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Southampton boss Nathan Jones has been labelled a ‘useful idiot’ by TalkSport’s Simon Jordan following his recent press conference.

The Lowdown: Recent comments

Speaking in his most recent press conference (as quoted by The Daily Mail), Jones claimed that he wasn’t shifting the blame in his previous one held last week before their game against Brentford.

The comments made by the Saints boss left many baffled and he was criticised for what he said. Indeed, Southampton are currently bottom of the Premier League and four points away from safety after 21 matches.

The Latest: Jordan slams Jones

Jordan went in on Jones following the recent press conference and claimed he shouldn’t have been saying those kinds of things to the media when talking on TalkSport.

He stated (0:03), “I think he was stupid, you can describe stupidity and wrap it up as honesty you make yourself a useful idiot. Or you could suggest that that conversation was something he never needed to have with the media. It’s a conversation, there’s nothing wrong with the content of it.

“There’s everything wrong with the method of delivery, which is through the media, in the dressing room, tell your players precisely that and fix it.

“What he was basically doing was allowing a narrative to be built underneath this which can only be in one way, which is his blaming the players and he lacks managerial nous to be able to make his own decisions. How can you think anything else?”

The Verdict: A mess

We believe that Jones is really making a mess of the situation in the last week or so with his continuously bizarre comments.

He also made a comment the other about his ambitions and in the process ended up talking about how he could’ve married a ‘nice’ Welsh woman had he stayed where he was.

This led to him being mocked and people on Twitter taking the mick out of him for what he said.

Our view is that Jones just needs to focus on delivering simple and straightforward answers, whether he’s trying to be funny or not we’re not sure.

But his lack of willingness to admit maybe his press conference last week was him deflecting the blame somewhat just makes him look a bit naive.

Jones has hit out at other managers and his fellow supporters, but maybe he should look at himself before pointing fingers.

Arsenal are currently flying high in the Premier League, and despite the recent home defeat to title rivals Manchester City knocking the Gunners off top spot, avoiding victory in their game in hand would re-establish their lead.

Having failed to qualify for Champions League football in each of the past six campaigns, Mikel Arteta must be praised for the manner in which he has maintained an upward trajectory since his arrival at the helm, having previously starred for the club during his playing career.

After winning the FA Cup in 2019/20, his debut managerial campaign, the 40-year-old has made steady improvements at the Emirates Stadium, with the current campaign leaving the club firmly on course for a return to Europe’s premier club competition, 11 points above fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and with a game in hand.

Arteta can indeed take pride in the job he is doing at Arsenal, but he might have never had the foundation to build upon had the club succeeded in a past bid for Thomas Lemar…

Were Arsenal right to reject Thomas Lemar?

In 2017, AS Monaco seismically triumphed in Ligue 1, defeating overwhelming favourites Paris-Saint Germain to the crown and enjoying a memorable Champions League run to the semi-finals.

Winger Lemar, who was then 21, was integral in these endeavours with £92m bid for the pacy Frenchman, which the player rejected following concerns over the club’s failure to clinch Champions League football that year.

Last year, L’Equipe reported that the Gunners turned down the opportunity to dive back in for the now 27-year-old, who has succumbed to a significant plummet from the prominence of his early feats in his homeland.

In hindsight, Arsenal can be glad with that decision, with his fall from grace laid bare since moving to Atletico Madrid for £53m in 2018, one year after Arsenal’s exorbitant attempt to land him from Monaco.

As evidenced by the graphic displayed above, Lemar’s decline has been stark, and those close to the 27-cap dud must be somewhat incredulous as to quite how it happened.

At Diego Simeone’s Atletico, he has only scored nine goals and provided 19 assists from 163 appearances, and his current market value of just £11m (via Football Transfers) is indeed an illustration of the player’s bitter woes.

Once heralded as “lethal” by compatriot Hugo Lloris, Lemar now offers little more than a toothless bite, having failed to score from 20 appearances this season, setting up a mere two goals.

While his transitional play remains impressive – the 27-year-old ranks among the top 8% of positional peers over the past year for progressive carries and successful take-ons – his lack of dynamism would not knock Arsenal’s established wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka off their respective perches.

The club did sign Nicolas Pepe in a £72m deal two years after their failed Lemar bud, a transfer which was widely acknowledged as a failure, with former Gunners boss Unai Emery saying of the Ivorian: “He didn’t give me the performances.”

Arsenal dodged a bullet, and despite the club being grazed by the expensive and lacklustre deal for Pepe in 2019, Arteta will count his lucky stars that both deals were not completed.

It’s hard to imagine that the club’s meteoric rise of late would have been quite so fluid had they blundered on Lemar too.

Chelsea target Mauricio Pochettino has rejected an offer to take charge at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Potter under pressure

Graham Potter is under huge pressure after winning just two out of his last 14 Premier League matches, with many supporters on social media calling for him to be sacked following the latest 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

Todd Boehly reportedly may not be in full support of the 47-year-old despite outlets stating that his long-term vision is being backed, with several names already having been linked with the post should he be sent packing.

Tottenham’s former boss is currently a free agent and has admitted that he would be open to working in the top flight again, though it sounds like he isn’t sold on the project in SW6.

The Latest: Pochettino rejects Chelsea

Taking to Twitter, Bailey confirmed that Pochettino has declined the chance to join Chelsea, with the Argentine seemingly uninterested in the job. He wrote:

“Mauricio Pochettino turns down Chelsea approach to replace Graham Potter.

“Understand Chelsea showed interest late last week, and the former Spurs man was targeted but he was not keen.

“Chelsea won’t remove Potter without a plan.”

The Verdict: Blow for Boehly

Pochettino has been labelled a ‘top manager’ by journalist Josh Bunting and it’s a huge blow for Boehly that he hasn’t been successful in bringing his target to Chelsea.

The Murphy native won 160, drew 60 and lost just 73 of his final in 2018/19.

The 50-year-old later went on to win three trophies during his short stint at Paris Saint-Germain, so now knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level too.

Pochettino being a free agent means that the Blues wouldn’t have had to pay any compensation either, but it’s important that the board now turn their attention elsewhere to find their next leader in the dugout.

Newcastle United are the frontrunners in the race to sign Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Transfer battle

After impressing with Bristol City this season, Scott is being targeted by a whole host of Premier League clubs, including the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It also recently emerged that Newcastle have scouted him ahead of a potential summer move, with the midfielder fitting the profile of the type of player Eddie Howe wants to bring in, given that he is just 19-years-old but already has first-team experience.

The Latest: Newcastle leading the race

As per a report from Football Insider, the Magpies are now in pole position in the race for the teenager, who is valued at £25m by his current club.

While Newcastle are said to be well-placed to secure the youngster’s signature, they may have to fend off competition from Wolves, West Ham and Crystal Palace, who are also believed to be readying moves.

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The Verdict: Make it happen

There is good reason why there is so much interest in the starlet, as he possesses the potential to go on and be a top midfielder at Premier League level.

Hailed as a ‘unique talent’ who is ‘destined for the very top’ by Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson, the central midfielder has been one of his side’s most consistent performers in the Championship this season, averaging a 6.87 match rating from Sofascore.

After a breakthrough season in the 2021/22 campaign, Scott is showing real signs of improvement, having already bettered his assist tally from the previous season, setting up his teammates for five goals in the second tier this term.

The next logical step is a move to the top flight, and Newcastle should do everything in their power to secure Scott’s signature in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are interested in appointing distinguished manager Zinedine Zidane to replace Graham Potter in the dugout after a dreadful campaign that has left the club shrouded in midtable mediocrity.

Having sacked Thomas Tuchel in the early stages of the campaign, a decision which “baffled” many supporters, the Blues have failed to turn a corner under the tutelage of Potter, and have fallen in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and trail Borussia Dortmund after the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.

Also mired in tenth in the Premier League, the Telegraph’s Matt Law has recently reported that owner Todd Boehly is at his wit’s end with the former Brighton & Hove Albion leader, who has just two games to save his tenure following just two victories from the past 15 attempts.

Consequently, a host of managerial names have circulated, with Real Madrid icon Zidane earmarked as the optimum replacement, according to reports from Spain.

The French legend resigned from his post in 2021, and has been out of work ever since; distinguished and decorated, Zidane could reinvigorate the ranks and rekindle the winning mentality that has slipped from its once embedded place at the heart of Stamford Bridge.

Would Enzo Fernandez flourish under Zidane?

Zidane, Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner in his playing career, has only held the reins at Real Madrid during his coaching career, but he has enjoyed glorious success during his two tenures at the eminent outfit.

Over his two spells, he has recorded point-per-match (PPM) averages of 2.30 and 2.04, respectively, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and the World’s Best Club Coach on successive occasions.

Zidane’s man-management skills could come in handy to reinvigorate the withered crop at Chelsea, with Cristiano Ronaldo even lauding his former boss in a documentary on RMC Sport (via FOTMOB), saying that he “managed the group very intelligently”, and that “he did a very smart job, involved all the players and it was very beneficial.”

Should he arrive in west London, Zidane could channel the abundant potential of £107m winter signing and World Cup champion Enzo Fernandez, who has started well under Potter despite the outfit’s woes.

As per Sofascore, the “unreal” 22-year-old Argentine, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has chalked an admirable average league rating of 7.33 thus far, registering an assist, completing 89% of his passes and making 3.8 tackles per outing, and this robust, slick nature could leave Zidane creating his next Luka Modric, should he arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Modric played 202 games under the “phenomenal” – as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand – French leader, playing a starring role in the triad of Champions League triumphs and two league titles, indeed monumentally winning the 2018 Ballon d’Or following Zidane’s first managerial spell.

As per FBref, the “beast “- as hailed by reporter Ives Galarcep – that is Fernandez ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Men’s Next 8 – the divisions below the established ‘big five’ – for progressive passes and passes attempted per 90, also within the top 10% for shot-creating chances and 5% for rate of assists per 90, which illustrates the sheer scope of his ball-playing skill set.

And with Modric ranking among the top 1% of midfielders throughout Europe’s big five leagues for assists, 4% for progressive passes and 10% for shot-creating actions, arresting parallels can indeed be drawn between the respective gems.

Considering the 5 foot 10 Fernandez’s brilliant feats at such an early stage in his professional career, and Zidane’s experience in successfully utilising the supreme talents of the likes of midfield maestros such as Modric, an acquisition for the 50-year-old could prove to be a match made in heaven for Boehly and co.

The 2022 World Cup Best Young Player winner could use his glinted bedrock to nurture his skills under Zidane’s wing, and perhaps even emulate the magnitude of Modric’s illustrious career.

Manchester United see in-form Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a ‘priority’ signing during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

The Lowdown: Osimhen on fire for Napoli

The 24-year-old is having the season of his life currently, scoring 19 times in Serie A and helping Napoli sit 17 points clear at the top of the table.

There could be a huge battle for Osimhen’s signature come the end of the season and United have been linked with a move for him numerous times of late.

Now, a new rumour has emerged – one that suggests Old Trafford could be the Nigerian’s destination this summer.

The Latest: United still keen on signing

According to inews, United’s ‘priority’ signing in attack is Osimhen, with Erik ten Hag seeing him as the perfect man to come in and make his team even more formidable.

It is stated in the report that they have also been ‘monitoring’ Roma striker Tammy Abraham, but Osimhen is seen as the more important addition.

The Verdict: Could be a stunning addition

If United manage to snap up the 23-cap Nigeria international this summer, it could prove to be every bit as important as Casemiro, such is his quality.

Osimhen has run riot at times this season, using his pace and strength to devastating effect, with Walter Mazzarri also once describing him as ‘phenomenal’.

A centre forward is a missing piece of United’s jigsaw currently, with Wout Weghorst doing a job but not yet scoring in the Premier League, and the Napoli star could be a huge upgrade on him.

The thought of Osimhen dovetailing with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony is a mouth-watering one for United fans and he could turn the team into genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders.

Sean Dyche has overseen a mixed start to his time at Everton, winning two of his first three matches in charge, including a sensational victory over Arsenal, yet they still find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone.

There is no doubt he is the right man for the job; however, he faces a massive challenge to not only keep them in the top flight but to build and develop a team who could break into the top half of the table, a position where they already should be.

He faces a major rebuilding job, with a large clear out of deadwood needed, and Andros Townsend should be top of the list.

The Englishman joined the club on a free transfer at the start of last season, enjoying a solid debut campaign, registering five goal contributions in 21 league matches, ranking as their second-best performer by overall rating (6.96/10) while ranking first for key passes per game (1.5) and third for successful dribbles (1.2).

He suffered a cruciate ligament injury in March last year, missing every match since and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Dyche should ditch him and replace the winger with academy sensation Stanley Mills.

Who is Everton starlet Stanley Mills?

Like Townsend, Mills is also a right winger who could operate slightly deeper if required, while he also shares a love of scoring with the former England international, having netted 17 goals for various age groups in the academy.

Dyche could save a fortune by unleashing the teenager instead of splashing big on a right winger, using precious funds to strengthen elsewhere and the teenage dynamo could prove to be an ideal replacement for Townsend should he leave at the end of the campaign.

Despite not featuring for the first team yet, Mills has played four matches in the Football League Trophy this term, averaging an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.22/10 for his performances against senior opposition.

He has scored three times, and made one key pass per match, succeeding with 57% of his dribbles while also proving to be excellent off the ball as evidenced by his two tackles per match and five duels won each game.

It’s clear his next step is to play for the Everton first team, although it may prove to be hard to come by considering how much trouble the Toffees are in, yet the “outstanding” 19-year-old – as dubbed by Paul Tait – may be a surprise package.

Whatever happens, the winger has an extremely bright future and if Everton remain in the Premier League next term, don’t be shocked to see Mills making his debut sooner rather than later.

Manchester City are targeting Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer but the Serie A leaders have set a mammoth asking price.

The Lowdown: City linked…

The Georgian super talent has quickly cemented his name as one of Europe’s most dazzling young players and a real one to watch, perhaps even in the same league as fellow City target Jude Bellingham.

Kvaratskhelia is already drawing comparisons to Napoli legend Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players in football history, and the sky appears to be the limit.

The 22-year-old has been billed the standout star in Italy this season alongside teammate Victor Osimhen, with the pair spearheading Luciano Spalletti’s side to Serie A’s summit.

Napoli are overwhelming favourites to seize the title and could even be considered dark horses for this year’s Champions League.

The Latest: Man City told Kvaratskhelia price…

Of course, with Kvaratskhelia seriously impressing, major clubs from the Premier League have had their heads turned.

Pep Guardiola’s side and Newcastle are thought to be interested in making a move for the winger this summer, but according to Football Insider, City will need to fork out a club-record fee.

It is believed that Napoli and chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, who City have had trouble dealing with in the past, value Kvaratskhelia at a staggering £140 million.

Real Madrid are also monitoring the player’s situation and this transfer saga could be well to keep an eye on this summer.

The Verdict: Consider alternatives?

There is no denying Kvaratskhelia is a player of serious quality and maybe the most promising forward in world football.

Journalist Rory Smith, writing a profile on Napoli’s rising star, branded him the ‘most compelling, exciting player’ in European football recently.

However, to sign him, the champions may have to smash their transfer record by a big £40 million – eclipsing the £100 million City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.

There are alternatives to the Georgia international, most notably AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has been linked with a move to Eastlands in recent months.

The latter player’s price tag reportedly comes in at around £88 million, which is still pretty marquee but a far cry from the ridiculous figure De Laurentiis reportedly wants for Kvaratskhelia.

Leao’s contract also expires in 2024 as things stand, potentially handing City sporting director Txiki Begiristain a chance to whittle down his price tag in potential talks.

Alternatively, the Blues could even ditch their plans to sign a winger considering the array of attacking talent at their disposal and need to strengthen other areas – like the centre of midfield and in defence.

As Antonio Conte seemingly edges closer to an early exit from N17, it does appear that Tottenham Hotspur could make a move to re-appoint former boss Mauricio Pochettino, with the beloved Argentine having been without a club since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

While there are said to be doubts among members of the Spurs hierarchy with regard to bringing back the 51-year-old, the out-of-work boss is clearly under consideration at present, having previously left the club back in 2019 – just a matter of months after guiding the north Londoners to the Champions League final.

As journalist Shaun Custis told talkSPORT, the one-time Espanyol head coach is believed to be "pushing like mad" to make a return to his former employers, having even reportedly made contact with members of the Tottenham squad in recent times – as per Sky Sports.

The experienced ace would no doubt be hoping to rejuvenate the fortunes of a team who are currently scrapping for a top-four berth, having also been unsuccessful in their attempts to claim long-awaited silverware.

Pochettino's arrival could also, however, help to improve the fortunes of those individuals who have been rather underwhelming this season, with the previously relentless Heung-min Son one such figure who does appear in need of a revival.

Would Pochettino's return benefit Spurs?

It was, of course, Pochettino who was in charge when the South Korea international was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of just £18m back in 2015, with that relative bargain capture going on to prove a real masterstroke, with the wide man having regularly delivered the goods over the years.

The fleet-footed forward notably scored 75 goals and provided 39 assists in 203 games under the tutelage of the one-time Southampton boss, having also been hailed for his all-round impact by the former Argentina international in 2019:

"He works so hard, always pushing, never gives up. He tries, tries, tries. He’s like this in his effort with and without the ball, he's very regular and consistent and that is most important."

Also lauded as "one of the best offensive players in the world" by his former boss, Son would likely benefit from a potential reunion should Pochettino return any time soon, with the 30-year-old having endured a "dreadfully disappointing" campaign to date, as Sky Sports' lead commentator Rob Hawthorne noted during the defeat to Aston Villa on New Year's Day.

The previously prolific menace – who scored 23 league goals last season to finish as the division's joint-top scorer – has been a shadow of his former self this time around, having racked up just six goals in 26 league games to date – with three of those coming against Leicester City back in September.

For whatever reason – be it Conte's potentially pragmatic style of play – the 108-cap dynamo has simply not been able to hit his usual heights this season, with the hope being that a change in the dugout could be just what is needed to spark the struggling dud back into life.

Bringing in a figure whom Son clearly knows such as Pochettino – who has been lauded as an "excellent manager" by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola – could well be the best remedy for lifting the 6-foot sensation from his current slump.

The Glazers have ‘reservations about selling Manchester United’ ahead of tonight’s deadline for second offers, talkSPORT report.

The Lowdown: Glazers’ stance

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe appear to be the frontrunners in a deal with the Glazers, with the pair making first offers for the club last month. The deadline for second bids is this evening, with both Jassim and Ratcliffe holding talks at Old Trafford last week.

Reports last month suggested that the Glazers ‘could end up staying at Manchester United after receiving backing from American hedge fund Elliott investment’. However, recent speculation following United’s talks with Jassim and Ratcliffe claimed that the Glazers are ‘keen on relinquishing their asset, if the price is right’.

Another update on United’s current owners has now emerged, with Joel and Avram potentially making yet another takeover U-turn.

The Latest: Glazers update

TalkSPORT provided an update on the Glazers’ stance on selling Manchester United on Tuesday, saying that they once again ‘retain reservations’ regarding a takeover.

‘Joel and Avram Glazer retain reservations about selling Manchester United. They’re undecided about whether to sell up completely or accept offers from bidders who want to purchase a minority stake. – talkSPORT sources understand.’

The Verdict: Clarity needed…

A number of Manchester United supporters have wanted the Glazers out for years, with some even forcing their way inside Old Trafford back in 2021, leading to a Premier League fixture with Liverpool being postponed. Protests haven’t stopped following Erik ten Hag’s arrival as manager, with fans even chanting against the current owners on a regular basis, including during their Carabao Cup triumph against Newcastle United at Wembley last month.

Therefore, plenty of the United faithful could be left extremely frustrated at this update regarding the Glazers’ indecisive stance, especially just before the deadline for second offers.

It would help everyone if they were to make their position at the club clear, however, they tend to stay away from public addresses, with Avram Glazer saying this on a possible sale back in December:

“It’s not necessarily a sale, it’s a process and we’re going forward with the process, so we’ll see what happens.”.

We haven’t really heard much from either of the Glazers since then, with CEO Richard Arnold the one to greet Ratcliffe outside Old Trafford last week, and it looks as if were are still none the wiser when it comes to if a full sale will go through at some point this year.