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Tottenham Hotspur managerial candidate Vincent Kompany has a friend at Spurs who'll be 'pushing the merits of him'.

What's the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

The 37-year-old is thought to be a real target for chairman Daniel Levy as he continues the search for a new permanent manager. Antonio Conte left the club last month, with Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason taking charge until the end of this Premier League campaign.

The latter duo are tasked with sealing a top four finish and Champions League qualification, no easy feat, yet it could seriously determine which elite coaches will be attracted by the idea of joining Spurs.

There have already been reports that other candidates, like former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, see Europe as a deal-breaker.

In the event Tottenham cannot tempt names like Nagelsmann, the other solution is hiring a young, exciting project manager to build them from the ground up – and Kompany arguably fits the bill.

His Burnley side have stormed to automatic promotion this season and could still become one of the few Championship teams to reach over 100 points in a single campaign. There have even been some suggestions that Levy views Kompany as a top target after being blown away by his work at Turf Moor.

As per reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, responding in a football.london Q&A to the links with Kompany, Man City's legendary former captain has a colleague at Spurs, Simon Davies, who is head of methodology. The pair worked together at both City and Anderlecht, and Gold believes Davies will be 'pushing the merits' of him at Tottenham.

"Spurs have certainly considered Vincent Kompany and he's someone that Simon Davies, who works at the club's head of coaching methodology, knows well from their time together at City and Anderlecht, and he would be pushing the merits of him," explained the reporter.

"It would also be a gamble, with the 37-year-old having not managed in a major top flight division yet. He may well want to see what he can do with Burnley next season in the Premier League and watching clubs might want to wait to see how he does first. Of course you could miss out via that route.

"I would say the closest thing Spurs have to Arteta is probably Ryan Mason, if you're looking at a young former player who has only had assistant manager experience thus far (other than those seven matches in charge in 2021)."

Should Kompany go to Spurs?

While Kompany has experienced real joy as manager of Burnley this season, taking them back to the big time at their first attempt, he should also weigh his next move carefully.

Serial winners like Jose Mourinho and Conte have gone to Spurs in recent years only too, ultimately, go away trophy-less with a small dent in their reputations.

Kompany's stock is high right now, having been called 'unbelievable' by the media in Lancashire, and we believe he would be better placed remaining at Burnley to help continue their real momentum.

Chelsea players had grown tired of Graham Potter towards the end of his tenure at Stamford Bridge with the results failing to pick up over recent weeks.

Who is to blame at Chelsea?

Saturday offered up another disappointing afternoon of football at Stamford Bridge as the Blues lost to Aston Villa who leapfrogged them in the table.

However, perhaps more concerning is where Chelsea ended up in the table on the back of the defeat with the Blues now slumped down in 11th spot.

But since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Potter has been handed a difficult task in managing a side who have spent around £600m on players this season alone.

Despite claims suggesting the Blues were going to give Potter the time needed to turn around their struggles, on Sunday the decision was made to sack him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed a number of players had grown tired of the 47-year-old in the dugout:

(1:45) "So I'm told it was not an easy moment for them to communicate with Potter on the human side. But this is football, and so they told him that he was out then the official statement.

"But let me clarify that was never guaranteed for Graham Potter to stay after the Aston Villa game. We had many rumours during the day. But from what I understand, already yesterday night [Saturday], Chelsea had in their mind to fire Graham Potter because they wanted to give a different kind of idea also to the players.

"They knew that some of the players were not happy at all with the situation with Graham Potter. And so this is another reason why Chelsea fired Graham Potter, of course, the results, of course, the impact was not excellent. But also some of the players were not so happy."

Were Chelsea right to sack Potter?

Since arriving in west London earlier in the campaign, Potter has now overseen 31 games across all competitions where his side have provided a return of 12 victories, eight draws and 11 defeats (via Transfermarkt).

Looking back on their results, the defeats have mainly come against sides who are battling at the top end of the table but there are some concerning losses against the likes of Southampton at home.

However, the amount of money Todd Boehly has spent over the course of the season will mean the expectations will be sky-high for the Blues.

With this in mind, it is unlikely to matter who Chelsea play as there will be an expectation for them to be fighting for the title given the figures which have been spent.

It is difficult to deny the results have been largely underwhelming under Potter, however, sacking him at this stage of the season may not provide much benefit unless they can bring in someone like Julian Nagelsmann.

Tottenham Hotspur are already finding it difficult to find an appointment to replace Antonio Conte with the likes of Nagelsmann said to be waiting until the summer to assess their options.

Chelsea have invested massively since Boehly's arrival and there is certainly an argument for Potter being handed a squad so big that it was incredibly challenging to manage and get the best out of the players.

On the other hand, having come from Brighton & Hove Albion, there will have always been the question to whether Potter would have the ability to handle the egos of players at clubs the size of Chelsea.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has enjoyed a strong start to life at the club since replacing Steven Gerrard at the helm just before the World Cup break.

The Spanish head coach has won seven of his 13 games in charge of the Villans in the Premier League and brought in 1.77 points per game so far, following the 1-1 draw with West Ham United at the weekend.

However, the club are seven points off the top six and a late European charge may be one step too far for Emery after Gerrard won just two of the opening 11 top-flight games.

Next season, the ex-Villarreal manager will have a full summer transfer window and pre-season to prepare his squad to attack the 2023/24 campaign and it will be interesting to see who he brings in to bolster the squad.

One player the club have been linked with is Sevilla centre-forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who is reportedly available for a fee in the region of £44m (€50m) this summer.

Johan Lange must avoid any temptation to add the striker to Emery's squad as the Villa chief could end up repeating the disasterclass he had with the signing of Danny Ings from Southampton.

How did Danny Ings perform at Aston Villa?

In the 2020/21 campaign, the Englishman scored 12 goals in 29 matches for the Saints in the top-flight but his underlying statistics were warning signs that he would not be a fruitful signing for the Villans. He only completed 66% of his passes, missed six 'big chances', and lost 62% of his individual duels.

Lange spent £25m to sign the attacker in the summer of 2021 and the same underlying problems persisted. In 2021/22, Ings scored seven Premier League goals for Villa but also missed six 'big chances', completed 69% of his passes, and lost 63% of his battles in 30 appearances.

He was then sold to West Ham in January of this year for an initial £12m – £13m less than what they paid for him – and En-Nesyri could be a similarly disastrous move.

The Morocco international, who was once dubbed "dangerous" by journalist Josh Bunting, has scored five goals in 11 starts in LaLiga this season, after managing five in 15 last term, and that is a solid return on paper.

However, like Ings, his underlying statistics paint a different picture. The 25-year-old has only completed 66% of his passes, missed a whopping nine 'big chances', and lost 57% of his duels in 2022/23.

The Sevilla gem may have an impressive goal return on first glance but the striker has been profligate in front of goal and not offered much in terms of link-up play or holding the ball up for the team with his physical attributes.

Therefore, En-Nesyri could be Ings 2.0 by coming in for big money and not offering enough in his all-around game to be worth the price tag, which is why Lange must avoid this deal.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has provided an update on the future of Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira.

The Lowdown: No win in 2023

The Eagles have endured an extremely frustrating start to 2023 and are without a Premier League win in their last nine games.

That form has seen Vieira’s side fall into a potential relegation battle despite being in 12th place. Palace are just five points off the drop zone and face Manchester City, Brighton and Arsenal in their next three fixtures.

The Latest: Jones’ update

Jones shared a story for GiveMeSport in the last 48 hours regarding Vieira. He said that the Palace boss is starting to come under scrutiny and ‘will need a turn of form soon to avoid serious doubts being raised over his position’.

The reporter adds that ‘sources insist the club are hopeful he can turn the situation around and want to remain patient, yet fans are beginning to become vocal about their worrying direction’.

The Verdict: Worrying…

Palace have drawn five and lost four of their nine Premier League games in 2023, failing to score more than one goal in any of those fixtures.

The form is certainly a cause for concern, and if Vieira can’t turn things around relatively quickly, Palace may see themselves sliding down the league table.

Everyone at Selhurst Park are hoping that the Frenchman can get back to winning ways as soon as possible, but if he can’t, it may leave the club with a serious decision to make heading into the run-in.

Manchester United are rolling along just nicely at the moment. Fresh from winning their first trophy in six years, the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag’s side are still in with a chance, albeit a small one, of winning four competitions this term.

Since Christmas, the Red Devils have lost just once across all competitions and this momentum has gone a long way to claiming silverware and improving their Premier League position.

The Dutchman is slowly building a team to be reckoned with, although there is a gaping weakness, he doesn’t have an out-and-out striker who could guarantee him 30 goals a season.

Marcus Rashford has been in sensational form this term, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, yet he is usually deployed on the left wing with on-loan frontman Wout Weghorst or Anthony Martial leading the line, yet they have failed to showcase form that suggests they will be the answer for Ten Hag.

If only he could travel back 20 or so years, one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s finest signings would complete his side – Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Imagine Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marcus Rashford

The Dutch hitman was signed for a then British record fee of £19m in the summer of 2001 from PSV Eindhoven as one of the continent’s best strikers and should have completed a move to United the season before, however, injury delayed the move for 12 months.

He soon made up for that lost time, netting an incredible 80 goals in his first two seasons, leading United to the Premier League title in 2002/2003.

Overall, his spell at Old Trafford yielded 150 goals from 219 games, and his natural instincts in the penalty area made him one of the most clinical strikers of his generation. Rio Ferdinand lavished praise on his former teammate, saying he was “the most devastating finisher I have ever played with” and his record in England certainly justifies this comment.

Rashford and van Nistelrooy would form an epic partnership right now at United. The Englishman is a major threat from the wing and would certainly provide plenty of assists for the Dutchman to feed off of every game – assisting nine goals so far this season.

Just imagine the pair of them punishing opposition defences with their lethal play in the box – it could have made United almost unstoppable at their best.

Martial and Weghorst aren’t the most clinical of players, with Rashford’s hard work usually going to waste, yet with the Dutchman leading the line, once the ball breaks to him in the box, there is a good chance that it will end up in the back of the net – based on his sensational record for the club.

There is no doubt Ten Hag will be using the summer transfer window to secure a striker that can take the club to the next level, it’s just a pity a prime van Nistelrooy isn’t available, as he could propel the club to wonderful heights.

Now it is time to find the new “devastating” striker to lead the line at Old Trafford…

West Ham United are now interested in signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to journalist Steve Kay.

The Lowdown: Nelson lacking game time

Nelson has made just seven appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, and the arrival of Leandro Trossard in January indicates that his game time is going to be even more limited in the second half of the campaign.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the winger would love to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but with no contract offer on the horizon to extend his stay beyond the summer, he may have to start thinking about moving elsewhere.

The Latest: West Ham interested

According to Kay, West Ham are interested in bringing the 23-year-old to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window, although they may face competition for his signature, with Sassuolo also named as potential suitors.

The Arsenal academy graduate’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he will be able to join on a free transfer.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Despite only receiving limited minutes in the Premier League this season, the Englishman has impressed whenever he has been given the opportunity, scoring a brace in a 63-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest in October.

The speedster has displayed his creative side in the EFL Cup, picking up an assist in the 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, while his dribbling ability has also been on show.

Hailed as ‘explosive’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, the Arsenal ace ranks in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, averaging 2.93, while he also places in the 97th for touches in the attacking penalty area, highlighting his ability to get on the ball in dangerous areas.

Nelson needs a fresh start if he is going to fulfill his lofty potential, and West Ham should definitely look to sign him in the summer window.

Southampton striker Che Adams won’t be ‘allowed to leave’ the St. Mary’s Stadium before the deadline on Tuesday night, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Everton’s interest

The Scottish international has now entered the final 18 months of his contract on the south coast, and having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms, has been linked with an exit this month.

Premier League rivals Everton are the club to have recently been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old, with rumours suggesting that Nathan Jones’ side would sanction a sale should they find a suitable replacement, though it appears that is no longer the case.

The Latest: Crook’s update

Taking to Twitter, Crook revealed that Southampton aren’t in fact thinking about letting Adams go, with the player set to remain in red and white for the foreseeable future.

“Told there is no truth in claims Che Adams will be allowed to leave #SaintsFC this month. Not even under consideration.”

The Verdict: Correct decision

Adams was previously dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by former Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, and making the decision to keep hold of him for at least the rest of the season is the right one.

The Leicester-born talent has posted ten goal contributions in 24 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign and makes a brilliant target man, averaging 2.5 aerial wins per league game.

Adams will have a significant role to play in trying to help his side escape relegation over the next few months, but should the club drop down to the second tier, they may have no choice but to cash in on some of their most prized assets later in the summer.

Leeds United picked up just their third clean sheet since September as Jesse Marsch’s men put in a resolute defensive display against Brentford at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites have leaked goals for fun recently, conceding two in each of their prior four outings, including a pair of FA Cup third-round matches against Championship outfit Cardiff City, so the American will be glad to see that they are capable of stifling the opposition.

Whilst it extended their winless run to six matches in the Premier League, there was still room for optimism, particularly from returning central defensive duo Max Wober and Robin Koch.

The latter particularly caught the eye with a monstrous showing up against one of the top-flight’s most lethal marksmen – on his day – in Ivan Toney.

As per Sofascore, the towering German was rewarded with the highest rating of any Leeds player and was the highest-rated of all the outfield starters in the match.

Across the 90 minutes, Koch contented a whopping 19 duels and came out on top in 14 of them, both were the most in the match, highlighting just how dominant he was in the air and on the ground.

The £40k-per-week titan also won three tackles, made three clearances, had one interception and put in one block to round off a pretty dogged effort to thwart the Bees’ tricky frontline.

Interestingly, he also won five free-kicks for his side, so not only was he physically dominant but he also played the mental game to a tee as well, doing anything to disrupt Thomas Frank and his side from playing their ‘total’ football.

It was indeed a colossal display that saw him lauded by those watching on.

‘Commanding in his dealings with one of the league’s best strikers. Can sometimes look a little fragile, but was strong and dealt well with Ivan Toney’s physical approach,’ wrote LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross in his post-match column, for example.

Whilst he also dubbed him “virtually flawless” as well. Sky Sports and BBC analyst Statman Dave also lauded him for being “crucial” throughout the first half as he helped set an early tone for Leeds’ strong backline showing.

Meanwhile, in the eyes of CBS Sports reporter Jake Winderman, Leeds may have found their “CB pairing for years to come” in Koch and Wober, and without getting too ahead of ourselves – given they are still in a poor run of form – it’s hard to disagree as they just delivered in the absence of the captain, Liam Cooper.

On the day, though, it was Koch who narrowly outshone the January arrival and as such, he arguably stole the show in west Yorkshire.

AND in other news, Orta could seal “a great deal” with “incredible” third Leeds signing in £22m “protege”…

Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that Wolves probably won’t be able to pull off a January transfer for Michail Antonio despite their genuine interest.

What’s the word?

The West Ham United striker has been tipped to leave his club this winter with David Moyes said to potentially be ready to consider offers if a new striker arrives in east London –  on top of the signing of Danny Ings.

Wolves have been named in The Sun as one club who are keen on signing the forward, while Chelsea were also linked with him at one stage

However, it sounds as though West Ham will be careful with who they sell to, and this could rule Julen Lopetegui’s team out of the race.

Indeed, while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex claimed that he’d be surprised if he was sold to Wolves this winter.

He explained: “Wolves have also made an enquiry for him. I’d be surprised if we allowed Antonio to go to Wolves.

“Obviously, they’ve allowed Dawson to go but there were other factors behind that.

“Antonio, I’d be surprised if they did, because he hasn’t got the same issues and stuff but it’ll be worth keeping an eye on that.”

Time for a return?

As Ex mentions, the two clubs have done some business together in recent times with Craig Dawson joining Wolves for a cut-price – though this was because he wanted to move closer to home due to personal reasons.

Seeing as Antonio’s situation isn’t quite the same, West Ham may well be reluctant to sell to their Premier League rivals again, especially with the two potentially caught up in a relegation fight this season.

We’ve seen how selling to a direct competitor can be a foolish thing to do, with Manchester City handing Arsenal a big boost in the title race by giving them Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer.

With that in mind, Wolves may have to look elsewhere if they want to add some more attacking depth to their squad this winter. With zero goals to his name this season, Diego Costa certainly hasn’t delivered the goods and so Lopetegui will surely be hoping for some more alternative options.

Newcastle United are eyeing a double January transfer swoop for Leicester City duo James Maddison and Youri Tielemans. 

The Lowdown: Previous transfer links

The Magpies were linked with a move for Maddison during the previous summer transfer window and even had a bid for him rejected back in August.

Newcastle have also been mentioned with a move for Maddison’s Leicester teammate Tielemans, who is set to see his contract at the King Power Stadium expire at the end of the season.

Now that the winter transfer window is set to open in a matter of hours, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding the Toon’s plans.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Maddison and Tielemans

According to a recent report from the Northern Echo, Newcastle will make formal inquiries for both Maddison and Tielemans in January.

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The report also adds that “the Magpies’ recruitment team have identified the Leicester City duo as key targets ahead of the reopening of the transfer window, with midfield regarded as a key priority area.”

The Verdict: A dream deal for Newcastle

With the duo providing a combined total of ten goals and five assists in the league for Leicester this season, this highlights just how important they have been for the Foxes.

Having been described as being “influential” for the Midlands club in the past by journalist Nick Mashiter, it’s easy to see why Newcastle are keen on signing them both.

In addition to their goals and assists, the duo have made more key passes (70, 49) than any other Leicester players, as well as Tielemans having the highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (50).

This, therefore, makes it understandable why the duo are currently Leicester’s two highest-rated players for the season according to WhoScored.

Taking all of this into account, if the Toon are able to sign even one of the two Leicester players in January, they would undoubtedly be strengthening their midfield, whereas potentially signing both would be an absolute dream.