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Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is ‘close’ to agreeing a new contract at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Frenchman’s deal in SW6 is set to expire at the end of the season, and having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms, has been linked with an exit.

Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals Liverpool have both been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old amid uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Blues star, however, is believed to be happy with how negotiations have progressed behind the scenes and is keen to extend his stay working under Graham Potter.

The Latest: Kante set to sign

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Kante is expected to sign on the dotted line, whilst also providing updates on the futures of Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount. He wrote:

“Raheem Sterling wants to stay at Chelsea, the plan is very clear for the summer – committed to the project, nothing has changed despite rumours.

“Contract talks with Mason Mount are in stand-by; Kante wants to stay and final details of new deal are close to being agreed.”

The Verdict: Fully deserved

Kante has been dubbed a ‘Rolls Royce’ by journalist Josh Bunting being Chelsea’s second longest-serving player behind Cesar Azpilicueta, so a new contract would be fully deserved.

The Adidas-sponsored ace was averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per top-flight game prior to his injury, via WhoScored, but is also a threat in the final third.

The Paris native has posted 28 goal contributions during his time in the capital and currently ranks in the 99th percentile for most progressive carries by midfielders in the top five European leagues.

Kante has been key to Chelsea’s success over the years having won six trophies since joining and the chances of that number increasing will only get better should he extend his stay.

Transfer expert Christian Falk says that Arsenal are ‘in contact’ over the potential signing of Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer.

The Lowdown: ‘Hotly courted’

It has been reported that Diaby is being ‘hotly courted’ by Arsenal ahead of a potential summer move, but Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature.

They did sign winger Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Hove Albion in the January transfer window after missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk to Chelsea, but may target a more marquee forward addition, especially if they are set to compete in the UEFA Champions League as well as the Premier League.

The Latest: ‘In contact’

Writing in his latest column for CaughtOffside, Falk says that the Gunners still have an ‘interest’ in Diaby, and are ‘in contact’ with his agents over a possible move:

“Arsenal still have an interest in Diaby. The Bayer Leverkusen star’s agents are in contact with the club.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Diaby has the capabilities of taking Mikel Arteta’s side to another level, and so this is a deal that they should not hesitate on getting done.

His record at Leverkusen is exceptional for a winger, with 17 goal contributions so far this season, and 89 in total over the last four campaigns (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as having ‘electrifying’ pace by The Chronicle journalist Aaron Stokes, Diaby has clocked one of the fastest speeds in the Bundesliga this term, and would offer  another dimension to the Arsenal attack, should they sign him.

Referee Kevin Clancy and his VAR team may have made a key mistake as they missed a possible penalty for a foul on Alistair Johnston in the most recent Celtic match.

What’s the latest on VAR and Celtic?

In the Scottish Cup this weekend, the Bhoys travelled to Tynecastle Park as they faced Heart of Midlothian in the quarter-final stage of the competition.

In the end, goals from Aaron Mooy, Kyogo Furuhashi and Cameron Carter-Vickers were enough to hand Ange Postecoglou’s side a comfortable 3-0 win.

However, the scoreline could have looked even healthier had any of the officials been able to spot a possible foul on Johnston inside the Hearts penalty box.

Why did VAR not give Celtic a penalty?

As the footage shared online shows, the Celtic right-back was clearly fouled and he looks to be just inside the box even if it is very tight.

Indeed, Hearts midfielder Andy Halliday fails to get close to the ball but clatters into Johnston and can count himself fortunate not to be punished.

Referee Clancy didn’t spot it live but the VAR technology was in operation for the cup match and so official Willie Collum really should have reviewed the challenge and instructed his colleague to point to the spot as it was an obvious mistake.

The score was still just 1-0 at the time and so this could have potentially been a turning point in the game had Hearts managed to get themselves level.

In the end, Celtic had too much quality for it to matter but Postecoglou still have the right to feel a little aggrieved today.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has sounded out Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick as a potential replacement for Patrick Vieira, according to The Guardian.

The Lowdown: Vieira sacked

Vieira took his Palace side to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening but couldn’t manage a first win of 2023 in what has proved to be his final game in charge.

The Eagles lost 1-0 for the third Premier League game in succession, with Solly March’s goal proving to be the difference between the two sides. Palace did end their run of three games without a shot on target in the early stages, though, which resulted in chants from the away support.

Palace are now averaging a point a game with 11 games to go and are just three points clear of the bottom three despite sitting in 12th place, with a trip to league leaders Arsenal next on the agenda.

Selhurst Park chiefs decided to sack Vieira on Friday morning and are now looking at replacements for the Frenchman, with the club chairman seemingly eyeing one fairly inexperienced manager in Carrick.

The Latest: Carrick rumours

The Guardian shared a story on Thursday lunchtime regarding Vieira’s future. They said that ‘Parish has been deeply unimpressed by performances in recent weeks and has begun sounding out potential replacements’.

One of those named as a potential target was Carrick, alongside Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.

The Verdict: A gamble?

Kompany has Burnley going great guns in the Championship and looks set to take the Clarets back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Meanwhile, Carrick has also impressed at the Riverside in his first managerial position, winning 71% of his 21 Championship games since taking over from Chris Wilder at an average of 2.14 points per game.

He has Middlesbrough pushing for the second automatic promotion spot in the second tier, however, a move for Carrick could be viewed as a gamble so late in the season. The 41-year-old is still new in the managerial scene and has no experience in taking a side battling to avoid relegation.

Changing manager this late in the season when battling relegation also ‘hardly ever leads to a better final league position’ as well, so it is a huge risk for Parish to make a change, but it could be one he felt he had to do with Palace in free fall, so it’ll be interesting to see who comes in as his replacement.

Chelsea will reportedly look to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper at the end of the season, with a host of names in the conversation, including Jan Oblak.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeping issues at Chelsea

The Blues have endured a season to forget so far, sitting 10th in the Premier League in late March, which seemed unfathomable at the start of the campaign.

There have been many reasons for Chelsea’s struggles, from injuries to poor form all over the pitch, but goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have been disappointing.

The former has ousted the latter as Graham Potter’s first-choice option between the sticks, but he still hasn’t exactly looked like a world-class stopper, being criticised after the 2-1 defeat to Fulham earlier this year and in the win at Leicester.

Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea will listen to offers for Mendy during the summer transfer window but that’s not to say that Kepa’s place in the team is safe, by any means.

In fact, a fresh claim hints at the Spaniard taking his teammate’s current place on the substitutes’ bench next season.

The Latest: New No.1 being looked at

According to Football Inisder‘s Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea are ‘in the market’ to sign a new first-choice ‘keeper this summer, with Manchester United and Tottenham also in the same boat.

A host of names of mentioned in the report as early targets, with the Blues thought to be ‘admirers’ of Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, whose form has ‘alerted a lot of clubs’.

Brentford’s David Raya is also seen as an option, as is Atletico Madrid’s world-renowned Oblak, who has been considered one of the best on the planet in his position for a number of years now.

Gregor Kobel and Illan Meslier, of Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United respectively, are the other names mentioned.

The Verdict: Vital area of the pitch

It seems clear that Potter doesn’t fully trust Kepa or Mendy as his No.1 ‘keeper moving forward, so it makes perfect sense to bring in a top-class replacement this summer, given the importance of the position.

In terms of playing style, Sanchez would actually make more sense than Oblak, even though the latter is probably the most impressive out-and-out goalkeeper, in terms of positional sense and shot-stopping.

The Slovenian lacks the Brighton man’s ball-playing ability from the back, which Potter wants in all of his players, averaging a 62.1% pass completion rate in La Liga this season, compared to Sanchez’s 73.6% in the league.

Sanchez is also five years younger, giving him more time to improve further, so could be the most logical option for Chelsea come the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt an immediate blow in their attempts to replace Antonio Conte as manager, with Thomas Tuchel, who Fabrizio Romano claims was on the club's shortlist, instead choosing to join Bayern Munich.

Which managers are on Spurs linked with?

The Tottenham job may have been an attractive proposition for Tuchel, given that his original plan was to find another job in the Premier League, having been out of work since being sacked as Chelsea manager earlier this season.

However, Bayern Munich came calling after parting ways with Julian Nagelsmann, and the former Chelsea boss has returned to his homeland, having previously managed the likes of Mainz and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Bayern's surprise sacking of Nagelsmann could have the knock-on effect of the young German manager joining Tottenham, however Romano has claimed he will take some time out before deciding on his next move.

Feyenoord's Arne Slot has also emerged as an option for Spurs, alongside the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Ruben Amorim. According to a recent update from Romano, Tuchel was one of the names on the Lilywhites' shortlist to replace Conte, however his move to Bayern means he is no longer available.

There is likely be no shortage of options for Spurs, however, as the transfer guru claims the club are still considering four or five managers. A decision may not be made any time soon, as Cristian Stellini will be given the opportunity to remain in charge until the end of the season, while the board continue their search for a permanent coach.

Would Tuchel have been a good appointment?

The 'fantastic' 49-year-old enjoyed success during his only previous spell in England, winning the 2020-21 Champions League with Chelsea, being given the world's best club coach award for his efforts, while he also triumphed in the Club World Cup.

Having won a German Cup with Dortmund, as well as six trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, the Krumbach-born tactician has been successful at every top club he has managed, so it would've been disappointing news for Levy that he is no longer available.

That said, there are still a plethora of options for Spurs, and the aforementioned Amorim could be a savvy appointment, having won five trophies in Portugal, indicating he is ready to take the next step in his managerial career.

Of course, Pochettino would also be an exciting appointment for Tottenham fans, given his history with the club, and his arrival would come with the added bonus of tempting Harry Kane into signing a new deal.

West Ham manager David Moyes will continue to take charge of the Hammers this weekend, according to an update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Moyes in trouble?

The Premier League relegation battle continues to be a thrilling one this season, but also a nerve-wracking one for the teams involved. West Ham are very much one of those sides, currently sitting 15th in the table with 10 matches remaining in 2022/23.

The Hammers' campaign reached a new low point on Wednesday evening as Newcastle United made the trip to the London Stadium, with the Magpies romping to a 5-1 victory. Many of the home fans streamed out of the exits towards the end of the game and there was clear pressure on Moyes.

There have certainly been question marks over whether or not the Scot should keep his job in recent weeks. A key update has now emerged regarding the situation ahead of the weekend's trip to Fulham, with the board making a key decision.

Last chance saloon for Moyes?

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that Moyes would keep his job for the time being, as he clings to it increasingly by the week:

"West Ham board has not changed the position on David Moyes. He’s set to remain in charge of West Ham for next game against Fulham."

In many ways, it is refreshing to see West Ham show faith in Moyes for the time being, with so much impatience in the modern game and managers so often disposed of too soon – as seen with the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers at fellow strugglers Leicester City.

Moyes has done a good job in east London overall, guiding them into Europe in back-to-back seasons, and while he is rightly under pressure at present, he has the experience and quality to get the Hammers out of this mess, having done so in the 2019/20 season.

Of course, if results don't improve very quickly, the board may need to have fresh conversations, but we feel Moyes has credit in the bank and should be able to steer his side clear of danger over these next 10 games. It promises to be a nervy ride between now and the end of the season, and starting on Saturday, both Moyes and his players need to up their game.

A win at Fulham this weekend would feel absolutely huge in the relegation fight and give them some breathing space if other results go their way, while also easing the pressure on Moyes and repaying the faith shown in him in the process.

Aston Villa's resurgence has been nothing short of sensational, with Unai Emery already a revered figure around the Midlands for his spectacular work.

Taking over from Steven Gerrard, who had plunged the club towards a relegation battle, the ease with which the Spaniard has plucked them out of it truly outlines the gulf in quality between these two coaches.

It marks an exciting future ahead for the Villans, who will already have one eye on European football after their recent exploits have propelled them into this season's battle.

If they are to continue such fine form into the run-in, maintaining their impressive unbeaten run, there are a few tactical and personnel decisions that Emery must employ.

Some are more obvious than others, but to recall Boubacar Kamara upon his return from injury is a certain no-brainer. The Frenchman's acquisition marks one of the few positives that arose from the Gerrard era, and he could return to ensure they retain their characteristic solidity as the pressure inevitably mounts.

When will Boubacar Kamara be fit?

Having been struck down at the start of March, it was expected that the 23-year-old would be out for at least a month whilst recovering from an ankle injury. This made his start against Chelsea all the more startling.

However, in their desperation to return him to the side, it seems Villa will endure even longer without his presence, as the £150k-per-week star was again absent from the squad against Leicester City.

This spurred a tactical switch that favoured a 4-4-2 formation, with Leon Bailey taking his place as a striker alongside Ollie Watkins. Although they won, it was only by a slender margin, with the decisive goal struck late on at the King Power Stadium.

They likely missed that added midfield presence, especially one as tough-tackling and relentless as Kamara.

When the midfielder has featured, he has recorded 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game alongside an 85% pass accuracy, via Sofascore. It has been an instant impact from the man that was dubbed "their most important summer signing" by football marketing manager Ben McAleer.

Meanwhile, last time out Bailey could only record a 6.5 rating in a game where he was quiet throughout. His five crosses all missed the mark, and of his two shots neither troubled the goalkeeper, per Sofascore.

Both the personnel and tactical change somewhat hindered their play, and should Kamara be unleashed over the coming games, he could facilitate a change back to what has guaranteed success.

Should his recovery be ahead of schedule, the outside chance that Villa have of securing Europe this season could truly become a reality.

Aston Villa recorded one of their results of the season yesterday, as a packed-out Villa Park played host to the mauling of top-four chasers Newcastle United.

The tie pitted two of the Premier League's most in-form sides against one another, but on the day only one outfit really showed up.

A beaten and bruised Magpies outfit were sent back to Tyneside with no points and a lot to think about, as Unai Emery masterminded a 3-0 demolition job where his team once again shone.

Better in almost every position across the whole field, there were a few standout performers who truly spearheaded such an unlikely result.

Whilst plenty of the praise will once again go to Ollie Watkins, and rightly so for another two goals, the influence Alex Moreno had down that left flank cannot be understated.

Having signed only in January for a fee of just £13.3m, the 29-year-old only goes from strength to strength as he further embeds himself within the squad. With a European place now well and truly attainable for the Villans, there will be hope that the former Real Betis man can maintain these levels to complete what has been a sensational turnaround within this campaign.

How did Alex Moreno play vs Newcastle United?

Having started once again in the place of Lucas Digne, the £35k-per-week speedster's dynamism continues to inject so much added energy into a Villa squad that seemed resigned to relegation under Steven Gerrard.

Yesterday's result arguably outlined the apex of his impact thus far, as Moreno was ever-present up and down his wing, culminating in his assist for the second goal.

Before that, however, the defender had recorded an impressive 72 touches, which allowed him to have such an influence. This constant involvement brought about the three key passes he completed, with the fact he lost possession 24 times an indicator of just how desperate he was to forge something of note, via Sofascore.

Journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray even took to Twitter to laud his role in Watkins' first of the day, highlighting his "genius" that had created the goal.

The dominance of the home side often meant that the full-back could get away with shirking his defensive duties, however, the 5 foot 10 star still recorded one clearance and won three of the four duels competed in.

With a well-earned 7.3 Sofascore rating for his role in such a statement victory, it was unsurprising to see him further marked out for praise by journalist Lewis Steele, who also wrote on Twitter: "Ollie Watkins will get all the headlines again but left-back Alex Moreno is some talent. Two mins ago assists Watkins but he’s offside; now he’s done it again and it’ll count. A constant danger."

It seems that the unstoppable form of Villa has now drawn everyone's attention to Moreno, who might well go down as one of the coups of the January window. With three assists now in just 13 Premier League games only scratching the surface of his importance, the sky really is the limit for the relentless wide man and his team.

Watkins might earn the plaudits, but it was his creative teammate that was Emery's real hero yesterday.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has gone 'cold' on the idea of appointing former boss Mauricio Pochettino, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest on Pochettino to Spurs?

The 51-year-old has been subject to intense rumours linking him with a sensational Spurs return, coming after the north Londoners mutually parted ways with manager Antonio Conte last month.

Pochettino is currently a free agent after leaving Paris-Saint Germain last year, opening the door for Levy and co to open talks and make a move for their former head coach.

Large sections of the Spurs fanbase appear eager for him to make a comeback, often singing his name from the stands at home matches as they call for Tottenham to bring Pochettino back.

However, recent reports have suggested that there is division within Tottenham over who they should hire, with certain players yearning for Pochettino while Spurs chiefs prefer other options like Vincent Kompany or a British name (The Daily Mail).

Now, speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Jones has claimed that Levy is personally going 'cold' on the thought of re-hiring Pochettino.

He explained:

"There is still that temptation to actually go for Poch and bring him home. It’s an idea that I’m told Levy has gone a little cold on, but the fans are singing his name, he is out of work, and there are still those memories that live on of what he was able to do when in charge last time.“In a PR sense, it is the easiest appointment – but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best appointment. It’s going to be a tough call. At the moment, we don’t know for sure that Spurs will make a decision before the end of the season."I do think that’s the aim, I think they would like to end on a positive note and with some optimism in time to go into the summer transfer window and continue talks with Harry Kane over a new contract, but it is still a little cloudy."

Should Spurs give up on Pochettino?

We cannot really understand why Levy has gone off the idea, especially since he is one of the elite coaches who are freely available and possesses the necessary Premier League experience to succeed at the club.

Pochettino, called 'world class' for his work on a shoe-string budget at Tottenham (Jamie O'Hara), also already knows both the club and certain players within the squad – making a potential transition period quite minimal.

As the search for Tottenham's next manager goes on, we believe Levy has some thinking to do in regards to Pochettino.