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According to a report by Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho ‘doesn’t survive’ in north London after having played ‘all his credits’ – with the Italian outlet explaining that chairman Daniel Levy is still keeping tabs on Julian Nagelsmann to ‘immediately’ replace him should he be sacked.

Nagelsmann, who has been very heavily linked to the potential manager’s job at Tottenham, coming amid mounting pressure on Mourinho, is now at the centre of another update linking him with the position – this time from Italy.

Tottenham eyeing immediate Jose successor in Nagelsmann

Corriere dello Sport explain that Serie A giants AS Roma ‘would have preferred Nagelsmann’ when commenting on their links to Massimiliano Allegri, but their fondness for the exciting RB Leipzig boss is thwarted by both Bayern Munich and Tottenham’s interest.

Sport Witness relay this report that Spurs are indeed still keeping tabs on the 33-year-old, recently hailed as ‘fearless’ and a ‘trailblazer’ in an ESPN profile, and it is shared that his appointment would be ‘immediately’ post-Mourinho.

Providing a bleak view on the Portuguese boss’ future in north London, this report believes he ‘doesn’t survive’ after having played ‘all of his credits’ – with these phrases painting a serious picture amid the pressure on Mourinho.

Transfer Tavern take

Tottenham are already out of the Europa League after a humiliating Last 16 second leg defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, blowing a fairly comfortable two-goal cushion as they crashed out 3-2 on aggregate.

There is hope for the Lilywhites, however, as they remain in contention for a Champions League qualifying place and have a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in April.

A strong finish to 2020/2021 could turn the tide, but as it stands, reports continue to link Nagelsmann with Mourinho’s seemingly tenuous Tottenham position.

In other news: Levy is also plotting this Vinicius replacement for Spurs, find out more here.

Manchester United return to Premier League action tonight when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Red Devils will be desperately eager to close the present 15-point gap between themselves and Manchester City to prevent that lead from becoming even more embarrassing.

The race for the Premier League title is realistically over, but United still need the points to consolidate second place and their position in the top four, with Chelsea only six points adrift of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

United can take plenty of heart from their tremendous away form this season – they are yet to be beaten on the road.

One of the players who has been crucial to that success is Brazilian midfielder Fred, who was compared to Paul Scholes recently by team-mate Bruno Fernandes.

On the Chalkboard

Fred has enjoyed a stellar season in a Manchester United shirt and been an engine in Solskjaer’s midfield through the campaign, playing as both a defensive and attacking midfielder.

According to SofaScore, he has an average match rating of 7.04 this season, which has improved from his 6.98 rating in the previous campaign.

He keeps things ticking over in the centre of United’s midfield, and his average pass completion rate this season is 87%, which increases to 90% when you look at the Brazilian’s passes inside his own half.

There is also that much-heralded rapport with Scott McTominay, who has relished playing alongside the £18m-rated Fred this season.

In an interview with The Sun, he said: “I don’t really know what makes us play well together.

“But Fred is such a great player, I love playing with him and he is such a great guy as well.

“He had a tough time in his first year, difficult moments here and there, but now you’re seeing a proper, proper player and a bit of Brazilian flair coming out now and again as well.”

Given the number of games to be played over the coming weeks, we anticipate that Solskjaer will give McTominay a rest and replace him with Nemanja Matic tonight.

Donny van de Beek could be in contention to play too, but given that McTominay is fresh back from injury, he may need to sit out, meaning Fred simply must start as replacing both defensive midfield options would be too big a risk for United to take.

And in other news, Daniel James enjoying a renaissance at Man United

Steven Gerrard has teased a transfer drive as Glasgow Rangers target more success in the future – namely playing in the Champions League.

Gerrard teases transfers

Last Sunday, Glasgow Rangers’ status as Premiership champions was confirmed as Celtic could only draw 0-0 with Dundee United. Finishing top of the league means they have a chance of reaching the Champions League group stages, and they may even qualify automatically depending on their European results for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the Europa League, Gerrard revealed the Ibrox outfit will aim to recruit ahead of the new term. He said (via The Daily Record):

“Let’s hope so. It’s obviously been the dream since day one and I’d love nothing better than to try and deliver that for the supporters.

“What’s important is there will be private conversations. Recruitment never stops here, we all understand that football is all about levels and to keep progressing and moving forward you have to keep fine tuning and adding.

“Everyone’s on the same page, top to bottom. Everyone is sharing the dream, everyone wants to continue to add to the success.

“Everyone is hungry to keep improving things here, that is the message that everyone needs to hear.”

Needed

The Gers have been in fantastic form so far this campaign. They have lost just one game in all competitions (Sky Sports) – in the League Cup against St. Mirren – and have been by far the best side north of the border. However, the Champions League is a whole different kettle of fish.

If the Gers want to be successful in that competition, they must bring in new faces during the summer. The rise in quality will be sharp, and therefore improvements must be made. Gerrard and Ross Wilson have a busy summer ahead of them.

In other news, Rangers fans react to this Sky Sports news.

If Sunderland’s plight with Covid-19 a few weeks ago wasn’t bad enough, the squad has now been ravaged with injuries to a number of first-team players.

Denver Hume suffered a setback and is out for a further two months while his defensive colleague Tom Flanagan is also missing.

Luke O’Nien is still out as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder but Conor McLaughlin, Danny Graham, Lee Burge and Will Grigg are now absent.

Clearly, Lee Johnson’s start to life as Mackems boss hasn’t exactly been ideal. However, on paper, they should be victorious when they face relegation-threatened AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon.

Though, with all of Sunderland’s injuries in mind, how will Johnson’s team look?

We’re tipping the Black Cats manager to make as many as three changes to the side that defeated Port Vale in the Papa John’s Trophy last week.

With McLaughlin set to go under the knife, Max Power keeps his place at right-back. Calum McFadzean is selected over Wolves loanee Dion Sanderson at left-back.

Jordan Willis retains his spot with Flanagan out so all of the aforementioned changes come in the final third.

Aiden O’Brien scored in Sunderland’s midweek win but we think that Jack Diamond should come in and start as he did against Hull City. The youngster was mightily impressive during that clash, making a team-high three successful dribbles from six attempted. As bright as O’Brien was against Port Vale, he failed to complete a single dribble.

Another change sees Elliot Embleton drop into midfield which means Aiden McGeady replaces Dan Neil. The Irishman netted late on in the Papa John’s Trophy so gets a chance to show what he’s capable of from the off once again.

The final change sees top-scorer Charlie Wyke replace Lynden Gooch as the centre-forward. The target man missed a wonderful opportunity to score when Sunderland played the Tigers but given his fabulous record of ten goals this term, simply has to start.

AND in other news, Speakman can end Johnson’s big SAFC dilemma with swoop for “clever and skilful” 20 y/o…

Connor Goldson was Steven Gerrard’s unsung hero as Glasgow Rangers ground out a routine victory over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Gerrard’s side now need just six more wins to claim their first league crown in a decade after an inspired Ianis Hagi scored in the second half to give Rangers a 1-0 win over Callum Davidson’s side.

Hagi looked back to his very best as he ran the Saints ragged at Ibrox, while Borna Barisic also had a big part to play on the left-hand side of the defence, but the man who caught the eye the most was Goldson.

Goldson was nothing short of immense on the night, as he cut an imperious figure for the Gers, helping them to a third successive victory across all competitions.

Under Gerrard, the 28-year-old has been colossal at the back, and was hardly troubled at all as he put in a tremendous shift in a show of physical strength and exertion.

In total, he won 81% of his duels overall, including seven from eight individual battles in the air – that being the most out of any player from either side.

He also emerged victorious from one tackle, one clearance and three interceptions, while he wasn’t dribbled past once, such was his level of dominance. The next few months are going to be very demanding and Goldson has shown he is the sort of player who can compete and lead by example.

All credit to the Rangers manager Gerrard, as he has played a huge part in transforming the career of a player whose life-threatening heart condition threatened to derail his career entirely.

Goldson also took 119 touches, that being bettered by none other than James Tavernier himself, and also won more aerial duels than any other player on the pitch.

In fact, it was the Rangers defender’s all-round display that overshadowed the performance of Barisic. He may not possess the ball-carrying ability of Barisic, but his no-nonsense attitude has kept them out of many a tight spot on multiple occasions so far this season.

He may not be the most naturally-gifted centre-back at the club, but he’s certainly become Mr Dependable.

AND in other news, Ianis Hagi stars in Rangers’ 1-0 win over St Johnstone…

Many Crystal Palace fans were not pleased with the performance of Christian Benteke during the match against Leicester City on Monday afternoon.

The South London side managed to pick up a 1-1 draw and this point will have pleased Roy Hodgson massively as his side had lost their last two games, having conceded ten goals in the two matches.

Benteke looked to have been turning things around at the Eagles, as he scored two against West Bromwich Albion and one against West Ham (Transfermarkt). However, his performance against the Foxes was not one that many fans were happy with. One even called him ‘anonymous’.

The Belgian picked up a 6.6 rating and it is easy to see why it was so low (SofaScore). He only managed one shot, which was off target, and he failed both of his dribble attempts. He also lost nine aerial duels, five ground duels and lost possession 23 times.

Hopefully, Benteke will soon be back to his goalscoring ways and in the December period, it is easy to get back on form as the fixtures come around thick and fast.

Here is what Palace fans said about the performance of Benteke:

“Been so poor since their goal. Benteke practically anonymous today and often out-muscled #cpfc”

Credit:@Olimite

“Further confirmation, if ever it was needed, that Zaha isn’t a centre forward, Townsend isn’t a premier league player, and Benteke shouldn’t even own a pair of boots! #cpfc”

Credit: @jonnysell

“Has Benteke actually won a header today?”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“Why did we bring Batshuayi in when he’s become 3rd choice? Not Benteke’s best game so should be bringing Michy on!”

Credit: @tgh316

“Benteke would be second to the ball in a one man race. Not only a terrible player technically but a lazy one too #cpfc #CRYLEI”

Credit: @PJeevesie

“We do look more defensively solid today. But it is at the expense of any attacking threat at all. Wilf and Benteke may as well not be on the pitch. Vardy comes on and it’s 0-1. #cpfc”

Credit:@MarkyP7

In other news, CPFC fans were fuming at one-star following the loss on Boxing Day. Have a read who it was here!

According to Football.London, Tottenham could reignite their summer interest in Inter defender Milan Skriniar in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer suggested that Spurs were very much interested in landing the Slovakia international, but a deal failed to materialise as both sides were too far apart in their valuations of the centre-back.

Now, Football.London claim that if “Spurs can raise finances through sales, one deal they may potentially decide to revisit again” is Skriniar.

The report adds that “Mourinho is always going to be looking to improve certain areas of his team”, but that “a possible deal for the Slovakian would depend on Inter dropping their valuation by some way, however”.

Bye-bye Eric Dier

Since Mourinho took the job from Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, one of the big beneficiaries at Spurs has been Eric Dier. The England international has been permanently moved to centre-back under the Portuguese man’s leadership, and has played the full 90 minutes in every Premier League game bar one this season.

But ultimately, if Spurs are looking to go from title pretenders to genuine contenders, then they desperately need to bring in a centre-back of established quality. And Skriniar fits that bill to a tee.

Described as always being a “leader on and off the pitch”, the 25-year-old could well come in at Spurs and become Mourinho’s new John Terry. A profile by ESPN declared that “quality ball distribution is one of his major strengths, and he had been compared by some pundits to Alessandro Nesta after a hugely impressive season at Sampdoria in Serie A”.

The £45m-rated defender could come in and have the same kind of impact Virgil van Dijk had at Liverpool. It can completely transform a team when a genuinely world-class option comes in, and there’s no questioning that the Dutchman has been one of the cornerstones behind the Reds’ Champions League and Premier League successes.

Levy could give Spurs their own Van Dijk by making a swoop for Skriniar in January.

Tottenham Hotspur were linked to a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta during the summer transfer window as they looked for options to serve as back-up to Harry Kane. Bild reported that Jose Mourinho was eyeing up the Frenchman but as were a plethora of other clubs, including Newcastle and Crystal Palace (via Tribal Football).

No move materialised for Mateta, much to the delight of Mainz who get to keep the goal-getter for another season. And what a coup they will see it as after the 23-year-old has already netted seven goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this term (via Transfermarkt).

His latest influential performance came against SC Freiburg on Sunday evening when he bagged himself a hat-trick after just 38 minutes on the pitch. Mateta could’ve scored more too, hitting the woodwork and missing two big further goalscoring opportunities (via Sofascore).

Shades of Harry Kane

The France youth international’s presence in front of goal is very similar to that of Kane’s, who is flying this season. Tottenham’s No.10 has contributed seven goals and nine assists in the Premier League alone this campaign, working wonderfully with fellow forward Son Heung-min.

Had Daniel Levy put his hand in his pocket and brought Mateta to north London, Spurs would have arguably the most clinical attacking force in the league. At just 23-years-old too, the striker has a lot of youth still in him and he could provide a fresh injection of pace alongside Kane, who isn’t particularly known for his speed.

With six goals in his last five appearances for Mainz, Mourinho will be furious that Levy didn’t act fast enough to sign Mateta. Should they decide to reignite their interest in him in January or next summer, they will likely find that his price has seriously inflated given his blistering form.

In other news, Serge Aurier impresses as Spurs thwart Man City to go top…

Everton have been dealt a major blow as reports confirm that Lucas Digne is set for a spell on the sidelines. The left-back picked up an ankle injury during training and will require ligament surgery. The Blues must now come up with a new tactic as they prepare to host Leeds at Goodison Park this evening.

For Carlo Ancelotti, this is a mammoth set-back, but Leeds could capitalise on what will surely be a weakened area of the Italian’s squad.

Helder Costa has chance to shine

With the France international out of action and captain Seamus Coleman also sidelined with a reported thigh injury, Everton have major concerns regarding their defence. Summer signing Ben Godfrey started against Fulham last time out, but Ancelotti will be wary of the threat posed by Patrick Bamford.

If he wants to revert to a four at the back, his options are very slim. He could choose to deploy out of favour Jonjoe Kenny, who is naturally a right-back, or hand a huge opportunity to 20-year-old Niels Nkounkou.

Whichever option he chooses, the Toffees’ left-hand side of their defence is going to be hugely weakened. This is the perfect chance for Helder Costa to lace up his shooting boots and really cause a problem for the Merseysiders.

The £10million-rated winger joined Leeds permanently this summer after enjoying a loan spell last season from Wolves. Many were torn over whether the club should bring the Portugal international to Elland Road full-time. The Talking Shutt podcast hosts discussed whether Costa would be a good signing last year and said that he would be “worth taking a gamble on”.

The winger has already contributed to four Leeds goals in eight Premier League appearances. He is behind only Bamford and could have a big chance to extend his tally against Everton later today.

In other news, Pablo Hernandez has one last chance to save Leeds United career…

Aston Villa’s reported summer transfer target Wylan Cyprien sought to play down rumours of a potential move to the Premier League earlier in the summer window, with the Frenchman joining Parma in the end.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that the 25-year-old was being earmarked for a £16m move from Dean Smith’s side, but a deal failed to materialise and just before the transfer window shut across Europe, the midfielder left Nice to join Serie A side Parma on loan, with there being an obligation to buy at the end of the loan woven into the deal.

When asked about interest from other clubs, Cyprien replied: “As for the other teams, the question no longer arises. Why Parma? To discover Serie A through the game of a team like Parma.”

Ideal partner for Douglas Luiz

Whilst Villa have enjoyed an incredible start to the new Premier League season with three wins from three, with a 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool thrown in for good measure, a move for Cyprien would no doubt have boosted the strength of their midfield.

The Frenchman could have been an ideal partner for Douglas Luiz, with his ability to get goals from midfield offering a nice balance to the latter’s industry and laser-like passing – last season saw Cyprien bag eight goals in just 24 games across all competitions.

According to his former teammate at Nice, Jean Michael Seri, the former France U21 international has everything in his locker. He said: “He is very capable and he knows how to do everything with the ball: dribble, shoot, score. And then, honestly, a 6 who can attack as well as he can defend, I have rarely seen that. If I could steal something from his game, it would be his ease at playing with his back to the game, to avoid the opponent with shoulder to shoulders. In Paris, he showed that he is a phenomenon.”

They may have enjoyed a fantastic summer transfer window, but it could have been even more special had they pulled off the signing of Cyprien too.