ninth place with just one match to play.

As per Sofascore, he has started 30 games and recorded an impressive average rating of 7.04, scoring two goals, providing four assists, completing 87% of his passes, averaging 1.1 shots and key passes per outing, and averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

The one-cap France star has also succeeded with 60% of his dribbles this term, and certainly looks to wield the tools to be the progressive, all-encompassing force Howe desires to ensure this year's success remains intact.

He could thrive in the Magpies' centre, joining the robust fold and bringing his own distinctive aptitude as a "tenacious" machine, as remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Imposing and dominant with the ball, Thuram ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He could be an incredible asset alongside Joelinton, with the striker-turned-conductor himself a destructive midfield presence, ranking among the top 11% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 5% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, also a formidable defensive star and ranking among the top 11% for interceptions and the top 9% for blocks per 90.

Once hailed as "exceptional" by reporter Jordan Cronin for one recent stellar showing, the £85k-per-week star would be enhanced by Thuram's bouncing aura on the alternate side of the centre, emboldened by the composure of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle.

Securing Thuram would be yet another diligent step toward prominence at a level unseen on Tyneside for a considerable amount of time, and he would only heighten the expanding talent at Howe's disposal.

Liverpool are ready to trigger Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte's release clause in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Have Liverpool been linked with Ugarte?

Midfield is clearly the main area of the Reds' team that need improvements this summer, with that part of the pitch causing huge problems throughout this season. The likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have looked past their best, struggled to match their past performance levels, while Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have been unavailable too often through injury, with Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all set to leave when their contracts expire.

A number of new signings are needed in the middle of the park, with three midfield additions mooted, and Ugarte is one player who has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, having shone for Sporting in 2022/23, standing out as arguably one of Europe's most promising young defensive midfielders.

The £16,000-a-week Uruguayan has started 28 Primeira Liga matches this season, also making 10 appearances in Europe – six in the Champions League and a further four in the Europa League – and proving to be one of his side's most important players.

Now, a fresh update has emerged over Liverpool's pursuit of him in the summer window, as they continue to track both him and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister, with a move for the Argentine seemingly close.

Could Reds trigger Ugarte's release clause?

According to Le Parisien [via Sport Witness], the Reds are "ready" to pay the €60m (£52.1m) required to trigger Ugarte's release clause at the end of the season, with the 22-year-old preferring the idea of a move to the Premier League instead of Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte could be such a great signing for Liverpool if they get a deal over the line, with the eight-time capped Uruguay international described as a "machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. His aforementioned bite in the tackle and ability to cover ground are both attributes that the Reds' midfield so badly needs, so he could be viewed as Fabinho's long-term replacement in the No.6 role.

He is also excellent in possession, however, rather than simply being a destroyer off the ball, enjoying a 91.8% pass completion rate in the league this season, as well as 85% and 89.3% in the Champions League and Europa League respectively. At 22, the Sporting man is also still so young, so he could develop into an even more formidable player at Anfield in the coming years, potentially even matching Fabinho's level of influence eventually.

Chelsea will have to face Manchester City this weekend without seven players on Sunday, with Benoit Badiashile the latest to join the injury list.

What is the Chelsea team news?

The Blues have only three games left this season to try and seal a spot in the top half of the Premier League table. Prior to the weekend's fixtures, the Blues were currently sat 11th and need as many points as they can from their remaining three fixtures if they want to break into the top ten. That is still possible but any higher is mathematically out of the equation for the side this season.

It means that Chelsea are set for their lowest league finish since the 1995/96 season. It's been a torrid campaign for the club, which resulted in both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter being relieved of their duties. Frank Lampard has since taken interim charge of the Stamford Bridge outfit until the end of the season, and it is largely expected that Mauricio Pochettino will then be unveiled as their next boss in the summer.

Their next fixture will see them come face-to-face with high-flying Manchester City, who can seal the league title with a victory over the Blues this weekend, provided Arsenal don't lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

However, speaking ahead of the clash, via Absolute Chelsea, Lampard revealed that there are seven players who will miss out on the game. One such name, Kalidou Koulibaly, has made strides and returned to training, but the boss revealed he is still "not really ready" for a fixture such as this one. In addition, there is a fresh name sidelined, with Badiashile, who played last time out against Nottingham Forest, now added to the injury list.

Lampard said:

"Mason [Mount], Reece [James], Chilly [Ben Chilwell], N’Golo [Kante], [Marc] Cucurella not fit. Kouli [Kalidou Koulibaly] has been training this week, but not really ready for a game like this. He’s ahead of schedule to be fair. Benoit [Badiashile] has injured himself in training, so will miss the game."

Who are Chelsea playing in their last three fixtures?

The Blues will have to hope that their fixture against Pep Guardiola's side goes a lot better than it did last time out, with the club suffering a 4-0 defeat in the FA Cup at the Etihad. They also lost 1-0 the last time the two faced in the Premier League. Once they have dealt with City, they then have another tough fixture against Man United and then a final-day clash against Newcastle.

However, in the short term, Lampard will be without Badiashile, labelled as a "complete" defender by a former Monaco coach, so he may need to look towards the likes of Wesley Fofana or Cesar Azpilicueta, both of who were unused substitutes last weekend, or even revert to a back three.

West Ham United are interested in signing Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Instant hit

Signed for £13million ahead of the 2021/22 season (BBC), Cornet proved to be an instant success at Turf Moor when scoring on his second outing for the club against Leicester City.

Despite the addition and the subsequent exploits of the flamboyant Ivorian attacker, Burnley were relegated on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

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Now, as the Lancashire club potentially look to cut their cloth accordingly, Cornet could be among those sold this summer…

The latest: Hammers interested

As per The Telegraph, West Ham are preparing to battle with Everton for the signature of the 25-cap Ivory Coast international.

It’s claimed that the Hammers are ‘considering a move’ for the man hailed as ‘sublime’ by journalist Fran Martínez following a standout display for Lyon.

The report also states that there is a £17.5million relegation release clause in place that could see the 25-year-old move on this summer.

The verdict: No brainer

At the reported price, adding Cornet to the squad at the London Stadium is a move that makes an abundance of sense.

Albeit David Moyes is well stocked in the wide attacking departments at present, the Ivorian’s ability to play across multiple positions on either side, as well as centrally and even in more defensive positions, makes the star a wholly worthwhile target.

Predominantly operating as a centre-forward last term, Cornet scored nine times and provided one assist in 26 appearances for Burnley and could therefore act as a viable understudy to Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma and even Jarrod Bowen.

In other news: West Ham love Ligue 1 frontman who was a ‘breakout sensation’ last season, read more here

Reports last month suggested that Newcastle United had offered Sean Longstaff a new four-year deal, and lo and behold, he put pen to paper earlier this week, penning what was actually a new three-year deal at St James’ Park.

That previous report had suggested that the academy graduate had ‘sought assurances’ over his playing time under manager Eddie Howe – hence the initial delay in any negotiations – but he does now have a future under the former Bournemouth boss.

Howe had indicated that he wanted the 24-year-old to stay at the club beyond the end of the season – with his past deal set to expire in just over a month – but fortunately, he now has his wish.

The North Shields-born ace made just 15 Premier League starts in the 2021/22 campaign, although that is the same as he managed in the previous season, having failed to really establish himself in the side under both Steve Bruce and his successor.

The 5 foot 11 star had initially burst onto the scene during the 2018/19 season, making nine top-flight appearances and reportedly catching the attention of Manchester United, who were linked with a hefty £50m bid in the summer of 2019.

Longstaff – and teammate Isaac Hayden – had also earned praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in that debut season in the first team, with the serial-winning coach stating that his side “could not deal with” the midfield pairing after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park.

Such displays had seen then-boss Rafa Benitez tip the youngster for an England call-up, although the Spaniard’s subsequent departure – and frustrating injuries for the player – have stunted his progress, with a Three Lions bow now seemingly a long away off.

Nevertheless, the £11.7m-rated man is clearly a valuable asset – having been dubbed “immense” by Chronicle Live journalist Charlie Bennett – with the club possibly now forming a dream duo in the middle of the park.

There will likely be another raft of high profile incomings this summer as PIF look to realise their lofty ambitions, although having a local lad in tow also remains important, ensuring that the spirit of the club is not lost in the coming years.

Newcastle already have Bruno Guimaraes in their ranks but they could add positively to their midfield options in the shape of Jesse Lingard this summer too.

The Magpies very nearly signed the Manchester United attacking midfielder in January but a deal fell through. However, his contract is expiring this summer and there is no sign of a new deal on the table with Newcastle linked again.

Thus, the future of Howe’s midfield could very much look like a Longstaff, Guimaraes and Lingard triumvirate, something that would no doubt spark intrigue and fear in opposition team’s up and down the country.

Longstaff’s renewal, therefore, is not just for sentimental reasons. He has also performed impressively on the pitch of late, ranking in the top 4% for tackles made among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and in the top 13% for pressures made.

He may not be a glamour name, but Longstaff deserves to be a key part of Howe’s squad for the years to come and must be unleashed more regularly next term.

IN other news, Signed for £20m, now worth £9m: Ashley had a howler on “struggling” £50k-p/w NUFC dud 

According to journalist Bruno Andrade, Francisco Trincao has indicated his desire to leave Wolves during the upcoming transfer window and wants to join Sporting CP to reunite with his former manager Ruben Amorim.

The Lowdown: Underwhelming loan spell

The 22-year-old first arrived at Molineux on a season-long loan from Spanish giants Barcelona last summer, and despite the club having the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, he has only managed to score three goals and provide one assist in 29 appearances in all competitions to date, as per Transfermarkt.

There have recently been claims that the hierarchy will not trigger their option to buy clause, meaning that the final Premier League game of the 2021/22 campaign against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon could well be the last time we see Trincao in a Wolves shirt.

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The Latest: Trincao in ‘talks’ with Sporting

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Andrade revealed that the winger is already in ‘talks’ with Sporting about the possibility of a move, who are said to view the winger as an ideal replacement for Pablo Sarabia.

“Sporting’s priority target, Trincao has already given the “yes” to being directed again by Ruben Amorim, with whom he worked at SC Braga. It is the ideal replacement for Sarabia. Talks for a 1-year loan are moving in a positive way – salary issues with Barcelona still need to be settled.”

The Verdict: Exit suitable for all parties

Even though Bruno Lage just last month admitted that he thought the £19.8m-rated ace had a bright future ahead of him, it would now appear that the next chapter of his career will be somewhere far away from the Midlands.

Sarabia is only currently on loan with the Lisbon outfit from Paris Saint-Germain, and with Amorim having already managed Trincao during their time together at Braga, it’s no surprise to see that the forward is being linked with a reunion with his former boss.

Once hailed an “unbelievable” player by Wolves journalist Tim Spiers, the 6 foot starlet has shown some glimpses of talent in the top-flight and could be a great addition to Sporting, but clearly not enough to make the Black Country club want to retain his services for next season.

In other news… Wanderers are now believed to be the ‘main favourites’ in the race for one of their summer transfer targets.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make an audacious bid to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer as their search for a centre-forward addition hots up.

What’s the word?

As per The Telegraph, the Magpies ‘will launch’ a bid to prise the 25-year-old away from Goodison Park in the upcoming transfer window, with the Tynesiders believing that a deal can progress ‘rapidly’ now that the Toffees are likely to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Previous reports had suggested it could take as much as £60m to secure the 11-cap international’s services with three years still left on his existing deal, with a reduction in that asking price likely to have only been caused by Frank Lampard’s side dropping to the Championship.

It would appear that a new centre-forward is high on the priority list for Eddie Howe and co this summer, amid reports also linking the St James’ Park outfit to Reims youngster Hugo Ekitike and Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

Better than Wood

The club’s need for a new striker has been heightened by the failings of January arrival Chris Wood. The former Burnley marksman, who joined in a sizeable £25m deal in the winter, has yet to prove he is anything other than just a temporary, albeit expensive, fix.

A reliable goalscorer during his days at Turf Moor, with 53 in 165 games in all competitions for the club, the New Zealand international had appeared an astute capture to help Howe’s men stave off the drop, although he has since proven more of a hindrance than a help despite the club’s impressive run of form.

In his 16 Premier League outings for his current club this term – 15 of which have come as starts – the 30-year-old has netted just twice so far, while his style of play seemingly appears at odds with the progressive approach of his manager, having recorded a mere 52.8% pass success rate.

In need of a quality and more youthful upgrade, in Calvert-Lewin the club have found their ideal fit, the 25-year-old having proven himself to be both a real handful in attack and a notable finisher in recent years.

Although the current campaign has been a frustrating one, with the 25-year-old scored just three times in 14 league games during an injury-hit season, the £37.8m-rated gem had been in prolific form prior to 2021/22, netting 29 top-flight goals across the previous two seasons.

Such form has seen Everton team-mate Richarlison dub the former Sheffield United man a “nightmare” to play against.He compared him to Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo for his impressive leap, with the athletic 6 foot 2 marksman proving a real “pest” for opposition defenders, according to Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate.

Despite his frustrations this term, the £72k-per-week ace remains a real talent and someone that can lead the line under Howe for years to come, with PIF needing to ensure they go all-out with their bid to drag him away from Lampard’s charges.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Newcastle United are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard, according to recent reports.

What’s the word?

As per the NorthernEcho, the Magpies are said to have ‘initiated talks’ regarding a potential deal to bring the Englishman to St James’ Park, although are set to face ‘intense competition’ from clubs across the continent in the race for the 29-year-old’s signature.

The report suggests that there have been ‘preliminary talks’ between the player’s representatives and the northeast side, with the £18m-rated gem set to be available on a free transfer once his current deal expires, albeit with that fact sparking interest from the likes of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 32-cap international had come close to linking up with Eddie Howe’s side in January, although the deal collapsed late in the window due to the Red Devils’ demands, including a reported £12.5m bonus to be paid should he help the club stave off relegation.

Howe delighted

It would appear then that PIF are keen to rekindle that interest in the upcoming window, with the versatile star almost certain to end his 22-year association with the Old Trafford outfit this summer, despite suggestions that incoming boss Erik ten Hag may offer him a lifeline.

In truth, the £80k-per-week man has endured a dismal season at the Theatre of Dreams, making just two league starts in total thus far, while he was also seemingly ‘saddened’ at having been denied an emotional send-off from his current side during the win over Brentford on Monday evening – United’s last home game of the season.

While he has seemingly wasted another season back at Carrington, that’s not to downplay the potential impact he could have for the Magpies were he to sign this summer, having previously shown his quality during a remarkable loan stint at West Ham United last term.

In that brief, six-month spell at the London Stadium, Lingard – who has been dubbed “unique” by former teammate Michael Carrick – looked a rejuvenated figure, chipping in with 14 goal contributions in just 16 appearances for David Moyes’ side.

Equally, when handed the chance back in Manchester he has previously proven his worth, notably recording eight goals and six assists in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season under Jose Mourinho.

It is also easy to forget that this is a player who has netted at a World Cup, as well as in three Wembley triumphs for the Red Devils, doing so in the 2016 FA Cup final, the 2017 Carabao Cup final and the 2017 Community Shield.

Pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously suggested that the Warrington-born playmaker “could play in any top team” such is his quality, although those of a Newcastle persuasion – particularly Howe – will be hoping that it is in the famous black and white stripes that he is lining up in next term.

In other news, Newcastle plot bid to sign player with 191 PL apps, he’d be a big upgrade on Lascelles

Tottenham Hotspur could sign transfer target Pau Torres for cheaper than expected, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Villarreal centre-back has emerged as a potential option for Antonio Conte this summer, with Spurs scouts recently in attendance to watch him in action during their Champions League exit to Liverpool in midweek, as per the Daily Mail.

A recruitment source has now told Football Insider that the 25-year-old that the Yellow Submarines are expected to cash in on him as he enters the final two years of his contract.

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There’s a need to raise funds at the Estadio de la Ceramica, so Tottenham are growing confident in their chances of securing his signature.

Torres has a £55m release clause but could be sold around the £45m mark, according to the report.

Imagine him and Romero

With manager Antonio Conte deploying a three-man backline at Spurs, there is certainly a need for another out-and-out central defender as full-back Ben Davies has been the first-choice option alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

The latter, on loan from Atalanta, has been particularly impressive, so pairing him with someone like Torres could be a mouth-watering prospect heading into next season, where the Lilywhites will be expected to mount a firmer top-four challenge.

And for £10m less than his release clause, it has to be considered something of a bargain masterclass from sporting director Fabio Paratici once again, especially when you consider the teams also interested in the Spaniard.

Both Manchester City and United, as well as LaLiga champions Real Madrid have been linked with the 6 foot 3 colossus.

Torres has been an integral part of Unai Emery’s side both domestically and on the European stage, where they made the semi-finals of the Champions League this season,

As per WhoScored, he ranks inside the top six highest-rated Villarreal players for both LaLiga and the UCL. He has won an average of 1.7 headers, 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game but it’s his passing ability that makes him shine above the rest.

The 25-year-old’s 87.7% accuracy rate from over 60 passing attempts per game is more than respectable and sees him second to only Eric Dier (88%) of Conte’s current defensive options.

It’s no wonder that Torres has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by his ex-coach Javi Calleja to The Athletic.

If Spurs want to elevate to the next level, then they must fork out the £45m required to land someone of the Spaniard’s calibre. He, alongside Romero and Dier could be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news, Spurs must axe “horrendous” flop and £27m-rated “liability”, Conte would be buzzing…